“Roundtable” divides the opposition: accusations against Godo
Gjinushi attacks: “He manipulated it.” Suspicions also from the PS
Controversy erupts. The PR leader: “This is how avenues for talks between parties are closed”
TIRANË - The meeting of the 13 parties loses its dignity after its “death,” also dividing the opposition. A single statement by the leader of the Social Democrats, Skënder Gjinushi—made two days ago—was enough to quickly turn the electoral law into a “bone of contention” even within the opposition “camp” itself. The Republican leader Godo, initiator of the parties’ unity on the electoral law, is now at the center of the accusations. Yesterday, the Socialists also voiced suspicions about Godo through their deputy leader Namik Dokle, while the only person to declare support for him was the president of the PAD, Neritan Ceka.
On page 3
Godo
Gjinushi
More of the salary will go toward social insurance
This year, 10 percent will be deducted from employees’ wages
TIRANË - Employees will now pay a larger percentage of their salaries as contributions to social insurance.
The new rate took effect at the end of January, when employees in various professions received their salaries and noticed the change: instead of 6 percent of their salary—the contribution rate during the 12 months of 1995—10 percent had been deducted. For many employees, this came as a surprise. But there is nothing unfair about it.
On page 5
Father divorces his wife; son beats him
Story Father divorces his wife; son beats him TIRANË - “Why did you leave Mom? We were happy together.” This is not the despair of a small child but of an 18-year-old, who felt how essential a family was. But the young man did not express his anger through hatred alone. He punched and kicked his father as soon as he came out of the office where the judge had finally signed the papers dissolving the family. The incident culminated yesterday morning in one of the corridors of the Tiranë Court. A couple, although relatively advanced in age, were sitting before the judge, waiting to say “goodbye” to each other. And their 18-year-old son, more interested than anyone else in what would be decided inside that office, was waiting anxiously behind the door. The decision did not take long. The judge and the two spouses signed. “Goodbye to living together, goodbye to family.” This decision had hit the young man’s heart like a bomb; although 18, he felt the need for the family’s unity and warmth. That is why he became so enraged, attacking his “deserter” father. Divorces: Every day, judges sign dozens of rulings dissolving marriages. Alcohol and domestic violence are the most common causes leading to divorce. But what do separations leave behind? According to statistics, around 90% of couples who separate have children, who are forced to grow up without one parent or without a father. Deprived of the warmth of family and loving attention, most of them end up on the streets. Some... on the street. Some sell packets, others beg in the streets, while someone is forced to take up stealing. (mk)
Cold grips Albania
Snow and blocked roads in the North
Pessimistic weather forecasts. Freezing conditions will continue
Drowns in reservoir after arguing with her husband
ELBASAN
On page 5
Stop smoking in bars
Smoking will be banned in public places
A bill is being prepared that will also set limits on nicotine
The phenomenon is troubling among young people aged 15 to 18, while
Fans protest: the referee cheated
KAVAJË
On page 7
Officer arrested: stole Canabis
SARANDË
On page 5
Billiards and blood: owner injured
BERAT
On page 5
A girl by profession, a pickpocket
TIRANË - An 18-year-old has been arrested for pickpocketing.
The art of stealing from other people’s pockets is not so widespread among young women. She was detained by police the day before yesterday at one of the capital’s markets, after stealing around 6,000 lekë from a woman’s pocket. The victim of the 18-year-old pickpocket had been examining the quality of a dress when the girl put her hand into her pocket. “She stole my money,” the woman cried out; two police officers heard her and immediately apprehended the thief.
There are dozens of young people, as well as adults, who steal from other people’s pockets every day around the city, on buses and elsewhere. But this girl’s case seems to be unusual. Nevertheless, rather than a professional thief, she appears to be a tool in the hands of some gang.
Za.Kr
Plane in the sea: 189 victims
The plane had just taken off
From the Dominican Republic to Frankfurt
PUERTO PLATA - A charter jet carrying 189 people, many of them passengers and some German tourists, crashed into the waters of the Dominican Republic. “We strongly suspect that none of the plane’s passengers may have survived,” a spokesperson for the Dominican Air Force announced.
The tragedy occurred on Tuesday night. Around 59 bodies were recovered by the United States Coast Guard. The others’ bodies are believed to be on the ocean floor.
On page 2
The plane that was involved in the accident
“Let me read your fortune”: fortune-teller robs him of his money
A 37-year-old man falls victim to two Roma women
TIRANË - “Give me a hair from your head and I’ll tell you what will happen to you.”
These are the most common phrases with which two street fortune-tellers set about “fishing” for clients on the streets. A 37-year-old man could not resist the temptation to learn about his fate. “Let me see, because you often take a long journey together with a friend of yours.” Thus, your friend too” pays no more than 500 lekë to find out “what will happen after a month.” “Give me another 500 lekë, because my hand won’t work otherwise.”
And the poor customer did not hesitate, but paid on the spot. “A bright future awaits you; this journey will bring you a lot of money. But to find out, you have to pay again.” And so, to learn all the secrets surrounding him, the poor 37-year-old had paid a full 50 thousand old lekë. Then he realized that his money had flown away, and so he went to the police. However, as it turned out later, the two fortune-tellers had returned their client’s money; now they would face trial for fraud.
me.ki
Army reform: protest against the Government over compensation for those discharged
Petition to the authorities
TIRANË - Strong protest by military personnel discharged from service against the Government’s latest decision on their financial treatment.
In a petition drawn up and addressed to the country’s highest authorities, they strongly oppose the step taken by the Government in January this year, according to which “they will be given only half their salary, while anyone who has been on half-pay for more than two years will receive nothing.” This measure has also been described as a violation of existing laws, since it “contradicts the status of military personnel approved by Parliament.”
On page 5
Students return to their books
Exams
Lecturers are optimistic: “Interest in school has increased”
University of Tirana
Lecturers are optimistic: “Interest in school has increased”
On page 7
in the reservoir after arguing with her husband
On page 5
Stop smoking in public places
Smoking will be banned in public places
The phenomenon is concerning among young people aged 15 to 18, a considerable number of whom say they smoke regularly
concerning among young people aged 15 to 18, a considerable number of whom say they smoke regularly
On page 7
