After the massacre at the barracks, the two countries strengthen their borders 1,500 refugees from Greece After the massacre at the barracks, the two countries strengthen their borders Expulsions resume 1,500 refugees from Greece TIRANA — Tension continues to rise between Albania and Greece, after Sunday’s terrorist attack at the Peshkëpi barracks. Following diplomatic accusations on both sides, the two countries have strengthened the readiness of the troops stationed along the border, and the first group of expelled Albanian refugees has already arrived back home. On Wednesday, the Greek Minister of Defence ordered the Eighth Division — deployed along the southern Albanian border — to be placed on maximum alert. On the other side, Albanian forces along the border have also raised their combat readiness. "We have our men and units there, and we will not allow such terrorist acts to be repeated," said Agim Shehu, a senior official at the Ministry of Public Order in Tirana, at a meeting organized with journalists. The first mass expulsion of Albanian refugees from Greece has meanwhile taken place after the terrorist attack was verified. On Thursday, more than 1,500 Albanian refugees were expelled by the Greek authorities. Most of them crossed through the Kakavijë border post, only a few kilometres from the place where the innocent victims were killed. In Tirana and Athens, the diplomatic battle continues very sharply. The Albanian Foreign Minister has decided to reduce the staff in Greece and the same has also been requested by the Greek side. Through a note delivered to the Greek Ambassador in Tirana, it was requested that the Greek diplomatic staff in Tirana be reduced to 6 people. Within two days, the Greek diplomats must leave Albanian territory. Yesterday, the First Secretary of the Albanian Embassy in Athens and the Greek Consul General Iakovov left the diplomatic headquarters in Athens and Gjirokastër. Tirana’s latest decision was requested on the basis of the lack of a reciprocal agreement on the number of diplomatic personnel required. Thus the reduction is to the lowest level since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, following the act in Peshkëpi in Greece. For Albanian experts there is no doubt: behind it, the real perpetrators of the Peshkëpi massacre are special forces of the Greek army, since it was carried out in an organized and premeditated manner. This conclusion was presented by the well-known senior official of the Ministry of Public Order. Yesterday Shehu and Muçmatja showed journalists material evidence that, according to them, supports this conclusion. "The terrorist commando’s method of operation, the precise choice of the target that had to be hit, the Greek military uniform and the objects found at the scene support our conclusion," said Shehu. One exception remains that Athens continues to reject. Its Defence Chief, Evangelos Venizelos, said the Greek government is still awaiting Tirana’s reply regarding the creation of a joint commission to investigate the incident. On the other hand, Karolos Papulias, the Greek Foreign Minister, has proposed to his Albanian counterpart to meet face to face in a neutral location to discuss the possibility of avoiding the crisis between the two countries. Meanwhile, an investigation has also been opened into Albanian military personnel accused of failing to carry out their duties in accordance with military regulations. According to Muçmatja, three Albanian officers are under investigation. A Border Police inspector from Gjirokastër and two soldiers from the unit where the attack took place are now being investigated at liberty after a two-day detention. "It is up to the Prosecutor’s Office to decide what happens next," said Muçmatja. A Greek soldier with a small Albanian refugee at the Kapshticë border Fotos Bashku

TIRANA — Another 12 million dollars from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in support of economic reform in Albania. The approval of this funding is the result of the conditions fulfilled by the IMF Executive Board regarding the economic programme of the Albanian Government, which it has described as highly successful and on schedule. This concrete measure reflects the satisfaction now expressed by the IMF with the government's efforts in economic reform in Albania over these last two years. "Particularly valued — said the IMF Representative Office to Gazeta Shqiptare — are the control of the budget deficit and inflation, monetary stabilization, the inevitable reduction in the exchange rate of the lek, while Albania has left behind a radical reform of prices." In fact, little by little, there has been a rise in the value of the Albanian currency. Over these two years the Albanian government has implemented a series of reforms that have led to price reform. The 12-million-dollar fund represents the second tranche of ESAF — the body for facilitating structural adjustments — which is intended to continue ensuring the current relevance of further structural reforms approved so far by the IMF. Its aim is to finance the balance of payments of the Albanian State by improving its indicators in favour of exports. Andrea Stefani

Extreme decision by Rome: the headquarters is missing Trade office closed For two years now the Embassy has also had no attaché Extreme decision by Rome: the headquarters is missing Italians without a consultant Trade office closed For two years now the Embassy has also had no attaché Italian Embassy in Tirana TIRANA — Albania is a not in Italy’s eyes as investable, but Italy is closing its Foreign Trade office in Tirana. This is not a political decision but a practical problem. Indeed, the Foreign Trade Office, which has the function of assisting Italian investors in their economic activities outside the country, no longer has a headquarters in Albania. Until now it had actually been housed at the Embassy, but for space reasons it has been forced to find another location. And although the problem does not seem to have a quick solution, from Rome they announced in a communiqué that the decision was taken by the authorities. The decision was taken by the officials of the Ministry of Foreign Trade, which is now ITA-r. Its representative in Tirana is at the moment not willing to comment. The same news about the suspension of its activity is not yet official; but it is known that Rrusta will very soon leave for the Sofia headquarters in Bulgaria and no one will come to replace him in Tirana. At least for now. The data has now performed in Albania a mediation function. Located near the Embassy, it has for more than two and a half years, since November 1991, been operating to seek Italian investments for Italian entrepreneurs who request assistance for their investments in Albania. At the Embassy, in fact, there is no trade attaché, and the official who normally deals with this delicate sector is missing. The position has been vacant for at least two years and so far the Foreign Ministry has not proceeded to appoint a responsible representative for this office. All consultancy activity has therefore passed through ITJ, which in fact itself is under another ministry. Since its opening, at least 800 Italian companies have come to invest in Albania and have received assistance from ITJ. On average 350 companies a year, a figure much higher than all those recorded in the other countries of the East. Albania continues to appeal to Italian investors and trade relations between the two countries are very deep. In just the first months of 1993, for example, imports from Italy accounted for 35 per cent of total Albanian imports and exports accounted for 38 per cent, thus making Italy the first partner of Tirana. From the beginning of next May, ITJ will close. While waiting for the Italian authorities to clarify the decision with a view to taking the appropriate measures, entrepreneurs will be forced to act on their own. Let us hope they will manage. (b.o.)

Cigarette smuggling: 2 detained POGRADEC — After a customs check, contraband cigarettes were found in a van stopped near the border. According to the authorities, two people have been detained and goods have been seized; the case is under investigation. [...]

In Parliament, "Partnership for Peace" TIRANA — The draft law for the ratification of the Framework Document of the Partnership for Peace between Albania and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization has arrived in the Albanian Parliament. Some time ago — on 23 February 1994 — former President of Albania Berisha signed this very important document at NATO headquarters in Brussels, thus effectively securing the invitation to the Partnership for Peace made by the Heads of State and Government of the member states of the North Atlantic Alliance. The signing and ratification of this document by Parliament constitutes the first stages in Albania’s cooperation with NATO and later opens up greater possibilities for its relations with it. Under this agreement Albania undertakes to contribute practically and intensively to NATO, in a direction aimed at strengthening and ensuring peace in the region. (An.St) Here is the list of the presidents of the countries that have signed the "Partnership for Peace" agreement: the latest signature is that of Bill Clinton

Fier, a naive imitation nearly turns into tragedy The 7-year-old had drunk his father’s rakia Fier, a naive imitation nearly turns into tragedy A drunk child in hospital The 7-year-old had drunk his father’s rakia FIER — The desire to imitate adults has put the life of a 7-year-old boy from the village of Kurrjan in Fier at risk. The "toy" of men — rakia — caused M.G. to be laid up, and within a few minutes he ended up in the city hospital’s intensive care unit. And along with him they took him. And from the voice of a mother, outside the little child, a serious event, alcoholic intoxication. "Intoxicated by alcohol," explains to Gazeta Shqiptare Dr. Harallamb Boga of the intensive care unit. It was managed to save him immediately with medicine: "The doctors’ dedication, but also the equipment, were put into operation to treat the little patient." The 7-year-old protagonist with his hands threw up light eyewear, which after the terrible anxiety has remembered him and his sister. "I was doing what they had forgotten, only for a moment, the care for their child. Elekla Myftari

IN TIRANA THE GERMAN FEDERAL MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS — Klaus Kinkel, Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany, completed a one-day visit to Albania yesterday. Kinkel, who came to our country at the invitation of his Albanian counterpart, during talks with the prime minister and on the issues, according to diplomatic sources, and the problems of the crisis in the former Yugoslavia and the role it plays... TEPELENË, THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY PROVIDES AID FOR SCHOOLS — Around 1.6 million lekë is the sum that the European Community has allocated for the schools of Tepelenë. It will mainly be invested in the form of investments in those facilities where the needs are most urgent. On the other hand, the Education Economic Center is also preparing the documentation for sending the customs with goods among... TRANSIT PAPERS FOR VEHICLES AT THE BORDER CROSSINGS WITH MACEDONIA — It will be made easier, as they have been put into circulation from the border crossing point with Macedonia, Tërsthnave and the Peshkopi point, where some documents have also been issued for drivers at Qafë-Thanë; there will be no long typical spring queues. Now the requested subject will be served on the Elbasan-Librazhd road as well, as the government said yesterday.

Another massacre in Israel 6 victims Bomb on city bus ON PAGE 2 Interview with high school students and university students From the main goals, dignity but also family ON PAGE 3

Announces operations to two new destinations TIRANE - BOLONJE - TIRANE TIRANE - SHKUP - TIRANE TIRANE - BOLONJE - TIRANE Operations on this new direct route begin on 19 April 1994 Every Tuesday and Thursday: Departs Tirana at 16:35 and arrives in Bologna at 18:50 Departs Bologna at 19:20 and arrives in Tirana at 21:35 TIRANE - SHKUP - TIRANE Operations on this new direct route begin on 27 April 1994 Every Wednesday: Departs Tirana at 22:15 and arrives in Skopje at 22:45 Every Thursday: Departs Skopje at 07:10 and arrives in Tirana at 07:50 Departs Tirana at 21:50 and arrives in Skopje at 22:20 Every Friday: Departs Skopje at 05:50 and arrives in Tirana at 06:30 Note: Albanian Airlines provides an information service for passengers who will use the Tirana-Bologna air route concerning prices and train schedules from Bologna to various destinations within Italy. For further information you may contact the Albanian Airlines reservations office at telephone number 42857.