Rome prosecutors are investigating aid for Albania New accusations against former minister Vitalone TIRANË, (P. P.) — One day after the Italian aid scandal for Albania, another, even more shocking picture was presented to the public yesterday. The Rome prosecutor’s office, which had been in charge of the case concerning aid for Albania, is being accused of obstructing investigations and of exerting pressure to close the files. According to the Italian daily “La Repubblica”, part of the aid intended for our country ended up in the hands of people linked to former ministers and to various business circles. In this tense political climate, the name of former minister Vitalone once again comes to the center of the accusations. It is said that he intervened to block certain investigations and to protect persons involved. Also mentioned is the role of several Italian companies that benefited from unclear and inflated contracts, while the goods sent to Albania were of questionable quality or never arrived at all. According to sources cited by the Italian press, the investigation may also be expanded to include several other officials, among them people who had links with the foreign ministry and with the bodies responsible for coordinating aid. Public opinion in Italy and Albania is demanding clarification about how the funds were used, who benefited, and who should be held accountable. The article stresses that the issue is not only about financial corruption, but also about the political and moral damage inflicted on Italian-Albanian relations. If the accusations are proven, the scandal risks taking on even larger proportions and involving other levels of the Italian administration and judiciary. (continued on page 3)

Police arrest three people The tragedy began after a trivial quarrel. One of the accused was killed by an axe blow TIRANË — In the alley called “Përroi i Ndoqes” in the old city neighborhood of Tiranë, a terrible murder occurred yesterday afternoon. The victim was 45-year-old Klevi Frashëri, who died as a result of an axe blow. Police said that after an argument that began over trivial motives, several people were involved in the conflict and one of them struck the victim on the head. According to witnesses, the quarrel began near a small neighborhood bar and then spilled out into the street. Neighbors, horrified by the screams, immediately called the police. Law enforcement arrived quickly at the scene and arrested three people suspected of taking part in the crime. One of them is considered the main perpetrator of the fatal blow. Preliminary investigations show that the parties had had minor conflicts before. However, no one expected the dispute to end in such a serious act. The victim’s body was taken to the morgue for examination, while police are questioning the detainees. Residents of the area say they are shocked and are calling for a stronger police presence in the outer neighborhoods, where, according to them, violence and quarrels have increased recently. (continued on page 7) The 131st resident of the police

Shkodër, 280 bakers on assistance Another disguised refugee awaits identification SHKODËR, (P. C.) — They buy flour for 4 thousand lek per quintal and sell bread with a 40 percent profit. Meanwhile, the two former state bread enterprises have gone bankrupt. 280 workers and bakers from them, including specialists and technicians, are now receiving assistance. Only in recent months, according to sources from the trade branch, dozens of private bakeries have opened and are supplying the city with cheaper and better-quality bread than that produced by the state enterprises. Excess costs, poor management, and the lack of competition have made the state sector unable to face the market any longer. Bread produced by private bakers sells more quickly, while the warehouses of the former state enterprises remain stocked. Specialists say that market liberalization has exposed the shortcomings of an old production system, where there was no incentive and no responsibility for quality. For the 280 unemployed, the future remains uncertain. Many hope to find work in private bakeries, but conditions are difficult and wages are low. Meanwhile, local leaders are calling for retraining programs and small loans to encourage the opening of small businesses. (continued on page 7) Refugees at the Turkish-Greek border

TIRANË (B. A.) — Yesterday, in the place we might call the “waiting room” for the morgue, relatives of a victim who had arrived without a head were seen. A grim and unusual scene shocked the family members, who were waiting to hear news about their loved one. According to sources, the victim is suspected of having been brought from Greece, where he had been working illegally. The sight of the headless corpse caused deep shock among those present. Forensic doctors and police are trying to clarify the victim’s identity and the circumstances of death. The relatives hope that identification will be made through body marks and personal belongings. The event has also sparked reactions about the fate of many Albanian emigrants who work in difficult conditions abroad. Other sources speak of an increase in cases of violence and accidents involving undocumented workers. (continued on page 7)

IN THE CENTER In August the price index reaches 883.3 Where has the supertetku been hidden ON PAGE 3

Time: the championship of rapid intervention forces has started SHKODËR — (T. Sc.) Yesterday the first match of the rapid intervention forces championship was played at “Loro Boriçi” stadium. The Shkodër police team defeated the Korçë team 4-0. The match was followed by many sports fans and was praised for its fair-play spirit. The home team’s coach said he was pleased with the players’ performance and stated that the goal is to win the trophy. On the other hand, the Korçë team promised improvement in the upcoming matches. At the closing ceremony, a symbolic cup was also awarded to the winning team. (continued on page 7)

There are 30 thousand dead State capital, international aid ON PAGE 2

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