Annual payment for vehicles New rules for customs tariffs Parliament decision also for motorcycles and trucks Here is the levy Type of vehicle Tax Motorcycles 500 lek Cars 2,000 lek Trucks 3,000-6,000 lek Buses 5,000-7,000 lek TIRANË — A new tax in Albania. It was announced that, in addition to the usual taxes, citizens who will buy and use a vehicle will be required to pay an annual registration tax for it as well. It is a measure newly approved by Parliament, which has added this new tax to the list of fiscal duties. The so-called tax (500 lek a year) applies to motorcycles. The tax for cars is fixed at 2,000 lek for all types. For trucks and buses, the registration tax will vary according to size, respectively from 3,000 to 6,000 for the former and from 5,000 to 7,000 for the latter. This tax is being applied for the first time in Albania, and the revenue collected from it will be used to improve the road-signalling system. It remains to be seen what the interest will be of vehicle users, who continue to be highly exposed to the dangers of traffic chaos. Important changes have also been made by Parliament to the Law "On Customs Tariffs". Until now, under the assessment rules, customs value included only the purchase price of goods. With the change, the same category now includes the value of the goods, transport, and payments for other expenses up to the first Albanian border. In addition, when calculating the import value, the amount for transport and the Albanian customs fees for the goods will also be included. To avoid an artificial increase in the customs value of goods — a situation that emerged a few months ago and was called the customs scandal — the Council of Ministers will issue lists of minimum customs values for goods. Parliament has also approved a decree by the President of the Republic on exemption from customs duties for imported goods within the framework of projects financed by loans and credits linked to the United States and Germany, the Islamic Development Bank, and other bodies that grant loans on favorable terms to Albania. It is hoped that this approved legal act will greatly help resolve the difficulties that have arisen in customs clearance of goods arriving within the framework of critical import projects. p. re. Traffic in Tiranë

The "blockmen" in the Court of Appeal "dock" TIRANË — Another trial for the sentencing of former senior officials of the regime. This time the blockmen — former senior officers — were brought before the Court of Appeal. The Court of Appeal, explains to Gazeta Shqiptare Prel Martinit, President of the Court of Appeal and of the Judicial Panel, will examine the legality of the decision handed down by the Court of First Instance. Thus, on the morning of 16 February, Mihal, Miska, Gegprifti, Murra, Belkesthi, Çeliku, Asllani, Çerrava, Cami and Çuko may meet again after a session in the court hall, following the appeal in this case against the decision of the Tirana court. It was this court that, on 30 December, found them guilty of abuse of office in the Government Headquarters. As before, the indictment against the defendants, on unfounded grounds or presented as having occurred in cooperation, referred to the creation of "privileges". The respective prison sentences — from five to eight years — were also accompanied by disqualification from holding office, due to the benefits obtained by the defendants during the period in which they exercised their political power and positions of authority. E. D. La.

More houses are planned for the future Around 300 hectares just for industry More houses are planned for the future A plan "draws" tomorrow's Shkodra Around 300 hectares just for industry SHKODËR — Another city in Albania will change its face. This time it is Shkodra, which is already planning its future for the next 20 years. The decision of the National Council for Territorial Planning has also recently approved the city’s master plan. The form of urban development for the city of Shkodra, one of the oldest in Albania, has now been defined. It will include new urban-development policies and movements. The entire planned structure has envisaged the city’s development — over a multi-year perspective — by increasing the population density from 136 inhabitants per hectare to 250. This increase will also be met with the construction of new housing. For this, not only state but also private buildings have been planned. On the state side — for housing — high-rise and multi-story structures are to be created. Large areas have also been set aside for private construction. Thus, for this latter type of building, areas on the city hills have been designated. Further on, near Artakide, by the Institute of Maize and Rice, as well as in the continuation of the village of Dobraç. But in addition to these areas — where population density is expected to be 40-200 inhabitants per hectare — the currently available vacant spaces will also be used for private construction. The master plan of Shkodra also takes into account the city’s future economic and social development. There will be around 300 hectares of area — 30 of them included in the system of the most humid Kur — which will be used exclusively for industrial construction. For this type of development, something special is also envisaged. The industrial zone will be separated from the residential one and moved away from the center. It has been decided that the solution to all these issues will rely only on the greatest possible capacity. Thus, the area, from the current 4.5 hectares, will increase almost fivefold. Meanwhile, about 16 more hectares are earmarked for healthcare. It is precisely here that various health facilities will be concentrated. The protection of the culture and splendid traditions inherited by this city has also been given a special place in its future planning. A museum, as a special area approved by the Municipality in cooperation with the Institute of Projects, will pay special attention to the treatment of the museum zone. A view of Shkodra Armand Mero

THE NUMBER OF BIRTHS IN 1993 HAS FALLEN IN TROPOJË — The number of births during 1993 has also fallen in Bajram Curri. If in '92, more than 2,000 children had been born in this district, in '93 there were 180 fewer births. About 40 percent of them were to young mothers. There were many cases in which the mother was absent. The drop in the number of births is explained by various social factors, but also by the lack of health services. It is precisely the latter that has also influenced the increase in the infant ward in this district. A COMPANY FOR TAXI SERVICES IS CREATED IN SARANDË — Nearly 50 cars operating within a single company have given life to the organized taxi service in the city of Sarandë. This company will raise this service to professional standards and will offer reductions in its fares from the moment it starts operating. Its drivers — for some time now — have been working without a profession and without pay. SPECIALIZATION IN GREECE FOR RTSH JOURNALISTS AND TECHNICIANS — There are 26 journalists and technicians from RTSH who have left for specialization in Greece. This was achieved on the basis of an agreement previously reached with two radio-television stations. In the previous month, specialists from both sides carried out work training in their respective countries. IN DELVINË A PRIVATE MARKET CHANGES ACCORDING TO MARKET RULES — The appearance of a private market, which has taken on the work of reconstructing it, will soon change. In the background, suitable conditions will also be created for the 200 private traders who carry out their activity in this market.

ELBASAN / Women among the spectators too This is how the film crisis is fought ELBASAN / Women among the spectators too "Less sex in the cinema" This is how the film crisis is fought ELBASAN — "Less violence and prostitution." This is the appeal of the people who deal with film screenings in the city of Elbasan. And this is how it is translated to escape the crisis that has gripped the big screen of the cinema: "we hope to bring women back to the cinema." Over the last three years, as in the whole country, the screens of Elbasan had been dominated by violence, terror, gruesome murders, rape, or extreme pornography. Shown as translated or enticing films, translated by private operators, and entirely with visual appeal. After this, the cinemas were flooded with young people and adolescents, who were slightly put off by notices that read: "Children under 15 are not allowed." "We were forced to show such films," Skënder Daja, the economic manager of the "11 Nëntori" cinema, tells Gazeta Shqiptare, "because we had no other source of films. We had to attract spectators somehow." According to him, with a license from the Ministry of Directorate, the "Republika" cinema in Tiranë and "Morava" in Korçë are the only private commercial film entities. "But these are films from the '50s," Daja explains. What brings the largest crowds to the big screens is the latest translation, because — according to them — the dubbing equipment in Albania "dates from 1956 and requires special care". Thus interest has shifted toward Albanian films. "Four of our films were shown in the Elbasan cinema in 1993 — Daja continues — perhaps this year will be the turning point. Fewer films with violence and prostitution and more contemporary social themes dealing with current social issues." This is the magic formula that makes people believe in bringing women back to the cinema. Another hope is the creation of "Alb Distribution", as a company that organizes the purchase, translation and sale of films. "This should be a good filter when it comes to the themes of films," say some people in Elbasan’s film sector and the managers of the "11 Nëntori" cinema in the city of Elbasan. Mentor Kikia

— Almost 60 hunting rifle pairs make up the latest trophy of the Police in the district of Gjirokastër. In operations carried out by the public order officers, a large quantity of Albanian-smuggled weapons was found. As a result of an organized operation, three bases organizing the trade of unlicensed rifle pairs and acting in violation of the law were also uncovered. Three people have already been arrested for this activity, while another has been released. The alarm over illegal hunting rifles had been raised earlier — through Gazeta Shqiptare and the General Forestry Directorate.

— A tendency to expand economic cooperation with Croatia further. After a meeting held some time ago in Tiranë with Albanian businessmen, this time a group of Croatian businessmen visited Durrës. During meetings with entrepreneurs and managers of Albanian enterprises, the Croatian businessmen from the oil factory and the beverage factory under the brand "Slloveni Intercom" even began discussing concrete types of contracts. Also of interest is the development of the infrastructure of this port. This business group also held a meeting with the Mayor of Durrës.

A river of beer and raki runs through the 250 establishments How much is drunk in the city of Tropojë! (One ton in just one day!) TROPOJË — The people of Tropojë are breaking the Albanian record. With alcoholic drinks, especially beer, the small city in northern Albania has surpassed the one-ton-a-day mark. The local strength of this area is well known, and the strong drink of raki, but beer has also grown more popular. The quantity sold in the city’s 250 establishments reaches a record. For this reason, the city’s inhabitants are often mentioned as major consumers of alcohol. According to an on-site survey, customers are served an average of 4-5 liters a day in the bars. When it is taken into account that these bars are numerous, it becomes clear why the number of drinkers is so large. Proportionally, the city has the largest number of bars per capita in Albania. This record consumption should also be explained by the economic and social circumstances themselves. A large part of the consumers are unemployed young people who spend their time in cafes. Tropoja is also known for its tradition of hospitality, weddings and numerous ceremonies. Another reason is the harsh and cold climate of the area, which, according to residents, encourages more use of raki. However, there are also voices that see this trend as a social problem. A few weeks ago, two new wholesale sales points were also opened in the city, which has increased the supply to the bars.

The Control-Audit Commission denounces irregularities Public funds in administrators' homes The Control-Audit Commission denounces irregularities Corruption in a municipality of Berat Public funds in administrators' homes BERAT — Large amounts of state funds used by local authorities. The denunciation comes from the Control-Audit specialists of the district of Berat, who carried out an extensive inspection of the activity of the Municipality of Terpan. This time the issue concerns concrete figures and facts, according to which state funds were used to buy goods and equipment needed for the homes of several administrators. Solely for the purchase of glass at inflated prices and 18 percent waste — the state had suffered a loss of 61 thousand and [?] lek. The Control-Audit specialists have made even harsher denunciations and confirmed the truth of the irregular use of compensation for some local works, such as according to the tiles, electric pits, as well as other equipment and items that were bought from private individuals for household needs. Particularly striking is the use of funds for the construction and equipping of the offices of the administration of the Municipality of Terpan, while numerous shortcomings are observed in basic services for the population. Berati

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