The Ministry blames the Maternity Hospital. Staff defends itself Tirana, in 1994 around 140 cases The Ministry blames the Maternity Hospital. Staff defends itself Newborns who die Tirana, in 1994 around 140 cases ARMAND MERO TIRANA — The very high death rate in the first days of life at the maternity hospital in Tirana has sparked a heated debate over responsibility. According to the data presented, the number of newborns who lose their lives has increased compared with previous years. FROM 1987 TO THE PRESENT MORTALITY 59 51 59 72 98 96 102 140 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 * The data refer to the last 9 months Such figures have raised serious concerns. According to hospital specialists, shortages of equipment, medicines and the many difficulties of the health system have a direct impact. On the other hand, the Ministry of Health has asked for explanations and stressed the need for stricter control of the situation. The debate has also focused on the professional responsibility of staff and on the way the most serious cases are handled. Doctors and nurses defend themselves by saying that working conditions are extremely difficult and that they cannot cope with the large influx of births without extra help. If the trend continues, the number of cases for 1994 could reach around 140. This makes this year one of the most problematic for the neonatology ward and brings the overall condition of Albanian healthcare back into focus.

The appeal reduces prison terms TIRANA — The Tirana Court of Appeal has reduced the sentences for the five so-called members of «Omoinas». Four of them have received eight years in prison and the fifth, the one most involved in the case, has received another sentence. The new decision was met with anger in Athens. As for the reactions, Greek media and political circles have considered this decision unfair and have called for intervention. In Albania, the decision has been seen as confirmation that the judicial process is continuing, even though the appeal has led to reductions in the earlier sentences. The case of the «five» has been one of the most sensitive topics in Albanian-Greek relations, causing political and diplomatic tension. The latest ruling is expected to continue to echo in the days ahead.

The draft law is now in Parliament Referendums: how they will be organized in Albania TIRANA — The draft law «On Referendum» has passed to Parliament. According to its drafters, the approval of this legal document is a necessary step in defining how Albanian citizens will directly express themselves on important issues. The articles of the draft law set out the cases in which a referendum may be held, the entities entitled to request it, as well as the procedures for organizing it. The law aims to establish a clear framework for public consultation, in line with the Constitution and democratic principles. Parliament headquarters In Albania, the debate over the referendum has been closely linked to discussions on political and institutional reform. The presentation of the draft law in Parliament is seen as a signal of the institutionalization of this form of decision-making.

Agriculture devastated LEZHË — The damage balance from the autumn floods in the Lezha area is severe for agriculture. According to the first information from local structures, entire agricultural areas have been flooded and many rural families have suffered major losses. The floods have damaged not only agricultural production, but also drainage and road infrastructure. Residents are calling for swift intervention to prevent the situation from worsening further and to save what remains of this season’s output. Local authorities are trying to make a full assessment of the damage, while specialists warn that the economic consequences may also be felt in the coming months.

Fear of theft GJIROKASTËR — The Municipality of Gjirokastër is taking measures to protect garbage bins from theft. According to local reports, the problem has become particularly noticeable in some neighborhoods of the city. For this reason, it has been decided that the bins will be placed in more controllable locations and monitored more closely by municipal services. Citizens are being asked to cooperate by reporting cases of damage or theft of public equipment. The phenomenon is seen as part of broader problems of urban management and lack of resources, at a time when the municipality has financial difficulties in replacing them.

Inspection Commission LUSHNJË — They abused the sale of kerosene in order to obtain illegal income. This is what is alleged in an inspection carried out by the relevant authorities in Lushnjë. According to the announcement, violations were found in the documentation and in the way the goods were being traded, while administrative measures and further proceedings are expected against the responsible entities. The case has brought attention back to the control of trade in everyday essential goods and to abuses that harm consumers.

The court drops one charge TIRANA — The case of Sulo Gradeci has ended with a four-year prison sentence by the Military Court of Tirana. According to the announcement, the court dropped one of the charges previously brought and issued the final sentence. The case had attracted attention because of the defendant’s profile and the nature of the charges. The decision is considered milder than expected after one of the charges was dismissed. The ruling is expected to be widely commented on in legal and political circles.

Fines for sellers TIRANA — The sale of bread in fruit and vegetable markets has drawn the attention of the relevant authorities after violations of hygiene and sanitary conditions were found. Inspections have identified cases in which bread was being sold near potatoes and other products, in unsuitable conditions. For this reason, fines have been imposed on the sellers. The authorities warn that inspections will continue in order to guarantee minimum standards for the sale of food products.

Five people arrested in Italy (2 Albanians) VLORË — An organization involved in transporting illegal emigrants to Italy is suspected of having used the restaurant «Peshkatari» in Vlora as its base, according to initial information. In cooperation with the Italian authorities, five people have been arrested, among them two Albanians. According to the investigation, those detained are suspected of organizing the crossing of clandestines by sea routes and of providing documents or intermediaries for the journey. The case has drawn great attention in the city. Investigations continue both in Italy and in Albania to uncover the full network involved in this activity.

YESTERDAY IN ALBANIA At the proposal of the Committee of former Political Persecuted Persons, the Council of Ministers reviewed and decided to make a temporary arrangement based on the status of the convicted and interned. The decision aims to create a basis for the further treatment of this category. Meeting with the German delegation

Twenty massacred Serbs discovered Meeting between Arafat and Izetbegoviç ON PAGE 2 No similar investigation for Berlusconi Judge Saverio Borrelli explains ON PAGE 2 Beatles «returns» Lennon? Controversy over the McCartney and Starr album ON PAGE 3

SPARE PARTS FOR ALL CAR BRANDS You will find a wide variety of types Headquarters: TIRANA - Rruga "Myslym Shyri" Opposite the Palace of Pioneers Branch DURRËS - Rruga "Bulevardi Kryesor" Neighborhood 1 (Near N. Lulev Shop)