1.5 million lekë seized, 21 people fined After the intervention of the Financial Police, the people involved in this large market speak TIRANA — They are people who take enormous risks. Sometimes they win and sometimes they lose. They take risks in order to live, but also because of humanity’s mad dream of becoming rich one day. But today Albanian private currency exchangers are also in the sights of the Financial Police. At the end of a wide-ranging operation, the police seized 1,487,000 lekë, 151,000 drachmas and 568,000 lire. The inspection was carried out in Tirana, in the central “Skënderbeg” Square — a well-known currency-exchange location — and in the districts of Gjirokastër, Sarandë, Tepelenë and Delvinë. The Financial Police, in cooperation with the Public Order Police, fined 21 currency exchangers: the total amount of the fines in just one day reached 259,000 lekë. The Financial Police cannot know who is at fault. It acts in accordance with the laws under which it was established. Today, two years after they began their profession, currency exchangers still feel insecure. Since 1 March, when the Albanian Bank began issuing licenses, currency exchangers have seemed unsettled. “There can be no goods market without a currency market,” says Shkëlqim Turku, as if telling the state, “leave us alone to do our work.” In fact, the Bank has issued more than 100 licenses, perhaps thinking that this is enough. Besides these, others also want to work in the trade, but cannot meet the requirements for obtaining licenses: financial resources of $1,500 and a current account of 6,000 lekë. But even those who legally practice this profession are, in reality, considered clandestine. That is because the license obliges them not to work near the Bank and requires them to have a kiosk. Moreover, to date not one of them has paid tax. “We are asking for the place where we can practice our profession to be legalized,” insists a licensed currency exchanger, “and for the amount of tax to be set.” Some who have managed to get rich no longer prefer to spend long hours in the sun and rain, but have gone into trade. “Here, more or less, we are all the same,” says one of the 200 currency exchangers who gather every day near the State Bank, “and we work to make a living. On average, we earn 200 lekë a day.” Engineers, officers, teachers, doctors, and even journalists have ended up there in that square. All are unemployed or receiving assistance. They are approached by everyone, foreign and Albanian citizens, traders and various business owners, who need to exchange their money. Albanian currency exchangers have also met President Berisha. The issue of extraditing Aidin Sejdisë, who had taken thousands of dollars from the currency exchangers before returning to Switzerland, as well as their other problems, made the meeting possible. “We cannot all work in kiosks,” says Sandin Jata, “but that does not mean we cannot engage in currency exchange.” In fact, three kiosks have already been set up around the Bank. But people have become accustomed to approaching “people of the street” more readily, unaware that they are breaking the law. “The Bank has neither money nor premises to serve people quickly,” currency exchanger Jata continues. “Our removal from this place would cause more trouble for the people who want to be served at any hour of the day than it would for us.” They are waiting for something to be done. “Measures of this kind against currency exchangers,” representatives of the Financial Police respond, “are taken to bring this activity into the legal framework.”

“For Muslims” TIRANA — Saudi Arabia has made 120 scholarships available to Albanian students. Saudi Arabia has accompanied its aid to Albania with the condition that all candidates must be of the Islamic faith. The documents for sending the students are expected to be approved soon. Among the candidates, one whose name did not indicate his Islamic religious affiliation was required to obtain a certificate from the Muslim Community. The request by the Arab authorities has placed the Albanian authorities in some difficulty, as they have found themselves caught between the need to take advantage of this opportunity and their constant effort to show impartiality toward religious communities, but so far the inclination is to accept this request. Relations between Albania and the powerful Arab country have advanced; the two countries established full diplomatic relations last year. For some time, Tirana has been part of the World Islamic Conference. With Saudi Arabia’s mediation, Albania is trying to join the Islamic Development Bank, one of the world’s most powerful financial organizations.

Sports Capello’s team is forced to score a goal to draw The dream of Cagliari lasted less than half an hour in the first match, played early on Friday, as they saw the doors of Europe opening before them and, above all, Milan’s hopes of putting a victory in doubt right on the eve of the finish — a victory that all the spectators had long predicted. After a fine goal scored in the 40th minute (a wonderful run by Francescoli, whom the Rossoneri defenders could only watch, followed by a diagonal shot from the right that shook Rossi’s net), the Italian champions try to pull themselves together, as a result of their many absences (Van Basten and Albertini were rested to be ready for the European Cup finals; Baresi and Costacurta were suspended) and the Sardinians’ lucky night. But just when it seemed that Sant’Elia was turning into a real nightmare for Capello’s men, the character and, above all, the intelligence and reliability of one of his many “golden reserves” came to the fore once again. Lentini raced down the left and managed to send a ball into the middle, toward which Massaro charged; he skillfully got past Napoli and scored. But let us look at the other league matches together with Juventus coach Trapattoni. Parma, Juventus and Lazio: Elia was turning into a real nightmare for Capello’s men; once again, the character and, above all, the intelligence fore. Unless there is an unforeseeable change, the situation will be as follows. Even though it will play two matches away from home, I think Sampdoria is the favorite in the group, although in terms of head-to-head fixtures Cagliari and Torino have a certain advantage. But with four teams within one point of each other, it is almost impossible to make predictions, especially since, at the end of the season, the easiest matches can usually become difficult, or the reverse. There is confusion in the UEFA places and among the teams, with Fiorentina just one step away from qualifying. Fiorentina’s situation is the most typical one across all seasons, and is in from the left and manages to send a ball across the center toward which Massaro rushes, skillfully gets past Napoli, and scores. with Juventus coach Trapattuni. Parma, Juventus, and Lazio: they are separated by one point and are battling for third place. “It will be a tough fight that is likely to be decided at the last moment, given that on the final day Juventus-Lazio is exactly the match on the schedule. Judging by the fixture list, we are more favorably placed, because we have the chance to play the two direct matches against Sampdoria and Lazio on our own ground, as well as a not very difficult match against Pescara. With Inter already qualified and Juventus and Lazio one step away from victory, only one place remains available for Torino, Cagliari, Atalanta, and Sampdoria. Usually, toward the end of the season, the easier matches can become difficult, or vice versa. situation is the most classic one in which a famous team can find itself. Only a win against Udinese can give Fiorentina the chance to get out of danger.

SHKODER/ 50 people have been protesting for two days

Yesterday in Albania — 203 quintals of substandard olives, produce from 1991, found at the Oil Enterprise in Çukë, Sarandë, were buried. The inspection of

SHKODER/ 50 people have been protesting for two days owners on hunger strike against the property law ARLINDA ÇAUSHOLLI SHKODER — Fifty people have filled the rooms of the former art museum in the city center. They are people who were dispossessed, “kulaks,” and politically persecuted, and who have been on hunger strike for two days to protest against the laws on property passed by parliament. The hunger-strike leader, Burhan Ulqinaku, says: “We have nothing against the government; we want democracy, but we do not support the laws on property. We are asking for nothing more than what is in the Helsinki Charter. The property must be returned unconditionally; property must be replaced with property, and we are in no way in favor of co-ownership. We also do not want to build our own well-being on someone else’s misfortune. Where social problems arise, there should be compensation in land.” “I am the son of a kulak,” says Shkëndër Hasani. “Our whole lives we have been persecuted by the system. Just as two-year owners are given their rights — most of whom were communists and acquired their wealth through our sweat — we too want our rights, since we have been owners for many years.” “I never imagined I would end up shut in here. Perhaps I will die in this room. And this is for my right. We are very poor and want what is due to us,” replies the oldest hunger striker, 65-year-old Ndue Isufi. Ndoc Nika, chairman of the “Kulaks” Association of Shkodër, says they will continue the hunger strike to the end. “This is supported by all of them. “I am the grandson of a family that has spent a total of 140 years in prison and internment,” concludes Edis Muja, 17, “with 11 years from all of them—I came in place of my uncles because they could not because of their health. They are disabled.”

SARANDA, 203 QUINTALS OF SUBSTANDARD OLIVES BURIED — 203 quintals of substandard olives, a 1991 crop, found at the Oil Enterprise in Çukë, Saranda, were buried. An inspection by the city’s Financial Police found that the acidity of this quantity was exceptionally high, making it unfit for consumption—not only by people, but also for oil, soap, and livestock. AFTER THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE “TIRANA” AND “DAJTI” HOTELS, A NEW HOTEL WILL ALSO BE BUILT — The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, headquartered in London, will be a co-investor with the Austrian firm “Rogner” and the joint ventures Alb.Turizm-CBC of Paris and Alb.Turizm-DVE (Italian-Albanian cooperation) in three projects: the reconstruction of the “Tirana” and “Dajti” hotels, and the construction of a new hotel in Tirana. Also, following the passage of the law “On the Development of Areas with Priority for Tourism,” the Albanian government has identified the most suitable areas. Initially, the Durrës beach, Lake Butrint, Lalzi Bay, and the Lake Ohrid area are being considered. KRUJË, FORMER DIRECTOR REPORTED — The former director of the NTSH enterprise in Fushë-Krujë has been reported to the Prosecutor’s Office after it was discovered that the 38,000 chocolate bars he had purchased were harmful to health. Former director Hasan Aliu spent 430,000 lekë on this purchase. The seized chocolate will be destroyed by the city’s Financial Police.

A reader makes the dream come true for the young men who stole out of passion Consumed by a dream of computing, they thought nothing of stealing two computers from the University of Tirana; they were arrested and sentenced. The story of the young men appears in the pages of “Gazeta Shqiptare.” An example not to follow, but also a sign that times are changing, to the point that the four friends, Renisi, Besniku, Andi, and Arjani, were praised and called “the first Albanian victims of computing.” They were consumed by a dream of computing and thought nothing of stealing two computers from the University of Tirana; they were arrested and sentenced. The story of the young men appears in the pages of “Gazeta Shqiptare.” An example not to follow, but also a sign that times are changing—so much so that the four friends, Renisi, Besniku, Andi, and Arjani, were praised and called “the first Albanian victims of computing.” A story that touched Italy. And it is precisely one of our Italian readers who expressed a wish to study advanced computer formulas, doing fantastic work. And so, after paying dearly for their sentence, I believe the time has come to recognize them: “My Shqiptaria has two spare computers, and I have decided to give them to the young men. I hope Renisi, Besniku, Andi, and Arjani will resist the idea of stealing, continue studying computing, and become billionaires and even more capable.” There is not much to add. We should simply consider how to frame our reading of this and join in the advice offered to the four friends. Albania does not need thieves, but four intelligent students who know how to use a computer well. In a letter addressed to today’s newspaper, he writes: “I was surprised by a four-month prison sentence for those young men who had stolen two computers—not to sell them, but only to use them for scientific purposes. A story very much of our times. is making this offer, to help the young men continue studying computing. He hopes they will be appreciated and will bring…” Pasul Brigella adds: “I read in ‘Gazeta Shqiptare’ that the four friends, in front of the stolen computer, had invented programs and studied even more capable.” Photograph of the young men in front of the computer.

Secret broadcasts toward ... Secret broadcasts toward Yugoslavia Life and the environment: how to respect the sea In Canada, the scandal of “planned” children

COUPON NO. 37 1. ANCONA-PESCARA 2. BRESCIA-LAZIO 3. CAGLIARI-MILAN X 4. FIORENTINA-UDINESE 5. GENOA-PARMA 6. INTER-FOGGIA 7. JUVE-SAMPDORIA 8. NAPOLI-TORINO 9. ROMA-ATALANTA 10. BARI-COSENZA 11. PIACENZA-VERONA 12. VENEZIA-LECCE

Shtella Walter Aries 20/III 20/IV At the end of the week you will have plenty of reasons to be proud of yourself, provided you play by the rules. You may find yourself facing a conflict between what is right and what is necessary. Taurus 21/IV 20/V Resist the urge to preach to others, because you may be the first not to put your own preaching into practice. Most of your goals may require more commitment than you had anticipated. Gemini 21/V 20/VI A very violent reaction on your part to an unexpected factor could cause you to lose much of the ground you have gained so far. You must grow stronger so as not to lose control for even a moment. You need to rely on the help of others. Cancer 21/VI 22/VII Do not let yourself be influenced by superstitions. No external factor should distract you from your goals, especially if it is something absolutely spiritual. Your success is closely linked to that of another person, and it would be in your interest to offer your support. Leo 23/VII 22/VIII If you want the week to end with a positive balance, you must rely solely on your abilities and intuition. Let someone else speak on your behalf. In this way you will achieve a quick result without becoming personally involved. Virgo 23/VIII 22/IX This week you will go looking for problems, and you will find them—and plenty of them. Do not leave anything unsatisfactory. The observations you make will be extremely useful to you in the coming weeks. Libra 23/IX 22/X Your hopes are growing, and your ability to make them come true is growing in parallel. Have faith in yourself. You will feel a sense of anticipation, as though you are waiting for something you cannot describe. Scorpio 2/X 21/XI You would be wise to seek allies immediately and join forces with them. Only this way will you get through without too many broken bones. Keep your feet firmly on the ground. Be realistic. Trust only what you see with your own eyes. Sagittarius 22/XI 21/XII You will feel irresistibly drawn toward a goal you have never dared to pursue. Now is the time to take this step. Your enthusiasm will also affect the people around you. Capricorn 22/XII 19/I You will be more anxious and less at ease than usual; try to meet with someone who usually irritates you. Slowly and carefully, calmly and patiently—this is the only way to achieve your goals. Aquarius 20/I 19/II You find yourself caught up in an adventure you did not choose, but which will certainly entertain you greatly. You will get the greatest satisfaction from physical activity. Pisces 20/II 19/III You have a secret that someone very dear to you desperately wants to understand. Stand firm. You can combine improvisation with discipline and achieve unexpected results.