REPORTAGE / In the hospital, not many of the admitted young people who are fighting heroin Drug users “attack” hospitals Drugs, a real nightmare, but we will defeat it More than 20 people die every year “Drug addiction, a frightening fashion” TIRANA - Suicide is increasingly becoming and is being acknowledged as a “fashion” among young Albanians. We have found in January from the problems that worry not only doctors but also public opinion. Not only doctors but also parents want to know whether drugs have taken permanent hold in our country. They not only say so, but are convinced that this is a bitter truth. The newspaper “Shqiptare” is conducting an investigation into drug users admitted to Tirana Hospital No. 5. In this hospital, nearly 100 interventions have been carried out for such patients. These cases have appeared with clear symptoms: crises, violence, suicide attempts, and the need for specialized treatment. According to doctors, the number of young people using drugs is increasing. They say the situation is alarming and that the proper structures for long-term treatment are lacking. In the wards of this hospital, young people who have used heroin for a long time are also being treated. The doctors say that a joint fight against this phenomenon is needed. (continued on page 10)

Yesterday’s vote by the deputies TIRANA - The Albanian social democrats welcomed the vote on the human rights convention. At the parliamentary session, the ratification of the document was discussed, which according to the deputies represents an important step toward alignment with European standards. The corresponding vote was then held. (continued on page 8)

First comment from international actors on the leader’s circle message Pëllumbi: “A firmer stance toward me” The leadership still has not decided on Meta’s successor PS leadership “We appreciate the US position” TIRANA - The Democrats’ public assessment that there was corruption among the Socialists for the 26 May elections has triggered strong reactions and debates at the Pink headquarters. The polemics have been accompanied by public statements, in which the names of Nano and Pëllumbi are also mentioned. In a recent statement, PS officials said that the party cannot be identified with personal positions. Meanwhile, the first comments from international actors have been interpreted as support for an internal reform. “A firmer stance toward me,” Pëllumbi is quoted as saying. (continued on page 10)

Bardhyl’s training chosen from Zengal TIRANA - Although Tirana’s coach has made moves in the transfer market, no name for new arrivals has yet been made public. Bardhyl is expected to continue training with the existing group, while the club is awaiting further developments. (continued on page 8)

THREE PIGS Lezhë, the sharks arrive “Very big and it came really close to me” The sharks caught in Vlorë LEZHË - Our fishermen were seen on the coasts of Vlorë and Lezhë. In a statement to the newspaper, one of them describes the moment he saw the large animal in the sea: “It was big and it came really close to me.” Residents express concern, while the authorities call for caution. (continued on page 6)

Africa '96 Africa ’96 Pashal Richard starts in the road race Bardhyl’s training chosen from Zengal TIRANA - Having arrived in Tirana, Richard Pashal has begun preparations for the road race. In an interview for “Gazeta Shqiptare,” he expresses optimism about the result. (continued on page 6)

WORLD Italy: half a quintal of marijuana seized Alison with the series on the sex scandal ENTERTAINMENT A journey through Albanian fashion shops FIER A family dies on the beach KOSOVO The prefecture against undeclared work TIRANA Young people convicted for cannabis