There will also be a helicopter «One more safeguard for accident victims» A new emergency center is ready EDMOND LAÇI TIRANA — An emergency-aid center covering the whole country is being established in Albania. The National Center for Traumatology and Orthopedics has been set up in Tirana and is now only awaiting its inauguration. Thus, for the first time in Albania, there will be a single center specializing exclusively in multiple trauma and accidents, which also means greater security. «Everything is now ready — Dr. Kaja, director of the Central Army Hospital, tells Gazeta Shqiptare — we are just making the final preparations». To support this new service, the staff structure also includes helicopter emergency assistance and a ready network of ambulances. Accident victims will also have telephone numbers available, with assistance on call around the clock. «It was an initiative that culminated in an agreement — Kaja continues — between the Ministries of Defense, Education and Health». The project in question — now completed — envisaged bringing together, on the premises of the Central Army Hospital, the medical staff and necessary equipment from the Civil Hospital and the Military Hospital. Thus, instead of a ward in a one-storey building at the Civil Hospital — which covered accidents in Tirana and nearby towns six days a week — the new center will consist of four wards. There are 120 beds ready, as well as very good operating rooms and a well-equipped intensive-care unit. «Following the sharp increase in accidents in recent times — says Ilir Kaja, Director of the Central Army Hospital — it was absolutely essential to establish a national emergency center for accidents». Most of the funding for restructuring this center was provided by the Ministry of Health. The beds, equipment and a large part of the medical infrastructure—water and electricity—were also covered by this Ministry. Various humanitarian organizations also provided assistance. «This is one more safeguard for accident victims», says Director Kaja, who will also head the new National Center for Traumatology and Orthopedics. Very soon, and for the first time, emergency sirens will travel in only one direction through the streets of the capital. It had been planned that the health personnel and the would be brought together on the premises of the Central Hospital of Justifikimit. Thus, from a ward in a one-sto- [text cut off] Most of the funds for the reconstruction of this Center had been made available by dispo- [text cut off] ... Ilir Kaja — it was extremely necessary to create a national emergency-aid center for accidents.” An accident involving two Suaros: their jeep ended up off the road

The Government TIRANA — (p.re.). Five draft laws were reviewed and six important decisions were adopted. This was the outcome of the latest meeting of the Council of Ministers. Among the draft laws reviewed was one on personal income tax. It aims to achieve a fairer distribution of the tax burden among different sections of the population. The draft law ratifying the agreement in the field of defense between Albania and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was also reviewed. Other draft laws examined concerned the agreement between Albania and Poland on income and capital, the agreement with Slovenia on the mutual protection and promotion of investments, and the draft law on industrial property, which establishes legal protection for intellectual property in the industrial field. One of the decisions adopted concerned an amendment to the 1993 budget, allowing an additional 400 million lekë to be allocated to the Social Insurance Institute, to be used to compensate the pensions of former political prisoners. Other decisions concerned approval in principle of the agreement with Macedonia on trade and investment protection, the agreement with Slovenia on cooperation in education and science, and the agreement with Switzerland to promote small businesses in Durrës. Decisions were also made on restructuring the PT T Directorate and on the dates for anniversaries of services and branches of the armed forces.

«Oil trafficking with Montenegro» EMBARGO European inspectors report to Brussels: «After sunset, numerous boats conduct illegal trade across Lake Shkodër» CARLO BOLLINO SHKODËR — On the lake shore, two children were shouting “frotte embargo”: I don't know what they meant by the expression, but I know that if this is what it was called, their families are making a pile of money and living better. At night, Lake Shkodër turns into a kind of maritime highway: an unbroken line of bright points moves up and down along the border with Montenegro. They are smugglers: aboard small boats, they transport all the goods that the embargo imposed by the United Nations on the Belgrade Government makes impossible to obtain in Serbia and Montenegro. Above all, fuel, which is sold at prices three or four times higher than those in Albania. International observers call it a “war economy”. It is illegal, and for precisely that reason it is highly profitable. The Albanian Government is trying by every means to fight it, but the main problem is the lack of resources. Boats are needed to patrol the lake, and at present they are nowhere to be found. The Ministry of Defense has considered transferring to Shkodër a patrol boat that is currently at the Shëngjin base and was previously used to patrol when Hoxha spent his holidays on Lake Pogradec. The Italian Government — or the American one — may soon provide two patrol boats. The checks carried out have produced striking figures: in just seven days, more than 11,000 liters of fuel transported illegally were seized. The authorities estimate that no fewer than 100 deliveries are made to Montenegrin traders every night. A business that brings Albanian smugglers millions of lekë. The phenomenon is so alarming that those responsible for “SAM” (Sanctions Assistance Mission), operating in Albania on behalf of the KSB, sent a confidential report to Brussels in recent weeks. “Every night, immediately after sunset,” they write, among other things, “dozens of small boats set out from Albania for Montenegro, crossing Lake Shkodër. These boats, crewed by Albanians and Montenegrins, transport contraband: not only cigarettes, beer and alcoholic drinks, but also cows, calves, food products, fuel and every kind of goods whose availability has become difficult because of the embargo.” According to the European inspectors, this operation works in close cooperation with the Montenegrin Police, customs officers and Army. Although, the same “SAM” report notes, the Montenegrin authorities have intervened several times, making seizures. The key issue nevertheless remains vigilance: the necessary resources must be found as soon as possible. Only in this way can illegal trafficking be stopped and any possible cooperation brought to an end. ...of Shëngjin had previously been used to keep watch when Hoxha passed below by helicopter in Pogradëc. The Italian Government—or the American one—may soon also intervene by providing Shkodra: These huts, with timber supplied by Albanians and Montenegrins, transport a shipment of Albanian smugglers’ goods worth millions of lek. (Sanctions Assistance Mission), operating in Albania for [text cut off]

Over 3 million lekë allocated by the Municipality ARMAND MERO TIRANA — At last, the first measures for collecting and disposing of waste in Tirana have begun. In recent days, work has also started on arranging rubbish-disposal points in all three districts of the capital. These points, located near homes, will be built of concrete. They will not meet the fate of the previous ones — also made of concrete — which were stolen and used for private purposes. This time, they are made of solid blocks that cannot be dismantled. So far, only 520 of the 1,600 points needed across Tirana are ready. The Municipality has allocated more than 3 million lekë for them. The collection and transport service is also a cause for concern. The destruction of existing rubbish collection points, as well as irregularities in collection, has led residents to throw their waste wherever they can. «This has created many unauthorized dumping sites — explain specialists from the Municipality's Cleaning and Greenery Department — which the transport workers do not service, since they follow a fixed route». Nevertheless, only 15 vehicles are available to collect and transport waste from all 1,600 points in Tirana. The deteriorating condition of the capital's roads is another problem. Around 900 workers are supposed to cover an area of 1.5 million square meters a day. «A large number of them — Municipality specialists report — are temporarily unable to work. Thus, 43 percent of sanitation workers are on sick leave». Each day, a sanitation worker is expected to maintain 20,000 square meters and clean 8,000 square meters at night. But at night many workers do not show up for work. They have often become victims of accidents and mishaps. This year alone, two of them have been crushed to death by vehicles.

Municipal initiative LIBRAZHD — Residents of the city of Librazhd can now, for the first time, watch another television channel on their sets. LIBRAZHD — (Qa.She.) — Residents of the city of Librazhd can now, for the first time, watch another television channel on their sets. With the help of a state-owned economic enterprise—which contributed 7 million lek—and an initiative by the Municipality, it has been possible to purchase and install a repeater for the RAI 1 television station. Until now, from this city it had only been possible to receive RTH signals, and even those often with difficulty. Meanwhile, the Municipality is considering making it possible to receive another television station as well. The funds for the necessary equipment will be secured through contributions from citizens.

TIRANA — Work on the Durrës–Shkup highway must begin as soon as possible. According to the engineers, this is the wish of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which has come on a visit to Tirana — “This desire for homog- [text cut off] ... with his counterpart Serreqi (Photo: ATSH). Çelni also proposed holding a meeting of the ministers of Construction of the 4 countries, as well as including Italy in this project. Durrës–Shamboll highway...; Photo: ATSH

THE SECOND PD CONGRESS All those elected at the meeting 105 members lead the party Here are the names of the new National Council TIRANA — After two days of intensive work at the Congress, the 105 members of the new National Council of the PD have also been determined. The voting—the results of which became known only as Monday was dawning—in fact brought no essential change. President Berisha and Prime Minister Meksi are again present on this Council, as is most of the Government’s membership. NATIONAL COUNCIL (These members were elected by the Congress) Eduard Selami (Chairman) — Afërdita Zëri — Agron Musaraj — Aleksandër Meksi — Alfred Serreqi — Ali Spahia — Arben Lika — Arjan Hoxha — Azem Hajdari — Bahri Bregu — Bashkim Kopliku — Bashkim Trenova — Blerim Çela — Bujar Nepravishta — Dashamir Shehi — Dritan Broci — Edi Paloka — Elisabeta Semini — Engjëll Hysenbegasi — Fedom Meksi — Flutura Hasko — Genc Pollo — Genc Ruli — Halit Shamata — Hysen Osmanl — Ibrahim Vasjar — Iliaz Vrioni — Ilir Dizdari — Ilir Manushll — Ismet Ferizaj — Jet Shehu — Jemin Gjana — Kozeta Bishnica — Kujtim Gina — Leka Toto — Lindita Priti — Lorenc Ligori — Luan Squqi — Maksim Konomi — Marash Ibrahim — Marjala Qirko — Menduh Derguti — Mertiza Shala — Mira Kauri — Mitro Çela — Mvruhi Mati — Mujë Buçpapaj — Petrë Minga — Pjetër Arbnori — Pjetër Pëka — Pëllum Malaj — Roland Taflli — Rexhep Uka — Rushen Golemi — Sadedrin Balla — Sadik Bejko — Sali Berisha — Sali Kelmendi — Safet Zhulla — Se-Sali Beroldja — Shaban Memia — Simor Dostani — Tomorr Malasi — Tritan Shehu — Vasil Gjika — Viktor Margjaj — Ylli Vejliu. BRANCH CHAIRMEN (They entered the National Council democratically) Abdi Llozha (Mat) — Agur Jupi (Delvinë) — Afrim Krasniqi (Students) — Arben Hoxha (Mallakastër) — Bardhyl Caco (Lushnjë) — Bedri Shaska (Vlorë) — Dylber Vrioni (Tiranë) — Dhimitër Lulo (Kolonjë) — Edip Bllakçori (Kavajë) — Edmir Kapidani (Durrës) — Eduard Dollani (Berat) — Enver Kaloshi (Krujë) — Ferdinand Agalliu (Fier) — Gezëm Begolli (Devoll) — Gergj Sokoli (Pukë) — Gjon Ndoke (Mirditë) — Hasan Ballgjin (Librazhd) — Hysen Kure (Gramsh) — Isuf Salicaj (Korçë) — Jorgaq Proko (Pogradec) — Kol Kola (Lezhë) — Latif Dema (Bulqizë) — Ludovik Dega (Shkodër) — Man Shuti (Has, Krume) — Mustafa Nano (Skrapar) — Nikolin Narkaj (Malësi e Madhe) — Nikolla Bituni (Sarandë) — Petër Gega (Kuçovë) — Piro Xhama (Patos) — Ruzhdi Bashvoglli (Peqan) — Sali Metalla (Laç) — Syrja Barçi (Gjirokastër) — Shefqet Bruka (Kukës) — Shkelqim Hoxha (Dibër) — Tomorr Xha (Tepelenë) — Theodhora Vangjeli (Përmet) — Uran Kostreci (Elbasan) — Xhevdet Mehmeti (Tropojë).

DECISION TAKEN TO LEASE BOOKSHOPS — Bookshop premises may now be leased. This was the special instruction issued by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and distributed to all districts of the country. The instruction also states that priority in leasing these premises will be given to people who work with books or to private publishers. This important measure was taken after the near-total closure of all bookshops nationwide. BERAT VILLAGE PUPILS BOYCOTT SCHOOLS — A new concern has arisen regarding schools in most of the villages in the district of Berat. According to them, even the fines imposed on the parents of pupils who have now left school have not managed to reduce the phenomenon. The problem is longstanding in the eight-year schools of Kulla, Sheqë, Karkanjoz and Syze, where dropouts range from 7 to 20 percent of the total number of pupils. SARANDË MUNICIPAL COUNCIL SEEKS HELP FROM THE STATE AUDIT — «There are violations of the law, and we also suspect corruption.» This is the latest alarm raised at a meeting of the Sarandë Municipal Council. The reason, according to them, is the increase in cases of unauthorized construction in the city, while the apartments have by now been privatized in the names of their builders. In these cases the Municipal Council has requested the assistance and authority of the State Audit Commission. MUSLIM AID FOR THE NORTH-EAST — Poor families in Kukës, Has and Pukë have been supplied with substantial quantities of rice in recent days. There are almost 50 tons in total, donated by a Muslim organization based in England that is now operating in Kukës.

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