A murderer is executed From 1991 to 1993, 24 capital sentences were handed down Tirana Cemetery TIRANA — At midnight, in accordance with the rules, the condemned man, 36 years old, was shot. He had come to Tirana a few days earlier after serving a prison sentence of several months in the Tropoja prison. There the judges had sentenced him to death for his terrible crime: he had raped and then suffocated a nine-year-old girl, throwing her tiny body into the river. A crime for which the court, as well as public opinion, could have no mercy. The murderer was killed with a gunshot to the nape of the neck in the hills near the Shishtufina cemetery in Tirana and buried anonymously one meter underground. The law forbids notifying the relatives of the executed man of where his grave is, so we are not giving his name either. The authorities will decide to make it public when the rules of the Code allow them to do so. The chronicles of the execution are private because the few people who assisted refuse to speak. It is always a curiosity to write about a man’s death. On the same hill at Shishtufina, almost three months earlier, two other convicts had been executed: the husband and the father-in-law always the same? the condemned man is transported in a police bus, tied with two strong handcuffs he expressed? to the judges who assist, his last wish. Then someone pulls the trigger of the rifle. “A sad but necessary act,” said, weak? politicians and jurists, “because it is the only way we have to fight the spread of crime with severity.” The scale of this dramatic — but perhaps unavoidable — aspect of the growing number of murders? 24 death sentences from 1 January 1991 to 30 September 1993, 7 of which are still in force? in the not-too-distant future to defeat crime and to remove from the state these sentences by the firing squad to restore justice. Another death sentence TIRANA — The first death sentence of 1994. After several court hearings, on Friday the Tirana Court declared the defendant Luan Isufi, 20 years old, guilty and sentenced him to death. Along with the defendant Isufi, his brother Shkëlqimi was also convicted as a co-participant in the murder — to 20 years’ imprisonment — as well as three other persons for the crime of failing to report a crime. According to the indictment, Isufi was accused of the murder of 24-year-old Edmond Toro, one year earlier in Roskovec, Fier. During the trial it was made known that the event had taken place after an argument that had begun some time earlier in Greece. The defendant Isufi’s lawyer and the client himself raised reservations regarding the way this case had been investigated, also presenting doubts in court about what happened after the incident, such as taking the victim to hospital, not performing an autopsy, or even removing him from the morgue. In response to these arguments, the defense and the court upheld the death sentence for Luan Isufi. Now this defendant — if he applies — can be retried by the Court of Appeal and the Court of Cassation. Here are the death sentences handed down by Albanian courts during these last three years YEAR 1991 - 6 sentences YEAR 1992 - 14 sentences YEAR 1993 - 4 sentences (for only the first 9 months) YEAR 1994 - 1 sentence (up to 14 January) c.bo. Carlo Bollino

“I am not a politician, I want to make my contribution” The new minister Maksim Cikuli speaks TIRANA — “I am not a politician; I am someone who wants to work in his own specialty and, as an intellectual, seeks to make his modest contribution.” Maksim Cikuli, the newly appointed Minister of Health in the Meksi cabinet, tells “Gazeta Shqiptare” about his past and present. Cikuli — 42 years old — after 6-7 years without working spent several years as a doctor in Gjegjan, Kukës. In 1979 he came to Tirana as a lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine. He is the author of several scientific articles in Albanian and foreign press outlets and holds several academic degrees. Recently he worked as director of the Tirana University Hospital Center. Cikuli came to the post of minister after the resignation of Tritan Shehu, who will henceforth serve as Secretary General of the Democratic Party. “I had no reason to know in advance, because my opinion had also been withdrawn earlier,” Cikuli says. “After consultations with the Council of Ministers, I only waited for the presidential decree.” Have you met your predecessor Shehu in these days? “Of course I have met him and we have begun a kind of handover. However, handovers are not very important, because there is now a logical continuation of the work and its main principles are known, and not only to me.” What are the health-care emergencies in Albania that you must face? “I need to reflect. However, the main thing remains that health care must continue to develop. In what way? The models are clear. For me, first of all health insurance should be introduced and, to some extent, privatization should begin. Health care should also receive stronger financial support.” What worries you most in this job? “More than fear, I would use the word shyness. It is the natural shyness for a new and responsible position. But what gives me courage is that this job is not done alone. There is an entire staff of capable doctors who have properly understood the reform and will be my support.” Will the policy of the Ministry of Health change with your arrival? “A minister can influence, but not change the line. That has been clearly defined in the Government’s program.” The new Minister of Health Armand Mero

Detained TIRANA — Fear and tension in one of the capital’s girls’ dormitories. An 18-year-old boy — a student at the Electrical Secondary School — had entered on the night of 12 January into the room where E.B. was sleeping, herself also a student at that school. According to the initial investigations by the public order authorities — who intervened immediately — the young man S.G. is suspected of having attempted that night to carry out sexual intercourse by force with the student sleeping in her dormitory room. The boy was immediately taken into custody and escorted to the Tirana Directorate, while the investigative case opened over this incident is still ongoing.

Only two months after being appointed to the new post TIRANA — Artan Hoxha resigns as Chairman of the National Privatization Agency. The decision — although still reserved until now — is expected to be formalized in the coming days. Hoxha — until a few months ago also Minister of Trade and Economic Relations with Foreign Countries — neither confirms nor denies the report of his resignation when asked by “Gazeta Shqiptare” about this issue. The reasons for Hoxha’s resignation from the key post at the National Privatization Agency, one of the most important institutions of the Albanian economy, are still unknown. So far, two names linked to the party? with particular importance had been connected with privatization: Hoxha, as chairman, and Aleksandër Meksi. Before taking up this post, Hoxha had been minister without portfolio and then Minister of Trade and Economic Relations with Foreign Countries. The decision to appoint him at the head of the agency was taken two months ago. The Agency’s main objective is to finalize the privatization of small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as to close many pending files. Artan Hoxha

TIRANA — “Albania should be granted compensation for the damage caused by the embargo against Serbia,” declared President Berisha, while Wolsburg?, Wolf?drih, the senior American representative at the United Nations, had come on Friday for an official visit to Albania. Berisha also made this concern clear to the American ambassador yesterday? Shigjerisë? to respect the sanctions against Serbia.” “Any easing of the embargo — he stressed — would support Slobodan Milošević’s militarist policy.”

New project TIRANA — Several new exchanges will be included in the telephone network in Albania during 1994. The master plan drawn up by Albanian Telecom provides that a new international exchange will be installed in Tirana. Another national transit exchange will also be built during 1994. Meanwhile, 9 local exchanges will serve to establish direct telephone connections throughout Albania. Public services will also improve, with the number of connected lines and fixed lines increasing. All these services are based on advanced, modern technology.

Agriculture increases production but 90 thousand hectares remain unused The structure of sown areas changes ON PAGE 3 Ukraine surrenders, reduces nuclear arsenal Success of Clinton’s visit ON PAGE 2

DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO SELL? DO YOU WANT TO BUY SOMETHING? This space is free for your economic notices. Send no more than 15 words with your message to one of our addresses: In Tirana: Bajram Curri street, 370. Or in Bari: Viale Scipione l’Africano, 264. In your message, say what you are looking for and offering, your name and address. I RENT an apartment, with one room and one kitchen, with an anteroom and a balcony. It is located in the center of Tirana, just behind the Turkish embassy. Interested parties should call 25972. I RENT OR SELL an apartment in Elbasan with three rooms and a kitchen, with an anteroom, and three balconies, fourth floor. It is located in the center of the city, near “Qemal Stafa” boulevard. Address: “Luigj Gurakuqi” neighborhood, building 71, entrance 1, apartment 7, Elbasan. In Tirana call 4268. I SELL a painting (landscape), 50 x 40 cm, by the Italian painter Marini. It is original and is in my old house. Address: Shefqet Xhelal, neighborhood 17, “Qazim Vathi” street, building 21, apt. no. 9, Tirana. I OFFER a frame (painting?) measuring 50 x 40 cm by the Italian painter Marini. It is original and has been in my house for 60 years. Address: Shefqet Xhelal, neighborhood 17, “Qazim Vathi” street, building 21, apt. no. 9, Tirana. I HAVE three apartments with three rooms and one kitchen and want to exchange them for another with one room and one kitchen and a studio apartment. Address: “Kristaq Capo” street, building 3, staircase b, apt. 79. I SELL a restaurant premises in an excellent central area with heavy traffic. You can call 22039. I SELL a restaurant premises in a very good area, in the center and with heavy traffic. You can call 22039. I RENT a premises on “Dibra” street, near the “Philips” company store. The premises area is 180 square meters. Interested parties may call 24710. I SELL an automatic washing machine of the “Tamat” brand, very little used. Interested parties may contact the following address: Rruga “Arkitekt K.B” building 56, staircase 1, apartment no. 9, Tirana. I OFFER a little-used automatic washing machine in good condition. Interested persons can contact the following address: Arkitekt Kasemi street, building 56, staircase 1, apartment 9, Tirana.

PARLIAMENTARY REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PPD OF THE ALBANIANS OF MACEDONIA MEET WITH SELAMI — Several representatives of the parliamentary group of the Democratic Prosperity Party of the Albanians of Macedonia held a special meeting with Eduard Selami, Chairman of the PD. During this meeting, the current political situation in Albania and Macedonia was discussed. The representatives of the PPD and the heads? of the Presidency spoke about the constructive role of Albania for Albanians in Kosovo and Macedonia, and also about the crisis their army? party? is going through. This time comes as inspiration and continuity, recent time? for all its leaders. THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF RILINDËSIT QERASIM QIRIAZI INAUGURATED IN TIRANA — The 100th anniversary of the death of the Rilindës Qerasim Qiriazi was commemorated in Tirana. Aleksandër Meksi, family members, writers, and other guests took part in the event. The activity was held at the International Cultural Center in Tirana, where the exhibition “Qerasim Qiriazi, among the Albanian Rilindës” was also opened. THE TWINNING OF THE CULINARY LYCEUM WITH THE REGION OF ABRUZZO IS BEING CONCRETIZED — The twinning agreement between the city of L’Aquila and the city of Durrës is being implemented. Within the framework of this initiative, an intensive culinary training course is being held in the Italian city for Albanian students from the “Niko Dovana” Culinary Lyceum of Durrës. THE SERBIAN WINE SYMPOSIUM IN PAL? LATIN? OF THE CONGRESS PALACE IN TIRANA — A youth event was held in Tirana. There was also a symposium here on the theme “Is youth in Albania changing?” This event, organized by the Youth Federation, took place in the premises of the Palace of Congresses.

Zattere 1411 - Tel. 0039/41/781611 - Fax 781805 - Tlx 410045 Ferries for Passengers, Cars, Trucks DURRES - BARI - ANCONA TRIESTE - DURRES From DURRES to BARI: every Tuesday departs at 22.00 every Thursday departs at 12.00 From DURRES to ANCONA: every Sunday departs at 12.00 From DURRES to TRIESTE: every Wednesday departs at 19.00 every Saturday departs at 20.00 Agency in ALBANIA DURRES: DETARE SHETERORE Tel. 052/22233 - Fax 22911 - Tlx 4148 Agency in ITALY BARI: AGESTEA Srl - via Liside, 4 Tel. 0039/80/331555 - Fax 330628 - Tlx 810043 ANCONA: MARITIME AGENCY Srl - Via XXIX Settembre, 20 Tel. 0039/71/204915 - Fax 202296 - Tlx 860022 TRIESTE: AGEMAR Srl - Piazza Duca degli Abruzzi, 2/a Tel. 0039/40/363222 - Fax 77723 - Tlx 460059