YESTERDAY IN THE PEOPLE'S ASSEMBLY After two hours and one thousand deputies[?], the session continued its regular work with debates on the day’s agenda, during which the platform and its program were to be presented. The President of the Republic, Comrade Ramiz Alia, attended the meeting. At the start of the proceedings, the deputies observed one minute of silence for the loss of life in the Fushë-Arrëz accident. Then the Speaker of the People's Assembly, Haxhi Lleshi[?], announced that on 7 May 1991 the parliament of Kosovo had proclaimed the Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo. Afterwards, the Speaker of the People's Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo, Naito Kapllani[?], stated that this event represented a special national celebration and stressed that it should now be assessed with maturity and wisdom. The Chairman of the Council of Ministers, Ylli Bufi, presented the government program platform and its composition. After the insistence of deputy Sali Abazaj, the chairman of the session said that the deputy of the pluralist coalition had, that morning, submitted a request in the name of the parliamentary group of the Republican Party that the People's Assembly reverse Friday’s majority opinion regarding the structure and that changes be made to its composition. On behalf of the government, the Minister of Finance, Mr. Arben Malaj[?], presented the changes. Subsequently, the composition and platforms of the government and the Council of Ministers were also presented. Prime Minister Ylli Bufi stressed that the new cabinet had the task of confronting the extremely difficult economic and social situation and of creating the conditions for democratic reforms and a market economy. (ATSH) (Photo: ATSH)

Honorable deputies, A series of measures has made known to us the course and the implementation of the necessary change in the way we govern. The government program will focus on the market economy and on guaranteeing public order and state law. First and foremost, we must stop the decline in production and restore financial balances. The whole set of reforms must be based on economic and social realism. This will require sacrifices, but also responsibility and solidarity. Albania is entering a new phase, in which political pluralism and an open economy cannot be mere slogans, but must be translated into concrete and measurable actions. We need an efficient administration, legality, and citizens’ trust in institutions. The government will work to secure bread, electricity, raw materials, and the normal supply of the market. It will take measures to protect vulnerable groups and to encourage productive investment. In foreign relations, Albania will pursue an open, balanced policy in the interest of the nation. Integration into European processes is closely linked to the success of domestic reforms. We know that the situation is grave, but we are convinced that with the support of the people, with political responsibility, and with work, the country can emerge from the crisis and enter the path of development. (Continues on page 12)

The very serious economic situation that peasants and other workers are going through today is also being reflected in this decision by the management. As stated in the appeal of patriotic circles to all workers of the country, all political, trade-union and social forces should engage and cooperate in a real way in order to put an end to the crisis and open the road to development.