After the DP Council: “There is corruption in their ministries” Selami: “Ministers will be replaced” After the DP Council: “There is corruption in their ministries” A major earthquake in the Government Selami: “Ministers will be replaced” FATOS BAXHAKU TIRANA—The referendum has unleashed a veritable storm in the Government. Several ministers will have to make way, but Prime Minister Meksi will remain in his post. The storm has also shaken the leadership structures of the Democratic Party itself. The National Council voted by secret ballot on the composition of the DP leadership group. The news about changes in the Government, which had previously circulated only as rumors, was confirmed to the Albanian Gazette by the party’s own chairman, Eduard Selami, after yesterday’s press conference at the Palace of Congresses. Selami sounded entirely certain about the changes expected. “There will certainly be changes very soon,” he said. “We are convinced that we need to improve governance at every level. The National Council has asked the party bodies to make the necessary changes in the Government as soon as possible.” Selami declined to give the number or names of the individual ministers who would be removed under the weight of criticism from all sides, which had fallen on the Government after the referendum. “It is still too early to mention specific names,” he said. Prime Minister Meksi will continue in his job, even with a Government whose composition has changed. “In my opinion, Meksi should not be moved,” he answered when asked about the Prime Minister. What are the ministers at fault for? “First, the lack of efficiency in the work of the ministries they head, and second, corruption.” Selami was cautious in his criticism concerning corruption. “When I mention corruption,” he said, “I do not mean that the ministers who will be replaced have been corrupt, but that there have been instances of corruption in the ministries they headed. In this case, being honest in your job is not enough; you must also show resolve in fighting corruption.” Selami’s words suggest that criticism was harsh within the party’s own leadership bodies as well. According to him, during the lengthy meeting of the DP National Council, a vote of confidence was requested on the party’s leadership structures, the party chairman and the President, on whom the DP Congress must decide; the party’s presidency was voted on by secret ballot in the National Council. “This is a measure provided for by our statute in such cases. The results of the Council’s vote once again confirmed the same structures and the same leaders as before,” Selami said. Just moments earlier, Selami had answered questions about the host of problems that emerged after the referendum. He again confirmed his party’s approach to resolving the tangled political situation: forming a constitutional commission, broadening political alliances, and improving governance at every level. Even the chairman of the Democratic Party found it difficult to make a clear prediction about when an agreement on the Constitution might be reached. “It could be achieved very soon, but it could also be delayed if the current situation drags on, as we move toward early elections.” It is precisely this last option that the party he leads is determined not to accept. New parliamentary elections would have a negative impact on the pace of economic reform. The Democratic Party has consistently maintained that the result of November 6 did not reflect attitudes toward specific parties to such an extent as to warrant early elections. The opposition, meanwhile, has expressed a completely different view. They regard the victory of the No vote as a shift in the Albanian electorate. According to him, at the lengthy meeting of the National Council, the party once again adopted its line as a complex political solution: to seek consensus with the other political forces on forming the constitutional commission, expanding political alliances, and improving— It is precisely this formula of early elections for the Albanian electorate that has provided an opportunity to reach the agreement sought for the approval of the long-awaited Constitution.

A confession after the sensational statement Just a few hours of uncertainty over the Albanian national team’s bench. “My decision needs time before it is announced” A confession after the sensational statement Bajko: “I’m tired, but I’m not resigning” Just a few hours of uncertainty over the Albanian national team’s bench. “My decision needs time before it is announced” TIRANA—“I did not announce my resignation; I only described the difficulties, fatigue and stress of this job.” A few hours after the sensational press conference, held with Albanian journalists immediately after the end of the Albania–Germany match, coach Bajko explains everything about the mystery surrounding his “resignation.” “If I were to make such a decision, I would certainly need more time,” Bajko told the Albanian Gazette. “That time is necessary so I can also consider what support might be offered to me regarding all those things I still consider major problems for the Albanian national team.” For hours, it seemed as though the crossbar struck by Ledio Pano in the 90th minute had also finally decided the future of coaches Vogst and Bajko. But while Vogst had indeed announced his resignation—linked precisely to the match result—the 1–2 result could not normally have had the same implications for the Albanian coach. Yet just as Albanians were celebrating the return of an Albanian goal, the packed “Qemal Stafa,” a magical 45 minutes, and a narrow, dignified defeat against the three-time champions, the journalists heard an honest confession with a sensational statement that sounded like a resignation. “I have gone through extraordinary fatigue, moments of stress, so I think I need to give my career more time and live with the concerns that have accumulated since the training camp right up to this match, which never seems to end; for the first time, my leadership of the Albanian national team is in question.” At that point, everything turned to Bajko’s resignation, an announcement that Rakkli and his colleagues do not believe and do not want. “Bajko is an intelligent coach,” Rakkli told the Albanian Gazette, “but since he has cast doubt on his resignation and would do it because of the conditions that need to be created, I understand him.”

A day in Albania Tirana commemorates its liberation The capital has commemorated one of the most important events in its history. 50 years ago, the Nazi forces were defeated in Tirana. A commemorative ceremony was held to mark that day of battles, with the participation of dignitaries and witnesses to the event. Among those invited were Prime Minister Aleksandër Meksi and Presidential Secretary Kolec Topalli. In his speech, he said that Tirana is a symbol of the struggle, with the Peza partisan detachment—the first in Albania and in Europe—and its leaders Myslym Peza and Mustafa Gjinishi. In honor of Liberation Day, the emblem of Tirana, which will symbolize the capital, was also unveiled at the Palace of Culture. Law on the seizure of vehicles approved It will be harder for owners whose vehicles are used to commit criminal offenses. Having recognized the need for such measures, the People’s Assembly has passed a law whose purpose is precisely that. Under the law, people whose vehicles are seized, even if they do not own them, and as they cannot ... [part of the text unclear/cut off at the end].

Two drivers detained SHKODER—The effects are beginning to be felt of the decision taken by the Albanian Government to strengthen measures against fuel smuggling at the borders with Serbia and Montenegro. The financial police have just impounded four fuel tankers. The reason is that their cargo, amounting to dozens of tons, was intended for sale across the border, in violation of UN Security Council Resolution 820 on the embargo against the former Yugoslavia. Along with impounding the tankers, law-enforcement officers detained two of their drivers. Meanwhile, it has become evident that the number of fuel stations in these areas has increased; with their capacity far exceeding local vehicle-refueling needs, they serve to encourage fuel smuggling along the shores of Lake Shkodra.

ELBASAN / Emergency continues at the hospital Cholera kills again A man dies in the infectious diseases ward ELBASAN—Cholera has claimed another life in Elbasan. On Tuesday morning, while everyone’s attention had shifted to the psychiatric hospital, it struck the city’s infectious diseases ward. The victim was Mehmet Tusha, 58, a farmer from Prekali, an area that had not previously been affected by the outbreak. His death, however—and for reasons that remain unknown—was not made public until Wednesday morning. According to doctors, the decision to keep it temporarily secret was made by the infectious diseases ward. Tusha’s death was by no means an isolated incident. On Tuesday, three people from the village of [unclear in source] ended up in hospital, while dozens of others received medical treatment. The following day, two more infected people from Gradishta, in the Belsh area, joined the villagers from Prekani. The spread of the epidemic in the villages has alarmed local health authorities. Movement in the village of Prekan was immediately restricted, and supplies are being delivered by tanker. Meanwhile, the water-supply company has asked the Ministry of Defense to provide shipments of chlorine, since the current supply will last only a short time. The psychiatric hospital remains in an emergency situation, with the number of cholera deaths there reaching 13 in just the past five days. On Wednesday, three more patients were added to the list of 40 infected people. Two patients are still in very serious condition. In addition to increasing the staff, the Ministry has allocated a fund of 6,000 dollars to be used to install heating systems in the hospital. To prevent further spread, 700 cholera vaccines have also arrived; they will be administered to 350 patients and staff. Mentor Kikia

One person injured GJIROKASTER—A violent clash took place between a group of residents of the village of Lazarat and law-enforcement forces. The Gjirokastër police commissioner was injured in the clash, while one villager was wounded by gunfire. The cause of the confrontation appears to have been the alleged mistreatment, according to the people of Lazarat, of one of their fellow villagers by police at the Kakavie border crossing. A few hours later, a group of villagers attacked the “Toyota” car of Bernard Çushi, head of the Gjirokastër police station, at the Korhoc bend near the village of Lazarat. The police escort defended itself, and bursts of gunfire brought the clash to a halt before it could escalate. The consequences were several injuries to the police station chief, as well as a wound to the right arm of one of the Lazarat attackers, who was immediately admitted to hospital. Ra.Ko

A court for minors soon How much does a child “cost”? Adoption fees set TIRANA — From now on, adopting a child will cost money. A government meeting has decided to set fees—the same for foreigners and Albanians—that a couple must pay if they wish to adopt. The payment covers services—their value has been calculated at more than 3,000 lekë—and includes the costs of photographs of the child, statements by the parents or the institution where the child is staying, medical examinations and tests, court costs, and any other expenses that may arise while completing the required procedure. The Adoption Committee has decided to carry out all these tasks through its own staff. It will have a lawyer and a finance officer so as to avoid any possibility of corruption. To protect children and their rights, the Adoption Committee has taken the initiative to establish a Juvenile Court. “We have held several consultations with the Minister of Justice on this matter,” Mara explains, “and have found his support.” According to Mara, establishing this court is absolutely essential, since its remit would extend everywhere. It provides for sanctions against parents when they mistreat their children and, at the same time, is another instrument serving the upbringing and education of minors. B.I.

TIRANA—A shock in Group VII of “Euro ’96.” While Germany beat the hosts 2–1 in Tirana, extraordinary things happened in Tbilisi and Sofia. Wales have been defeated for the second time in a row; this time Georgia thrashed them 5–0, leaving them with little chance in this qualifying competition. The surprise team of Group VII, Moldova, disappointed even themselves in Sofia, where Stoçkov scored twice, while Balakov and Kostadinov made Klatchenko’s only goal count for almost nothing. Thus Albania remains the only team without a single point. Bulgaria and Moldova lead with 6 points, while Germany, Georgia and Wales have only 3 points—the points from their sole victories.

Crisis in the Aegean: Clinton’s mediation On page 2 Cinema greats pay tribute to Fellini On page 3