The vibrio strikes 13 districts More than 360 cases have been confirmed. It is still an emergency... • The Ministry of Health admits: “The infection is ongoing, we need help from others” • A new panel of specialists is set up. Among the new areas are also Lezha and Durrës TIRANE — Calmly, cholera continues, and is spreading even further. Amid a general indifference in public opinion — now accustomed to more than just the whirlpool of other problems — and within the international community, which first mentions immediate aid, for the arrival of which nothing is yet known, cholera has made its presence felt in most of Albania. From the three outbreaks first discovered at the beginning of September, the vibrio has expanded its attacks to 13 districts of the country, from Lezha in the north to Fier in the south, and even reaching Durrës, where only a few days ago the first case was confirmed. The only serious barrier still remains the Ministry of Health and its structures. “But the issue must not be allowed to concern only us,” Petraq Cana, adviser to the minister, tells Gazeta Shqiptare. “What is imperative is that everyone be involved, not just the local authorities, but the entire health staff and the people themselves. Under no circumstances must vigilance be lowered.” After 40 days, since 9 September when the presence of cholera was first confirmed, the Albanian health authorities are once again calling for caution. The epidemic has not gone away and it seems its course will continue. This is confirmed by data from laboratory analyses — the number of patients has reached over 360 — and by the specialist himself: “The widespread cases are moving much faster than ever — the health service can never cope, unfortunately. Now that its peak points have passed, what remains is what can be called the tail of the epidemic, the carriers who become the source that keeps the outbreak burning for even longer.” It is precisely these people — sick individuals who nevertheless “carry” the vibrio with them — who risk making Albania an endemic area for cholera. “The risk for the Albanian health authorities has not yet been proven, but these signs should not remain a hypothesis — even a distant one — that cannot be underestimated. Precisely for this reason, in recent days a special group of specialists has been set up to carry out a pilot study in two areas infected by cholera: Kuçovë and Tiranë. A study that will examine three categories of people: those who have not had cholera, those who have had contact with the sick, and those who have been carriers. To confront the spread of the epidemic and put a stop to it, the Ministry of Health, in addition to its appeals, has decided to pursue a tough line against institutions and persons responsible for maintaining the water-supply network and chlorinating it. The case of Pekisht, where a complaint has been filed with the Prosecutor's Office against several people for failing to inspect the water pipeline in the village of Grykshollë, where cholera struck in force last week, seems it will not be the only one. “If we have social consequences from the lack of attention, we will seek to have the negligent brought to justice,” Cana said. “It is only painful when Health is forced to turn to the courts. Ministry of Health Kukës Dibër Lezhë Krujë Durrës Librazhd Elbasan Kuçovë Lushnje Berat TIRANE — These are the 13 districts of Albania where microbiological analyses have confirmed the presence of cholera. The largest number of patients has been confirmed in Kuçovë with over 90 cases, followed by Tiranë with 62 — where patients from all over the country have been hospitalized — then Elbasan with 43. Then come 57, Berat 50, Fier 10, Kukës 2, Dibër 9, Laç [?], Librazhd 3, Krujë 3, Kukësi 2, Lezha 1 and Durrës 1. Meanwhile, the number of deaths has reached 14. The latest victim was registered a few days ago in Krujë.

The line of criticism is approved The second congress of the Republicans comes to an end TIRANE — The Republicans have once again elected Sabri Godo as their chairman. The PR leader will continue to lead his party and the coming parliamentary elections. The Republicans' choice, in fact, seemed clear from the first session. Godo's report on the work of the last two years was received with applause and praise by most of those present. Godo leveled harsh accusations at the coalition “To take part in 1992.” He said the attitude toward me has been offensive, and put forward the idea that his party should in this case discuss the coalition or the breaking off of relations with the party. The government has been formed. Most of his theses formed the backbone of the resolution approved by the congress. “We want the coalition,” Godo said, “but we are not going to carry other people's faults on our backs.” Sabri Godo

TIRANE — “I consider my own premises to be very important for all of Albania. This shows that Albanians are united by one spirit alone, that of freedom.” These were some of the words of President Sali Berisha as he addressed the people of Sinaballaj — a commune in Kavaja, where the Socialists had won the local elections — after a recent march. The head of the commune, PS member Haxhi Balla, in the presence of the people, would here be a favor to the Proletkushtefit [?]. The announcement, widely broadcast by the official media, was received with satisfaction. Only one day earlier, the leadership of the Socialist Party had clarified to the public the party's position regarding the referendum. “For the referendum, ‘pro’ the draft constitution, this was the firm decision of the Socialists.” Only a few moments after the news from Sinaballaj was given, Namik Dokle, close to the top leadership of the PS, expressed to Gazeta Shqiptare his opinion about this event: “I don't think it's anything extraordinary. Every PS member is free to declare their orientation individually. We have resigned and have also laid down our position, and we will not move from it.”

Trafficking of valuable archaeological objects A report from an association TIRANE — Once again, troubling signs have come from abroad about the existence of trafficking in Albanian works of art and archaeological objects toward the wealthy markets of Western Europe. This time the concern reached Albania from a cultural association in Switzerland, “Pro-Iliria,” the association that gathers people interested in the ancient culture of the Albanians is called, with reference to a painting. A short time ago it sent Albanian specialists a letter expressing its concern. According to the letter from Switzerland, in the Alpine state too cultural valuables secretly taken out of Albania have been seen circulating. The Swiss case thus adds itself to those previously confirmed in Germany and Greece. In Germany, local police had discovered on a citizen of that country a large number of ancient coins. The trail that emerged from the investigation led to the Greek antiques market. Later, the southern Albanian land rich in history and historic monuments became easy prey for art traffickers. Some time later, again the Greek chronicle surfaced. This time, near Ioannina, two Albanians were stopped while transporting two ancient items in an ordinary sack. The materials seized from the traffickers have still not been returned to Albania. This requires lengthy bureaucratic procedures between the countries, procedures that are being followed by both sides. (o.re)

The national assembly meets TIRANE — It is now the turn of the “Democratic Alliance” to clarify the position of its members and supporters on the referendum on the constitution proposed by President Berisha and approved by Parliament without the consent of deputies from several parties. AD's final position will be known today at the end of the Assembly's work, the body that has the right to decide on the party's most important issues. The meeting of the Party Presidency together with the heads of the organizations. The Alliance will add “No.” “Draft constitution.” In an enterprise and with this referendum which we consider illegal because it took powers away from Parliament arbitrarily — and for Gazeta Shqiptare Neritan Ceka, leader of the Alliance — for the moment we also consider it absurd because for 130 nine of the Constitution the people are forced to say a simple “no” or “yes.” “Within AD's big ‘no,’ the views are apparently varied. Ceka and Pashko are in favor of taking part in the referendum but voting against the draft. Imanli and another prominent deputy are in favor of a complete boycott of the referendum. These are nevertheless minor differences within AD's position. The Assembly, of which today — 128 participants elected from the districts, local delegates and activists from Tiranë should chair — will make the final decision.” (v.bax) Armand Mero

The expiration date had passed Eggs arriving from Greece will also be destroyed TIRANE — Beer has also been added to the list of expired food items that, for this reason, are destined to be destroyed. Yesterday the financial police seized 7,000 liters of beer because the expiry date had passed. And this concerns more than 20,000 beer cans. “Lowenbrau,” imported from Greece, are under inspection in the capital. Inspectors from the financial police found that a batch of “Lowenbrau” beer, canned for import, had passed three months beyond its guarantee period. That is precisely why thousands of liters of beer were seized. Now they will have to be awaited and responded to. In parallel, owners have been asked to begin the procedure for destroying the drink. Thousands of cans were imported from Greece. Meanwhile, to alert buyers, and for greater caution, there are also doubts about the eggs as to whether they are truly spoiled. Al. Ste.

Fier, many fines FIER — Lawyers and dentists from Fier are in the financial police's crosshairs. The surprise inspections carried out these days in Fier have resulted in a series of punitive measures. The reason: irregularities, practicing without a license, hiding income from taxes, and failing to display service fees. In the financial police's “net” fell 16 private dentists and 15 lawyers, who will be required to pay fines ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 lekë. The mildest punishment was the absence of a license. In any case, although in softened circumstances by a petty excuse, they remain very serious. For the inspection staff, it has been very difficult, with a strong tendency not to respect the rules, especially among dentists and lawyers. Both categories, according to financial specialists, have been inclined not to display service fees and not to declare real income. (Bn. My.)

Israel's immediate response after the massacre The attacker was killed ON PAGE 2 This Saturday two teams “missing” Twenty footballers disqualified ON PAGE 3

TIRANA TIRANE — The well-known Clock Tower of Tirana and the Tabakëve Bridge, as symbols of this city, will occupy the central place in the capital's emblem, approved last Sunday by the Municipality. The chosen project — presented by Sulejman Dashi — had stood out successfully in the specially organized competition so that the city could have its own seal. In the same presentation and design, the main arched form was extended from the capital's artistic representation. Like the winning emblem, it was built mainly on old symbols of Tirana.

From Shkodra “blluzur” brra me kriklla His car was stopped by two masked men, they got out, took his “worry” and snatched the car key. They then left and showed they could explain themselves from Qafkodra in a car. Three blockmen KASANCO Last night the Council of the dog and citizens bluzur of the commune. He is the head of the factory for Simon Stafordn, Zylyan Hasa and Alih Alili [?]. Who are te [?] and nothing of Alili for the threat of burning the state institution in their cooperation will also be from the side of Bosi Alik and other officials. Merchant robbed by armed men

SPARE PARTS FOR ALL CAR BRANDS You will find a wide range of models Head office: TIRANË - Rruga “Myslym Shyri” (Opposite the Palace of Pioneers) Branch: DURRES - Rruga “Bulevardi Kryesor” Shop 1 (Near the Flower Shop)