TELEGRAM TO THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE OF THE ALP TIRANA We, the members of the Trade Unions in the health sector and the Institute for Land Studies, address all the political and social parties and organizations that have called for strikes and demands for wage increases to be suspended until May 1, 1991, and express our concern over the situation developing in the capital as a result of the urban transport drivers’ strike and reports that other strikes are being prepared. What concerns us first and foremost is not that the buses are not running, since we can also walk to work, but the very serious fact that even after this fair and shared appeal, forces are once again emerging that undertake such destabilizing actions, leading toward anarchy. If all the political parties and organizations fully stand behind that appeal, we are convinced that the working class will respond conscientiously and with a strong sense of responsibility. However, although the urban bus drivers’ strike had been announced several days ago, it seems to us that neither the political parties and organizations nor the state bodies have mobilized or made the necessary efforts to make the bus depot workforce aware of the Appeal. Not only that, but in some press outlet, a sympathetic echo has been given to the spirit of strikes. We call on all workers’ collectives in the capital, in the context of democratic developments, to speak out forcefully against such irresponsible actions, so that together we can ensure the normal continuation of production and life in the country and proceed in a civilized manner to the free, pluralist elections of March 31. PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION OF THE SCIENTIFIC SECTOR OF THE I.S. TOKAVE Tirana, January 21, 1991

TELEGRAM TO COMRADE RAMIZ ALIA FIRST SECRETARY OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE OF THE ALP TIRANA We, the miners of the chrome mines in Batër and Krashtë in the district of Mat, are following with interest and continuously the democratic processes unfolding throughout the life of the country, initiated and led by the Party of Labour and by you, Comrade Ramiz. Today we gathered at a meeting of activists to discuss, in the spirit of the Appeal you made to our people, taking swift and effective measures to overcome the current difficulties in the economy. Here, with a sense of responsibility and a strong sense of responsibility, our responsibilities have been further increased: to work more, to produce more, to block the path to anarchy and to strengthen our economy. You can have full confidence, dear Comrade Ramiz, that we, the miners of the two chrome mines in the Mat area, support you and fully back you in successfully bringing to completion the entire process of democratizing life in the country. Taking as our starting point the enthusiasm him, Comrade Ramiz. Today we gathered for a meeting to our people, the taking of the economy. Here, with a sense of responsibility and in a constructive spirit, we also set out the main directions of our work and finally decided that we would fulfill the production and export targets for chromite ten days ahead of this year’s deadline. Our conscious work, and the achievements and experience of many outstanding sectors and brigades, will provide the basis for this. Comrade Ramiz, It is true that in our daily work we also face difficulties related not only to the arduous work processes underground, but also to certain shortcomings and problems concerning working and living conditions, housing and services. We seek to overcome the problems as we work, by meeting our targets steadily, by engaging in dialogue and discussion to resolve what is possible now and, what cannot be achieved, gradually. The current difficulties will not demobilize us for a single moment, nor will they stop us on the road of continually democratizing life, so that we may move forward with measured, sure and concrete steps toward the material and cultural development of our people, on the path of emancipation and contemporary civilization. We support constructive dialogue, always looking ahead while correcting and improving shortcomings in our work. On this January day too, we have worked and are working in a mobilized manner. The ongoing measures the Party is taking for the benefit of democratization, the decision to raise wages, and the campaign for the election of deputies to the People’s Assembly have filled us all with enthusiasm, but Be fully confident, chromite mines in the Matreshan area, stand behind you and fully support democratizing life in the country. Taking as our cue the enthusiasm and mobilization of the miners, which was also expressed at the meeting that was held, we inform you that the miners of the two mines are challenging the working class employed in our country’s mines to a competition, convinced that we will be at the forefront. May you live as long as the mountains, dear Comrade Ramiz! FROM THE MEETING OF THE TRADE UNIONS OF THE BATËR–KRASTË CHROMITE MINES IN THE MAT DISTRICT Krastë, 19.1.1991

At the invitation of the Foreign Minister of the PR of China, Çian Çiçen, an official Albanian delegation headed by Reis Malile, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the PSR of Albania, departed for Beijing. The delegation includes Ajet Ylli, Chairman of the Committee for Science and Technology, Konstandin Hoxha, Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade, and others. At Rinas Airport, the delegation was seen off by Ismail Ahmeti, Minister of Construction, Fatos Nano, Secretary-General of the Council of Ministers, and others. Also present to see off the delegation was Gu Maoxuan, Ambassador of the PR of China in Tirana. Yesterday, the delegation of the PSR of Albania, headed by Foreign Minister Reis Malile, arrived in China. At Beijing International Airport, it was welcomed by China’s Foreign Minister, Çian Çiçen, and other senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Also present was Justin Papagjorgji, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the PSR of Albania in Beijing. The Albanian delegation will hold talks with the Foreign Minister and other senior Chinese figures concerning the further development and expansion of friendly relations and cooperation between Albania and China in the political, economic and trade, technical and scientific, and other fields. (ATSH)

Cultural institutions in the district of Durrës have made a good start to their work in these January days. The «Aleksandër Moisiu» theater company continues to present the premiere «The House of Flowers» by the writer Zija Çela, directed by Mario Ashiku, with set design by Agim Zani. These days, the professional variety theater company is giving successful performances of its premiere «Without Strength, Without Gloves», both on its own stage and in other residential centers. The puppet theater company is also presenting a new premiere for children these days. (According to ATSH)

- Statement by the Government spokesperson - Yesterday, government spokesperson Genc Kondi announced that the workers at the seaport and the ironworks mechanical base in Durrës, who had stopped work, returned to work regularly today. The same was true of the drivers at the Korçë vehicle depot. Meanwhile, at Tirana’s passenger transport depot, workers are putting the vehicles back into service so that urban traffic in the capital will be normal tomorrow. The delegation of the Kavajë nail-and-bolt factory pledged on behalf of the workforce that work would resume immediately, after learning about the concrete efforts the government is making to secure raw materials for their enterprise. The spokesperson declared that the Council of Ministers welcomed the workers’ decision to resume work. Only in this way can the conditions be created for fruitful dialogue that will contribute to resolving the problems of all the people. (ATSH)

The spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Brenda, Isuf Baça, clarifies that the Greek border authorities continue to deport Albanian citizens who are staying illegally in Greece and who crossed the border unlawfully. On January 22, 1991, at the border posts of Kapshticë, Kakavijë, Qafë Botë and Katoeto, the Greek side deported 1,800 people. At a meeting between the Albanian and Greek border authorities, the Greek side stated that it would continue deporting other citizens who had crossed the border unlawfully. (ATSH)

- They die at the Kakavijë border crossing - At Kakavijë, the checkpoint was bustling with its usual activity, like the arm of a hand that opens the gate of friendship every hour, every moment. But the group of people waiting on the other side and getting ready to cross cannot hold their heads high: they are citizens who, for a moment, abandoned their homeland, crossing the borders at night, in darkness. This return is difficult for them; they do not raise their eyes and do not give their full first and last names, but it was not easy for the homeland either to send them the help that their distress had driven them to seek. But the homeland is like a parent: it loves you more than you love it. And it knows how to be generous and noble; it knows how to forgive and accept you. As it is doing now. But it has the right to remind you of something, citizen, you who left it and put it at risk again so soon: you left secretly, with your face turned to the ground, when it offers you a passport to travel abroad with dignity. You left it at a time when, as never before, it is striving to advance, democratize and modernize at a rapid pace—and it wants you to be part of this too: you touched its honor and dignity while it is fighting so hard for them. Nevertheless, come through. Among those returning, one man has a plastic sack of belongings tucked under his arm. Two other young men run over, take the sack from him and toss it across the sand. The homeland may be poor and facing economic hardship today, but it is your homeland. Do not make it even poorer by what you do, by abandoning it. The border guards said that a man who had returned the day before yesterday threw away the package he had with him and asked them for a simple “Dukat,” to satisfy his longing. A small intimate detail, but life has these things too. Love of country is not increased by sentimentality. The corrosive phenomenon has its causes and also calls for a complex explanation; but the drama, visible from afar in these people’s faces, and the [?] manifestations of the episode’s political nature are also part of the drama. “I left the house to buy bread at the market, [and] I saw this group of people who were going to the border: ‘We’ll have a good time, we’ll go farther on,’ they said. I joined them too, and we crossed the border; the crowd swept me along. Shameful. A foreigner really does throw you a piece of bread. Truly, the country loves you. Another young man. Hitoja from Kakavina says that your country should become your mother and father; only in your own country is love truly love and truth truly truth. We have nothing but ... (Continued on page 3)

Pursuant to Article 78 of the Constitution; Upon the proposal of the Council of Ministers; THE PRESIDIUM OF THE PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY OF THE PEOPLE’S SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA DECIDED: Article 1 Employees have the right to strike (to temporarily suspend work) in order to resolve their economic and social demands, which they exercise in accordance with the rules laid down in this decree. Participation in a strike is voluntary. No one may be compelled to take part in a strike against their will. Any pressure or other form of coercion that prevents employees from freely expressing their will to participate or not participate in a strike is prohibited. Article 2 Professional organizations or representatives authorized by the workers’ collective have the right to organize and call a strike. A strike may be called only after a majority of the employees have voted in favor of it. A strike may be organized at the level of an enterprise or one of its smaller organizational units. Article 3 A strike is permitted only to improve working and living conditions, for occupational safety, on matters concerning remuneration for work, social insurance, and other rights related to employment relations, but never on the basis of a labor contract concluded between the professional organization and the employer. Article 4 The organizers of a strike must notify the employer at least 15 days in advance, specifying the strike’s demands, duration, location, and number of participants. A strike called for the first time may not last more than one working day. Employees may call a warning strike without prior notice, but it may not last more than one hour. Article 5 It is prohibited to create obstacles or difficulties for employees who do not participate in a strike and wish to continue working. Article 6 A strike is not permitted, or, if it has begun, shall be suspended: a) when a natural disaster has occurred in the territory of the PSRA; b) during procedural activities for elections at the national or local level; c) during official holidays, as well as for the two days before and after them; ç) in sectors where stopping work endangers people’s lives and health, or may have serious consequences for national defense and production; d) to resolve the demands of individual employees; dh) when accompanied by actions constituting criminal offenses. Article 7 In sectors that meet the vital needs of the people, such as the supply of bread and essential everyday consumer goods, water and electricity, public transport, health services, civil protection, the judicial administration, postal and telecommunications services, radio and television, education, social insurance, and customs, strikes are permitted only once continuity in meeting the above needs has been secured. Article 8 A strike may not begin until every effort has been made to settle the disputes by agreement. For this purpose, a conciliation commission shall be established, with the participation of representatives of the professional organization or employees and representatives of the enterprise administration. The number of commission members and the negotiating procedure shall be determined by agreement between the parties. Negotiations may not last more than 10 days. By agreement between the parties, negotiations may continue beyond this time limit. Article 9 If conciliation is not achieved and the strike begins, the parties have the right, by mutual agreement, to refer the matter to court. Upon submission of the application to the court, the strike is suspended and the employees return to work. The court shall decide the dispute, determine the responsibility of the parties and the actions they must take, and, where there are financial consequences, determine who is liable to pay compensation. When responsibility for the strike lies with the employer, the employer is required to pay employees their wages for the period during which work was suspended. Otherwise, employees receive no wages. The court’s decision is final. Article 10 Strikes in violation of the provisions of this decree are prohibited and, if they have begun, shall be stopped by the employer, who shall take measures to resume work and is entitled to terminate the employment contract and impose material liability on employees who do not return to work within 3 days. The decision to terminate the employment contract is final. If a strike results in serious consequences that constitute a criminal offense, the persons at fault shall be held criminally liable. Article 11 For violating the rules set out in Article 1 (third paragraph) and Article 5 of this decree, the guilty person shall be punished by correction through labor or imprisonment for up to 3 months. Article 12 This decree enters into force immediately. Tirana, January 22, 1991 Decree No.: 7458 FOR REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA SECRETARY SHIHAT TOZAJ CHAIRMAN RAMIZ ALIA 28.1.1991

With the aim of prohibiting any action that is contrary to the... With the aim of prohibiting any action that is contrary to the law and conflicts with the unity, traditions, and moral standards of the people; and with the aim that the leaders of the National Liberation War and founder of the new Albanian state, Enver Hoxha, and other distinguished figures in the centuries-long life of the people… [text continues outside the frame] 5. The heads of enterprises ... [text continues outside the frame]

With the aim of prohibiting any action that insults the national conscience the people; and with the aim of protecting monuments to historical figures and everything connected with their names from acts of violence and vandalism; Pursuant to Article 78 of the Constitution: REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA DECIDED: 1. Statues, busts, and memorials of every kind dedicated to revered figures in the history and culture of our people, the national hero Gjergj Kastrioti-Skënderbeu; the great patriots of the Renaissance, such as the Frashëri brothers; distinguished fighters for Independence, such as Ismail Qemali; prominent figures in the struggle for democracy, such as F.S.Noli; the leader centuries-long life of our people, are inviolable monuments and are protected by the state under the law. 2. Also protected by law are memorial monuments, commemorative plaques, museums, the graves of martyrs who fell for freedom and independence, wherever they may be, as well as the national flag, the emblem, and other symbols of the Republic. 3. Any action intended to damage, destroy, or alter the above-mentioned objects, as well as any insult or action that demeans the image of such figures, shall be punishable by imprisonment from 6 months to 3 years. 4. When the above offenses are committed by an organized group of persons, accompanied by acts of violence, or affect public order, the penalty for the organizers of such groups and those who commit the offense shall be doubled. 5. The heads of enterprises and institutions, at central and local levels, shall establish their internal rules for the placement, safeguarding, maintenance, and relocation of movable symbols bearing images of figures from national history. 6. Reports of criminal offenses provided for in this decree shall be referred directly to the court for trial, after the preliminary actions provided for in Article 127 of the Code of Criminal Procedure have been carried out. 7. Decree No.: 7459 FOR THE PRESIDENT ALBANIA SECRETARY SIHAT TOZAJ CHAIRMAN RAMIZ ALIA