Meeting in Rome with Italian investigators THE AID SCANDAL / Tirana Prosecutor’s Office investigates those responsible CARLO BOLLINO TIRANA — Secret mission to Italy for the Chairman of the State Audit Office, Blerim Cela. A journey that began on Monday morning, in the utmost secrecy. It became necessary to “clarify certain points” connected with the aid scandal in Albania. In Rome, for the first time since this international intrigue broke out, Cela met Prosecutor Evelina Canale, who is in charge of the Italian investigation into cooperation. The meeting took place on the third floor of the capital’s Palace of Justice, shielded from prying eyes; police agents stood outside the office door and—as usual—protected the Italian judge with bulletproof vests and weapons at the ready. A scene that was even more Italian. Cela, who also met the Albanian ambassador in Rome, Edmond Dule, spent a long time at the Rome Court. As stated, secrecy surrounding his trip is absolute, so no one intends to disclose the content of the conversations. According to some indiscretions—not confirmed by official sources—the Chairman of the Audit Commission was also to hand Prosecutor Canale a copy of his file on the aid affair, already presented in Parliament in recent weeks. This is the explosive report in which Cela called for an investigation into the top ranks of his own Socialist government, accused of embezzling several thousand tonnes of food aid offered to Albania by the Italian authorities. A web of intrigue which, in the opinion of the Audit Commission, also involved officials from the Italian Foreign Ministry (including the former Italian ambassador in Tirana, Torquato Cardilli), and the Italian-Albanian company “Levant. Co.”, assigned by the Italian government—but at the request of the Albanian government—to supply food and medicine, over the value of which the fraud was perpetrated. And just days ago the head of “Levant. Co.” was questioned by Prosecutor Canale, who had also notified 11 others: former Foreign Minister Gianni De Michelis, Deputy Secretary Vitalone and Spini (currently Minister of the Environment), as well as numerous ministerial officials. At this moment Blerim Çela’s trip to Rome takes on particular significance: the possibility cannot be ruled out that he testified to the Italian judge and handed over copies of documents uncovered during his investigation, which could now prove useful to the Rome Prosecutor’s Office. As regards Ambassador Cardilli’s position (for whose responsibility no evidence has yet been established), the Chairman of the Audit Commission has so far limited himself to saying that he wants “to inform the Italian authorities”—a task he may have undertaken during this visit. Meanwhile, in Tirana, the Prosecutor’s Office has accepted the request of the Audit Commission and opened a judicial case against former Socialist government officials concerning the aid affair. The investigations have been entrusted to a team of investigators led by Marenglen Rrapi, known for conducting the investigation into former party leaders that also led to the conviction of Nexhmije Hoxha. Among those implicated in the aid case, the name of Fatos Nano stands out, chairman of the Socialist Party and Prime Minister in 1990, when the exodus to Italy of thousands of refugees and the economic and social crisis gripping the country prompted the European Community to provide the first aid. Ships loaded with food and medicine also set sail from Italy, but several billion intended for the Albanian people were diverted—according to the Audit Commission—into the pockets of Nano, his closest associates, and those of some Italian politicians and businesspeople. Among the accused Albanians (including former President of the Republic Ramiz Alia), the only one who enjoys parliamentary immunity is Fatos Nano. His position must be put to a parliamentary vote within a few days, when all deputies must decide whether or not to authorize a judicial investigation of him as well. …dave. According to some unverified reports—not confirmed by official sources—the Chairman of the Control Commission had also sent Prosecutor Canale a copy of his file on the case… … of a person in charge …? … Italy (including the Italian ambassador in Tirana, Torquato Cardilli), and the Italo-Albanian company “Levant, Co.”, commissioned by the Italian government—but… … zetes”: “We are determined to continue the strike until our demands are met. the old boundaries, it did not create problems. Such things have arisen where the current land law has been enforced they have often been forced to enforce the law with the help of the police shows that an injustice exists and must be corrected. We went on hunger strike not because of our personal concerns, nation.” … ministerial officials. Blerit Celës’s trip to Rome takes on particular significance at this moment: the possibility that he may have been sentenced by the Italian courts is not ruled out, and… … the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs … Postgraduate courses—the related article continues in the next column. … accompanied … of the Control Commission, and has opened a case against former Socialist government officials… former Socialist government officials… … may have resolved it during this visit. Yesterday, a technical manager confirmed to “Gazeta” that everything is ready: the computer system has been activated and the electronic connections with Italy are working perfectly. “All we need is the signal to start from Rome,” he said. A “start signal” came just a few hours later.

A branch will begin operating in two weeks Hoti signs the agreement in Rome TIRANA — After months of delays, discussions and doubts, the “Italian-Albanian” Bank is beginning its activity: the final contract was signed the day before yesterday in Italy, at the headquarters of the Bank of Rome. The Albanian side was represented by In Hoti, Governor of the Albanian Bank, who confirmed the news to the “Gazette.” “Yes, the agreement has finally been concluded. The Italian-Albanian Bank will open its branch in Tirana within fifteen days. Then its activity will gradually expand: it will take a little time to complete some technical and organizational details. I therefore emphasize that the activity will be fully up and running by 1 July.” The white signs of the new credit institution have been installed for some time, but the opening of the branch has been postponed countless times. This premises was supposed to house the “Swiss Albanian Bank” months ago, another company belonging to the notorious Ajdin Sejdia, which was subsequently blocked by the country’s authorities. Now, following the signing of the contract in Rome, work at the Albanian headquarters of the “Italian-Albanian” Bank has sped up. Yesterday a technical manager confirmed to the “Gazette” that everything was ready: the computer system had been activated and the electronic links with Italy were working perfectly. “We are only waiting for the go-ahead from Rome,” he said. A rather weighty “go-ahead” that came just a few hours later. Headquarters of the Italian-Albanian Bank

TIRANA — The play “Fando e Lis” by Fernando Arrabal, following the success of its premiere, will be presented to an even wider audience today at 19:00 (and every Thursday, Friday and Saturday) at the People’s Theatre. The director is Agim Qirjaqi, the set designer Shaban Hysa, and the composer Vladimir Kotani. The leading roles are performed by actors of the People’s Theatre: Naun Shundi (Fando), Suela Konjari (Lis), Roland Trebicka (Mitaro), Pirro Malaveci (Namur), Ilia Shyti (Taso).

Former owners barricaded inside the PR headquarters TIRANA — (Fa.Ba.) — The hunger strike that began two days ago at the headquarters of the Republican Party in Tirana is continuing. It was started by former owners, members of “Property with Justice” and the “Association of Politically and Economically Persecuted (former kulaks).” The situation has worsened in Shkodër, where one of the strikers has been hospitalized. In Tirana, more than 50 representatives of former owners from the districts of Lezhë, Elbasan, Vlorë, Tirana, Durrës, Fier, Lushnjë, Krujë, Laç and Skrapar have joined the hunger strike. The strikers have formed a steering committee with representatives from the districts, which issued a statement to the public reiterating the former owners’ well-known demands. The Republican Party building, where the hunger strike is taking place, is guarded by police forces to prevent any disturbance to public order. Like the strikers in Shkodër, these people are also determined to continue their protest until their demands are met. One of them, 58-year-old Dodë Coku from Lezhë, told the “Gazette”: “We are determined to continue the hunger strike until our demands are fulfilled. We took this path because all the other methods proved unsuccessful. We regret that many political parties have not supported us. We hope the people of Tirana and all of Albania will support us. To raise public awareness, we will also distribute an appeal for solidarity.” But would the unconditional return of the properties not create social problems? “On the contrary,” Coku replies, “where the land was divided according to the old boundaries, no problems have arisen. Such problems have arisen where the current land law has been imposed by force.” Arben Boçari, a 39-year-old teacher from Tirana and member of the strike’s steering committee, adds: “The fact that the law has often had to be enforced with the help of the police shows that there is an injustice that must be corrected. We have joined the hunger strike not for our personal troubles, but because we believe this issue matters to the whole nation.”

Postgraduate courses TIRANA — More study scholarships for Italy. This time, however, they are postgraduate scholarships for the 1992–1993 academic year. There are 21 graduates in various fields who will leave on 1 November for a nine-month period of specialization in Italy. By faculty, their names are: Agronomy: Zamir Dedei; Arben Hasani. Economics: Edlira Çiftja; Ada Vlora. Electrical and Petroleum Engineering: Dritan Xhillari; Nadir Dibra; Nafije Dajko. Civil Engineering: Erid Hamzaraj; Sokol Dhamo; Doris Sahatçi. Mechanical Engineering: Shaban Kasli; Teuta Dobi. Italian Language and Literature: Ermina Berhi. Medicine and Surgery: Enri Glozheni; Una Anagnosti; Eha-Du Troshani; Petrit Vargu; Sali Urovi. Veterinary Medicine: Ritvan Shehi; Kujtim Duhanxhiu; Albert Hoxha. “Conix,” the interministerial body responsible for specialization courses, has sent the universities concerned notification to reopen admissions exclusively for Albanian students, making an exception because they will attend their qualification course a year late, in the 1993–1994 session. The Italian Embassy has also informed the universities of the arrival of these postgraduate trainees.

BILISHT, “COOPER” CIGARETTES SEIZED AS CONTRABAND — An Albanian truck carrying contraband goods was processed while it was waiting late at night at our customs post. After a physical inspection by the Financial Police and Bilisht Customs, Korçë, it was discovered that the invoice listing oranges and “Coca Cola” was fraudulent. Only the last two rows contained such goods, while “Cooper” cigarettes were found inside. A Financial Police spokesperson said: “These deceptions are usually carried out to evade the high excise duties imposed on imported cigarettes.” The contraband cigarettes were seized by the competent authorities. NEWSPAPER EDITORS ON STRIKE MEET AMBASSADOR RAJERSON — The six newspaper editors whose papers have gone on strike were received at the U.S. Embassy by Ambassador Rajerson. The only one absent was Bashkim Trenova of “Rilindja Demokratike”, who was abroad. The strike, which began weeks ago, has now also put forward its main demand: the removal of Petro Dhimitri, director of the “Demokracia” Printing House. The strike will end only when this demand is met. A REGULATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION APPROVED — The Ministry of Construction, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, has approved a regulation to protect urban environments from pollution. The new regulation supplements the decision made a year ago to establish the Environmental Protection Inspectorate, which operates in all the country’s municipalities. To this end, the Ministry of Construction has also approved a number of funds.

Here are this week’s practical tips:

EDMOND LAÇI TIRANA — “Leka Zogu, the heir son of Albanian King Ahmet, will not come to Albania.” Nardem Kupi, the current chairman of the Albanian Legality Movement Party, says this and tells the Gazette the reasons for this decision, now definitive. The 12th Congress of this party, being held in Tirana after 50 years, offered a real opportunity for the royal heir to come. His absence is disappointing, because the Albanian Legality Movement is the only party that calls for a constitutional monarchy. “The Congress of Përmet in 1944, which declared the Albanian royal family illegal, as well as the 1946 Constitution, which changed the form of government from Monarchy to Republic, are acts that cannot allow Leka Zogu to come,” Nderdem Kupi said. “Since the current democratic government has not repealed any of these laws, his non-arrival is understandable.” In fact, rumours that Ahmet Zog’s son would come to Albania began immediately after the fall of communism. For almost nine years, many admirers… For two years, many admirers of the monarchy held his photographs in their hands and campaigned. The announcement of the “12th Congress of the Albanian Legality Movement,” which begins on 29 May in Tirana, prompted many journalists and reporters to go to Rinas a month ago to interview the man who would not be arriving: Leka Zogu. Today his non-arrival is certain. Nderim Kupi himself, chairman of the party until the Congress elections, returned to Albania six months ago. He is the grandson of Abaz Kupi, one of the best-known figures of the Legality Movement. After leaving Albania, first for Yugoslavia and then Italy, he arrived with his whole family in the USA, where he led the Albanian National Legality Movement (in exile). At last, after 10 congresses held in New York, Kupi will attend as chairman of a party holding its Congress on its own soil. The Movement’s first Congress in Albania was held in 1943, at the Stathat tower-house in Tirana. Leka Zogu was born on 5 April 1939 and spent only two days on his native soil. On 7 April, King of Albania Ahmet Zogu left Albania, which was invaded by Mussolini’s divisions. Since that day, Leka Zogu has been unable to enter his homeland. Although people have changed a great deal, the fact that Albania is a Republic has not changed. The 1924 decision, proposed by the Constituent Assembly, to make Albania a Constitutional Kingdom belongs to history. Even though everyone says that it can…

“No kind of independence for the Albanians of Kosovo” Mexico Bishop wounded during an exchange of gunfire De Mita investigated in the Tangentopoli inquiry in Naples

Here are this week’s practical tips: To have normal skin, it is important to use masks that remove every impurity from the face and give it a radiant appearance; there are several preparations, all equally effective. *** To close the pores, mix the juice of 100 g of apples with 100 g of watermelon pulp. Apply it to the face and neck and rinse it off after half an hour. *** It is best to harvest potatoes in May, when the stems and leaves have dried. *** Peeled potatoes can be kept for several days in the refrigerator if we cover them well with cold water and vinegar. *** In general, plants like light, but we should not expose them directly to the sun’s rays, as they may burn. However, some plants need more light than others. The lighter their colours, the more light they need; the darker they are, the more suitable they are for keeping indoors in places with less light. Plants with glossy leaves… *** [?] need more light than the ones mentioned above. Flowering plants need much more light. Cacti need plenty of light and sunlight. *** To stop small children from putting their fingers into electrical sockets, we can cover the socket with a little transparent colour; this does not attract the children’s attention and protects them if they come into contact with it. *** The garden is sown in March, in June, or at the beginning of autumn. Sow when the weather is mild and especially when there is no wind, because wind scatters the seeds. The soil should be cultivated and loosened. In autumn, collect the dry leaves, since mould forms underneath them. In October, add organic manure to nourish the soil. *** To set colours, before washing them, put them in salted water. To make rice fluffy, do not stir it while it is cooking. To keep pasta from sticking, add a few drops of lemon to the water in which it will be cooked. To prevent it from sticking during cooking, add a little olive oil to the water. *** Ringing in the ears can be prevented by putting in a few drops of glycerine. You can also place a piece of cotton wool moistened with onion juice in the ear. *** If lipstick breaks in half, heat both ends over a match flame and stick the two pieces together. Then cool it in the refrigerator. Remove lipstick stains with ether. *** To treat rheumatism, put two large cloves of garlic in 1/2 litre of raki for two days. Each day, take one teaspoonful in half a glass of water, in the morning before eating. Yes, for women only