Yesterday’s session opened at 10:45. President of the Republic Ramiz Alia also attended. The Chairman of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, Kastriot Islami, said that, as the Presidium, in cooperation with the chairmen of the parliamentary groups, they had decided to hold discussions on the new political solution. The deputies approved this additional item on the agenda. Discussions then began. Many deputies from all three political forces represented in parliament took the floor. In general, they expressed concern about the serious political, economic and social situation that had arisen in our country, and about the great responsibility they bore as representatives of the people to overcome it. The overwhelming majority of deputies from the PP called for Fatos Nano to be tasked with forming a coalition government, including representatives of all political forces, both inside and outside parliament. They called for strikes to be halted and work to resume in all sectors where it had been suspended, as the only way to overcome the difficult situation. They also insisted on the need for a statute governing the public-order forces, calling on them to apply the laws consistently to ensure peace and stability in the country. The deputies from the PD and OMO- NIA, after emphasizing the crisis of confidence that had arisen in our country, set out their alternative: dissolve the existing government, form a new government with the participation of all political forces and a temporary mandate, and hold new early elections. They stressed that the new government should enjoy the confidence of all parliamentarians. They pointed to the difficulties caused by a centralized economy over the past 46 years, describing them as the consequence of rule by a one-party government; they also cited strikes taking place in various parts of the country that were worsening the situation by the moment, as well as illegal gatherings and demonstrations. There was extensive debate on the ways to achieve a new and swift political solution, and it continued into the next morning session. At this session, the Chairman of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly presented the Presidium’s proposal that the Minister of Public Order provide a briefing. Deputies from the PP insisted that the minister brief the Assembly on the events that had taken place in Tirana in recent days. However, deputies from the PD expressed the view that they were now discussing a more important issue—the search for a new political solution—and, moreover, they said, they had just approved the agenda for this. The discussions therefore continued under the additional agenda item. Discussions continued in the afternoon session, which began at 17:30. At the end of this session, President of the Republic of Albania Ramiz Alia took the floor. Discussions under the additional agenda item continued in the sessions that followed. Among other things, the chairman of the parliamentary group that had visited the Valias mine, deputy Mehmet Loci, and deputies Noplon Roshi and Tritan Shehu reported on their meeting and conversations with the miners on hunger strike, as well as on their health. At the close of yesterday’s proceedings, Islami, announced that the People’s Assembly had received a request from the Ministry of Justice concerning decree number 7442 of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, on the creation of political parties and associations. The request called for the creation of these parties and associations to be suspended until the relevant law had been approved. Meanwhile, the People’s Assembly committees are working on drafting the relevant bill. The deputies approved this request by a majority vote. The People’s Assembly will resume its proceedings today at 10:00. (ATSΗ)

We are ready to cooperate with all political forces — From the speeches of the PLA deputies in the People’s Assembly — The people say that being brave after the battle and wise after the Assembly is of no value. They also say: don’t have the last word first. I am going to disregard this second piece of wisdom of theirs, taking as my example Mr. Pashko, who was in a hurry to make statements not authorized by the parties that had signed. The public is unaware that, at the request of the Democratic Party, meetings were held on May 23, 24 and 28 with several political parties to discuss the serious political, economic and social situation that has arisen in our country and the possibilities of finding a suitable solution to it. Representatives of the Party of Labour, the Democratic Party, the Republican Party and the Social Democratic Party took part in these meetings. The other political parties had not been invited. The representatives of Party called for the government to resign, for a National Salvation Government to be formed and for new parliamentary elections to be held. At the May 28 meeting, the representatives of the Party of Labour presented the position of the CC and the PLA deputies’ group. 1. The political, economic, social and psychological situation in the country is extremely serious. It is continually worsening, particularly because of the strikes in several sectors. 2. The CC of the PLA and its deputies’ group do not see strikes and demands beyond what is realistically possible as a solution to this situation. That is why they have called for talks, for a way to be found to resume work, for the situation to be stabilized and for order to be restored. 3. We regret to observe that the strikes are being diverted to political ends. In speeches, interviews and statements by some Democratic Party leaders, both inside and outside the country, it has been declared that the government will resign and be replaced by a National Salvation Government, which will prepare new elections as soon as possible. It is clear that these are independent positions, with aims that lead to a further deterioration of the situation and a struggle for power. Insisting on carrying out such plans, predetermined by undemocratic means, is (Continued on page 2)

Work is being done and results are being achieved everywhere — KOLONJË — The people of the Kolonjë district are following with concern the situations currently unfolding in the country. Workers, cooperative members and intellectuals have expressed solidarity with the demands of strikers in various parts of the country, but see work, and work alone, as the only way to achieve them. “Only through work will we improve our prosperity”—this is the spirit that runs through the workers’ collectives throughout this district. Consequently, there is no slackening, and tasks are generally being fulfilled. For the period, total industrial output across the district reached 102.5 percent, while the value of commodity output reached 115 percent. Of the 14 enterprises covered by these figures, only the Bezhani mine, the construction enterprise and NB Leskoviku failed to meet them. As always, the workers of NGP Ersekë remain at the forefront. “At this enterprise,” its director Lluka Babali told us, “we work today for tomorrow. No situation has caught us unprepared. Despite the difficulties created for us in recent days by the paralysis of rail transport and the activity of some enterprises in various parts of the country, we have made sustained efforts to meet our targets.” This enterprise achieved 153 percent of its total industrial output target and 168 percent of its value-added commodity output target. It also achieved more than 183 percent of its export targets. Workers are maintaining the same pace at the wood-processing enterprise, NGP Leskovik, the municipal housing enterprise, the freight park, the water and land-reclamation enterprise, the forestry enterprise, and elsewhere. Food products such as meat, eggs, vegetables, cheese, butter, gjizë, etc. have not been missing from the market. It must be said, however, that lately, as a result of livestock being distributed to members of agricultural cooperatives, milk production for the market has fallen sharply, and the effects will be seen later. KOÇO LIGORI

— VLORË — The outward appearance of the strike is greatly expanded by the compulsory “leave” imposed on thousands of workers. There really are thousands who, for some time now, and no one knows until when, have continued to be paid 80 percent. They are numerous at NPV, in the arts and crafts sector, in fishing and at the port, in Selenicë, at the wood-processing enterprise, at NPA, at the canning combine and elsewhere. And the trend is growing. Workers do not want this to happen under any circumstances, because they are not providing the economy and society with the work and output expected of them, while placing an additional burden on their families in this difficult period. The reason, of course, is the shortage of raw materials. So the factory is not at fault; it is the administrations. And according to the decree, when work does not take place through the administration’s fault, the administrators themselves are not paid like the workers, at 80 percent, but receive their full salary. This is not right. Even though there are administrations that decide for themselves and are paid just as much as the workers. But, apart from the rule of [?]. There are collectives that have been compensated this way for months. The damage in various areas is considerable and keenly felt. Despite all this, there seems to be an adjustment, a getting used to this situation, which is not improving but worsening. This has happened in the ministries too, and that is the worst part. It is their duty to find possible solutions and act with the utmost concern; otherwise, the further development of the economy cannot be ensured. VANGJEL STEFA

In the economic enterprises of the Librazhd district, work continues without interruption. In solidarity, only the Bushtricë sector of the iron-nickel mine took part in the strike, for two days, but its workers have now returned to work. At district level, the three-month targets and their five-month export targets were met and exceeded. Many enterprises exceeded their five-month targets for commodity production. Nevertheless, the nationwide general strike has had considerable effects. From the beginning of the strike alone, more than 25,000 tons of iron-nickel could not be sent from the iron-nickel mine to the Metallurgical Combine because of the railway transport situation, and 15,000 tons for export were also held up. Around 100,000 tons of iron-nickel ore are lying along the railway lines and in mine sectors, awaiting transport, and are being bloc- (Continued on page 2)

From Foreign Minister Muhamet Kapllani’s visit to Hungary At the invitation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Hungary, Dr. Geza Jozsenski, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania, Muhamet Kapllani, arrived in Budapest yesterday for an official visit. At the Parliament building, the Albanian Foreign Minister, Muhamet Kapllani, was received by the Vice-President of the Hungarian Parliament, Vince Veresh, who expressed his great pleasure at the visit, which bears witness to the two countries’ intention to strengthen and deepen relations and cooperation between them and their peoples and parliaments. After providing extensive information about the activities of the Hungarian Parliament and its pluralist operating mechanism, Vince Veresh expressed his desire for cooperation between the two parliaments and for continuous, open ties between parliamentarians and the relevant committees. In particular, he proposed that (Continued on page 4)

— A LARGE RALLY AT THE «PARTIZANI» SPORTS PALACE — There, groups of people, on the evening of the previous day, passing in front of the «Partizani» Sports Palace, ... a rally ... in the capital ... the people of Valias ... of Culture. Windows smashed along its entire length, the steps broken up and, in the square, a black stain, detached, crushed remains of vehicles burned by extremist forces ... Durrës, Shkodër, Kavajë, Burrel, Elbasani. Tirana, too, had been left without scenes like these, without empti- (Continued on page 3)

Once again yesterday morning, there were gatherings in Tirana. Thousands of people—workers, residents of the neighborhoods, students, pupils, etc.—came from various directions to «Skënderbej» Square. At the rally, which took place at around 10 o’clock, the participants were addressed by Sami Karrigi, chairman of the Independent Miners’ Trade Union Federation of Valias. Among other things, he stressed that the 100 miners of the Tirana coal basin, who had been confined for seven days in a hunger strike in the galleries of the Valias mine, were determined to continue the strike until all the demands submitted to the Government were met, calling for democracy. At that if they wished, to go to «Fitorja» in Valias to continue today’s rally. The law-enforcement forces maintained order. The participants dispersed peacefully. (ATA)

The Tirana police authorities have detained 11 people who, on the evening of May 29, ... The Tirana police authorities have detained 11 people who, on the evening of May 29, 1991, committed acts of vandalism, looted and set fire to the «Sahati» bar-café. Three of those detained had previously been convicted of various crimes. 31.5.1991.

The spokesperson of the Ministry of Finance, in response to several discussions in the People’s Assembly and articles published recently in the press, announces that the Ministry of Finance and the State Audit Commission have begun a comprehensive economic and financial audit of the Directorate of Government Services (the Reception Directorate). In addition, the Audit and Inspection Directorate of the Ministry of Finance has completed an audit of the use of foreign-currency funds for sending patients abroad for medical treatment by the Ministry of Health in 1989–1990. The audit uncovered violations of the rules and criteria established in this area, which resulted in misuse with economic consequences. The relevant materials concerning these actions were sent to the justice authorities for review, investigation and action.

Honorable Comrade Chairman! Honorable deputies! In the course of the discussion the parliament is holding on the situation in the country, I would also like to express a few thoughts. There is no doubt, and it is unnecessary to comment, that the situation is very serious. Almost all the speakers emphasized this. The fact is that in our daily life everything is becoming politicized, which undoubtedly leads to aggravation, rising tensions and, consequently, various confrontations. In addition, politics is now spilling out into the streets. If matters continue this way, in my opinion it will be difficult for the country to move forward; it will be difficult for the good intentions expressed by all the deputies—the majority, the minority, the opposition, the ruling Party, etc.—to resolve this tangle in the way I believe we all wish it to be resolved. I think that it is precisely the People’s Assembly that must make policy, and it is the People’s Assembly that must provide solutions to the extremely complex problems our country faces today. Personally, I welcome the efforts of deputies from all sides to cooperate with one another and find appropriate solutions to the various situations that have arisen. But I regret to say that, at this difficult moment, precisely when more than ever an understanding between these forces is needed, I regret to say that I do not see this convergence, this essential cooperation, taking shape as it should. Please do not take this as criticism, because my purpose is not to criticize Parliament, but rather to take it as an appeal to all of you to find the right path, the path that serves the interests of the Homeland, the people and Albania’s future. Many speakers, many deputies, in all their speeches are trying to blame the Government, which they say has proved incapable. Of course, everyone has the right to their own opinion, to offer their judgment and say what they consider most reasonable. As President, having appointed Comrade Fatos Nano as prime minister, I too have an opinion, and I would like to say that this government works wisely, works courageously and works without prejudice. I would add that from the moment this government was entrusted with directing the country and its administration, it did not act selfishly, despite what some may insinuate. On the contrary, from the outset the prime minister called for cooperation with the various forces represented in Parliament; he called for cooperation with the opposition inside Parliament, and even with the opposition outside Parliament. I think this must certainly be taken into consideration in order to understand that the government intended, and intends, to lead the country out of its difficulties and to work in the service of the whole country and all the people, regardless of the different parties represented in Parliament. Naturally, whether or not to take part in a coalition is also the right of each political force, and no one can impose one choice or another on either side. But I do not think it is accurate to say that the Nano Government, which has been in office for two weeks, has failed to establish links with the international economic community. Likewise, I think it is inaccurate to demand that it implement economic reforms within two weeks. This is an extremely complex undertaking that takes a long time, because it is not merely a matter of words. Those who are economists and know the issue thoroughly, I believe, will agree with me that economic reform cannot possibly be implemented in just two weeks. Let me take the question of strikes. The demands made by the strikers are generally fair, but that does not mean that all of them can continue the strike until every demand, no matter what, has been met. To the government, by reaching agreements on democracy. At this moment: “Either we die, or we live in true democracy.” The speaker called on those gathered to disperse peacefully and, if they wished, to go to the “Fitorja” canteen in Valias to continue today’s rally. The public-order forces maintained order. The participants dispersed peacefully.