Helsinki against the change to the Code TIRANA - The change to the Criminal Procedure Code that would have led to the annulment of the sentences recently handed down to the leaders of the former communist security service will not pass in Parliament. The governing coalition took up the initiative only to buy time. In a press statement, the branch of the Albanian Helsinki Committee denounces the examination of the draft law in Parliament as a “direct interference by the justice institutions,” given that hearings are currently under way for the trial of Cassation as well as judges. From page 3 Ministry of Justice

THE STORY ELBASAN - “No, I still can’t believe that I used to read about it in the newspapers and that one day I would come to Albania, but six years ago I left Visar, I saw him leave, and I was going to miss my hometown. And I thought of coming back again, but my father has killed her. He killed her with his own hand. So today I want the justice institutions to finally decide on his punishment.” This is what 25-year-old Z. Mjeka from the village of Shmil in Elbasan declared yesterday in the courtroom, accusing her father of murdering her mother and brother. She then explained how, on 2 December three years ago, her father killed her mother and brother with an axe, leaving her with no one. According to her, at the time of the incident she was in emigration in Greece and found out later. From page 3

Moments from yesterday’s match of Tirana

More than 25 thousand veterans will benefit Gjirokastër GJIROKASTËR - Yesterday, the veterans of the National Liberation Anti-Fascist War (LANÇ), from the Gjirokastër district, collected the year-end bonus of 60,000 lek. This year, as is known, veterans of the National Liberation Anti-Fascist War will receive bonuses from the state. Beneficiaries are the people of the war and the families of the martyrs. This bonus is being granted on the basis of the government decision. In the district of Gjirokastër, more than 25,000 veterans and family members will benefit. The process began yesterday and will continue in the days ahead. From page 5

James Belushi at Albafilm: “I want to make an Albanian film” The famous actor is going to Korçë today TIRANA - James Belushi stated that he would do everything possible to realize his plans. “An Albanian film with Albanian protagonists and an Albanian screenplay is my goal,” the well-known actor of Albanian origin said yesterday evening after a meeting at the Albafilm premises. According to him, he is in Tirana to get a close look at the opportunities offered by Albanian cinema. Belushi hinted that such a project could begin soon. Today he is expected to travel to Korçë. James Belushi From page 3

Quick intervention extinguishes the flames BERAT - Yesterday at midday a major fire broke out in the museum quarter near the Castle of Berat. The flames engulfed an area of bushes and grass, threatening homes near the castle walls. Firefighters and local residents immediately went to the scene, and after several hours they managed to contain and extinguish the fire. No injuries were reported, while material damage was limited. From page 5

No. 60-year-old condemns[?] TIRANA - “The military calendar year 2000 for the Armed Forces began with military training and other scheduled activities. For this purpose, first 220 soldiers from several of our military units departed for the USA by civilian aircraft. Then, on 10 January, the forces of a 5,000-strong Albanian military contingent will take part in the multinational exercise taking place in the USA under the “Partnership for Peace” program. This was announced yesterday by sources from the General Staff of the Albanian Army. The exercise will last two weeks and aims to increase cooperation among the participating armies. Ambassador Luan Laze Albanian representative

Women experts in anti-drug operations at the police From page 5

Berat From page 3 A returnee from emigration dies from electricity Vlorë From page 3 The new water supply: works on the first phase begin Korçë From page 5 Bufinë: entry of livestock prohibited From page 7 Biajqi receives vacancies from the army From page 2

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