Maturity convinces me — BERAT — This is the phase of plural discussions on a wide range of issues that concern Albanian society. Undoubtedly, at their center are the election programs of the various parties, since the day of the elections for the pluralist parliament is approaching. These days we visited several cooperatives in the plain area of the district of Berat and spoke with some specialists. Kujtim Kashari, zootechnician at the Hinga agricultural cooperative, says: «I want to cast my vote with a clear mind, fully convinced, so that tomorrow I will have no cause for regret. In the Workers’ Party program, what convinces us is its cautious and measured progress. This progress gives people time to get used to the new and to become convinced of it. I am an agricultural specialist, a zootechnician, and I cannot help agreeing with the idea of reforming the cooperative. This should not be understood as denying it. There are many issues to discuss here, but let us take the prices of agricultural or livestock products. Why should they be imposed from above? It would be better to set them on a cooperative basis between the cooperative and state enterprises. For example, we sell olives to the state enterprise for around 3 lek per kg, while the latter sells them to consumers for more than 5 lek per kg. This is fair, if we bear in mind that the cooperative tends the olive trees throughout the year, whereas the state enterprise provides almost no significant services. Reforms in pricing policy are also a way to strengthen the cooperative». Nezir Vrapi, a specialist at the Goricani[t?] agricultural cooperative, says: «As a cooperative in a plain area, we have made progress, but naturally we also have problems. It seems to me that the problems of the agricultural cooperative are resolved more fairly not by denying it, but by improving the cooperative, its shortcomings, as well as those of parties directly or indirectly connected with it. I would say the same, for example, about the SMT. The time has come to conceive of it anew. That is how I understand the Workers’ Party program, and that is why I fully support it. New forms of cooperative relations and a more active role for the state in the partnership between the cooperative and the state enterprise are paths that will certainly lead to strengthening the cooperative. Let the cooperative household plot be increased by another 1 dynym. The main thing is to preserve collective property.» ASLLAN SARAÇI Acquainted. The villagers themselves, after awakening the courtyard—their private property—are now deciding on planting and cooperative farming, the property of the group, pro-

— A teacher from Tirana writes to us — Many people interpret the exodus our country is experiencing today according to their own party interests. But the truth is that the main cause of this painful phenomenon is the operation of the law of uneven development among different countries. It is a fact that the exodus from underdeveloped or developing countries began long ago and continues. And yet, those countries have neither a Workers’ Party nor a centralized economy. On the contrary, the poor market economy operated and continues to operate there. Economic planning, and consequently its centralized management, have made their contribution, if we consider our extensive, multi-branch economy. The power of the market economy after liberation would have brought about a one-sided economy, in which not all the country’s resources would have been stimulated and developed (because the 45-year period is historically too short for the path required by the market economy); this would have been a consequence of competition and the inadequate budget of that time. Subsidies in particular sectors of the economy, which were later applied, kept entire economic activities necessary for the country on their feet, thereby eliminating genuine social assistance. The new economic mechanism is the most reasonable solution both for the operation of the objective economic laws of development and for the humane social aspect of this transition period. That is why I give my vote to the Workers’ Party. Its reformed program, in keeping with the new historical conditions, is a logical continuation of its past. Progress is interwoven there with humanism, gratitude with true moral values. For both the city and the countryside, the Workers’ Party program provides room for individual initiative without descending into individualism, and for collectivity without descending into uniformity. FABIAN BORIZANI descended into uniformity. (Continued on page 2)

— An economist from Shkodra writes to us — As an economist, I see considerable room for action in the PPSH program. Being a renewed program compared with its earlier programs, it now provides for broader opportunities for the country’s socioeconomic development. I will support this with an example involving three types of property: private, social and state. This very distinction in ownership creates greater economic scope, which means broader and faster development. Through this scope, greater efficiency in productive activity will also be achieved. And it is true that the form of ownership that yields the greatest return will most naturally gain precedence. This precedence will be free to receive support. On the other hand, the three forms of ownership also create opportunities for competition, in production quality, in pricing, and even in efficiency. We can take an example to demonstrate the broad scope for economic activity created by the three forms of ownership in industry as well as in agriculture. But I want to focus on the latter, since it is more or less clearer at the present stage. The villagers themselves, having expanded their household plots, their private property, are deciding on the size of the cooperatives, the property of the group, and on social and state property as a whole. Indeed, the PPSH program is as it is written: «Under the conditions of today’s development of the socialist economy, the improvement of the situation with the actors, its shortcomings, as well as those of parties directly connected with it, is carried out cautiously and as a well-considered continuation» [?] (Continued on page 2)

Fortunately, the economic programs of the political parties have in common the alternative of the market economy. What is the market economy? For a long time, the market economy showed us one side of itself, like a shadow in its rotation around the Earth. Our economists learned from the «professors» who showed its gloomy side. Whoever defended a dissertation on this subject became a «doctor» by denouncing capitalism, which they said was «drowning» in crises. Whoever traveled around Europe with state money brought us beautiful, bright things: an abundant market. Most people, persuaded by the «professor-politicians», became disoriented or sank into mental laziness. Thus, confused and full of contradictions, we Albanians imagined the market economy as a sphinx. But what about today? Today, having just opened a tiny window, we push one another in line to see a piece of its sky. We are in a hurry. We shout our disappointment to the heavens. We threaten. The most impatient set off for Europe on foot to bring it here by ship. Anxiety, doubts, hopes. Politicians gaze down from the wide gallery seething below. The Albanian drama is unfolding: «The market economy». Eyes are fixed on the ballot box. The die is cast! Ah! The politicians again. The PD’s grand rallies. Oracular pronouncements. Promises of miracles and a life of abundance. Instead of arguments, a frenzy of quotations from foreign experts. The journalist who has read two or three articles on the market economy in «Le-mond» is a lucky one. The lines flow with similarities. The sphinx is wearing a new political mantle. Ironically, we are reminded of the past: how little the economy can move at a political sprint. Will this practice still entice us? «Poor economists!» one of my colleagues wrote about past practice. «Poor economists!» I repeat about the times we are living through. Once again, we are taking the bread out of their hands. Who writes about such a major economic issue? Anyone, from the opposition, provided they have the talent to wield the power of black ink. Who has an academic degree that makes them authoritative and credible in the eyes of the masses? Then it happens that a gardener, whose work with cucumbers has gone nowhere, turns into an expert political economist. A poet has become firmly convinced that the historic moment has arrived for him, like Balzac once, to become famous in economics. «Scientists» looking back in retrospect, going over and over how history should have unfolded. Ordinary people become disoriented; they do not know whether to trust even an economist with qualifications when they see him caught up in the fever of power. Everyone, to a greater or lesser extent, carries the legacy of the past, prejudices and nostalgia; just as there is resistance to accepting a new model, we cannot part with the old so easily, without pain and sacrifice. In this situation, the economist’s task is to clarify, at least somewhat, our path toward an Albanian economy. And once again, simply, an Albanian economy with as little ideological baggage as possible. Woe to our poor economy if we drag it and plunder it from one side to another. We have not left the national unity to think about it first and foremost in economic terms. This is the heavy burden the economist must bear. The economic path extends beyond March 31. Where are the economists? Let us look for them, and we will find them outside, surrounded by people we have known for years. They may indeed have no name, nor a nimble pen for the press. But what use are those who cannot get beyond the seesaw of «forces» and relations of production? The «scientists» at the Institute of Economic Studies and the Faculty of Economics are not making themselves heard. What are they waiting for, instructions as always, ideological models from above?! (Perhaps they have nothing to say; perhaps they are waiting for the political waters to settle.) The bells of battle have rung for them. Today—or tomorrow will be too late. For better or worse, everyone has a voice. I judge an article, an opinion, as a vote in this nationwide referendum that is now boiling over. SHYQYRI MEKA There are no ideas, no labour party, and no centralized economy. On the contrary, a genuine market economy operates there. Economic planning, and consequently its centralized direction, makes the economy dependent on a particular sector that they applied and which later kept other economic activities necessary for the country going, eliminating of the economy. On the contrary, there, a particular sector of the economy that they applied eliminating economic programmes of the Party, which, as he pointed out, give intensified, etc. (According to ATSH)

The night before last, at 11:40 p.m., the ferry «Espresso Grecia» docked at the seaport of Durrës, bringing back another 830 people from Italy, who had left the previous week on various ships. There were children and adults, who returned of their own free will. They were from Durrës and from the district of… [text continues outside the frame]. They disembarked safely, and there were no incidents or health problems. After being informed that they would face no consequences, administrative measures or legal action, the returnees were urged to begin work at their enterprises. After this, they were transported by buses and trains arranged… [text continues outside the frame]… for this purpose to their districts and places of residence. Foreign journalists and photojournalists were also present. The ferry returned to Italy. Meanwhile, the port of Durrës continues to maintain the status of a military zone, and the loading and unloading of ships continues as usual. (ATSH) Grecia» docked at the seaport of Durrës, bringing back a further of their own accord. They were from Durrës and other districts of the country. Many citizens had come outside the seaport to await their children and relatives. The district authorities had made arrangements, providing ambulances along with the necessary medical staff, as well as vehicles to transport them to the centers of ba-

— Press conference of the PPSH — As part of the campaign for the 31 March elections to the People's Assembly, the Party of Labour of Albania organized a press conference yesterday afternoon in one of the halls of the Tirana District Party of Labour Committee, with journalists from various press organizations, the Albanian Telegraphic Agency, and the country's domestic and foreign radio and television services. Cadres, activists and sympathizers of the PPSH were also invited. Comrade Xhelil Gjoni, member of the Political Bureau and secretary of the Central Committee of the PPSH, spoke to those present about the PPSH's commitment to its democratization and comprehensive renewal, and answered journalists' questions. He focused mainly on aspects of democratizing the life of our society, on certain aspects of the reform and, above all, on the renewal of the Party itself, in the context of new developments in the country's political life. He placed particular emphasis on the Party's efforts to relinquish certain powers in the field of day-to-day economic affairs and transfer them to state and economic bodies, both centrally and locally. The Party itself will focus more on economic policy, putting forward ideas, programmes and prospects for economic development in the interests of the entire people, and will work to ensure that these are reflected in the activities of the state. The conference also clarified the Party of Labour's position on transferring to the authority of government bodies, at every level, the appointment and assignment of cadres to state and economic bodies, education and cultural institutions, the army and internal affairs bodies, etc.—appointments which had previously been made or approved by Party bodies at the central and local levels. Speaking about the main directions of the Party's renewal, outlined in its electoral programme, Comrade Xhelil Gjoni stressed that there can be no organization without substance, nor substance without organization. Therefore, the task is to make the Party and its organizations truly militant organizations that struggle and campaign to clear the way for new developments. (Continued on page 2)

The Party of Labour Committee of the Berat district organized, in the «13 Shtatori» cinema hall in the city, an active meeting attended by members of the plenium, secretaries of primary organizations, specialists, production managers and cadres from all sectors of the economy, at which the PPSH electoral programme was explained. The PPSH representative and secretary of the Party's Central Committee, Abdyl Backa, emphasized that, in the new conditions of political pluralism and the economic situation our country is experiencing, the Party's electoral programme and its objectives express the people's interests in the country's development more effectively and democratically. Drawing lessons from the past, the Party of Labour has decided to divert funds and financing away from heavy industry, whose predominance and absolutization, along with spending in other non-productive spheres, burdened the economy. He pointed out that the Party's economic programme gives attention to the transition to a market economy through two stages: stabilizing the economic situation and then renewing it with the active participation of the state, credit and foreign investment. In these processes, our joint work remains decisive. The PPSH regards agricultural development as one of the main issues, with the recognized forms of state, cooperative and private ownership to be expressed and put into practice there. The Party of Labour opposes the sale of land, since it is a shared asset. In future legislation, he said, the PPSH will work to strengthen the rule of law and protect collective and private interests, those of the state; activity in healthcare and quality education, as well as social assistance, will be intensified, etc. (According to ATSH)

As part of the reform of the PPSH organization, the first national conference to establish the Independent Trade Union Federation of Mining, Geology and Processing Workers of Albania was held yesterday in the mining town of Pogradec. They attended (Continued on page 2)

Talks were held at the State Department between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Socialist Republic of Albania, Muhamet Kapllani, and the official performing the duties of the US Secretary of State, Robert Kimmitt. Both interlocutors viewed the restoration of diplomatic relations between Albania and the USA as an event that opens a new chapter in relations between the two countries and in their future prospects. Robert Kimmitt praised the Albanian Minister of Foreign Affairs' visit to Washington and the Albanian government's willingness to restore these relations, and noted that the US Government had chosen to make this happen before the 31 March elections. We, the senior American official continued, are closely following democratic developments in Albania and are interested in seeing the processes that have begun move forward without obstacles. He said that the government of the Albanian people is moving along the path of democracy and a market economy, a transition that is not easy but passes through difficulties, which the USA understands. He emphasized the US government's readiness to provide concrete assistance to Albania, both through prompt humanitarian aid in the form of food and medicines and through medium- and long-term programmes, by setting economic mechanisms in motion. For his part, Minister Muhamet Kapllani spoke about the democratization process in Albania, which represents an alternative in the interests of the present and the long-term future of the people and the country, in the context of European and global developments. He expressed support for effective and lasting bilateral cooperation in the economic, financial, trade, technical and scientific fields. The talks were held in a constructive and friendly atmosphere.

Yesterday, a memorandum of understanding between the government of the PSR of Albania and the government of the United States of America concerning the restoration of diplomatic relations was signed in Washington. The memorandum was signed on behalf of the Albanian side by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Muhamet Kapllani, and on behalf of the American side by the Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs, Raymon[d] Saj[x]. Senior State Department officials, representatives of the Albanian-American community, etc., attended the signing ceremony. A joint communiqué was also issued on this occasion, stating: of the United States of America, following talks held between their respective duly authorized representatives and having confirmed their commitment to implementing the principles of equality and mutual respect and esteem, agreed to restore diplomatic relations, effective 15 March 1991, and thereafter to exchange diplomatic missions at ambassadorial level. (ATSN)

Year 1 48-49 of publication Saturday, March 16, 1991 No. 64 (13 320) Price 30 qindarka

The paths of renewal are Active in dismantling the program

Since the beginning of the election campaign, I have received several letters and official requests proposing that I accept nomination as a deputy to the People's Assembly in constituencies in various districts, such as Librazhd, Elbasan, Pogradec, Skrapar, Dibër, etc. I value these wishes as an expression of the people's confidence in the Party of Labour and in me personally. I therefore feel it is necessary to express my heartfelt gratitude and thanks to everyone. On this occasion, I wish to announce that, in accepting the request of the PPSH and BRPSH to put forward my candidacy in constituency 218 of the city of Tirana, which also includes the neighbourhood where our Party was founded, I had in mind my long-standing ties with its residents, many of whom know me and whom I know personally. I spent my childhood in this area, as well as the difficult days of the War and those following the liberation of the country. I also represented this area in the last legislature of the People's Assembly, so the renewed confidence of its voters constitutes a special obligation and responsibility for me. Thank you all Ramiz Alia Tirana, 15.3.1991.