The village, far from view Reportage from the villages of Shaqizë and Lugë in Tirana; Villagers are indignant, Democrats disappointed. Where are the tractors, the fertilizer, the telephones, where are the promises of March 22, ask the villagers, scorched by the sun, isolated from the world. Tirana. Mid-1992. A chaos of people in crowded streets. Traffic collisions all day, every hour. Smells of qofte and sights unacceptable for the culture of a capital in Europe. Even on the main boulevards, rubbish and qofte wrappers get underfoot. The shacks and other ruins are an eyesore. Our cities. More or less the same picture everywhere. Less dirt and chaos in some places, more in others. But what of the countryside, the countryside that remains beyond our sight, beyond the reach of government officials, beyond the reach of radio and television? Nearly two years of change have passed. The wind of democracy blew everywhere. It brought the changes this people needed, but the usurpers of democracy also brought destruction. Especially in the countryside. “Here are Shalqizë and Lugë, right on the Kërrabë road, where the district of Tirana borders that of Elbasan. And the first thing you encounter as soon as you enter Upper Lugë is a fact that should be a punishment for amateur politicians of ‘zero’ caliber. Beside the road, only a few stones scattered here and there on the cultivated land. The village school used to stand there. It has been razed. No walls, no ruins. The owner of the land reclaimed the old boundaries, following an earlier ‘directive’ of the party now in power. And, as a result, the little pupils of Upper Lugë have had no school to attend for months. Tomorrow, they will surely feel the pain of this wound. But today, today the school year ends without them. Could there be other schools razed like this? Could there be many families in the villages of Tirana whose children do not go to school? The district education section should know this, a mouthpiece of today’s government, from which one cannot expect accurate information, since transparency has been replaced by censorship. But it is not only those school stones that cause pain to every intellectual. A shadow of disappointment is strongly felt in the villagers’ conversations. The cooperative has been dismantled. Let it be dismantled. Someone abused their managerial positions there. The villagers name the scoundrels who stole the farmer’s sweat with both hands. Let the cooperative be dismantled, but not without asking the villagers, and not without building something else. No villager demolishes his own house without at least building part of the new one. Changes have happened in the rain and sun, in the middle of winter and halfway down the road; in some respects, that is where things have been left. The countryside is now almost forgotten. There are a thousand unresolved problems in Shalqizë. In Lugë, in Kus. What are they to plant with? Some have been left without land; how are they to settle disputes? People have grown very estranged from one another. Aid is talked about every day on the radio and television, but in this area no one has been seen bringing aid even once. Someone has demolished the school, someone has seized the reservoir and left it as his own land, someone has blocked off the kindergarten. — In the face of this destruction, a new community is trying to survive: the farming community in Shalqizë. Ten to fifteen families have pooled their land and tools. ‘What tools? The ox teams were stolen. The one tractor left charges very high rates. But it also calculates what is profitable. The pooled land makes it easier to work together in this respect, because the tractor driver has all the land in one place. But most work is done with hoes and shovels. There under the scorching sun they plant watermelon seeds. They hope. They hope to connect with merchants, with the city, to sell watermelon seeds, to sell dried fruit and other produce, to earn some income, a few lekë, when prices have risen to unreachable heights. The elderly villager we spoke to, whose name we were unable to write down, showed us his feet. An old pair of boots, sewn with thread, with the tops cut off. Can rubber boots be worn now, in summer?! Faced with poverty, the village is trying to survive. Even by joining together in a community, where most of the farmers are young. Indeed, they formed a socialist organization, initially with 10–15 members, and chose one of their comrades, Hysni Nasufi, a young man ... (Continued on page 2)

The government decides the Republic’s administrative-territorial division The day before yesterday, Parliament approved the draft law “On certain additions to Law No. 7491, dated 29.4.1991, ‘On the Main Constitutional Provisions’.” This law concerns the constitutional choice of the organization and functioning of local government. As is known, one of the sensitive problems today in many regions of the country is the territorial division of the Republic. During the discussion of the above-mentioned article of the law, the proposal of MP Gramoz Pashko drew attention in Parliament. He said that the division of the territory of the Republic of Albania should be made by law (that is, by Parliament). Therefore, this should be added to Article 1 of the aforementioned draft law. This proposal was supported by Socialist MP Bashkim Caka. When it was put to a vote, the proposal was not approved, because only the Socialist and Social Democratic MPs, along with a few Democratic Party MPs, voted for it. Thus, Article 36, point 8, of Law No. 7491, “On the Main Constitutional Provisions,” remains in force. It states: Article 36 The Council of Ministers has the following main powers: 8. It divides or merges administrative-territorial units. We do not intend to challenge the Constitutional Law. But when a constructive proposal is made to improve it, there is no reason not to consider it. We think that point 8 of Article 36 puts another big pumpkin under the government’s arm. So let it carry it. Alongside its other urgent problems, it must now deal with dividing the 308 communes into a network of 200 villages and the 32 municipalities (according to the draft submitted by the government to Parliament). Thus, those regions with territorial-division problems need no longer bother Parliament and the president. Let them address only the government. It does everything. “The government catches a hare with a cart,” says Mr. Vehipe in the comedy “The Carnivals of Korçë.” I. HAMDI JUPE

During the election campaign, the DP MPs stayed among the people. They organized rallies (ah, how we miss seeing the television screen filled up once again), wide-ranging discussions and even meetings at which the gentlemen MPs S. Zhuhali, M. Butka, B. Kopliku, A. Spahia (the people of Shkodër are so fond of Mr. Spahia) and others met with all kinds of requests. Apparently the DP MPs ...

FACT 61 personnel changes with a single DP signature On June 3, we attended a meeting of activists of the Socialist Party in the district of Përmet. Among other things, we learned this fact: they had mobilized not only their electorate, but also a part of public opinion. ... they bring in 30 others, DP militants or supporters. Many of these managers had only a short period of work experience and had been appointed or elected during the period of the pluralist committee. Aren’t 61 personnel changes too many to make with a single signature, in order to ... In the executive committee of this district, the PS, which had the largest electorate on March 22, has no place at all. Other political forces have “settled in” there and taken it over, led by the DP. At the first meeting of the executive committee, the section heads who were Socialists were removed. Then, at another meeting, 61 personnel changes were made in the district: 30 managers who were PS members or sympathizers were removed and replaced by a single decision, without even getting into whether the decision was just, the political passions involved, or the competence or incompetence of some staff members? Përmet is a small district. It is known for being mild and calm. These are not bad qualities in the era of democracy. So let the DP’s democratic “hubbub” not blow up, if the logic behind these changes is politically sick. THANAS DINO

On the eve of the First Congress of the PSSH It is time and it is the place for the Party Congress to clarify some questions that arise not only from earlier ways of thinking, but especially from the confusion created by the “smoke bombs” of our yesterday’s opponents and their allies in Europe and America. The role of the PS in the country’s democratization processes must be clarified with convincing arguments. This is necessary so that demo... with the Ballists, with the collaborators of the occupiers, with the saboteurs who killed, burned and robbed the people. Indeed, today, two or three individuals and parties are seeking to place some of them on the pedestal of great democrats. A full clarification must be made now to prove that the Socialist Party has in its ranks true democrats, who devoted themselves to the struggle[s] for democracy in the armed revolution and in the revolution ... must be clarified with convincing arguments. This is essential so that the political democracy achieved remains what it is: an attribute of the people’s democrats, militants in different parties, and not of the members of a party that bears that name but whose monist convictions unjustly identify it with democracy. This must be clarified now, before the pages of history are covered by the dust of time. Otherwise, tomorrow’s anti-democrats, like those of today, will be given the opportunity, with base intentions, to equate the Communists who led the forces driving the National Liberation War with those who came before them, especially through the mists created by the smoke-screening “nationalists” of our ... and their allies in Europe and America. They robbed the people. Indeed, today there are certain individuals and parties who seek to be placed on the pedestal of great democrats. This clarification must be made fully now, to prove that the Socialist Party had true democrats in its ranks, people devoted in the democratic revolution. This clarification must also be made in order to recognize and appreciate the democrats of other parties, so that all democrats can unite for the people’s cause. Otherwise, opposing forces will hinder progress. The Socialist Party worked and fought so that the democratic revolution could fulfill its mission without the violence and vandalism committed by right-wing or left-wing extremist forces, which cost the people human lives. (Continued on page 3)

During the election campaign, the DP MPs stayed among the people. once again), broad discussions and even impromptu meetings at people’s homes, explaining the DP program, but above all convincing voters of the wonders that would happen after March 22. Now, after the MPs have taken their seats, we see that they are no longer going down among the people. On the contrary, the people are coming to the MPs. At the main entrance to the Parliament building, for example, you see citizens from different electoral areas. They are exhausted workers, but also villagers whom it is not hard to recognize as having reached the end of their tether. They were looking for Spahija and others, with all kinds of requests. Apparently the DP MPs find it difficult to go down among the people (much less to hold rallies). And in a way they are right. Especially when people tell them what they think, they cannot hold back. So, by coming to Tirana in small groups, it is easier to “break” them, and even to deceive them again. Besides, it is the MPs’ turn to go among the people. Let them try for themselves, for once, how difficult an MP’s job is! BASHKIM KOÇI

The day before yesterday in Kuçovë, the oil workers’ union organized a peaceful rally of the oil-worker residents of Kuçovë. In his speech, the union’s representative, intellectual Erthem Çaushi, informed the rally participants about the efforts made by a union delegation to meet with Prime Minister Meksi, in order to present him with the concrete demands and relevant arguments for placing Kuçovë in the Berat region, within the district of Berat, or at least making it a district of its own. This group did manage to meet with Vullnet Ademi, Secretary General of the Council of Ministers, who informed them that, according to the government’s plan, which was also based on the proposal of the Executive Committee of the Berat district, Kuçovë would be renamed Kucovë. The rally participants received this with anger; Çaushi strongly condemned the fact that Prime Minister Meksi had not met with the union delegation, despite the fact that a day and time had supposedly been set to receive them. Although consideration had been given to this distressing issue for Kuçovë, nothing had been done, and even the opinion of the district Executive Committee had not been sought. The same goes for Kuçovë and the Prime Minister’s statements to the leading deputies of the PD in Berat, that they would raise the matter in Parliament. But the first day of Berat’s ... Later, Mr. Çaushi informed the meeting’s representatives that the union representatives had met with Kuçovë deputy, comrade Fatos Nano. After listening to them attentively, he had expressed his full commitment to raising the issue with the Prime Minister, the President of the Republic, and in Parliament, with a view to having the matter examined. He informed them that they had asked in Parliament for the demands of the union and the residents of Kuçovë to be read out; they supported the oil workers of Kuçovë’s just demand to become a district of their own. Mr. Çaushi then presented the main demands of a petition arguing for Kuçovë to be treated as a district of its own, which were approved with applause. (Continued on page 3)

No one will forgive you for stealing the fruits of their own labor — Hundreds of specialists and thousands of members of former cooperatives are demanding that the law be implemented. Why this silence? — I worked for 25 years in the former Toplan - Shosh cooperative in the Shkodër district, together with my family. When it was dissolved, not only I but several others received nothing from the property of this agricultural enterprise. What is going to happen to us; will the laws and decisions that have been adopted be implemented? One government goes and another comes, but all we have received are kind words, and never anything in our bags. Our cooperative had over 400 small livestock, more than 250 cattle and work animals, 30 barns and warehouses, as well as other property. But it was divided according to the law of the “coal” [unclear], with the “strong” and the “clever” taking things by the bucketful. Whom have we not turned to? We have approached ... the district government too, and also the government ... [partly illegible] Molla wrote in his letter to the newspaper. His concern is not unique. Ugly irregularities have also occurred in all the districts of the country. Hundreds of specialists who worked for 20 and 30 years have been left with virtually “nothing in their hands,” while thousands of former cooperative members have not received what was due to them. There are many reasons: the commissions working in the villages acted contrary to government decisions and the Ministry of Agriculture’s instructions; the commission heads and members looked after their own interests; in other villages, decisions had been made in advance; documents were destroyed, etc. How will this discord be sown in the village, how will it be quelled and conflict prevented? While there has been insistence on applying the law in the division of land, the revaluation and redistribution of property have been left forgotten. Everyone, especially today, is asking for a share of the effort and sweat they have put in for years in the former agricultural cooperatives. They are asking the new government to restore justice. We cannot remain silent and fail to correct the mistakes that have been made, whether intentionally or unintentionally. It is illogical—and the relevant act stipulates the same—that the property of former cooperatives should not be divided per capita, but according to contribution. And the Ministry of Agriculture must be the first to correct this by reorganizing the property redistribution commissions. Delay will have social consequences for the village. SELIM HOXHA

These days, a group of 70 women—intellectuals from various fields, workers, pensioners, and veterans—met in one of the premises of the PS committee of Tirana and decided to support the initiative of the women of Kolonjë, who some time ago made public the establishment of the Socialist Women’s Forum for their district. This initiative received a strong response and full support from the outset among female members and supporters of the PS in the city of Tirana. As emerged at this meeting, it is an imperative, a vital need for protecting women’s interests under the conditions of a market economy. The new economic reform is expected to weigh more heavily on women than on anyone else. This forum was created precisely to protect the economic and social interests of this category of workers in our society. Other existing women’s forums were unable to fulfill this mission. The meeting discussed with concern how to organize this Forum as quickly and effectively as possible. It will be organized mainly on a territorial basis, with the aim of proceeding to the national conference of the FGS. Since the day the Forum was established, the number of women registered as Forum members had exceeded 300. At the end of the meeting, an initiating committee was formed to lead the work of organizing and consolidating the Women’s Forum in the city of Tirana until the First Conference, when the leadership bodies will be elected. The committee consists of: Makbule Çeço - chair. Lecturer, educator at UT; Vjollca Ibro - deputy chair, K. SH, lecturer at UB; Iskra Myftari - deputy chair, teacher; Rukie Kondi, secretary, pharmacist; Ermelinda Meksl, lecturer, deputy in the People’s Assembly; Feride Papleka - poet, editor at SHB të Librit Enciklopedik; Violeta Manushi - actress, People’s Artist; Parashqevi Minu - Heroine of Labor; Shefikati Nje... - economist; Dorezë Cipo - teacher; Vjollca Sevi - engineer; Tatjana Vero - doctor; Irini Qirjagi - singer; Mimoza Nikolaj; doctor; Arta Dabulla - lecturer at UT; Merita Ndreko - lecturer in assistance; Albina Ukaj - worker; Zydie Fushaj - worker; Najada Liço - worker; Natasha Vrioni - worker; Tatjana Kotobelli - lecturer at UT; Natasha Pepivani - editor at SHB të Librit Shkollor. Correspondent of «Zëri i Popullit»

Theatre lovers this week, on Saturday the 6th and Sunday the 7th of June at 7:00 p.m., will have the opportunity to see the heroic comedy by Brazilian playwright G. Figueiredo, “Aesop” (“The Fox and the Grapes”), at the People’s Theatre Hall. Tickets cost 6 lekë. Don’t be late, so that through this performance you can enjoy spiritual pleasure and spend some pleasant moments watching the performances of the People’s Theatre actors.