Currency is falling in Albania; here is why In the domestic market the local currency can even beat the dollar 28/7 29/7 30/7 2/8 Dollar German mark Lira Franc The steady decline in the exchange rate of the main currencies has paved the way for the national currency to be placed in an increasingly favorable position in our domestic market. In almost all private and state exchange offices today one dollar is exchanged for 95–96 lekë. If 7 days ago this amount bought roughly 92,500 lekë, yesterday about 56,000 lekë were obtained in exchange for 1 million Italian lire. On the other hand, the French and Swiss franc are also falling. For the same amount in the local currency, one week earlier you would get only 37,000 lekë; now, for the same figure, you get approximately 39,000 lekë. Traders and specialists explain this phenomenon with several factors. First, foreign-currency inflows from emigrants have increased significantly. It is enough to mention that the arrival of emigrants by ferry and plane has become heavier because of the summer holidays. Second, it is the time when foreign currencies are spent more inside the country for small investments, trade and consumption. Third, a larger amount of lekë has entered circulation, coming from the privatization of some activities and from higher payments in various sectors. According to specialists, the strength of the lek is also linked to a contraction in imports in certain items and to a degree of market stabilization. They stress that the prices of some imported goods have not risen at the same pace as before, and this has created a more acceptable balance between demand and supply of foreign currency. However, experts believe that this situation may be temporary if strong measures to stabilize the economy and control inflation are lacking. They underline that without greater domestic production and without an increase in exports, the national currency will again be exposed to sharp fluctuations. More on page 3 View from page 1. Operator

Many obstacles for the water-supply project in the southern village Boshis will not give water. Headache for the state authorities. But at least the ambulances are working QEPARO — (p.v.) — They set out to build the village’s new water supply system, started laying the pipes and began installing them into the wells. But all that, as it seems, has not persuaded one village elder to give up the water from his spring, which lies within private territory. Boshis is one of the few people from Qeparo who over the last 7 years has somehow prevented others from building new houses and dumping earth onto their plots. But for him, even if he gives up his own spring, part of the plot will be ruined. And there the entire village water-supply project has come to a standstill. Meanwhile, residents complain that without water they cannot continue either the tourist-season work or daily life. Commune representatives state that it is an important investment and call for intervention by the authorities to resolve the conflict. However, so far the matter has remained suspended. More on page 5

It opens up as a new border wound is opened [?] TIRANË — At least 5 Albanian people have been mysteriously killed in recent days on the shores of Lake Mborja, near Pogradec, on the border with Macedonia. The only verified fact so far about this serious event has been an article published in the newspaper “Bashkimi”, according to which the victims had fallen prey to an ambush by Macedonian soldiers. There has been much speculation. At least one version has also been that some of the dead were smugglers and were trying to cross the border with goods. Another version speaks of an armed clash with border guards. The official authorities have not yet given any final explanation. One question remains unanswered: are the Albanian authorities aware of it? Is the border being guarded seriously? Will there be a clear stance toward Skopje? More on page 6

The municipality is trying to find a place for exhibition FIER — (p.v.) — Something completely unusual has happened in the city of Fier: paintings, sculptures and other works of art have been gathered in unsuitable premises and are being damaged. For a long time artists and specialists have been asking for a gallery or a special hall where the works can be preserved and exhibited. So far no lasting solution has been found. According to painters and cultural workers, many works have been damaged by damp, dust and the lack of minimum preservation conditions. The municipality has promised that it will examine the possibility of assigning a space for exhibitions and for the city collection. More on page 4

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Cinematic adventure in Paris To shoot a film, the gendarmerie rents an entire square and closes it off Letter by Roger Aicci[?] Here is where I send my name for loving Italy. This is the story of the film “Gendarmerie”, whose scenes will be shot in Paris. All of this was done on the orders of a large company, which has rented an entire square for several days. The time has come to the point where the city hall offices are imposing traffic blockages and citizens must change their usual routes. Some shopkeepers complain about losses, while others see it as advertising. Ko te ci sarà anche il sindaco, che ha deciso di noleggiare tutta la piazza per alcune riprese. È una vicenda singolare che sta facendo discutere i parigini. On page 7