“The super lek” restores the prestige of the lek [?] The drastic devaluation of the dollar and the high exchange rate in the free market TIRANA- Foreign currency has not been received well this Monday. At the start of the week, its rate has fallen by 24 lekë, being exchanged at bank counters at 125.4 lekë. The immediate strengthening of the lek has come not only as a result of intervention by the Bank of Albania in the market but also because of the high weight of the national currency, as a result of the demand for it. This change has caused a sharp movement in prices in the free foreign exchange market as well, bringing the bank rate significantly closer to that of the free market. Financial specialists link this situation to the sharp удар on the dollar in international stock exchanges and to the measures taken by the monetary authorities to stabilize the market. On page 6

The President: “We will topple” BRESAT [?]- It has been leaders of the democratic wing, German investors, and compatriots living in Berlin with whom former president Sali Berisha held numerous meetings yesterday in the German capital. The talks focused on political developments in Albania, the economic situation, and the prospects of the opposition. Berisha said that “the democratic forces will soon return to power” and promised the restoration of order and economic development. On page 3

The head of the National Agency speaks TIRANA- “Privatization vouchers will rise again,” the head of the National Privatization Agency said yesterday to “Gazeta Shqiptare”. According to him, the performance of the latest auctions, the high level of public interest, and their relative scarcity in the market are contributing to this trend. He stressed that the privatization process will continue at a fast pace, while the inclusion of additional enterprises in the list for sale is also expected. On page 5

The Austrians of Saubermacher TIRANA- Local authorities and representatives of the Austrian company “Saubermacher” appealed yesterday for more cooperation from the citizens of Tirana in preserving the cleanliness of the capital. According to them, cleaning operations are continuing, but the results also depend on the behavior of residents, who should avoid throwing waste outside the designated times and places. On page 5

“Urgent” electoral meeting TIRANA- At the first electoral meeting for the preparation of the upcoming elections, the Republican Party has put forward the idea of a “white list” for proportional representation. Its representatives declared that this formula would aim to avoid distortions and ensure the most accurate possible representation of the vote. The debates have also focused on the way the lists are drafted and on relations with right-wing allies. On page 3 Sabi Ceko

ROME- The former leader of the moderate wing of the Bosniaks and of the postwar President of the Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Alija Izetbegoviç, declared that Rome could provide a new impulse to the peace process in the Balkans. According to the Italian foreign minister, at the end of the week a special summit will be held in the Italian capital with the participation of regional countries and Western powers. On page 2 Soldiers in Bosnia

Formula 1: “Ferrari and Schumacher present the new machine to the public” [?] TIRANA- Road authorities have launched a focused operation in Tirana and Durrës to penalize drivers who violate traffic rules. According to traffic police, checks have been increased especially on major routes and in areas with heavy vehicle flow, where numerous violations have been identified. The focus has been on alcohol use, speed, lack of documentation, and improper parking. On page 5

Meksi and Vuçi against blood feuds On page 5 FIK Masks terrorize the city On page 5 SHKODËR A challenge for Greece of love On page 5 TIRANA The mayor’s killer in prison On page 5 LEZHË Roads are coming back from the holes On page 5

The Prime Minister and the Minister of Defence before the deputies On page 3 Bulevardi “Dëshmorët e Kombit” Tel: 042 / 35035 ; Fax: 042 / 35050 Hotel Europapark WELCOME to our gastronomic journey through the SPECIALTIES OF ALBANIAN CUISINE A wonderful building in the heart of the city, with a view of the lake, beautiful. Price per person: 2100 Lek (includes one night’s stay in a room, 50% discount) ROGNER Hotel Europapark TIRANA The Prime Minister and the Minister of Defence before the deputies On page 3 [?] Toto football 102 How can you win 13 points? “Gazeta Shqiptare”, every Thursday, specialist predictions to win the totalizator The Prime Minister and the Minister of Defence before the deputies On page 3 [?]