We are at the center of global balances CARLO BOLLINO The heart of the Balkans beats strongly, showing every day that it is the heart of the world. By a curious twist of fate, this old boundary line between East and West has been divided precisely today, when East and West are no longer enemies and the world can finally hope that the role of the United Nations is felt not only in war—the responsibility of which has also been discussed in Somalia—but also in most of the countries of the East, with Albania at the forefront. Albania occupies a doubly particular position: as a country geographically bordering on war; and as a nation, part of whose population—even though living here—is populated by threads—threatened by war. [Text begins cut off] ...international ... and ..., world. By a curious twist of fate, this old dividing line between East and West has been set ablaze and the world could finally hope to find the coexistence sought for an entire century. Just as this borderland was once a focal point of conflict between the two blocs, so today it represents the embodiment of the new global danger: interethnic war. US President Bill Klinton declared before the television audience of the whole world: “Bosnia is the most serious political problem I have had to solve so far.” And he is right: because in the former Yugoslavia there is not only a war between peoples, but the stability of the entire Planet is at stake, beginning with the testing of the delicate relationship between the United States and the new Europe. The extraordinary nature of this situation is reflected in the large number of participants, in what amounts to a dangerous game of chess. Serbs, Bosnians and Croats are fighting one another, which means Orthodox Christians, Muslims and Catholics. Others, too, are involved in this theater, including Somalia—but also the forefront. Albania is in a doubly difficult position: as a country geographically bordering the war; and as a nation, part of whose population—even after decades—remains threatened by war. This applies especially to Kosovo, Macedonia and Montenegro. That this arena of the Planet is increasingly becoming a hotbed of crisis is shown by recent events: the military agreement and understandings between Greece and Bulgaria, the arrival of American soldiers in Macedonia—a prelude to a military presence—which sooner or later will inevitably involve Europe too. The Balkan arena has become the heart of the world: today it is encircled by force, and that is precisely why the whole Planet is trembling. But everyone is convinced that the reverse is also true: if a great, global circle is ever to be achieved, it could break out nowhere in the world except here. In other words, if today it is above all fear that is gathering, the Balkans also hold hope.

Another dramatic chapter of the last 50 years is being investigated “They locked him in Elbasan psychiatric hospital. Then he disappeared” Hundreds of cases reported TIRANA — (Fa. Ba.) — One of the most shocking issues affecting people who had the misfortune to suffer under totalitarian regimes has also emerged in Albania. There must be thousands of people who mysteriously disappeared at the hands of the Sigurimi during the years of the dictatorship. This was learned from the Commission for the Recovery of Bones, which has been operating for a short time within the Ministry of the Interior. According to officials of this commission, during 1945-1986 around 1,600 people were killed without trial, according to the information collected so far. Dozens and hundreds of people come here from all over Albania to search for the bodies of their loved ones killed by the dictatorship. Many know that their family members were executed, but among them are many who denounce another, graver crime: the disappearance of people. These are tragic stories of kidnappings in the night, of torture and suffering, and of secret execution sites. This is the story of the Albanian “los desaparecidos,” people who once lived like everyone else, but whom violence treacherously separated from their loved ones. Arjan Kullakshi, a young employee of the Commission for the Bones, buried in a labyrinth of documents and endless dealings with people, can barely find time to tell the newspaper about the cases of so many missing people. “There are many such cases,” he says, “and I cannot give a definitive figure for the number of reports. But there are many; around 150-200 people come to us every day, and a large proportion report disappearances or other secret killings by the dictatorship. The family members now want to learn at least where the victims’ bones are. And this is difficult work. So many years have passed, and the dictatorship always tried to hide the traces of its deeds.” In the commission’s office you hear all kinds of stories: a woman is looking for a relative of hers: “They took him to the psychiatric hospital in Elbasan, even though he was completely sound of mind. Then we lost track of him. Someone told us he had been killed by a blow to the head with a hard object; in any case, we know nothing for certain.” Someone else, another woman in her fifties, is looking for the body of a female prisoner: “Her name was Vasiliqi and she was very young,” she says. “She must have given birth to a child in prison around 1945-46. We know nothing about what happened to her afterward.” Other family members fill Kullakshi’s office, and the list of victims grows: “I am sorry that the requests come one after another, within just a few minutes: Hysen Senka, killed in 1949; Preng Ndok, executed a few years later. Some are looking for someone executed during the War. Zenun Çepaqë was a partisan in June 1944. For reasons unknown, he was executed by the partisan command itself. Today his son is looking for his remains.” The arduous work of identifying the burial places of those executed continues, and the list of bodies found keeps growing. According to published figures, more than 3,800 people were executed and 1,500 died in prison during 1945-86. Since searches began, a mass grave containing 14 people executed in Mirditë has been found, as well as another containing 22 skeletons in Buzë-Madh near Kukës and another with 22 executed people in Martanesh. Many of the victims found were buried in public cemeteries. But many more remain to be brought out of the secret pits into which they were thrown. Mass graves of executed people have even been found very close to Tirana. “The well-known group of deputies executed in October 1947 is thought to have been buried on the grounds of the Dinamo Factory,” Kullakshi says. “Recovering the 14 skeletons will be difficult; the site is cemented over.” Another well-known victim, the World Kryegjysh of the Bektashis, was buried in a place on the outskirts of Tirana, where the main gate of a military unit now stands. In another corner of the capital, near the wood yard, is the mass grave of those killed in June 1945, all aged between 18 and 25. Searches have also been carried out in Tirana’s public cemeteries. So far, the graves of 30 executed people have been identified in the Tufina cemetery and 15 in the Sharra cemetery. In most cases, burial places of executed people have been discovered thanks to oral accounts by eyewitnesses. The victims of the “Soviet embassy incident” of 1951 were discovered only thanks to the testimony of a farmer who was there on the night of the execution. A particularly unusual case: the grave of a well-known figure of those years, Hamit Matjani, was found only after a retired policeman recounted the story. For months he had stood guard near the grave. “I never understood why they were still afraid,” the former policeman had said.

For Filanto, 600 unemployed in Apulia closes in Italy For Filanto, 600 unemployed in Apulia Opens in Tirana closes in Italy

600 unemployed in Puglia over Filanto LECCE — A small trade-union battle that has broken out in Puglia, on the outskirts of Lecce, has revealed another picture—unknown to most people—of aid to Albania. The 600 workers of a cooperative that made shoe uppers have been left without work and are now protesting forcefully. The reason for their dismissal is simple: the shoe factory “Filanto” (based in Casarano, on the outskirts of Lecce) has transferred most of this activity to Tirana and therefore no longer has work to offer the Cooperative. Besides the unions Cgil and Cisl, several political parties are also protesting, taking to the streets in defense of the dismissed workers. “Filanto,” they say, “has opened an operation in Albania thanks to assistance from the International Cooperation sector of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. But this must not compromise employment levels in Italy.” There have been no protests against Albania: on the contrary, the workers have expressed their solidarity with the Albanian public. On the other hand, there is little one can reproach “Filanto” for. A worker at the Italian Cooperative earned, on average, 500,000 lire a month. A worker at the “Filanto” factory opened in Albania is paid less than 100,000 lire. The headquarters of the Filanto company in Casarano

Number Period Executed 3,800 1945-86 Killed during interrogation 1,600 1945-86 Died in prison 1,500 1945-86 Died in Burrel prison alone 166 1951-86 The number of people who disappeared has not yet been definitively established. As bones are found, hundreds of reports continue to come in from the families of those who went missing during the dictatorship.

TAX ON FOREIGN SHIPS EXPORTING IN ALBANIAN WATERS — They will pay 300 dollars in port taxes and for the formalities carried out by customs and other authorities, all foreign ships that will...

Somalia still free of Aidid A friendship with Albania through letters Maradona, embittered, may leave football

TAX ON FOREIGN SHIPS EXPORTING WATER TO ALBANIA — All foreign ships that call at Albanian ports to export drinking water formalities carried out by customs and other authorities. This was the latest decision of the Council of Ministers, which has also been sent to Parliament for approval. The issue arose because Albania has long been known as a major water exporter. The Albanian authorities have ensured that these exports do not create problems for supplying its citizens, even though shortages of drinking water are evident in some cities of the country. STATE AUDIT SERVICE PROPOSES FURTHER PENALTIES — Various ministries, as well as other state institutions, have been held accountable by the State Audit Service. According to the service, “the Ministry of Finance and Economy has, in most cases, taken a passive stance toward the privatization process,” while the National Privatization Agency “has acted in many cases to favor particular individuals.” Following the violations of the law observed by the State Audit Service in the privatizations in Tirana Region 1, it has proposed penalties. A NEW ALBANIAN MAGAZINE — “Fryma e re,” a monthly political, social, cultural and artistic magazine, has published its first issue. Published in Durrës, the magazine has Professor Arshi Pipa as honorary director and sponsor. According to its editors, the aim of the publication is to renew Albanian journalism from before 1944.

by Stella Wilder Aries 20/III 20/IV Your interest in the problems of your friends, everyone around you, and your family in general is also deep. Your concern, which leaves you no time for matters that are not yours, is admirable. Even your favorite plans may bring you great satisfaction. Taurus 21/IV 20/V Do not be harsh, especially when it comes to something that involves the whole family. Try to listen to others, especially regarding those plans you have been working on for a long time. Gemini 21/V 20/VI You have the opportunity to pave the way for something you have been thinking about for a long time. Make a great effort to pursue your wishes, but at the same time listen to others. Cancer 21/VI 22/VII You may feel that you are under a new and threatening influence from which you will have no difficulty escaping within a short time. Something may make you take a closer look at your choices. Leo 23/VII 22/VIII You will be objective in your expression and in making room for others. Great spiritual progress is expected today. Do not settle for the usual routine this week. Virgo 23/VIII 22/IX Do not assume that a personal solution in some area will provide you with a family solution. Analyze it; do not let problems at home prevent you from being yourself. Libra 23/IX 22/X You may quarrel with someone with whom you share your ideals and aspirations. Your ability to handle things and draw attention from a large audience will be a great help. Scorpio 2/X 21/XI Do not let yourself fall into the trap of an irresponsible romantic situation. Be careful about what you say and what you do. Confrontations are inevitable and may bring you unpleasant surprises. Sagittarius 22/XI 21/XII What remains secret on the first evening of the week may become known to everyone later. Be prepared. You have made decisions from which you cannot go back. Capricorn 22/XII 19/I You will see your ties with friends and family members grow stronger. You should know how to make the most of the social life that will prove interesting and intense. Do not take on things that are not yours. Aquarius 20/I 19/II Although unpleasant, you must accept some indisputable realities; nevertheless, you can use them to your advantage. You will have the chance to see clearly everything connected with this within a short time. Pisces 20/II 19/III You pay close attention to everything happening near and far from you, because some events may unexpectedly affect your life.