SHIK searching for the Italian’s interpreter. Italy’s anti-smuggling unit sets the state in motion. The newspaper that accused the Prime Minister does not arrive in Albania Meidani does not arrive in Kukës. The President is summoned to the Prosecutor’s Office

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Alimuçaj raises the alarm: They are stealing our bank accounts Zan Çaushi beats the prison police black and blue 16 years in prison for Maz-rreku Pages 2–8 Vranicki awaits the Nobel Prize Berisha lands in Shkodër Pages 3–4 The police chief of Berat is summoned to Tirana; the local radio station dismisses him Page 6

. Albanians are once again without a state and normal governance. The people in power have just concluded the ceremonies celebrating the beginnings of democracy, but democracy and the rule of law are still far away. The country’s economy continues to be completely paralyzed; the entire state administration is being kept going on the basis of the budget it is expected to receive. As in the socialist regime, there are only paranoid projects for restructuring and for “jobs.” The left-wing geopolitical outlook envisages only provoking national feelings, or even the humanitarian sentiments of our neighbors. The idea of a “protectorate” suits only political traffickers. This is not the first time senior government leaders have made such statements. Nano began with the high-profile deception about returning the money, bluffed at the diplomatic table with Millosheviç, in his stance toward the borrowing companies when he was in Hong Kong, and, most recently, with the provocation directed at a friendly state such as Italy. In adventures of political and diplomatic irresponsibility. Continued on page 4

Sweet pomegranate, tender pomegranate, well done, Lady Sude, well done, may your life be long, because our wallets are full. Lady Maksude Kadëmi, how lucky we are to have you, the dance goes round and round, our Sude is like a snow flower. Sude, dear, we know your concern, you give everyone what they deserve, Sude, dear, you never once grew tired, all that money you collected. Sude, dear, sweet as honey, you never leave us in the lurch, Sude, dear, a famous star, who thinks of the poor. The Song of Rrapush Xhaferri The fields sway, the mountain trembles, the General comes to Përmet, Continued on page 16

REPUBLIKA, “Sami Frashëri” Street, near “Petro Nini Luarasi” High School, Tirana. Account No. 986/110, Tirana Commercial Bank. Tel/Fax (+355 42) 259 88 Tel. (+355 42) 240 88