Support for Berisha, too Berisha and Scalfaro yesterday in Tirana (REUTERS) TIRANA - The Italian president’s stay in Albania lasted just 8 hours. Invited by Berisha, with whom Scalfaro also held his principal meetings, the number one of our southern neighbor left behind this message: “You are doing well; we will be even closer to you.” Having come for the second time within a short period, Scalfaro appears to have followed a different protocol, outside the classical one. Rather than sitting in the formal setting of the Albanian state, the Italian president was out “in the field.” Two events: a meeting at “his home,” the Italian embassy, and another major event at a Salesian foundation. This was Scalfaro’s itinerary, during which the Italian head of state spoke about friendship, assistance, and the support European civilization could give Albania. The meeting at the Presidency, a face-to-face discussion with his Albanian counterpart, as well as the talks between the two delegations, were described as the most official part of Scalfaro’s visit. Judging from the composition of both delegations and the presence of people from the business community, the issues of cooperation and “Made in Italy” investment seem to have been what emerged from the two presidents’ diplomatic bags. The expansion of economic cooperation and future collaboration were confirmed by Berisha just moments after the bilateral talks. Assistance for infrastructure, education, and healthcare—these, according to the Albanian president, were the concrete elements of the agreements between the two sides. Meanwhile, he described it as “a new chapter” on the page of Albanian-Italian friendship. Promises and guarantees were also given regarding the fate of Albanian emigrants in Italy. Berisha mentioned the agreement on the movement of people and gave his Italian counterpart assurances: “We will regulate the movements,” the Albanian president said, also mentioning the possibility of legalizing Albanian seasonal workers in Italy. While skirting this subject in the talks, the Italian president nevertheless did not hold back—in his usually laconic vocabulary—from offering “bravos” for Albania in the two years since his last visit. “We can only admire the work of the President and his people. What I saw is truly a new page,” said Scalfaro, repeatedly emphasizing the presence of 500 Italian enterprises in Albania. “It is a pleasure to take part in the revival of this country, which, because of the Marxist dictatorship, suffered a form of inhuman isolation. We will stand by you.” With this Italian message of friendship and support, President Oskar Luigi Skalfaro left his message. Rezeart Xhaxhiu ... inhuman isolation. We will stand by you,” President Oskar Luigi Skalfaro left the Italian message of friendship and support. Rezeat Xhaxhiu

Snipers at the Presidency The bomb was an offensive type with a range of 40 meters. The young man: “If Berisha doesn’t come out, I’ll pull the pin.” Only police intervention prevented a tragedy. The 25-year-old’s appearance in the square halts the presidential motorcade. For 20 minutes, Italy’s number one remains trapped. Then his car leaves through the rear gate of the premises. The report and photographs of the incident Step by step with the man with the bomb Mentor Kikja on page 5 For about an hour, the 25-year-old threatened to detonate the bomb. Agim Shehu: “It has nothing to do with Scalfaro’s visit” The young man Ilir Buza with the bomb in his hand (REUTERS)

In the city, over 36 percent of the heads of private firms are women TIRANA - Albanian business seems to be starting to change sex. Data from the Institute of Statistics show that more than 105,000 women are employed in the state sector , accounting for around 40 percent of the total workforce in this sector. Meanwhile, it has been found that more than 36 percent of managers in non-agricultural private firms are women. On page 3

A journey in search of her daughter TIRANA - After a year of frantic searching, she has finally found her daughter. It was the happiest moment for the Albanian mother, who had traveled to Italy with the young woman. But exactly 12 months earlier, 23-year-old Enkelejda had moved out of her mother’s home to work in another province. She settled in quite well, but in the meantime her mother received no news at all. Distraught, 49-year-old Politika Haka turned to the Pocuklit Police Station. Faxes were sent and received, but there was no trace. It would take a year for police officers to find Enkelejda. A few days ago, a phone call came to the Haka family’s home in Tirana—the girl’s father was here—and at last there was an address where Politika could find her daughter. “You must send my passport to this address.” A hope that had not disappointed either of the parents. She would then get in touch with her husband, who lived in Peruxhia. Politika Haka took the train to Naples, but the adventure did not end there. The taxi driver, misunderstanding the place name, which the woman had not pronounced clearly, dropped her in front of the police station. Her daughter’s home was on the other side of Naples. Warm embraces, tears streaming down their cheeks: this was the touching epilogue to another story of Albanian emigrants. Happily, at last, ...

But still no reply has arrived TIRANA - The Democratic Party is “washing its hands” of its candidates. Yesterday, the final batch of candidates on the list was deposited in the safes of the Mezini Commission. Only a very small number of candidates remain who have not been sent, says Ylli Vejsiu. According to the PD organizational secretary, the delay is explained simply by technical reasons. The submission of the PD lists, which began days ago, appears to have been completed, making way for waiting and responses. On page 3 PD headquarters

Today their list will be presented to the Governing Council

Yesterday at the Constitutional Court TIRANA - In addition to the Court of Cassation, the case of politicians’ files appears set to give rise to another proceeding. Once again in the role of the accused is the Commission for the Verification of Figures, but this time over its activities. Yesterday, it was Poli Qendërës who filed the lawsuit with the Constitutional Court. On page 3

On page 8

SPECTACLE Albanian beauties at the top of the world On page 7 Vilma Papajani among the winners

FOOTBALL “Tirana” in Vlora today On page 7

PS headquarters