Treasures of Ali Pasha in the crosshairs of the devices... Gold fever sweeps the South Searchers on the trail of legends Ancient objects are also coveted from the ruins of ancient settlements GJIROKASTER — A strange, not very deep fever has taken hold of groups of people in the south of the country. Especially among young people: “you can’t take your eyes off it,” they say. Some of them, with special equipment, have started working. Groups of young people keep watch everywhere, working day and night without getting tired. The places being dug are ruins of ancient cities, old churches, medieval castles and even places where, according to legend, treasures are hidden. The reason is likely that with the arrival of new devices, brought mainly from Greece, many believe they can find gold, bullion and old coins. Treasure hunters have spared neither ancient walls, graves, building foundations, nor the hills near villages. Southern Albania, like the whole country, is rich in legends about colossal riches buried in ruins and bushes. The best-known name is that of Ali Pashë Tepelena. Ali bey Këlcyra, the library of Zhapa, old houses in the districts of Përmet, Tepelena and Gjirokastër are mentioned as places where coins, weapons and other valuable objects may be found. According to old tales, the most coveted remain the treasures of Ali Pashë Tepelena. According to legend, the Pasha, in order to prevent this treasure from falling into the hands of enemies, ordered it buried somewhere near his residences. Others believe the wealth disappeared during wars and looting. In the village of Qesarat in Tepelena, many stories are told. Some residents say they have seen groups of people equipped with metal detectors nearby, going into the forests and hills at night. Others also mention the place called 'Gurra e Pashait' as a guidepost for seekers. A group of treasure hunters Ali Pasha in Qesarat, all these points have been covered with forests and thorns. Ancient walls, which had endured for centuries, are now collapsing under the blows of hammers and pickaxes. The fantastic story of treasures has fired imaginations and pushed poor people into adventures with no return. In 1988 I was told in Konispol, later also explained in Delvina and Saranda, that near the place called 'Qafa e Bogonit' there were large pits where searching never stopped. Others mentioned old tunnels, stones with marks and special trees as indicators. Nor are there few who have found ancient objects: bronze coins, clay vessels, fragments of mosaics, even rusty weapons. Some of them have been sold illegally or ended up with private dealers. The greatest damage is that places of extraordinary archaeological value are being destroyed. The hunters’ main tools are shovels, pickaxes, iron bars and, at times, even small explosives. Villagers and specialists say that no serious measures have been taken to protect the areas. In the ancient city of Antigonea, in Finiq, in Sofratikë, in Xarrë and elsewhere, the pits and damage are visible. In Upper Çajup, others have been seen moving around with devices. Such legends often push people into searching for riches that perhaps no longer exist. Many of them speak of sleepless nights, failures and disappointments, but also of small gains that keep them tied to the dream of gold. Some say they have found only worthless pieces of metal, while others swear they have touched old gold. Ali Pasha in Qesarat [...] [?] Rajmond Kola

Invited by Berisha in '92 The French president soon in Tirana Possibly in the autumn French President François Mitterrand TIRANA — Perhaps next autumn, one of the most prominent political figures of Europe at the end of the Cold War, President François Mitterrand, will pay an official visit to Tirana. This has not yet been officially confirmed, but sources from the Albanian Embassy in Paris have said that diplomatic preparations are under way to make this visit happen. This would be the first time a French president of this rank comes to Albania. It is understood that the invitation for this visit was extended as early as 1992 by the President of the Republic, Sali Berisha, during their international contacts. Mitterrand, despite being weakened by health problems, remains a figure of extraordinary weight in French and European political life. If the visit takes place, the talks are expected to focus on bilateral relations, economic aid and bringing Albania closer to European institutions. A special aspect of the meeting will also be the political situation in the region, especially developments in the former Yugoslavia. In Albanian diplomatic circles, this visit is seen as an important international signal for the country. It would strengthen Tirana's contacts with Paris and increase Albania's diplomatic weight in Europe. Rajmond Kola

By Amnesty International “Albania '93: cases of police violence” TIRANA — The latest report from the well-known organization Amnesty International has been published. It presents the detailed text of several complaints about violence committed by members of the Albanian police during 1993. The document mentions cases of mistreatment, beatings and pressure on citizens who were arrested or detained. Amnesty International stresses that in some cases the victims had no opportunity to complain or the investigations were not carried out properly. The report also refers to the case of journalist Kosta Barka, who was detained and later released, as well as several other cases of harsh treatment in police stations. The organization calls on the Albanian authorities to take measures to prevent such cases from happening again and to ensure impartial investigations. The report urges the Albanian government to respect international human rights standards and to guarantee that the police operate within the law. Amnesty underlines that the protection of fundamental rights remains an essential condition for the rule of law. (r. k./ ba x.)

KAKAVIJA — Another 150 Albanians have fallen victim to illegal trafficking to Greece. On Tuesday all of them were escorted by bus by the Greek military forces to the Kakavija border crossing. Meanwhile, the police in Greece have arrested two Greek drivers and the owner of a travel agency in Piraeus, accused of being the perpetrators of this trafficking. According to reports, the migrants were gathered in various cities and transported in exchange for large sums of money with the promise of a safe crossing. All 150 Albanians — 5 children and 50 women among them — were sent back to Albania by two buses. They had paid between 100 and 400 dollars per person. According to the Greek police, the network also had links to people in Albania who arranged the travelers. Since cases of such fraud are not lacking in Albania, the border police has appealed to citizens not to fall prey to traffickers. (R. Ko)

TIRANA — The health condition of the persecuted hunger strikers has begun to worsen. While on Monday there were 5 people in Tirana who were forced to end the hunger strike for health reasons, on Tuesday others remained in protest. According to doctors, some of the strikers show signs of severe weakness, low blood pressure and weight loss. One of them has been sent for more specialized treatment. As tension around the form of protest has increased due to political reactions over whether or not to support the hunger strike, representatives of the former persecuted have stated that they will not back down without guarantees that their demands will be resolved. Hunger strike

Letter to some deputies TIRANA — The issue of the Albanian Association for the Rights of Homosexuals has reached Parliament. Now, 15 independent deputies have received copies of a letter addressed to some of them. The authors demand the repeal of article 137 of the Penal Code, which criminalizes homosexual relations. The letter says that this article is contrary to human rights and European standards. According to the authors, criminal punishment for a sexual orientation is discriminatory and must be abolished. They appeal to the Assembly to consider legal changes in order to respect individual freedoms. (v.b.)

IPI document TIRANA — Concern from the International Press Institute about the situation of journalists' work in Albania. In one of its documents, IPI stresses that in recent months there have been numerous obstacles to the normal exercise of the profession and to the free circulation of information. The text mentions pressure on some newsrooms, lack of transparency in relations with institutions and an unsuitable climate for the independent media. IPI calls on the authorities to guarantee respect for press freedom and the professional safety of journalists. The document raises the concern that without free and pluralistic media, the democratic process risks being weakened. The organization calls for improvements to the legal and institutional conditions for the Albanian press.

PROTEST BY THE ALBANIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY AGAINST THE GREEK GOVERNMENT — Strong response from the Albanian Foreign Ministry to Greek government statements regarding the minority issue. A request for the suspension of any action that could affect bilateral relations. FIER, MYSTERIOUS MURDER OF A 26-YEAR-OLD YOUNG MAN — 26-year-old Leka A. Molla was killed on the spot by a gunshot. The police are investigating the motives and perpetrators of the crime. DURRES, 20-YEAR-OLD ARRESTED FOR SEXUAL INTERCOURSE WITH VIOLENCE — A young man suspected of rape has been detained by law enforcement. Investigations continue.

CURSIVE REALITY SHKODËR — Pharmaceutical experiments on his own body. A person from Shkodër has tried an unusual form of treatment, using garlic juice injected into himself. According to his account, he undertook this practice convinced that garlic has powerful healing properties. Doctors consider the act extremely dangerous and with no scientific basis whatsoever. They warn that injecting such substances can cause serious infections, poisoning and irreversible consequences for the body. The case has aroused surprise and comment in the city, being seen as an example of lack of medical information and the spread of folk beliefs in dangerous treatments. im

Fier — It was perhaps only luck that saved baby Arlinda Alushi, 10 months old, from the village of Drizë in Mallakastër, from a real tragedy. A few days ago, the child fell into a deep well near the house. Family members and neighbors tried to pull her out immediately, and later she was rushed to hospital. Doctors say her condition is very serious, but there is hope for survival. The case has shaken the area’s residents, who are asking for more care in securing open wells. En. My.

Aid resumes in Sarajevo War danger with Chechnya in the former USSR Big battles between markets in Albania On page 3

Buy and sell SOMETHING TO SELL? SOMETHING TO BUY? This space is free for your economic notices. Send your message (no longer than 150 words) to one of our addresses: In Tirana: Rruga Bajram Curri, 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 — an apartment formed by the combination of two apartments, with two rooms and one kitchen, suitable for use as an office. Address: 'Ferit Xhajko' street, building 59, stairway 1, apt. no. 7 and 8, Tirana, phone 32272. FOR RENT — an apartment with two rooms and one kitchen in the annex. Address: 'Sami Frashëri' street, no. 116, stairway 1, apt. 26, Tirana. For security you can contact the phone number 2804. FOR RENT — an apartment with two rooms and one kitchen, on the third floor. Address: 'Kongresi i Manastirit' street, near the 'Qemal Deliallisi' school, Tirana. Interested persons should contact the kiosk next to the National Theatre. I AM LOOKING TO BUY — a used washing machine, but in good condition. Address: Former party school, phone via the exchange with no. 23516, extension 210. FOR SALE — a video recorder, almost new, Japanese. Bought for 860 marks and sold for 400 marks. Contact: 032/23757 from 7.00-8.00. FOR RENT or FOR SALE — a two-story house with 4 rooms on each floor. The house occupies 400 square meters. Basements usable. Contact address: Rruga 'N. Deliana', number 44. Phone 24868 in Tirana. OFFERING — a wool rug with folk motifs and looking for a set of old cups and plates. FOR SALE — a two-room apartment with one kitchen, on the fourth floor. Address: 'Perlat Rexhepi' street, building 9/1, apt. 12, phone 24470, Tirana. LOOKING FOR — a beautiful dog in Tirana on 22.07.1994, where my documents and personal stamp are located. Offers a high reward to whoever brings it. Fletor Tufekçi, address: neighborhood 18, 'A. Goga' street, building 872, Durrës. Tel. 052/2893. FOR SALE — a 'Benz' car model 240 with customs duty paid. Blue color, address: 'M. Ghermeni' street, building 9/1, stairway 1, apt. 19, Tirana, phone 28531. FOR SALE — a plot of land with an area of 2000 square meters, on Durrës Street. For clarification contact Rruga 'Luigj Gurakuqi', no. 6, tel. 42618.