Emigrants left until autumn It was RTSH that, in its various news bulletins, showed that the Albanian government was not satisfied with the visit to Tirana by Greek President Stefanopullos. The broadcast of Mr Kostis Stefanopullos’s activities the previous day came third, after the events held in Elbasan or another Albanian city and the celebration of the Bektashi festival of Novruz. At least according to what was published, apart from the signing of the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, which to some extent contains nothing concrete, the main points that had supposedly been expected to be achieved—legalisation of Albanian emigrants in Greece and the issue of Greek schools—were, in optimistic tones, reported to have been left for the future. The legalisation of Albanian emigrants working in Greece is a powerful card which the Greek side, recognising its importance, is not inclined to let go of easily. Continued on p. 5

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An unsuccessful crossing of the Adriatic Despite the measures taken on both sides of the Adriatic to stop clandestine migration to Italy, it seems that everything is being done to dispel the myth among Albanians, especially young people, of emigrating to the West. Thus, according to official Italian sources, yesterday morning the Italian Finance Guard caught a large group of Albanians who had just landed on the shores of Salento in the Apulia region, in a desperate attempt to enter Italy clandestinely. The boat’s operator, Sander Beçi, was also caught along with the migrants; according to local police authorities, he had been arrested in September last year for the same activity, transporting clandestine migrants. According to a court source, the total number of clandestine migrants caught was 64, of whom 9 were caught scattered along the coast, presumably looking for a means of reaching the large urban centres, and another 24 were caught waiting for the bus to Rome at one of Bari’s stations. According to Italian sources, all 64 clandestine migrants will be repatriated to Albania immediately. Kadri Polovina

Yesterday, the ceremony marking Nevruz Ali’s day was held at the headquarters of the World Bektashi Headquarters in Tirana. At the beginning of the ceremony, in the presence of many believers and guests, Baba Dede Reshat Bardhi read prayers for Ali and prayed to God for peace and prosperity. “This is a great day for all Albanians,” said President Sali Berisha, who had come to greet those celebrating the holiday. “We should celebrate this holiday better, because the World Headquarters is here,” said President Berisha. The holiday of Nevruz marks the beginning of the new year according to the Bektashi faith. It coincides with the birthday of Imam Ali at the Kaaba. “There are days that are celebrated not only by the Bektashis,” said President Berisha, who some time earlier had decreed Nevruz Day a national holiday. “This is sacred and a tribute to the principles on which Bektashism is based, but continued on p. 4”

From the meeting between PRSH representatives and the President of Greece Yesterday morning, Greek President Mr Stefanopulos received PRSH representatives at the Palace of Brigades: Mr Fatmir Mediu, Deputy Chairman of PRSH; Mr Neritan Alibali, Head of Press and Information; and Mr Arian Madhi, Head of Electoral Affairs at PRSH. At the beginning of the meeting, the Greek President expressed his wish for the best possible relations with the Albanian people, the Albanian Government and Albanian political parties, regardless of the latter’s political positions. He spoke of his and the Greek state’s desire for relations with Albania to be strengthened as much as possible, alongside a substantial improvement in relations throughout the Balkan region. President Stefanopulos then asked about the republican perspective on developments in Albania and relations between the two countries. In his remarks, PRSH Deputy Chairman Fatmir Mediu thanked the Greek President for the reception and presented the PR’s views concerning relations with Greece. He stated that the PR was determined to work to ensure that the Greek minority had equal rights with all citizens of the Republic of Albania and could preserve its ethnic traditions. Mr Mediu said that the Greek minority should play an important role in strengthening good relations between our two countries. In addition, Mr Mediu expressed the PR’s wish for the Çam issue to be resolved fairly. On this issue, President Stefanopulos said that there were difficulties, which he had discussed with President Berisha. Mr Mediu then outlined the efforts of PRSH and its struggle to consolidate democracy in Albania, prevent the former communists from returning to power, oppose the PD, support the LDSH and its consolidation, and promote patriotism in Albania. The PR Deputy Chairman explained to the Greek President the PR’s position on property, its return to the rightful owners, and the republican draft law on land. In conclusion, Mr Mediu expressed his conviction that relations between our two countries would continue to strengthen, as well as the PR’s wish to establish contacts with counterpart parties in Greece. “Republika” correspondent

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