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EDITORIAL By Ervin MAZNIKU It is shouting... Over the past three years, Albanians, left with empty pockets and no hope, have not only seen their country sink even deeper into the mire of being Europe’s poorest country, but have also emerged as a quiet people, despite their wishes, as politics adds zeros to the bill of poverty. The cancellation of World Bank funding for Albania is part of this context. The Albanian Government’s lack of commitment to creating a capital market It is clear that the functioning of the Stock Exchange broadens people’s participation in various commercial activities, which also increases their chances of survival. In short, the Government is no longer interested in the people’s lives, even though it was partly responsible for bringing them to their current state. This latest step taken by the World Bank, one of the most trusted institutions to have entered the maze of Albanian finance, does not apply in Albania. The Anglo-Adriatic Investment Fund is pulling out, moving far away from Albania and taking with it the hopes of around 40,000 shareholders, who had considered it reliable, but which the Government did not hesitate to ruin. The current Government is doing everything it can to deprive Albanians of investment opportunities. The only thing it has not yet officially done, at least for now, is to whom politics adds zeros to the bill of poverty. In this context, too, is the cancellation of World Bank funds for Albania. market (a Stock Exchange) has left Albania as the only country in the world without a Stock Exchange; among other things, it has also caused donor countries’ aid for establishing one to be blocked. The people’s lives no longer matter, even though some of them helped bring it to where it is. the most trusted institutions to have entered the Albanian financial sphere, is neither the first nor the last on the list. The “Quick Start” initiative of the Stability Pact, which envisaged the rapid implementation of projects to improve Albanian infrastructure, will not—[text unclear in source]—have been wasted. The current Government is doing its utmost to deprive Albanians of opportunities to invest. The only thing this Government put a noose around this people’s neck and tell them: “Now, go and graze!” And judging by this marathon of government stupidity, that day is not very far away.

40,000 depositors lose out Funding for Albania is cancelled Page 8

Albania, the hub of illegal trafficking in the Balkans. Trafficking figures over one year Albania, the hub of illegal trafficking in the Balkans Trafficking figures over one year 300,000 undocumented migrants USD 8 billion in profit 1,000 people missing Page 5

Prosecutor’s Office sheds light on the “Çole” murders There is a plot aimed at eliminating all those close to Myrteza Çaushi, a plot that has worked well so far. Confidential sources within the group of investigators handling the latest murder in the Çole neighborhood have confirmed this. Zani learned almost all the news of the deaths of people close to him while in his cell. One of the guards says that when he heard the news of his first brother’s death, he refused food for two days straight. When his other brother was murdered, his despair drove him to the brink of suicide. The guard says the attempt took place in his cell. Page 7

The International Community is indifferent Page 2

Gruesome crime in Nikël, Krujë Page 9

They were wanted by the Italian police Page 7

“Republika” continues publishing the lists Page 17

REPUBLIKA, every day, 24 pages just 20 lekë

Fresh meat is a risk to citizens Page 15