Forty scholarships awarded to Albanians by the American foundation for 1993 FATOS BAXHAKU TIRANA — Someone has discovered a new way to get abroad. After forged passports, some are trying another method. It is not very risky and is therefore one of the routes many people are trying to take. This involves submitting documents containing falsified information when applying for various scholarships. The news comes from the American Soros Foundation in Tirana. Troubled by this, and unwilling to let this affair implicate all honest Albanian intellectuals, foundation employees in Tirana tell the Gazette of their concern: “Unfortunately, it has happened that we have also verified cases in which various people filled out our forms with false information.” Someone claimed to be a lecturer at a faculty, which is not at all true. In some cases, the deception was even covered up by a prominent figure in science, who provided false recommendations. The system of responsibility for candidates applying for Soros scholarships does not allow its employees to intervene in the competition documents under any circumstances. “In such cases we cannot intervene. So far, whenever we have verified such a thing, we have made the relevant notes for our review committees,” they say at Soros. This is a reality that should in no way be confused with the majority of intellectuals who have succeeded in winning some of the competitions announced by Soros. From May until now, the American foundation has awarded around 40 scholarships. Of these, 11 people will pursue one-year postgraduate studies at C.E.U. in Prague, while two others will go there to complete doctoral studies in Economics. At another university run by this foundation, C.E.U. in Budapest, five people will study for a year in various fields of the social sciences, not counting the many others who will take part in the summer courses organized there. The foundation has also planned for a number of Albanian scholars to participate in several joint projects with other foreign institutions. Center of Culture Eastern Europe is the billionaire’s hobby Soros earns 5,000 dollars in 1 minute NEW YORK — Who is George Soros, the man who provides large sums to revitalize scientific and cultural life throughout all the former communist countries? Recently, news caused a great stir in financial circles: five thousand dollars a minute. Thanks to this success, achieved during 1992, Soros was recently dubbed the new king of Wall Street. Aged 62 and of Hungarian origin, he manages five investment funds, including the best-known, “Quantum Fund.” While amassing a fabulous fortune, the American billionaire has passionately devoted himself to his favorite hobby: helping reforms in the former communist countries of the East. So far, he has established around nine foundations—including the cultural foundation operating in Albania—which contribute to preparing people who will advance the new reforms. So far Soros has donated 50 million dollars to Bosnia and promised a loan of 100 million to Yeltsin’s Russia. “In Eastern Europe,” he says, “I am not seeking profits.” The foundation he funds, which has been operating in Albania for two years, has so far awarded many study scholarships to Albanian students and postgraduate students, who have pursued their studies at the two universities (C.E.U.) established by Soros in Prague and Budapest, as well as at the American University of Bulgaria.

BURREL — This photograph once again reminds us of one of the most interesting relics of the period that has just passed: the bunkers. To protect the country from “imperialist and revisionist aggressors,” hundreds of thousands of them were built throughout the country. Now things are changing rapidly. As can be seen in the photograph, the bunkers have changed their purpose; the huge concrete colossi have now been put to a new use. Inside them, instead of fearsome weapons, we now find watermelons. This is the idea of this vendor near Burrel. The bunker, with its heavy concrete and iron doors, is very convenient during this hot season. The coolness inside it contrasts with its former name, “firing center.” Villagers are taking the land and, along with it, the bunkers, a legacy of the past

BURREL — This photograph once again reminds us of one of the most interesting relics of the period that has just passed: the bunkers.

UNICEF ALLOCATES 3 MILLION DOLLARS FOR PRESCHOOL EDUCATION — UNICEF is helping the Albanian preschool education project with 3 million dollars for 1993–1995. This three-year strategy, which was also concluded at the latest consultation on assistance for education in Albania, is expected to reach 12 million dollars. In addition to the 3 million

A new culture is emerging in Albania TIRANA — The first rock music album created by a group from Albania is about to be released. It is titled King of Beers (King of Beer) and is by the group The Fish Hook. Just one year after forming, they now have their first album. They are two 18-year-olds who have just completed the Artistic Lyceum in Tirana: Bojken Lako, the group’s vocalist, who also plays keyboards, and Heldi Kraja, the group’s drummer. They have recently been joined by another 18-year-old, guitarist Edmond Dashi. King of Beers, recorded in a specialized studio in Macedonia, contains ten songs written by Kraja and Lako themselves and composed mainly by the latter. They express these young people’s desire to be free (I want to be free), to enjoy what they want (I need you), to protest against evil (The wrong creation), and to sing to their idol (My King). The album cover of the Albanian rock group

TIRANA — Four citizens, perpetrators of 9 major burglaries, were detained, and 6 others were questioned by the Police of the capital’s 2nd Region. The operation carried out last night also resulted in the recovery of many stolen items and private shops [sic: items stolen from private shops] during the June–July period. After initial investigations, those detained, Ramazan Brahja, Mithat Guga, Fatos Shtylla and Zef Doci, were sent to Tirana Prison, and criminal proceedings were initiated against them. Three of them had previously been convicted of “theft of another person’s property” or other criminal offenses.

TIRANA — Albania is once again addressing the problem of environmental protection. A comprehensive national strategy, as well as 30 million dollars for the next 5 years, will be key to preventing negative phenomena that have been observed in Albania for some time. The conference devoted to Albania’s environmental problems, which began yesterday in Tirana, was organized by the Ministry of Health and Environmental Protection in cooperation with the World Bank, within the framework of the FAR program. As was also mentioned at the conference, the most affected areas in Albania remain Elbasan, Rubik, Laçi, Vlora, Fieri and Ballshi.

: When the animal is the one that follows the human; 1,800 Chinese undocumented migrants in Mexico; “G-7” meeting ends; the next meeting in Naples in ’94.

Yesterday — UNICEF is contributing 3 million dollars to Albania’s preschool education project for 1993–1995. This three-year strategy, which was also finalized is expected to total 12 million dollars. In addition to the 3 million dollars from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Albanian Government is expected to contribute a further 3.38 million dollars. The remaining 8.62 million is expected to come from various financial organizations. CHILDREN FROM SARANDA SPEND THEIR HOLIDAY IN THESSALONIKI — 105 children from the Saranda district set off for a week’s holiday in Thessaloniki, Greece. The Greek authorities [sic: Albanian authorities?], in this group there are Albanian and minority children aged 8–14, regardless of religion or nationality. After this group, three more groups of children from the district are expected to set off. 35 MILLION DOLLAR LOAN FROM THE WORLD BANK FOR ALBANIA — Two “development credit agreements” equivalent to 35 million dollars were signed between the World Bank and Albania. One loan will be used to improve transport, while the other is for Albania’s agricultural sector and provides for technical assistance, training, and various equipment. The first loan was granted by the International Development Association (IDA) together with the World Bank.

by Stella Wilder Aries 20/III 20/IV The Moon brings wonderful sensitivity to matters of the heart and comes to the aid of the person who loves you, who needs warmth from you. Taurus 21/IV 20/V A piece of technical equipment that you have recently been using at work makes everything easier and simpler, and leaves you less tired than before. Make the most of this support. Gemini 21/V 20/VI Planets close to your sign influence you to resolve a disagreement in your married life; one of you made a mistake in order to gain a day to yourself under the circumstances of being far away. Cancer 21/VI 22/VII It won’t be long before you go on holiday. For now, you should focus on resolving a work problem; this may be the best way to free yourself from all anxiety and worry. Leo 23/VII 22/VIII Since your skin is sensitive and delicate, you should be careful not to stay in the sun for too long. Otherwise, you will get red and sunburned. Virgo 23/VIII 22/IX Mars now makes you impulsive, even in matters of the heart, and above all you suffer from unjustified jealousy. You make demands of your loved one; you may torment them and suddenly quarrel with them. Libra 23/IX 22/X You should make your relations with Albanians more frequent; he is now on the same wavelength as you astrologically and is quite well-disposed toward you. You would like to spend time with him; with him, everything is more fruitful. Scorpio 2/X 21/XI Avoid any situation that does not directly concern you. Don’t make naive mistakes and act decisively, as your character dictates. Sagittarius 22/XI 21/XII In all matters of the heart, you are well protected; you have made great progress with all your emotional concerns. The person you love admires and understands you, and nothing can stand in the way of your happiness. Capricorn 22/XII 19/I It is possible that a chance acquaintance will bring a passionate love story into your life. Even reserved people sometimes like to act against the rules, and this is a good opportunity. Aquarius 20/I 19/II You take an interest in everyone and everything except what concerns you. In fact, this is a sound tactical approach that could help you lead a more peaceful life. Pisces 20/II 19/III Your financial prospects are better than you thought; you miscalculated, and now you see that you have a little more than you had expected.