35 thousand lekë for a Roma child Parents sell them because of their difficult economic situation P. 7

The Greek Embassy in Tirana has changed the ways of

The Greek Embassy in Tirana has changed the procedures for issuing visas. New procedure changed the procedures for issuing visas. The main purpose of this change has been to put a stop to any abuse and illegal trafficking in Greek visas. The Greek consul, Kristos Papadhistrios, explained that the stamped forms, which will be issued to all persons applying for Greek visas, will be available only from the Embassy. In this way, there will no longer be forms sold by just anyone at the Embassy doors, as they will be considered invalid—a practice commonly used until now. “The new procedure means more order, shorter queues and more complete documentation for Albanian citizens applying for Greek visas.” P. 5

Parliament Speaker Skënder Gjinushi has stolen money through the law to benefit the mini-party he leads. The law on political parties passed by Parliament was deliberately altered by Parliament Speaker Gjinushi, who is also chairman of the PSD, one of the parties in the governing coalition. “This draft law remained for a long time in the offices of the Presidium of the Assembly, and Gjinushi changed several articles in this draft law proposed by the Government,” Vasil Melo said yesterday. These changes were deliberately made by Gjinushi so that he could obtain as much money as possible, at the expense of this law, from the fund allocated to all political forces. P. 5

Albright will visit Albania. Secretary Albright will return to Albania after attending the swearing-in ceremony of Croatia’s newly elected president, Stipe Mesić. Madeleine Korbel Albright was appointed Secretary of State by President Bill Klinton on December 5, 1996. After receiving the approval of the U.S. Senate on January 23, 1997, she took the oath of office and was appointed the 67th U.S. Secretary of State, thereby taking the most important political position ever held by a woman in the history of the United States of America. Before her appointment as Secretary of State, Albright was the permanent representative of Continued on page 10 According to the announcement made several days ago by State Department spokesperson James Rubin, U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Korbel Al- Albright, the “Iron Lady” in Albania

Ultimatum for PAD: It has until February 28 P. 5 Nano “privatizes” the institutions of the Stability Pact P. 3 Jorg Haider: I am not a fascist” P. 10 Today REPUBLIKA ONLINE www.gazeta-republika.com