A meeting with representatives of religious communities is also on the agenda TIRANË — (Ca. B.) — One day after arriving in Albania, former US President Jimmy Carter will hold meetings with the main representatives of Albanian politics. The former US president will first have a meeting at 9:30 with President Rexhep Meidani. After that, the former president will meet with Parliament Speaker Skënder Gjinushi, Prime Minister Pandeli Majko, Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha and Tirana Mayor Albert Brojka. Rosalynn, his wife, will also take part in the meeting with former President Carter. Afterwards, the former president will hold a meeting with representatives of the religious communities. At 12:30 he will attend a working lunch with senior business representatives, organized by the American Chamber of Commerce at the “Tirana” hotel. In the evening, the former American president will leave for Macedonia in order to meet with Macedonian President Kiro Gligorov and to visit the Kosovo refugee camps in that country. The former American president was received yesterday by Prime Minister Pandeli Majko and Interior Minister Spartak Poci. Also at Rinas airport were the American ambassador Marisa Lino and other representatives of the diplomatic corps. Carter was then accommodated at the “Rogner Europapark” hotel. Afterwards he held a meeting with representatives of the “Carter Center” foundation in Albania. Thus, the former American president began his agenda with short working meetings, which will culminate today with the meetings with the heads of the Albanian state. American President Jimmy Carter arrived in Albania to deliver, on behalf of the foundation he heads, some aid for Kosovo refugees sheltered in Albania. The aid for Kosovo refugees was donated by the “Coca-Cola Foundation” and consists of mineral water, soft drinks and food parcels. According to official sources, the aid will be distributed in the refugee camps in Albania. American President Carter

Ballet is the passion of the Shkodër native Gjylosha ARJANA CAUSHOLLI SHKODËR — The house where Albanian top model Elda Laro now lives is located in the city center, at the entrance of “Ndoc Mazi” street. It does not resemble the luxurious villas of foreign models, but she feels happy here because her whole family is nearby. “Being an orphan does not mean being alone,” Elda tells us. “That makes me feel stronger.” Elda welcomes us smiling and modestly. “I have not changed my nature. I know what it means to grow up without a mother. My grandmother raised me, and that taught me to fight.” She says that although she has taken part in many shows and beauty contests, ballet remains her first passion. “I never give up ballet. It is the thing that has shaped me the most.” In her view, the lives of Albanian models have nothing to do with the luxury we see on foreign television channels. “We work a lot and have little support.” She adds that fame has not changed her and that she feels calmer in Shkodër than anywhere else. “Here I have my friends and my people. I stay in Tirana only for work.” Elda says her dream is to become a well-known name outside Albania as well, but without losing her simplicity. “I want to be myself and move forward through work.” The beauty of Tirana

A prisoner revolt was suspected TIRANË — False alarm at one of Tirana’s prisons. The prisoners at Prison 313 caused concern yesterday at midday among police structures and prison officials. The cause was a noise created inside the prison, which was initially interpreted as a sign of revolt. A large number of police officers and the rapid response unit immediately arrived at the scene. After checks were carried out, it turned out that there was no revolt, but rather a brief conflict among several prisoners. The situation was quickly brought under control and there were no injuries. Official sources said that additional security measures will be taken in the prison to avoid similar incidents. The event caused panic for a few minutes also among family members waiting outside the prison premises.

Israel will recognize the PLO The agreement has already been concluded England is working to persuade all sides TUNIS — According to PLO sources, Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat has stated that the agreement with Israel has been concluded and that mutual recognition is now only a matter of time. Arafat said that the talks have entered their final phase and that the two sides are very close to signing. Palestinian officials have said that the document is expected to include Israel’s recognition of the PLO and political guarantees for the continuation of the peace process. The sources add that at this stage strong diplomatic efforts are being made by England and other Western countries to persuade the sides to finalize the agreement. In the Palestinian camp, the news has been received with hope, although there are also skeptical voices about how the provisions of the agreement will be implemented. Arafat said that every step must be accompanied by a concrete improvement in the lives of Palestinians. PLO fighter, Arafat

He described the persecution against Albanians PRISHTINË — (P. Ç.) — American Senator Tom Lantos accused the Serbian authorities yesterday of obstructing his movement in Kosovo and of trying to conceal the consequences of the violence carried out against Albanians. According to him, Serbian forces held him for several hours and did not allow him to go to several areas where serious human rights violations had been reported. Lantos stated that the international community should react more strongly to Belgrade’s policy. He said that he had personally seen signs of destruction and direct testimony from displaced Albanian residents. The American senator also called for greater diplomatic pressure on the Serbian regime and for the investigation of any crime committed against civilians in Kosovo.

Provocations continue: the noses with mustaches at the 15th concentration camp The German government did not wait for the adolher to fall on the imzodas that must act BERLIN — Skinheads are making their presence in Germany increasingly disturbing day by day, openly challenging public opinion and the authorities. After a series of racist incidents and violent provocations, the German government has announced tough measures against far-right extremist groups. In several cities, police checks have been increased and legal changes are being considered to more effectively stop the activities of neo-Nazi groups. Human rights organizations have called for immediate action, warning of the growing climate of hatred toward foreigners. The debate has been particularly heated after provocations near historically charged Holocaust sites, where skinhead groups have tried to organize rallies and demonstrations. German authorities say that freedom of expression cannot be used as a shield for incitement to racial hatred. (continued on page 15)

A new customs reform remains in place TIRANË — Albanian traders continue to benefit from favorable customs schemes for certain goods, while specialists are calling for a review of tariffs and procedures. According to sources close to the customs authorities, there are discrepancies in the valuation of goods and in the taxes applied, which leads to a loss of revenue for the state. Experts stress that the current system leaves room for abuse and evasion of obligations. They are calling for the drafting of a new customs reform and for stronger controls at border points. Their analyses also mention the need to unify practices and increase transparency. Official sources acknowledge that work is being done on changes to the legislation, but they do not give a precise deadline for when they will come into force. Soviet spaceship

Football Shkodër fans “the great” Automobile sport Prost gifts the victory Gjizeni from an American triumphs in Oslo