Toxic gifts come from countries, as do defective equipment ANDREA STEFANI TIRANA — In the Children's Home “Mother and Child,” in the pathology ward, among the girls in their beds, a mother is standing and screaming. The cry tears at the soul. The doctors, nurses and other women turn their heads and all instantly lose their composure. In her arms she holds a dead baby. She had given birth to it the day before. One day was enough. One day was enough for the newborn to end its life for good. The bitterest pain passes, in silence, through the ward. The doctors, who serve the miserable, the exhausted, but the trained, have nothing to say to her. They do not even have the means to stop fate’s terrifying tears. That day, in the hospital, three such children were spoken of. From morning until evening, the oxygen machines were out of order. The incubators too. They were not working. Thus, babies born with problems, premature or suffering from asphyxia, could not receive the essential help to survive. But what is really happening in the pathology ward for newborns? At first glance, the freshly painted walls, the clean beds and the dedicated staff give a tidy impression. But behind this image lies a terrifying technical misery. Obsolete equipment, brought as “aid” but often broken, without spare parts and without service. The doctors work with daily improvisations. For monitoring devices, oxygen, serums, incubators and every other vital tool, shortages are commonplace. When a device breaks down, it remains that way for weeks and months. No institution bears full responsibility for their functioning. That is why children are often lost not because the illness is incurable, but because the tool that should have saved them does not work. Doctors say that aid arriving from abroad, although necessary, is often equipment previously used elsewhere. Some of it arrives without technical documentation, without manuals, and even damaged. Instead of filling the gap, it adds to the chaos. Each ward tries to survive as best it can. In a system where maintenance is lacking, even the best machine becomes useless. The end of medical equipment is also the end of a hope for the lives of these babies. And the mother, screaming with the dead child in her arms, becomes the most terrifying figure of the failure of this reality.

A short visit TIRANA — Former Italian president Francesco Cossiga will arrive in Tirana today for a visit lasting a few hours. The news was confirmed yesterday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Cossiga is expected to meet with the highest Albanian authorities. His visit comes at an important moment in relations between the two countries and is seen as a sign of political attention toward developments in Albania. Diplomatic sources say the talks will focus on political and economic cooperation, as well as the democratic processes in the country. This is Cossiga’s first visit to Tirana after two years.

The prosecutor has changed the interview: a journalist in Cyriakë TIRANA — The Prosecutor’s Office has opened investigations into a recently given interview by a journalist, which according to official sources was misinterpreted or altered in publication. The case has sparked debate about press freedom and the limits of professional responsibility. Justice officials gave no further details, but said the relevant documents and testimonies are being reviewed.

A policeman is also accused of forgery In Elbasan, report cards were being sold: a school principal in jail ELBASAN — The local police and prosecutor’s office have arrested a school principal, accused of selling report cards and falsified school documents. According to preliminary investigations, a police officer is also involved in the scheme. The authorities are investigating the case and further criminal measures are expected against the persons implicated.

INSIDE ALSO Justice minister killed in Haiti Clinton refuses to close sea lanes ON PAGE 2 The privatization issue: fat. Deputy Prime Minister Kopliku In the light of the shadow of the process ON PAGE 3

Do you have something to sell? Do you want to buy something? DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO SELL? DO YOU WANT TO BUY SOMETHING? Soon, an advertisement published in thousands of copies of Gazeta Shqiptare in all the kiosks of Tirana will offer free publication for those interested in selling or buying houses, villas, land, shops, cars, equipment, etc., at no cost. It is enough to present themselves at the newspaper offices or call the number 231 832.

SECURITY IN TIRANA WITH ITALIAN ASSISTANCE, WHY ARE THE GREEKS DROWNED IN TIRANA. PERSONAL SECURITY — Different places around the world have known them as “walking bombs,” the remotely controlled devices. TOGA, installs the foreigners’ checkpoint. SECURITY IN TIRANA OVER THE SHOULDER — Written by A. Kasoruho

DURRES - BARI - ANKONA TRIESTE - DURRES Zafere 1411 - Tel. 009/41 718761 - Fax 7181805 - Tlx 410045 DURRES - BARI - ANKONA TRIESTE - DURRES Ferry “Albania Sagres” p.q. A. Kanonia From DURRES to BARI: every Tuesday departs at 22.00 every Thursday departs at 12.00 From DURRES to ANKONA: every Sunday departs at 12.00 From DURRES to TRIESTE: every Wednesday departs at 19.00 every Saturday departs at 20.00 Agencies in ALBANIA DURRES DERI SHETITORE Tel. 052/22323 - Fax 22911 - Tlx 4148 BARI LOTSI 8/3 - via [illegible] Tel. 080/5356528 - Fax 880043 ANKONA, CAPITANERIA GEN. St. - Via XXIX Settembre, 20 Tel. 071/2016245 Fax 202296 - Tlx 560021 TRIESTE, AGEMAR Srl - Piazza [illegible] 2/4 Tel. 040/359222 - Fax 359222 - Tlx 460099