AVDYLI Exclusive to the newspaper “REPUBLIKA” “I know who killed Erieta He is at UNICEF” Page 2

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Lottery winners will have their interviews in Tirana. Visa issuance begins on 1 September Page 5

EDITORIAL By Neritan ALIBALI The latest tragedy in Otranto and the institutional and inter-state consequences arising from it have created a threatening clash of interests in our country. The President of the Republic, who has long been giving lengthy lectures on the benefits of globalization, was suddenly roused from his beautiful dreams, “deeply concerned” about Albania’s sovereignty. Mr. Meidani feels annoyed by the involvement—even—of the Italian Police in cooperation to combat trafficking The President of Albania has been loudly cheered by a motley crowd of interest-bearers. Politician-boat owners, militants and servants are raising the banner of “patriotism” and “trampled pride.” In fact, blocking traffic across the Adriatic today means less money for the Socialists’ campaign tomorrow, fewer abuses, less power and fewer opportunities to make money. That is precisely why ratification of the “anti-speedboat” law will pass through Parliament in October, that is of “sovereignty.” Albania’s sovereignty has now been torn to pieces, because our homeland has become a country under attack. Along its entire land border. Attacked by hordes of clandestine migrants, prostitutes, drug traffickers, who are overwhelming Albania. Under these circumstances, not only we but also our neighbours feel threatened. To set aside the common danger and engage in “patriotic rhetoric” means being irresponsible. The gnashing of tee- the benefits of globalization, having just awakened from beautiful dreams, “very concerned” about Albania’s sovereignty. Mr. Meidani is annoyed by the extensive involvement of the Italian Police in cooperation to combat illegal trafficking on the Albanian coast. But he forgets that, in fact, the agreement with the Italian side is an unconditional admission of the Albanian Government’s official capitulation in the face of organized crime in illegal trafficking. The “onslaught” if it defines them…? We do not, the trafficking bloc make money. This is precisely why ratification of the “anti-speedboat” law will go before Parliament in October, that is, after the local elections. The “whiners” about sovereignty have also been joined by Albania’s Don Quixotes, who have always made a habit of fighting windmills. In vain, they have drawn their swords from their scabbards, striking at the air in defense would overthrow Albania. Under these circumstances, not only do we feel threatened, but our neighbors do too. To set aside the shared danger and engage in “patriotic rhetoric” is to be irresponsible. Gnashing teeth and trading insults do no good. One thing is certain. The Albanian state has definitively lost its battle with organized crime. And when you cannot fight it yourself, let others fight.

CANADA

Political tension leads to economic consequences “We are preparing a document in which we will identify, one by one, the shortcomings of foreign companies in the construction of national roads, and for some of them, such as ITALSTRADE, we will propose terminating the contract and their immediate departure from Albania.” This is what one of the senior officials at the Ministry of Transport told “Republika.” Having grown weary of the unsuccessful battle with the SAFA consortium (the partnership of Sarandopulos and Falcione), responsible for building the Durrës–Rrogozhinë road section, which senior officials swore dozens of times they would remove from our country, they have now turned their attention to the Italian company ITALSTRADE.

Breaking news Page 9

Prime Minister Amato threatens from Rome Page 3

Gjinushi breaks the agreement with Nano Page 4

Ecology / Specialists sound the alarm Page 13

The fake-passport network uncovered. . Testimony given to the Prosecutor’s Office by Elbaroza Braho, an officer in the Anti-Terrorism unit, led the Criminal Police, after approval of an action plan by the Ministry of Public Order, to strike a veritable gang forging international passports. People who changed photographs in passports and bought them under other names, at various prices, which had been procured by the Anti-Terrorism officer herself, ended up in handcuffs yesterday after an operation conducted by criminal agents and the Public Order forces. Page 9

Cement / Workers: We’ll exchange the buildings Cement production at the Fushë-Krujë factory will begin in four years. This was the latest promise made by the Minister of Privatization, Mustafa Muçi, to the factory workers’ representatives at a meeting held with them in recent days. By now, both the workers and the minister himself are clear that “Seament” has no incentive to stimulate production. Page 10