Former Minister of Defense, once again exclusively for “Republika” Albanian politics is to blame p. 3 Agim Shehu at the Government-Presidency crossroads

Agim Shehu quickly became the subject of debate. The chief of police of May 28 returned to the scene once again, thanks to the insistence of the political parties. Nine parties called for his dismissal from his post as deputy minister. Prime Minister Fino, seeking to dispel insinuations about his own character, proposed—urged by the political parties—the dismissal of the Director General of Police, Shehu. Only four PD ministers disagreed with such a decision. Along with them, Agim Shehu himself and the deputy of the President of the Republic also opposed it. The latter compelled TVSH to lead its Sunday news broadcasts with his statement. Following this decision by his cabinet, Prime Minister Fino exchanged arguments with the Presidency to clarify his legitimate position. According to him, the Government dismissed Lieutenant General Shehu only from his administrative post, but did not in any way revoke his rank or transfer him to the reserves. The concern expressed by the PD ministers, the Democrats themselves, and then the Presidency cast serious doubt on their relations with the Prime Minister’s Office. After this harsh response from the PD, it is still not known whether Agim Shehu will remain Deputy Minister of the Interior. Mr. Fino has also stated that, as far as he is concerned, Shehu has been dismissed, while Mr. Behul Çelo, at his latest meeting with his Italian counterparts at the negotiating table, had not included Mr. Shehu. This is the first time Mr. Shehu has not taken part in bilateral talks. Perhaps this may be a kind of sign that the Shehu incident should be allowed to pass in silence. Under Article 32 of the law on the armed forces, the President of the Republic makes decisions concerning officers holding active rank. Apart from an official response through his spokesman, the President of the Republic has not clarified Shehu’s future. Mr. Fino, for his part, has given no sign that he intends to reverse his Government’s decision. Mr. Agim Shehu, however, remained unclear as of yesterday as to whether he was a deputy minister or an active-duty officer waiting to see where the Homeland needed him more.

Photo: A. Babani

The newspaper “Republika” is banned P. 2

An “Opel” worth the equivalent of 30 Kalashnikovs P. 4

Albania, this white Zaire P. 5

A fun shooting range in Peshkopi The goats make a run for it P. 2

ONLY IN “REPUBLIKA” will you find the complete list of creditors that VEFA will repay on April 22, 1997.