America’s decision throws Albanians into confusion. War on the horizon? The Islamic threat reminds Europe of Bosnia 4 Slavic officers command the Kukës Division The phantom Anglo-Italian loan, similar to the German $80 million, disorients the Government. $40 million in search of a mafia bank. Prison cells blown open; 4 dangerous inmates escape Page 7

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The mysterious lord’s 3 visits to Albania, the mystery of the 14-page dossier and the fear of a Third Theft The clandestine coral hunter at Karaburun and Portoromano has now set his sights on Butrint On 14 March ’97, on the basis of a secret known to only 5 people (including Ceka), objects of Illyrian identity were stolen...! Page 4

Albania without leadership Albania lacks state leadership. Following the State Department’s decision to temporarily close the Embassy and evacuate American diplomats, no position by the country’s leaders was made public. Yesterday, spokespeople again tried to speak on behalf of their chiefs, whose whereabouts are unknown. The only senior official who dared to comment was the Minister of Defense, Hajdaraga, who described this situation as “normal”! What is more, Mr. Hajdaraga also assured the NATO multinational forces, who are coming to demonstrate their strength in Albania, that they would be safe from attacks. The Albanian public was waiting for an official government statement setting out the public order and safety situation, and the readiness of specialized agencies such as SHIK to prevent possible terrorist activities, which according to the official version are the main pretext for Continued on page 3

Albanian politicians flee along with the Americans Berisha declares Fagu a Sigurimi spy PR: SHIK brings the secret of Nano-Meidani relations to light DP: Embassy closure, a bad omen Pages 3–5 Once upon a time … Proforma 1,000 poisoned in one week Massacre at a venue, three killed The tragedy of a village heading toward disappearance The sea claims a 13-year-old Pages 6–7 Hajdaraga: Serbia may attack us Special forces surround the Embassy Terrorist with a “Kalashnikov” disrupts Tirana’s swimming pools Page 2 The “Mask” and the voice of Aleksandër Moisiu A house for rent to the Albanian poet, Gëzim Hajdari Page 16 Who founded Singapore Page 22

Why is the U.S. silent about mass graves in Kosovo? The Albanian Intellectuals’ Forum appeals to the UN, OSCE, NATO P. 15

Arsenal have no need for Ronaldo The Bundesliga serves up its first results For Efenberg, the bad days are over P. 21

Hollywood stars: $25,000 for Kosovo Albanian-French excavations in Apoloni Private radio stations risk bankruptcy P. 19