The cooperative is a higher form of cooperation and has proved its worth in improving work in agriculture. As is also stated in the PPSH Program, cooperatives will have greater economic and production autonomy, applying new forms of cooperation and organization to encourage and combine, to a greater degree, the interests of members with those of the cooperative, and the latter’s interests with those of the state. In the coming period, their independent sphere of activity will be expanded so that they can build advantageous production structures. Relations between cooperatives and the state will be guided and regulated through the pricing system, which is now being revised. By moving toward bringing prices closer to value for agricultural and livestock products, conditions will be created for cooperatives to have a greater incentive to work and produce more, especially those in mountainous areas. Naturally, this will also require redefining the contributions that the peasantry should make to society, considering each area and even each cooperative individually. The revision of prices will be an important means of achieving effectiveness and rational production structures. But the interests of the peasantry are also strongly encouraged by the forms of work organization and management within each brigade, through the use of akord or other useful forms of cooperation. Naturally, no set formula can be given for akord. Nevertheless, as past experience also shows, agricultural cooperatives can be advised to bear in mind certain main criteria and principles for organizing it. Akord arrangements can and should be varied, depending on the technologies applied to each crop and product, and on the traditions, terrain and climate of each area or agricultural cooperative. Relations between a brigade and akord workers should be organized differently for field crops (maize, wheat, sunflower, etc.) than for fruit trees. Indeed, the terms and contractual relations for akord in vineyards, olive groves or industrial-scale orchard blocks cannot be the same as those for akord applied to fruit trees or scattered trees distributed throughout the farm’s territory. These relations should be even more varied in livestock farming. In this sector, family akord should preserve the specific characteristics of the different species and livestock-raising traditions, especially for small livestock. Whatever the forms of akord organization, experience shows that the cooperative must retain its current management structure, though naturally with a considerably leaner staff. The cooperative’s management apparatus should be reduced, especially in mountainous areas. In general, as life is showing, management skills need to be improved. Where akord is expanded, as has been demonstrated in many cases, the cooperative and its specialists need to focus more on technical and technological management, coordinate the brigades’ work on production structures, determine their obligations to the cooperative for accumulation or other social funds, and raise the standard of business management. As the center of activity, the cooperative coordinates relations with the state concerning sales and purchases; secures raw materials and supplies; secures, processes and sells the people’s bread; keeps pensions under supervision, and so on. As a rule, brigades should also be retained as forms of organization and management. Relations with their members, meanwhile, can be restructured so that each individual or family has the opportunity to receive a fairer share of the results of their work. Depending on the area, relations between brigades and peasant families or individual akord workers could follow the options set out below: In the lowland area The brigade itself organizes akord relations. These relations may cover all crops that require more manual labor and for which individual work yields better results, such as maize, cotton, vegetables, tobacco, small livestock, etc. Under the brigade’s direction, as today, soil cultivation, mechanized planting, transport, and so on are carried out, while individual or family akord is applied to work done by hand. Thus, when the crop-care work begins, (Continued on page 2) “At the staff meeting, instructions were given that the directorates of this ministry, in close cooperation with the production enterprises and the executive committees of the KP in the districts, should give priority to meeting their requirements for imported and domestic materials, as well as transport, while strengthening work organization and discipline. Correspondent of ‘Zëri i popullit’”

Yesterday, an expanded meeting of the staff set up to overcome the difficulties caused by snow, especially in the northern and eastern areas of the country, was held at the Ministry of Mining Industry and Energy. In support of the measures being taken by the Ministry of Transport and others to clear the roads, the directorates of this ministry have taken a series of measures to ensure that the mines remain operational. Thus, to avoid interruptions to production in the northern mines, the necessary supplies have been found and sent to Bulqizë, the road to which is being worked on so that it can be opened as soon as possible. A series of measures have been taken to transport firewood, especially to Tirana, and to secure mine supports, mainly for enterprises where production has been interrupted. Supplies of fuel and diesel have meanwhile been increased for Bulqizë, Laç, Pogradec, etc. should…

By Prof. Dr. Lufter Xhuveli Agriculture, through its products, constitutes a basic branch of our national economy. Yet, until now, the problems and processes involved in implementing economic policy affecting it have either been passed over, or are fermenting at a slow pace (perhaps it seems this way because of the lack of public information). In any case, if we continue to wait and do nothing, the market-economy mechanisms and competition, to which we have already opened the door, will work to our detriment and have erosive effects on our agricultural economy. Among the priority problems on which efforts and attention can be focused and intensified. Agriculture, through its products, constitutes a basic branch of our national economy. Yet, until now, the problems and processes involved in implementing economic policy affecting it have either been passed over, or are fermenting at a slow pace (perhaps it seems this way because of the lack of public information). In any case, if we continue to wait and do nothing, the market-economy mechanisms and competition, to which we have already opened the door, will work to our detriment and have erosive effects on our agricultural economy. Among the priority problems on which efforts and attention can be focused and intensified: AGRARIAN POLICY is… Setting a price for land. This is necessary and extremely urgent. At a time when we are almost the only country in Europe with less arable land per capita (0.21 ha/person), and the trend is for this to decline further, we still do not have high prices and we are the most deprived. Thousands of hectares of our most fertile land are lost every year to the construction of hydroelectric plants, industrial facilities, residential buildings, roads, etc. Although new land has been brought into cultivation, between 1980 and 1989 arable land decreased by a further 4,000 ha. With foreign investment, highways, hotels and other projects to be built rapidly, land is at even greater risk. If a land price, differentiated according to fertility, land improvement, slope, irrigation, distance from populated centers, the resources contained in its subsoil, etc., is established and included in the cost borne by the investor who is going to eliminate it, when it is damaged, then the land will certainly be better protected. The experience of other countries can also be considered in setting land prices. In Italy, for example, land in Lombardy (northern Italy) costs three times as much as in southern Italy, etc. — Abandoning the system of centralized production planning and abandoning agricultural and livestock deliveries. It should be replaced by a system of contracts based on law, as well as on the law of value operating through supply and demand. To ensure flexibility in the market, the state can intervene for a range of goods by setting “floor” and “ceiling” price quotas. — State protection of specific agricultural products by guaranteeing a “minimum price.” This means that for products of particular importance to the economy, when the sale price falls because of domestic or global market conditions, the state should not allow this kind of fluctuation to weigh on enterprises, cooperatives or individuals. It should compensate for the loss arising from the difference between the sale price and the “minimum price” it had previously guaranteed. Depending on the circumstances, producer protection can also be provided by (Continued on page 2)

The spokesperson for the Ministry of Education reports that students at higher-education institutions continued their boycotts of classes yesterday. As previously reported, students have stopped attending classes over economic and political demands. As for the demands related to their schools, the ministry has in substance responded to them, and most are on course to be resolved within the deadlines agreed upon and set jointly. Specifically, students at the Higher Agricultural Institute decided to resume classes. However, given that most students have been at home with their families for days, and recognizing the difficulties this creates for their return, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Education announces that it was deemed appropriate for classes to begin on 25 February. The same situation exists at the other higher-education institutions in Tirana. The rectorates have been instructed to consider using existing internal facilities or expanding the schools in order to make up for the losses incurred so far and those now being reported. As with the other higher-education institutions, it will not be possible to hold classes at the university next week under normal conditions. This is also due to the reasons already known. The education sections in the districts have likewise been instructed to use all available means to suspend classes for one week in eight-year schools because of weather conditions, and to organize lessons in accordance with the weather, giving priority especially to boarding schools. In any case, the spokesperson concluded, any changes that may be made will be announced in good time.

Yesterday, the Ministry of Education sent a letter to the students of the Higher Agricultural Institute stating that, for the 1991–1992 school year, the necessary facilities of the Party School would be made available to them. In a statement issued by the ILB student representatives, it says that after receiving a written response from the Minister of Education, Skënder Gjinushi, and also taking the student body’s opinion into account, the representatives decided that the boycott of classes should be considered over, since all the demands had been met. The statement further says that the ILB students’ solidarity with the legitimate demands of the students of the University of Tirana should be expressed according to the wishes of the student body itself. (ATSH)

Yesterday, a delegation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, headed by Petraq Pojani, director of the Directorate for Multilateral Cooperation, left for Brussels. The delegation will establish contacts with the Executive Commission of the European Community (TPE) and hold talks on relations and cooperation between Albania and the European Community. (ATSH)

The spokesperson for the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Isuf Baça, reports that rumors and disinformation are being spread and circulated claiming that it is supposedly possible to travel by ferry to Italy without having a visa. We therefore urge citizens not to believe such lies and to be certain that travel abroad is possible only when in possession of an Albanian visa and a visa for the country concerned. Those spreading these most absurd rumors are provocative elements who, dissatisfied with what happened on 9 February 1991 in the city of Durrës, are seeking to prepare in advance another disruptive event, an even more painful one. To make this inhumane story seem as credible as possible, they have also distributed “necessary” forms for South Africa. These malicious, venomous people serve as destructive forces that do not wish the Albanian people well— ...both Albania’s [truncated word] and those who deceive for material gain. the country concerned. ••• Last night in Tirana, while carrying out their duty to maintain and protect public order and peace, police forces caught the following individuals carrying bladed weapons and detained them: Fethat Deda, Xhevair Ymeri, Eduard Shehu, Kleo Myrtaj, and Arian Dyrmishi. Criminal proceedings against them were initiated by the investigative authorities.

At work in the knitwear production department of the garment manufacturing enterprise in Gjirokastër. (Photo: N. Xhufka)

...both Albania’s [truncated word] and those who deceive for material gain.

— Statement by the Presidium of the General Council of the Democratic Front of Albania — The Presidium of the General Council of the Democratic Front of Albania considers the country’s political and economic situation to be extremely difficult. Recent events have made it even more complicated: thefts, robberies, arson and killings carried out by dark forces seeking to further destabilize the country politically, ruin and destroy its economy, and create fear and insecurity. Public opinion as a whole, and the entire Albanian people, are deeply concerned that these actions are completely contrary to the nature and traditions of our nation and do not serve the development of the democratic process or a life and culture of political pluralism. appeals to the entire people: at this difficult moment, which is so decisive for the country’s fate, let us once again demonstrate our finest qualities. Now, more than ever, wisdom, prudence and maturity are needed to experience events with dignity, culture and democratic conduct. Fully conscious of their responsibility, every honest and patriotic person, regardless of party or organizational affiliation, must distance themselves from destructive actions and acts of violence and terror—not only in words but also in deeds. Wherever we are, let us demand of ourselves and others that the laws be rigorously observed, so as to put a stop to those who seek to foment turmoil and destruction, set fire to the fruits of the people’s toil and sweat, and threaten their peaceful life. Let us not allow political differences, viewpoints and beliefs to be exploited by other forces for divisive and anti-national actions. The Democratic Front is convinced that all political forces, parties, organizations and associations will demonstrate their good will, also expressed in the agreement signed on 15 January of this year, and that through joint efforts they will overcome the difficult situation in which we find ourselves and conduct a democratic electoral campaign normally. The country’s future stands at a crossroads. The path everyone seeks is the path of progress and democracy. Its realization depends on us and can be achieved through more work and production, more knowledge and culture. Every worker, cooperative member, intellectual, pupil or student must feel and demonstrate their responsibility for the advancement of the homeland. Our entire history, ancient and recent, clearly demonstrates the importance of national unity and how essential it is at such important moments. This imperative must guide us all, helping us find the right direction in these troubled and difficult circumstances, gather our strength and place above all else the interests of Albania and its development and progress. OF ALBANIA Tirana, 16.2.1991

Before writing these lines, we spoke at length with our fellow villagers from Salari. The cooperative brought us together and made our problems and our good fortune shared. That is why we love it, and we tell everyone: if it is left in the people’s hands, Salaria will not dismantle the cooperative. The Democratic Party tells us: “We will give you land so you can sell it and buy it!” As if they were telling us something new that we have never heard before! We used to have it that way and it did us no good. We had livestock, but “larush” (as we simply call it) never left our home. Has any one of them had a frozen heart, with the fate of their children weighing on their back? We would not wish them to experience it even once; we would not wish it on ourselves either. and buy it!” Why don’t they say outright that they want to pull up our roots! Whom are they doing a favor for, the old or the new landlords? We peasants are not rich enough to buy one another’s land, so we are not asking anyone for this great “favor” they promise us. This would be the greatest ruin for the mountainous areas, which are poor in themselves, but our land and the cooperative’s land are needed by the country, and together we will have more. The state has raised and will continue to raise the prices of wool and meat, which we take to market. What private SMT would bring these services to our scattered homes? What merchant would dare set up a bakery with such expenses? Who would think of building roads and bringing grain, or setting up a school for our children? Last year, after we became a cooperative, we ourselves distributed 12 lek for each workday. We have the flour in the storehouse, and the money for distribution is all there in the bank. This year we will do better. Don’t think that this is little. And even if it seems little to you, we measure it by our own yardstick. We are not saying that we have reached Europe, but we firmly believe that we will move forward faster. We need investment for irrigation (with individual, piecemeal and insecure credit, irrigation reservoirs cannot be built today), more drills, and greater production and trade. We read the parties’ election programs and see that the program of the Party of Labour is ours. It brought us this far and will surely take us further. NEIM ZHUPA, ABAZ SHEHU, MUZAFER BEGA, SHEFQET HALILI, FOTO KOKA, LUMAN SEFERI, cooperative members, Salari, Tërpelë ...they want to uproot us! Whom are they serving—their old or new landlords? We farmers promise us. This would spell but are needed by our country, which has so little land. We would end up fighting one another over a patch of land or a water channel. Come on, let us ask you this: are you worried about our property or your own? Land cannot be brought into the house. Ba-