The National Council is appointed, 25 percent women The congress approves a series of changes to the party statute, while a fierce battle is expected in the General Secretariat and the leadership of the blue headquarters TIRANA - By secret ballot, the PD elects the 93 new members of the National Council, once again showing their orientation toward the "hard line" of Aleksandër Meksi and the movement against the government of technicians. The fall of Bamir Topi and Ylli Vejseli from the key seats of this council, and the removal of Ylli Pango from the post of spokesperson, also seems to be a sign in this direction. In yesterday evening's session, the candidacies for the general leadership, the secretariat and the leadership of the parliamentary committees were voted on. If the PD leader is expected to face only a small obstacle in approving his team, the arrival in the post of general secretary of a strong figure competing with former spokesperson Ylli Pango, or even other names, is the clearest expression of the new political alignments. TIRANA - In one of his harshest and most direct positions, PD leader Berisha attacked the representatives of the technical government yesterday in the opening session of the congress, calling them "servants" of the opposition and using the well-known term "bunker" to describe the stance of some of them. "A stable state is not enough; it must also be functional and political," says Berisha. "The civil service has been deformed, as it has become today with a politicized administration. The opposition made up of former communists and former Sigurimi is trying to hold the Albanian state hostage." (continued on page 7) Berisha von Schulin (photo R. Prifti)

Yesterday, a presidential decree 115 zones are defined TIRANA - A presidential decree defined the division of the country into 115 electoral zones. As reported, the division was carried out with strict respect for the number of inhabitants in each zone and the principle of their compactness. It remains to be seen how much this formula will suit the parties, which have called for changes to the electoral map. (continued on page 3) The Presidency

TIRANA - The Speaker of Parliament, Tritan Shehu, and former first secretary of the PD, Eduard Selami, were awarded yesterday the "Naim Frashëri" medal by the University of Tirana in recognition of their contribution to supporting university reform. The ceremony took place in the university premises. (continued on page 3)

The Republican leader in Ishëm TIRANA - "Killed is mine" Fists at a funeral in Tunel [?] TIRANA - Asif Shehi will not run this time as a deputy in 26. Here is the list of Socialist Democratic Party voters: "Bankruptcy and unemployment" adds a castriofë [?] In 18 Ziberi in 17. PD will have a submissive leadership under the control of the government of Aleksandër Meksi, several representatives of the critical wing said yesterday in the vote for its congress. "The party needs a more open structure, with young people and less servility toward the government". (continued on page 3)

Korçë, built in '75 From the city center to the new ring road of Korçë, a building has collapsed, causing panic among residents. Several families have left their homes. (continued on page 8)

Two parallel trials on 16 April ANTIGENOcide / Dates are set for the files TIRANA - The trial of MP Azem Hajdari and the case of former Defense Minister Safet Zhulali will be the two most sensational proceedings of April. Both cases are expected to have major political resonance, since one concerns the opposition and the other the government. On 16 April, both hearings are expected to take place in parallel. (continued on page 5) A court hearing (photo H. Prifti)

SPECTACLE

It is sought to be rented for a dairy Fier, the latest request comes from the Netherlands. Still unacceptable On page 2

From the World On page 2

KRUJË War bomb over three people On page 5 BERAT Pharmacists' protest: "we didn't leave them bald" On page 5 SHKODËR The Murriqan border crossing opens on 1 September On page 5

Fly with ADA AIR to Athens Every Monday and Thursday. For 6 people a special price is included. Athens - Tirana only 100 USD Tirana, P. Çajupi St., near Iakaromi [?] Tel & fax: (042) 341 37 / 248 08 Athens, Interomega S.A. Tel: (01) 92 20 440/92 14 840 / 92 14 478, fax: (01) 92 14 998