"Human rights violations and courts under orders" For five hours yesterday, the two reporters from Strasbourg listened to the "accounts" of the parliamentary parties The Socialists protest before the two reporters from Strasbourg: "This is what the PD did to us with the Anti-Genocide law". Yesterday the list of politicians excluded from the upcoming elections was handed over to the European emissaries PD leader Tritan Shehu speaks of a positive meeting with clear positions from both sides and expresses confidence in further support for Albania from the Council of Europe On page 3 Shehu meets Finsberg and Columberg (photo: F. Bilani) Shehu meets Finsberg and Columberg (photo: F. Bilani)

New Year on TV screen A lot of humor, but only a little to laugh at TIRANE - A lot of humor, but little to laugh at, was the mood on New Year's Eve. The packed schedule of the national television was almost a disappointment for Albanians. Several hours of variety shows and programs from different cities left very few impressions and few jokes that could be enjoyed again later. This time there was more emphasis on pomp and grandeur - skits from telecomedies filmed in European and American capitals - which, judging by the footage, cannot be said to have been intended at least to satisfy curiosity about the world; Rome and New York are no longer a forbidden apple for Albanians. Guests in the middle of the comedians appeared on screen trying to bring Albanians the smile and humor that festive evenings deserve; but they did not always succeed. The overlong skits revolving around the same theme also deprived the audience of that real "delight", leaving them restrained. What was more surprising, however, was that it seemed to prove precisely now that public approval has no horns. The punchlines and wordplays, which often did not escape banality, came across as the only novelty of this year. Could Albanian humor really have run dry to this point? And when it came later, they did not let it go, the laughter was forced. This year's program showed something else as well: humor is culture and money alone does not make it. Two telecomedies were filmed abroad this time, and at last the opportunity came for Albanian actors to shoot scenes outside Albania too. But what did they bring to the screen? Albanians in Italy dealing only with prostitution and robbery. If these scenes had been shown by a foreign channel, we would all have been sorry; not all emigrants are like that. And then, can you laugh at things that should make us ashamed? Armand Mero Article on page 5

The deficit will rise to 37 billion lekë Parliament approves the budget for the next 12 months. Spending again higher As a % of annual GDP Expenditures Revenues Deficit Dec. 93, Jan. 94, Feb. 94, Mar. 94, Apr. 94, Jun. 94, Jul. 94, Aug. 94, Sep. 94, Oct. 94, Nov. 94, Dec. 94, Jan. 95, Feb. 95, Mar. 95, Apr. 95, May 95, Jun. 95, Jul. 95, Sep. 95 TIRANE - The settling of accounts between the government, which will open the books of the state for 1996, was the Parliament's final act on the eve of the holiday. In a "blitz" session, the deputies approved - for the first time so quickly in the entire history of Albanian finance - the most important financial document in life, the budget. And it turned out that for this year as well, government spending will exceed revenues, creating a total deficit of around 37 billion lekë. On page 6

Leaders of the two parties commit to cooperation Yesterday's meeting between Shehu and Melo TIRANE - PD and PB-DNJ shake hands with each other. Yesterday the two party leaders met together and for several minutes discussed finding points that bring them closer to a more closely cooperation. On page 3 Tritan Shehu

TIRANA On page 3

SARANDË On page 3

ELBASAN On page 3

Bajram Curri, two other children seriously injured Krujë A police officer wounds three people The son-in-law and two others victims of a family dispute Three injured by shots fired from the weapon of a police employee and then the officer arrested. It happened in Krujë a few days earlier, where Hysen Pula - according to the Ministry of Public Order spokesperson, who confirmed the news. On page 5 Ministry of the Interior

Money, health, love, work ... everything for this sign HOROSCOPE On page 6

Maradona's statement "I have been, I am, and I will remain a drug addict." These were the words of one of the greatest figures of modern football, Diego Armando Maradona, who has shaken the world of sport. The sensational news was made known in the evening by the Buenos Aires daily Clarín, which published a long interview with the Argentine champion. For the first time in his career, full of glory, Maradona, whose name for a long time has dominated all front pages of newspapers as a result of his goals and virtuosity, but at the same time of many scandals and other problems, was honest. Diego Armando Maradona On page 7

William Perry in Bosnia Perry among soldiers in Bosnia (REUTERS) On page 2

Foreign Marketing Company which deals with market research offers jobs for energetic people ready to work with enthusiasm and who know English. The pay will be very high and there is a possibility of working abroad. Candidates ... hall 1, 11 o'clock Hotel Dajti, 5-6 January 1996

Air conditioned special oriental gastronomy fresh Italian pasta quality and service Through a relaxing and comfortable environment it offers you these Rruga Gjin Bue Shpata Tiranë (near Dinamo stadium)