Accusations concerning UNICEF PAGES 4–5

EDITORIAL By Agim BAÇI Once again, the International Community has informed us that the local elections will be a test. In fact, this motto of the international institutions, spoken and repeated in the middle of Tirana whenever we have approached elections, has seen the light of day in practice only during the “naive” elections of 31 March 1991 and the resounding victory of the right on 22 March 1992. This time, it so happens that our exam will be in the autumn. But all ... [text cut off by the edge of the photo] ...the leftists’ [actions], stamped by the “calm” Meidani, show that those in power have decided to try the motto once again: “Let Europe speak, but the caravan of manipulations will move forward.” It is not known whether the International Community will this time remain confined to statements, or act “less like politicians,” bluntly telling Albania’s politician-rulers what it thinks of their typically Albanian attitudes. The newly elected Secretary himself ... institution he leads, everything will be guided by the “integrity” of these elections. The elections are in the autumn. In processes of this kind, we have often failed, advancing only in reverse. “These elections, more than being about the names of individuals or parties, are about restoring dignity to those who have helped us and who want to help us. They are asking us at least to respect that day when the citizens of a country have the ... [text cut off by the edge of the photo] first saw the light of use This time, it happened that we have our test in the autumn. But all indications are that we have learned nothing from what has happened to us because of the misuse of the vote by our rulers. This failure to learn risks leaving us in the lurch again this autumn. All the move- This time, the international community will remain confined to statements, or will it act “less like a politician,” plainly voicing the distinctly Albanian-style positions of Albania’s politician-rulers? The newly elected Secretary of the Council of Europe himself has declared that he knows nothing about what President Meidani (who was also supposed to be the President of the Albanians) did “behind the back of the Electoral Code.” He has only stated that for “…whether it is individuals or parties, it has to do with restoring dignity before us. They ask that we at least the right to decide. Politics only has to get through this autumn. But to take such a step, Meidani at least has to learn.”

The government concealed the value It was valued at USD 12 million in 1995 Nothing has been said, nor is anything being said, about the license and its value. Its value becomes even greater when one takes into account the fact that in Albania, for now—and perhaps for many years to come—AMC is and will remain the only operator in the mobile phone market. There was an offer to buy Albanian Mobile Communication as early as 1995.

Local elections, a test for Albania The EC is surprised by Meidani’s moves Representative Grunet said that the EC had been informed of all developments in the country since consultations on the new electoral legislation began at the OSCE offices. The EC has accepted this code, but at the same time says it is determined that the next steps in the process be taken in accordance with the criteria set out by law. He said he had not been aware of Meidani’s position on decreeing the members of the CEC before the Code was passed by Parliament. Page 2

After Shuli, the second minister falls Page 2

Albanians’ guarantees and applications to the USA and Canada go missing 40,000 postal items disappear Guarantees and applications by Albanians to the USA and Canada go missing Page 7

Government: They deserve it; they are illegal Page 13

ANTI-CULTURE Page 14