The Presidential Council convened yesterday under the direction of its Chairman, Comrade Ramiz Alia. yesterday under the direction of its Chairman, Comrade Ramiz Alia. Representatives of political parties and social organizations were invited. At the meeting, the Chairman of the Council of Ministers, Fatos Nano, reported on the political and economic situation in the country, on the program drawn up by the new government to implement the tasks of the Presidential Council, on the concerns arising from the exodus of thousands of Albanian refugees to Italy, and on the efforts to address all the problems that have arisen as a result. Afterwards, the Chairman of the Central Election Commission, Rrokbert Mejdan(i), reported on the preparations and measures taken by the commission to ensure the normal conduct of the elections, as well as on the invitations sent to foreign observers. Discussions on these issues were held in the Presidential Council. Many of those present generally emphasized, on their own behalf, the efforts being made in the economy and in the tasks of politics and defense, particularly the day-to-day work in agriculture, which will guarantee future production. All those present agreed on this issue. (ATSH)

Yesterday afternoon, the Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Italian Republic, Klaudio Marteli, arrived for an official visit. He is accompanied by Franko Karuzo, diplomatic adviser; Alesandro Grafin, deputy chief of staff to the Minister of Foreign Affairs; Xhani de Mikelis; and Khuzepe Santoro, Director-General for Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. At Rinas Airport, they were welcomed (Continued on page 4)

Slackness is not everywhere — A look at the day’s work in agriculture in three districts — Everyone is talking about slackness, as a phenomenon that has gone beyond all bounds. But perhaps it would be better not to be so categorical. The view that slackness is everywhere is not entirely accurate. In Librazhd, for example, throughout all these months there has not been a single day of slackness in the chromium or ferro-nickel mines. Nor in the district’s other enterprises or agricultural cooperatives. Work is also proceeding entirely normally in Gramsh. The activities of political parties during the election campaign have not disrupted work either. People, each at their own post, are focused on keeping production running well. In the district of Elbasan, one need only pass by the plots to see that people are working conscientiously to plant spring crops and prepare the land. One fact that is enough to show this is attendance at work. These days there is virtually no absenteeism. Only in Gole(n)esh, an exception in the whole district, very few people are turning up for work. This is true. But we believe that there, too, the cooperative members will understand that when people are working throughout the district, they must also work harder; they cannot sit back and expect someone else to work their land and tend the olive groves for them. Just these days, the planting of sugar beet and sunflower has been completed in the district of Elbasan. Thus, the deadlines for these two crops were met, and the planting conditions were favorable. Meanwhile, dozens and dozens of young women from the city of Shkodër will begin work for the first time at the Albanian-Italian joint shoe-manufacturing enterprise «ADELCHI», joining hundreds of other women workers. The enterprise is increasingly earning a good reputation for its work and the conditions it has created. The day before, on Monday, the young women reported to the enterprise’s new building. Some members of the enterprise’s administration welcomed them. After being told that they would start work the following day, they were given just one instruction: — Be punctual. That was the first instruction. But anyone who wishes to can see much more behind it. They can see order and discipline at work, a steady working rhythm, workers’ high wages, and the fulfillment of targets. Over the two-month period, the main indicator, «goods sold», was also achieved at 102.8 percent. In any case, that clear instruction made an impression on all of us. Where there is a desire to work and care, where there is will and accountability, there is no reason for there to be slackness. Perhaps this is also connected with the fact that it is a joint enterprise and the owner demands clear accountability. Naturally, we may ask: if a foreigner, who also makes profits elsewhere or in his own country, can raise standards and insist on strict accountability, can we not do the same ourselves, now, «without waiting to join Europe»? It is a fact that many enterprises in the district of Shkodër are not meeting their targets. Long, exhausting political discussions are pushing production into the background. But thoughts alone do not move a stone from its place. Things are not put right just by discussing what has been done and how, without putting every resource at our disposal to work for progress. This is because the failure to meet targets at all enterprises has not been caused solely by shortages of raw materials. Even where shortages have been minor, or there have been none at all, targets have still not been properly met. It will not be easy for the copper miners to make up the deficits accumulated so far. The wage increase they received was not accompanied by an increase in production. (Continued on page 2)

Yesterday evening, the Chairman of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, Comrade Ramiz Alia, received the Deputy Chairman of the Italian Government, Klaudio Marteli, at the headquarters of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly and held a friendly conversation with him. Comrade Ramiz Alia spoke to him about the problem that has recently arisen between the two countries with the mass departure of Albanian refugees to Italy. This was not politically motivated, he said; moreover, it is not in the nature of Albanians to leave their homeland willingly. The economic factor played a major role in creating this problem, but it must be viewed in a broader context. It must be made clear that there are forces interested not only in destabilizing Albania, but in achieving this at any cost, even through bloodshed. Destabilizing Albania would mean further destabilizing the Balkans, which is currently facing a difficult situation. Let us resolve the problems that have arisen properly, he said, and also in the interests of Albanian-Italian friendship. Comrade Ramiz Alia thanked the Italian authorities for their humane and fair treatment of the Albanian refugees. This, together with the generosity of the Italian people, he stressed, clearly demonstrates friendship. Deputy Prime Minister Klaudio Marteli emphasized that the Italian side was trying to resolve the problem in accordance with international law. We recognize and understand your difficulties at this transitional moment in Albanian society, he said, expressing the Italian state’s interest in establishing as many signs of friendship with Albania as possible. The humanitarian aid to be sent shortly will be followed by further assistance, including within the framework of the European Community. Our government believes that Italy can help Albania enter the European Union with full rights. He said he shared the Albanian President’s assessment that Europe cannot be entered without stability. Instability benefits no one. We are determined to contribute to stabilizing the situation in Albania, while following the democratic processes in this country with sympathy. As Comrade Ramiz went on to say, in Albania we have a simple saying: «A good friend is known in difficult times.» This moment, precisely, gives us an opportunity to demonstrate one another’s desire to strengthen the traditional friendship between our two peoples. The Italian people, Mr. Klaudio Marteli said, feel deep friendship toward the Albanian people. On that basis, our government is determined to deepen comprehensive cooperation between Italy and Albania as a model of successful and friendly cooperation between two neighboring states. Comrade Ramiz Alia asked the Deputy Prime Minister of the Italian Government, Klaudio Marteli, to convey his greetings to President Kosiga, Prime Minister Andreoti and Socialist Party Chairman Kraksi. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Muhamet Kapllani, was also present at the reception. The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Italian Republic in Tirana, Torquato Cardilli, was also present. (ATSH) (Photo: ATSH)

— A lesson from the «Adelchi» joint enterprise in Shkodër — Today, dozens and dozens of young women from the city of Shkodër will begin work for the first time at the Albanian-Italian joint enterprise «ADELCHI». Today, dozens and dozens of young women from the city of Shkodër will begin work for the first time at the Albanian-Italian joint shoe-manufacturing enterprise «ADELCHI», joining hundreds of other women workers. The enterprise is increasingly earning a good reputation for its work and the conditions it has created. The day before, on Monday, the young women reported to the enterprise’s new building. Some members of the enterprise’s administration welcomed them. After being told that they would start work the following day, they were given just one instruction: — Be punctual. That was the first instruction. But anyone who wishes to can see much more behind it. They can see order and discipline at work, a steady working rhythm, workers’ high wages, and the fulfillment of targets. Over the two-month period, the main indicator, «goods sold», was also achieved at 102.8 percent. In any case, that clear instruction made an impression on all of us. Where there is a desire to work and care, where there are will and accountability, there is no reason for there to be slackness. Perhaps this is also connected with the fact that it is a joint enterprise and the owner demands clear accountability. Naturally, we may ask: if a foreigner, who also makes profits elsewhere or in his own country, can raise standards and insist on strict accountability, can we not do the same ourselves, now, «without waiting to join Europe»? It is a fact that many enterprises in the district of Shkodër are not meeting their targets. Long, exhausting political discussions are pushing production into the background. But thoughts alone do not move a stone from its place. Things are not put right just by discussing what has been done and how, without putting every resource at our disposal to work for progress. This is because the failure to meet targets at all enterprises has not been caused solely by shortages of raw materials. Even where shortages have been minor, or there have been none at all, targets have still not been properly met. It will not be easy for the copper miners to make up the deficits accumulated so far. The wage increase they received was not accompanied by an increase in production. (Continued on page 2)

Yesterday, the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the RPSSH, Fatos Nano, received the Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Italian Republic, Klaudio Marteli. Yesterday, the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the RPSSH, Fatos Nano, received the Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Italian Republic, Klaudio Marteli, and other members of the delegation. Also taking part in the meeting were Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers ve Shkëlqim Cani, Secretary-General of the Council of Ministers Aleks Luarasi, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sokrat Plaka, and the Deputy Minister of Trade. (Continued on page 4)

Yesterday afternoon, the Party Committee of the city of Vlorë organized a meeting at the city’s «7 Nëntori» theater with full members, secretaries of basic organizations, officials and specialists from various sectors of the economy in the city and countryside, etc., to explain the PPSH electoral program. The PPSH representative, member of the State Planning Commission, Leontiev Çuç(i), spoke at length about the content, aims and objectives of this program, its realistic outlook, and its goals in relation to the people’s interests and the country’s democratic developments. Focusing on economic issues, he said that «the Workers’ Party program clearly sets out the shape of the economy for the future», with the market as the primary alternative, always in conjunction with the development of a… He also discussed the new impetus given to agricultural development and, more broadly, to the countryside by this program, which reflects the PPSH’s special concern for the agrarian question. The program calls for strengthening the farmer’s bond with the land and production, with cooperation as the foundation of developed agriculture, no privatization of land, and encouragement of economic activity in the countryside that brings greater benefits and income, etc. Participants at the meeting also asked many questions about the PPSH electoral program, particularly regarding the sectoral structure of the economy and agricultural production, the integration of the Albanian economy into the European economy, the strengthening of social policy, etc. The PPSH representative answered them and provided the necessary clarifications. (ATSH)

In the early hours of yesterday, the ship «Tirana» entered the port of Durrës, bringing back around 2,000 people from among those who had left in recent days on various ships. Most of those who returned were unaccompanied children whose parents had left to emigrate there, as well as other people who returned of their own accord. They came from Durrës and other districts of the country. Many citizens had gathered outside the port to meet their relatives. The authorities had made full arrangements to receive them. A large number of ambulances were on standby, together with the necessary medical staff and representatives of the Albanian Red Cross. A medical team went by tugboat to the ship «Tirana», which was at anchor, to make a preliminary assessment of the passengers’ health and provide any necessary prophylaxis. According to the medical team’s findings, there were no serious health problems, even among the small children. The disembarkation took place in an orderly manner and there were no problems. They were informed that they would face no consequences and were advised to resume work and studies as before, at their enterprises and schools. Citizens living in Durrës dispersed to their homes, while the others set off for their districts by bus and train. (ATSH) The situation has returned to normal The situation in Durrës is returning to normal. The declaration of the seaport as a military zone contributed to normalizing the situation and immediately restarting the loading and unloading of ships and the handling of railway wagons. The first ships to be processed also entered the port yesterday. The «Alba» entered first. (Continued on page 3)

The spokesperson for the Ministry of Education announces that, in accordance with the published schedule for conducting classes in cycles at institutions of higher education, as previously announced, yesterday, March 11, 1991, classes began and proceeded normally at the Faculty of Mechanical-Electrical Engineering, in all its departments, at the Faculty of Fine Arts and at the Faculty of Medicine. The spokesperson for the Ministry of Education announces that, in accordance with the published schedule for conducting classes in cycles at institutions of higher education, as previously announced, yesterday, March 11, 1991, classes began and proceeded normally at the Faculty of Mechanical-Electrical Engineering, in all its departments, at the Faculty of Fine Arts and at the Faculty of Medicine; and on 11.9.1991 classes began and proceeded normally at the Faculty of Mechanical-Electrical Engineering, in all its departments; at the Faculty of Medicine, first, third, fourth and fifth years; at the Faculty of History and Philology, History-Geography department; and at the «Vojo Kushi» Higher Institute of Physical Culture, first-year course, parallel A. Throughout the day, condensed lecture cycles, laboratory practice, consultations, etc., were held and will continue to be held according to the announced schedule. The dormitories and dining halls for students of the above-mentioned faculties are also operating in «Studenti» City. MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

Yesterday the Committee for Culture and the Arts approved the establishment of the National Cooperation Association, headquartered in Tirana. It is an independent, non-political social organization. It conducts cultural and social activities inside and outside the state territory of Albania, in all countries of the world where it… (Continued on page 3)

Yesterday morning, in one of the rooms of the «Dajti» Hotel, the delegation of the International Helsinki Federation , which has been in our country for several days, organized a conference. (Continued on page 9)

What do the records show? The day-to-day work in agriculture has its own yardstick. The figures in the records speak more clearly than anything else. The planting of the specialist sunflower crop should have been completed, or nearly completed. But the records show that 55 percent of the area had been planted. Of the 14 districts that grow it, Elbasan and Shkodër have completed planting. The worst performers are the districts of Krujë, Gramsh and Tepelenë, which have planted only a little more than one quarter of the planned area. Vlorë, Lezhë, Skrapar, and others are also doing poorly. Early potato planting is no more than 90 percent complete on average. Here, too, some districts, such as Shkodër and Fier, have finished, while others, such as Elbasan, Lushnjë, Vlorë and Berat, have planted less than three quarters of the planned area. Among all the preparatory work for spring planting, plowing is of greatest importance. The figures show a significant backlog. On average, 30 percent of the area to be planted has been plowed. Several districts are below this average: Gjirokastër, with 6 percent; Dibër, 10 percent; Korçë, 13 percent; and Vlorë, 22 percent, among others. Correspondent of «Zëri i popullit»

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