1.5 billion dollars for members of the Islamic Bank. The director escapes. 6.99 million dollars quench the thirst of 66,000 residents An Italo-Albanian gang uncovered; police arrest five Albanians and three Italians in Bari Berisha: PR is part of the defeat. Mediu: Berisha is wrong to create conflicts P. 3

Petro MARKO After nearly half a century, the time has come for our press to revive its democratic traditions. The press informs and shapes. The press is the spirit of the tape recorder of time; therefore, throughout the civilized and progressive world, a free press creates an understanding of the situation and opens up the space for the future. The press has been called the fourth power, after the legislative, executive and defense powers. We have beautiful and strong traditions in the Albanian press, going back to its birth during our National Awakening. Its aim: to awaken the Albanian people and take up arms to fight for their freedom. We can mention several newspapers, such as “Koha” by the distinguished Shahin Kolonja, “Albania” by Faik Konica, “Dielli” by Fan Noli, and later, continuing this tradition, other newspapers up to “Bashkimi” by the revolutionary patriot Halim Xhelo, around 1920–24. We may feel troubled and say that our press began to travel a bright path because it was in the hands of enlightened people. “Drita” of Istanbul, “Shqipëria e Re” of Constanța, “I alvaniki foní” of Marko Boçari, “Flamuri i Arbërit” by De Rada, and “Liria Kombëtare” by Omer Nishani remain powerful bells of awakening for the unity of the Albanian people, who were at risk of being divided and wiped out. From the first years of my youth, I was fortunate to be among distinguished journalists such as Jorgo Meçaj, Namik Delvina, Kostë Çekrezi, Branko Merxhani, Ismet Toto, and others. These writers did not work for glory or power, but to deepen and realistically analyze the situation that

Berisha at a press conference yesterday denouncing the manipulations

Justice pardons criminals; capital punishment abolished. The Musaku–Lubani dispute, from court to Congress. The director is released; the police officer gets two years in prison. Page 2 Lazarat, terror without masks. Police arrive in an armored vehicle; the robbers defy them. Page 7 The former minister seeks 45 million in compensation from Farudin Arapi. Crane thief arrested. Investigations begin into the blackout at the Airport. Page 6 Spartak Poçi: Berisha turns defeats into victories. The SP also calls for early elections. Page 4

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