SMUGGLING Another scandal uncovered by the inspection authorities: 13 trucks carrying tobacco passed through the border crossing with Macedonia without being registered The illegally imported goods were worth half a million dollars. The four cigarette brands—Jugosllavia, Caneo, MT and Rodeo—have now disappeared, and it is unknown where they ended up SMUGGLING Another scandal uncovered by the inspection authorities: 13 trucks carrying tobacco passed through the border crossing with Macedonia without being registered The illegally imported goods were worth half a million dollars. The four cigarette brands—Jugosllavia, Caneo, MT and Rodeo—have now disappeared, and it is unknown where they ended up CARLO BOLLINO EDMOND LAÇI TIRANA — Contraband cigarettes continue to pass through Albanian customs checkpoints, even though the authorities recently declared an all-out war against them. From the Bllatë customs checkpoint alone—from October until the first days of December—13 trucks loaded with cigarettes passed through without being registered or cleared through customs. According to customs experts, these contraband cigarettes were worth half a million dollars. The customs scandal was accompanied in recent days by the arrest of the Director General, Thoma Bicolli, while the General Prosecutor's Office is now investigating the value of this scandal intensively. According to complaints received in November 1993 from the State Control Commission, 23 percent of the cigarettes consumed by Albanians enter the country as contraband, and the state has consequently lost more than 300,000 dollars a month. The latest report concerns another customs scandal: from October this year until the first days of December, 13 trucks loaded with four different kinds of cigarettes passed through the Bllatë customs checkpoint in Peshkopi—the Albania-Macedonia border—without being registered or cleared through customs. The cargo in each of these trucks is estimated at between 20,000 and 40,000 dollars, with the total amounting to half a million dollars. The smuggled cigarettes are of the types “Jugosllavija,” “MT,” “Caneo” and “Rodeo.” Because of the secrecy surrounding the investigation into these smuggled shipments, the destination of the goods and the measures taken against those responsible have not yet been disclosed. Day after day, the relevant reports have been filed with the Prosecutor’s Office. The ongoing, uninterrupted phenomenon of smuggling has forced the authorities to announce new measures against it. Thus, a month ago, an internal directive was sent to all customs offices. “In many cases and under these circumstances, contrary to the rules, customs authorities have not exercised their right to detain the person who committed the smuggling, nor have they immediately reported it to the Prosecutor’s Office,” the directive states. It also notes misinterpretations concerning the seizure measure, with goods being confiscated through the right of confiscation. All this has created difficulties in investigating and adjudicating smuggling cases, as well as favorable conditions for those responsible for smuggling to evade the law and the relevant sanctions. There are seven main points that Albanian customs authorities must now apply rigorously. But even though this directive has just been issued, smuggling continues to eat away at customs operations and rob the state budget. This is particularly pronounced with goods that are more excisable and subject to higher customs duties, and are also much sought after on the Albanian market. TIR trucks lined up in front of customs New measures to defeat smuggling TIRANA — Here are the latest and most important measures against smuggling, which all Albanian customs offices must implement under the Internal Directive dated 6 November 1993: 1) As soon as smuggling is detected, the person who committed it must be detained, while the goods and—where possible—the vehicle must be seized. An incident report must be drawn up and, once signed by the person involved in the smuggling, it must be handed over to the Public Order authorities. 2) The person involved in smuggling may not be questioned by just one person, nor released without the approval of the district prosecutor. 3) The report material must be prepared and sent immediately to the Prosecutor’s Office. 4) By law, the customs authority that detects the smuggling has the exclusive right to report and investigate the case for criminal prosecution; it therefore acts independently in assessing and taking action. taken on responsibility ... investigation into this act and the relevant authority before the Prosecutor’s Office. The phenomenon of smuggling—which continues uninterrupted—has compelled the authorities to announce new measures against it. Th ... there have also been misinterpretations regarding the state’s measure. This is most pronounced with cigarettes, which are subject to higher excise duties and customs taxes, and are also much sought after in the Albanian market.

Five of those in the Arsidi case move to different cities Transfers from Tirana Prosecutor Qeleshi: “The investigations have been compromised” Five of those in the Arsidi case move to different cities “Exodus” from the Prison Transfers from Tirana Prosecutor Qeleshi: “The investigations have been compromised” EDMOND LAÇI TIRANA — Another turn in the investigation into the Arsidi scandal. The main figures responsible—according to the Prosecutor’s Office’s charges—Saliu, Tartari, Ahmeti, Xhyheri and Hoti have just been removed from Tirana Prison and transferred to different cities in Albania. But along with them, Albanian millionaire Marsel Skëndo has also been removed from the cells of this prison. Seven days ago, the Tirana Court rejected his request to revoke the arrest measure. Although the transfers are being kept confidential because of the investigation, it is understood that the defendants have been distributed among the prisons in Durrës, Lushnjë, Fier and Gjirokastër. “The transfers were made because violations of the rules had been observed,” Arben Qeleshi, Prosecutor for the Tirana District, explains to Gazeta Shqiptare, “thus compromising the normal progress of the investigation.” In the Arsidi scandal, the first to be sent to Tirana Prison—on 30 January 1993—were Agron Saliu and Agim Tartari, the principal managers of the National Commercial Bank. Eight months later, on 20 October 1993, Ardian Xhyheri, Director of the National Commercial Bank, was also brought to this prison. Just nine days later, two new arrests in the Arsidi scandal were signed, and two more people arrived at Tirana Prison: Perikli Samsuri, a banker at the Bank of Albania, and, one day later—30 October—Vilson Ahmeti, who had been confined to his home since 18 February 1993. The last person arrested in connection with this scandal was Ilir Hoti, Governor of the Bank of Albania, who arrived at Tirana Prison on 4 November this year. Thus, for a month, all the defendants charged in the same case were brought under one roof, that of Tirana Prison. But this lasted only a few days. But Marsel Skëndo is now also outside Tirana Prison. The reasons for his transfer are not yet known, since Skëndo is not accused in the Arsidi scandal, but of “forgery of official documents.” Indicted by the Tirana Prosecutor’s Office, Skëndo was arrested and sent to Tirana Prison on 28 October this year. A week ago, the Tirana Court ruled that the arrest measure was “based on the law,” following a request by the defendant himself and his lawyers to revoke it. National Trade. Only 9 days later, they signed and sent the matter for further investigations; the transfers brought the matter back for further investigations; the latest transfers are another statement. “We ask that the objectivity of the investigations and the preservation of secrecy regarding them be ensured,” Prosecutor Qelesh(i) continues, confirming all the transfers to Gazeta Shqiptare.

TIRANA — The “Demokracia” printing house will soon begin operations. A meeting of its board appointed a new director as well. He will be Fejzi Bozgo, who writes [as stated] of this printing house. From now on, “Demokracia” will no longer belong to the “International Media Found.” This American foundation has decided to donate the printing house to a foundation that will consist of seven Albanian newspapers. Once this act is completed, neither party will have any obligations toward the other. Work at the “Demokracia” printing house had been suspended several months earlier. The cause was disagreements between the employees and the former director, Petro Dhimitri, who is now under house arrest.

More than 40,000 trees have been cut down TIRANA — “The invasion of kiosks is complete, together with the invasion of business.” This is the call issued by a specialist from the Decoration Directorate at the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Territorial Regulation. Damage caused by business activity continues. The victims of this destruction are no longer only forests or trees along national roads, but also flower gardens and parks in cities throughout Albania. In Tirana alone, at the beginning of 1993, around 2,300 trees cut down without any criteria were recorded. The figure is much higher when damage across the whole country is considered. More than 40,000 trees and ornamental shrubs have been cut down in cities and residential centers. “The damage is extensive,” Abaz Çela, a specialist in the Decoration Directorate, tells Gazeta Shqiptare. “One of the main causes is the large amount of construction that has taken place.” According to the data, the green areas in the cities have also shrunk. In most cases, they have been taken over by kiosks and numerous sales outlets. The clearest examples are Tirana’s parks and gardens themselves. There are nearly 10 of them in “Rinia” Park alone. Meanwhile, even the nurseries have not escaped this destruction entirely. Nevertheless, they continue to operate. These enterprises employ more than 3,000 workers who take care of plants. “Nurseries are found in every city,” Çela says, “and can meet the demand for ornamental plants.” Work has thus begun in several cities on new planting. This year and in the spring, the aim is to restore about 40 percent of the damage. To this end, mainly fast-growing plants are to be planted. In Tirana, efforts are being made to increase the area planted with grass. Ornamental hedges, also known as green borders, are considered very important in the city. According to specialists, in cities they also perform an important hygienic function, mainly preventing dirt and dust raised by vehicles.

From Laç, a girl’s warm letter of solidarity LAÇ — (p. re.) — This time solidarity between Laç and Albania comes in the form of a letter. On white paper, written in pen and placed in an envelope bearing a teddy bear stamped on it, it is addressed to Gazeta Shqiptare. This is not about an issue between them, nor about a companion between them, but about a girl from Laç who, after reading an appeal, writes asking for help for her Albanian friend, who is in great need of assistance. Here is Ermelinda Sula’s letter: “Dear Gazeta Shqiptare, Dear [text unclear] I am writing ...”. A student who uses a wheelchair writes in an advertisement: “I would be very happy if I could correspond with a girl aged 20 to 36, to exchange ideas and thoughts about life, sport and other things. I would like to have a dialogue and get to know different things. My address is: Carlo Giovan(n)i, via Dante 234 — 92100 Agrigento — Italy. I hope you will publish this notice. Thank you very much.” We are the ones who thank you, dear Ermelinda. We thank you on behalf of everyone who, through you, represents all the young Italians and Albanians trying to help one another. In this way, we have understood the great help [you offer].

PRIME MINISTER MEKSI MEETS REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PPD OF ALBANIANS IN MACEDONIA — Prime Minister Meksi received a delegation of the Party for Democratic Prosperity of Albanians in Macedonia at a special meeting. Some time ago, the Assembly of Gostivar had decided on several changes to the party’s leadership. Prime Minister Meksi said that these changes would improve the party’s work. The situation was also discussed, and the new leadership will continue to defend the rights of Albanians living in Macedonia, as well as those of all international communities. FOOD PRODUCTS AND MEDICINES SEIZED IN THE DISTRICT OF HAS — More than 6,000 jars of jam and peas, as well as quantities of medicines, were seized by the Standardization and Quality branch in the district of Has. The reason for the seizure was the lack of proper labeling. This lack was also attributed to the fact that there is currently no laboratory in the district for analyses and quality checks, which are carried out in Kukës. IN SARANDË, A DIRECTOR’S TRIP ABROAD PREVENTS SOCIAL ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS TO FAMILIES — The absence of the Director of Social Assistance is the reason that more than 600 families in Sarandë have still not received their social assistance for November. This situation will therefore continue until the Director returns from abroad. She is the only person authorized to sign. COURSE IN TIRANA TO TRAIN SPECIALISTS IN DIARRHEAL DISEASES IN CHILDREN — A six-day course, “On the program for the control of diarrheal diseases and respiratory infections in children,” is continuing in Tirana. The course has been organized by the Ministry of Health as part of its cooperation with UNICEF. The theoretical component is also accompanied by practical sessions at Tirana’s pediatric hospital.

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This space is free for your classified ads. Send your message, no longer than 15 words, to one of our addresses: In Tirana: Balam Curr(i) Street, 370. Or in Bari: Viale Scipione l’Africano, 264. State in your message what you are looking for and offering, your name and address. FOR RENT — a house with two rooms and a kitchen, a balcony and a kitchenette. The apartment is located at “Fergjen” Rit Xhako Street, Building 413, Apartment 28. Those interested can contact us at telephone number 32624 in Tirana. FOR SALE or FOR RENT — a house built by an Italian in a central area of Tirana. For further information, interested parties should call telephone number 20230. FOR SALE OR FOR RENT — house renovated by an Italian in a very central area of Tirana. For information, telephone: 22039. FOR RENT — an apartment with one room and a kitchen with a kitchenette. The house is on the third floor at “Ali Demi” Street in Tirana. Those interested should call 29520. FOR RENT — a commercial premises at the beginning of “Dibra” Street, near the “Philips” company shop in Tirana. The premises are part of the basement that used to be a discotheque. The area is 150 square metres. Those interested should call telephone number 24710. LOOKING TO RENT — a house with three rooms and a kitchen in Tirana, with a large courtyard, a normally sized storage room and space for two cars. Interested parties should contact 98 “Tefta Tashko” Street or call 24126. FOR SALE — a “fuori strada” “TOYOTA HY 60” car with four doors. It was manufactured in 1983. The car also has air conditioning. The sale price is 8,500 dollars. Those interested should call telephone number 27627 in Tirana. FOR SALE — It was manufactured in 1985. The car has air conditioning and a mirror. The sale price is 9,500