There are communists, and also party cadres, who ask others what was said and done at a rally or another mass activity organized by other parties. If you candidly ask such cadres whether they were actually there, or why they are not interested in those activities, you are immediately met with an almost suspicious look: “What kind of question is that?! Are you provoking me? How could I have been at that activity?” We think that such avoidance has now become established. Wherever our present-day problems are debated, wherever arguments and counterarguments are put forward about possible solutions, our point of view must be present. It must debate, reject what should be rejected, persuade, and demonstrate with facts that the Party of Labour and the communists are carriers of progress in our society. Why do we say this? First, the other parties themselves are creations of the process of democratization, which was initiated by the Party of Labour. Membership in, or sympathy for, one party or another is connected with each person’s preferences. There may even be members and sympathizers of different parties in the same family. And certainly in a town or village, at a workplace. In such entirely new circumstances, should members of the Party of Labour and its cadres not respond with new means, forms, and methods of work as well? We think they must. Otherwise, sectarian actions damage the Party’s work and its ties with the people. Today, more than ever, elected representatives, cadres, and people working in the apparatus are charged with being among the people. Not in order to teach them how to work, since they know this far better than those officials. That is not at all the point. The requirement is to understand well what problems arise, what opinions are formed and prevail, and on what grounds and arguments they are formed. Is it possible, is it acceptable, is it “partisan” in this sense, to ignore or fail to assess what is said and presented by the initiators and followers of one or another political party, especially at rallies and other gatherings, or what is written in their press? Why ask others, and perhaps get distorted accounts, of what was said at a rally or what is written in a newspaper? This can only be beneficial: “without even realizing it,” one becomes increasingly qualified for debate and dialogue, and learns to face the situation. We are often confronted with opinions such as: “I don’t even want to read such-and-such a newspaper”; “Why should I care what this or that person from this or that party says?” We adopt, then, “categorical,” “firm” positions, thought to express partisanship and loyalty. Others prefer to use epithets, especially in front of people who have been tested, for the initiators and activists of other parties. And we fail to understand that in this way we move away from the backdrop of our time, toward the past; we move away from the “arena,” from the field of struggle demanded by the times, from debate. Debate cannot be conducted or won haphazardly, without a subject, without arguments. Naturally, in public debates and in each person’s commitment to solving concrete problems and overcoming difficulties, whatever party they belong to, not only are the seriousness of words and programs tested, but each person’s character also takes shape. In this clash of opinions, the people will judge who is serious and truly a militant, and who is a charlatan seeking to exploit the pluralist political climate that has been created for personal gain. This is a time when people are presented with many programs, alternatives, objectives, promises and deceptions, truths and fabrications, assessments and insults, and calls for various kinds of action. In the situation created by pluralism, especially in its initial phase, the struggle must be waged for truth to triumph. This cannot be achieved through apathy or withdrawal by cadres, but through qualified, reasoned, persuasive and explanatory “attacks” and “defences.” Attack what is being pursued, in order to implement the Party’s program, but also defend the truth against lies and distortions. Circumstances demand that you stand face to face with others, but using the means of our time. Members and supporters of other parties may now be in your workplace, in institutions, or in the village. But would it make sense to avoid their activities, to weaken your grasp of the key issue, and to close your ears and eyes to what they say and do? In this way, the field of action and initiative is abandoned. And where? At a time when it is especially necessary to keep a firm hold on it. Through debate, through explaining things on the spot, the tasks and the fairest solutions—which are in their interest, the people’s interest, and the Motherland’s interest—can be clarified. This must absolutely be done, so that your convictions, undoubtedly formed on the basis of truths and clear arguments, may be communicated to others as well. Years of agricultural economies. So what is this haste to dissolve the wage-guarantee fund, when everyone knows that it is created from the amount by which the planned value of the workday is exceeded, and is used as a regulator when that value falls in a difficult agricultural year? Various answers are given, and we will single out two. First, there is a “fear” that the agricultural cooperatives might be broken up (as if that could happen without breaking up the agricultural cooperatives); and second, this idea has been encouraged by some careerist cooperative managers, in order to earn “credit” and tell others: “Look, we gave you money too, so that we might raise your prosperity,” or by other cadres who move from one cooperative to another and, before leaving, take a handful of money with them as well. “The first initiators of this were the managers of the Pajovë cooperative, who also found the ‘support’ of the cooperative members. Indeed, they also received support from some district managers. The result? As was created with the aim of guaranteeing stability in factories, this one amounts to 1.8 million lekë. Meanwhile, similar requests have come from other cooperatives, even for distribution of the entire fund and not just part of it. It is clear that such actions create a sense of insecurity among cooperative members, as though something is happening, so they ask, ‘What account do we have with the cooperative? Let us finish things as quickly as possible.’ In this way anarchy is sown, interest in work declines, and a clear view of the future is lost. It is forgotten that these revenues, set aside for difficult days and years, belong to the cooperative members—and only to them. No one has the right to touch them, and this needs no comment. Therefore, there is no reason for any kind of fear. Even a family that is truly a family always knows what it has set aside, so it can use it when it is in need. In a sense, a cooperative too is like a large family and must have a guarantee fund in order to be independent. Another point: as a rule, advances to cooperative members every six months of the year are paid from the accumulation fund, which guarantees stability in the future. Finally, if the entire wage-guarantee fund of the agricultural economies is distributed—which, at the district level, amounts to 24 million lekë (in addition to the other separate sums that will be distributed to cooperative members after last year’s accounts are closed)—the present circumstances will give rise to considerable social problems. The simplest logic suggests that if these millions of lekë are put into circulation, the shops serving these cooperatives would have to be stocked quickly. Is that possible? For now, everyone knows it is not. So where will this money go? Obviously, into people’s pockets. Such an action is not economic; indeed, it upsets many balances. Is it not worth discussing this openly with the cooperative members, as well as with their managers? Certainly, because every step taken in economic relations creates problems that are difficult to put right quickly. SEJDIN CEKANI PREND DEDJA ...ties, its connections with people. For those elected, cadres and people in the apparatus today, more than zarudobër [?], the task of being among the people has become more pressing. It is not so that any party may lësdo [?] them; in solving concrete problems and overcoming difficulties, not only are the seriousness of words and programs measured, but personality also takes shape— (Continued on page 3)

— Notes — The headline may sound like good news, yet it is regrettable that something which should be a normal part of life—everyday, ordinary work turned into satisfaction and a standard—is presented as exceptional and made to move us. And yet it seems so because it comes at a time when, it must be admitted, there is much talk of slackening and hesitation at work in quite a few collectives and quite a few districts. The fishermen of Sarandë do not boast about this, because they understand that there is no logic in praising yourself when you are simply and naturally doing your duty. Nevertheless, the moment itself seems to call for writing about them, about their experience. Even those who know the fishermen’s profession only from a distance know that their work is not easy: one must contend with the sea and prevail over it. In terms of allure and euphoria, it is closer to the wider world and to life abroad, and the fisherman goes where even the sailor does not. But there has been no abandonment; on the contrary, there has been their dedication and a strengthening of patriotic spirit. In a troubled climate, it seems the fishermen will be the first to… [text unclear] upon returning to land, but… [text unclear] a sea that has been fully informed and explained. The country’s political and social life is experienced and followed here with an intensity that is astonishing. Indeed, they say, if you want an explanation of some event in town, go to the café with the fisherman’s… [text unclear]. The collective spirit helps everything go well. Before the month of January had even ended, the enterprise achieved 130 percent of its sales plan. (Continued on page 2)

— KOLONJË — The Collection and Processing Enterprise in the district of Kolonjë is setting an example for the district’s other enterprises this year. The popular saying “A good beginning is half the work” has been kept in mind by everyone, from worker to director. Last year, this enterprise eliminated many shortcomings observed in earlier years and streamlined its organizational structure. The improvements made are already noticeable in the first month of this year. By January 25, this enterprise had achieved 110 percent of its industrial production target, while the other indicators were above 90 percent. The January export targets were also met several days ahead of schedule. Leading the way is the medicinal and aromatic plants section, which by January 20 had delivered for export 500 quintals of red juniper berries against a plan of 150 quintals, as well as 20 quintals of black juniper berries, which had not been planned. This section is now working to process and prepare for export a further 300 quintals of wild rose hips and other plants, with which the export plan for the first quarter will be fulfilled. But in conversations with the workers in the canning department, they also raised a concern with us. “We think that both the enterprise administration and the executive committee sections should stay closer to us and respond better to the duties they have toward us. For example, it does not seem at all right to us that now, when we have begun working to fulfil this year’s plan, our production indicators should be changed.” (Continued on page 2)

— BERAT — At the industry section of the Berat district, we learned that several small enterprises had distinguished themselves by fulfilling their targets, such as NPA Berat and Kuçovë, NG, NPN, etc. Some time ago, for example, we wrote that the two NPA enterprises had completed their 1990 targets a month ahead of schedule. Their work collectives and managers were pleased with their achievements, but, above all, were optimistic about the first months of this year as well. This year, the NPA in Kuçovë will put a new type of air cooler into production, which, in addition to performing better, will save up to 50 percent of raw materials. If there are problems, the line… (Continued on page 2)

— Do desires take precedence, or economic logic? — These days in Elbasan, from the agricultural section’s headquarters and the agricultural bank branch to cooperative offices and brigades, a new topic of conversation has arisen. It concerns the wage-guarantee fund created by many agricultural cooperatives, mainly those in the plains. More precisely, the discussion is about distributing this fund to cooperative members; it was created with the aim of guaranteeing the stability of agricultural economies over the years. So why as a regulator when that value falls? At the agricultural bank branch, the Pajovë cooperative was given 50 percent of the wage-guarantee fund, equivalent to 1.8 million lekë. Meanwhile, similar requests have also come from other cooperatives, even for distribution of the whole fund rather than just a a sense of insecurity among cooperative members, as if something is happening. Since it is not possible to sell produce until June, there is nothing for the cooperative to collect. If the cooperative does not have such a fund, it is forced to take out a loan for this advance payment. It is then burdened with bank interest. So we ask the simple question: should this fund exist or not? The answer is yes. is distributed, which…

Yesterday, the President of the Republic of Turkey, Turgut Ozal, received the Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the People’s Republic of Albania, Shkëlqim Cani, who is in Ankara on a working visit. Yesterday, the Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the People’s Republic of Albania, Shkëlqim Cani, who is in Ankara on a working visit. President Ozal spoke highly of Albanian-Turkish friendly relations and the close cooperation between the two countries, to which, he said, the Turkish government attaches particular importance. Albania’s Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers, Shkëlqim Cani, informed President Ozal about developments and the reforms undertaken in our country for the further democratization of life. President Ozal expressed a positive view of the democratization process in Albania under the leadership of President Ramiz Alia and conveyed his warmest greetings and best wishes to him. He reiterated his willingness to visit Albania in the near future. Also yesterday, met with Turkey’s Minister of State, Ishtin Çelebi. During the meeting, views were exchanged and a shared willingness was expressed to further expand cooperative relations, especially in the economic field. (ATSH)

Yesterday, the State Secretary of Romania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Romulus Neagu, was received in separate meetings by the Minister attached to the Presidency of the Council of Ministers... Yesterday, the State Secretary of Romania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Romulus Neagu, was received in separate meetings by the Minister attached to the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, by the Chairman of the Committee for Economic Cooperation with Foreign Countries, Farudin Hoxha, and by the Minister of Foreign Trade, Shane Korbeci. During these meetings, views were exchanged and both sides expressed their readiness to expand cooperation in the economic and trade fields. (ATSH)

Yesterday, a delegation from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs arrived in Tirana to hold talks at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of our country. The delegation is headed by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Deputy Director-General for Political Affairs, Yusha Takashima, and Director for Eastern Europe, Hideaki Domichi, among others. Upon arrival, the delegation was received by Shpëtim Çahu, a directorate director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (ATSH)

The ATSH correspondent learned at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PSRA that Albanian-American talks on establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries are nearing completion. The basic text of the agreement was completed back in August of last year. Only final approval by the American administration was awaited. In recent days, officials from the US State Department contacted Albanian diplomats in New York to clarify a few other technical details. Now all that remains is for the two sides to determine the delegations, date and place for signing the agreement. (ATSH)

INTERVIEW OF THE DAY - First, we would like to give readers some general information about the purpose of the «8 Nëntori» publishing house. - The «8 Nëntori» publishing house is a state enterprise that is still under the authority of the Committee for Culture and the Arts, and it has organized its work into the following editorial departments: cultural and encyclopedic, political-social, technical and scientific, classics and documents of the PPSH, illustrated publications, and translations into foreign languages. Each of these departments has a broad scope and range of subject matter. For example, in terms of number of titles and print runs, as well as reader interest, the cultural-encyclopedic and political-social departments are currently the largest; during 1991 they have planned to publish approximately 35 and 44 titles, with 12,000 and 10,000 pages. - What are the main areas of focus for the political-social editorial department in 1991? - In our series, readers will find political-philosophical, social, memoir, and economic publications, various monographs, and books on international issues. Our answer to this question will also be closely linked to the times the Albanian people are living through—times of a major turning point, one of historic importance. We believe that the reforms to democratize every aspect of life in the country, which are undoubtedly required by internal and external conditions and desired and demanded by all our people, should also be explained through various publications. Our idea is to explain that this political pluralism serves national unity, the deepening of democracy, the people’s well-being, and their integration into Europe. Through these publications we will seek to foster democratic education, ethics and culture in readers; in short, to emphasize the idea that political parties are indeed different from one another, but that they have one thing in common and converge on one point: the desire to ensure and improve the people’s well-being, strengthen national unity, expand human freedoms and rights, and safeguard the integrity, independence and sovereignty of the Albanian people. - More specifically, do you already have certain book titles and authors committed to achieving these aims or addressing these issues? - Of course, new titles and new authors will enrich our publications. Since December and during the first days of January this year, we have submitted several titles that we believe will serve these aims directly and more broadly. These include the publication of the Charter of the United Nations and the Statute of the International Court (wherever this is the second edition after the one published in 1987); the book «The Second World War», which has been in press for several months; the volume of recollections «Lasgushi Told Me», by P. Kolevcia; «Bursa» by A. Angjeli; «Roads of Longing» by N. Jorgaqi; «Chronicle» from the Second Front by N. Nikolla, etc. Soon we will aim to submit the titles «What Is the UN?», «The Balkans», «Spain», «Austria», etc., which will aim to provide readers with broader information on both new and old topics. We have also discussed preparing one or more publications on legislation, legal responsibilities and rights, and other matters of this kind. Here we will combine translated and original titles. We emphasize that our plan is dynamic and will certainly be enriched with new titles and subject matter required by the times. Another area of focus for our editorial department, and for our publishing house in general, is broadening the cultural outlook and taking care that better (Continued on page 3)