The 26th Conference of the Party of Labour of the Kukës district was evidence of the Party’s own struggle, taking place within the ranks of the Party of Labour, against bureaucracy and for its renewal. CHRONICLE OF THE INTERNAL LIFE OF THE PPSH Let us distance ourselves from dogmas and defeat bureaucracy — FROM THE CONFERENCE OF THE PARTY OF LABOUR OF THE KUKËS DISTRICT — The 26th was evidence of the Party’s own struggle, taking place within the ranks of the Party of Labour, against bureaucracy and for its renewal. The report, the questions and the discussions were guided by a general concern: the Party’s level, methods and work must adapt and respond to the new demands that the times place before Party members and organizations. In many of the discussions, bureaucracy, conservatism and pseudo-democracy that are emerging in the Party’s work were strongly criticized. Expressing concern about these shortcomings and the responsibility felt by the grassroots organization and its members, they sharply criticized concrete manifestations of bureaucracy and certain individuals who had sullied their reputations and seriously damaged the Party’s ties with the masses. In their discussions, Islam Gjana, Skënder Ahmeti, Beqir Basha, and others stressed that correcting shortcomings and mistakes is not enough: the Party must be fully renewed, as is also reflected in the draft programme and draft statute. But for these documents to be successfully implemented, persistent work is needed, especially to cast off harmful burdens: dogmas, outdated practices and obstructive mindsets. “Unless you prune a tree, it will not bear fruit,” said Mu-hamet Bela in his discussion. Emphasizing that raising the ideological level is essential, they called for ever greater importance to be given to strengthening national sentiment and defending our national identity. Beqir Basha said that not all Party members understand and embrace the changes. But we must make it increasingly clear that conservatives are currently becoming dangerous in their concepts and past totalitarian practices, and are among the most dangerous in the Party’s ranks. It is therefore an imperative duty to break away from them and never identify either the name of a Party member or that of an organization with any leader who has sullied his name through his conduct and actions. For the Party organization to rise to the level of the times, however, it is essential that it rely firmly on the intelligentsia, create working conditions for them, open the way for them—and for those who are not Party members—to take part in state leadership, and ensure that people no longer move from one armchair to another, becoming detached from the masses and their problems, atrophying and turning into an obstacle to the future. Among the most interesting contributions was that of Besim Cengu, who stressed that political work must ensure that people act directly and remain steadfast, move away from dogmas and rely on today’s reality. He said that there are now Party members who understand the situation, the need for change, its scope and course, but there are others who do not understand, and we must work with them so that we can all move forward together. There are also others who do not want to understand the changes that need to be made, and from them we must necessarily distance ourselves. Excessive talk has turned people into political chatterboxes. It is therefore essential to stay close to people; it is not true that people have lost interest in work, but rather that bureaucrats and parasitic leaders have. Bureaucratic manifestations and the clumsy positions taken by the district Party committee apparatus regarding this restructuring, as well as the reassignment of instructors to their professions, were rightly criticized. The nominations of candidates and delegates to the 10th Congress of the PPSH also reflected a concern for renewal, and it can be said that the district’s leading bodies have been renewed in their composition, age and level so as to fully meet the demands of the times. Islam Gjana was elected First Secretary of the district Party committee. HALIL BUÇPAPAJ

— Interview with Spiro Dede, Secretary of the Central Committee of the PPSH, given to “Zëri i Popullit” — — We are one month away from the 10th Congress of the PPSH. Its convening has long been called for; much has been said about it, and much is expected of it. What does this event represent in the life and activity of the Party? First, let us agree on one thing: the time has passed when every word in “Zëri,” and even more so the words of a Party official, was taken as an official opinion or position. Everything we discuss will be personal thoughts and reflections. The 10th Congress of the Party of Labour is expected to be an exceptional congress, one of extraordinary weight and importance for the Party. In terms of timing, it is a regular congress, but given the situation that has arisen—a crisis of the economy and politics, a social crisis and a crisis of confidence—the Congress would have had to be held even if it had not been due. This is because the Party of Labour, as the party in power for 45 years, bears its own historic responsibility for everything that has happened and is happening in the life of the country, and it must speak openly about the causes, conditions and internal and external factors that led to and brought this crisis to the fore. Meanwhile, during this period, and especially over the last 6–7 months, the Party itself has embarked on a path of profound change, renewal and reform in its line and policy, its working methods, organization, etc. The Party Congress, better than any other body or forum, can analyze all this and give it the proper name. As such, it will be a Congress of reassessments and redefinitions, of distancing itself from its entire activity under the monist system and of moving towards, and adapting to, the rules and nature of a pluralist society. Through the decisions it will take, and especially through the new Statute and Programme it will approve, it will enter the history of the Party of Labour as the Congress of Responsibility, the Congress of Radical Renewal. A new page in the history of the Party of Labour will open with it. — The opposition, and others too, say: “Are the members of the Party of Labour capable of representing this programme? Are the members of this party, accustomed for decades to acting and thinking differently, capable of changing and adapting to new conditions and demands?” — In reviewing the past, what would you consider some of the main problems or phenomena on which attention should focus? — One of the most important issues on which the Party must become aware and take a position is the development model we adopted and from which we are now distancing ourselves and abandoning. I think this is one of the main keys to explaining why the crisis of recent years came about. Without in any way denying or minimizing the undeniable achievements of the past 45 years, which we hold in high esteem and of which we are proud, it must be acknowledged that the essential causes and roots of many of the mistakes and failures we are feeling today lie in that monist, administrative-economic model (totalitarian, bureaucratic, etc., as the opposition calls it). It is well known that this model was not an Albanian creation. Our predecessors, those who emerged from the fierce and victorious war, adopted the model with the great belief and aspiration that it was the only path to happiness, equality—communism! While sincerely valuing their selflessness, their endless sacrifices and their achievements, honoring and respecting them, and understanding that what was once acceptable will very soon no longer be acceptable to others and to younger generations, we believe that… - From the opposition, but also from others, people say: “Are the members of the PP capable of representing this program? the new conditions and demands?” - Let us look at the questions and doubts that arise when we confront reality! Truly accustomed to ensuring that not a single hair fell on the Party’s shoulders, convinced—or compelled—to accept without a word its absolute, “inviolable,” “irreplaceable” role everywhere and in everything, and yet these same party members have accepted and embraced very essential changes within a year, indeed within 6–7 months! The need to remove the article that enshrined the Party’s leading role in society and the state; the separation of the Party’s activities from those of the state; fundamental changes to the Constitution; credit, freedoms and human rights; freedom of conscience and belief; relations with the USSR and the USA, recognition of the Common Market, of the Co… There is therefore no reason why the Party’s grassroots should not accept and embrace the reformed program. The discussion taking place throughout the Party shows the opposite: not only is it accepted almost everywhere, but discussions, suggestions and proposals are being made to further improve and complete it. I am convinced that at the Congress we will approve one of the most democratic and contemporary programs! - You mentioned the need to analyze the past and the responsibility for it. Is this accepted and understood everywhere and by everyone? - An analysis of the past! Responsibility for it! Easy to say, but when faced with the concrete reality, it is as weighty and arduous as the boulder of Sisyphus! Nevertheless, everyone must put their shoulder to it! This is not to disperse responsibility, but to avoid falling into the same practices and mistakes of the past, when important decisions and analyses were often confined entirely to the leading forums. The issue is that eve… (Continued on page 2) “progressive” and “unrenewable”! the most democratic and contemporary programs! - by everyone? - as weighty and arduous as the stone leading forums. The issue is that eve… - Did this happen because the model had shortcomings and defects, or was it a defective model, destined to fail?! - This is an issue that deserves discussion. Personally, I think it is not simply a question of shortcomings. But while emphasizing this truth, we must in no way… the responsibilities must not be left only to… (Continued on page 2)

In the capital’s districts In most of the district’s grassroots organizations, meetings have concluded. In some places, this happened with considerable difficulty: meetings attended by only half the members, cancellations and postponements. This has been especially true in grassroots production organizations, at the “Partizani” plant, the wood-processing factory, the meat factory, the shoe factory… Production is facing more difficulties than any other sector. The picture is quite different in some institutional organizations. Intellectuals at several institutes under the Academy of Sciences, as well as in other sectors, are setting the tone in debates on the renewal and consolidation of the Party organization. This is particularly the case in hospitals. Those doctors who are Party members and have always been close to the sick, engaged in the demanding work of treatment and far from offices and comforts, are bringing vitality to the organization. Some of them have only recently started working. All the discussions they have held in recent days have been substantial and full of very constructive ideas. Would it not be a good idea for these intellectuals, through representatives, to bring their level, judgment and ideas to the production organizations as well? It is very necessary. Who is better placed to organize this than the district Party committee, especially the committees of the regional districts? But what is happening in the offices? Meetings are being felt throughout the grassroots organizations. In some places their activity is concrete. Employees of the Party Committee of Region No. 4 are out in the villages. In the offices of… (Continued on page 2)

Yesterday morning, Deputy Prime Minister Shkëlqim Cani received the second mission of the International Monetary Fund, headed by Prof. Mario Blejer, at the Prime Minister’s Office. After expressing his pleasure at meeting the members of the mission, Shkëlqim Cani held a cordial conversation with them. He thanked them for the work they had done in preparing the documentation for Albania’s membership in this international organization. He then outlined the state of Albania’s economy and its difficulties, focusing on the efforts of the new Government and the measures it has taken and is taking to overcome the crisis and the difficulties, etc. Among other things, he said that despite the difficult economic conditions facing the country, the new Government is preparing, and will soon adopt, a new decision to increase employees’ wages, which will help further improve the people’s well-being, etc. For his part, Prof. Mario Blejer, on behalf of the group… (Continued on page 4)

The Supreme Court is elected; the Prosecutor General and his deputy are appointed Yesterday morning at 10:00, the People’s Assembly continued its proceedings by considering the agenda item concerning the election of the Supreme Court and the appointment of the Prosecutor General and his deputy. The Chairman of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, Kastriot Islami, said that, in cooperation with the presidiums of the parliamentary groups, it had been agreed that the proposed candidates for the Supreme Court, the Prosecutor General and his deputy would be discussed separately by all three parliamentary groups. After the parliamentary groups’ meetings, the plenary session resumed at 13:20. Deputy Lufter Xhuvani, on behalf of 10 deputies, proposed the following composition of the Supreme Court: 1. Kleanthi Koçi — Chair 2. Fehmi Abdiu — Deputy Chair 3. Rustem Gjata — Deputy Chair 4. Agim Shkupi — Deputy Chair 5. Avni Shehu 6. Fatmira Laskaj 7. Ismete Bertoli 8. Lili Robo 9. Metush Saraçi 10. Muharrem Kushi 11. Qazim Gjonaj 12. Spiro Spiro 13. Tamara Malaj 14. Viktor Ikonomi 15. Zija Vuci as well as 40 assistant judges. There was extensive discussion concerning the candidates presented. (Continued on page 2)

In recent days, a contract was signed to establish the joint venture ALBUCROS, headquartered in Tirana, between the Ministry of Food Industry and the French company GDI (Gilbert Ducros International). The statute of the enterprise was signed alongside the contract. In principle, it was agreed that the capital contribution and distribution of profits would be split equally, fifty-fifty. The enterprise will be managed by an administrative council composed of 4 members, the three parliamentary groups at separate meetings. — Chair 2. Fehmi Abdiu — Deputy Chair 3. Rustem Gjata — Deputy Chair 4. Agim Shkupi — on page 2)

His Excellency Mr Ramiz Alia President of the Republic of Albania TIRANA On the occasion of your election as President of the Republic of Albania, allow me to extend my sincere congratulations and, at the same time, my best wishes to you personally in the fulfilment of your highly responsible office, for the good and well-being of the Albanian people. KURT VALDHAIM Federal President of the Republic of Austria To the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania Fatos Nano TIRANA Please accept my warmest congratulations on your appointment as Albania. We wish you success in your work in the interests of Albania’s democratic development and the strengthening of friendly relations between our two countries and our two peoples. VALENTIN PAVLLOV Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics His Excellency Mr Fatos Nano Albania TIRANA I extend my sincere congratulations on your approval as Albania and wish you success in your work. I take this opportunity to express my conviction that relations between our two countries will continue to develop in the spirit of the traditional friendship between the Bulgarian and Albanian peoples, in the interests of cooperation and understanding in the Balkans and in Europe. DIMITËR POPOV Bulgaria