The bloc leaders’ trial is set The charges against the ten defendants: «Violation of citizens’ equality» COURT DECISION TIRANA - For the first time in the history of the Albanian state, former members of the Political Bureau and the communist government cabinet appeared yesterday in the courtroom. On the “bench” of the accused yesterday sat not only senior officials, but the entire nomenklatura of the former regime. The trial panel was chaired by the president of the Tirana court, Astrit Kalaja, appointed specifically for this case. The prosecutor was Rrapi Mino. The defendants appeared in courtroom number 13 of the Tirana court under strict security measures. Former Political Bureau member Adil Çarçani, the uncle of the foreign minister, former prime minister in the late 1980s and early 1991, Simon Stefani, Hekuran Isai and Foto Çami. The group of accused also included Llambi Gegprifti, former deputy prime minister, Manush Myftiu, Pali Miska and Muho Asllani. The two former Interior Ministers, the oldest and most seriously ill defendants, Kadri Hazbiu and Rita Marko, were not in the courtroom. According to their lawyer, they were seriously ill. Another defendant, Vullneti Çela, former deputy interior minister, has fled abroad. In the room were present, in addition to the defendants’ family members and relatives, many curious onlookers, journalists, as well as personalities from Albanian politics. At the entrance to the court, the police had taken strong security measures. TIRANA - At the prefecture, after 20 hours of waiting, 8-10 delegates and correspondents gathered to follow the proceedings. According to the prosecution, the defendants violated Article 47 of the Penal Code, favouring a specific social class through privileges. The investigative file includes villa construction, use of vehicles, special services, hospital treatment and supplies of goods. At the first hearing the indictment was read out and procedural formalities were completed. The trial is expected to last several days and to have a major public impact. The whole time of the trial and the public - Tirana Court

Government The economic development programme by Meksi New facilities also for Albania Housing only one visa for Albanians in Europe TIRANA - Opinions have been included in the statement of the Albanian government about a possible change in the visa regime with European countries. According to the information published, a easing of movement for Albanian citizens has been considered. Prime Minister Aleksandër Meksi presented yesterday in parliament the economic programme and the measures the government intends to undertake to stabilize the country. The programme discussed inflation, privatization, energy supply, transport, agriculture and support from international institutions. An important point was also the approach towards Europe and the possibility of revising administrative travel restrictions. But the session did not lack exchanges between the opposition and the government regarding the pace of reforms and their social consequences. From the writing will be used with visas [?]

Diplomacy On Sunday Peres in Tirana TIRANA - On Sunday Simon Peres, Israel’s foreign minister, will come to Tirana. This is the most important visit by the Israeli side to Albania in recent years. During his stay in Tirana he will meet with the President of the Republic and with leaders of the Albanian government. The visit is expected to focus on bilateral relations, economic cooperation and regional issues.

Fine for 16 defenders of the law TAXES / Operations by the Financial Police TIRANA - (A.M.S.) - Some lawyers have been penalized by tax authorities for failing to pay fiscal obligations. According to the published information, inspections were carried out in their offices in Tirana and resulted in administrative measures. The article says that 16 lawyers were fined for non-payment of taxes. The checks were carried out by the Financial Police, which is conducting a series of operations against evasion. Official sources stated that the inspections will continue in other professional categories as well. The affected lawyers have opposed the measures and have requested clarification on the procedures, but the tax administration insists that the actions are within the law.

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Vlorë, the shortage of an engineer IN BRIEF

CROATIA AIRLINES ANNOUNCES NEW SEASON FLIGHT TIRANA ZAGREB TIRANA Departures from Tirana: Every Monday at 6:15 Every Thursday at 19:00 Departures from Zagreb: Every Monday at 8:15 Every Thursday at 21:15 For any information, contact our office: “ATLAS - TIRANA” “28 Nëntori” Street Tel. 04232-141