A five-percent surcharge comes into effect New customs duties tomorrow 45,000 lekë for used cars TIRANA — (d.k.) A new customs law comes into force tomorrow. Traders must now calculate their costs using the new taxes. This is a measure that will also be reflected at lower levels, all the way to consumers. Under the new law, customs duties will range from 0 to 30 percent. Now even food products such as detergent, rice, cooking oil, pasta, soap and eggs will be subject to the duty. In addition, all goods will be charged a customs surcharge of five percent of their value. Another fixed tax will increase: for used cars with more than 10,000 kilometres, the amount payable at customs checkpoints will now be 45,000 lekë instead of 22,500 lekë. The measure is intended to restrict the entry into the country of excessively used cars. This is an issue on which the Environmental Protection Committee had also commented. Wheat and flour will be exempt from customs duties, while humanitarian aid has been exempted from the five-percent surcharge. But the new law does not provide only for increases in customs duties. For about 45 percent of the goods in the tariff nomenclature, the duty will fall from 10 to 5 percent. The Albanian economy still produces very little. Its main basis is the sphere of circulation. This is trade that relies primarily on imported goods. As these goods pass through customs, they are taxed at different rates and then, passing from hand to hand, reach the consumer at a price with very high profit margins. The existing law divided goods into seven customs groups, with duties ranging from 0 to 40 percent. Such a classification made it possible for the phenomenon known as tax evasion to arise—that is, the concealment of taxes. To avoid paying taxes, various goods were included in the customs group with the lowest rate. This factor played a part in customs revenues reaching only 57 percent of the target in the first half of this year. Will these changes affect the final prices of goods that reach consumers? Sabina Shyti, a specialist at the Customs Directorate, replies: “There may be changes, but not to the same extent as the customs duties have changed. The market itself has established a certain price level, and there are many factors at play; the supply-and-demand mechanism is highly decisive. The other factors are less influential. The five-percent surcharge should not be considered separately from the other changes in the economy. It is a temporary measure intended to address an economic issue relating to the few products that have begun to be produced in the country.” Some experts also cite the changes made in March this year as an argument that prices will not change. At that time, customs duties on sporting goods were abolished. The change was made to encourage imports by Albanian traders, but it was reflected only very slightly in the prices of these goods. With the new changes, the reactions of traders, the market and ordinary consumers remain to be seen. Only then will it be possible to assess the effectiveness of this measure.

The perpetrators and causes have yet to be identified TIRANA — A loud explosion in the centre of Tirana. After the incident—which occurred at 12:15 at the main taxi stand—no fatalities or injuries were reported. Only two cars, between which the unidentified substance suddenly exploded, were damaged, to their tyres and side panels. Forensic specialists The forensic specialist from the Ministry of Public Order, who arrived at the scene immediately, observed that the crater caused by the explosion was 20 x 20 centimetres and 2 centimetres deep. As late as Friday evening, the explosive substance had still not been identified. “Criminal proceedings have been initiated to establish the causes and identify the perpetrators,” was the first confirmation from Police Station No. 1 in the capital. Although the station called in many people to investigate the incident, no one was detained. In any case, according to the owners of the two damaged cars as well, the motives behind the act were of a minor nature. The Criminal Police and investigators of Police Station No. 1, who arrived immediately at the scene, refuted the rumours that there had been injuries and that the incident was a genuine terrorist act. According to police experts, the slight damage to the cars and the frightening noise were the only effects left by the mysterious explosion. The investigation continues. One of the cars damaged in the explosion

Used by villagers to carry drinking water FATOS BAXHAKU TIRANA — The poisoned shipment at Bajzë has now begun to cause harm on a wide scale. After specialists from the Environmental Committee, environmental activists and ordinary citizens had warned of the danger posed by the railcars loaded with expired pesticides that had arrived from Germany, the first worrying signs have been discovered in recent days. This time, the containers in which the substance is stored are more of a concern than the substance itself. Andrea Mato, an employee of the Environmental Committee who has been dealing with this issue for some time, told the newspaper about a very troubling incident he had confirmed. The pesticide containers have begun to be sold. He has observed such cases in settlements around Bajzë, where various villagers have used the containers to carry water. Eleven containers ready for sale were found at the station. Eight of them were found empty. It is still unknown where the pesticide was poured out by the unidentified people. “The substance is very dangerous,” Mato says, “and I urge everyone who has bought such containers not to use them for household purposes.” The containers were used to transport a mercury-based pesticide called falizan. According to experts, it is highly poisonous. Just 30 kilograms are enough to poison 3,000 people. The pesticide is intended for disinfecting seeds of various kinds. A case of mass poisoning with it was confirmed many years ago, in 1966. At that time, an entire village near Përmet was poisoned, and two people died after using wheat disinfected with falizan. At least the wheat had been rinsed several times with water then. A police officer guarding the railcars carrying pesticides in Bajzë

A new sanitary facility is inaugurated for prisoners

A new sanitary facility is inaugurated for prisoners TIRANA — Three nights have passed in Tirana Prison for Ramiz Alia and the six other former senior PPSH officials who were arrested on Thursday. But the very next day after their arrest, Alia and the others awoke to a special occasion: the prison was celebrating the opening of its new bathroom section. It was a modest celebration, accompanied by a serving of halva—a traditional sweet—which Pali Misika was the first among the new prisoners to taste. On Thursday evening, each of the seven detainees received a new mattress, a pillow and two blankets. Today they are spread among the isolation cells on the three floors of Tirana Prison, while those who spend their rest time Italian. Friday morning brought Alia, Murra, Çama, Çerrava, Miska, Asllani and Bektëshi together—after nearly a year—in a single room: only briefly, and only to present them with the prison regulations, which must be followed rigorously. Then, at 9:30, they were each given a close-cropped haircut, one after another. Meanwhile, the first visits also began. Besnik Bektoshi was allowed to meet for a few minutes—and to receive food—with his wife, son and another relative. Everyone, without exception, was allowed to receive food, with pasta being the most popular choice. Ramiz Alia is wearing a blue tracksuit, and the others have also been provided with similar clothing. At the prison, they say that the spirits of those arrested on Thursday for “appropriation of state property and abuse of office” are not very high. Indeed, some of them could not hold back their tears. The rules that Alia and the six most recently arrested detainees must abide by—like all the other prisoners in isolation—have now been presented to them.

Kosovo: the UN condemns the Serbs Mother Teresa admitted to an Indian hospital Thirteen mysterious crimes in Italy

Budget: 100 million. Eight players bought Sports PINO MONTAGNA KJ Tirana, after a long period of crisis—we recall that it was considered at risk of relegation—has, with the help of the well-known Italian firm Anetron, made concrete the idea brought forward by its self-made businessman, Metush Beleri, and Diego Ferrara, Ariston’s representative in Albania: the creation of a sports company with substantial resources and a very ambitious programme to get as close as possible to the fans. The annual budget for the 99-04 season was calculated at 100 million lire (8 million), while a sum of around 100 dollars a month was set as the players’ basic pay, and the club’s total funds could reach 100 million. In this way, then, the Italian sponsor’s name is associated with the club, and the Italian Ferrara has managed to bring about a real revolution at Tirana: 8 players have been bought (Fortuzi, Malko, Prenga and Tole from Dinamo, Skela from Flamurtari, Leka and Abazi from Pogradeci, and Shkurti from Besa), while those from last season have also left; only Mema, Sula and Dede remain. I Today at 17:00 at the national “Qemal Stafa” Stadium PARTIZANI — IA AKRANES (ICELAND) IN THE EUROPEAN CUP — first-leg match. Referee: BENSON (ZAGREB, CROATIA) UEFA observer: CASAWIN (ITALY) Probable line-up: Bardi-Berkeri-Mytari-Baçi-Shukriu-Bisha-Sinjali-Deliaj-Dost-Reshka (Satka)-Goci. You and coach Fatmir Frashëri, who will be assisted by the well-known Millan Baçi and Shkëlqim Muça; meanwhile, all the sports kits and boots have arrived from Italy. Training took place at the Dajti Mountain Tourist Centre (the club will take over and modernise this site in the near future) and in Durrës. The Tirana Club supporters’ association was also established. Finally, the Ministry of Culture loaned the administration of “Sulejman Stërmasi” Stadium (formerly Dinamo’s ground). The sporting season began with a significant 3–1 victory against Besa of Kavaja in the Cup. But everyone is waiting eagerly for the 4 September derby (the first match of the Championship) against champions Partizani! Tirana’s declared objective is to win the title and take part in the European Cup.

Kosovo The UN condemns

Stella Wilder Aries 20/III 20/IV All week, people seem to do nothing but talk about you. Don’t let gossip pressure you into doing anything. Make unusual contacts with people outside your circle of friends. Taurus 21/IV 20/V Communicating with those who do not support your ambitions may be quite difficult. Try to enjoy things; practical sense and willpower will be essential gifts this week. Gemini 21/V 20/VI Once again, you will have to deal with a problem rooted in your past, but, unlike usual, the solution will even seem enjoyable. You will feel relieved of a burden. Cancer 21/VI 22/VII You will have in your hands what you have been looking for a long time: it has always been there, and you did not notice it. A brilliant new beginning is at risk of being overturned. Enjoy it without resting on your laurels. Leo 23/VII 22/VIII You will achieve excellent results through a harmonious combination of intellect and instinct. Let yourself go: an absolute trust in your creative instinct is recommended for you too. Virgo 23/VIII 22/IX The first part of the week will be marked by merciless competition. Don’t let them defeat you: standing up to them is certainly within your capabilities. Don’t lose touch with reality. Libra 23/IX 22/X Those who live or work near you will not understand your motives. This will happen at some point in the coming days. It is best not to offer any explanations. You are in a position that calls for patience. Scorpio 2/X 21/XI You will have to work harder than usual to meet unusual demands. Don’t forget your own requirements. Nothing will be easy. You need to think things through carefully. Sagittarius 22/XI 21/XII Success will depend entirely on the preparation you have done so far. Continue methodically and carefully; the time has come to put forward your requests. Others will try to fulfil them. Capricorn 22/XII 19/I At last, you have restored your emotional balance. You need to work on bringing order to your wishes and plans. Your mind is ready to face any kind of problem. Aquarius 20/I 19/II Don’t let an emotional blockage compromise your work and cause unjustified disappointments. Your imagination and critical thinking will be very useful to you. Pisces 20/II 19/III It will be important for you to set objectives. Don’t let events carry you away until you lose your ability to think clearly. Practising “buon sensi” will be important.