The issue of undocumented migrants SP: “Legalize the refugees in Italy” Socialist leader Pëllumbi presents his solution Ambassador Germano: “Yes to seasonal migration” Interview following Shehu’s proposal Ambassador Foresti: “Visa policy depends on Europe” TIRANA - The problem of undocumented migrants is not solved with an army but with politics: and the first important political step is to liberalize entry visas for Albanians. This is what Tritan Shehu, Secretary General of the Democratic Party, told the Albanian Gazette two days ago. Sabri Godo, Chairman of the Republican Party, had expressed the same opinion a few hours earlier. But what does Italy think about this? “It is a very delicate issue and we have to be very realistic,” replies Paolo Foresti, the Italian ambassador in Tirana—and we must not forget that the decision to grant or not to grant visas cannot be made by the Italian government alone, because it is linked to the rules laid down by the European Union concerning migration.” How do you respond to the proposals put forward by Albanian politicians? “Demagogic proposals may be necessary to better understand the problem, but we must remember that the main solution cannot be the abolition of visas. Italy cannot tolerate things happening very quickly, such as trafficking in women, the systematic organization of prostitution involving underage Albanian girls, or the recruitment of undocumented migrants by organized crime. Migrants with Italy. The Consulate is working to the maximum of its capacity. In 1994 we issued more than 13,000 visas; this year there will be even more. Unfortunately, the Consulate also has other activities, but we are committed to improving the service as much as possible.” You say that liberalizing visas is not an exclusive competence of Italy because European provisions must also be taken into account. But is there no way to find a solution that would make the issuing of visas more favorable, so that we can hope to fight illegal migration? “For months, the Italian government has been committed to this, and we are discussing with the Albanian government in order to seek a solution to this problem together: through cooperation we can examine ways to make the regulation of migration more flexible, particularly for those connected with the labor market and seasonal work. The new Albanian passports, which will prevent forgery, may also allow faster verification procedures, so that the time needed to issue visas is shorter. But there is another problem too: a country like Albania, undergoing profound transformation, [the sentence continues] Italian entrepreneurs who…” TIRANA - The lid has now been lifted. The issue of migration and undocumented migrants setting out for the shores of Puglia has returned to the forefront of Albania’s urgent political problems. But while Italy has found only one course of action—the military barrier, with its armed forces already deployed along the coast—Albania is putting forward new solutions. Following the proposal by Tritan Shehu, Secretary General of the DP—which had been preceded a few hours earlier by Sabri Godo—that Italy liberalize visas for Albanians, the Socialists’ idea has also arrived. Servet Pëllumbi, deputy chairman of the SP, is clear: “Migrants should be legalized,” he told the Albanian Gazette. So, do you agree with Shehu’s proposal? “We support every initiative that benefits Albanian refugees and helps solve their problem, particularly bearing in mind the need for employment abroad at a time when unemployment is still high and prolonged. However, I would add that the Government remembered this very late, since this problem has been discussed in Parliament several times.” Is legalization, in your view, the most positive solution? “Of course, the best solution would be to legalize everyone who is already abroad. Meanwhile, for the others, it could be done by organizing seasonal migration. This would ensure that everything is done in an orderly way and that people do not risk their lives to go abroad for work.” Elio Germano, ambassador of the European Union in Tirana, has also spoken in favor of resolving the problem of Albanian undocumented migrants heading to Italy: “I agree with facilitating this migration, but always while observing certain rules,” he told the Albanian Gazette. “One way would be seasonal migration, as Italians do when they go to work in Switzerland.” Germano also criticized Italy’s decision to deploy the army against undocumented migrants: “The army should not be used to catch undocumented migrants,” Germano said, “but to catch the traffickers, those who organize it. Because they are the real criminals. And then it seems strange to me that Italy asks for undocumented migrants, and even when it catches them, gives them a 15-day period of leave, whereas Albanians are sent back immediately.” While politicians are now involved in making proposals, the Albanian and Italian forces continue their operations on both sides of the Adriatic. Yesterday in Vlora, 25 Kurds—including 6 women and children—as well as two Lebanese nationals were detained while attempting to leave for Italy. The police impounded the motorboat and, according to the first reports, its two operators as well. All the undocumented migrants have been gathered in the courtyard of the police station, and it has not yet been decided what will be done with them. Armand Mero but they cannot be removed from this main [issue?], and so on. Italy cannot tolerate such serious [??], such as child trafficking, the systematic organization of prostitution involving underage Albanians, or the recruitment of illegal immigrants by organized crime. Immigration is a very important problem that must be addressed with measures that are not demagogic in nature. Immigration means the capacity to receive immigrants, guaranteeing their right to work, and ensuring humane and social protection. I repeat: statements by some Albanian politicians that have also sparked debate are useful for encouraging solutions to shared problems. There is still a problem that all Albanians complain about: getting a visa for Italy is very difficult today. “I admit that the procedure for obtaining a visa is very lengthy and complex today, but I want to explain: applications have increased enormously over the past two years. Today, it is not only Albanians looking for work who want to go to Italy, but also the elderly person who wants to revisit a place known 50 years ago, a family member who wants to meet an emigrant cousin, and then all the traders and businesspeople who have economic ties with them.” the main [issue?] cannot be removed, and so on. Italy cannot tolerate such serious [??], and businesspeople who have economic ties with them.”

The prayer grounds in the capital—and the holy sites in all the other Albanian cities—were filled with thousands of Muslim believers, who performed the namaz prayer and listened to sermons that once again spoke of peace, understanding, and a better life. The celebration, which continued late into the night around dinner tables, did not stop other communities from greeting the Muslims and celebrating with them. Indeed, in the center of the capital—right in “Rinia” Square—more than 50 Protestants from the “Rilindja” Community turned to God, though with their own songs and rituals. But Kurban Bajrami was also a day of complete rest for shopkeepers and owners of local businesses. The “blackout” that affected almost most services nevertheless did not prevent certain traders, who had announced the day before that they would serve people free of charge on the holiday, from doing so. A river of beer and a mountain of lamb had also been provided at the Bime Vero Kaqcaj restaurant in Elbasan, whose owners had welcomed the city’s poorest people early in the morning to celebrate with them, as well as the “bajrakun binjën.” The unusual celebration—planned to last only three hours—continued for several more, thus setting a wonderful example of solidarity and of celebrating a holiday. But while Albanians were celebrating Kurban Bajrami in their homeland, 80 of their compatriots—who had departed the previous week on a charter flight from Rinas Airport—continued their pilgrimage to Mecca, the holiest place in Islam, yesterday. Although reports coming from Saudi Arabia speak of [?]—because of a fire that had engulfed several camping tents on Monday—the Albanian Muslim Committee says that none of the Albanian pilgrims are connected to this news and that they are all well. TIRANA - Bayram and the beach on the national holiday. After a long winter, many Albanians—taking advantage of the holiday—returned to the virgin sands of the beaches, even though the “mistiness” overall held out more against the sun than against the sea. Perhaps this time the day of sacrifice and confession before God, for the first time, gave the celebration a thousand colors, beginning with religious rituals, visits to relatives, charitable acts, and excursions to the sea. Only the coastal wind reminded the first beachgoers of winter, as they stretched out yesterday on still-cold sand. Nevertheless, the beachside vendors were completely unprepared to serve those who, taking advantage of the Bayram holiday, had left Durrës, as well as Tirana and other nearby cities, to enjoy yesterday’s spring sunshine on May 10. Only a few hours earlier, Namazgja Square in the capital—as well as the holy places in all the other Albanian cities—had been filled by thousands of Muslim believers, who performed the namaz prayer and listened to words that once again spoke of peace, understanding, and a better life. The celebration, which continued late into the evening around the tables, did not prevent other communities from joining in and celebrating alongside the Muslims.

In the countryside, all farmers who have received land In the city, only those who have not yet turned 18 will not benefit TIRANA - Which categories of people will benefit from privatization vouchers? This is a question that has been asked frequently over the past four days by families, in cafés, offices, and also at the counters of [the text is cut off]. Those who have not paid for any kind of state-owned property through the various privatization bodies [will be considered ineligible]. This will be treated as such up to the date on which the vouchers began to be issued. It is the total privatization of agricultural property that makes President Berisha’s decree inapplicable in the countryside. All those who have received land under the law for …

TIRANA - Which categories of people will be eligible to receive privatization vouchers? TIRANA - Which categories of people will be eligible to receive frequently over the last the counters of the Savings Bank. Most people have inquired to find out whether or not they are entitled to a share of the national wealth. For those living in cities, under President Berisha’s decree—as amended by the Government and Parliament—only a very small group will not receive privatization vouchers: those who have been given (that is, have not paid for) some kind of state-owned property by the various privatization bodies. This will be considered began to be issued. Meanwhile, everyone who has won auctions or bought shops, warehouses, buildings, or state-owned land will be eligible to receive vouchers. According to an overall estimate, approximately 90 percent of city residents will benefit from receiving privatization vouchers. In the countryside, by contrast, exclusion from the vouchers is almost complete. have received land under the land law will not receive privatization vouchers. The same applies to members of their families. The same fate will also befall all those who, by the date the vouchers are issued, have benefited from the privatization process of the former Agricultural Enterprises. These include all the former agronomists, veterinarians, and zootechnicians who have already received land for use, as well as animals, buildings, and equipment required for agricultural work. Almost one million Albanians will receive privatization vouchers, with which they will seek to benefit from the national wealth accumulated over many years. In addition to around 300,000 pensioners (who turned 55 after January 1, 1995), privatization vouchers will also be distributed to everyone who has turned 18. However, the value of the vouchers will be lower for pensioners. Gjergj Pilika

Angjeli of the SP TIRANA - “It has been a positive step by the Government,” was the comment by Socialist Party MP Anastas Angjeli on the special draft law on the sale of land. Anastas Angjeli was commenting which sparked many debates among the political parties. “The development of reform toward a market economy requires several essential elements, including a land market,” Angjeli also told Gazeta Shqiptare. “In this context, in principle, the law on the sale and purchase of agricultural land serves the development of the market economy, especially since, according to official data, around 90 percent of the land area in Albania has been distributed. Implementing this law will ensure that agricultural land is used as effectively as possible for the benefit of increased agricultural production. Also, in pursuit of this objective, the functioning of the agricultural economy could be completed through a series of other market-economy laws, and in particular through the adoption of a long-term strategy for developing this sector.”

GJIROKASTËR - The private security guard was named Zaçë Ngjellina, aged 38, a resident of Vlorë in Gjirokastër. - The private security guard was named Zaçë Ngjellina, aged 38, a resident of Vlorë in Gjirokastër. His lifeless body was found by a passerby on the paved road, near the premises he was guarding—a bar-restaurant by the stadium. The autopsy confirmed a cerebral hemorrhage, caused by a defect in the blood circulation system. His family collected the body yesterday. The scene was painful for his wife and two children. Death from natural causes is the only acceptable explanation. ra.ko.

TIRANA - Tor Hejerdall, the man of the dreams of tens of thousands of Albanian children, has arrived in Albania. The Norwegian had crossed the Pacific on a raft The man of Kon-Tiki in Albania 82-year-old Hejerdall on a tourist tour TIRANA - Tor Hejerdall, the man of the dreams of tens of thousands of Albanian children, has arrived in Albania—the legendary Norwegian who in 1947 crossed the 4,300 miles separating Peru from Polynesia on a raft built in the ancient style. Now, at the age of 82, he is touring Albania’s tourist sites. It is a much more modest and less dangerous journey than the one in 1947, which first brought Hejerdall unexpectedly to the attention of the whole world, but it holds special significance for Albanians. The adventures of the man of “Kon-Tiki” have been read by Albanians in thick books; time has begun to wear them down, but the “magic” of great undertakings, of sacrificing oneself in the name of a magnificent dream, has found a place in the hearts of many of them. Was it not an act of heroism for Hejerdall himself—and for his fellow adventurers—to cross the Adriatic on the makeshift rafts of Albanians in recent times? Of course, the reasons that drove the Norwegian and the Albanians to undertake great ventures were different, but the joy and spirit of adventure are nevertheless the same for everyone. fa. bax

TIRANA - It seems that the issue of the reconstruction of Rinas Airport has finally been resolved. The German company “Siemens,” which won the contract for the work a year and a half ago, announced in recent days that it had managed to secure a guarantee for a loan of 52 million German marks. This amount will be repaid over 12 years from the airport’s own revenues. Now, only the signing of the financial contract and the Albanian agreement are needed for work to begin. The reconstruction includes the airport runway, its lighting, construction of the control tower, and improvements to the telecommunications system. tower, and improvements to the telecommunications system. “And all of this, which will be the most important thing, we will do in the Government, and perhaps, from the point of view of the criteria, technical matters and deadlines, we will make some suggestions.”

Vlora, police detained 25 Kurds and two Lebanese yesterday as they were setting off for Italy

The Palace of Congresses turns into a cinema On page 3 How the capital lives from moon to sun On page 3 The new telephone numbers are ready On page 3