5,000 fewer envelopes Fear of “Albapost” 5,000 fewer envelopes Fear of “Albapost” Page 7

Postal traffic threatens the arrival of the envelopes Page 7

EDITORIAL By Genci ÇOBANI For several days now, the most popular topic of conversation in most Albanian families and social settings has been taken over by discussions about the American lottery. News that the names have been selected—winners for the time being—along with a considerable number of the names themselves, has attracted the attention of thousands of Albanian citizens. On the other hand, the correctness of the Albanian postal service, especially in cases such as these mass emigration lotteries, occupies a significant place among Albanians’ concerns (most of whom keep their eyes and thoughts fixed on the routes of emigration). It has continually stirred up distrust and fear that, to the detriment of the lucky ones, fortune may not smile on them all the way. In short, many of the winners are troubled by a shadow of doubt—not about their own luck, but about whether the names of all the winners of this lottery will actually arrive or not. Never, and under no circumstances, can Albanians have [text cut off at edge of photo] ... and the arrival of the American lottery envelopes. It is painful to admit, but also immoral to deny, that the hope of being on the list of the lucky ones lives in almost every Albanian home. The desire to leave this country as soon as possible, by any means, route, name, and nationality, has now become the most widespread form of reaction to the harshly cultivated hopelessness and the lack of any reason to keep believing in the current government. People leave, without knowing where, as long as—[text cut off at edge of photo] their eyes and thoughts fixed on the paths of emigration) is occupied by the timely arrival of the long-awaited envelopes. Scalded by the porridge, most of the inhabitants of this country are ready to blow even on yogurt. The continuing lack of information leaves many of the winners struggling with doubt—not about their own fate, no circumstances, could Albanians have experienced such anxiety, such intense emotions, such complex dreams, such fervent hopes and, naturally, such bitter disappointments as those they experience with the recent dispatch on Albanian Television. He also described the case of Albania as such, projects. So far, donors have contributed a total of 116 million dollars toward progress on the sections of Corridor Eight. [They have become] the most widespread form of response to the hopelessness cultivated so harshly and the lack of motivation knowing where, as long as they leave; politicians remain silent, or ask hypocritically, “Why are Albanians leaving?”, as long as they speak; those who stay hope for a better day, as long as they live...

No money for the roads. Contracts in force “The experience of implementing road infrastructure projects in the countries of Southeastern Europe is bitter. In most cases, the funds provided have not been used to repair the roads.” These are the words of Bodo Hombah, the Special Coordinator of the Stability Pact for the Balkan region, spoken in an interview recently given to Albanian Television. He also described Albania’s case in these terms, saying that it had significant delays in implementing donor-funded road projects. So far, donors have provided a total of 116 million dollars in support of progress on work along the sections of Corridor Eight.

EUROPOL sounds the alarm. Organized crime is on the rise Organized crime is visibly on the rise, not only in Albania but also in Europe. In fact, criminal groups from Southeastern Europe are waiting to develop their contacts in the European Union. This development has been facilitated by the economic and social situation, combined with the lack of stability in these regions. Drug and arms trafficking from the Balkans to Europe has now become a very serious problem. The simplest way of moving illegal traffic from one country to another remains across the borders.

Crime The police officer in the operation is executed with a grenade Page 5

The government forgets the commemorative day of Çamëria Page 4

Nano sends his ministers “out on the road” Page 4

“Republika” continues publishing the lists Page 17

Poste Italiane S.p.A. 22-5-00 0000785 Rome, 22.05.00 Central Directorate, Department of Quality General Inspectorate Tel. 06/59586069 - Fax 06/59587070 Ref. No. DCIG/ASSP/PRM/FR To: Ms Aleksandra Collaku General Director ALBAPOST sh.a. “Reshit Çollaku” St. TIRANA - ALBANIA 13/05/00 01.6.00 Dear Madam, We were very glad to receive Your letter of 10.05.2000. We were sorry to learn that some registered items coming from Italy were spoiled and missing. With reference to Your letter Ref. 1305 dt. 21.04.2000, we have already instructed our Exchange Office of Rome to pack the dispatches to Albania with the utmost care in order to avoid damage in transit. We agree to Your proposal of common investigation from Postal Security on the dispatches sent in Albania, so, what course of action to follow, remains to be settled with You. Yours Faithfully

Today at 10:30, at the PRSH headquarters, Chairman Mediu will hold a press conference