The investigation began in July '92 The number of people arrested rises to five The investigation began in July '92 Adoption file reopened: a former judge in prison The number of people arrested rises to five TIRANA — The old file on the adoption scandal has been reopened. This time the Prosecution has decided to send the former judge of the Tirana Court, lawyer Natasha Xhaka, to prison under a detention order. This brings the total number of people arrested on charges of involvement in the adoption scandal to five. Yes. The former Deputy Prosecutor General Myzejen Belshaku, former director at the Durrës Home for Infants, were the first against whom the detention measure was issued — they were convicted for "abuse of office" and "forgery of official documents". The investigation into the adoptions, which had begun in July 1992, concluded that more than seven former judges and lawyers, who together with from June of '91 would keep 92 — in more than 300 adoption cases — "had committed serious procedural violations". Xhaka may also be implicated in this case, since when the arrests in this scandal began, she was not in Albania. In any case, the final charge remains uncertain, because the 35-year-old former judge had worked for almost six months as a lawyer at the Tirana Court. Natasha Xhaka was questioned by investigators around ten in the morning and then escorted to Tirana Prison. For reasons of investigative secrecy, the charge has not been confirmed and the reasons for this "reopening" of the file are not clear (the Prosecutor’s Office had requested a month and a half earlier the immediate arrest, upon her return to Albania, of lawyer Lir[?] Shyti. It was also reported that together with Shyti, a doctor was also placed in prison, though he is still [?"] considered involved in this scandal. In any case, for Xhaka only a detention order may have been issued and a final decision may be taken only today. The old Tirana Court where many adoptions were carried out The first conclusions on the adoption scandal were given by the Adoption Commission, which had been set up after the suspension of adoptions by the special decree of former President Ramiz Alia. From a pile of court files from Albanian courts that were checked by investigators, more than 300 of them were found to contain "serious procedural violations". It was precisely after this that the first arrests began, while criminal responsibility was also sought for people who at the time were not in Albania, among them the other judge, Sefi, or the lawyer Ibrahim. Edmond Laçi

Why is tension rising with Tirana? CARLO BOLLINO TIRANA — Greek nationalists out of Albania? Why? They have become servants of Athens and Thessaloniki to protest, they are not invited, they demand Malias and Selasrisark of Morfjes. The old Greek government promises it will strengthen measures to stop the illegal emigration of Albanians — since it will copy the model used by the German border police — and believes the project could even be funded by the European Union. In other words, by the very Europe from which it may block funding of 35 million ECU intended for Albania — for operational bodies and especially to keep the country afloat. In recent days the Greeks have shown that they want to exacerbate the conflict with Albania, refusing dialogue offers from Tirana. One from the government in Tirana. An openly hostile attitude — in fact — also against Italy, and even more so against Macedonia. The failure emerging near them shows that Athens was pursuing a highly precise strategy that also included Albania, which itself, at a moment of this international "tension", has hidden objectives. But which ones? The first is to affect the state order and the electoral result of the upcoming 12 June vote. A population that wants to keep consensus high around the party in power must show that it has enough political and social strength to achieve a clear "victory". On a day that should find it strong in the face of the permanent opposition of the ultranationalist center — and strong in the face of Europe. For "patriotism" it is essential to pressure Tirana, so as to boldly claim that ultranationalist groups demand "Northern Epirus" and for the political cause of which the Greek minority in Albania is being used as a pretext. But for Panhalas and the many changes in Rome, to show that the socialists themselves are supporting Berlusconi’s government, accused at this moment of "nationalism" especially by Mitterrand’s France, Athens’ major international sponsor. In this way, and calmly, it seeks to confuse and frighten Europe, thrown into a deep crisis after Greece’s appeal to the Foreign Ministry of the economic state caused by it. But what should be done in the face of the Greek majority? Nothing. One must simply wait for the 12 June elections to pass, understanding that each side must remain anchored to its own principles: those of respect for minorities and international legality. In particular, strengthening oneself so as not to fall into anyone’s electoral provocations.

The People’s Assembly approves the new law TIRANA — From now on, notary services in Albania will be private too. For the first time, this activity becomes fully free and independent. The law approved by Parliament a few days ago and due to enter into force soon will bring a new organization of the structure of this profession, thereby filling the large gap inherited from the previous legislation of the Albanian state. Thus, another important step has been taken in legislative reform in Albania. The new legal rules introduced by the law "On Notaries" will, according to specialists, serve the development of private activity on the basis of respect for private property and the development of contractual relations in a free market. More importantly, the exercise of the notary profession is considered entirely free and not subject to anything other than the law. Under the draft approved by Parliament, this activity may be carried out by persons who have a university degree in law and who have completed an internship — lasting one year — at a notary office. The appointment of a notary, as well as his removal from office, is made only by the Minister of Justice. Before beginning work, each person will take an oath before starting to perform the duties. The profession of notary excludes any kind of activity and deprives him of the right to engage in other public activities, with the exception of scientific and teaching work. The notary must therefore perform only the tasks arising from his profession and, in order to carry these out, must be provided with an office and the necessary conditions. But under the new law, a notary may not have more than one office, which operates on the basis of territorial administrative norms. In addition to the duties and rights that the notary must fulfill, the law will be applied. For the scheduling and management of financial acts, the notary is to act by order and provide them through the fees for the service he performs. Notarial fees are set by the Ministry of Justice in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance. However, they may be liberalized by decision of the Council of Ministers. Also, the notary is prohibited from exercising his functions in a matter in which he himself is involved or interested, as well as when the interested party is a close family member up to the third degree. The new law also defines the organization of notarial activity, the manner in which deeds are drafted, notarial acts and procedures, and the cases in which they are invalid. The law "On Notaries" thus forms part of the new legislation being created in Albania within the framework of the rule of law initiative. Ar. Me.

— A terror act in the city of Peshkopi, but fortunately there were no victims. The shooter is Ymer Lala from Muhurr. He appeared on Monday in front of the city Police Commissariat building and opened fire on it with bursts from an automatic weapon. At least those present at this unusual scene heard the rattling sound of the weapon as well as his hysterical shots and his threat: "I will kill you all." After this act of terror he fled in an unknown direction with two "Alfa Romeo" vehicles bearing license plates and driving direction. Leaving behind, as evidence of the act, only a few shell casings near the commissariat building. While he is being pursued by the police, it is believed that the reason for Lala’s anger was the arrest of his nephew on charges of stealing timber. (L.Gj)

Berisha at the meeting with Andonov Albanian President Berisha TIRANA — Albania will help the new Macedonian republic in its membership of the CSCE and in the Black Sea initiative. This was confirmed by President Sali Berisha himself during a meeting he had in Tirana with the Speaker of the Macedonian Parliament, Andonov. Berisha emphasized once again that Albania is interested in the stability of Macedonia and that it encourages Albanians to be a factor of stability for this state. But at the same time, according to the Albanian President, recognition of the new and the old ones will be completed by those Albanians who live there, and they themselves contribute to the stability of the Macedonian state. (En. M.)

Hay bales suffocated a 6-year-old FIER — A serious tragedy drew attention on Thursday morning in one of the villages of the Fier district. A six-year-old child lost his life, trapped by the heavy pile of hay that suddenly fell from a tractor. The serious incident occurred in one of the many plots of the Myzeqe fields during this busy period of agricultural work. According to initial reports, the child died on the spot, and an investigation has begun to determine responsibility for the event. It is still not clear whether the child died from the weight of the large amount of hay or from some other injury caused at that moment. (En. My.)

TIRANA — A new element has entered the open debate that is taking place regarding the elections of 29 May. It was the Association for Democratic Culture (SHDK), which, at a press conference, presented its views on the issues of this contested election. In the SHDK statement — drawn up by its observers present in the communes — the overall problematic conduct of the elections is asserted in Tirana and Peshkopi, while numerous violations of electoral law are also denounced in several combined and other polling centers. Thus in Libohovë — according to SHDK observers — an individual claimed to be a PD observer threatened citizens in a polling center, while in the village of Agim, a PS member entered the polling station armed. Meanwhile in Greqi there were power cuts in two polling stations and in one of them this was accompanied by an explosion that injured two people. The observers also report violations of electoral law related to the deployment of soldiers in Zall-Herr a few days before the elections and their voting with identification documents without photographs. For SHDK observers, the large number of invalid votes is also notable, especially in Libofshë where they reached 35 percent. According to these observers, people who had exerted pressure on members of the electoral commission were seen moving around in vehicles with state license plates.

CURSIVE REALITY TIRANA — "I felt very happy those days. Being an actress in a film was a game I had dreamed of for a long time, while the film set with Michele Placido, Barbara De Rossi and Kim Rossi Stuart?" Anxhela Bregu, 11 years old, tells Gazeta Shqiptare about the fulfillment of her dream. She is now the first little protagonist in a film by the famous Italian director Gianni Amelio, who has been shooting in Albania for some time. Little Anxhela was chosen from among a group of children and other youths. This shows not only her first cinematic "adventure" but also her strong rapport with the group of Italian and Albanian filmmakers. Now Anxhela sees herself in the most charming scenes of the group and almost everyone turns away as if by magic. Among them is Michele Placido, one of the best-known figures on screen. Anxhela was chosen by director Amelio to film a scene in Malësi. She plays the role of a village girl whose life changes when, after many years, an Italian soldier who had been sheltered by a local family returns. "It is a very touching scene," says Anxhela herself, "I have to accompany the older actors, who in the film are my grandfather." The little actress, at first glance, does not stand out much from her classmates at school. "After Sharon"!? of Tirana. But on her face, two very expressive eyes stand out, whose natural innocence make her almost suited to an eternal role in cinema’s great stage. The new role has brought her closer to the great world of film. And if we asked her whether her dream is to become a famous actress, she would say yes. On one of the shooting sets with Michele Amelio. A success not many have achieved. (Va. Lu.) Little actress Anxhela Bregu and Michele Placido Little actress Anxhela Bregu and Michele Placido

A grand concert for 2 June TIRANA — They began with a special ceremony to mark the celebration of the Italian Republic in Albania on the occasion of 2 June, the holiday of Italy together. At 9:00 a.m., the Italian diplomatic corps, and the Arbëresh citizens Paolo Fortis and Alberto Bruti, laid a wreath in memory of the 104 Italians who died in Albania, in the wars as in the Second World War and those killed here in Tirana, in the former Italian soldiers’ cemetery. During this commemorative ceremony in Tirana and for the citizens here for the Gazette, in Albania Major Cirio Cancero, representative of the Italian Ministry of Defense. After this beautiful ceremony, the well-known Italian singer Palatino e Kongresove had a public performance — after a long reception by Ambassador Festi, with many invited guests — among them Albanian personalities — who attended a pleasant concert by the Italian embassy organized for the month of the holiday. In this concert, the youth orchestra of the Tirana Conservatory played pieces by Rossini, Haydn and the conductor Franco Petracchi.

HIGH-RANKING OFFICIAL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION OBSERVER MISSION VISITS ALBANIA — The deputy head of the European Union Observer Mission (ECMM), General Mourmouris, has visited Albania. The senior European official arrived at Rinas Airport. Mourmouris held talks at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with senior Albanian officials, to whom he expressed gratitude for the assistance the Albanian side has provided to the mission. During a special meeting Mourmouris held with Foreign Minister Serreqi, the serious situation in the Balkans was also discussed, while the agreements and the routes that should be followed to eliminate these crises were assessed. A FRENCH COMPANY WILL DEVELOP HYDROCARBON EXPLORATION — It will be the French company "Comarex" that has obtained the right to explore and later produce hydrocarbons in Albanian territory. The agreement was signed in Tirana between representatives of this company and the Ministry of Mineral and Energy Resources. According to it, the French company has the right, as granted by the Albanian ministry, to invest 11.2 million in its activities for 25 years. For the moment the agreement is being reviewed by the government and soon work will begin immediately on land, in what specialists call block 9. "At the signing ceremony took part senior officials, among them the Minister of Mineral and Energy Resources, Abdyl Xhaja, and the French Ambassador in Tirana, Zhak For.

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