SHITI TIGOR BEGINS WORK In the yard of the enterprise, for the second time, the rallying cry of the workers echoes solemnly: “With work we shall rebuild the city!” These words, written in red and placed on a large banner on the wall of the enterprise, were echoed by hundreds of workers during the inauguration of three new workshops of this enterprise. Construction worth 33 million and 50 thousand dinars was financed by the Municipality of Prishtina, specifically the Provincial Secretariat for Reconstruction, while 180 workers will work in the new building where these workshops are located. Every day, more than 10 tons of cooking oil will be processed there. Speaking about working conditions and the role of the other workshops, the workers of this enterprise, which mainly serves the needs of the population of Prishtina, Llap and other areas, said that with the launch of these workshops, such as the oil-processing unit, the bread-production unit and the confectionery unit, much better conditions will be created for production, but also for supplying the market. Local leaders and representatives of this collective’s self-managing bodies also spoke to the workers of this enterprise on this occasion, praising the readiness of the workers in these difficult circumstances to increase production and contribute to supplying the city market. (Photo: N. Xhufa)

TODAY’S INTERVIEW “Together with the foreign side, joint companies with Albanian private capital will be created for the exploration and exploitation of oil” — As reported by this and the foreign press, foreign companies have come to our country to carry out oil prospecting and the necessary surveys. The scope of oil exploration work has increased, and it is thought that joint companies with the foreign side will be created. How do you view this issue, especially in terms of oil and gas production and industry as a whole? — In our country, says comrade Xhevit Korçala, Minister of Industry, two important processes are underway: the introduction of a market economy and the introduction of political pluralism. Both processes absolutely require the creation of the necessary legislation as well. Thus, work is being done in this direction to issue legal and sublegal acts that will encourage and economically support the activity of foreign companies in our country. With foreign interest in oil exploration and exploitation, contacts and talks have been held so far with several foreign companies. Concrete possibilities have been presented to carry out seismic surveys, exploratory and appraisal drilling, and to move further into technical-economic studies of possible deposits. This is not only about exploration, but also about the exploitation of oil and gas. Under the new conditions of economic development, our country is interested in attracting foreign investment, modern technology and contemporary experience. In this framework, oil and gas occupy an important place. Foreign parties have expressed readiness for cooperation in various forms, including the creation of joint ventures. — In what forms will this cooperation be carried out? — Together with the foreign side, joint companies with Albanian private capital will be created for the exploration and exploitation of oil. Naturally, every agreement will be based on the national interests and the economic benefit of the country. These companies will include local and foreign specialists. Through this cooperation, the aim is to increase production, raise efficiency and improve fuel supply. (ATSH)

In accordance with the authorization of the Presidium of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Serbia, the government group dealing with the Kosovo issue held talks yesterday with representatives of Albanian political entities. The talks addressed issues related to the political and security situation in Kosovo, the functioning of bodies and institutions, as well as possibilities for finding political solutions. The representatives of the Albanian political entities presented their demands and positions regarding the situation of the Albanians, civil and national rights, and the need for genuine political dialogue. On the side of the government group, it was said that the purpose of the meeting was to become acquainted with the views of the Albanian political representatives and to examine possibilities for overcoming the situation that had arisen. At the meeting, the need for calm, restraint and the avoidance of actions that could further worsen the situation was emphasized. The talks are expected to continue. (ATSH)

In response to our journalist’s question concerning the problems of economic cooperation, the chairman of the Soviet government group, Besnik Mustafa, said that relations between the two countries are entering a new phase, characterized by mutual interests and expanded possibilities for cooperation in trade, industry and science. He stressed that under conditions of major political and economic changes, it is necessary to find more flexible forms of cooperation, increase the responsibility of enterprises and strengthen the contractual basis of bilateral relations. According to him, there are opportunities for joint projects in several priority sectors. The interview was given after the official meetings that the delegation held with Albanian leaders. (ATSH)

NEVER IN BULQIZËS — met[?] Ali Danga from Bulqiza was replacing the old driver who was ill. At the entrance to the gallery, he said that the workers have not abandoned their jobs, but are asking for better pay and safer working conditions. In this mine, ore extraction continues, although the pace of work has slowed because of technical difficulties and the lack of some spare equipment. The workers say that production should not be interrupted, but they are asking the management bodies to take measures for better technical supply, spare parts and improved living conditions. According to them, the mine is very important for the economy of the area. In talks with specialists from the enterprise, it was said that a set of measures has been drawn up to ensure continuity of production and increase safety at work. (ATSH)

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