Do the Democrats like Vlorë? The Nano - Prodi enigma

The victims of Otranto bring about “national reconciliation.” Yesterday Albanians came together around their great sorrow to honor those whom cruel fate swallowed up. Thousands of citizens, without distinction, gathered in the squares and historic places of their cities, sending flowers and tears toward Vlorë. At the place scarred by the tragedy, symbolic events were organized by various associations, by schoolchildren, but also by merchants, of whom, until yesterday, it was said that they run only after profit. “Cafés and a glass of drink in honor of the victims.” This is how the National Day of Mourning was observed. A grief that showed the spiritual unity of all Albanians, without differences, from the South to the far North. What politicians did not do, the ordinary people did. Yesterday everyone was convinced that the people had not been in enmity, but rather reconciled to the point of nobility. The slogan of “national reconciliation” was nothing other than demagoguery. It has tried to set Albanians against one another, for the sake of the whims of political clans. Yesterday the people showed politicians that they hold no mandate whatsoever to rule over them, that their politics are highly temporary and destined to be discarded, as it presents itself as a personal politics. It was precisely this politics that sowed the seeds of pain and tragedy, encouraged exoduses and tried to distance Albanians from their love for their homeland. So it was an anti-national policy that, by still insisting and staying in power, warns of new tragedies. The wave of grief rolled across the whole country yesterday, further strengthening the ordinary but not the fine politicians. The politicians remained hostile, resentful and fatalistic, but that is no grief. Those who could not make politics, the people have been doing for a long time.

Page 2 Photo: A. Babani

Today the strike of all major Albanian newspapers and magazines begins. So from tomorrow there will no longer be newspapers and magazines on the market. The only exception is the newspaper of the party in power, “Zëri i Popullit.” “Republika” apologizes to its readers for not publishing the newspaper these days, but Prime Minister Nano’s silence toward the demands of the major newspapers has forced the press to declare a strike as a sign of protest. “Republika” is certain that its readers will understand the open-ended strike of the Albanian newspapers until their demands are met.

Pain tears through the middle of Albania 600 women make the city shudder Flowers for the victims in Durrës Lushnja cries, Kavaja weeps in the street Page 3 PD speaks after the Mifol barricade The two-headed Front in Vlorë Page 5 Hasani: The government is limping from the left The Ministry of Foreign Affairs declares Buçpapa a bandit Page 4 The PD secretary’s car is stolen A teenager assaults a journalist Page 10 Remember the weddings, get the “Kalashnikov” ready The state border of drugs 611 child criminals 9 years for Berisha’s attacker Pages 7 - 10

ALDRI and the American Law Office NOBLE P. A. are once again serving you for the new American Lottery. You need a 37 by 37 mm photo and 1,500 lekë to apply. Free for every family member who applies with you. We are the most successful office, because we submit the forms in America several times and not all at the end, and we help our clients at every step until the visa is obtained. We do not come here just for one month, but we are in Albania with you throughout the whole year. REPRESENTATIVES TIRANA: Z. Pfifti, Kavaja Street, building opposite the mosque, 2nd floor. (P.71/1/6) FIER: Zoi Bozo and Mimoza Brahimi - near the Court DURRËS: Shpresa Skrame - near the Court VLORE: Kadri and Drita Aga - near the Court LUSHNJE: Napoleon Braho - near the Court KUÇOVË: Ermira Arapi - above the Iliria club SHKODËR: Violeta Sulkaj - near the Court. HOURS: Every day 8:00 - 18:00, from 10 October to 18 November 1997.

"REPUBLIKA", Sami Frashëri Street, near the "Petro Nini Luarasi" high school, Tirana. Account No. 986/110, Tregtare Tiranë Bank. Tel/Fax (+355 42) 259 88 Tel. (+355 42) 230 90