Since the end of February, three Governments have been replaced. The “monist” Government was dissolved as the cause of the crisis; the temporary Government of Work was formed until the elections, whose arrival we could hardly wait for; and finally, the new People’s Assembly approved a Government representing the will of the voters. They thought they would not have to deal with disturbances. But it was not to be. In the streets of Tirana and some other cities in the country, strikers appeared, demanding, among other things, the Government’s resignation!... If we appeal to our memory, it will remind us that, especially after the elections, opposition leaders promised their supporters that the PPSH’s rule would not last long, that “democracy” would soon win even the remaining constituencies, while their promises became even more concrete: “those in power won’t get to eat the cherries!...” Therefore, there is nothing unexpected or previously unheard-of in the opposition’s current efforts. What may surprise us is the willingness to take the strikers’ demands into consideration even when they are profoundly political. If they have demands concerning their work, wages, or conditions of treatment, let them protest according to the level of responsibility and demand even the dismissal of the relevant minister, say, the minister of industry; but what have they got against the ministers of education, health, foreign affairs, defense, municipal services... in other words, the entire Government? What arguments do they have, and what is the Government guilty of? Did it sell Albania? Sell the land to foreigners, steal, squander, prove incapable? What did it do? Give us the arguments, and we’ll get the whole city on its feet. Governments are not puppets for anyone to play with as they please. They were old. There, yesterday they became new. They were “uneducated”; there, they came back with university degrees, some with three or four foreign languages. What is wrong with their abilities? Only this, as one opposition deputy put it, that they are members of the Party of Labour? So, according to this logic, not just three but 30 Governments could be replaced, and none would be any good if it belonged to the PPSH. Let us suppose that, for the sake of “tolerance,” “consensus,” and “so on,” we remove this Government and install the one the opposition wants. Then the larger part of the population will rise up and protest: “Why are you making a fool of us? Do you want to send us back to elections until someone manages to win by insisting?” What does a strike have in common with consensus? In the name of democracy, the Government’s resignation is being demanded by “ultimatum.” This is mass presumption over decisions for which responsibility must be borne. to elections until someone manages to win by insisting?” Therefore, comrades in the Government, add this difficulty—those who do not want you—to the usual difficulties, and work with devotion, patriotism, and all your abilities.

Yesterday morning, the President of the Republic of Albania, Ramiz Alia, met with a group of trade unionists from the Independent Federation of Miners, Geologists and Beneficiators from Kalimashi, Bulqiza, Memaliaj, Vllahsi, Tërnova, etc. The miners expressed their concerns to the President and informed him of the demands they had submitted for improvements in wages and working conditions. During the conversation, the trade unionists stressed that their main demand to the government authorities was that, with the implementation of wage and price reform, the difference in pay between miners and workers in other occupations be maintained. They said that the Government should act to unblock the situation. The trade unionists also asked why the ministries were not intervening promptly to meet some very simple demands that required no study, especially those concerning working conditions. They stressed that their demands were purely economic and that they were ready to cooperate with the Government, provided its commitments to the miners and the deadlines for fulfilling them were clearly defined. Neither we without the Government nor the Government without us can do anything. We want to return to our enterprises confident that our problems will be resolved. Comrade Ramiz Alia praised the fact that almost the entire working class of the mining industry had chosen constructive dialogue with state authorities and pressure on the bureaucracy as the means of securing its demands, while clearly maintaining its work stoppage. This, he said, was a mature and patriotic stance. Speaking about the miners’ demands, the President said he considered it essential to maintain the ratio between their wages and those of other workers. In the decisions the Government will take on wages, this issue will be resolved fairly as of July 1, while maintaining the priority of miners’ remuneration over that of other categories of workers. The strike that began and has continued in many sectors since the middle of the month, the President went on to say, has caused great damage to the economy. But it has now reached a point where it is also harming citizens’ and villagers’ direct interests. The paralysis of transport has even threatened to leave some remote areas without grain and food, while their reserves are running out. Disruptions have appeared even in such sectors as sanitation services, which directly affect people’s lives. As a result, as announced in the Council of Ministers’ communiqué, infant mortality has also begun to rise. From the information broadcast every day on television, as well as from the many letters and telegrams I have personally received, I know that a majority of workers want to return to work without abandoning the demands they have submitted. This will must not be obstructed. The right to work is no less democratic than the right to strike. As it seems, the President continued, there are efforts to exploit the workers’ strike movement for political gain. This is very dangerous, because it can lead to a split among the people, to workers turning against workers—something that no one who wishes the homeland well wants. Therefore, I appeal to the people and call on all workers to beware of such speculation, to gather their strength and work for their own good and that of the country, opposing anyone who tries to kindle a fire, foster discord and hatred, or stir up distrust of the state. The President then spoke to the miners about the work and difficult tasks the Government is currently facing. I appreciate, he said, its serious commitment to resolving the problems that have accumulated. In its work it has, and will have, my support as President. Of course, Comrade Ramiz said, the Government’s results would have been more effective if the administrative apparatus, both of the central bodies and of those at the grassroots, had worked with the same concern and determination. It is suffering from bureaucracy and old mentalities. But we can hope that, with efforts on both sides, by the Government and the workers, such phenomena will be eradicated. Finally, the President spoke about the need to overcome difficulties and work together in a healthy spirit. We have faced even more difficult situations, he stressed, but have overcome them without being brought to our knees, by supporting one another. Our people know well what is needed at such a time: unity, confidence in the future, and perseverance and determination to work. Also attending the meeting was Kastriot Muço, chairman of the Organizing Commission for the establishment of the Confederation of Trade Unions of Albania. At the conclusion of the meeting, the chairman of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, Dr. Kastriot Islami, and the chairman of the Council of Ministers, Fatos Nano, also arrived. The miners thanked President Ramiz Alia for his warm reception, his kind words, and the appreciation he had shown for their work. The meeting took place at the President’s office. (ATSH)

In recent days, the Government has been accused of negligence and indifference toward the strikers’ demands, as well as of failing to contact them. In fact, throughout this week the Government has been in intensive contact with representatives of the trade unions, both the Union of Independent Trade Unions and the Trade Union Federation— [text is garbled in the source]. The only economically acceptable way to resolve these demands was established. 2. The demands in points 6 and 7 were resolved. It was agreed that the camp sheets and cabins for holidays would be distributed to workers in agreement with the other unions. We undertook that no percentage would be taken by the executive committees in buildings under construction through voluntary contributions— [text is garbled in the source]. ...both those of Federations. Considering that such insinuations have also been spread earlier at various levels and in various forms, on May 24, 1991, the Government officially gave the Union of Independent Trade Unions this reply: We publish the reply: The Council of Ministers, considering the demands set out in your petition to be realistic, discussed them thoroughly, compared views in a spirit of understanding with your representatives, and took all possible measures to resolve them: 1. The demands set out in points 1 and 2 of the petition concerning a 50 percent increase in the wages and pensions of workers were resolved through the measures announced in the communiqué “On the conclusions of the Council of Ministers’ meeting on wage and price reform,” which established the only economically acceptable way to resolve these demands. It was agreed that holiday camp facilities and cabins trade the executive committees from buildings being constructed through voluntary contributions, with the exception of the percentage for shops and the amount designated for people who have been allocated homes. 3. The demands in points 9 and 10 were resolved. Publication of the newspaper “Sindikalisti” has begun, and suitable premises have been provided for the BSPSH; its branches in the districts are also being accommodated. 4. The demands in points 11, 12, 13 and 15 were resolved. The unions will obtain economic data from statisticians. Your union has been recognized as a legal entity and enjoys all the rights established by law. The right to leave on religious holidays will be addressed with the adoption of the new labor legislation. 5. The demands set out in points 16 and 17, which relate to the decree... (Continued on page 2)

In support of the country’s political and social program, In support of the political and social program of the country. The Executive Committee of the KP and the Government Presidium [supports] the measures it has taken to improve the economic situation and stabilize life. (Continued on page 2)

ISTANBUL, May 25 — Following the conclusion of the meeting of the culture ministers of the Balkan countries, held in Ankara, the President of the Republic of Turkey, Turgut Ozal, received the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports of the Republic of Albania, Moikom Zeqo, in Istanbul on May 24, 1991. At this very friendly meeting, held in a fraternal spirit, President Turgut Ozal spoke highly of the traditional friendship between the Turkish people and the Albanian people. He enquired about the situation in Albania and expressed his satisfaction with the progress of democratic processes in our country. He went on to say, «we will help Albania; we will help the Albanians—we are friends and brothers. We make promises to the Albanian people and we keep our word». He also spoke about economic and cultural cooperation between the two countries, emphasizing the concrete opportunities for Turkish investment in industry and the economy. Minister Moikom Zeqo, after thanking him for the warm welcome, conveyed to the President of Turkey the Albanian people’s gratitude for the assistance, as well as their confidence in the clear prospects for bilateral cooperation. He conveyed to him the warm greetings of Albania’s President, Ramiz Alia, and the Albanian government. At the end of the meeting, the President of Turkey, Turgut Ozal, said that during his forthcoming visit to Albania, «we will look together at new, concrete opportunities to expand cooperation between the two countries in all fields». He asked the Albanian minister to convey his best wishes to President Ramiz Alia for the development and future of Albania. Turkey’s Minister of Culture and Sports, Namik Kemal Zeybek, was also present at the meeting. (ATSH)

From the interview with the delegation of the Council of Europe — DECLARES MR STEN ANDERSON, CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE OF MINISTERS OF THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE. From the interview with the delegation of the Council of Europe «I would vote in favor of Albania’s full membership in Europe’s political organizations» — DECLARES MR STEN ANDERSON, CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE OF MINISTERS OF THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE. The Council of Europe was founded in 1949. It is a political intergovernmental organization. This Council brings together 25 countries in Europe with pluralist democratic systems. The European Council is distinct from the European Community of the Twelve. This Council has its permanent headquarters at the Palace of Europe in Strasbourg, France. The European Council works in favor of European unity by preserving and strengthening pluralist democracy and human rights, identifying common solutions to society’s problems, and supporting and promoting European cultural identity. In his remarks, Mr of Europe and Sweden’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, said: During our stay in Albania, we had an intensive program; we met with representatives of the state, the government and political parties. During our stay here, we learned a great deal about the situation in Albania. We felt all the difficulties facing the Albanian people—the difficulties shared by all countries that have moved from a centrally planned economic system to a market-oriented system. This period of transition naturally has its sacrifices as well. But, following the meetings we held here, I am much more optimistic than I was before coming to Albania. Everyone I met here expressed their willingness to contribute to the process of democratization and to economic reforms. I am convinced that the Council of Europe will help as much as possible to overcome this transitional period. Mrs Katerin Lalamiur, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, supporting the Chairman of the Council of Europe, Mr Anderson, said: I would like to speak about the importance of the Council of Europe’s visit to Albania. For us, Albania was an unknown country, cut off from Europe. In recent years, we have welcomed the movements that have unfolded in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as in Albania. On its path, Albania now seeks to carry out economic reforms and the economic and political package—in a word, to join the European family, in which the Albanian people (Continued on page 4)

To all political parties, associations, and the brotherly people in the Republic of Albania, we address this appeal: Dear brothers of the same blood, - At this historic moment being experienced by Kosovo and the Albanian people in Yugoslavia; - At this moment of sacrifice for freedom, for Kosovo and the Albanians in Yugoslavia; - At this moment when Serbs in Kosovo and Slavs are being armed by Serbia to carve up Kosovo and exterminate the Albanians from the ‘blood-soaked soil of Illyrian-Dardanian land; - At this moment when Kosovo and the Albanians under Yugoslavia, convinced that they will not live under Serb rule, have risen to their feet as one body for freedom and national unity; WE BEG YOU: - Do not endanger the sovereignty of the Republic of Albania by breaking, burning, destroying, and going on strike; - Set to work, be tolerant and civilized, and build the homeland of our dreams; - Do not trust those who want to sell the Albanians to foreigners, those who want Albania as their private estate, Kosovo as a stepping-stone for their careers, and your blood and sweat as political credit; - Do not follow the tools of Serbia and foreign intelligence services, who, exploiting turmoil in Albania, are stabbing Kosovo in the back, as has happened from July 2, 1990, up to this moment, since they damage national unity and obstruct Kosovo on the path it is forging; - The stronger, more stable, and more united Albania is, the stronger Kosovo and the Albanians under Yugoslavia will be; and - Do not forget that every division caused by some political parties in Albania also causes division and undermines national unity in Kosovo and among Kosovars in Europe and America. Finally, we take this opportunity to: Wish the Parliament of the Republic of Albania success in its work, with a spirit of tolerance and understanding among the deputies; Wish the Government and the Prime Minister (comrade Fatos Nano) success in carrying out the tasks entrusted to them by the people; Wish Comrade Ramiz Alia good health in his duties as President of the Republic of Albania and of the entire Albanian nation, and wish all our brotherly people in the homeland of the Eagles a good life and progress in building national unity. On behalf of the Secretariat of the Kosovo Committee for Informing World Public Opinion (KKIOI) Secretary: Gafur Adili Lucerne, 25.05.1991

Dear Comrade Trade Unionists, , The national association “Jusuf Gervalla” in New York, USA, is following with particular concern and preoccupation the current developments in the strikes taking place in Albania. We observe that, alongside the deepening of genuine democratic processes, the Albanian people and their Government are facing a series of phenomena which, more than anything else, harm the workers themselves, their standard of living, and the Albanian economy. They disturb the peace and weaken optimism about the future of the nation and the homeland. The strikes of these days have greatly increased tension and concern among every Albanian. Our association therefore appeals to these destabilizing forces that are harming the Albanian economy. Our association also calls on the independent trade unions and all Albanian workers to end the strikes, maintain calm, and show anyone trying to create tense situations in the workplace where they stand. For the national association “Jusuf Gervalla,” a worrying, harmful, and dangerous phenomenon that fuels economic and political destabilization is the exploitation of work and the resort to strikes. The Albanian independent trade unions should not accept this general confusion. Therefore, we tell the trade unionists that it is through work, and work alone, that the great difficulties can be overcome, including economic backwardness and the crisis that threatens us more and more each day. In these difficult economic conditions, we call on the independent trade unions and Albanian workers to roll up their sleeves and defend the homeland, and to confront the great hardships being experienced today by our beloved homeland—Albania. Our association partially supports the concerns and some of the legitimate demands of the striking workers for wage increases. We also insistently call for the Albanian Government to take urgent measures to supply raw materials to some enterprises, whose shortages mean that some workers do not work and are not paid, and to put an end to bureaucratic practices in organizing and managing work and production. Therefore, we in the national association “Jusuf Gervalla” ask you to set strikes aside for the time being, and for the independent trade unions to be the first to give the signal and return to work, to show that only through work can they create calm and stability, a guarantee for the long-awaited democracy that Albanians want to build. This imperative of the times must guide the independent trade unions so that they can find their way through these confused and difficult circumstances, find the strength, and place Albania’s interests above everything else—its development and progress. Respectfully, National Association “Jusuf Gërvalla,” New York, USA New York, May 22, 1991