On 29 May as well, the 14th day of the plenary session, work continued in the parliamentary committees, which worked in detail on the draft decisions and draft laws that will be submitted to the People's Assembly for approval. Together with the amendments submitted by the deputies, by 10 a.m. today 495 amendments had been filed in total, as well as around 800 separate amendments. These state and legal acts reflect a series of changes, dictated by the new stages the country is going through, especially in the social, political and economic spheres. In yesterday's discussions in the committees, the serious and responsible work carried out by the respective groups of deputies and by the specialists assisting them was highlighted. It was emphasized that the draft texts are the result of collective work and that they cover a wide range of issues important to the life of the country. Particular appreciation was given to the draft law on property, which creates a legal basis for the various forms of ownership and for their protection. Also under review were issues related to the powers of state bodies, territorial organization, the improvement of the electoral system, and the relations between central and local government. The deputies dwelt at length on the need to define more clearly the rights and obligations of citizens, as well as the mechanisms of democratic control. At the end of the morning session, representatives of the committees announced that part of the amendments had been immediately reflected in the relevant texts, while consultation with specialists in the relevant fields was continuing on another part. The plenary session of the People's Assembly is expected to continue with the presentation of the committees' reports and with the article-by-article examination of the main documents on the agenda.

The latest news reaching the newsroom, not all of it fully confirmed, speaks of trade-union developments and of other possible strikes. An atmosphere of uncertainty and ambiguity is deepening, especially in some production centers. There are many enterprises where work is proceeding intermittently, where the supply of raw materials is insufficient, and where labor discipline no longer has the strength it once had. In many cases, local leaders show hesitation, while workers are demanding quick solutions and concrete guarantees for wages, working conditions and livelihood security. In these circumstances, the question being asked more and more often is: are we heading toward a general economic paralysis? This concern cannot be ignored. If production rates fall further, the consequences will be felt immediately on the market, in the supply of the population and in the financial balances of enterprises. Cool heads are needed, but also determination. State bodies, economic leaders and the work collectives themselves are called upon to assume their responsibilities, avoid pointless clashes and seek ways out that preserve the general interest. It cannot be denied that the country is going through a difficult transitional period. Precisely for this reason, every wrong step has a high cost. On the other hand, strikes and blockades cannot be seen as long-term solutions. Dialogue, clarification and mutual understanding are required. Only in this way can paralysis be avoided and the economy breathe again.

Of course, in recent months our society has faced sharp problems and well-known tensions. This requires political maturity, a sense of responsibility and the ability to build bridges of dialogue. All sides must listen to one another and avoid inflammatory language. Democracy does not move forward through ultimatums, but through civilized debate, respect for the law and a willingness to compromise. Workers, intellectuals, peasants and young people are interested in the country moving forward, in production not stopping and in everyday life not becoming even more burdensome. This means that the confrontation with difficulties must be carried out through work and dedication. There are still many untapped resources, many human and professional energies that can be set in motion if the climate of cooperation and trust is strengthened. Democratic dialogue is not only a political formula; it is a concrete necessity of the time. Through it, disputes are resolved, demands are clarified and paths acceptable to everyone are built. Only on this basis can stability be secured and prospects opened for positive change.

JOINT COMMUNIQUÉ (LONDON, 29 MAY 1991) On 29 May 1991, the governments of the Republic of Albania and of the United Kingdom decided to re-establish diplomatic relations between the two countries. This has been done in the spirit of the new political developments in Europe and the shared desire to expand bilateral cooperation. The parties expressed their conviction that the restoration of relations will serve to strengthen understanding and contacts between the two peoples. According to the communiqué, embassies will be opened as soon as is convenient and consultations will begin on practical matters related to diplomatic representation, the movement of personnel and the promotion of political, economic and cultural contacts. It was assessed that this step represents an event of importance in Albania's international relations.