Deputy Minister of Health, Nuri: “Perhaps it is not the only one” The virus has affected a young man from Tirana Deputy Minister of Health, Nuri: “Perhaps it is not the only one” AIDS: first case discovered The virus has affected a young man from Tirana CARLO BOLLINO TIRANA — As of yesterday, the specter of AIDS has been hovering over Albania, too. Experts at the laboratory of the National Blood Donation Center have confirmed the first case in the country: a 32-year-old worker from Tirana, who has been a blood donor for six months, has tested positive for the virus. He is not ill—and it is important to clarify this—but is seropositive: this means that this man, whose identity cannot be published, has had contact with the virus but is not suffering from the disease. Nevertheless, it is indisputable proof that the virus is present in Albania, too. “We do not know under what circumstances the infection occurred,” explains Deputy Minister of Health Besim Nuri, thereby confirming the news reported by unofficial sources. “This man is married, and there is no indication that he has ever been abroad. This is not, therefore, a typical high-risk case. This leads to the conclusion that his may not be the only case.” This came to light during a routine check carried out on all blood donors. The person had undergone the test several times before, always with healthy results. But during one of the many checks conducted a few days ago, the analysts at the “National Center” noticed a slight change. They became suspicious and sent a plasma sample to the Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology in Tirana for further verification. And confirmation came: AIDS. “It is important not to cause excessive alarm,” says Deputy Minister Nuri, “but neither can we pretend the problem does not exist and ignore it. We intend to launch an information campaign, because the public has the right to know what is happening and, above all, must know how to behave to avoid the disease. In these cases, prevention is fundamental.” The problem had been raised some time ago—long before the first case was discovered—by the World Health Organization, which, in agreement with the Albanian Ministry of Health, has launched a broad intervention program. “The first thing that needs to be done,” Nuri explains, “is to acquire equipment that will allow us to test all the blood processed within the health system: today we test only 60 percent, and this exposes us to the risk of infection. The second point is to prevent infections in hospitals: we have no right to increase the risk for people who come to us for treatment. We must urgently provide sterilization equipment. Single-use materials would also be very useful; unfortunately, we do not have them at present. Finally, it is essential to update nurses’ knowledge: we need to foster a different health-care mindset.” Unfortunately, the AIDS problem is present in all more developed societies. For years, scientists around the world have devoted themselves to scientific research to combat it, but the results are still unsatisfactory. The only truly effective weapon, however, remains prevention and information. Thus, the educational slogan promoted throughout Europe and devoted specifically to AIDS applies: “It is a disease, but it does not kill you [?].” A demonstration against AIDS

“In my opinion, this agreement is legal” The former official of the Commercial Bank was arrested over the payment of 1.6 million dollars “In my opinion, this agreement is legal” “The Arsidi scandal”: Tartari speaks from prison The former official of the Commercial Bank was arrested over the payment of 1.6 million dollars EDMOND LAÇI TIRANA — Agim Tartari, one of the two managers of the Commercial Bank—the man who paid French businessman Nicola Arsidi 1.6 million dollars to settle Albania’s foreign debt—is speaking from Tirana Prison. It is the first time since January 30 of this year—the date of his arrest—that Tartari has agreed to speak to a journalist. “Apart from the prison staff, I rarely meet anyone else,” he says slowly. “Even the investigator has questioned me only once.” The former deputy director of the Commercial Bank would like to tell other stories, but the conversation inevitably turns to what has long been called “the Arsidi scandal.” “The agreement between Arsidi and [?] for his negotiations. Arsidi paid Arsidi and Ardian Xhyheri—the then director of the bank’s finance department—it stipulated that the fee for the French negotiator would be 10 percent of the sums reduced. In addition, an advance of 1.6 million dollars was provided for Arsidi, by means of a bill of exchange discountable at all the banks in Europe. This amount was his to keep, regardless of the outcome.” Interviewer: Was the Commercial Bank, which you ran together with Agron Saliu, obliged to pay the dollars to Arsidi? “Not that we were obliged to, but we did it to earn commissions on the bank exchange. Naturally, this is the traditional business of banks.” Tartari — speaks staff, I rarely have other visits,” he begins speaking has long been called the “Arsidi scandal.” It concerns an external debt of almost 500 million dollars, accumulated by Albania during the last two years of the communist regime. To settle this debt accumulated with the most important European banks, the task was entrusted to Arsidi. For the work he was to do, the French financier received an advance of 1.6 million dollars. This was deemed legal, and has now led to the arrest of a former prime minister and two senior officials of the Commercial Bank. One of them is Agim Tartari. In this story, someone must be to blame, mustn’t they? “In my view, the agreement with Arsidi, appointing him as negotiator, was not a mistake. The problem is that the external debt is still not being settled and the interest keeps increasing day by day.” Surely the four months in prison have taught you the charge by now. What is it? “I know that the Bank Governor, Ilir Hoti, filed the complaint, and Prosecutor Koköshi signed the arrest warrant for misappropriation of state property through large-scale ... That is all.” Do you accept this charge? “It isn’t that simple, and it isn’t a question of accepting the charge or not. What I deny must also be justified, and how I will do that I can’t say now. I have a trial ahead of me.” Let’s talk instead about the payment of the 1.6 million ... An advance payment of 1.6 million dollars was made to Arsidi, through a bank that could be discounted by all the banks in Europe. This amount remained his, regardless of the outcome. Did the Commercial Bank direct it? “We weren’t the bank exchange. Of course, this is the traditional business of banks.” What was the matter with Arsidi? “In fact, this was also the first question the investigator asked me here. He even went further, asking me to tell him which political clans Arsidi knew. But that doesn’t matter much to me; personally, I know nothing else about Arsidi apart from the work he did after he was entrusted with negotiating the external debt.” What work did he do? “First, he asked our bank to give him a detailed account of the debt. Then he requested information about the talks held with the other banks before he arrived. He went further, providing the names of other people who would help as collaborators. Most importantly, he arranged a meeting between the State Bank and the National Bank of Paris, a meeting that failed because of our side. This was the most important thing, because that bank had dealt more harshly with our bank than all the others: we owed it 25 million dollars for currency exchanges.” Given this work, do you think Arsidi should have been paid in this way? “I can’t say that, but under the law governing the Commercial Bank we were entitled to pay him a fee, including for the exchanges. Arsidi’s was of that kind.” Agim Tartari himself does not know how his story may end. After testifying before the Tirana Court regarding the change in his arrest measure, all that remains is the answer to…

SHKODËR, COMPETITION FOR A MEMORIAL AT A COMMON GRAVE OF THOSE EXECUTED BY THE COMMUNIST DICTATORSHIP — The municipality of the city of Shkodër has organized a competition to select a memorial for a common grave of those executed by the dictatorship. The common grave is beside the Catholic cemetery of Rrmaj, where the most prominent patriotic families of the city of Shkodër are buried, beyond a garden. The railway line now runs over it, and the Kir River has badly damaged the grave. In fact, over the years it has been mov-

Inside Montenegrins fire on fishing boats from Apulia. Cars stolen in Apulia taken to Albania. Yugoslavia: Milosevic opponent in prison

The PD deputy says he is being wiretapped Haidari accuses SHIK Gazidede: He is lying TIRANA — (Ed. La.) — A serious accusation was made in ... Fehmi Abdiu, who asked about this issue—but also more

THOSE EXECUTED BY THE COMMUNIST DICTATORSHIP — those executed before the dictatorship. The common grave is beyond garden. Abi [?] today [the railway line?] this grave. In fact, over the years a lime pit had also been opened there. The Association of Former Political Prisoners and Persecuted People believes that around one hundred political opponents of the regime, regardless of religion—Muslims and Christians—were buried here from 1945 to 1950. The first anti-communist clergymen, Gjon Shllaku, Father Daniel Dajani, Father Gjon Fausti and Friar Pjetër Mirakaj, and their companions, were executed here. The victims in this grave are a small part of the 1,500 people executed in the city of Shkodër. A group of patriots who came from New York on the occasion of the Pope’s visit handed the Municipality 2,130 dollars to erect this memorial. MEETING OF THE FREE PRIVATE ALBANIAN ASSOCIATION — “The new Albanian bourgeoisie is fighting against the feudalists and the communists” is the subject of the national working meeting of the Free Private Albanian Association, which is holding its session today in Tirana at the Palace of Congresses. This association has opposed several articles of the People’s Assembly law on returning land and properties to former owners who were expropriated by the communist government. A POLICE STUDENT, VICTIM OF REVENGE — Police of District No. 1 in Tirana arrested student Sami Adem Degen, 25, from Tropoja, because [text garbled: “the trader Sami was ... for revenge; a student fired with a gun ... was admitted to hospital”]. The student of the Police Academy has been admitted to hospital. A FORMER POLICEMAN ARRESTED FOR UNLICENSED FIREARM POSSESSION — Former policeman Petrit Zenum Ymeri, 24, released from service and residing in Bajram Curri, [text garbled]. During his arrest, according to the police, a pistol was found on him. During his arrest, according to the police, a pistol and a box of cartridges were found on him. Petrit Ymeri had been dismissed from his job in May over irregularities while on duty. [Text garbled: “Previously ... for police misconduct, assaulting and accusing him ...”]. The former policeman is in custody and investigations are continuing.

Gazidede: He is lying TIRANA — (Ed. La.) — A serious accusation was made in the Albanian Parliament against the National Intelligence Service. Azem Hajdari, Democratic Party deputy and chairman of the committee for SHIK, Public Order and Defense, told the deputies that “my family is being wiretapped.” Immediately afterward, Bashkim Gazidede, head of Albania’s Intelligence Service, was compelled to respond to the accusation. “It is not the first time Azem Hajdari has lied,” he told the Gazette in the only comment he gave to the press. The issue of telephone tapping or personal surveillance has been circulating for some time, including in the press. But never before has a public figure, above all a member of parliament, made a statement like this: “For more than six months, SHIK has had a file open on me.” Hajdari’s accusation is serious, since he also has the authority to oversee the activities of the Albanian SHIK. Azem Hajdari went further when, also in Parliament, he called for a parliamentary commission to be set up to verify this allegation. Hajdari’s statement was followed by that of Socialist deputy Fehmi Abdiu, who asked that Gazidede make a public statement on this issue—but also on other matters concerning Gazidede himself. “Deputies are not responsible for what they say, so they can say whatever they want,” SHIK chief Bashkim Gazidede told the Gazette. Two months ago, Bashkim Gazidede—called before a parliamentary interpellation—had to defend himself against another accusation as well. It concerned a former employee of the Albanian Security Service who spread a story in the press, claiming that Gazidede had questioned him in a cell about any possible ties he might have had with agents of the old regime. Today something else has been published against him: Spartak Ngjela, a lawyer in many difficult cases, after making an allegation in the Gazette, publishes five days later the original document showing that Bashkim Gazidede asked Justice Minister Kudret Çela to strip the lawyer of his right to practice ... the document — “uses the defense chair to spread certain political views.” Let us speak instead about the granting of 1.6 million...

Shkodër: at the Children’s Festival, «the cow and the hen» triumph ARLINDA ÇAUSHOLLI SHKODËR — We would not be wrong to say that Shkodra feels Children’s Day more than any other city. This is also because every year it organizes the Children’s Song Festival. It was the 31st festival, held at the “Migjeni” Theatre for three consecutive nights. Beautifully dressed children, aged 7 to 18, came from Tirana, Vlora, and Durrës. The rest of those who took the stage were from Shkodra. But the most striking thing was that the participants came from beyond Albania’s borders. Guests from Kosovo, Kumanova, Ulqin and Italy were warmly welcomed and applauded by the spectators, who had filled the “Migjeni” Theatre to capacity. An exceptional performer: Romina Hato, an 11-year-old from Italy, tells the newspaper, “I’m very excited. It’s the first time I’ve sung, but I feel quite good among children my age. They’re fantastic.” As for Dardan Barkançin, the 10-year-old boy from Kosovo who was named “Best Performer,” words were not enough: an extraordinary voice for his age, a born talent—his father himself acknowledges it. “He started singing ...” At the end, Jurta awarded the prize to the song “The Cow and the Hen.” At that moment the children’s choir welcomed it with joyful cheers, as if the singer himself were there. “I’ve been taking part for 23 years now,” says Leci Balza, composer of the song, feeling as though it were the first time. “I’ve worked with passion, and there could be no better reward: the festival’s success is rewarded by the eyes and feelings of the children,” he says, still sitting and asking, “Mami, when again?”

Every person dreams when they sleep. This is an entirely normal fact, except that sometimes these dreams are so beautiful or so bad that they leave you amazed and bewildered when you wake up. But dreams can also be “warning” dreams, that is, they may contain a premonition, a warning about what might happen in the future. Every week “Gazeta Shqiptare” offers its readers explanations and meanings of the objects and situations most often seen in dreams. Honey Symbolizes sweetness, purity, energy, abundance. It often takes on the meaning of nourishment for the soul and platonic love. It foretells good luck and profitable business. Mountain A mountain represents spiritual development and the arduous development of wealth on the way to the summit of success. Reaching a high mountain means realizing your ambition; it is the achievement of your personality. Climbing a mountain generally represents your drive and a very important moment when you must gather your strength to achieve your goals. The mountain also has a sexual aspect: it represents the man’s erotic desire, which is projected but does not achieve, through climbing, the sexual desire of the woman. Pencil This symbol expresses our desire to analyze ourselves and to define precisely the situations we are experiencing. If the pencils we see are colored, we are in a state of mind rich in sensations; without doubt, we are living through a period full of productivity in terms of emotional and psychological creativity. Expenses and financial losses are foretold. Bite The act of biting certainly expresses an aggressive instinct or the desire to fully and completely savor a reality; the dream will be expressed in components. This image may foretell strong desires and passions as well as worries and concerns. But its interpretation will depend greatly on reality. It foretells jealousy and quarrels. Wall This image, which may represent closure and limits, can negatively transform its symbol and signify an unsatisfactory solution, a rigidly imposed order, or an inability to open up to positive relationships with society. The symbol of the wall may also be a barrier surrounding an experience of maternal protection, which obstructs relationships with others. The forecast of confinement in a dream may indicate a lack of energy and desire, which something inside you may ...; it foretells thoughts spoken aloud and new difficulties that cannot be overcome as before.