THE AID SCANDAL The PS leader’s indifference does not stop the trial. The lawyers explain their client’s decision: «First we have to study the case file» But the prosecutors will make their case THE AID SCANDAL The PS leader’s indifference does not stop the trial. The lawyers explain their client’s decision: «First we have to study the case file» “Nano will remain silent until the end” But the prosecutors will make their case EDMOND LACI TIRANA — "If they brought me to trial, I will come; if I am left in peace, I will continue training in my cell." Fatos Nano, as in the hearing, tells Gazeta Shqiptare of his indifference toward his trial. Just when it was expected that, at last, the protagonist of this story — at least according to the indictment — would speak about the aid scandal, Fatos Nano chose silence and indifference toward the entire trial as well. Thus, in the so-called trial of the year, the Nano case continues to remain mysterious, because — after three court hearings — the other three defendants, Plaka, Gjini and Hallko, agreed to give their first explanations about the accusation of involvement in the aid scandal. Meanwhile, Arben Bendo, chairman of the judicial panel, has finally decided that Nano’s indifference will be met by reading the minutes signed by him personally, following the questioning in the investigative proceedings. And the Nano case remains without Nano himself. For the Prosecution, the defendant Nano’s indifference in court is not a problem, because even during the investigation he gave no explanations — prosecutor Gjyokat explains — only other evidence that incriminates him. But even though the trial was the best opportunity for Nano to respond publicly to the accusations, he has now decided not to do so, perhaps further worsening his position and casting yet another veil of mystery over the case. "Positions are eased or worsened only in relation to a guilty person, not in relation to Fatos Nano, who is innocent," lawyer Sanxhaku objects to Gazeta Shqiptare’s question that his withdrawal from the trial could have negative consequences for Nano himself. "We will give explanations — Sanxhaku continues — but only when all legal procedures have been clarified." But Nano’s indifference in his trial now no longer concerns only the first three hearings. The Judicial Panel’s decision rejecting Nano’s and his lawyers’ request to send the case back to the Prosecution has now become final. But the decision of the other side is just as final. "There is no question that we will not give explanations not only in this trial, but even if there were 20 more to come — says lawyer Sanxhaku — because we are not asking for mercy, but for justice and the law. Then let them take responsibility if it is true." Thus it is finally announced that Nano will not speak in his trial, while the next move by the defense has also been announced: "On Nano’s Monday the demand for judgment will not be presented; it will not be made." In the photo: Fatos Nano and, consulting with lawyer Sanxhaku. On the right, Sokrat Plaka

Sport SERIE A / Italian championship The title is already Milan’s Juventus-Milan 0-1: Milan player Marcel Desailly marked by Roberto Baggio and Del Piero (back to camera) Results of the other matches on page 4 Results of the Albanian Championship on page 3 History of the World Championship on page 5

Elbasan, the trial starts soon ELBASAN — Mercury and platinum in the Court of Elbasan. After the investigation file for four people involved in this story was completed, a trial is now awaited to shed light on the mystery of the thefts of mercury and platinum from the Metallurgical Combine of Elbasan. Jani Dude, Jon Selimllari, Mentor Rika and Skënder Shyka will face charges for the criminal offense of receiving stolen goods and concealing a crime. Harilla Dhimgjoni, meanwhile, will be tried on the other charge, that of "abuse of office". According to the material prepared by the Prosecution, it is stated that in the homes of Selimllari, Rika and Shyka, materials were found that had been stolen from the warehouses of the Metallurgical Combine of Elbasan. While these three defendants are accused of having received platinum and mercury in their homes, the other defendant will have to answer for his role as a warehouse keeper, because the warehouse where the metals were stored is also in question. More than 30 kilograms of white mercury disappeared from the warehouses of the "Combine" in November 1992, while most of the workers were on assistance. In July of last year, the Prosecution authorities — in the absence of the perpetrators of the theft — had opened the file on the Combine officials, who had also been encouraged. After the theft of mercury, the owner of one of the guards — who did not approve of the thefts of metals from the shifts — was removed from his job. However, it is still not known — since the trial has begun — whether these four defendants, now sent to trial, are connected to this theft or to another case. (e. l.)

Lushnjë, three villagers arrested and many others detained Criminal cases opened against dozens of people Lushnjë, three villagers arrested and many others detained Deforestation massacre: a scandal Criminal cases opened against dozens of people LUSHNJË — Countermeasures were triggered by the state authorities against those responsible for the massacre of citrus trees or various other trees. Dozens of criminal cases, arrests and even trials have just begun in many Albanian cities, where for a long time even the trees had at least been "killed". The harshest reaction was in Lushnjë and Elbasan, where among dozens of people — the prosecutor has opened criminal cases on his own initiative — police officers and local officials were also taken in. On 14 February alone, in Lushnjë, after the massive cutting of trees was discovered, Ibrahim Berli, Kujtim Selimi, Zeqai Sokol Gjata, Ajet Dalipi, Anxhela (?), Sokol Bakiasi, residents of the villages of Zhame, Gransh and Dushk, had been detained by the law-enforcement authorities. Two of these people were arrested on charges of forest theft from a forest source — because of their age — house arrest was ordered. Meanwhile, Andon Liman, a police officer, as well as Lulezim Molla, chairman of the Land Allocation Commission, has been brought before criminal responsibility; he is accused of having known about the massacre of the trees as early as November last year, without reporting this criminal act. Nevertheless, local authorities stress that the damage was carried out by a small number of people and continuously. The Prosecution of the Elbasan District is also intervening against the massacre of trees. While investigations continue intensively, more than 100 criminal cases are expected to be sent soon to the Court. Specialists from Elbasan Agriculture — who had previously denounced this massacre to Gazeta Shqiptare — stated that more than 2,600 olive, orange, lemon, mandarin and fig trees, as well as many hectares of vineyards, had fallen victim to the destructive axes. This figure, which corresponded to about 80 percent of the total number of citrus trees in the Elbasan district — according to the specialists — was entirely a private protest. The appeal for an anti-picket-trade solution was welcomed and a proposal was made, according to which two villages should be transferred to municipal administration. However, even though the cut-down trees cannot be brought back, the harsh reaction of the state authorities at least raises hope for the end of this massacre. (Ed. Laci)

Political asylum is denied German Chancellor Kohl BON — The German government intends to expel 20,000 refugees who have come from Serbia and Montenegro. 11 a and from Javora 4 the fire-starters has been confirmed President by a spokesperson for the Interior Ministry. The government expulsion did not say anything about the number of refugees who will need humanitarian aid, but stated that Interior Minister Manfred Kanther has decided this. At present, 230,000 Serbs live in Germany, among them Kosovo Albanians. The majority, among them hundreds of Kosovars, have not had their request for political asylum accepted, even though the authorities have issued their order for a short time on German territory.

— The first arrests after the robbery of the Police Commissariat in Peqin. Thus, for the 23 automatic rifles and about 1,000 cartridges that disappeared on the night of 31 January from the weapons depot, Pëllumb Hasa and Avni Tuha, residents respectively of the village of Kaçe and of Peqin, are now accused. The investigative authorities have charged Hasa, 24, and Tuha, 22, with acting in collaboration with each other, but also with other people, and being the real perpetrators of this unusual robbery. The two people who were later indicted and placed under arrest were taken after a successful operation by the law-enforcement authorities in Peqin, one day after the theft was verified. The investigative authorities, which continue to work on this case, are also searching for other people who were involved — together with Hasa and Tuha — in the robbery of 31 January 1994. (e. l.)

PROTEST BY THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA — One month earlier, following her statement, the Albanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs protested against the plunder by Serbian border forces of soldier Salmir Pal Zejfi 100 meters inside Albanian territory. At that time, the incident was described as a criminal and premeditated anti-Albanian act by Serbian circles aimed at inflaming tensions between the two countries. A NEW NEWSPAPER IN THE CITY OF TEPELENA — A new newspaper has begun publication in the city of Tepelena, named after the city itself. "Tepelena" will be a newspaper published once a week. Aiming at public awareness, the newspaper also supports the democratic process by reflecting the concerns of the residents of this district. The views of Tepelenë intellectuals will also occupy a prominent place on its pages.

GREECE IN MOURNING, MERCURI DIES — Greek Culture Minister and former actress Melina Mercuri died in New York at the age of 74. Mercuri fell into a coma yesterday after being taken to a New York hospital, where she underwent surgery at the end of February to remove a tumor from her right lung. ISRAEL, GENERAL STRIKE IN THE OCCUPIED TERRITORIES — A general strike called by the leading Palestinian leader for all Palestinians aged 75 was held in the occupied territories. Palestinian sources outside and including a community of demonstrators for army appearances in the Jabalyas camp, near Gaza. SCANDAL IN THE WHITE HOUSE — President Bill Clinton, after a week of revelations over a tapped conversation between White House legal adviser Bernie Nussbaum and Monica (?) during a draft of a transcript of movements of people in the presidential office with Camp Lady and together with Mrs. Hillary Rodham Clinton and made Chelsea.

Creative activity heading toward paralysis Children’s books in crisis ON PAGE 2 Albania-Italy, after the collapse of ideologies Many cultural exchanges ON PAGE 2

ONLY IN THE STORES AUTHORIZED BY INTERNATIONAL TRADE "ARISTON" ALSO IN ANOTHER CONTEST THAT FOLLOWS THE PREVIOUS CONTEST, IN WHICH THREE WINNERS EMERGED ANYONE WHO BUYS AN ARISTON PRODUCT NEAR THE POINTS AUTHORIZED BY INTERNATIONAL TRADE, TOGETHER WITH THE WARRANTY CERTIFICATE, WILL ALSO RECEIVE A POSTCARD ON WHICH ALL THE RULES OF THE CONTEST ARE WRITTEN AND WHICH WILL GIVE HIM THE RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS CONTEST. GRAND PRIZE A FIAT PUNTO "LATEST MODEL" MONTHLY PRIZES 1. A MOTORCYCLE AND A SET OF POTS 2. A LIVING ROOM SET 3. A SERVICE SET WITH SPOONS, FORKS, KNIVES AND A SET OF DISHES ALL POSTCARDS WILL TAKE PART IN THE GRAND PRIZE ON 30.7.1994. CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK TO THE NEW "ARISTON" WINNERS