YESTERDAY IN THE PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY Yesterday the People’s Assembly resumed its work at 17:00 with discussion and approval of the Draft Rules of Procedure for the Presidium, the Permanent and Temporary Committees, and the Bureau of the Interparliamentary Group of the People’s Assembly. As agreed the evening before last, after the material had been presented by the Commission for drafting these Rules of Procedure, it had also been discussed extensively in the morning by all three parliamentary groups. In the afternoon, therefore, discussion and approval of the Draft Rules of Procedure article by article began. The Presidium of the Assembly [Ilir Dushi?]. In the first vote, none of the versions received an absolute majority of votes. The vote was therefore repeated, and the second version was approved with more votes. There was extensive discussion of Article 1, for which two versions had been presented. The first version stipulated that the chairman of the Presidium is an official, while the second stipulated that the Presidium of the People’s Assembly is an official body. Some deputies supported the second version, stressing that the work of the People’s Assembly’s administrative apparatus would expand. Commission members and deputies Petraq Curri and [Neni?] gave explanations regarding this article. Article 2, concerning the election of three secretaries from among the younger deputies to form the secretariat and assist the Presidium, was approved by a majority of votes. Duties of the Presidium of the Assembly (Continued on page 2)

CHRONICLE FROM THE INTERNAL LIFE OF THE ALBANIAN PARTY OF LABOUR — FROM THE CONFERENCE OF THE PARTY OF LABOUR OF THE KORÇË DISTRICT — CHRONICLE FROM THE INTERNAL LIFE OF THE ALBANIAN PARTY OF LABOUR The grassroots organization—the center of gravity of the work — FROM THE CONFERENCE OF THE PARTY OF LABOUR OF THE KORÇË DISTRICT — It seemed that even the “reminder” to some comrades was unnecessary: they should, or rather could have been expected to, discuss whether “we are ready, whether we have prepared our discussion,” for the simple reason that, in the course of this discussion, most participants had come with the idea that we had to say something at this conference. When the discussion session began, intrinsically inseparable from the lively, sincere, constructive debate that followed the many questions from the floor, the instructors assigned to the conference must surely have felt relieved of their concern and thought: this reminder, too, is something that should belong to the past. This is what happened: one comrade was speaking, questions were put to him from the floor, and the debate was under way. Although the meeting chair had just signaled who had registered to speak and should now respond, a comrade from the floor took the microphone and said: “Please. I don’t want to disrupt the proceedings, but I see that my issue should be addressed now because it continues the debate that has just begun. Let’s not close this debate; let’s see it through.” And so a worker, Gjergji Licollari, “disrupted the proceedings”—not so much through the fervent tone of his words as through the thoughtful point he made: “A Party apparatus works well when it lives among the people and, in a real sense, functions as a grassroots organization, because people are the greatest guarantee of renewal, and with our renewed program we can win the hearts of the workers.” These words did not sound at all general, just as the criticism he made of the leading bodies and the apparatus of the district Party of Labour committee concerning waste and measures did not seem to be mere words for their own sake. The very idea running through all the conference discussions was this: how the district Party organization as a whole should work, from its leadership bodies down to the field, so that it functions as a living organism, radiating throughout the district’s political, economic and social life under conditions of political pluralism; so that the words and actions of Party of Labour members are felt not so much within the organization’s “walls” as, first and foremost, in organized and spontaneous contact with the people—contact that is always lively and open. (Continued on page 2)

— SARANDË — Compared with the work of many other organizations in the Sarandë district, the Party organization at the Vrinë Agricultural Enterprise has a clear vision and has courageously embarked on its renewal. Dhonat Duro, who is responsible for Party work in this area, also convinces us of this. He says that the Party of Labour’s local branch has a new outlook. But that is not all. This is also clearly reflected in several other areas. In recent days, workers—and first and foremost Party of Labour members—have been more strongly mobilized to complete the planting of maize and prepare silage. But what is fundamental, what truly expresses renewal in the life of this organization, is concrete work with people and a new understanding of its work, seeing it first and foremost as an effective opposition to the local authorities and economic bodies themselves. This demand was also clearly expressed in the organizations’ judgment that the most capable people should be placed at their head: those distinguished by new perspectives and who provide assurance that the Party’s work will be advanced. That is why comrades, both men and women, with higher education were elected secretaries in all the Party of Labour organizations in this area—people respected not only within the organization but also by the wider public. And this assurance has not remained within the organization’s confines. On the contrary, these days the elected comrades can be found among the people; besides holding discussions about the situation, they are explaining… the full range of the work, acting on initiatives rather than remaining within set confines. But is this picture also reflected in the other organizations in the Sarandë district? Compared with Vrinë, we believe the Party organizations in Kavajë, Partizani and some other villages are far behind. Otherwise, it is hard to explain how the law can be violated right in front of them and a Party member can excuse himself by saying, “These are not our duties; there are authorities for that.” We believe that such an attitude calls for a firm response through «concrete action»: the Party organizations must correct and change their working methods in keeping with the new demands of the times. THANAS DINO

Yesterday, the President of the Republic of Albania, Ramiz Alia, received at his residence Per Stenback, Secretary General of the League of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, who is visiting our country at the invitation of the Albanian Red Cross. President Ramiz Alia welcomed the guests to Albania and held warm and friendly talks with them. “Your arrival in our country,” he said, “is important for Albania in terms of expanding contacts with the outside world in the political, economic, cultural and other fields. Now, as we further deepen the processes of democratizing life in our country, the Albanian Red Cross, too, must function better as an organization independent of the state.” For his part, Per Stenback thanked them for the warm welcome, praised President Ramiz Alia’s views on the Red Cross organization, and stressed that they would appeal for medicines, food and other aid to be provided to Albania. The Chairman of the Albanian Red Cross, Dr. Ciril Petrostoli, was present at the meeting. (ATSH)

Yesterday, Italian Prime Minister Xhulio Andreoti received the Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania, Fatos Nano, at Palazzo Chigi. During the meeting, they held warm and friendly talks, in which Mr. Andreoti spoke highly of the importance of Italian-Albanian relations between the two neighboring countries and underscored the importance of their all-round development, especially under current conditions. Italian Prime Minister Andreoti expressed his satisfaction that in recent years relations between our two countries have been developing along their natural course. He said that Italy understands the difficulties a country faces during such a period of transition and assured him that it would stand by Albania as it overcomes and resolves them. He said this was an expression of the popular sympathy the two countries feel for one another. For his part, Albanian Prime Minister Fatos Nano briefed Prime Minister Andreoti on recent developments in Albania, the irreversible processes of democratizing every aspect of life, and parliamentary activity since the first pluralist elections, the formation of the new government and its program in general. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania, Muhamet Kapllani, also took part in the meeting. The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Albania to Italy, Dashnor Dervishi, was also present. (ATSH)

— SHKODËR — Everyone knows the work carried out by the Party of Labour organization in the Shkodër district for the 31 March elections. Among other things, they demonstrated that the employees of the Party Committee had become detached from the people not only during those three or four months but over many years; they had fallen into routine, substandard work and had become commanders and order-takers, doing nothing new. More work was done during other election campaigns, when there was no need to work, than during the most recent campaign, which was of particular importance. With few exceptions, the apparatus conducted the campaign in cafés and offices, spinning out endless conversations. That is over. The necessary organizational measures were taken. An organizing committee was established. Some good efforts are also being made to shake off apathy as soon as possible and to make the Party’s work newly transparent, timely and accessible to everyone. But although measures were taken in the elected bodies, in the appointed ones everything continues as before. The same instructors and the same apparatus employees as before continue to come and go in the new building of the Party of Labour Committee. Nothing has changed. Only some of them have gone to the production centers, while the others remain the same. The sole exception is the head of the organizing committee, who these days is engaged in organizational work. (Continued on page 2)

Also yesterday, the Foreign Minister of the Italian Republic, Xhani de Mikelis, met with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania, Fatos Nano, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Muhamet Kapllani. Also yesterday, the Foreign Minister of the Italian Republic, Xhani de Mikelis, met with and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Muhamet Kapllani. During the meeting, the course of relations between our two countries was assessed in the light of the latest developments in Albania following the first pluralist elections and the formation of the new government. Prime Minister Fatos Nano spoke to Minister De Mikelis about the Albanian government’s commitment to advancing reforms in every area of life and the importance of international cooperation, especially in overcoming the difficulties of the current crisis. He emphasized the important role Italy could play in the success of economic reform and in creating real opportunities to eliminate the reasons prompting people to leave Albania. In this context, they also discussed broader cooperation between Albania and Europe and its institutions, such as the European Community, the Council of Europe, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, etc., as well as Albania’s full participation in the CSCE, which today constitutes one of the basic orientations of our country’s foreign policy. For his part, Italian Foreign Minister De Mikelis underscored the importance of the progress of reforms in Albania in every field and of all political forces committing themselves to their success, so that Albania, too, can achieve full integration into the European family. Minister De Mikelis mentioned the importance of implementing certain objectives already agreed upon within the framework of economic cooperation, through credits from the Italian government. They also discussed the importance of Italian assistance in providing raw materials to put industrial and economic capacity to work, as these currently face acute shortages. The meeting, which took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere, was also attended by in Rome, Dashnor Dervishi. (ATSH)

Yesterday the Secretary General of the Italian Socialist Party, Betino Kraksi, received the Albanian Prime Minister, Fatos Nano, at the party headquarters. During the meeting, they held a wide-ranging exchange of views on economic reforms in Albania and the opportunities they offer for Albania to join positive European developments. Betino Kraksi emphasized cooperation with the Adriatic neighboring countries and those of the Mediterranean basin as one of the priorities of his party's foreign policy. In this context, he pointed out the importance of comprehensive cooperation with Albania and Italy's real potential to be Albania's principal partner in this cooperation. He underlined the interdependence between political and economic stability and the need to avoid any prejudice that hinders this stability. For his part, Prime Minister Fatos Nano spoke about the new political climate created in Albania under pluralism and the need for cooperation among all political forces to overcome the crisis and implement the new government's program, as part of the reform process in Albania. atmosphere, was also attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Muhamet Kapllani, and to Italy, Dashnor Dervishi. (ATSH)

Yesterday the Albanian Prime Minister, Fatos Nano, accompanied by Foreign Minister Muhamet Kapllani, was received in separate meetings and held talks with Interior Minister Vincenzo Skoti, Immigration Minister Margarita Boniver, and Foreign Trade Minister Vito Latazino. At these meetings, views were exchanged on relations and ways to promote comprehensive cooperation between the two countries in the context of integration into Europe. Albania's ambassador in Rome, Dashnor Dervishi, was present at these meetings. Yesterday, Prime Minister F. Nano also held a press conference for representatives of the Italian press and television at the Embassy of the Republic of Albania in Rome. He answered a number of questions concerning the meetings held with senior Italian officials, his visit to London, and recent developments in our country in the context of the comprehensive democratization of all aspects of the country's life—a complete and irreversible process—and the reforms taking place in the political, economic, and social fields. He also spoke about the main directions of Albania's foreign policy and its political integration into the “European family,” as well as the need, in this context, for comprehensive cooperation with European countries, with cooperation with Italy holding a special place. (ATSH)

His Excellency Mr. Ramiz Alia President of the Republic of Albania On the occasion of your election as President of the Republic of Albania, I congratulate you on behalf of the people and Government of the Republic of Cuba. I take this opportunity to express our wish that the traditional relations of friendship and cooperation between Cuba and Albania continue to develop for the benefit of both peoples. Wishing you success in carrying out such an important responsibility, I offer you my congratulations and the expression of my highest esteem. FIDEL KASTRO RUZ President of the Council of State and of the Government of the Republic of Cuba Albania I have the great pleasure of sending Your Excellency my heartfelt congratulations on your election as President of the Republic of Albania and, on this occasion, expressing my deep conviction that the good relations existing between Turkey and Albania will continue to develop. Please accept, Your Excellency, my very best wishes for your personal health and happiness. YILDIRIM AKBULUT Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey ALBERTO FUJIMORI President of the Republic of Peru His Excellency Mr. Fatos Nano Chairman of the Council of Ministers appointment as Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania, I send you my sincere congratulations and wish you success in advancing the country's democratization process. I wish to reaffirm my conviction that intensified cooperation between Romania and Albania is in the interest of our countries and contributes to deepening the process of fostering international understanding and cooperation. PETRE ROMAN Prime Minister of Romania Ministers of the Republic of Albania Dear Sir, On the occasion of your election as Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania, please accept, Your Excellency, my greetings and best wishes. JOZEF ANTAL Prime Minister of the Republic of Hungary