Yesterday the Third Congress of the Democrats began Berisha speaks for an hour and a half to 640 delegates: “Here are our objectives for the elections.” Europeans offer their support DP, Melo, Bushati: a new rapprochement TIRANA — A new political rapprochement was confirmed yesterday at the Third Congress of the DP. Among those invited—who greeted the highest party forum currently leading the country—the statements by PBDNJ and PDK in favor of close cooperation with the DP came as a “surprise.” Teodor Laço, leader of PBSD and currently a minister in the Meksi cabinet, also expressed a wish to give the DP “full support.” “The DP opened up opportunities to build a democratic state,” Melo said at the beginning of his speech of greeting. Maintaining the same political tone in his remarks, the head of PBDNJ was fully convinced that “the DP will also play a leading role in the interests of democracy in the future.” And this is precisely what prompted Melo to declare his party’s rapprochement with the DP. Melo bases this on the convergence of the PBDNJ and DP programs, which in the future will apparently be able to give the green light to “closer cooperation with the DP.” Having finished his speech of greeting, the leader of PBDNJ did not descend the podium steps. Interrupted by Berisha’s “intervention,” Melo heard the words the head of state addressed to his party: “The DP respects PBDNJ, and I want to assure you that, when it comes to cooperation and alliances, the DP will be open to fighting the red front,” Berisha said. “We Democrats, while respecting political alternatives, whether left-wing or right-wing, are convinced that the Socialists should remain in opposition for these years as well,” PDK leader Bushati declared. Seeking to clarify the position of the party he leads, he stated that—PDK says no to the far left, [unclear] to protect with blood the [unclear] of voting, and “at the same time explaining that the Democrats are in constructive opposition to the DP, and in open opposition to the PS.” Elio Elini Berisha yesterday at the DP Congress Albanian Democratic Party THIRD NATIONAL CONGRESS

Attorney Sanxhaku will speak before the IPU TIRANA — The Nano file will travel to Istanbul in ten days, together with attorney Sanxhaku. “The latest developments in the Nano case, as well as other materials that the Inter-Parliamentary Union has requested to review, will go to Istanbul two days before the Union meeting begins”—this was confirmed yesterday to Gazeta by Nano’s attorney, Përparim Sanxhaku. Fatos Nano

Tax stamps are driving packs off the market “Underground business” is beginning to flourish in kiosks

Petrelë: locals protest TIRANË – Privatization of cultural monuments. After 500 years, two places of worship, türbes, in Petrelë Castle have been turned into the kitchens of a restaurant. For two years now, someone has been their owner, while the courts open and close the case files on this matter. The first-instance court has twice rejected the decision of the property restitution commission at Tirana Municipality. On page 5

Albanian artists speak

Rain delays the train On page 5

Car down a ravine: 5 injured On page 5

Refugees return for Easter On page 5

The head of the Council of Europe arrives in Albania On page 3

“Our paintings sell cheaply” The most numerous customers are foreigners. A work usually fetches only 200 to 300 dollars TIRANA - A time of emigration for Albanian paintings. Unable to find a local buyer, they are forced to “sell themselves” to foreigners, and when they do manage to sell them, they have to sell the beauty of their own for cheap. On page 7

Cup Winners’ Cup: Parisians and Viennese close to the final Chances for “Paris” SG and “Rapid” On page 8 From the “Deportivo” - “Paris” SG match 0:1 (REUTERS)

The American flag at half-mast (REUTERS) Secretary Braun’s body found On page 2 The American flag at half-mast (REUTERS)

Police catch foreign fraudster DURRËS – From Italy to steal cars in Albania. It may seem a little strange, but this is the story of 41-year-old Arcangelo Passiante from Brindisi, who was caught by Durrës police with a car stolen from an Albanian. For the Italian, who had found Albania to be a place to get rich through fraud, theft and document forgery, things had been going well. At first, he took a car from a man from Durrës on the pretext that he would take it for a spin, then disappeared and sold the vehicle in Laç for 30 thousand lekë. The next day he returned and tried to repeat the same trick with a “Fiat,” but this time he was left empty-handed. After receiving a tip, Durrës Police had tracked him down and managed to arrest the fraudster. Passiante had no hobby other than cars. He was known as a diplomat at the Italian Embassy and took money to provide visas. Citizens from Vlora, Tirana and Durrës had fallen into the fraudster’s trap. They had paid the Italian to obtain an Italian visa.

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in the future will be able... apparently know how, to open with the PS”. Elio Elini