By Pëllumb Xhufi Faced with a difficult economic and social situation and under the weight of pressures coming at the same time from many directions, our country is entering a new phase of developments. This phase requires not only political clarity, but also capable people, with energy, with culture, and with a high sense of civic responsibility. In the present conditions, where the main problem is overcoming difficulties and creating a perspective, the issue of cadres takes on particular importance. It is not enough to talk about change; these changes must be embodied in behavior, in mentality, and in the way of governing. The demand for new cadres is not a fad, nor a concession to momentary pressure. It stems from the real need for people who understand the times, who know how to communicate with the masses, who know the work, who are not afraid of responsibility, and who are ready to account for their actions. Often, when renewal is discussed, only age is considered. But the times demand more than that: creative energy, an open mind, the ability to unite rather than divide, state culture, and a sense of public interest. There are young people who possess these qualities, but there are also others who, although older, can be just as valuable if they have vision and responsibility. Therefore, the first criterion must be ability. Formal appointments, token replacements, or rotating people around without criteria help no one. It takes courage to choose the best and honesty not to keep in office people who do not meet the demands of the job. The renewal of cadres is closely linked to public morals as well. In difficult times, people look for personal example, simplicity, correctness, willingness to listen and to admit mistakes. Authority no longer stems simply from office, but from conduct and from the ability to win people’s trust. In this sense, the responsibility of party organizations, state institutions, and work collectives is great. They must help identify people with ability, create opportunities for them to rise, and avoid the spirit of servility and closedness. Today there is no room for complacency. Every leader should ask himself whether he is up to the demands of the time, whether he knows how to listen, persuade, organize, and act. Where these qualities are lacking, change becomes unavoidable. The times demand the energy and wisdom of new cadres. New in age when possible, but certainly new in mentality, in political culture, in responsibility, and in dedication to the interests of the country. AND ONCE MORE ON THE TOPIC: WHY IS THE COOPERATIVE NECESSARY? THE LORD IS NOT GIVEN, AND THE VILLAIN DOES NOT BUY IT

AND ONCE MORE ON THE TOPIC: WHY IS THE COOPERATIVE NECESSARY? Not only in cafés and other settings, but also in the press and on tribunes, the question of the fate of the agricultural cooperative is being raised insistently. There are those who consider it outdated, there are others who think that the land must be divided immediately, and there are also those who seek intermediate solutions. For us, the issue must be seen with a cool head. Albanian agriculture cannot be advanced with improvisations. It requires mechanization, irrigation, seed, fertilizers, veterinary services, roads, warehouses, and market outlets. All of these are more possible in an organized economy than in hundreds and thousands of small plots. The cooperative is not only a form of ownership; it is also a way of organizing work and economic life in the countryside. It has had shortcomings, bureaucratization, leveling, and injustices, but these do not prove that the cooperative itself is wrong. They show that it must be reformed, democratized, and made more responsive to the interests of the cooperative member. Land division, if carried out without study and without material support, can bring fragmentation, a decline in production, and social consequences. The countryside does not need adventures. It needs security, economic interest, and a perspective. Instead of proclaiming the end of the cooperative, we should think about how to make it fairer and more beneficial. How to increase members’ participation in decision-making, how to bind work more closely to reward, how to encourage initiative, and how to remove administrative obstacles. In this debate, slogans should not dominate. Facts, experience, and responsibility must speak. Albanian villages deserve wise solutions, not simplistic formulas that promise a lot and give little. (continued on page 2)

Treses together with the skepticism of any political bilingualism Dear sisters and brothers, In the life of a people there are moments when courage is required, but wisdom as well. We are going through a difficult period filled with worries, shortages, dissatisfaction, and major dilemmas about the future. In such circumstances, words carry special weight. An ill-considered word can inflame tempers, create hostility, and damage what has been built with great effort. Whereas the word of reason, moderation, and love for people can calm, bring people closer together, and open the way to solutions. Today we need to listen more to each other’s troubles and arguments. We should not rush to judge, should not immediately suspect every person who thinks differently, and should not fall prey to political bilingualism, which speaks differently in public and differently behind the scenes. Skepticism is understandable, but it must not turn into poison for social relations. Love for one another is not sentimentalism; it is a condition for living as a society and for facing trials together. No one benefits from division. Only those who feed on fear, gossip, and irritation benefit. Therefore, let us protect the climate of dialogue, respect, and civic responsibility. Let us speak openly, but without insult. Let us seek change, but without denying the person. Let us oppose, but without losing our love for one another. (continued on page 2)

Our correspondent reports : Last night, the merchant ship "Arbëria" was docked at Pier 1 of the port of Durrës with 18,000 tons of grain from the USA. Similar arrivals are also recorded for other ships unloading oil, sugar, flour, and other food goods. According to port sources, part of the cargo will be sent immediately to Tirana and other cities in the country. To handle the workload, additional brigades and the necessary transport equipment have been mobilized. Port authorities say that in the coming days several more ships are expected with goods ordered by the government to improve market supply. In the photo: a general view of the unloading operations at the port. Our journalist in the original particularly notes the organized work and the high pace of ship handling. J. Xhuku.

On some changes to the law on state social insurance and pensions A law is being published that makes changes and clarifications to several provisions of Law No. 4171, dated 13.4.1966, "On state social insurance in the People's Republic of Albania" and Law No. 7703, dated 11.5.1990, "On pensions in the People's Republic of Albania". 1. In point 15 of Article 17 of Law No. 4171, dated 13.4.1966, the words "with the exception of social organizations" are removed. 2. In Article 8 of Law No. 7703, dated 11.5.1990, the second sentence is removed. 3. Article 18 of Law No. 7703, dated 11.5.1990, shall read: "Article 18. Men are entitled to a full old-age pension when they reach the age of 60 and have 35 years of work; women when they reach the age of 55 and have 30 years of work. When the above conditions are not met, a partial old-age pension is granted when men have reached the age of 60 and women the age of 55, and when they have not less than 15 years of work". 4. Article 19 of Law No. 7703, dated 11.5.1990, shall read: "Article 19. Men are entitled to a partial old-age pension when they reach the age of 60 and have not less than 15 years of work; women when they reach the age of 55 and have not less than 15 years of work". 5. In Article 20 of Law No. 7703, dated 11.5.1990, the words "workers of agricultural cooperatives" are replaced by the words "insured persons". 6. In Article 21 of Law No. 7703, dated 11.5.1990, the first paragraph shall read: "Workers who have worked in professions or workplaces of the first category, according to the list approved by the Council of Ministers, are entitled to a reduced old-age pension when men reach the age of 55 and women 50, and when they have not less than 20 years of work". 7. Article 24 of Law No. 7703, dated 11.5.1990, shall read: "Article 24. Persons who, due to illness or injury at work, have become fully unable to work are entitled to a full disability pension". 8. Article 25 of Law No. 7703, dated 11.5.1990, shall read: "Article 25. Persons who, due to illness or injury at work, have become partially unable to work are entitled to a partial disability pension". 9. Article 31 of Law No. 7703, dated 11.5.1990, shall read: "Article 31. Family members of the insured person or pensioner who dies are entitled to a family pension when they meet the conditions provided for in this law". 10. The Council of Ministers is charged with issuing the by-laws for the implementation of this decree. This decree enters into force immediately. Tirana, 15.2.1991 Ramiz Alia

The spokesman of the Ministry of Internal Affairs announced that, as part of strengthening law and public order, measures have been taken to prevent illegal actions and to protect social and private property. According to the announcement, in several cities groups have been uncovered that attempted to organize thefts, damage to buildings, and the distribution of inciting leaflets. Public order organs intervened in time and brought the perpetrators to account. The Ministry calls on citizens to keep calm, not to fall prey to provocations, and to cooperate with the competent organs in every case that threatens public order. At the same time, it is emphasized that every measure will be based on the law and that no one will be prevented from expressing their opinion peacefully. Javer Malo