Tirana vows: “The death penalty will be abolished”

Peçi in Kyiv: Proceed with caution By our correspondent in Kyiv “Albania is moving toward abolishing the death penalty. But this will happen gradually. Public opinion in Albania must become aware that capital punishment is a form of the state’s revenge against the individual.” This was stated in an interview with Gazeta Shqiptare by the Minister of Justice, Kristofor Peçi. On page 3

Meksi’s proposal topples Zaçe

Dervishi returns to head the Federation FIFA SANCTION / The Prime Minister calls for the decisions to be suspended. Football and basketball are spared TIRANA - The government has intervened in the Zaçe-Dervishi dispute. In a five-point statement, it proposes that the government review all the decisions made by the Secretary for Sports, Zaçe. The parties take contradictory positions. Zaçe: “I am not prepared to make an official statement. I can give a definite answer only on Monday.” “My heart is saddened by what happened, but ultimately I am glad that Albanian football has won,” says Dervishi, who has thus returned to the post of Secretary General of the Federation. Vllaznia also defeats Tirana. After Flamurtari, the champions too fall victim to the Shkodër side. Their victory has just one name: Martini. Flamurtari suffers its third consecutive defeat outside the city of Vlora. Partizani benefits and is now only four points behind. Zaçe: “It’s too soon to comment. It will be clarified on Monday” Dervishi: “What matters is that Albanian football won” Insert on page 3

The Kulla case: brother arrested

“He committed a murder with two others” Today, the first explanations about the incident before the judges He was detained by the police a few days ago. Trial today

THE USURY SCAM

: Five years in absentia for three million USD Two years later, the thieves returned DURRES - The former president of the company has been missing since May of this year, his whereabouts unknown. He had taken three million dollars with him, obtained through usury schemes. His creditors filed a complaint, and yesterday he was sentenced in absentia to five years’ imprisonment. On page 9

He committed a murder with two others

He was detained by police a few days ago. Today, the hearing on his detention by police a few days ago. Today, the hearing on his detention TIRANA—The latest protagonists in the “Kulla” case appear before the judges today. Nehat Kulla’s brother and two others detained a few days ago will appear in court today to give their first explanations regarding the charge. The case files concerning them arrived at the Prosecutor’s Office yesterday, and today the judges will decide on the security measure after hearing their explanations. They are accused of having, in collaboration with Nehat Kulla, killed a citizen years ago in a village in Durrës. On page 9 Tirana Court

The thieves return the money

Two years later The thieves return the money The young men offered twice the amount as a sign of remorse LIBRAZHD—They stole it two years ago, but have returned the sum they had wrongfully acquired. Two young men from Elbasan, who had secretly taken the money from Librazhd, used it to travel to Italy and, as soon as they returned to their homeland, carried out their next act. On page 9

Velija awards laurels to the greats of literature

TIRANA, “THE FOUNDATION WILL CREATE A TRADITION” TIRANA—The national “Velija” awards conclude with the triumph of the winners. And in one of the rooms of the “Tirana” hotel, the award winners received their laurels: in prose, Bashkim Shehu, and in poetry, Dritëro Agolli and Bardhyl Londo. Candelabra with candles, courtesy, drinks and a festive setting: this was the decor of yesterday’s celebration, which in its own way paid tribute to literature. “We will try to turn this experience into a tradition,” the Foundation’s president, Vebi Velija, promised last night. The successful businessman, who has often appeared in the role of patron of the arts, says he is saddened by the press polemics, which at times have not been well disposed toward the name of the award given by the foundation. But the jury, composed of distinguished Albanian intellectuals, leaves little room for doubt. I remember the foundation’s directors as well, Mira Mek[?], who has no doubts about the jury’s decision, nor even about the announcement of two co-winners of the poetry prize. “Perhaps our projects will expand later,” she says, without wishing to reveal the surprises the cultural foundation will have in store in the future for Albanian culture.

Superfinal crossword

On page 10

ALBANIAN GAZETTE SPORT

Vllaznia O. K. After beating Tirana, the Shkodër side takes first place Partizani’s week Flamurtari decisive ALBANIAN GAZETTE SPORT A “hole” over football TELE - BINGO Don’t forget! The top prizes are being collected by the winners On pages 5-8

SPECIAL

Today is World AIDS Day: The Albanian history of the virus

This hand may have AIDS On page 11

OFFICIAL LIST OF DRAW PRIZE WINNERS

NO. 39, DATED 29.11.1996 OF THE ALBANIAN RED CROSS LOTTERY Tickets ending in 69 win a prize of 500 lekë Tickets ending in 578 win a prize of 2,000 lekë Tickets ending in 1194 win a prize of 5,000 lekë Ticket number 16/0376 wins 50,000 lekë Ticket number 2/1733 wins 150,000 lekë 10/0767 wins 700,000 lekë