SCANDAL Embassy documents are burned and tapes of the ballots are seized Files Disappear from the Police Archive The Ministry of Public Order Accuses SHIK Page 3

EDITORIAL By Sokol Duka Meidani throws a stone into the river, and a hundred wise men cannot find it... The old fable has long since been taken to heart and put to use by the number one man of the Albanian state himself. Without the slightest difficulty, he manages to perform beautifully his nonexistence in every corner of politics whenever the CEC is discussed, an institution he created with such care at the beginning of this year. [to] guarantee the electoral dispute... The political parties and international institutions reminded Meidani that he could also act as guarantor of a compromise, as is customary for anyone playing the role of president. But the number one man of the Albanian state responded to these requests by actively attending all the... exhibitions and award ceremonies. ...The CEC, cast aside by the President... On October 1 he was in Zagreb. To hurry things along, he reminded the Europeans that he had helped his “Kosovar neighbors” and was seeking a reward for it. This reminder to Europe earned him... some applause. (The latter perhaps for the Europeans’ subtle humor!). ...In 1991 it was said that Albania’s integration into Europe would be helped by having at its helm a bandit, a handicapped man, who would not comment on anything happening around him, who would only throw the stone. Ten years later, Albanians seem to be drawing closer to their dream... of the Albanian state. After 4–5 months of difficulty, he manages to execute CEC is mentioned, an institution that he had so carefully created at the beginning of this year. Thus, after hurrying to complete the CEC and after playing with two mannequins whom he presented as “resignees,” Meidani forgot that he had quietly pacified the institution that was to ... ...a role of the president. But the number one figure of the Albanian state responded to these demands by attending in person all the... exhibitions and award ceremonies. ...The CEC, set in motion by the President, successfully crowned the political chaos by giving Albanians an election with two lists and two meanings. When our esteemed President remembered that he himself had been the “boss of the rag” who stamped

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The couple’s quarrel causes a tragedy Gunshots and blood in the family 37-year-old shot in the face Page 8 The couple’s quarrel causes a tragedy Father-in-law kills son-in-law over his daughter Gunshots and blood in the family 37-year-old shot in the face Page 8

Trial concludes. Prosecutor delivers closing argument “Life imprisonment” for Nehat Kulla He is accused of 5 serious crimes committed at different times Yesterday’s court hearing in the case against Nehat Kulla and Ismet Ramadani was somewhat unusual. The prosecutor, after also obtaining the approval of the trial panel, delivered the closing argument concerning the two accused. Thus, yesterday the closing argument was delivered for the two aforementioned defendants, seeking “life imprisonment” for them. Page 7

Ahrens / Attempt at compromise remains unresolved OSCE: We have nothing to do with the CEC SP: We will not change the transitional provisions The OSCE’s attempts, and those of its head, Ambassador Ahrens, to secure compromise and dialogue between the government and the opposition have ultimately ended under the shadow of failure. This was also evident in the meeting between Ahrens and Fatos Nano. Page 3

Disruptions in lighting are increasing the number of depressed people Power cuts are driving Albanians mad Every day, 7 stressed people seek medical help Page 9

The decision was also sent to the political parties for their information Fotaq Nano files a lawsuit The CEC is trying to hold those responsible accountable for irregularities in the October 1 elections. Thus, in a letter addressed to the political parties, the head of the CEC, Fotaq Nano, announced that criminal complaints would be filed against members of several LGECs in areas where problems had occurred. Three days ago, the Central Election Commission decided to report the LGEC of Vau i Dejës, Shkodër, and the LGEC of Bujanati in Tropojë. Page 2

Otranto New tragedy. Three people drown Page 7

Treasury bills The State Treasury in securities Special feature, pages 12, 13