The Court accuses Genc Ruli, Chairman of the Parliamentary Economy Committee The “Arsidi” scandal reaches the PD The Parliamentary Group met urgently last night “Former ministers Çabiri and Mysliu, as well as two Bank employees, are also implicated” - The Prosecutor’s Office responds: “The investigation was not superficial” - Chairman Çeliku: “The investigations must be redone” EDMOND LAÇI TIRANA. - “Although the witness phase had not been concluded, the investigation that is being conducted could not continue any longer. And the case must definitely be sent back for further investigations.” This is what Andi Çeliku, who chaired the panel of judges in the famous Arsidi trial for nearly a month, told Gazeta Shqiptare just a few hours after the sensational ruling. But that is not all, because - according to her, in this phase of the Interim Decision - “those implicated in the affair and who must be held criminally responsible also include Genc Ruli, Çabiri, Emin Mysliu, Liljana Nanaj and Arta Pisha.” An entirely unexpected decision that makes the major financial scandal even more mysterious, while also shaking the justice authorities themselves, the newly accused, and the audiences of Albania’s main political parties. “I cannot accept that the investigation into this case be called superficial,” was the first response from the Prosecutor’s Office following the Court’s decision, as stated to Gazeta Shqiptare by Tirana Prosecutor Arben Qeleshi. “In my view, the timing of the suspension of the trial was also inappropriate,” Qeleshi says, “because the examination of the defendants themselves could also have been awaited, and other new things might have emerged from it. In any case, the Court considered this appropriate.” Although the Prosecutor’s Office has not yet issued any concrete decision, Qeleshi also says that the only legal remedy currently available to his office is an appeal against the Tirana Court’s decision to the Court of Appeal. The defendants Saliu, Tartari, Ahmeti, Hoti and Xhyheri may perhaps also take such action. “The Court cannot undertake to claim that, with those it says are implicated in this affair, Minister Arsidi has also been cleared,” Çeliku told Gazeta Shqiptare. “Nevertheless, given that other facts and people may emerge during the judicial investigation, it is understandable that the Prosecutor’s Office - with its greater powers - can uncover much more.” According to Çeliku, reopening the investigations was essential not only because evidence emerged implicating other people, but also because under the new law “On the Organization of Justice,” courts do not have the right to initiate criminal proceedings; that power has been assigned solely to the Prosecutor’s Office. All the more so because one of them, Genc Ruli, also enjoys parliamentary immunity in the current Parliament. And so another dispute erupts over the Arsidi scandal. After last night’s meeting of the PD Parliamentary Group - where Ruli’s lengthy defense was heard attentively - it was decided that its deputies would reflect on the evidence, while the Mandates Committee would examine it. But a possible appeal by the Prosecutor’s Office or the defendants themselves could redirect the suspended proceedings at any moment. For now, there are only five new accused. And, as always, there is also the mystery surrounding the fate of the 1.6 million dollars once sent abroad. Interview with Ruli “The real culprits are others...” The real culprits in the Arsidi scandal are others, but for now the truth will not come to light. Why don’t the judges investigate what is truly the weak point of the Arsidi scandal? Why don’t they ask where the money went? This is only the beginning; after me, other heads within my party will also roll... CARLO BOLLINO on page 3 The new accusations, one by one The Court: “Ruli knows about Arsidi” ON PAGE 3 The judges: what must be done to shed light on the mystery Six tasks for the Prosecutor’s Office ON PAGE 3 The scandal calendar ON PAGE 3 interrupting the proceedings is not appropriate, says Qelesh-i, because the defendant's departure could also have been awaited. Their concentration, Thus another scandal erupts. And, as always, the mystery remains over from Albania. The Scandal's calendar. ON PAGE 3 Ruli during the Arsidi trial. (photo H. Pustina)

Andi Çeliku

History VLORË - She had agreed to endure a long and dangerous journey, having been told that she would find paradise on the other side of the sea. So she had left her family in Pograd e with sorrow and set out for Vlorë. But her sea journey ended very shortly, near Sazan Island. And at the Vlorë hospital, 27-year-old Valbona S. closed her eyes forever; her body could not withstand the ordeal in unsuitable conditions. There are still many Albanian girls who continue to risk dangerous journeys with traffickers in order to reach the Italian shores. Many of them make it to the coast, beginning an adventure even more painful than the first. Valbona was not so fortunate. Her transporters were forced to return to the Albanian shores. The 14 passengers who were on the small speedboat were in serious condition. Admitted to hospital as an emergency, Valbona’s condition continued to worsen; she later fell into a coma, until she died. The police have arrested three people to establish the true circumstances of this tragedy; the boat carrying the women has been seized. They are also looking for a man from Berat. He was the one who organized Valbona’s journey.

SHKODËR - The streets of Shkodër have once again been stained with blood. A 35-year-old, Mirash Drekaj, has become the victim of an assassination attempt. - The streets of Shkodër have once again been stained with blood. A 35-year-old, Mirash Drekaj, has become the victim of a shocking assassination attempt, carried out by a person who remains unidentified. The serious incident occurred yesterday, a few minutes after 14:00, in the center of the “Rus” neighborhood, one of the city’s most populated areas. Drekaj had come down to Shkodër yesterday from Hoti in Malësia e Madhe, where he lived, and was staying with his relatives. As someone approached him, that person shot him from very close range. A passerby came to the aid of the seriously wounded victim and tried to take Drekaj in his car, but unfortunately it was a desperate attempt: Drekaj’s body could not survive the severe wounds, and he died on the way to the hospital. The police immediately began searching to identify the perpetrator and determine the motives for the attack. By yesterday evening, no further details had been announced. (p.re)

Decorated yesterday by President Berisha himself The status of the Americans is approved TIRANA - More stars for generals and colonels on the shoulder boards of Albanian military personnel. Twenty-five Albanian servicemen were decorated yesterday in the presence of President Berisha, Prime Minister Meksi and many senior government officials. It was a decree by President Berisha - also known as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces - that made the aspirations and merits of several Albanian military personnel serving and holding key positions in our army a reality. Among the decorated officers were the Chief of the General Staff, Major General Sheme Kosova, who received the rank of general, and the two deputy chiefs of the General Staff, Agim Baruti and Baki Shehu, who received the rank of major general. President Berisha himself congratulated the newly decorated officers, emphasizing that this was of historic importance for our army. The military hierarchy in Albania is thus becoming more tangible, after ranks had not existed for almost 20 years, having been abolished by Enver Hoxha’s regime. Also yesterday, the Albanian government approved in principle the draft agreement between it and the American government concerning the status of American personnel and troops who will take part in the exercise scheduled to take place from 26 January to 2 February.

ELBASAN - A seven-year-old object fell prey to thieves on Saturday morning at the train station in Elbasan, before the day of the exercise. The valuable device - it cost nearly 1,000 dollars - is not known to be of any use to the thieves. According to station employees, the apparatus is equipped with a special code, known only to the people who work with it. Another device was installed at the station immediately. (me. kl.)

TIRANA - It seemed that the record jackpot of 3.2 million lek from this week's totofutboll would be joined by the amount to be accumulated for next week. This was due to the unexpected results achieved in the Italian championship. Meanwhile, there were only eight winners with 13 points, but there were 18 winning columns with 12 points, whose holders, without any possible publicity, each win 178,115 lek.

A week of terror for sports bettors Details on pages 5 and 6. Cup: the first 90 minutes. ON PAGE 4. Lalas's colleague at “Vllaznia”. ON PAGE 4 Two footballers in a match; the ball on the pitch.

“They slept while on duty” TIRANA - Two more police officers from Tirana Prison end up in the cells of this prison. However, this time their detention is not connected with the major escape of January 15, ’95, but with the cooperation that took place after this unusual event. An inspection by the Director of Part 313, Shkëlqim Mustafari, led to the detention of the managers and two police officers. According to prison authorities, the two arrested officers had been found asleep at midnight on January 23, ’95—during the time they were supposed to be on duty. Although the final measure against them has not yet been decided, the initial charges relate to “violation of the rules of guard duty,” under Article 1 of the Penal Code, [the text is unclear] carries a 15-year prison sentence. The number of Tirana Prison police officers involved has thus reached 15—13 of them arrested—who ended up in the cells of this prison, following the escape that took place on the evening of January 15 this year. (e.d.)

Tirana, young man killed in a bar The young man Arjan Hoxha was killed for trivial reasons at a bar in Tirana. The reason for the crime is believed to have been a trivial matter. The police have arrested the perpetrator of the killing, but have not announced details about the incident. Berat, losses in the textile sector The Textile Combine in Berat has reported losses of 136 million lek. This is stated in a report by State Audit inspectors. This difficult financial situation was recorded for the period December ’92–April ’93. The audit has requested the dismissal of the enterprise's managers and their prosecution. Elbasan, new chairman elected Ibrahim Pajenga will be the new Chairman of the Elbasan District Council. The election took place yesterday, with votes from all five parties: PD, PS, PR, PSD and PA. Pajenga, who received 17 votes in favor against 12 votes for the Socialist candidate Bashkim Kondo, will replace Ndriçim Allaj in this position; Allaj was dismissed two months ago by decree of President Berisha.

Shkodër — Decorated yesterday by President Berisha himself — A week of terror for sports predictors Shkodër Decorated yesterday by President Berisha himself A week of terror for sports predictors

Currency Commercial Bank Buying Selling Alb... [illegible] Buying Selling Free market Buying Selling Dollars 93.85 95.85 94.20 95.00 94.50 94.80 Marks 60.55 61.60 61.60 62.00 61.50 61.70 Lire 58.00 59.60 57.80 58.30 58.00 59.20 Drachmas 37.05 38.00 39.20 39.40 39.20 39.30

The IMMIGRATION VISA PROGRAM is starting for the second time in the United States of America. This activity will be conducted by the American lawyer from New York, GIULINI & GIU-LINI, at Hotel Dajti in Tirana from 10 to 18, for a fee of $15 per person. Registrations begin on 23.1.95. Last year, with Mr. Charles Giulini, 1 out of every 4 people won. From Albania, 829 immigration visas to the United States of America were won. We invite you to take part in this immigration visa program. Charles Giulini