From the district all the way up to the center, between the grassroots organization and the congress, a series of party forums and apparatuses operate. During the campaign for the new party elections, before the 10th Congress, serious attempts were made not only to make them function with a new workload, but also to carry out a series of major repairs to adapt them to the times. Some things were done, more in some places and less in others, but when these actions are viewed in light of the problems resolved and the decisions taken by the 10th Congress, we believe no one can fail to understand the necessity of reorganizing, reconceptualizing and reassessing the work and composition of these organizations, including the grassroots organization. The point is that the new spirit of the congress should not only be rapidly carried from one level to the next, right down to the grassroots organization and each of its members, but should also spur them to bring new realities into being. The meetings of the Presidency of the Socialist Party and its Steering Committee, several meetings held with particular groups of people in Tirana and various districts around the country, and so on, are the first attempts to organize the work in this direction. By now, the general outlines have been conveyed through the various levels of party work, down to the grassroots organization. People know as much as has been publicized through the press and radio and television, plus a few details delegates have added to this information at the various meetings they have held. But what is missing, and eagerly awaited in this case, are concrete instructions for rebuilding the grassroots organizations, refreshing party forums in the district, structuring the organizations, and establishing the new structures that must be put into operation at every level. Moreover, with the materials we have, we cannot give precise answers to some questions that may arise there. For example: What will the future character of the grassroots organization be? What will be done about party members who are honest, but who, because of their ideological convictions, cannot break with the past? When and how will we receive the new membership documents? What criteria will apply to the rehabilitation of those who were unjustly expelled from the Party? Some information about the internal life and the socio-political situation of European left-wing parties? And so on, and so forth, without excluding many ordinary questions that only cause confusion. Ultimately, the point is not to hold a meeting of a grassroots organization of the Party of Labour, but a meeting—a grassroots organization—of the Socialist Party. Other discussions also took place, with some people more and others less affected by the difficulty described above. Someone added, in the course of these discussions, that many of our organizations have problems with opportunism, sectarianism, conservatism, and so on; therefore, the difficulty lies not so much in answering the questions as in understanding and accepting those answers. On this basis, he proposed that such organizations should not be confronted head-on immediately. Under these circumstances, the view changed and the idea was raised of convening the bureau and the plenum of the district party. Indeed, these should be held as soon as possible. But once again, the problem of ambiguities and the lack of concrete instructions came to the fore. Why do we emphasize this? To underline that not everything is entirely clear. The problems discussed and the decisions taken by the 10th Congress aim to develop what has been done so far. that not everything is entirely clear. It is a fact that the discussions and decisions of the 10th Congress are numerous, but ultimately they converge on two directions: a total distancing from the past and the conduct of party life according to the concepts and practices of the European left. Fine! These guidelines have been welcomed, but what concrete steps will be taken at the grassroots level? Let us suppose that the plenum of the District Party Committee is convened. How will it discuss those from the past? Someone will say that this was accomplished during the new elections held before the 10th Congress. It is clear that such a conclusion is incorrect. Let us not go further, but stay with the Tepelenë plenum. Let us set aside the fact that it was the product of a poorly organized and poorly led conference, and that some of those elected there were not welcomed, whether because of violations of the criteria... ...through the press and radio and television, also shares here some details that the delegates added to this information during the various meetings they the party forums in the district, the structure of the apparatus, etc., etc. And it seems to us that this has nothing at all to do with a lack of initiative and self-activity at the grassroots (!)… For example, the apparatus of the Socialist Party Committee of the Tepelenë district has met two or three times in the days since the 10th Congress. The issue is clear: how are we to organize the work of learning about, understanding and putting into practice the decisions of the 10th Congress? At first it was said that, by studying and summarizing the published materials and the delegates’ impressions on this matter, we should hold meetings of the grassroots organizations. Then discussion began around this idea. “I think,” said one comrade, “that in this way we will hold a meeting with endless questions and answers, like those we saw on the occasion of ...? [partly illegible] The issues discussed and the decisions taken by two directions: a complete break with the concepts and practices of the European left. Good! These orientations have been welcomed, but how will they be put into practice at the grassroots? Suppose the plenary session discuss its new elections before the 10th Congress. Such a conclusion is obviously mistaken. Let us go no further, but stay with the Tepelenë plenary. product of a poorly organized and poorly directed conference, and that some of those elected to it ...the election of the bureau and the plenary of the district party. Indeed, these were to be done uncertainties Why do we emphasize this? To point out that not everything is entirely clear. The issues discussed and the decisions taken by two directions: a complete break with into practice at the grassroots? Suppose the plenary session discuss its the Tepelenë plenary. that some of those elected to it ...In fact, there are a number of issues related to the problems mentioned above, but the aim is to take concrete action, because this is not a matter of routinely passing down directives, but of a fundamental change in the life and activity of the Party. And without genuine organizational measures, without putting people and things in order, this work will not go well. The 10th Congress had its work to do; now the work has been left among several grassroots organizations. The latter have their own problems, and not few of them, so we must gradually and confidently make our way down here as soon as possible, to radically reorganize this party unit as well, since it forms the foundation of the entire Party structure.

Which party do the democrats belong to? (IMPRESSIONS FROM THE MEETING OF PSSH VICE-CHAIRMAN SPIRO DEDE WITH WORKERS FROM SHKODËR) I asked myself this question as soon as the meeting ended. And it was not only the speaker’s words that prompted me, but also the audience’s composition and attitude. Some old rules had been trampled underfoot, and the organizers had not taken care to ensure that all social groups, ages and sexes were represented at this meeting—that there were both young and old, students and soldiers, workers and peasants. Ideally, there should also have been intellectuals. Worse still, they had gone even further: people with a “questionable” background had also entered the hall. The people of Shkodër remember well that, a few years ago, the Party Committee was guarded by soldiers because its first secretary, Muho Asllani, was a member of the Political Bureau of [??], and because of the old mentality and lack of a reputation among the masses. Should the plenum keep only these people, and others like them, in one corner any longer? I say no! And it is the 10th Congress that has taught me this. Indeed, before this body takes on the role of adviser, helper or coordinator, it must renew itself—not only by replacing some elements, as mentioned above, but also by changing its working methods. In other words, this party body too must be reconfigured according to the parameters set by the 10th Congress. Another question: should the Party bureau in the district continue to exist? Perhaps it could change its form and role, but as it is now, it is nonfunctional. It has changed very little from the old one. Its composition still does not include the people who [??] who are workers in the Party’s work. Now let us turn to the Party apparatus in the district. Throughout this period, and even quite recently, staff cuts have been made. Fewer than 20 percent of those who were once there remain. Improvements have also been made in quality. Yet there is still a need to settle this organizational structure, which we have been tinkering with for some time. For example, the operational staff of the Tepelenë Party Committee apparatus, including drivers, cleaners and typists, numbers about 15 people. Inevitably, that is a lot; our comrades constantly express this concern, but a final decision has still not been made on its structure and composition. People should not be left in limbo, wondering what is going on, who will be laid off and who will stay. Cuts must be made, but a working method must also be found that will not weaken connections and influence in the life of the organization. In Shkodër there are many employees. For a worker to enter his office was an act of heroism, while anyone with a “stain” in their biography would not even have dared think of doing such a thing. During the entire time Xhemal Dymylja was in Shkodër, he did not hold even one meeting with intellectuals. And when such leaders happened to visit, strict measures were taken to protect their heads. How strange, how paradoxical for people who spent their whole lives claiming to be democrats and “demos” heroes, that is, heroes of the people! But let us leave all that aside. Such “deeds” have by now entered the laboratory of Shkodër humor, and we can be sure it will not turn out just any old “bread.” Let us return to the meeting held a few days ago. The announcement made on that occasion filled the “Migjeni” Theatre to capacity. But the organizers had left things open. Anything could have gone wrong. But everything went as well as could be, perhaps even better than the organizers had expected. The only concern was that the meeting lasted a long time, almost four hours; around 100 questions were asked. No one held back for fear that a “pointed” question might slip out, and no one was bothered that there were so many of them. Least of all the speaker himself. There was no “unprecedented enthusiasm,” “powerful cheering” or “frenetic applause,” it is true, but there was goodwill, tolerance and culture. (Continued on page 3)

It is no coincidence that, when senior party and state leaders came on working visits to the district of Tropojë, arrangements were made in advance to ensure that there would be veal, and that they would also be taken to picturesque Valbonë. As if they came alone? No, they brought the whole family, including sons-in-law and their relatives, to enjoy the pearls of Valbonë. How painful it is for an Albanian when someone comes to his home and asks what he has to serve them, thereby offending his manhood—even if with money. I do not think this is the place to make lists, as they would be very long, but the list of those who accompanied them would be three times longer. It is clear who they were: state and party officials, directors and deputy heads, each of whom would struggle to wish them well in the finest way and touch their hearts, thereby gaining even more credibility to climb the career ladder—three steps at a time, because two were too few. Favoritism is harmful, and the process must begin in party committees and organizations, in the organs of power, at the center and at the grassroots. There are many who have benefited in the people’s name, holding on to the same career for 10–15 years, not through ability but through connections. Rotation is necessary all the way down to the storekeeper, some of whom have taken root for more than 15 years in the same warehouse, where in one year they put away as much of that property as a senior cadre would not put away before retirement. Rotation and time have separated the wheat from the chaff; the links of kinship, relatives and compromised connections must be broken, along with those of flatterers, lackeys and careerists, who have accumulated over many years, as have many other problems.

— GJIROKASTËR — One truth is clear: the Socialist Party congress has been welcomed with enthusiasm everywhere. This enthusiasm replaces despair and restores confidence to many people. Nevertheless, there is no room for any euphoria: renewal, reform and change face many difficulties. There are still supporters, as well as people wavering and undecided in their convictions, with political fluctuations. There is another truth too, which we hear from many people, especially Party supporters who want to draw closer to it. The changes in cadres and the “higher-level” elections were of good quality, they say; they give us hope, but the break with the past problems. Under pluralism, an end must be put to all this, because the people are fed up with Zylos and Demkas. The old bureaucrats must not be replaced with new ones, as is happening; before long, the sons of the clans are taking their places again. Democracy presupposes becoming wealthy through the sweat of one’s brow. Public opinion—Public opinion is concerned that our delegations have been and are being sent all over the world. The people should be informed about the results achieved by each delegation... let their returns be made public, because our funds are being spent, and they are quite scarce; but the most underhanded acts of financial acrobatics carried out with this people’s foreign currency must not be repeated. However secretly they are done, they cannot escape the people, because it is the people’s sweat that pays for them. Therefore, state and party leaders must stay away from privileges, villas and cars, family luxuries and ties with dubious businessmen for personal gain. Use your talent and intelligence to justify this people’s trust and stabilize the country. ...One truth is evident: the Socialist Party congress has been welcomed enthusiastically everywhere. This enthusiasm has replaced despair and restored the faith of Reorganization, reform and change involve many difficulties. There is still a lot of «rust» in the ideas of many members and in many of the Party’s working practices. An expanded party meeting was held in the district on the first day, the day after the delegates returned. But the hall itself had not been renewed; it was the same activists, the same old age groups, the questions still bore the marks of past fanaticism, and the oxygen that had been present at the congress was missing. Can the Party’s program be understood and implemented in the district like this? It will be difficult. An abundance of orders and instructions, and old practices that have worn people out, were also evident in the explanations and recommendations given. Recommendations were made to turn the new party into a mass party and revive lost traditions, primarily by speaking naturally and sincerely with members, supporters, as well as people who are undecided and uncertain in their convictions, with wavering political views. One more observation, which we hear from many people, particularly Party supporters who want to draw closer to it. Changes in personnel and decisions of a certain kind, they say, give us hope, but breaking with the past and changing everything cannot be done unless personnel are also changed in the districts below. This advice from the masses is worth hearing. Everyone can see the energy with which the new leadership is revitalizing the Party at the centre. We have little information from the districts. Is no work being done? Work is being done, but using methods and a style that make little impression. A method and style that cannot win people over. They are right to demand that the Party be renewed at the grassroots, even though the conferences have only just been held. The only reason that should guide changes and reorganization is what is best for the Party and for the masses who follow it.

The President of the Republic of Albania, Ramiz Alia, yesterday morning received at his residence the delegation of the Albanian Orthodox Archdiocese in Boston, America, headed by its chancellor, Father Artur Liolin, who is visiting our country. President Ramiz Alia welcomed them to their homeland and held a cordial and rational conversation with Father Artur Liolin and the members of the delegation he headed. He spoke to them about the deepening of the democratization processes in Albania, the work being done to overcome difficulties on the path toward a market economy, freedom of conscience under conditions of political pluralism, and so on. Comrade Ramiz Alia also conveyed to them his greetings to all the Albanian patriots in America, who have always felt closely connected to their beloved homeland, follow developments in Albania with particular interest, and work to keep the Albanian language, culture and traditions alive. For his part, Father Artur Liolin thanked the President of the Republic of Albania, Ramiz Alia, for the warm and cordial reception, and expressed his pleasure at his visit to Albania. The reception took place in a warm and fraternal atmosphere. (ATSH)

On the occasion of the inauguration of the Albania-Turkey Friendship Association, several cultural activities and a cultural evening were held yesterday at the National Historical Museum. Members and supporters of the association, intellectuals and ... [partly illegible] The chairman of the Albania-Turkey Friendship Association, ... director of the Archives ... in his speech ... [partly illegible]

A group of representatives from the city of Tirana established the Albania-Sweden Friendship Association. This association will help strengthen friendly ties between the Albanian and Swedish peoples, help promote knowledge of the history, culture, traditions and achievements in various fields of the Swedish people’s socio-economic development, and vice versa, and foster cooperation between Albania and Sweden in areas of mutual interest. The association will conduct its activities in accordance with the approved statute. (ATSH)

The professional variety troupe of the «Hasan Prishtina» Palace of Culture in Kukës appeared before the city’s audience in recent days with its new premiere program: «Music—music» brought national colours to the stage. Zyberi deserved [partly illegible] Arben ...?, painter Ramazan ...? The «Hysni Kapo» Palace of Culture in the town of Vlorë organized a performance in its hall in recent days: a concert by the «Labëria» ensemble, featuring a recital by the composer and folk singer from Vlorë, Reshat Osmani. (According to ATSH)

At the oil mechanical plant in Kuçovë. (Photo: N. Xhufka) At the oil mechanical plant in Kuçovë. (Photo: N. Xhufka)

— NOTICE TO ALL NEWSPAPERS — We hereby notify all political newspapers that have been established (or may be established), socio-political organizations and independent trade unions that recently some former members of the PP have been opportunistically adjusting their personal positions, character, convictions and ideals according to the prevailing circumstances. This phenomenon is expressed in moving around and taking up space in newspapers, guided by the motto that the truth is on my side, since, as a proverb says, anything that brings you benefits is better than the truth that brings you harm. In these circumstances, we advise the leaderships of parties and socio-political organizations not to accept into their ranks astrologers of the PS’s fate, democrats of many dissertations and predictions, who was a member of the PPSH, then a member of the committee of the «Enver Hoxha Volunteers» association, and is currently a member of the PS, but has declared that he is waiting to join as soon as another party is formed. We do not ... [partly illegible] THE OBSERVER