Homeless emergency 50,000 are without homes A thousand families left waiting for a solution But will the government’s project change the situation? TIRANA — 30,000 homes at an average of 1,000 dollars per apartment means 30 billion lek, and the government is finding it difficult to raise that amount. This is one of the reasons why the solution to the homelessness problem, which has continually troubled Albanian governments, is being dragged out. This can be understood by considering that 4 billion lek are needed for the 12,000 rented homes the government has bought so far. Another 4 billion must be allocated for the remaining 8,000. In addition, another obstacle to housing the homeless appears to be unlegalized construction. To legalize these buildings, the state will spend 1,986 billion lek. Moreover, the government also seems to need land distribution for private houses in order to radically change the situation. So far, 10,000 families in Tirana have been promised assistance of 5,000 dollars for building a home or buying one with a loan. This amount is still under discussion, because according to housing specialists, not 5,000 but 7,000 dollars should be given in order to make it possible to solve the problems of 50,000 families. According to the government’s plan, the final solution will be achieved in 1998. Drama in figures THE SITUATION OF THE HOMELESS — 500,000 families are seeking housing — 50,000 apartments for rent — 10,000 families will benefit from housing assistance — 4,000 apartments under bank loans, with investments implemented and beneficiaries repaying over 5 years — 5,000 apartments will be built by the Tirana construction enterprise and will begin next year. TIRANA — ... announced yesterday the Deputy Minister of Construction, Ja[?] Lubonja, during a press conference where he presented a draft government decision on housing for the homeless. According to this draft, the needy families will first be classified and then housing for some of them will be secured with assistance of 5,000 dollars per apartment. Under this project, all families will pay for housing according to established categories. — 5 billion dollars, the cost of building 6,500 rental apartments in the market economy, presented in next year’s budget.

TIRANA — At the end of the month, the first preparations for the World Championship begin in Italy. Our team is returning with the hope that it will be the first to play matches at this level. According to football specialists, it could perform well at the World Championship. Today, perhaps, the team will depart for Italy. According to federation sources, good participation is expected in the matches with Italy. The federation is preparing the final documents and the coaches are making the selection of the best players. If everything goes according to plan, the team will also play two friendly matches before the tournament begins.

Sport A day of surprises The wonder of Parma Tëuta establishes hegemony in the Italian championship A crazy championship, full of surprises and hard-fought matches, was missing from Italy, and now it has arrived. Just recall Milan’s 0-2 defeat to Juventus, Parma’s draw with Lazio, Sampdoria’s victory over Torino and, of course, Lecce’s incredible success on Genoa’s field. Looking at this picture, it is clear that this season’s competition will be much fiercer than expected. Parma has once again shown that it is a major force and that it did not reach the elite by chance. On the other hand, the traditional teams are forced to react quickly if they want to keep their positions. On page 3, the result of the Albanian championship On page 4, the Serie A results The team lost the chance to score because of the Milan goalkeeper’s intervention. Bosi a few minutes before the final bombardment

Appointments European Commission for the control of laws TIRANA — Last week, at the meeting of the Council of Europe commission, it was decided that on 4-5 December, several legal experts would travel to Albania to check the implementation of the laws and the constitution. According to official sources, their arrival is connected with the examination of several important legal acts, as well as with preparing opinions for harmonization with European standards. The visit is expected to be important for integration processes and for the functioning of the institutions.

Incident at sea, private dispatch, meaningless visit TIRANA — A crushing fleet of the country? some Albanians have been targeted by the operations of the other side. This is the provocation? of the Greek government, which has caused reactions and concern in public opinion. According to official sources, the Greek ship entered Albanian waters without permission and remained there for several hours. Albanian authorities have officially protested and demanded explanations. From the Ministry of Defense it was said that any violation of sovereignty would receive the appropriate response. Meanwhile, diplomatic sources said that communication channels are being followed in order to avoid escalation of the incident.

USA / LEBANESE-ISRAELI RELATIONS ARAFAT’S THREAT - THE RABIN DENUNCIATION President Clinton sent a message yesterday to the Palestinian leader Yaser Arafat to recognize Israel. The US special envoy to the Middle East, according to agencies, held talks with various mediators to avoid an escalation of tensions. Israeli Prime Minister Jichak Rabin said he would accept no changes to the security agreements. IRAQ / THE KURDS CLASH WITH SADAM’S FORCES Thousands of armed Kurds clashed yesterday with units of the Iraqi army near the northern border. According to local sources, there were dead and wounded. Agencies reported that the situation remains unclear and sporadic shelling continues in some areas. EGYPT / TRIAL AGAINST ISLAMISTS CONTINUES An Egyptian court continued yesterday the trial of a group of Islamists accused of terrorist attacks. The hearing was held under heavy security measures. Defense lawyers requested a postponement of the trial. BONN / BUNDESBANK RAISES THE INTEREST RATE The German central bank decided on a slight increase in the interest rate, signaling caution regarding inflation. The decision was immediately commented on by Europe’s financial markets.

Why is Italy foreign on screen? Television cannot make Albanian production home? surrogates Success of the Orchestra of the Opera and Ballet Theatre in Italy Italian artists want to leave all to us ON PAGE 2 ON PAGE 3

DURRËS / Appeal from the class to save a child (- v.) - A public appeal to save a life? This is the portrait of the pupil Sokol Tafa, 11 years old, who urgently needs heart surgery. His family, with very modest income, cannot afford the expenses for treatment abroad. His teachers and classmates appeal to institutions and to people who are able to help. Any contribution can save this child’s life. Today with speeches? payments? under difficult family conditions. Since his birth, doctors had found that his heart had a serious deformity. Now, after the latest examinations, they advise intervention as soon as possible in a specialized clinic abroad. The teachers say he is a good student and loved by everyone. Children’s hospital in Italy