EMBARGO / Intervention to enforce UN sanctions “No exchanges with Montenegro” TIRANA — The implementation of the embargo against the former Yugoslavia has caused concern and confusion in the world of controls, as part of a series of activities that also include the plans of several Albanian cities for cultural contacts with Montenegro. In this context, many planned events have been called into question and are being reviewed for suspension. In this framework, an initiative for cultural exchanges with Montenegro has also been postponed or suspended. The Albanian authorities are seeking the strict enforcement of UN sanctions. It is understood that the intervention came from Tirana and was communicated to local institutions. There have been mixed reactions in cultural circles, where it is emphasized that the cultural contacts had been planned for a long time and that the organizers worked hard to make them happen. However, since the situation is tied to the international embargo, the activities are being reconsidered. Meanwhile, the Montenegrins themselves have been interested in getting around the blockade imposed from this side. And in this situation, Albania of course represents a way out. The key point. A group of specialists from the Montenegrin Football Federation has been in Albania for several days. The purpose of the Montenegrin football officials’ trip is to study the possibility of organizing a series of sporting events with Albanian clubs. Now, it is very likely that these activities will be postponed at least as long as the embargo lasts, and that a status quo will be maintained in the field of sporting and cultural contacts. The other side... KOPLIK — The other side of the embargo story has been continuing for a long time as well. For the whole country, it is becoming increasingly difficult; its implementation has become a problem for the economic and social development of border areas. Located for the most part in the territory bordering the former Yugoslavia, these districts are now suffering the consequences of the embargo most acutely. The most recent case is news from the district of Malësia e Madhe. Almost all planned activities in the town of Koplik have been halted. Only 552 people are officially employed in the private sector, at a time when the population of this mountainous district urgently needs jobs. The entire source of income for the people of this area has been significantly weakened. Various cultural activities with the former Yugoslavia have also been called into question.

Discovered by police TIRANA — The cashbox of the World Assembly of Islamic Youth for Albania has been robbed. These same three thieves are linked to this scandal. According to the police, the perpetrators used fake keys to enter the offices where the cashbox was kept and take a substantial sum of money. The incident was discovered by the police after the initial investigation. Strike: 10 miners in hospital MAT — The number of hunger-striking miners who have ended up in the Krraba hospital has reached ten. Since last Friday, 63 workers from the Krrastë mine have been on hunger strike. They are demanding back pay and better conditions. Mine managers and local representatives have not reached an agreement with the strikers.

NEFINK, painful figures Only during 1994 more than 60 victims were brought to Albania TIRANA — Emigration continues to claim human lives. The attempt to leave the country and cross borders has led to many victims. In 1994 alone, according to NEFINK figures, more than 60 bodies of deceased emigrants were brought to Albania. Many of them drowned at sea or lost their lives in other tragic ways. Most of the emigrants tried to go to Italy or Greece, facing numerous dangers. The costs of funeral services and transporting the bodies were very high for the families. In many cases, financial help was requested to cover the expenses. NEFINK — we transport the bodies or pay the costs when the transport is carried out by the victim’s family. The figures given by Nefink are thought, however, to be lower, since the costs of bringing back the bodies of emigrants have often been covered by relatives or associations. Since 1993, Nefink has carried out services for more than 80 people, according to the Directorate of the Diaspora. Providing funeral services for Albanians who die abroad requires a large amount of funding. Thus, only for this month of 1994, more than 35 thousand dollars have been spent, while it is believed that this amount could double in the coming months. Ar. Me.

Air transport TIRANA — The new air route between Tirana and Bologna was shut down only a short time after its inauguration. The plane of the Albanian company “Albanian Airlines”, which took off only 5 times, has not seen the airport of the Italian city again. The reason for this sudden interruption has been the breach of contract by the Italian partner, the company “Agri Co. S.r.l.” This company had not secured a supporting bank for the issuing of tickets. While this route remains blocked, the Albanian side is trying to find ways to put it back into operation. “We have made concessions and are reviewing some points of the contract,” explains Valter Bedini, administrator of “Albanian Airlines”, to Gazeta Shqiptare — “if the Italian partner agrees, flights could perhaps resume next week. We are very interested in this route ourselves.” Ar. Me.

Investors are asking for security for the land TIRANA — Soon, work will begin in the capital on the construction of an entirely new residential center where high-end apartments will also be built. The planned area is located in the territory known as “Kodrat e Liqenit”. The project provides for the construction of more than 10 high-rise buildings, a shopping center, a hotel, and a series of community facilities. Work will begin once the investors receive the relevant guarantees for the land and infrastructure services. But even in this case, it seems that there are still difficulties to overcome. One of them is the illegal buildings previously erected in this area. This is also the reason why “Nac Ra International” is mentioned as an interested party for the investment. The authorities will also request police intervention to clear the spaces occupied illegally. The area is expected to see the planting of 10,000 trees, and the construction will be accompanied by high-quality roads.

PDD accusation TIRANA — There is a real coalition between the ruling Democratic Party and its main opposition force, the Socialist Party. This is what the chairman of the PDD has declared, according to whom the two political forces cooperate silently for specific interests. According to this statement, this silent cooperation is seen in common positions on various political and parliamentary issues.

CURSIVE REALITY TIRANA — The issue of noble titles and their use in Albania continues to provoke public opinion. The debate concerns the way some titles have been distributed and the suspicions that a part of them were bought. In Albanian society there is still an attraction to the old symbols of aristocracy. This has brought back into circulation various titles and claims. But critics ask the question: what about the bought titles? Fatos Baxhaku

The delegation of the European Democratic Union TIRANA — An informal discussion about the development and condition of the free press in Albania, based on the testimony of Albanian journalists themselves. This was the theme of the meeting that a delegation of the European Democratic Union (EDU) held at the Palace of Congresses with a group of Albanian journalists. During the meeting, the problems faced by the independent press, its relationship with politics, the economic conditions, and the need for a free media market were discussed. The delegation’s representatives showed interest in the journalists’ practical experiences. The meeting was described as useful by the participants.

MALAKASTËR, A YOUNG MAN IS KILLED OVER PROPERTY — The property issue in this area continues to cause conflicts. A young man was shot dead in Selitë. LEZHË, THE ANCIENT TOWN WITH NO MUSEUM — Care for cultural heritage has been lacking. DURRËS, 16 MILLION LEKË FOR THE WOOD PROCES[?] — Funds have been allocated for wood processing. PARLIAMENT SETS ITS WORK PLAN UNTIL JULY — The deputies established the calendar of proceedings.

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