PS: “No comment.” Poli: “He doesn’t know the reality” The socialist leader rebukes the abandonment of the vote from prison. Harsh criticism of Berisha and the Government Nano rebukes the opposition’s withdrawal from the elections. “Perhaps it was hasty”: this is how the number-one figure in the Socialist Party commented on the action taken by his party and the other forces that joined it, in a lengthy analysis of the election process. Although he justified it on the grounds that “they had to be aware of the major failure and fraud,” his position—published Sunday in the newspaper “Zëri i Popullit”—seems to have come as a surprise to everyone. The Socialists themselves responded yesterday with a “No Comment” to their leader’s statement. Meanwhile, the leaders of Poli did not hesitate to express their disapproval: “From prison, he does not know the reality, because he has had no opportunity to see what has happened over these three years.” While acknowledging the “great merits of the opposition” in political life, and particularly during the election process, Nano did not spare harsh criticism of Berisha and the PD government. On page 3 Fatos Nano

A new PD option. A roundtable outside parliament as well Dialogue has begun to appear on the Albanian political scene. Although no one rules it out, at least everyone is considering it. Meanwhile, obstacles seem to be on the horizon for some time. “Dialogue, yes, but without conditions,” say the Democratic leaders, introducing a new element: a roundtable outside parliament. “Dialogue, yes, but the PD must reflect first,” opposition politicians respond. Having arrived for the first time from European chancelleries, the formula “roundtable talks” seems not to have persuaded Albanian politicians, who insist on their respective conditions. On page 3 Tritan Shehu

A wedding story TIRANA - He gives up his honeymoon for the sake of the election campaign. An unusual sacrifice, but one entirely justified by reality for Republican candidate Neritan Alibali. The Alibali couple, who had planned to set off for Sarandë, seem instead to be stopping in Vorë. It is the 42-year-old Mrs. Alibali who will join the 35-year-old candidate Neritan Alibali for a week. Everything was ready for our matrimonial itinerary, but the upcoming elections interrupted the honeymoon. Mrs. Alibali, with a sad smile, tries to hide her dream of a summer night. Diana and Neritan Alibali were married on Sunday evening. A wedding night that unfolded amid music, toasts, and rosy conversations. First-rank guests—politicians, journalists, and people from the stage—under the soft veil of a June night forgot politics for a few hours, even though it was a politicians’ wedding, and forgot the heated conversations of an election-season climate. It seems the political vocabulary was left there? ... left to those who cling to it even in a venue where rock, waltzes, and tango reign. There was no shortage of a long, one-on-one conversation between Godo and Anagnosti, the former man of culture. There was also political debate between PR number three Mingomataj and his boss Godo. In any case, the rosy night prevailed over the gray side of politics, which seemed to leave somewhat earlier than the wedding party that burned a handkerchief and set off firecrackers. Just a few moments later, when the wedding guests left behind the sadness of empty tables, the Alibali couple remembered that they had to cancel their ticket on the Tirana–Sarandë route. The PR candidate must stop in his constituency to buy another ticket, this one to the Albanian parliament. And perhaps afterwards the honeymoon may be twice as sweet. T.xha Alibali, the PR candidate

DURRËS On page 5

Bengasi denies the embassy killings The judicial investigation into 5 people accused of genocide is concluded “There is not a single grave in Mali me Gropa where those killed on 2 July ’90 at the embassies were buried”—Dilaver Bengasi, former director of the police at the Ministry of the Interior in 1990, has denied in a manner FRUIT AND VEGETABLES BECOME MORE EXPENSIVE

All four leaders in political meetings Kalakulla “Do you remember

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“There is no grave in Mali me Gropa where the people killed during the July 2, ’90 embassy events were buried” — Dilaver Bengasi, former director of police at the Ministry of Internal Affairs in 1990, categorically denied in court yesterday the legends about the burial of those killed at the embassies. But the chief prosecutor of Tirana and the prosecutor in the trial against Bengasi and four others accused of genocide stated that the investigation is continuing on this matter and that, if this “legend” is proven, Bengasi will be held responsible. Bengasi denied the mystery surrounding the embassy break-ins six years ago, as he sat yesterday in the dock alongside four others accused of genocide and crimes against humanity. The judges yesterday concluded the judicial investigation into the five defendants, Bengasi, Murra, Loka, Qami and Nesho. All five denied the charges and requested acquittal. Before the judges, they denied that the departments they had overseen during communism had played a role in the internment and expulsion of Albanian citizens. The defense hearing will take place on Thursday. On page 5

The Association of the Persecuted for Political Reasons, and its leader Kurt Kola’s latest statements about “a possible breakaway from the Right-Wing Union,” have sparked optimism within the PDD, which for some time has called for the creation of a “genuine right wing.” Yesterday, Petrit Kalakulla expressed his party’s idea of creating a “New Right-Wing Alliance,” whose core, according to the PDD leader’s expectations, would be Kola’s Association. On page 3

Four opposition parties will travel to Athens. Following their visit to Brussels, the leaders of the socialists, social democrats, right-wing democrats and liberal democrats, at the invitation of the Athens Public Relations Foundation, will have the opportunity to meet senior officials and parties in government or opposition. On page 3 Gjinushi

FOOTBALL Fans’ protest: The goalposts are sawn down Pickaxe action on the pitch at Berat’s stadium BERAT - A pitch fit for planting vegetables. That would be the most accurate definition of Berat’s stadium pitch on Monday morning. Goalposts removed, benches that someone had tried to set on fire, a field dug up with pickaxes across almost its entire surface and, above all, leaflets bearing the words: “Tomorri’s fans are not dead yet.” Truly rare scenes for a stadium, especially during a period with no sporting activity. It all began as a protest by Berat’s fans against the city municipality. According to reports from the Berat camp, of the 900,000 lek that the municipality had promised the players for the preparatory phase, they have now reduced the amount to 50,000 lek. “We don’t want it for ourselves, but for the team,” was the comment from Mils, Tomorri’s coach. The failure to meet the conditions led to the immediate departure of the Berat players to the Zërë team, as well as Mili himself. Apparently, Tomorri’s “ultras” fans did not take this well, and they found the most original way to protest.

A French victory over the Romanians. They have gone 23 consecutive matches without a defeat. The Scots managed to earn a draw. Holland does not seem to be in great form, nor does Ajax. Today, Italy face one side and Croatia take on Turkey. Panic in the Italian camp. Sacchi: “I see a national team without heart.” Germany scored yesterday for the title; Russia continues its isolation on the island. Romania has not read the newspapers. Meanwhile, Shtickhov protests: “My goal was valid.” On page 6

May: Inflation 1 percent higher than in April On page 5

Kadare is preparing an anthology of literature By the end of the year, he will have prepared the first two volumes. The complete publication will comprise ten volumes, covering literature from the very earliest works to the new classics. On page 7

Batman and Cindy soon at the altar In September the famous supermodel will marry actor Val Kilmer. On page 4 Cindy Crawford