Why is he leaving early? During the first week of December the bases are symbolized NE — (A. M.) — Will he return to the presidential palace again? That is the question many Albanians, shaken by the unexpected event, the departure of former president Ramiz Alia, asked yesterday. Since the news was announced, senior officials of the nomenklatura have come forward claiming that he was leaving Albania for health reasons. But is that the truth? According to what is understood, in high circles and in Western diplomatic missions in Tiranë, it is believed that Alia did not leave for health reasons, but as a result of an agreement between the Albanian government and foreign diplomacy. This agreement was made to avoid a major political scandal that could have happened in Albania. It is believed that a compromising dossier about the former president and his family will soon be made public. Consequently, his immediate departure has been considered only a temporary solution. Sources say it was decided that he should leave quietly and out of the public eye. DURRËS — (bo) — After a failure on the high-voltage line, a freight train heading toward the port went off the tracks. Work to restore traffic continued throughout the day. Fortunately, there were no casualties. The base of the conflict (Bellamon) Face face amount as mud by the shores of the lake. Circulated by soldiers. A little farther on, a crown on golden ribs. 18 September 1991, they killed thousands in mills. Was it plague? Commanders and loudmouths? “Tiranës” crumbly and grouping. The missing? Extended with enterprises? To be killed? Now the end? Were they asked? Torture? — no more. Nobody. Above a small path, among thorns and mud, a covered vehicle stood hidden. Inside were two people, a man and a woman, watching anxiously. They did not know what was happening in their country, but they felt that danger was near. VLORE — It is the first month of this year. On the shore of the Narta lagoon, the spray of the wind mixes with the cries of pelicans. A foreign vehicle, later to become known as “Pelikani”, has become the symbol of a strange and silent departure. Its sudden movements have sparked many suspicions and comments. It is the first month of this year, says a witness. The vessel appeared on the horizon like a dark shadow. No one knew that people connected to the highest past of the state would board it. After approaching the shore, the vehicle was hidden for a few moments and then continued moving. From that day on, its name remained in memory. VLORE — “It is the first month of this year, as I remember very well,” says a local resident. “The vehicle left at night and no one spoke. The next morning, people began whispering that someone important had left.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

A harsh statement against the Italian deputy The Democratic Party accuses Alessi TIRANË — Yesterday caused a stir in Albanian political circles the harsh statement by the Democratic Party concerning the Italian deputy Alesi[?], who is accused of having intervened in favor of former president Ramiz Alia. According to the PD spokesperson, the Italian deputy was involved in suspicious contacts and helped organize the departure. The statement says that “Alesi has become part of a dark scenario, which also involves other political figures”. It also mentions Fatos Nano, who according to the PD maintained ties with circles seeking to destabilize the country. Such accusations were rejected by sources close to the opposition, who called them political slander. However, the PD’s reaction further hardened the climate and sparked many debates in Tiranë. Social study

A promotion by Matita Small cells to be gifted to teachers on anniversaries? In the middle of the Lura forest, a rare view of a mountain landscape will be published in tomorrow’s issue of our newspaper. The photograph accompanies an article about tourists and the history of this area. In today’s page we publish a short explanatory piece, while the full photograph will be presented tomorrow for readers. (continued on page 5)

A fleet is falling for two works of immeasurable value The Tirana performance disrupts the conversion with the Italian century THE PARLIAMENT WITH VATON THE PROJECT TIRANË — The Democratic Party yesterday denounced through an official statement the involvement of the Italian diplomat Francesco Alessi[?] in helping Ramiz Alia’s escape. In a strong reaction, the PD spokesperson said that “this is a serious act of interference”. Meanwhile, debates continued in the halls of parliament over two works of church art, which according to specialists risk being lost if immediate measures are not taken. “The iconostases will fall,” says an alarming assessment cited in the article. TIRANË — A senior official from the Ministry of Culture expressed concern that delayed restoration and lack of funds are leading several objects of special importance toward irreparable damage. According to him, “every day of delay increases the risk”. Social study

The date of the national liberation is established by law

Two former Italian ministers are asking in a secret roundtable The current at the collar from the secret service? ON PAGE 3 Three murders and the first outside the house of Luanja punish the second The new measures of the Disciplinary Commission ON PAGE 2