The day before yesterday and yesterday in the People’s Assembly Discussions Aimed at Serious Work The “Law on the Main Constitutional Provisions” was adopted The meeting of the People’s Assembly continued yesterday morning. Discussions began on the content of Article 28. Quite a number of deputies from all parliamentary groups took the floor. The frequent and competent interventions by deputies of the Party of Labour and the Democratic Party, such as Sh. Korbeli, F. Çina, F. Avdiu, G. Ruli, R. Golemi, etc., stood out; in the views they expressed, they shared a concern to adopt laws that would stand the test of time. This is a good thing, and if some “contradiction” of views was apparent among the speakers, it had nothing at all to do with partisan aims. On the contrary, they sought serious work, what the masses of the people also want. Article 28 was adopted by more than two-thirds of the votes, as was Article 29. But the intervention by deputy S. Berisha, supported by Labour Party deputy Shkëlqim Cani, to return to point 8 of Article 21, which had been adopted the previous day, made an impression on us. Amendments were made to Article 30, making its content more solid and complete. Interventions were made to Article 31 to make partial improvements to specific paragraphs. Many deputies, such as Kiço Mustaqi, Genc Ruli, H. Hyseni, A. Kaza, A. Imami, etc., even though they had “nuances” in opposing one another’s views, brought the Assembly a commitment that was both serious and fruitful. Both the members of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly and the chairpersons of the parliamentary groups aimed to take measured steps. In the second session yesterday, P. Kapo, P. Pano, G. Pashko, A. Fishta, etc., took the floor. Their contributions also helped complete this article more fully and strengthen its content. Yesterday’s morning session began at 10:00. By 14:30, when the People’s Assembly adjourned to resume at 17:00, nine articles of the Main Constitutional Provisions had been discussed and adopted. These articles belonged to the group of laws concerning the highest bodies of state administration. We do not think we are mistaken in saying that the deputies who took the floor were generally concerned with better completing and clarifying the articles presented for discussion. This does not mean that there were no instances when various deputies, in their speeches, contributed nothing rational and merely delayed the adoption of particular articles. In this regard, the practice of also hearing the views of qualified lawyers seemed appropriate to us; their opinions and explanations helped resolve the proposals that were taken into account in completing the articles submitted for discussion. This is essential, given that there are very few lawyers in the new People’s Assembly. Here is a brief account of the discussion of the articles adopted yesterday morning. Article 32 concerns the Council of Ministers as the highest executive and administrative body, while Article 33 concerns deputies’ right to submit a motion of no confidence in the government at any time. The first paragraph of Article 32 states that the Council of Ministers is the highest body of executive power. Article 33 was clarified as well. Articles 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and 40: all these articles, following discussion and the necessary additions, were adopted by an absolute majority. Article 37, which concerns the composition of the government and the Council of Ministers, prompted the greatest debate. Deputies G. Pashko, A. Hajdari, Sh. Korbeci, S. Berisha, Xh. Gjoni, F. Nano, A. Baleta, B. Kopliku, I. Manushi, N. Karkiqi, I. Dushi, N. Roshi, H. Elezi, I. Lleshi, D. Agolli and B. Çela discussed this article. The debates focused especially on the powers and ...[?] were adopted almost immediately by an absolute majority. Article 34 also prompted discussion, especially the paragraph stating that the Council of Ministers may also include people who are not deputies. Thus, Labour Party deputy Fatos Nano explained the need for ministers who are not deputies to also serve in the government by pointing out that people do not always— Here, Hr. Hysen, the parliamentary groups aimed to take measured steps. In yesterday’s second session, the chairman of the Presidium, Kastriot Islami, presented the deputies with additions to Articles 5 and 6, which they had agreed to reformulate and make more complete. But even after this work, the deputies discussed them again, offered their views again, and adopted them once more, almost unanimously. Then the discussion moved on to the group of articles concerning the highest state bodies. Specifically, Article 32 was discussed. E … in the new People’s Assembly is very small. The debate soon reached Article 37, which concerns the composition and activities of the Council of Ministers. Karaqj, on the subordination of the Ministry of People’s Defence and the Ministry of Internal Affairs to the Council of Ministers. The deputies’ concern was that these two important ministries should stand in the same relationship to the Council of Ministers as all the other ministries. In the end, agreement was reached, and Article 37 was approved by more than two-thirds of the votes. … deputies. and activities of the Council of Ministers. Karaqj, of the votes. “Laws on the main provisions of the Constitution of the Republic of Albania.” The Chairman of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, Kastriot Islami, announced that, at the suggestion of the presidiums of the three parliamentary groups, a resolution on the Kosovo issue had been drafted. Deputy Esat Myftari read the resolution, which the deputies unanimously approved. The People’s Assembly will resume its work today at 9:00. BASHKIM KOÇI MUSA ULQINI

“Constructive tolerance has made a good impression on me” — DURRËS — The proceedings of the first session of the People’s Assembly are being followed with extraordinary interest in Durrës as well. — DURRËS — The proceedings of the first session of the People’s Assembly are being followed with extraordinary interest in Durrës as well. Among the many conversations we hear, one positive view stands out. The deputies are discussing with prudence and maturity, respecting one another’s opinions and jointly debating many issues, even when there are disagreements among them. Thus, the spirit of understanding and, in many cases, the consensus prevailing in the Assembly is also widely supported by workers in Durrës. Here are some comments on these and other views from people we spoke with yesterday. Agim Këlliçi: I am seeing a truly pluralist parliament, beyond the old forms, when all you did was listen, discuss or raise your hand, and rarely—or never—expressed a contrary opinion. This pluralist practice, now enshrined in law, handles problems better; it leads to more carefully considered and fair judgments and decisions. Qazim Gazmari: I too, following the work of the People’s Assembly closely and with interest, feel—and am favourably impressed by—the constructive tolerance unfolding in its proceedings day after day. Although the Party of Labour holds the majority of deputies in the Assembly, the voting mechanism is not being used mechanically, but with considerable care and wisdom. I am pleased when proposals, observations and suggestions made by deputies from one political party are also supported by those from another, and vice versa. So, when issues are considered first and foremost in the interests of the nation and the people, of Albania, and not merely in the interests of parties, things go well, and this is how it should always continue. Mikel Papakostandini: The present People’s Assembly has a great historic task: establishing the rule of law, adopting the new constitution, electing the state’s governing bodies, etc. Like the entire people, I too hope these things will be done as soon as possible. The country urgently needs the state to be unblocked; it urgently needs the election of the president and a new government, so that, as a reorganized state, we can move forward with rapid and confident steps toward the great transformations awaiting us, toward the European currents. That is why I feel that, although the People’s Assembly is wholly driven by this concern, in some cases the procedure is prolonged by repeating many times something on which the positions are similar or close. So perhaps I would suggest—without presuming to lecture the deputies—that they not spend time on minor matters with arguments and counterarguments when, in fact, they agreed from the outset. SOTIRAQ GJORDENI

— KORÇË — It is 18:00, and in the squares and promenades of Korçë it is impossible not to notice the milling crowds. The proceedings of the People’s Assembly are the main event that has brought everyone together, we might say, as one family and as pluralists, in front of the television screen. It seems that pluralist debates and deliberations in its proceedings are now guiding it onto a broader democratic ground, where they will unfold. The consensus, in the name of national unity, that is being set forth[?]— Anesti Stillo, director of the construction enterprise: From the proceedings, it seems that all the deputies are seriously trying to create laws that will better serve the people and democracy. This is also evident in their effort to seek consensus. We are awaiting the outcome of the work of this new parliament and of the current one, because we are interested in seeing a government formed and begin its activity as soon as possible. Viktor Riska, employee in the apparatus of the Party of La- The main event has brought everyone together, we might say, in a family-like and pluralistic way, debate, the assembly and its proceedings are now leading people onto a broader democratic ground, wherever they take place. The consensus proclaimed there in the name of national unity is also being sought in these “assemblies”—among families, social groups and people with one another, and so on. Here are some views from different sections of Korçë. Ylli Manoku, director of ILB: “From what we see on television, I think Parliament is finding what the whole nation needs: the much-needed consensus. In some cases, I think it could work more efficiently, although all the deputies seem to be in favour of improvements, not formalities. ‘Rationality means saving time and reflects the level of Parliament itself.’” Viktor Riska, an employee at the apartment of the Labour Party district committee in Korçë: “The Assembly’s proceedings also demonstrate civic courage and honesty in expressing opinions. Personally, I do not see any party shadow, which would naturally damage Parliament’s democratic and national character. It is striking that the group of deputies who are intellectuals in the political and economic fields, and who are becoming more active in Parliament, is growing. It is encouraging that every deputy should be not merely an approver, but also an active participant.” Correspondent of “Zëri i popullit”

— BERAT — Mikel Buhuri, director of the NPA in Berat, tells me that for some days now, 1 a.m. has no longer been the time when the lights go out in his family’s home for the night. Mikel Buhuri, director of the NPA in Berat, tells me that for some days now, 1 a.m. has no longer been the time when the lights go out in his family’s home for the night, because as soon as the television sets arrive, people begin sharing their fresh impressions of the proceedings of the People’s Assembly. You could say that parliament continues among us. The same impression can be felt everywhere. And that is natural. This is an unprecedented pluralist assembly, a victory for Albanian democracy. For the first time in many years, representatives of the people, nominated by different political parties, have gathered together to address major issues. The people’s representatives know how to represent the people with dignity, modesty, composure and conviction, embodying all the people’s finest virtues, says Xhemal Çela, chairman of the Sheqezë agricultural cooperative. I am impressed that they know how to put the people’s problems above the interests of the parties. Nothing could be better; there is no finer devotion to the cause of the homeland and the people. I wish our pluralist parliament success from the bottom of my heart, said Muharrem Hoxha, [at?] Myrteza Spahiu’s textile combine. I have greatly enjoyed the discussions and debates on various issues, but above all I like the consensus often reached between representatives of the opposition. We had no pluralist assembly, but it seems that the people’s sons were not lacking in parliamentary culture. They thank television for broadcasting the Assembly sessions (not only with the journalists’ impressions), because this gives them a greater opportunity to see how the trust the people placed in their representatives with their votes is being repaid. ASLLAN SARAÇI

The day before yesterday afternoon, in Tirana, the funeral ceremony was held for our distinguished historian, Prof. Dr. Selami Pulaha, vice-chairman of the General Council of the FDSH. His coffin was placed in the hall of the League of Writers and Artists. Members of the executive and the General Council of the FDSH, employees of institutions of the Academy of Sciences, lecturers and students of the University of Tirana, prominent figures and scholars from various fields, etc., came here to honour his memory and pay their respects. They also paid their respects and stood guard of honour (Continued on page 4)

A building with people in front of it.

During a break between sessions. (Photo: ATSH)

The indigenous Albanian people who live on their own lands, but are incorporated into the Yugoslav federal state and are third in number, face a new danger with unforeseeable consequences. Greater-Serbian chauvinism is not limiting itself to the grave and systematic violations of Albanians’ basic rights, through their imprisonment, deportation and murder; it has set out to eradicate their lives, and this chauvinism has decided to go further: to strip Kosovo of its autonomy so that its medieval myth may finally assume a real form, carrying through humanity’s most monstrous crime, that of genocide against around 3 million Albanians in their own lands. By this artifice and the means and methods employed by the leaders of Greater-Serbian chauvinism, they are attempting to legitimize the occupation of Kosovo, thereby harming stability not only in Yugoslavia but also in the Balkans and Europe. The friends and the Albanian people of Kosovo have clearly expressed their sovereign will in the decision of the Kosovo Assembly on 2 July 1990. On this occasion, they are asking for nothing more than what the other peoples of Yugoslavia have. Therefore, the claim that Albanians supposedly wish to bring about immediate separatism has been put forward in order to block every constructive initiative that might be proposed, to block the other Yugoslav republics, paralyze their political life, and place the entire Albanian people in the crosshairs, stirring up in them the idea of enmity in order to justify an attack against other peoples. We condemn the fact that, in connection with the Yugoslav crisis, the Albanian people are being excluded, thereby violating the universal principle of self-determination, which is also guaranteed by the Federal Constitution itself. But it is not this people’s fault that the old diplomacy of the states imposed its diktat upon them, dividing them in two. We therefore demand that: 1. The occupation and systematic violence being exercised by the Serbian state against the martyred Albanian people be abandoned. 2. The Albanians in their own lands within the Yugoslav federal state be recognized as a people and as a nation, and their participation in negotiations for an agreement be guaranteed on an equal footing with the other peoples of Yugoslavia. 3. The regionalization of Kosovo not be allowed. 4. All the rights of our Albanian brothers and sisters living in their own lands in Yugoslavia, guaranteed by the Constitution of Yugoslavia and the Helsinki Acts, be recognized and respected, including the right to self-determination. 5. The Albanian government be authorized to make representations to states and international organizations to ensure these rights. Since these issues are extremely worrying and of great importance to European and world public opinion, we appeal to them for greater understanding and fuller, more concrete commitment, so that the kindling of the fire of Greater-Serbian chauvinism may be prevented, for such a fire would recognize no borders. This is not only a message to our brothers and sisters but also a fundamental duty of one half of our nation toward the other half.