The victim is a 21-year-old from the city of Elbasan A dramatic episode in Unit 313 in the capital TIRANA — Tragedy in a cell. Wednesday evening ended in an unexpected crime at Tirana prison 313. A young man, detained after a road accident that resulted in a death, was killed by his cellmate. The victim, according to police sources, is the 21-year-old from Elbasan, who was being held in pre-trial detention while criminal responsibility for the accident was being clarified. The incident occurred under still unclear circumstances. Sources close to the prison state that there had been a sudden quarrel between the two prisoners, which ended tragically. It is believed that the young man was beaten to death by his fellow inmate, while the guards were only alerted after a few minutes. Despite efforts, the victim could not survive. According to preliminary information, the 21-year-old had been arrested after an accident in which another person lost his life. He was being held in a cell pending further investigations. The serious incident has sparked new discussions about security conditions in Albanian pre-trial detention centers and about the way detainees are supervised. The police and investigating authorities have begun checks to fully clarify the circumstances of the killing. The possibility is not ruled out that there had already been signs of tension between the two men locked in the same cell.

HEALTH To combat the epidemic, extreme hygiene measures are being taken: moving the maternity wards to another building is being proposed Salmonella hits babies The infection grips the maternity hospital ARMAND MERO TIRANA — A dangerous infection has gripped the maternity hospital in Tirana. For almost three weeks now, salmonellosis, a specific disease that mainly affects children, has been appearing in this hospital. So far the cases have been found among newborn babies, but the source of the infection is still not known with certainty. Specialists from the Ministry of Health and the hospital’s own management state that strong anti-epidemic measures have been taken. The possibility is not even ruled out that the maternity wards may be temporarily moved to another building. Hospital sources told “Gazeta Shqiptare” that for several days entry and exit in the maternity ward have been forbidden and contact has been reduced to a minimum. These measures are being taken to prevent the spread of the infection, which according to doctors has especially affected premature babies and those with other health problems. Zhanti Treska, general director of the “Mbretëresha Geraldinë” maternity hospital, said that many hygiene measures are being taken to limit the spread of the infection. “Apparently we are dealing with a microbe brought in from outside. We are carrying out detailed analyses and constantly disinfecting the wards,” he said. According to him, part of the staff has been assigned to isolate and monitor the affected babies. The director added that the incident is serious, but under control, while acknowledging that there is still no final answer about the cause. In this state of alarm, UNICEF and representatives of the Ministry of Health have called for additional measures to be taken to avoid a bigger tragedy. Hospital sources said the idea has been raised of temporarily transferring the maternity ward to another facility, so that the current building can be fully disinfected and safer conditions can be created for mothers and newborns. Various doctors stated that the problem is linked to the lack of optimal hygiene conditions and to overcrowding in the ward. For now, the maternity hospital’s management seems calmer and assures that keeping the babies under strict medical supervision is preventing serious consequences. But concern remains high, since salmonella infection in newborns is dangerous and can have fatal consequences. UNICEF appeal to the Albanian Government

TIRANA — The marked lack of iodine in the diet of the Albanian population, according to doctors and specialists, poses a serious threat to the normal development of children’s brains. This was made known during a UNICEF appeal to the public, which points out that many areas of Albania are affected by iodine deficiency and that the consequences are especially evident among children and pregnant women. According to specialists, iodine deficiency is one of the main causes of mental retardation in children and thyroid gland diseases. UNICEF has called on the Albanian authorities to take urgent measures to iodize table salt and to raise public awareness. The appeal underlines that Albania ranks among the countries with a significant iodine deficiency and that the need for intervention is immediate. Experts stress that the simplest and least costly solution is the use of iodized salt. They add that investing in this direction would bring long-term benefits for public health and for children’s development. (An. Ste.)

“Pay us 10,000 lek so you can escape the fine” SHKODËR — The greed for 10,000 lek has cost them dearly. In the city of Shkodër, personnel from the Financial Police have been detained following accusations of corruption and abuse of office. According to the accusation, three law-enforcement employees had asked a merchant for money in order to save him from the fine and from administrative prosecution. Sources close to the investigation said that the merchant had reported the case and that, after the initial checks, the detention of the three policemen was ordered. Investigators state that the policemen had asked the merchant for 10,000 lek, promising that they would turn a blind eye to the violations found during the inspection. The incident has caused reactions in the city, while the authorities have stressed that harsh action will be taken against every case of corruption within the police ranks. The case is being further investigated to determine the role of each detained person. (Ar. Ca.)

After the PS complaint TIRANA — “The police acted according to the law and if there was any overreach, it will be verified,” Musaraj said, reacting to the complaint by the Socialist Party that the police forces had obstructed the holding of rallies. According to him, the police’s only duty was to maintain order and guarantee public peace. In his statement, Musaraj denied the accusations by the PS and emphasized that every police action was carried out in accordance with the law. He added that the institutions would review every claim made by political parties, but without allowing public order to be undermined.

Around 30 cabins await illegal travelers VLORË — The first “hotels” for clandestines heading toward the Italian coast have appeared in Vlorë. There are about 30 cabins built with boards and sheet metal near the seashore, which are used for the temporary shelter of people waiting for departure time. Local sources said these cabins are rented out for payment and are controlled by people involved in organizing illegal crossings. According to the same sources, the clients of these “hotels” are usually young people from various parts of the country who gather in Vlorë in the hope of leaving on speedboats for Italy. It is understood that the conditions are extremely difficult and that people are kept there for days while waiting for suitable weather or the signal to depart. The police are investigating the phenomenon, which is becoming alarming. (Si.)

Sarandë, family members offer a new reward SARANDË — The fate of Vincenco Bruno, the Italian man who disappeared at sea in the area between Sarandë and Corfu, is still a mystery. His family has issued a new public appeal, offering a reward for anyone who provides accurate information about his whereabouts or fate. According to relatives, Bruno had left on a small craft and then lost all contact. So far the searches have produced no results. His family hopes that some fisherman or local resident may have seen something decisive. His photo has been republished to make identification easier. Vincenco Bruno

The agreement with Italy has been signed TIRANA — The way has been opened for the organization of vocational courses for Albanian emigrants in the Veneto region of Italy. The news comes after the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Albanian side and the Italian authorities. According to the agreement, Albanian citizens will have the opportunity to attend training courses in various fields, with the aim of easier integration into the labor market. The agreement also provides for cooperation on social orientation and information for emigrants. The initiative is seen as an important step in support of Albanians who live and work in Italy.

Yeltsin delays the ultimatum given to Chechnya by two days “Negotiations are the better path” ON PAGE 2 The strike by Italian pilots blocks Komblatera [?] The sudden incident ruins Bajko’s plans ON PAGE 3

EC helps two Albanian families The families of two Albanians who became victims during the major floods in Italy were helped by the European Committee. It was the EC ambassador in Albania, Enzo Geremio [?], who personally expressed condolences to the families of the two young men, Dorjan Osta from Durrës and Halil Lekaj from Dobraç in Shkodër, who were caught up in the floods. The EC gave the Osta family an amount and 400 German dollars [?], as well as the Osta family and 60,000 lek to the Leknika family [?]. Arvanites from Greece in Tirana Arvanite Kollas, chairman of the Association of the Arvanites of Greece and editor-in-chief of the magazine “Besa”, has arrived in Tirana for an official visit and to establish links with Albanian cultural intellectuals. During his stay he will hold meetings to see the possibility of intensifying cultural relations. Shkodër, the robber of the world [?] caught According to the police in Shkodër, the person suspected of carrying out several thefts in this city has been caught. Sources close to the police station said that, after the investigation, they managed to identify and detain the author of several robberies that took place in recent days.

ELISON KADRIL PENGILI Shyqyri Bërxolli St. no. 6 (near the Turkish Embassy) It is the company that offers its clients the collection of any plastic item that has been taken out of use, such as buckets, barrels, sneakers [?], basins, sandals, etc. The price is favorable. We welcome you ADA AIR PROMOTIONAL RATES FOR ALBANIANS 110 USD (round trip) — Ticket without aircraft reservation at Tirana or Bari airport. PROMOTIONAL RATES FOR FOREIGNERS 250 USD — Valid only for round-trip flights with fixed dates. RATES VALID UNTIL 31 MARCH 1995 TIRANE BARI BARI TIRANE TIRANE 42/31 371, TIRANE Tel. (05684) 4301/3203/33124 - Fax (05684) 32035/32027 BARI Tel. and Fax (390) 583830 - Tel. (0337) 653070