In the morning, the Chairman of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, Comrade Ramiz Alia, received at the Palace of Brigades the Italian parliamentary delegation, headed by the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Chamber of Deputies of that parliament, Flaminio Pikol[a?]. In the morning, the Chairman of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, Comrade Ramiz Alia, received at the Palace of Brigades the Italian parliamentary delegation, headed by Flaminio Pikola, chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Chamber of Deputies of that parliament. Comrade Ramiz Alia held a warm and friendly conversation with the Italian parliamentarians. “We are very pleased to meet Albania.” Speaking about this event and the nature of the changes that have taken place here, Comrade Ramiz Alia said that everyone must have a sound understanding of Albania’s past, which differs fundamentally from that of the countries of the East. The Albanian people won their freedom through their own struggle, standing up to the invaders without the help of any foreign army. This is a reality. No parallels can be drawn without knowing the past and its consequences. We believe that, above all, the work of our own people will lead this country to economic prosperity. Speaking about relations between Albania and Italy, Comrade Ramiz Alia said that they should be more intensive, since we have lost a great deal of time. In this context, he stressed the need to increase contacts between delegations and senior figures from both countries. The “music” of Albania’s isolation. Our neighbouring countries, whose peoples have loved and continue to love one another. Albania, he said, has always been interested in further strengthening these relations, especially now, when it is deepening the processes of democratizing life in the country. Your delegation’s visit is an expression of the strengthening of friendship and cooperation between our two countries. “We are very pleased by the welcome we have received on returning to Albania, especially considering the time at which we have come,” said Flaminio Pikoli. “Our first observation is that your work, Mr. President, is respected by the political forces in the country. You have accomplished many useful things in just a few months, and we are witnesses to this ourselves. We offer you our congratulations for your courage and initiative, for the step forward that has been taken, and for the broad current steps in the country’s development. It is only under the authority of a leader such as you, who is equal to the situation, that Albania is making useful progress along the path of democratizing the country.” Members of parliament and representatives of various political parties in Italy took a friendly and concerned interest in recent events in several cities of the country, as well as in the character and qualities of our people, their culture and customs. Our people are proud and value their past. After pointing out the successes achieved during the 46 years of people’s power, Comrade Ramiz said that, certainly, more could have been done and not everything had been done as it should have been, but progress was also clear. At present, he said, we are committed to establishing a democracy of a pluralist character. Democracy is a beautiful undertaking, but putting it into practice is not so easy; democratic developments must be based on Albanian realities. I understand your wish for Albania to develop along this path as quickly as possible, and I regard it as a sign of confidence in our people and country. We wish to move towards Europe with clear ideas, culture and dignity. In the course of democratic development, the opposition parties play a special role, Comrade Ramiz went on to say. They have now been established, but we lack a tradition. The March 31 elections will bring a new political picture. What matters is that we create a parliament with different political forces whose foremost aspirations are the country’s independence and its further economic and social development. Some people, in particular, have the mentality that once multiparty democracy is established, the world will open its storehouses to Albania; this is an outdated idea. Albania has not been, and is not, anti-Western. One cannot imagine that a small country would not wish to have friendly relations and cooperation with the wider world. Comrade Ramiz told his guests that strengthening relations between Albania and Italy would also be in the interests of their country. Therefore, he said, greater attention to Albania is expected from Italy, as part of its Balkan policy, and from other European countries as well. He expressed his conviction that cooperation with the Italian parliament would help develop democracy in Albania. “The fact that interest around the world in democratic developments in Albania has increased,” Mr. Flaminio Pikoli observed, “is a positive factor that will influence your country’s economic and social development. We will approach our parliament and government, which attach particular importance to this visit, so that they can help Albania as soon as possible. We are convinced that the process of democratization in your country will move forward and that the March 31 elections will be free.” The Vice-Chairman of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly of Albania, Sihat Tozaj, was present at the reception, along with [unintelligible text concerning RTV]. Also present was [unintelligible text], the director of the Italian [unintelligible] Opera, Cardilli, representative of [unintelligible], and the Italian conductor V. Parizi, [remainder illegible/covered]. [Continuation of text illegible/covered]

(Photo: ATSH)

Not promises, but guarantees ELBASAN: “THE ALBANIAN PARTY OF LABOUR’S PROGRAMME SEEMS MORE SERIOUS TO ME” It is now an everyday truth that the Albanian Party of Labour’s programme has found broad support among different strata of the people. And not only because of tradition, since the people followed the Party of Labour for decades, but because the programme is highly advanced in its main points. People think for themselves, freely about everything, but in this programme they see that the Party of Labour undertakes to carry the new processes through to the end and to integrate fully with the European family. “All the programmes of this electorate aim at democratization,” says the doctor Nikolla Bico, “but the Albanian Party of Labour’s programme seems the most serious to me. And if it does not allow the sale of land to foreigners, as some other programme might, that is still better. Is it better to make promises or to guarantee that something will be achieved? Since I cannot find anything outdated or unsuitable for the times in the Party of Labour’s programme, they accuse the Party of Labour of not keeping its word. Be that as it may, although mistakes were made along a long road (something that can happen over decades), one cannot categorically deny everything. The people know best that achievements and progress have been made in our country over more than 46 years; they know how to make the fairest assessment. They also understand that the Party of Labour’s programme is not just for March 31. It is precisely on March 31 that it will begin to open up new prospects for the country. The appointment of people of a younger age and with new ideas to the leadership and direction of the Party of Labour is also a sign that it is fighting the rust of bureaucratism within its ranks and more broadly, and that efforts are being made every day to reform itself as well as its programme. “I am not an analyst,” the doctor concludes, “but I would not be wrong to say that every opportunity exists for the people to vote for the Albanian Party of Labour’s programme, for its candidates...” The question of who will be able to win the March 31 elections is being heard more and more every day. It is being discussed by professional politicians, supporters of various political parties, and ordinary people alike—even among students. This atmosphere certainly expresses people’s concern and seriousness about taking the already-open democratic process further. The electorate, with many partners, prefers this climate. However, in some settings and smaller circles this has turned into a “fever.” Some forget that Albania was once described as being in the “44th train.” Now the question is how it will be governed best during a legislative term. So there is no reason to confuse things. Albania belongs to everyone. We are not facing a game of dominoes, and there is no reason to think in terms of winners and losers, but rather of an election campaign approaching the most advanced democratic standards. The people will decide for themselves. They have all the parties’ programmes in their hands, are also taking part in explaining them, and are asking questions and expressing a wide range of opinions. We trust in their maturity and their desire for democracy and progress. Pluralism has given them the opportunity to choose the best among many.

DURRËS: “OPEN DOORS TO JOIN THE EUROPEAN CURRENTS” Discussing the Party of Labour’s electoral programme, communists are expressing their views. Here is what some of them say. “Every political party has put forward its own electoral programmes,” says communist Stefan Bulo. “They coincide on quite a few points. But it is natural that under pluralism not everything in these programmes matches; indeed, many things are opposed. Every party has the right to put forward its own programme. But why do I trust the Party of Labour’s programme? It seems very serious and measured to me. It does not make promises, but the objectives it has set aim at truly great changes. This programme not only does not shut the door on anyone wishing to knock on Albania’s door; on the contrary, it opens wide doors for the people to enter the European currents, just as it opens the doors to foreigners, on the basis of all international laws and regulations, to cooperate with us. But above all, it must be clearly understood that, first of all, it is in our own hands to implement this programme; without our hard work, it will not... (Continued on page 2)

SHKODËR: “MANY ALTERNATIVES FOR PROGRESS” We are all awaiting March 31 in an unusual way. Every passing day brings us closer to it, but at the same time makes us more responsible, facing one question: “Who will we vote for?” It is not a simple matter. Several programmes of political parties or other electoral entities are before the people. They discuss them and think about the future in relation to each of them... (Continued on page 2)

As part of the centenary of the birth of People’s Painter Vangjush Mio, one of Albania’s distinguished artists, the Committee of Culture and Arts, the League of Writers and Artists, and the Executive Committee of the People’s Council of the Korçë district organized a jubilee gathering yesterday morning at the city’s “Ali Kelmendi” House of Culture and Folk Creativity. The commemorative speech was delivered by the chairman of the Committee of Culture and Arts, Moikom Zeqo. On this occasion, an exhibition of drawings and photographs from Vangjush Mio’s artistic work was opened, a visit was made to the painter’s museum house, and wreaths were laid at his grave. (According to ATSH) Activities on the occasion of | From the meetings of the mission of the [text cut off]

Yesterday morning, the Chairman of the State Planning Commission, candidate of sciences Leontjev Çuçi, received the working mission of the International Monetary Fund, headed by Professor Mario Blejer, at the State Planning Commission. During the meeting, which took place in a warm atmosphere, the Chairman of the State Planning Commission acquainted the members of the mission with the work of this institution, its function and its duties. He spoke to them about Albania’s economic situation, the difficulties the country is going through, and the alternative for overcoming them by moving to a market economy. Leontjev Çuçi said that the International Monetary Fund, as an important international forum, should contribute by providing technical and professional assistance for the transition process to a market economy, as well as financial assistance. He also said that we expect your views and suggestions on economic problems and changes, and expressed his confidence that this mission’s visit to Albania would create the opportunity to carry out the process of economic transformations and bring Albania as quickly as possible into the processes of European and international integration. Speaking on behalf of the members of this mission, Professor Mario Blejer said, among other things: “We are pleased that today we are beginning the process of Albania’s integration into the International Monetary Fund. And I would like to mention that this is a…”

The Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the People’s Socialist Republic of Albania, Mr. Fatos Nano, received an Italian parliamentary delegation yesterday morning at the Prime Minister’s Office. The delegation was headed by Flaminio Pikoli, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Chamber of Deputies of that parliament. The Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the People’s Socialist Republic of Albania, Mr. Fatos Nano, received an Italian parliamentary delegation yesterday morning at the Prime Minister’s Office. The delegation was headed by Flaminio Pikoli, Deputies of that parliament. The Albanian Prime Minister, after … [part covered/illegible]

Yesterday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Mehmet Kapllani, received and held talks with the Italian parliamentary delegation, headed by the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Chamber of Deputies… Yesterday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Mehmet Kapllani, received and held talks with the Italian parliamentary delegation, headed by the Deputies of that parliament, Flaminio Pikoli. During the talks, both sides emphasized their determination to [establish/strengthen] good and friendly relations and cooperation between Albania and Italy in the sphere of relations… [text continues beyond/at the visible edge]

[Damaged headline] KOMINAR? … [text partly covered and difficult to read] In the role of Figaro, the baritone Ymer Alca performed. He came out for vo… the Italian conductor … V. Parizi … [text continues in the surrounding columns] [Faint and damaged fragment] … maestro Parizi. … original score … Scrupulousness in the use … great frequencies … the proper tempo and rhythm … In this concert … the work of the directors … On stage … Nevilja Maja (Berta) … [the remaining text is illegible in the image] A scene from the opera. (Photo: …)

(Photo: ATSH)