There is a mismatch between TBN and Minister Ruli Main indicators The changes in the Albanian economy are somewhat significant according to official sources. Data 1992 1993 Trend 1993 Population 3,265,000 + External production 912,000 + GDP 66.3% + Budget deficit 32.6 million USD + Imports 151 million dollars + Unemployment 31.7 billion lekë + ANDREA SISTANI TIRANA - “The country's economy is at a crossroads,” judging from the data available so far and the most serious problems that hinder its functioning. “If privatization is not accelerated, the country will remain blocked for several years,” says the Minister of Economy, Professor Anastas Angjeli. “In Albania, new balances need to be found in the agricultural and industrial sectors.” The figures at a general glance suggest that 1993 is better than 1992. Minister Angjeli has predicted that gross domestic product will increase by about 11 percent, inflation has fallen significantly, while the trade balance remains heavily burdened. But the results are not the same across all sectors. Albanian industry continues to decline and conditions in many enterprises remain serious. In agriculture there have been improvements, but the pace of production has slowed due to a lack of investment, seeds and tools. According to the minister, the main problem remains the lack of capital. Many small and medium-sized activities have been privatized, but the large enterprises continue to weigh on the economy. “Foreign investors hesitate to enter the market because of legal uncertainty and fiscal ambiguities.” The minister adds that a new reform program must support production and exports. In the industrial sector, production continues to fall. Many factories are operating at reduced capacity or have stopped altogether. Large state enterprises lack raw materials, markets and energy. On the other hand, the private sector has begun to show vitality, but it still cannot replace the old industry. This also explains the high unemployment and the decline in incomes in urban areas. Most of the production comes from agriculture. However, Minister Ruli admits that there has been a slowdown in the agricultural pace. The problems are linked to land distribution, irrigation, the supply of chemical fertilizers and the lack of credit. Some crops have yielded better results, but the overall production structure remains weak. If reforms move forward at a faster pace, next year could be more favorable. Otherwise, warn specialists, the economy risks remaining suspended between transition and crisis. English translation: “Industry in difficulty” / “The slowdown in agricultural production is felt”. The article says Albania's economy is at a crossroads, with improved macro indicators in 1993 compared to 1992, but continuing industrial decline and a slowing agricultural sector. Minister Angjeli stresses privatization, investment, legal certainty and production support as key needs. Italian translation: “L'industria in difficoltà” / “Si avverte il rallentamento della produzione agricola”. L'articolo afferma che l'economia albanese si trova a un bivio: alcuni indicatori macroeconomici migliorano nel 1993 rispetto al 1992, ma l'industria continua a calare e l'agricoltura rallenta. Il ministro Angjeli sottolinea la necessità di privatizzazioni, investimenti, certezza giuridica e sostegno alla produzione.

Tomorrow in Tirana TIRANA - 10 defendants in the “Republic” trial will appear today before the special panel of the criminal chamber. The trial, which is expected to last several days, has drawn the attention of public opinion and the press. Strong security measures have been taken in the courtroom. The accused are businessmen and officials linked to financial scandals of the recent period. The prosecution claims that the economic damage is large and that criminal responsibility is clear. The defense, on the other hand, disputes the charges and speaks of procedural violations. The lawyers are asking for the trial to be conducted with transparency and without political pressure. The trial is seen as an important test for the country's new justice system. English translation: “Trial of the businessmen opens: the ‘Republic’ case before court”. The text reports that ten defendants are expected before a criminal panel in Tirana, under heavy security, in a case involving businessmen and officials accused of major financial wrongdoing. Italian translation: “Si apre il processo agli uomini d'affari: il caso ‘Repubblica’ davanti al tribunale”. Il testo riferisce che dieci imputati devono comparire davanti a un collegio penale a Tirana, sotto forti misure di sicurezza, in un caso che coinvolge imprenditori e funzionari accusati di gravi illeciti finanziari.

News in Albania SHORT news KORÇË - They are in a state of shock and distress about what they have seen and heard. Among them are children. Found in the outskirts of the city, they were questioned by the police and then taken to the police station for further verification. TIRANA - In the early hours of the morning, several hundred citizens gathered in “Skënderbej” Square to attend a public event. According to the organizers, the aim of the initiative was to raise public awareness on a social issue. DURRËS - Control measures have increased in the port area after a series of suspicious movements. Official sources said that documents and destinations of travelers entering and leaving the country are being checked. English translation: “Shkodër / Four citizens from Iran caught without proper documents”. Brief news items mention security checks and police verification, along with short notices from Korça, Tirana and Durrës. Italian translation: “Scutari / Quattro cittadini iraniani fermati senza documenti regolari”. Brevi notizie riguardano controlli di sicurezza e verifiche di polizia, insieme a brevi segnalazioni da Korça, Tirana e Durazzo.

After the refusal of the request for release Letter to Juan Carlos “[Servant?] or king!” TIRANA - (de fak?) An open letter addressed to King Juan Carlos has been made public by a group of citizens, who are reacting after the refusal of a request for release or intervention. The text uses a harsh critical tone and mentions moral and political responsibilities. The authors recall the historical relations and ask the Spanish monarch to take a clearer position on the issue raised. The letter has been widely commented on in political and diplomatic circles. English translation: “Letter to Juan Carlos: ‘[Servant?] or king!’”. The piece says that after a request was rejected, an open letter was addressed to King Juan Carlos in a sharply critical tone, calling for a clearer position. Italian translation: “Lettera a Juan Carlos: ‘[Servo?] o re!’”. Il pezzo afferma che, dopo il rifiuto di una richiesta, è stata resa pubblica una lettera aperta al re Juan Carlos, in tono fortemente critico, per chiedere una posizione più chiara.

Italian activists in Albania A conference in Tirana Çreçi, foreign policy will change The effects of Pandareu's victory On page 2 On page 3

The time of transit... [?] “one by one and dearly for a long time” [?] it is necessary to make the right decision or everyone must gather to prepare the plan. Editor-in-chief: Gazeta Shqiptare, Bari.