“The machine guns and rockets came from Albanian ports” The foreign press exposes the trafficking of a two-million-dollar arsenal Rwandan refugees. On page 9

The detainees are being investigated for a host of crimes TIRANA - A barrage of accusations against the detainees... 25 people were detained by special forces in the city of Berat. Their large-scale operation, launched at the beginning of last week, has shed light on a number of criminal acts committed some time ago and led to the arrest of those suspected of carrying them out. Murder, violent robbery, illegal possession of weapons, drug and hashish trafficking: these are the charges now being investigated against the detainees. Several Berat police officers have also been held criminally accountable, mainly on suspicion of abuse of office and bribery. The special forces’ operation is considered highly successful—it is expected to be extended to other cities in the country. Berat Police Station On page 9

A few words, and endless superlatives for Ismail Kadare, one of the great figures of Albanian literature. At an evening dedicated to him and to the high regard France visibly has for him—since only a few names are admitted to the Académie des Sciences Societé—President Berisha sought to honor the son who gave an entire life to Albania. Berisha called him an “immortal genius” in his speech. Kadare himself needed only a few moments to express his joy. Overcome by great emotion, he made a gaffe in Albanian, which is characteristic of his particular nature. “I didn’t think you would be so happy. I am happy that I made you rejoice,” Kadare later said in a note in which his emotion was unmistakable. “I hope you have had great pleasure in rejoicing in Shkëlqimi and in rejoicing for him,” after which he left with everyone...

“They are responsible for our local election defeat” Tirana councils are also calling for Meta and Hajdaraga to leave the Socialist Party TIRANA - Tirana’s socialist members are naming the culprits. The imprisoned leader of the Socialist Party, Fatos Nano, and two of its best-known political figures, Ilir Meta and Luan Hajdaraga, have been sharply criticized by the capital’s 20 District Councils. At their meetings, which included the Tirana list, they called “Nano and Mon...” responsible for the Socialist Party’s defeat in the local elections. But this time, alongside Nano, two of the declared opponents of further reform in the Socialist Party have also been targeted: Fatos Nano. “Ilir Meta and Luan Hajdaraga are Berisha’s workers,” wrote members of the Tirana Socialist Party in statements distributed for this purpose by the chairmen. Socialist Party headquarters

FROM “LA GAZZETTA DEL MEZZOGIORNO” TIRANA - “We do not want the influx of Albanian clandestine migrants to the Apulian shores to continue in any way.” TIRANA - “We do not want the influx of Albanian clandestine migrants to the Apulian shores to continue in any way. But I want to say just this: that minority of criminals casts a shadow over a large part of Albanians who work honestly on Italian soil. Crime must not involve children. Only cooperation between the Albanian and Italian authorities can prevent this unacceptable phenomenon.” This is what Albanian President Sali Berisha said in an interview given to “La Gazzetta del Mezzogiorno” in Apulia. The speaker confirms that talks with senior Italian government officials have been undertaken on this point: stopping the influx of Albanians into the Apennine peninsula. Berisha also notes that a market for the sexual abuse of children exists in Albania. The case of an incident that was investigated some time ago has been documented and has now been brought before the Albanian courts.

Leka Zogu’s Albanian “adventure” TIRANA - Hour by hour, the entire eventful journey of Leka Zogu: the miles, the journeys, the meetings and ... Ahmet Zogu’s disappointment and departure during his brief return to his homeland. A journalist’s diary brings back the situation of three years ago.

A guardian angel for the non-commissioned officer SHKODËR - “The body of the murdered police non-commissioned officer has still not been found.” The Shkodër Police Commissariat is correcting a report in the Gazette dated November 17, entitled “Smuggling revenge.” The report, which referred to several unofficial sources, claimed that some villagers had found the body of police non-commissioned officer Bashkim Musta concealed. But this is not true. “We are thoroughly searching the entire area where Musta served and have taken measures to find him,” the Shkodër commissariat clarifies. Musta, a member of the Palajve border post in Velipojë, has disappeared; it was not known before, and nothing is yet known about his fate. We apologize to the Musta family for our inaccuracy.

“Bushmen” in the forests of Elbasan? They got electricity just a few days ago ELBASAN - A “Bushman” family in the forests of Elbasan? Only a few days ago a right was finally secured, but a woman and three children had lived for years cut off from the life of the country, as if separated from it by oceans, desert dunes or tropical forests. They knew nothing even of the major political changes that had taken place in Albanian society in recent years. The Nuri family, who built their house in the middle of a forest, 40 kilometers from the road on the boundary between Elbasan and Tirana, got electricity only a week ago. The family lived for years alongside their livestock, and the only contact with the “outside world” was the village of Mamël, a five-hour walk from their home. Only a week ago they got electricity. Ten years ago, they had ... that burned all night throughout the year. They knew that Enver Hoxha was no longer “...”, as they put it, but had no idea who was governing now. A member of the Nuri family told the technicians who brought them the power line: “I’ll sell two sheep to buy myself a radio too,” with pictures that invite you. Meanwhile, the children played idly with the light switches. On page 9

Weekly Sunday supplement ALBANIAN GAZETTE Collections: a passion with surprises Postage stamps, tents, coins, lighters, cars... Here are the unusual passions of Albanian collectors. The passion? The ball with colors, with old things. He hated himself, so he killed himself TELE-BINGO A million every Sunday “Albanian Gazette” and “Trend” for just 30 lekë On pages 4–8

“I am happy that I made you rejoice” Kadare

“Please save Arban from prison” TIRANA - “Please save Arban,” the appeal has come from the office of the Association of Professional Journalists of Albania, and the person in question is Arban Hasan... TIRANA - “Please save Arban,” the appeal has come from the office of the Association of Professional Journalists of Albania, and the person in question is Arban Hasani, head of culture at “KJ” and former editor-in-chief of the weekly “Populli Po”. This journalist has been sentenced to seven months’ imprisonment, commutable to a fine of 2,160 dollars. “He has committed the offense of defamation in his writings,” the court ruled. But the decision was challenged by the “Professionals,” and everyone considers it “a severe sentence for the free press.” The Association’s appeal on Arban’s behalf is addressed not only to its counterparts, but also to President Sali Berisha, who had been responsible for—having promised journalists that he would establish a prosecutor’s office...