TIRANË — Once again it would be the government putting its financial apparatus to the test, in order to avoid catastrophe. According to sources close to the Bank of Albania, with the expiry of the one-year deposit term, new gaps will be created in the state budget, and to cover them another decision is expected so that wages and pensions are not affected. If the government approves it, the country is expected to be swept by a new wave of discontent. Last month the government decided to block 30 percent of the indexation, but to continue the pension bonus for another 6 months. This has caused considerable reaction in public opinion. It is expected that after the year-end holidays the cabinet will meet again to decide whether the same regime will continue for the coming year. The decision is linked to the difficulties of the state treasury and the rise in prices. Financial authorities fear that any immediate concession would further increase monetary tension. Unofficial sources say several options are being studied, but so far no official document has been made public. [Traduction English] From January, a new freeze of wages and pensions for every Albanian The government's final decision is expected soon. [Traduzione italiana] Da gennaio, un nuovo congelamento di salari e pensioni per ogni albanese A breve è attesa la decisione finale del governo.

RINAS / Four people injured by a mysterious grenade explosion Explosion at the airport A 23-year-old loses one hand Tirana Airport TIRANË — Years and tensions will accompany an explosion incident in Rinas. According to local sources, a young man was seriously injured, while several other people suffered lighter injuries. The event occurred near the airport perimeter and, according to testimony, is linked to an unidentified explosive device. The main victim is a 23-year-old who lost one hand. Police immediately launched an investigation to clarify the circumstances. Negligence during handling of the device is also not ruled out. Medical sources said the young man was rushed to hospital and is not in danger of death. Meanwhile, security measures in the area have been tightened. [Translation English] Explosion at the airport A 23-year-old loses one hand. [Traduzione italiana] Esplosione all'aeroporto Un giovane di 23 anni perde una mano.

VLORE — Thirty-four people have been left waiting for a solution after an intervention on the coast. The case has been accompanied by bureaucratic procedures and delays in decision-making. According to preliminary data, the people were in three motorboats and were stopped during a routine inspection. The local authorities are reviewing the documentation and the conditions for the movement of the vessels. Some of those detained have asked to be allowed to continue their journey, while others claim they had set off for family reasons. The case has highlighted the lack of coordination among the responsible structures and the consequences brought by administrative dragging of feet. [Translation English] Three motorboats, 34 people and bureaucracy. [Traduzione italiana] Tre motobarche, 34 persone e la burocrazia.

IN ALBANIA "Refugees' parcels disappear in post offices" Only 38 files have arrived in three months TIRANË — Complaints from families who have not received parcels from their emigrant relatives have increased greatly. In the last three months, according to an inventory made in the post offices of the capital, 38 loss files have been recorded. Citizens say the shipments, mainly clothing, food and medicines, are delayed or do not arrive at all. Suspicion falls on the distribution route and the lack of internal controls. Postal officials say the cases are being investigated and that part of the parcels may have been held up because of missing exact addresses. The affected families are demanding accountability and compensation. According to them, losses have become commonplace and weigh even more heavily under difficult economic conditions. (A. S.) [Translation English] "Refugees' parcels disappear in post offices" In just three months, 38 files have arrived. [Traduzione italiana] "Spariscono negli uffici postali i pacchi dei rifugiati" In soli tre mesi sono arrivati 38 fascicoli.

How many Albanians are there and what do they do in the Puglia region In Albania, working students [? ON PAGE 2 In Egypt, the fight against teachers begins Today more than 70 p[?]sues of 16 years p[?]qes[?] ON PAGE 3 Transport The agreement is resolved with Magadonino ON PAGE 4 It has been decided [?] all of a senior official of the Ministry of Finance ON PAGE 5

ROME — She had come to Italy to build a career in the world of entertainment, but she was kidnapped by some compatriots and raped and sexually exploited. M. B., a beautiful underage girl, was found terrified and turned into a real prostitute. It happened in Bari, where the 18-year-old Albanian girl had been forcibly taken and kept locked up. She had come to Italy in the hope of starting a new life. According to the investigation, immediately after her arrival her documents were taken away and prostitution was imposed on her. The girl tried to escape, but was caught and beaten. She was later transferred to Rome, where she ended up under the control of pimps. According to the carabinieri, the young woman had refused to go out on the street and for this reason had been raped. The case has raised alarm over the criminal networks exploiting Albanian girls in Italy. TIRANË — She had appeared only a few days earlier on a morning show on an Italian television network and looked cheerful and full of hope. Now her story tells of a tragic end. Her family in Albania has still made no public statements. [Translation English] An Albanian girl kidnapped and raped She is eighteen years old, daughter of a senior official of the Ministry of Finance Using a pseudonym in Rome, she had not wanted to become a prostitute. [Traduzione italiana] Una ragazza albanese rapita e violentata Ha diciotto anni, figlia di un alto funzionario del Ministero delle Finanze A Roma, sotto pseudonimo, non aveva voluto prostituirsi.