In Albania, 800 criminals are free to operate Page 6

New form for applicants Albania, the maximum number U.S. Consul L. Kent Jones presents the new Lottery program and application procedures 3,500 visas for Albanians Page 5 American Consul in Tirana, Laurence Kent Jones

EDITORIAL By Neritan ALIBALI We have become accustomed to calling anything appropriated unlawfully theft. When we have spotted theft, we have shouted ourselves hoarse: “Catch the thief”! And yet, at most, the thieves have been talked about, but not punished. And, strangely, paradoxically, our cries have made theft more sophisticated, turned it into theft carried out with boldness, with skill... ...ly for breaking the law. Only those in power can commit theft by law. Careful not to be talked about for their deeds, they tailor laws to their abuses and thefts. Someone in power privatizes a quarry and, after that, forces the companies awarded road tenders to pave the roads with mountain gravel (from his quarry). Precisely in accordance with the rules, immediately afterwards he signs an official decision to reduce his business’s obligations to the state. Naturally, by law, only by law. The law is sacred to those in power, even golden. Because on the basis of the law and in its name, those in power... extort. So what can you do about these kinds of thefts?! Because “legally” they are not considered theft. Indeed, you may be called a thief if you accuse the thieves of theft. So, ultimately, you have to remain silent. Because opposing these “laws” means being “unlawful.” thieves have been talked about a great deal, but have not been convicted. And, remarkably, in a paradoxical way, our climate has made theft more sophisticated, turning it into theft sanctioned by law. Naturally, neighborhood thieves cannot commit theft sanctioned by law. They will continue to be caught “red-handed” stealing shirts, bicycles, or underwear. And they will be sentenced under the laws in force, exactl— A powerful person privatizes a quarry, and then forces the firms awarded road contracts All in exact accordance with technical regulations. Another powerful person rents out entire premises belonging to state institutions at a ridiculously low price, under an absurdly legal act. Yet another powerful person sets up a private business, and

Problems with voter registration Photo: R. Tasho Albanian Prime Minister Ilir Meta seems to be making a habit of denying every accusation directed at him by the opposition or other segments of society, only to later acknowledge it himself. At a press conference he held at the Prime Minister’s Office, Meta backtracked on his statements from some time ago, in which he had called the opposition’s statements laughable, although they had reported, with figures, the voters missing from the electoral rolls.

Three hours of questioning for the Slovenian who entered without a visa at Rinas It had not even crossed his mind that a “bunch” of Albanian police officers would not only detain him, but also put handcuffs on him. This was the fate of a Slovenian citizen, whose name has not been disclosed because of his mission in Albania, who landed yesterday afternoon at Rinas Airport with a “shortcoming” in his possession, He had no entry visa and, as a result, became a problem for the officers of the Rinas Police Station. The latter, weary of all the talk about irregularities and trafficking, did their job yesterday in the best possible way. A police patrol noticed that he did not have any valid document.

PR launches its campaign in the northern city With the slogan “Shkodra above the political parties,” the Republican Party opened its campaign for the local elections of October 1 in the northern city of Shkodra. In the “Migjeni” theater hall, Shkodra’s Republicans gathered for the campaign’s second major meeting. Those attending the event from the central headquarters were P.R.SH. Deputy Chairman Maksim Begeja, Public Relations Secretary Mr. Neritan Alibali, and Foreign Relations Secretary Mr. Robert Çeku. Page 2

Emptying your pockets for school Page 21

Today, at 12:00, at the PRSH Central Headquarters, the Executive Board and Dr. Maks Haxhia will hold a press conference.

Page 7 Godò: Albanian diplomacy reacts late Milosh[e]viçi is putting the Balkans at risk Page 4 Commissioners do not recognize local government CEC clashes with the Municipalities Page 3