Dozens suspected and 16 affected by the epidemic Strong suspicions also over the villages of Laç Doctors at the hospital in Kuçovë FIER — Cholera has also arrived in Fier. After a few days of calm, the dreaded virus has surfaced again, threatening on a large scale. Among the latest citizens admitted to the city’s Infectious Diseases Hospital showing symptoms of the epidemic were, especially on Friday and Saturday, many cases. However, by Thursday the laboratories of the Hygiene Institute in Tirana had confirmed only 16 cases of cholera, and one of them was urgently transferred to the maternity hospital in Tirana. Meanwhile, tests are still being carried out on the other suspected persons. The fear of cholera in Fier had in fact appeared already in the first days of the outbreak of the epidemic in Berat and Kuçovë — its laws and in Librazhd. Two people had been admitted and immediately transferred in Berat. At the time, the case was treated as isolated among those who had had contact with the infected. But now, when the number of suspected cases has reached nearly 100, it can no longer be spoken of as individual cases. Doctors say they are no longer able to explain how the epidemic entered and where it is moving. In any case, microbiology specialists say that the greatest danger comes from undercooked meat, polluted water and poor hygiene. The geography of cholera in Fier is as follows: initially the carriers of the infection were people who had come from Kuçovë and Berat through trade routes and relatives; later suspicions fell on the peripheral areas of the city, where the worn-out water supply system and sanitary conditions leave much to be desired. Recently, medical sources have also spoken of serious suspicions about the presence of new foci in some villages near Fier. The situation has increased local control measures. Teams have been set up to monitor the sick and to check drinking water. A kind of panic can be seen in the city, especially among families with affected relatives. Specialists call for maximum caution, boiling water and avoiding unnecessary contact with suspected cases. Arm and Mero [?]

Shkodër, three days of checks on the water border with Montenegro SHKODER — Four arrests among the residents of the villages along the border line was the result of yesterday’s surprise action by the Ministry of Public Order against the smuggling of oil on land and in water traffic. Of the 18 people detained in the first days of the operation, only for three of them were the suspicions so well founded that the extreme measure was allowed. The arrested are Vlash Marku and Luigj Pjetërsh[?] from Berdica, Rrok Gjoka from Samrisht and Artur Peçin from Vela. According to sources from Shkodër, the anti-smuggling operation began on Tuesday and continued with the same intensity on Wednesday and Thursday. The area covered by the law-enforcement forces extends from Lake Shkodër to the Buna and as far as the mouth of the Drin River. Border police checked the movement of vessels, possible crossing points and depots near the waterline. On Wednesday evening, 4 residents from this area — 3 from the village of Gjorm and one from S[?]nxhaku — were brought to the detention center in Shkodër. It is understood that they were questioned about links to illegal fuel-smuggling networks. Some of the residents denied involvement, but doctors reserve the right to carry out further checks and verifications. "The condition of the four now appears to be improving," said an official source [?]. Kraja — it is also noted — has often been seen sailing near the protected area, while for several days fuel had been missing from some sales points, which increased suspicions that part of the goods were passing through the water border line. During the operation, several unidentified fuels, documents and unregistered vessels were also seized. The operation was considered a surprise, while it is not known whether there will be further phases. Fatos Baxhaku

ELBASAN — Cholera has claimed another life in Elbasan. V. Cega, 53 years old, has become the first real victim in this district, bringing the total number of deaths from cholera to two. It was perhaps public pressure that forced Cega to turn to doctors only after his health condition had worsened. During the early hours of yesterday he had shown some worrying signs, but had refused to go to the hospital. At one point he lost consciousness and was rushed to hospital. The doctors were unable to save him. Many residents continue to be afraid to present themselves at health institutions, which is making it harder to track the epidemic. Local structures are trying to convince citizens that seeking help in time is the only way to avoid fatal cases. Me. Ki.

Mother Teresa of Calcutta TIRANE — Mother Teresa of Calcutta returned to Albania yesterday once again. After arriving at Rinas Airport, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate was welcomed by President Berisha and then, amid the applause of hundreds of citizens, went to the Mother Teresa missions to carry out a visit. For the first time, Mother Teresa sets foot in her ancestral homeland at this end of 1989. Her visit is linked to the need for humanity and the services of the clergy. The visit aroused special emotion among believers and citizens. Mother Teresa stopped near ordinary people, blessed children and greeted the sisters of the mission. Her presence was described as a sign of hope in a difficult social time. For her longing for her forefathers’ land and for poor people, Mother Teresa has returned to Albania several times. This visit is seen as a continuation of her spiritual bond with the country.

GJIROKASTËR — A report broadcast last night by the local radio has caused shock in Gjirokastër. A 16-year-old, Nikolla Lila from Gjirokastra, died in an accident. At the same time, a fellow townsman of his, Spiro Xheli, 14 years old, was seriously injured. In the midday news the radio repeated several times that the parents of the victims should make arrangements to pick up first the body of the boy at the border and then the children. The sad news was initially accompanied by a certain confusion because at first the names of the children involved were given incorrectly. The notice had been transmitted to the radio by the Greek consulate. It is still not known whether the error was due to carelessness in taking the information or whether this is a typical case of registration under different names in Greece. In any case, the wrong names of the parents initially worried a number of families who were waiting to hear about their relatives. Ra. Ko.

After the car accident TIRANE — Deputy Prime Minister Bashkim Kopliku, injured a week earlier in a car accident on the Maliq-Korçë road, has left to receive treatment in Italy. Accompanied by the head of the Orthopedics ward of Tirana Military Hospital, Doctor Panajot Bega, Mr. Kopliku traveled on Thursday on one of the midday ferries to Bari. There the Albanian deputy prime minister was admitted to the San Giovanni hospital in Di Rotondo. One of Mr. Kopliku’s family members — asked by Gazeta Shqiptare — said that his health condition at the moment he was leaving Tirana Military Hospital to head for Durrës was without any [improvement?] and the pain had lessened. Unlike the arm fracture, the leg fracture remains more problematic. By Thursday evening, Italian doctors at the hospital in Bari had still not begun to carry out tests and did not confirm whether the health risk came from specific injuries related to Mr. Kopliku’s health condition and his condition in hospital. It even seems that a one-week [treatment?] stay of Kopliku in Tirana Military Hospital proved insufficient to fully heal him from the injuries of last week’s accident, from which fortunately he escaped with [minor?] injuries. Gjp. Pl.

The reasons are still unknown DURRES — It was 4 tablets of a powerful rat poison that K. M. — 55 years old, from Shijak — swallowed in order to end his life. On Wednesday morning, K.M. was taken urgently for medical help after showing severe signs of poisoning. He was immediately taken to the city hospital of Durrës, where efforts were made to save his life. So far, the reasons for his action have not been made public. According to relatives, the 55-year-old had not left any note and had not shown any obvious signs of distress recently. The incident has shocked the neighborhood where he lived. Go. To.

CERRIK — There were two serious road accidents within a few hours that put the lives of two people from the villages of the Cërrik area in danger. The first involved a 54-year-old N. Verushi, who was hit by a car while walking on foot. Then, in another case, a child was crushed by a car and the driver fled without giving help. Residents of the area say they are alarmed by the lack of road control. It is understood that law-enforcement forces are investigating to identify the vehicle and the perpetrator. Me. Ki.

HUNGARY VOJVODINA Novi Sad BELGRADE YUGOSLAVIA EGOVINA [?] Sarajevo SERBIA MONTENEGRO Titograd Priština KOSOVO ALBANIA Skopje MACEDONIA[I?] GREECE[?]

IN BRIEF BUCHLER [?] In Europe, the alarm is raised over nuclear smuggling Call to the governments of the Twelve ON PAGE 2

Chances were exchanged for... defeats ON PAGE 3

American general in Tirana An American military delegation led by the Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Army Ground Forces in Europe, General David Maddox, made a two-day visit to Albania. During the visit Maddox was received by the Albanian President Sali Berisha, by the Minister of Defence Lulush [Lulush?] and met with senior officials of the Ministry of Defence. The subject of the talks was the exchange of experience and the possibilities for further expanding cooperation between the American and Albanian armies. The "Koqi" firm in the cadastre The Court of Cassation has upheld the decision of the Tirana District Court and of the Court of Appeal regarding Palmira Koçi, President of the firm "Koqi". Accused of fraud involving large sums, she must serve the full sentence. The criminal offence was committed in cooperation with her brothers Shkëlqim and Koçi. Many of those who were forced to deal with government officials have been harmed [?] and the amount reaches over 41 million lek. Elbasan, danger from the snake Snakebite has led two people to clinical death. D[?]lli, the elderly Bardhj Pata from the village of Polis and Xhezahir Luka, 21, from the village of [F?]ush Bul, were the snake’s victims on Monday. But what was dangerous was the acute shortage of antidote [against?] poisoning from snakebite in the hospital of Elbasan. Medical means were challenged and transport difficulties. The doctors were [forced?] to send the sick to Tirana for help. Fier, trade banned in the hospital Abusive ambulatory treatments will not be able to trade [?] in the premises of the city hospital of Fier. A decision by the local authorities has cleared the place of [?]. Apparently we are dealing with a kind of reaction against the cholera epidemic. Mobile traders were supplying inside the hospital and clinic [food?] and a possible source of infection had [made?] them a possible source.

SPARE PARTS FOR ALL CAR BRANDS SPARE PARTS FOR ALL BRANDS OF CARS You will find many different types Head office: TIRANE - Rruga "Myslym Shyri" (Opposite the Palace of Pioneers) DURRES branch - Rruga "Boulevardi Kryesor" Neighborhood 1 (Near the Lu[?]eve Shop)