It is an abundantly evident truth that for months, and especially lately, an intense political life has been taking place among us. This is so in society, in informal settings, in families, and everywhere. This means that these rapid changes in our life are the subject of every moment in which our people are involved—communists and non-communists, young and old. But political life cannot be complete unless the participation of political organizations is especially active. In this respect, more remains to be done, particularly by PPSH organizations. It is natural and absolutely necessary to expect more from communists, especially at this time, and for them to be at the forefront of the work, and so on. But just as important, if not more so—in fact, we might say decisive—is for the Party’s basic organization to be an organism that is felt as never before in the everyday activity of collectives, of the enterprise, village, or institution. Many district party committees send reports to the Central Committee apparatus stating that the apparatuses are out in the grassroots, that they are working with elected officials in this or that way, that these and those are the economic and supply difficulties, and so on. Very rarely is anything said about the basic organizations. Has this been forgotten by chance? What are they doing at this moment, how are they taking the lead in the work? Today, we cannot work as we have until now. In calm times, with routine work, it is quite normal to meet once a month, in accordance with the rules of the statute. Today, other, unwritten rules have emerged: should the Party organization of a ministry, an enterprise committee, and so on, judge the work of the administration, of the apparatus? Yet the minister, the chairman, the director, this or that chief there are all communists. These may seem like purely administrative, state matters, and people may think we should not involve the Party organization in them. That is not so. These are not only economic problems, but political ones as well. Unfortunately, however, in quite a few cases the Party organizations are not only failing to lead this intensive life, but things have gone so far that even the monthly meeting is forgotten(!). It is true that in some districts of the country the Party organizations are more active, as in Skrapar, Pogradec, Përmet, Pukë, Dibër, and elsewhere. This is a good thing. The basic organizations have great potential. They are an irreplaceable force for supporting the implementation of the tasks that arise today. Only their lively activity—daily, with concrete, organized work by every communist in the normal course of things—supports democratization and everything that serves the people’s interests, and prevents harmful excesses and every destructive action. Everyday communist activity prevents misguided ideas that foment disorder, disintegration, and insecurity. This activity is real and effective when the basic organizations themselves are alive and active, when they discuss this or that problem whenever necessary, without waiting until the next day and then forgetting about it and holding their next meeting, when there is so much... 1991. Has the occasion been forgotten? taking the lead in getting things done? calm conditions, with ordinary work, it is perfectly normal to meet once a month, according to the rules of the statute. Today, other rules have emerged—not written ones, but the urgent needs of the day. We talk about dissolution, and it is becoming like a fairy tale. Does the basic organization meet immediately? Has the occasion been forgotten? taking the lead in getting things done? organization meet immediately? Has the occasion been forgotten? taking the lead in getting things done? organization meet immediately? Has the occasion been forgotten? taking the lead in getting things done? organization meet immediately? Has the occasion been forgotten? taking the lead in getting things done? organization meet immediately? Has the occasion been forgotten? taking the lead in getting things done? organization meet immediately?

A moment at work in the food-processing enterprise of Peshkopi. (Photo: A. Ashiku)

● Workers at the handicrafts enterprise in the city of Berat reported exceeding the plan by more than 20,000 lekë. ● At the oil-processing plant in the city of Kuçovë, industrial production for this period was completed at more than 102 percent. ● In the agricultural economies of the Tropojë district, rolling of the wheat plots is continuing. The cooperative members of Tropojë and Babinë stand out, having rolled 45 and 50 percent of the area, respectively. ● In the Tirana district, 1,150 hectares will be planted with alfalfa this year, equal to 40 percent of the total area for forage crops. So far, 150 hectares have been plowed and more than 20,000 tons of organic fertilizer have been secured. (According to ATSH)

— Experience and problems from Vlora — “The first article of democracy”—WORK Expanding business is in our hands... —Experience and problems from Vlora— “I witnessed a rally here, in Vlora,” said the representative of an Italian company. “Among other things, I also heard the participants’ request and desire to move towards Europe. A fine aspiration! But after being sent from one place to another for days to carry out the agreed work, I was glad, and I advise you that, with such an attitude to work as I saw among the people involved in carrying out the requests, you will delay this aspiration...” The truth is that the Albanian is a master of work. That is how he is known around the world, too. It was with this view that the aforementioned foreign visitor arrived. He came as a representative of a company which, under an agreement with the Drashovicë cooperative, planted several hectares of land with potatoes on that farm. But he was dissatisfied with the way the work was being done. Indeed, he warned the district authorities’ leaders several times that the contract was at risk because of the willingness and discipline with which work was being carried out there. Without doubt, we are capable of doing good things, and very good things. Among the qualities that distinguish us are our love of work and our ability to learn and carry out any kind of work, even the most difficult. But the watchword, the great demand of the time, is that we must demonstrate these qualities especially now. For two reasons. First, because the country needs disciplined work with high productivity more than ever. And second, because we have entered a new phase of ties and relations with the outside world. In the economic reform that has begun..., the business activity of enterprises and agricultural economies holds an important place. We now have laws and decisions that support, encourage, and regulate these ties. For the district of Vlora, as a border district, business activity is especially important. For this purpose, “Vlora-imp...” and the branch of the Border Trade Chamber have also been established; they began their activity in October last year. What has been done in that time is, understandably, only symbolic. But what is being done for this year? This inquiry, raised with the relevant authorities, has elicited the following information: initially the economic enterprises, and then the operational sections and the Executive Committee of the district’s KP itself, included unused production capacity and products for business activity in their draft plans for the coming year. However, the ministries approved none of these requests. No enterprise has been allocated merchandise funds in its plan to give it free rein to develop border trade as well. So it seems that autonomy was extended to the grassroots in words alone. Not in practice. The district authorities have, understandably, not accepted this “solution.” They have requested the necessary corrections. It is absolutely essential for the ministries to reconsider. Nevertheless, despite the “limits” imposed by the plans, efforts have been made to develop border trade and other ties. Business has been conducted with several foreign companies. Trade exchanges, based also on the district’s needs, are worthwhile. An Italian company began shipping goods days ago, including clothing for different ages, for women and men. Contracts have also been signed with another company, which provides for the application of modern technology in agriculture. With its seeds, machinery, and technology, several hectares of potatoes were planted in Drashovicë. The yield it achieves is five to six times the average yield obtained in the Vlora district. However, especially in the last agricultural year, it has resulted in significant losses. The same company will plant around 50 hectares of beans at the Poro cooperative, likewise aiming for a marked increase in yield. For some time, finding work for the available workforce has been a pressing civic concern. This concern has also been felt at the Chamber of Trade and has prompted efforts to address it. A proposal has been prepared for signing a contract with an Italian company to establish a production line for shoe uppers, with an output of about 300,000 pairs a year. Work is to begin in the first quarter. The foreign party will provide the machinery, raw and auxiliary materials. Meanwhile, talks are also under way with other companies. Concrete results will surely follow in the sale and purchase of various goods, the opening of new production lines, the wider application of new technologies in agriculture, and so on. What problems arise in this process? A sound knowledge of current information, and certainly of the partners’ circumstances and the yields they achieve. Some efforts have, of course, been made. But they are far from enough to establish relations with the outside world that are truly in the district’s interest. Work centers are interested in establishing links with foreign companies. That is certainly a good thing. But for various reasons, as things stand today, many of them do not have the means to create useful partnerships. Therefore, in this period it is better for relations with the outside world to be conducted through “Vlora-impeski.” This is also because it has a better knowledge of the legislation on business, market conditions, and the various methods and rules. Meanwhile, it is very important to understand fully the significance of the example cited at the beginning of the article. For business and border trade to develop properly, our conduct and reliability—in the district and at workplaces—are essential. Above all, we need calm and diligent work, with discipline, productivity, and skill.

— KORÇË — Around the middle of this month, the director of the metal products enterprise in Korçë, Nuçi Tanço, together with other employees from the directorate’s apparatus, organized several short meetings with workers from different departments. He felt that he absolutely had to communicate with them. Essentially, at these meetings he insisted on the following as a manager: since July 1 of last year, when the new economic mechanism was introduced, things have gone well. There have been difficulties, especially with supplies, but they have been overcome. With greater discipline from all workers, specialists, and staff, there is an opportunity to produce more, to sell more as a result, and thus increase incomes. Judging by some figures from the planning office, these meetings might seem unnecessary. After all, among the enterprises in the heavy-industry system in Korçë, the metal products enterprise stands out for its good performance. But any sign of euphoria or slackening at work can bring trouble later. You have to know how not to lose tomorrow what you gain today. This is the lesson the employees of this enterprise have learned during the time they have been working under the new economic mechanism. After each received an additional monthly wage for the third quarter, they were entitled to another wage and a half for the fourth quarter of 1990. The possibility is there for an additional wage at the end of the first quarter of this year as well. During the 25-day period of this month, the target for sold commodity output was achieved. But what do the workers themselves say? Here are some notes from a conversation with the foundry workers: “We are a collective that values work, and we aim to turn out high-quality production,” says brigade leader Minella Themeli. The foundry department has fulfilled its obligations for the month of February. In this way, the enterprise’s other departments are supplied with work. But what is holding things back here? If the quality of the cast iron were better, there would be fewer casting rejects. Working conditions also need to be improved. “As long as we have a regular supply of raw materials, we will not fail to exceed our targets, and together we will increase our incomes,” adds foundry worker Artur Rrapi. Foundry worker Theodhoragz Sgurro expresses the same confidence that the targets will be met. The workers in this department then told us about castings they have made for the needs of other enterprises, such as sewing-machine feet for the repair and service enterprises, parts for the sugar combine, and an order for the Alarup coal mine in Pogradec. Each such order naturally means an additional source of income. Stavri Lubonja, who works in the small-castings department, spoke to us with economic reasoning about the possibilities of increasing the range of goods for sale. This has been said many times, and the time has come to open a shop selling the products of this enterprise. The fact that there is such an economic concern, from the senior managers down to every worker, gives confidence that this enterprise will meet its targets this month and in the months ahead.

— SARANDË — For many economic enterprises in the Sarandë district, these days in January were a critical period marking a sound start to the production process. In the reports that pass through the economists’ hands, among other things, one sees that the food-processing enterprise achieved its sold-goods production plan four times over. Could it be a slip of the pen? No. This enterprise, regardless of shortages and difficulties, exceeded its targets last year and has the same aim for this year. Its director, communist Alqi Stillo, also proposed as a candidate for deputy, follows production rates every day and remains alert to even the slightest fluctuation in the enterprise’s revenue, in each sector, and consequently in workers’ wages; he identifies all the causes and eliminates losses in time, whether they are objective or subjective. The food enterprise is characterized by discipline, the main factor enabling it to withstand shortages of raw materials as well. We say this because a capable manager like Alqi knows how to maneuver even in difficult conditions. By securing citrus fruit solely for the juice sector in Çukë, the food enterprise, competing with the trading sector and thanks to the concentration of transport, secured sufficient quantities not only to exceed the plan but also to cover losses in particular product categories. The meat-and-dairy enterprise, headed by communist Fori Çollaku, is counted among the most stable in the district, having achieved the sold-goods production indicator at 158 percent.

- VLORA - On Sunday morning, in Flag Square in the city of Vlora, the District Youth Committee organized a rally in support of Comrade Ramiz Alia’s message to the people. Young men and women workers, cooperative members, schoolchildren, military personnel, etc., took part. The opening speech was delivered by the First Secretary of the District Youth Committee, Myshtehak Shehaj, who, among other things, highlighted the commitment of Vlora’s youth in support of the democratic reform undertaken by Comrade Ramiz Alia and his message to the people. He also emphasized the responsibility borne by the young men and women of this district during the current political and economic period, as well as their support for the electoral program of the organization of the Union of Albanian Labor Youth, as an independent entity. The rally was addressed by Lisen Bashkurti, First Secretary of the Central Committee of the BRPSH. Among other things, he stressed that the Youth Union, a social organization completely independent of political parties and pluralist in its activities, is guided above all by the ideal of national unity and progress. Without national unity, he said, no economic, political, or social problem can be solved. After emphasizing that the Youth Union is a major factor in advancing and democratizing the country’s economic and social life, he pointed out that, given the circumstances our country is going through, the youth organization is fully committed, and also calls on political parties, state and economic bodies, and public opinion as a whole to recognize work as the foundation of stability and of overcoming the economic crisis. The younger generation is the main force that will make Albania like Europe, and it will fulfill this great mission not by turning its back on the Homeland, but by devoting itself to it heart and soul. He also said that the Youth Union is a fighter for continuous democratization, and that it strives to achieve this with moderation, tolerance, and culture, as befits our people and nation. The intellectual Petrit Maze and Iliba Qirko, a student at the «Ali Demi» general secondary school, also spoke at the rally. They voiced support for the democratic processes underway in our country and for strengthening national unity. (Continued on page 3) - BERAT - Yesterday afternoon, the District Youth Committee of Berat organized a solidarity rally in the city’s main square Alia and his message to the people. Young men and women from workplaces and production centers, agricultural enterprises, schools, military units, First Secretary of the District Youth Committee, Fadil Nasufi, who, among other things, emphasized that the young people of Berat welcomed the agreement reached between the parties and social-political organizations to postpone the elections and suspend the strikes until May 1. Our attention, he said, must focus on fulfilling our duties and establishing stability in every field, so that we can enter the course of European civilization with confidence. Then the secretary took the floor

Also in the Swiss capital, a meeting was held between the Swiss Minister of Foreign Affairs, Reis Malile, and the Swiss Foreign Minister, Rene Felber. Also in the Swiss capital, a meeting was held between the Swiss Minister of Foreign Affairs, Reis Malile, and the Swiss Vice President, Rene Felber, to exchange views on the activities of EFTA (the European Free Trade Association) and other European economic organizations. Reis Malile briefed Rene Felber on the measures taken in Albania to deepen the democratic processes, which the Swiss foreign minister evaluated as important, positive steps in keeping with the times. Both ministers expressed their concern about the situation that had arisen in the Gulf region, reaffirmed that Iraq must withdraw its troops from Kuwait and respect its independence, and that the conflict as a whole must be resolved peacefully. After visits to China and Switzerland, the delegation headed by Foreign Minister Reis Malile returned to the homeland yesterday. At the airport, it was welcomed by the Minister of Construction, Ismail Ahmeti, the Secretary General of the Council of Ministers, Fatos Nano, and other comrades. Gu Maoxuan, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China in Tirana, was also present. (ATSH)

The spokesperson for the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Isuf Baca, reports that in recent days, too, the Greek border authorities have intervened at border-crossing checkpoints concerning Albanian citizens who crossed the border illegally. So far, 5,100 people have been returned. The handovers were carried out in accordance with the established rules, and the returned citizens were sent to their homes. (ATSH)

The day before yesterday, the delegation of the Association of Macedonian Journalists departed. The day before yesterday, the delegation of the Association of Macedonian Journalists, headed by the association’s chairwoman, Fidanka Tanaskova, departed after visiting our country at the invitation of the Union of Albanian Journalists. At meetings between representatives of the two organizations, views were exchanged on areas of cooperation, such as the exchange of information and journalists, groups in this field, and links between the editorial offices of print media, television and radio centers, and local radio stations in the two countries. The delegation of the Association of Macedonian Journalists was received at a special meeting by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Muhamet Kapllani and the Director General of Radio and Television and member of the presidium of the Union of Albanian Journalists, Sefedin Cela. During its stay, the delegation visited the cities of Tirana, Kruja, Lezha, Shkodra, Durrës, Berat, Elbasan, and Pogradec, as well as the district of Korça. (ATSH)