— From the meeting of the Presidium of the Socialist Party — Yesterday the first meeting of the Presidium of the Socialist Party was held. The Congress is over. The issues it raised, the spirit of the discussions and the decisions it adopted will certainly have a major impact on the entire life and activity of the Socialist Party. How should this activity be organized? What measures should our Party take in the future? What problems must it address? The members of the Presidium discussed these issues and exchanged views. The Chairman of the Socialist Party, Comrade Fatos Nano, stressed that we must embark on concrete and thoughtful activity, so that the Congress’s program and new spirit set us in motion very actively and bring us into daily contact with people. It would be appropriate for the renewal of the Party, its reconceptualization and its break with the past to be carried out at every level—in the forums, the apparatuses and the organizations. We now have our own concepts for dealing with the situation. People have sounded the alarm quite a bit, so it would be good to overcome the crisis of confidence that concerns us by engaging with them in concrete discussions, without prejudice. Then the Vice-Chairman of the Socialist Party, Ismail Lleshi, offered some views on how this work could be better organized, so that the Party’s new thinking could operate in every sphere of social life, where the problems are also most pronounced. He also outlined ways to organize the Party leadership’s work more effectively. The members of the Presidium discussed these issues. The Party’s Vice-Chairman Servet Pëllumbi pointed out that it is urgent to further improve the program on the basis of the entire spirit that characterized the Congress. On that basis, the Socialist Party will begin to act and work in concrete terms. An essential step would also be to study the programs of Europe’s socialist parties more thoroughly and establish contact with them. “We must hold as many meetings as possible with the people,” said Presidium member Halil Lala. “Today in Tirana we will organize three meetings with intellectuals and veterans. Tomorrow we will organize two more. But meetings like these should also be organized in other districts of the country. There are many things that need clarification. In some places, for example, a kind of psychosis has arisen about changing the name, because it resembles the name of some Eastern European party. European parties have four programs: a basic program that also defines the affinities among them; an action program; a government program; and an electoral program. We have the basic program that we approved at the Congress. On that basis we must also draw up an action program that will give the Party’s work impetus. We should go forward with a different image, not a euphoric one. We should tell people: ‘We have come to talk with you frankly; these are our views—what do you think?’ We should make it clear to them that our principles are freedom, equality, solidarity, social reforms, and support for workers and non-privileged strata. This is also the program of all European socialists. This will be our long-term program, because market-economy laws will once again create privileged strata.” “Regarding the intelligentsia, we are at a delicate moment,” the speakers stressed. In working with them, we must certainly incorporate, at the level of our program, the principle of supporting and guaranteeing freedom of thought. “The Congress received a positive response,” said Etem Ruka. “But this testing of opinion must continue in the most thoughtful ways, among the organization’s ranks and its sympathizers. We absolutely need this, because by learning people’s opinions we can also shape more concrete and effective work. At present, a balance has been established, including with the influence of the student movements. We should consider how to turn this balance in our favor. It is not easy; it is difficult, but we must do so, because it is fundamental to the future of the Socialist Party.” “Everything we are discussing here is valuable,” said Ermelinda Meksi. “But these issues must be discussed with the grassroots, so that these discussions and explanations reach as many people as possible. We have a very powerful resource at our disposal: the spirit of the Congress, the discussions, the program, and the people who were elected. As for further testing of opinion, I would say it is essential; a sociological study must be conducted to a scientific standard. We must not leave the initiative to others.” “We need to reach out as soon as possible to people who have, in one way or another, moved away,” emphasized the Party’s Vice-Chairman Spiro Dede. “We can do this with a moderate and concrete policy: how will we approach workers, what will we tell them, how will we defend their interests; how will we win over university youth? We must support them, regardless of whether we approved of some of their actions in the past. But we must recognize their special merit in bringing about pluralism. The problem of the countryside and land is a very great one. We must not use the previous methods and wait for matters to come to a head; instead, we must quickly adopt clear positions and also fulfill the Socialist Party’s commitments regarding the countryside, set out in the Congress resolution.” Discussions continued on many other issues, with the desire to find ways and forms of work that would enable the Socialist Party to present an entirely new image and increase the people’s confidence in its program, its activities and its new people. CORRESPONDENT OF “ZËRI I POPULLIT” And we should hold as many meetings as possible with the masses, organize two more meetings. Such meetings There are many things that need to be clarified. For some, for example, a kind of unease has arisen about the choice of the name, because it resembles the name of some party in Eastern Europe. This unease can be alleviated, said Namik Dokle, by making contact not only with our own people, but urgently also with the socialist parties of Western Europe, because that is also our orientation. We must make clear to Party members and the people that our Party, given its program and the goals it has set for itself in the field of democratizing the life of the country, does not identify itself in any way with Milosheviç’s Party, and will always stand alongside our Albanian brothers who live in their own lands in Yugoslavia—a position we also confirmed in the Congress Resolution. Milosheviç’s Party has nothing socialist about it, since it is the inspiration behind the massacre and the most inhuman genocide against an entire people. In Europe, Xhevat Lloshi emphasized, the socialist movement has a great deal of experience. We need a scholarly understanding of it among all our members, which will also be achieved through “Zëri i Po-[?] masses, organize two more meetings. Such meetings people. In June, a fundamentally new Socialist Party began its life, distinct from the former Party of Labour. at the 10th Congress, the former members of the PPSH had in fact effectively signed on, even before the Congress, to the creation of the PSSH, which was unanimously approved at its final session. Comrade Spiro then answered questions from those present about the proceedings of the 10th Congress and the decisions it had taken. In response to one question, he stressed that they had firmly rejected everything wrong with the PSSH, while preserving and advancing everything good and valuable for the present and the future. He then turned to the urgent tasks facing the PSSH in order to regain the trust of the masses. …far removed from euphoria, empty promises, etc. It is a new Party, with a new vision for Albania’s progress, said Comrade Ermelinda Meksi in response to several questions. How will the depoliticization of the school system be achieved? We also have a social-democratic party. What is the difference? What relationship will we have with it? Will contacts with the parties of the European left begin? Particular discussion focused on the position to be taken toward … distinct from the former Party of Labour. the trust of the masses. (Continued on page 2)

On the eve of the opening of the meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the member countries of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, which will also be attended by the delegation of the Republic of Albania, the Chairman of the Council of Ministers, Ylli Bufi, yesterday sent a letter to the prime ministers of the CSCE member countries. Among other things, it says: The new Albanian Government—the government for the country’s stability—was formed by decision of all the political parties in Albania. This Government demonstrates Albania’s full commitment to European democratic and pluralist values. Despite the very difficult situation the country is going through as a result of various economic, political and social factors, Albania has undertaken a profound and comprehensive reform. The most important achievements in this framework are the establishment of political pluralism, the holding of the first free elections on 31 March 1991, the proclamation of freedom of religion and the establishment of state institutions, etc. A series of measures have also been taken in the economic sphere with the aim of ensuring Albania’s gradual transition to a market economy. Albania cannot claim that it has completed this process. Nevertheless, there will be no turning back on the path toward building a truly democratic society in which human rights will be the foremost concern, as emphasized in the Helsinki agreements. The letter also notes the Albanian Government’s readiness to welcome a CSCE mission to Albania at any time. In view of the above, and of Albania’s definitive acceptance of the heritage of shared European values, the letter emphasizes the Albanian Government’s request that Albania be admitted as a full participant in the CSCE process, beginning with the meeting of the Council of Ministers in Berlin on 19–20 June 1991.

The Socialist Party forum YESTERDAY IN TIRANA: The Socialist Party Committee of the capital, in cooperation with the Presidium of the PSSH Steering Committee, organized three broad discussions with intellectuals from the University of Tirana and the Academy of Sciences, as well as veterans, members and sympathizers of the PSSHI. The purpose of the discussions was to support the guidelines set out by the 10th Congress for making the Socialist Party a dignified, active force on the stage of Albanian political life. TODAY IN TIRANA: At 18:00, a discussion with members and sympathizers of the PSSH from government departments and elsewhere will be held at the premises of the PSSH Committee of the capital. Comrade Fatos Nano, Chairman of the PSSH Steering Committee, will attend. A similar meeting will also be held at the Agricultural University in Kamëz. Yesterday morning, a discussion was held in one of the halls of the Tirana Socialist Party Committee with a group of intellectuals from the Academy of Sciences who are members and sympathizers of the PSSH. Also present were Comrade Spiro Dede, Vice-Chairman of the PSSH Steering Committee, and Dr. Xhevat Lloshi, a member of that committee. Comrade Spiro Dede briefed those present on the proceedings of the 10th Congress, which adopted a historic decision: the creation of the PSSH. He stressed that it is essential for all PSSH members and sympathizers to understand the historic moment correctly: on 13 June, a socialist party essentially new and distinct from the former Party of Labour began its life. He explained the reasoning that led to this qualitative change. By enthusiastically approving the draft program and draft statute adopted at the 10th Congress, former members of the PPSH had in fact, before the Congress, effectively signed up to the non-privileged strata—the broad strata of workers and the intelligentsia. They, he said, fight for social justice, secure living conditions, the rule of law, freedom of thought and pluralist democracy. In some countries, such parties are also in power. He also addressed the tasks facing our new Party as it integrates into European processes and the continent’s socialist movement. He then explained why our Party had reached this conclusion, discussing the failure of the socialist model chosen by the Party of Labour, its isolation, clear signs that had emerged in the vote, and other consequences and developments. At this point, he continued, it became clear to the party branches that a mere overhaul would not do; an operation was needed, without discarding achievements that were also linked to the work of the popular masses. Responding to questions from the audience, the speaker also discussed the Party’s ideological basis, which would not be confined within a dogma, but would… In his speech, Dr. Xhevat Lloshi gave a broad overview of the Socialist Party of Europe. He then elaborated on several issues in the PSSH program concerning the development of science. Those who took the floor offered many suggestions on the work the PSSH should now undertake to establish itself as an authoritative force in political life. They explained the need for the PSSH to produce a concrete program as soon as possible, one that addresses the current concerns and problems of young people, especially university students, the intelligentsia and the working class. These programs should be realistic and address possible solutions, free of euphoria, empty promises, etc. The PSSH now operates as a political headquarters, in competition with—but also in cooperation with—the other parties. Many questions arise. People want to learn about the Congress and about European experience as well. What does the Socialist Party represent? How large is this movement? Comrades Servet Pëllumbi and Ermelinda Meksi, respectively Vice-Chairman and member of the Presidium of the PSSH Steering Committee, answered these and many other questions at the meetings organized by the Tirana City Party Committee with university intellectuals. “There is a Socialist Party in most European countries,” Comrade Servet Pëllumbi said in his response, citing the Labour, socialist and social-democratic parties in England, Germany, France, Spain, Italy and elsewhere, which, grum-[?]

Yesterday morning, in one of the venues of the Palace of Congresses in Tirana, the symposium “The Albanian Economy on the Road to a Market Economy” opened. It was organized by the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Albania, the University of Tirana and the Bank of the Albanian State, on the proposal and with the support of the “Germany–Albania” Friendship Association, under the patronage of Professor Doctor Ernzin Lazo, co-founder of the Club of Rome and a distinguished figure in the financial world. The symposium is attended by renowned scientific figures in the economic and financial fields from various European countries. They will present papers and discuss with our specialists and experts current issues and prospects concerning the transition of our economy to a market economy, viewed from an international perspective. Also present are the Chairman of the Committee for Science and Technology, Petrit Skëndi, and the Rector of the University of Tirana, Prof. Dr. Nikolla Konomi. The symposium was opened by the Scientific Secretary of the Academy of Sciences, Prof. Luan Omari. The chargé d’affaires a.i. of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany delivered a greeting at the symposium. (Continued on page 2)

Yesterday the Chairman of the Council of Ministers, Ylli Bufi, received the World Bank mission and held a constructive discussion with its members. The World Bank representatives briefed the Albanian Prime Minister on the results achieved during the second World Bank mission’s two weeks of work in Albania. The mission’s 16 members, they stressed, studied the potential of every sector of the Albanian economy as well as its Government’s economic development program. Following this, in Washington, the second World Bank mission will work intensively to prepare the material that will serve as the basis for the economic policy project to be approved at the meeting of the Consultative Mechanism with donors. The World Bank representatives stressed that this is an important step toward Albania’s international economic development. Both sides exchanged views on social assistance issues and on addressing social problems that may arise as a consequence of economic reform. The experts of the second World Bank mission offered their experience in resolving unemployment problems, etc., issues that should be treated as priorities and with technical assistance from abroad. They also offered their assistance in the public deployment of market-economy mechanisms in the Albanian context of information. The World Bank representatives also gave their views on establishing a free domestic foreign-exchange market. The Director General of the Bank of the Albanian State, Niko Gjyzari, was also present at the meeting. (According to ATSH)

— Conversation with the Minister of Transport, Fatos Bitincka — — Many enterprises that have returned to work after the general strike are complaining about transport. What is the situation in this sector? — In general, road transport has ended its strike. Almost all freight and passenger depots are returning to normal operations, although they face difficulties with supplies and fuel. It is true that transport is costing the economy. Indeed, the railway strike, which is continuing, has also put some depots on “strike”—for example, the one in Pogradec, which can neither unload at the Gur i Kuq station, because the latter is blocked by ore, nor has anything to collect from the station. — The failure to resume work on the railway, which carries half of all freight, is causing major losses. What efforts have you made to get this sector operating? — On 12 June we held a discussion at the ministry with representatives of the transport and railway trade union, as well as the managers of this sector. The union representatives made several demands, which they had set as conditions for immediately resuming work, while insisting that other demands be met gradually later. But what happened? Although we met their immediate demands and also received the union representatives’ promise that railway work would resume the following day, as we speak, not a single vehicle has moved from the railway depot in Durrës. This is not a serious or constructive position on the union’s part. They did not respond even to the appeal for a constructive discussion from the railway regions of Elbasan, Shkodër and Laç. Of course, we will hold further discussions to unblock the situation in rail transport, while also holding the management bodies in this sector accountable, since they have many shortcomings and failings of their own. — Foreign transport, for export-import activities, has also almost come to a halt. What are you doing about that? — This activity depends on many others within the transport system. The railway is also hindering foreign transport because it is not delivering goods to the ports. I would point out that the seaport of Durrës is operating normally. We are talking with the Ministry of People’s Defense and the Ministry of Public Order to ensure the operation of the ports of Vlorë and Shëngjin. It is well known that we are unable to export some profitable agricultural produce, such as tomatoes. Foreign transport has become more difficult for these goods for financial reasons as well. Alongside the need for materials and spare parts, which are the “raw material” of transport, we need to secure credit to unblock the financial situation of foreign transport. Prepared by: MEHDI КОХАХАJ

France is following with attention and sympathy the changes taking place in Albania. It believes that the evolution this country is undergoing with the formation of a new government should enable Albania to take its place in the family of European nations. (ATSH)

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