Conversation with comrades FENI HADA, Party Committee secretary in Vlorë, Tafiles MAMAJDIAN VASJAKU, miner in the coal mine “Shqiponja e Artë”, Hero of Socialist Labor, and SHKËLQIM SKENI, standards technician at the “Hasan Riza Pasha” factory in Vlorë The first sparks of debate on the PPSH program have been very promising and fruitful. The comrades in the brown-coal mining collective of Mborje in our city, for whom this PPSH guidance document has opened up great prospects, have also gathered their thoughts and comments in it. I would like to dwell on just a few issues: The movement and the great social transformations have created and are nurturing new forces in our country, including young intellectuals trained in various branches of knowledge. New problems are emerging before the country, the solution of which requires the participation of all those active in political life. For this reason, it is necessary to make a turn in certain issues concerning the conception of economic management and control, and even the organization of political and social life. In the PPSH program, I think a good job has been done. It is stated that people and various organizations should be given the widest possible opportunities to express their opinions and remarks on all problems, to participate and to elect democratically their representatives to the organs of power. This is absolutely correct and in line with the demands of the time. I also believe that greater responsibility and control should be exercised over the bodies and persons who deal with the administration of the economy. We need a fairer relationship between the powers of elected bodies and administrative structures. At the same time, the principle that every person must answer for the work they do should be implemented consistently. The program also states that our state will further develop as a rule-of-law state. This implies not only the strengthening of legality, but also the real protection of human rights, democratic freedoms, and the dignity of the citizen. This is a powerful demand of our time and of democratic developments. I also think that work should be done to increase the effectiveness of our economy, to introduce more advanced forms of organization and management, and to enhance the role of material interest and creative initiative. Only in this way can we move forward. (The text that follows is partly illegible[?])

— A distinction in full. — The district Party Committee was the first to react and set the forces in motion to distribute the PPSH program document. Through active work with good propagandists, capable organizers, communists and non-party people, intellectuals and workers, in workplaces and in the countryside, meetings and discussions were held in which the importance of this document was broadly explained. In town and countryside, warm solidarity with the Party of Labour has been felt. In meetings and gatherings, people have expressed their conviction that the new party program responds to the demands of the time and opens prospects for the country’s progress. Various opinions have been expressed, remarks and suggestions have been made, but overall the stance has been supportive. On the one hand, people ask that the party be closer to their problems, listen more to the voice of the masses, fight bureaucracy and formalism. On the other hand, they ask that the positions of people’s power not be relinquished and that the achievements of socialism be defended. Comrades from the basic organizations, activists, veterans, and young people have done a great deal of work explaining the program. In many enterprises and agricultural cooperatives, extensive discussions have been held and written proposals have been submitted. Today, at this important time for the homeland, solidarity with the Party of Labour takes on special value. It is an expression of the political maturity of our people and of faith in the socialist future. (The final text is partly illegible[?])

Since in these days, on the eve of the elections, discussion about the parties’ programs and political alternatives is intensifying, our editorial office has received many letters from workers, peasants, intellectuals, veterans, and young people. They express support for the PPSH program and the demand that it be implemented resolutely in practice. Many readers point out that the party must firmly defend the interests of the working strata, strengthen order and the law, fight speculation and abuses, and create better living conditions for the people. In many letters the view is expressed that, despite difficulties, the PPSH remains the most organized political force and that it has the potential to lead the country on the path of reform and progress. A reader from the city of Vlorë writes that “I will cast my vote for the PPSH,” because he sees in its program the defense of national interest, independence, and social justice. The above are only some of the opinions that arrived at the newspaper’s address. SABRI LASMU Shallës in NTUS-h 2, Tiranë

SAMI LALLA I was young and at that time completely inexperienced, still with many things to learn, but ready for any task assigned to me. In those difficult years, when internal and external enemies tried to harm us, we had to take special security measures for the facility where we worked. We kept a pistol under the bed for 8 consecutive years, for more than 2 and a half years, because in very difficult times we had to defend the facility and our country. It was not easy. There were sleepless nights, many worries, but also determination. We felt that we were carrying out an important duty and that we must not give in. Whenever there was an alarm, we got up immediately and took our assigned positions. Today, when I remember those years, it seems to me that everything was a great test of character. A person learned discipline, responsibility, and the conviction that duty to the homeland comes above everything. Although many things have changed, that memory remains vivid. It was a time when everything was always done in secrecy. (The text that follows is illegible[?])

Observation As is known, some time ago our country imported a large quantity of wheat bread from foreign markets in order to meet the needs of the people. But this necessary operation was not carried out without problems. According to complaints received by the editorial office, in some cases there have been shortcomings in the distribution, in the quality, and in the administration of this import. Various citizens point out that the relevant foreign trade enterprises have not been sufficiently careful regarding deadlines, transport, and storage, which has led to delays and dissatisfaction. For these concerns, it is necessary that the responsible bodies provide full explanations so that public opinion can understand where the obstacles were and what measures will be taken to prevent them from recurring. At a time when the country is facing economic difficulties, any damage, loss, or negligence in the administration of imported goods falls directly on the people. Therefore, greater discipline, honesty, and responsibility are required. (Continues on page 2)

In Rome, the newly arrived Albanian couple gave statements In Rome, they heard from an Albanian team that nothing of what the foreign media were broadcasting about our country matched reality. They said that they had come in search of a better life, but that they had no intention of spreading slander about Albania. The announcement further states that the Albanian couple, who appeared on a television program, said that although there were difficulties, Albania remains their country and that they wish to return as soon as conditions allow. (ATSH)

When he arrived in Vlorë, Apostolis Kaklamanis also brought some boxes with gifts for the teachers and for the schoolchildren. But the main purpose of his visit was contact with representatives of local power and with various citizens. The talks were held in a calm atmosphere, although questions about the economic situation and the relations between the two countries were not lacking. The importance of good-neighborliness, mutual respect, and cooperation in various fields was emphasized. There were many comments in the city about this visit. Some praised it as a positive sign, while others called for greater caution and transparency on sensitive issues linked to national interests. Overall, the visit was seen as part of the new contacts that are being created in the region and as an opportunity to improve the climate of understanding. (The text is partly illegible[?])

The Vlora chef Qazim Luka, in the coastal city of Curri i ri, opened his private restaurant. But now he is expected to face competition from many others and the city is gaining new services in this area. In the photograph: One of the rooms of the private restaurant “Qazimit” in the city of Saranda. (Photo by A. ALIA) (ATSH)