- From the meeting of the Council of Ministers The Council of Ministers approved the decision to begin the privatization of the economy by selling retail shops. The decision is based on the government's short-term program for liberalizing the economy. This means that conditions will be created for the development of private initiative in retail trade. The decision provides that the shops will be sold at public auction and at prices set according to the relevant criteria. The decision defines the bodies that will be responsible for organizing the auctions and for the practical implementation of this measure. It was emphasized that this step aims to increase economic efficiency, improve services to the people and expand the base of private property. The meeting also dealt with other issues related to the gradual transition to a market economy. Ministries and local bodies were called upon to follow the implementation of the decision responsibly and to take measures to prevent abuses. It was underlined that privatization will be carried out in accordance with the law and with the general interests of the country.

Producers and consumers The article deals with the state of market supply and the link between production, circulation and consumer demand. It emphasizes the need to increase production, improve distribution and eliminate bureaucratic obstacles that make it difficult for goods to reach the market. According to the article, the economy should be more oriented toward the real needs of the population and toward encouraging producers to bring goods of good quality and at acceptable prices. The difficulties of the transition and the shortages on the market are mentioned, as well as the need for quick measures to stabilize the situation. At the center is the responsibility of state structures and production enterprises to ensure better supply of the domestic market.

The article deals with the directions for economic renewal, the need for deep reforms and for creating new mechanisms that encourage production and initiative. It is stressed that the country faces major challenges and that reforms must be accompanied by responsibility, discipline and social support. According to the article, modernizing the economy requires changes in administration, property relations and the functioning of the market. The need to increase the role of specialists and to make better use of existing resources is also underlined.

General strike in the district of Genc Polos The article reports on local developments and public reactions concerning pressing problems of everyday life. A general strike is mentioned, and the population's concerns over economic conditions, supply and local administration are presented. The text emphasizes the need for institutions to provide concrete solutions and to establish dialogue with citizens.

Chairman of the Council of Ministers Fatos Nano received Iranian Piter Van Valsum (Continued on page 4) The meetings dealt with issues of bilateral relations, internal developments and shared interests. The importance of dialogue and the expansion of cooperation in various fields was highlighted. The conversation took place in a spirit of understanding.

(ATSH) The US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Richard Erbar, and the Deputy Second Assistant Secretary of the American Embassy in Rome, J. Michael Brook, left our country. The delegation held a special meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Muhamet Kapllani. (ATSH) Traffic between our country and Yugoslavia via Kosovo by land and rail is proceeding with difficulty. The reasons are the non-functioning customs apparatus, the blocking of the export-import bank, and the lengthening over time of phytosanitary and veterinary inspection procedures. (ATSH)