Here is why the opposition changed its mind. The PS Deputy Chairman speaks But the majority replies: “They came back because their cause failed” FATOS BAXHAKU TIRANA — A noticeable change has accompanied the resumption of Parliament’s work after the usual recess. In its large chamber, which over the course of a month has undergone only a few cosmetic changes—some more, some less freshly painted—the Socialist deputies returned on Wednesday. This is an important numerical and perhaps political change. After two months’ absence—even during the time when the lifting of immunity for their leader, Fatos Nano, was being discussed—the Socialists have returned to Parliament, ready to take part in discussions on the many draft laws expected. The news of the Socialists’ return, announced by them without much fanfare, once again raises several questions. What motives prompted them to make this important decision? And, secondly, will political dialogue between the country’s two largest parties begin, or will the political struggle remain as fierce as it was in the months that followed? Servet Pëllumbi, the party’s Deputy Chairman, explained to Gazeta the reasons for the Socialists’ decision: “We boycotted Parliament because, at that time, the Constitution was a pressing issue. The deadline for submitting it had passed, and the deputies were presented with a draft that did not meet even the most minimal requirements. The issue was restoring Parliament’s sovereignty, and we decided to act accordingly. Things have changed now, and the committee has begun working at full pace. Nearly half of the draft has been drawn up. That is why we decided, almost unanimously, to return to Parliament, where we will continue to defend our longstanding position.” The decision had also been approved from the prison cells by their chairman, Nano, accused of abuse of office in connection with the Italian aid scandal. “We were able to communicate with Fatos, and he fully agreed with our decision,” says Pëllumbi. It seemed that the Socialists’ move to return was a signal that democratic dialogue between the country’s two largest parties might begin. Namik Dokle himself, chairman of the Socialists’ parliamentary group, called the new parliamentary session “a new political phase.” But it seems that this is still a long way off. According to Servet Pëllumbi, there is still no such signal. “At present, I think it is difficult,” he says, “to open a dialogue with the Democratic Party. We are always ready, but the signals so far and their general attitude are not conducive to it.” It remains to be seen how the other parties will respond to these decisions. How might the Socialists’ return change the course of parliamentary activity? And what political significance does it have? Here are the views of other parliamentarians: Tritan Shehu (PD) — Parliament’s work began normally. Its first task is to make laws. Soon we will have the approval of the Constitution before us. The Socialists’ departure from Parliament was an attempt to create a parliamentary crisis. When they saw that we had failed, they returned because their cause was unsuccessful. Gaqo Apostoli (PSD): On Saturday, the National Council will make a final decision on participation in Parliament. I also expect the Assembly to be constituted during this session, although Dokle’s words were harsh, leading one to think that there may be further confrontations. The Socialists’ return was just like their departure. If we left over the Constitution, they left to nationalize; they left to cause a parliamentary crisis. Sabri Godo (PR): The deputies in this session will surely learn some lessons from the previous proceedings. Parliament must have more dignity. In practice, we considered the Socialists’ departure from Parliament to be a proven fact. We are pleased that those who abandoned the Assembly have realized their mistake. Arben Imami (AD): I do not believe this session will bring anything new in terms of reducing political tension. The same lack of tolerance as before will continue. The Socialists’ return is a positive thing, because it will help balance politics and, in this way, the whole country, as well as the PD itself. Above, the entrance to Parliament

the views of other parliamentarians: Tritan Shehu (PD) —

They had snatched items from the rooms of Carter’s guards TIRANA — The thief who stole from American citizen Jevice Hewing has returned to Hotel “Dajti”—but this time was caught in the act. Henry Kopliku, 18, described in the report as the American woman’s “salesgirl,” and his contemporary from Durrës, Hengel Qerimi, were caught on Wednesday by hotel staff as they tried to snatch various items from the rooms of the personal guards of former US President Jimmy Carter. After both suspects were taken to Police Station 1, the “Nicon” camera was found at Kopliku’s home in Tirana and, several hours later, was returned to its owner, Hewing, together with some jewellery. Investigations into these two robberies are continuing, even though the suspects were released from the holding cells at Police Station 1 in the early hours of Thursday, after spending more than 10 hours there. According to hotel staff, an employee was the first to become suspicious of the two young men’s movements. A good part of the hotel staff then sprang into action, and at 20:30 the two teenagers were stopped by them on the terrace on the second floor: Endrik tried to pretend he was a friend of an Italian guest, who denied knowing him, while Hengel was caught hiding in one of the rooms used by Carter’s personal guards. Bags, wallets and other items stolen from the rooms of the American guards were also found on the terrace. Five minutes later, Criminal and Investigative Police officers from Tirana’s Police Station 1, called by the manager of Hotel “Dajti,” verified the incident and took both suspects to the station’s holding cells. After the camera was stolen from American Hewing’s room, four Hotel “Dajti” employees had been suspended from work and had even been questioned by investigators about the case. However, one day after the camera was found, these employees had still not returned to work. Former US President Carter

TIRANA — Former US President Jimmy Carter left Albania after completing a two-day private visit. Its purpose, as he himself stated, was to learn about the reality of Albania and its people through direct contacts. He met with government and political figures, as well as businesspeople. Carter reiterated the need for support for Albania from the US and the European Community. European. Former US President Carter

TIRANA — Excavations for this year have concluded at a joint Albanian-Greek expedition, which spent a month in the ancient city of Butrint. The results of the excavations have been described as very important. The objects brought to light support the hypothesis that the entire region around Butrint was inhabited as early as the Bronze Age. The discovery of an ancient religious monument is also of great interest. These excavations mark the third year of Albanian-Greek cooperation in the field of archaeology. The expedition included researchers from the Institute of Archaeology in Tirana and the Archaeological Centre of Sarandë, and was led by the Director of the Institute, Namik Bodinaku.

SHKODËR — (p. re.) — Another attempt, but this time unsuccessful, to engage in smuggling. The Financial Police of the Shkodër district seized five boats and four motors during the month of August alone. These vessels were used in an attempt to smuggle goods with Montenegro by sailing across Lake Shkodra. The boats’ cargoes contained 300 litres of diesel fuel and 670 litres of gasoline being traded illegally. All this fuel was seized, also in implementation of the trade restrictions imposed on Serbia and Montenegro by the international community. Also during August, this branch of the Financial Police, working to put a stop to profiteering and any illegal activity, imposed 258 fines worth 1,000,030 lekë as a result of its inspections, seized profits worth 6,265,000 lekë in ten cases, and seized merchants’ goods worth 1,254,000 lekë in fourteen cases. These successes in the fight against smuggling have also been achieved thanks to cooperation between the Financial Police and border posts.

He accidentally shot himself while cleaning his gun VLORE — (Ed. La.) A special patient has been in one of the rooms of the Neurosurgery ward at the Central Army Hospital since Tuesday. His name is Arben Këleshi and he is 23 years old. A week ago—when he was accidentally injured at his home—he was a police officer with the Rapid Intervention unit of the Public Order Department of Vlorë. Today, Arben still has the bullet from his pistol in his head, but you cannot believe this without first looking at the X-ray, which clearly shows an unusual white mark at the front of his head, above his eyes. “Miraculously, the bullet,” the radiology specialist explains, “passed through his throat and palate, then travelled inside his forehead.” Thus, the man with a bullet in his head is not only no longer at risk of losing his life, but also prefers to speak to the newspaper: How did the accident happen? “I had just returned from duty and, as usual, thought I would clean the outside of my pistol. It is an old German Parabellum and when I carried it in civilian clothes, it made me feel a little awkward. It was only a moment...” When did you come to? “I did not lose consciousness. I remember that I spent three days at the Vlorë Hospital. I also saw my colleagues and my superiors, who had come to visit me.” Do you feel lucky after this accident? “Of course, I’m 23 years old and I’ve been married for less than four months.” Arben Këleshi is now receiving intensive therapy. First, the throat wound must heal and the respiratory organs must return to normal function. “The patient is out of danger,” says Perlat Hodo, head of the Neurosurgery ward. “The only thing pending is surgery to remove the bullet from his head.”

It begins today; funding secured through December PINO MONTAGNA The 55th First Division football championship begins today, amid numerous problems but with great hopes. The problems are directly linked to the country’s financial crisis, which also affects the federation organising the competition. It seems that the government has allocated a substantial budget to support football through December. The Football Federation has been tasked with organising the championship as well as possible, taking into account the current economic resources that it has been able to secure. For this reason, considerable efforts have been observed among the teams, with 16 sides in the First Division. The matches are on Saturday, in the hope of attracting greater attention from fans and the press, which on Sundays is focused on the Italian championship, on which Fotofutbolli is based. For their part, the participating teams’ executives have worked hard to find so-called “sponsors”. It is now clear that the introduction of a market economy directly affects sport as well, and therefore all the coaches consider the teams that have done the best work in this regard to be the favourites: Partizani, Tirana, Teuta and Dinamo, along with Vllaznia and Besa because of their traditions. The opening day is marked by a match that is decisive in a way: Partizani-Tirana. Both teams have undergone numerous changes. Partizani is greatly disappointed by its unexpected elimination from the European Cup by the Icelandic team Akranes, compounded by the fatigue of a long journey. Tirana, meanwhile, is in increasingly good sporting shape, as seen in the Republic Cup matches, and has a powerful sponsor, Aristofin. The team has been strengthened with new players, including one from Dinamo and the talented Fortuzi. Another much-anticipated match is Dinamo-Teuta, between two other ambitious teams. Dinamo is weakened by the departure of its first-choice players, but is especially hopeful of future support from an Italian sponsor. Teuta, much “cursed” because of its exclusion from the UEFA Cup by the Italian referees, aims to improve on last year’s regular-season results. First-day programme, 16:30. DINAMO-TEUTA, BESELDHJA, ELBASANI, VLLAZNIA-ALBPETROL, BESA-APOLONIA, SPOTIFL-AMATUR (in Elbasan), LAC-LUSHNJA and Krujë, TIRANA-PARTIZANI.

New vehicles have been left waiting for a month The Ministry of Public Order has lacked the necessary funds TIRANE — (an. st.) — For nearly two months it has been impossible in Tirana to register a newly imported vehicle and obtain its license plates. Dozens of owners and their drivers have nevertheless turned up almost every day at the counter of the Tirana Road Traffic Department, but have been unable to get the small aluminium plate without which the vehicle cannot be driven. It seems the real reason for this situation is simple: there are no license plates! “Everything depends on the Metal Products Plant in Gjirokastër, which, they tell us at the Tirana Department, is not producing them. For very urgent cases, we have had to issue temporary plates, but their number is very limited.” However, the Road Police Department of the Ministry of Public Order does not explain the causes of this anomaly quite so simply. In addition to production being halted due to a shortage of raw materials, the main obstacle has been a lack of funds to purchase the plates. The plan involves replacing all the old plates in the country and standardising them in accordance with the international traffic convention. “So far,” officials at the department told the newspaper, “50 per cent of the Republic’s vehicle inventory has been replaced. Tirana alone accounts for nearly one fifth of all the vehicles in the country. Around 10,000 new plates have been distributed. Now that the funding has been secured, distribution of the plates will resume in two or three days.” Vehicles on the road.

A packed schedule awaits the deputies in the coming weeks. The work programme, whose main outlines have now been drawn up, envisages the discussion and approval of a series of laws, some of them very important. Here is what Parliament may discuss in the coming weeks: The general part of the Civil and Criminal Codes. Changes have become necessary following the adoption of the “Constitutional Law.” The experts who revised them have removed all provisions that did not conform to this law and to fundamental human rights. The draft Press Law. It was submitted by the PD parliamentary group. Its adoption is intended to fill one of the most significant gaps in current legislation. Draft laws on local budgets and local fees and taxes. They are intended to complete the legal framework for legislation on local government. The new Law on Foreign Investments. President Berisha himself confirmed reports that it would be submitted. It will provide for more liberal procedures for foreign businessmen wishing to invest in Albania.

“CAFE’ DES ARTISTES” REOPENS AFTER THREE DAYS — Activities have resumed at “Cafe’ des Artistes,” the venue on the terrace of the capital’s Palace of Culture. The venue—frequented by many Albanian and foreign citizens—reopened after three days. According to some sources, “Cafe’ des Artistes” had been closed for some work to be carried out on its premises. But its reopening also comes with a new rule: only couples will be served. CROATIAN INTERIOR MINISTRY DELEGATION ARRIVES IN TIRANA — Invited by Albania’s Minister of Public Order, Agron Musaraj, a delegation from Croatia’s Ministry of the Interior, headed by Minister Ivan Jarnjak, arrived in Albania. Ministers Musaraj and Jarnjak then met at the Ministry of Public Order, where a draft agreement on cooperation between the police forces of the two countries was also envisaged. The Croatian delegation was also received by Aleksandër Meksi, Prime Minister of Albania. “LAÇI” SPORTS CLUB SPONSORED — Agim Rama, a former player for Laçi’s football team in 1982–89, decided to finance the “Laçi” Sports Club. This follows Rama’s three years of activity in the import-export business. Funding has begun with the reconstruction of the town’s main stadium. Sports uniforms have also been bought for the players, and soon the team will also have a comfortable bus. Rama, who is now also the club’s president, wants the football team to return to its best days. After the stadium is renovated, fans expect the FSHF to allow matches to be played in Laçi.

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