Zhulali and Perry’s conference. Biza soon to become a USA base? Weapons from the USA for Albania More than 100 million dollars for the army The Pentagon is emptying its depots to equip the Albanian army. Military equipment worth more than 100 million dollars, surplus equipment from the USA’s defense forces, will soon be sent to Albanian military depots. “Everything is part of the American priority of assisting Albania.” This was made clear yesterday by US Secretary of Defense Perry at the final press conference, after spending 48 hours with his counterpart Zhulali. Second-tier military equipment, support weapons, anti-tank missiles, trucks, uniforms and logistical equipment: this is the “Made in USA” arsenal that will soon travel from Pentagon reserves to Albanian defense units. Press sources describe it as “the most substantial American aid provided to a Balkan country in recent years.” If, during 1991–95, total US aid to Albania amounted to 160 million dollars, only 10 million of that went to the Albanian army. On page 3 Anti-tank missiles, support weapons, trucks, uniforms and logistical equipment: this will be the arsenal the Pentagon has reserved for the Albanian “green uniforms”. William Perry

Arbnori makes accusations against Alia . Shkodra experienced the pain of April 2. Berisha also attends. Five years ago: the massacre in Shkodër. TIRANË — “Something tragic has happened in Shkodër; they say there are many dead and wounded. The Party Committee is in flames and the police have fired on the crowd.” Just one day after the first pluralist elections in Albania’s recent history, tragedy struck. News of the bloodshed in Shkodër spread like wildfire throughout Albania. Exaggerated reports also circulated—as usually happens in such cases—until the first accurate information reached the other cities of Albania. The demonstrators’ momentum had been crushed by the bullets fired at them from the front. Four people—Arben Broci, Besnik Ceka, Bujar Bishanaku and Nazmi Kreyziu—had lost their lives. April 2, five years ago, was thus destined to go down in history. A sensational trial followed, watched with interest by all Albanian society. Shkodra waited with a frozen heart to learn the true names of those responsible. Many sentences were handed down. Those who had been in power at the time ended up in the dock, but the mystery has still not been solved. Whose hand really pulled the trigger that caused the tragedy? The answer to this question continues to wander among endless hypotheses, leaving the truth in anguish. Who orde- [?] On page 3 Who ordered that fire be opened on the defenseless crowd? Justice has not yet had its final say, and perhaps it will take some time. Meanwhile, Albania continues to honor its heroes, four people who lost their lives in an effort to realize the dream of millions of Albanians. Ceremonies, commemorations, important speeches, memories and numerous publications: one could speak endlessly about Shkodra’s April 2, but nothing will change the fact that its martyrs were the forerunners of Albanian democracy. Ultimately, that was their dream too: Albania as a country of democracy, peace and progress, a country where long queues, internments and killings at the border would never happen again. This is the true message of their sacrifice, and the country has owed—and will forever owe—it to them.

Ceka and Gjinushi invite PBDNJ and PDK again “With the SP after the elections” The Center Pole clarifies its alliances For verification PSD members submit their biographies The Social Democrats submit their political biographies to the Verification Commission. 116 forms for PSD parliamentary candidates have arrived at the Verification Commission. [?] Gjinushi and Ceka during yesterday’s press conference

Of 200 million USD in foreign financing, 102 million have not been drawn down Dollars dying while they wait Specialists: “Lack of experience is to blame” For 1996, foreign financing in the form of aid and loans promised to Albania by various international organizations is estimated at more than 364 million dollars. The Albanian economy continues to fail to absorb a substantial portion of the funding allocated to it by international organizations. This concerns more than 100 million dollars that are dying while they wait, instead of flowing into the still [?] weak arteries of the people and the economy. Of the 209 million and 152 thousand USD in foreign financing promised to Albania for 1996, 102 million and 932 thousand dollars in various forms of aid or loans on very favorable terms remain undisbursed. On page 7

DURRËS On page 5

ELBASAN On page 5

POGRADEC On page 5

BERAT On page 5

The socialists’ last hope faded yesterday at noon. The Constitutional Court dismisses the PS lawsuit The socialists’ last hope faded yesterday at noon “The electoral law is not endangered” The Constitutional Court dismissed the PS lawsuit

Tomorrow, the democrats’ “celebration” TIRANA—PD reveals the preparations behind its 3rd Congress. All the plans used over the past month to prepare those who will work behind the scenes of the congress have emerged from the Party’s organizing offices. Having abandoned the 2,000-seat hall at the Palace of Congresses, the democrats will hold their event in the hall of the Opera and Ballet Theatre. On page 3

TIRANA—A new newspaper has come to life, and it is now said to be “curly-haired.” It is called “Drejt” and carries with it the words of some of the best-known names in Albanian journalism. At nearly all newspaper sales points in the country, readers will be able to read what “Drejt” has to say. Analyses of contemporary political life, information from the country and the world, and the entire Albanian situation viewed through the eyes of “Drejt” offer a new alternative in the Albanian press. A new newspaper entering the market is always a special event. At Gazeta Shqiptare, all that remains for us is to share in this joy, which we hope will be everlasting.

SHOW On page 7

From the World Peres (REUTERS) Hamas threatens peace in Israel On page 2 Peres (REUTERS)

After 22 years, Bayern are punished FOOTBALL / Barcelona and Bordeaux close to the final MUNICH—The super-clash between the giants of the “UEFA Cup,” “Bayern” and “Barcelona,” delivered a superb match, after which both teams received what they had earned on the field. In snowy weather, with a record crowd (only one section was left empty, having been set aside for the Catalan fans), record gate receipts (more than 1.7 million dollars for the Bavarian team) and record bonuses (around 35,000 dollars per person), “Bayern” immediately began the game on the attack. From the “Bayern”–“Barcelona” match, 2:2 (REUTERS) On page 8

Rustem Gjata

Commission. 116 forms for PSD parliamentary candidates arrived yesterday at the Commission for the Verification of Figures. On page 3

Gjinushi and Ceka during yesterday’s conference On page 3