Doctors: «Stay off the streets as much as possible» Record average temperature reached TIRANË — African days in Albania. In many parts of the country, the meteorological service has long been monitoring not only the heat but also the scorching temperatures. In July, average temperatures reached the peak of the scale: 26 degrees Celsius. But it seems that the merciless forecast of “hot weather” will push thermometer readings even higher. In recent days, higher levels of heat have been recorded in several districts. Tirana 34 degrees, Shkodra 35, Kukësi 31, Gjirokastra 32, Kuçova 35... But what is the cause of this stifling heat — which in truth brings pleasure only to producers and sellers of soft drinks and ice cream — and awakens in many people a premature nostalgia for winter cold? Africa, or rather a part of it, is the answer. “It is a warm air mass coming from the regions of North Africa,” meteorological service specialists told Gazeta Shqiptare, “one of the main causes of this wave of heat in Albania.” And it is hard to predict how long this endless mass of air and the hot breath of the “black continent” will remain suspended over our region. As long as it is there, the sun will continue to burn even more intensely. Therefore measures must be taken to deal with this unusual situation, and for that doctors are offering advice. It is advisable to drink — except for people suffering from heart disease — as many fluids as possible to avoid dehydration of the body as a result of the heavy sweating caused by the heat. But along with fluids the body also loses salts, and the shortage of these makes cell functioning much more difficult. Therefore, as compensation, consumption of as many fruits and vegetables as possible is recommended, since they are rich in such elements. Special care for the elderly. This is precisely the period when they are at risk of “sunstroke”. Therefore outings — so necessary for them — are recommended only in the mornings and evenings. (continued)

TIRANË — Events have moved quickly, and another factor has entered the dispute between the Government and the Association of Former Political Prisoners: the court. But from the outset it seemed very unclear whether this development could ease the conflict or, even more, provide a final solution to the complicated issue. Immediately after the government’s lawsuit was filed with the Tirana court — a lawsuit requesting that the hunger strike be declared illegal — the leadership of the Association of Former Political Prisoners responded by declaring the Government’s act unconstitutional. “The court is also the subject of a lawsuit,” Kurt Kola, Chairman of the Association of Former Political Prisoners, had stated a few hours before the hearing for Gazeta Shqiptare, “because the Civil Code contains no article prohibiting the right to a hunger strike.” The position of the former political prisoners involved in the strike is clear, as is their stance toward any decision by the Tirana court aimed at declaring it illegal. “In this case,” Kola had declared, meaning the possible use of force against the strikers in implementation of a court decision against the strike, “we will resist with our own bodies.” Meanwhile, it has become clear that the conflict’s echoes have gone beyond the country’s borders. The first to act were the authors of the hunger strike themselves, who sent protest notes to various international bodies.

Sport Franke Sloothaak won the individual title at Aja In the horse obstacle competition, a “World” trophy AJA — German Franke Sloothaak has won the individual world title in horse show jumping. Thanks to four rounds in the final, in which each of the four finalists also rode the opponents’ horses, he finished ahead of Frenchman Michel Robert and another German, Soeren von Roenne. The former Olympic champion, German Ludger Beerbaum, who finished fourth with 12 faults in the competition, failed to make the winners’ podium. Sloothaak, 36, and practically trained in the horse-and-rider training complexes of the well-known German rider Paul Schockemohle, completed a fine ride with the horse named San Patrignano Weihai. Always from the Muccioli community, and Miss San Patrignano, who formed the silver duo with Frenchman Robert. On page 3 The great European Cups challenge begins On page 3 A beautiful match costs more On page 3 National Assembly Football balance in two years

Rehabilitation project nearly ready ELBASAN — Alarm over the state of healthcare in the Elbasan district. According to data from specialists in this sector, healthcare in the villages of Elbasan is still suffering the consequences of the destruction recorded during the period of state and political instability. Now, apart from the four largest localities in the country, there are no health centers. Village residents are therefore forced to go to Elbasan even for the simplest case or, as often happens, to seek out doctors in the capital. Meanwhile, after the fall of communism, there are communes with more than 4,000 inhabitants in which central polyclinics are missing. The situation is best expressed by the words of the man who once led this sector. One of them, Dr. Sali Baca, who headed public health, told Gazeta Shqiptare: “The situation is difficult; nurses and midwives now have adapted rooms in their homes or have rented premises in order to practice their profession in support of those in need. Since May of this year, a project has been ready that foresees the construction of three polyclinics and the reconstruction of many smaller centers. The study — for which around 8 million lek are needed — has also been sent to the Ministry of Health. It is precisely this ministry, in cooperation with the World Bank, that has planned a fund of 3.5 million dollars for the construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of health centers throughout the country. Elbasan’s problem, in fact, is a problem that is also delicate in other districts of the country. Mentor Kikia

— The old city of Gjirokastër has started to “get a makeover.” On its characteristic streets, the bustle of work has been visible for some time now, starting with the trees, whose trunks are being painted white, and ending with the battlements of the walls of the old medieval castle, which will regain its former appearance [?]. These are the first measures in a plan that the city municipality has undertaken in order to improve the appearance of one of the most visited cities in Albania. It is hoped that the city’s Clock Tower will also be restored, together with the “Plepat kokor”. “All these measures aim to make the city worthy first and foremost for its citizens,” Bashkim Fino, mayor of the Municipality, told Gazeta Shqiptare — but also for tourists. We aim for the support of the Municipality of Gjirokastër [?].

Death at the train station In the same place and Gjirokastër in agony KAVAJË — It has truly been an unlucky news item these days, the death of an elderly man and the way it happened. Perhaps a completely accidental coincidence, but the fact is that near one place it turned out to be fatal for the unfortunate old man. This place was the train station in Sukth, where the heart of the old man R. H., 68 years old, stopped beating. Three days earlier, in the same place, R. H. had been found by passersby in agony and, after prompt treatment, had recovered. Only three days later, precisely in the same place, the old man suffered the same attack, but this time it was truly fatal. (pr.e)

NORTHERN IRELAND: PREGNANT CATHOLIC WOMAN KILLED BY PROTESTANTS — A Catholic woman in her fifth month of pregnancy, and mother of five children, was killed by an armed group of Ulster forces, who entered her home around 11:00 a.m. in Belfast and opened fire. The woman was taken for treatment, but the baby died upon arrival at the hospital. TERRORISM, PARIS UNDER SURVEILLANCE — Threats from Islamic fundamentalists against France have increased police surveillance in Paris. Reports indicate the risk that the civil fleet of Islyt airport, as well as Alsi, [?] married [?] will be located, because 73 Islamic inspectors, linked to a right-wing residence in central France, have provoked gatherings. Checks are being tightened, destinations on buses in the capital’s service district are being monitored. SALVADORAN HIJACKS PANAMANIAN AIRPLANE — An act of air piracy in the Gulf of Central America. A Salvadoran has seized a 737 aircraft at Panama airport and demanded 500,000 dollars and a car as ransom. The capital is under police control. Passengers were held hostage by crew members.

IN SHKODER A DELEGATION FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF TROIT — A delegation from the University of Detroit, headed by Dr. Rodolfo Martin, has arrived at the University “Luigj Gurakuqi” in Shkodër. At the Rectorate [?], the deans of the University “Luigj Gurakuqi” acquainted their colleagues from the USA with the achievements but also the difficulties of the teaching process. For his part, Martínez underlined further cooperation with the University of Shkodër and expressed the possibility of increasing the number of students. IN KUKËS THE WATER PROJECT IS PRESENTED — At a meeting with the leaders of the local government bodies of the district, the foundations were laid for the project to install a new water supply system for the city. It was financed with 9500 [?] with electrical engineering professor Rosa [?], appointed to be the head of the task of cooperation and reforms. IN MALËSIA E MADHE THE ELECTRICITY AUTHORITY IS LOSING — As a result of [?], it has suffered losses due to the large leakage of energy in the villages of the area. The electricity enterprise informs all residents not to damage the poles or [?], otherwise damages amounting to 2 million lek will follow.

Kadare returns to readers in September The writer’s new novel ON PAGE 2 Italian singer Modugno dies Mister Volare says goodbye ON THE LAST PAGE

Fidel Castro in difficulty HAVANA — Thirty-five injured, including 10 police officers, is the preliminary toll of yesterday’s clashes in Havana. The Cuban press reported this, specifying that the two dead are police officers and that two are being treated, in addition to the many people arrested during the incidents. The weekly “Juventut Rebelde”, organ of the Communist Youth organization, writes that around 700 different people and 200 people were involved in the unrest. The capital is now plunged into a state of absolute fear, while the street near the old fortress is under the control of police special units and Revolution Guard detachments, the coffin where the leader of the Party in this city was killed in clashes with the police in an incident on Thursday. Under these circumstances, the feeling of dissatisfaction is growing in the capital. Leader Fidel Castro has called for calm and asked citizens not to fall prey to provocations.

By Serbian police BEOGRAD — An Albanian from Kosovo was killed during a Serbian police operation in a village near Podujeva, in the north of this province with an ethnic Albanian majority. This was announced by the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), the main opposition party. According to an LDK statement, numerous armored police vehicles surrounded several houses in the village of Sakovc. The police — again according to the LDK, which cites witnesses — would have opened fire on the houses of the victim, Hajra Ramadan, 46 years old, a former political prisoner, killing him on the spot and causing another injury. The operation, which took place very close to a war-like situation, aimed, on the basis of the information received, to capture one person, says the LDK. The version from official Belgrade TV is different: while confirming the death of the Albanian, it said that he had been killed after setting fire to his own house.

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