Clients march toward the square: riot police intervene
Another day of anxiety at the “pyramid scheme” firm. From morning until evening, hundreds of people waited to get their money.
Yesterday, police dispersed people who were heading toward the center, chanting “We want our money.” They used force and detained several people in vans.
Once again, only a few people managed to withdraw their money yesterday. Those who had deposited small amounts were given priority. The others? Still a question mark.
TIRANË - “Won’t people get their money until Monday?” Nothing is known at Sudja. Yesterday evening, the police officers escorting her to her home said that the return of money had been suspended for an indefinite period. Thus, panic and fear continue to prevail, and only a few clients with large sums have withdrawn their money. Yesterday at midday, a protest march heading for Skënderbej Square was stopped by police in the middle of the road. Officers in helmets and with rubber batons halted the surge near the Orthodox Church. People chanting “We want our money” turned back toward Sudja’s home. The process of returning money began around 12 o’clock, but not for everyone.
On page 3
The lists posted by Sudja
FEAR
Sudja leaves with police: “Where are you going?”
On page 3
THE LAW
Vejsiu’s alarm: “Set up the commission as soon as possible”
On page 3
Albania ’97 begins without a budget
A plan is expected to be drawn up for only the first three months.
A plan is expected to be drawn up for only the first three months
Albania ’97 begins without a budget
The deficit and IMF criticism constrain Meksi
Plague wreaks havoc among pigs
Court rejects Hajdari; Xheka remains at the helm
BSPSH showdown: the court ruled yesterday
HAJDARI
XHEKA
TIRANË - The court has stopped Azem Hajdari’s momentum
Divorce by phone: Emigrant leaves his wife
The deficit and IMF criticism constrain Meksi
TIRANA – Albania risks entering 1997 without its own budget. The widening deficit and the criticism voiced by the International Monetary Fund, especially on this issue, appear likely to force the Meksi government to draw up only a mini-budget for the first three months of the new year. Meanwhile, at the end of this month another IMF delegation will come to Albania to discuss the details of the limits within which the deficit for next year will be projected.
On page 7
Measles and mumps: the toll grows worse
Plague wreaks havoc among pigs
Measles and mumps: the toll grows worse
The diseases have affected several districts of the country. In Tirana alone, there are 29 cases of mumps, some even with complications
TIRANA—The year is ending with disease in Albania. Measles and mumps have struck many districts of the country. In Tirana alone, 29 cases of mumps have been recorded, some of which have also developed complications and are therefore being treated in hospital wards. From people to animals. An alarming outbreak has emerged in Lezhë. Plague has broken out, wreaking havoc among pigs. In three weeks, 1,500 head of livestock have been recorded as having died as a result of the spread of the disease.
On pages 5, 7
Xheka remains at the helm
HAJDARI / XHEKA
HAJDARI
TIRANA – The court has halted Azem Hajdari’s rush toward the leadership of the Union of Trade Unions. “Hajdari must not use the name of BSPSH, and the extraordinary conference in Durrës is not legitimate” — that was yesterday’s ruling by the judges, who rejected Hajdari’s request and accepted Xheka’s. Thus, Hajdari’s ambitions for the president’s seat have suffered their first defeat. Nevertheless, Hajdari is not giving up on seeking justice. “I will appeal,” he declared.
“Justice is not independent. After Xheka sold the workers’ interests to Meksi, he was rewarded with this decision.”
“I wasn’t expecting another ruling. But the court should not have considered this at all; it is not the court that appoints the head of the trade unions.”
On page 5
Emigrant leaves his wife
Berat
BERAT – As soon as he becomes a father, he asks his wife for a divorce. He does not even tell his unfortunate wife directly, but conveys the message by telephone to his own father. The older man then follows his emigrant son’s request to the letter and does not show up at the house to receive his daughter-in-law, who is returning from the maternity ward with their little granddaughter. There have been cases in which war was “declared” between two families that had once been close, and only police intervention made it possible to avert a real tragedy.
V. C., 21, from the village of Arrez, 15 kilometres from Berat, married a fellow villager last year, with the consent of both sets of parents. Two months ago, his in-laws gave him the money he needed to start life as an emigrant—he set off for Italy as an undocumented migrant—and that was when the unexpected happened. A sudden phone call to his family put his parents in a dilemma: he asked them not to let his pregnant wife into their home, as she had gone to the maternity hospital to give birth. “I don’t have a wife. Tell her to go to her parents, because I don’t love her anymore.” A few days later, knowing nothing of the grim fate awaiting her, his wife returned home with the baby in her arms, but was not allowed inside. This sparked a quarrel, and only police intervention prevented a tragedy between the two families, whose friendship had unexpectedly fallen apart.
THE CAPITAL’S SOCIALISTS
Revolution within the PS, criticism of the leadership
TIRANA – Yesterday the capital’s socialists called for a revolution within the PS party. They sharply criticised several leading figures in their party, this time sparing neither Fatos Nano, Brokaj, Meksi nor the party’s former leaders, Meta and Hajdaraga.
Today and the PS
On page 3
Fest ’96: Yesterday was the VIPs’ turn
THE FIRST NIGHT
Fest ’96: Yesterday was the VIPs’ turn
The famous were greeted with ovations
The 35th festival opens with names that evoke nostalgia. Last night, the first 18 songs were performed.
TIRANA—Fest ’96 got under way with an evening devoted to the greats. Returning to the stage for one last appearance, Konçi, Rzhepaj, Bjaraku, Ndoci, E. L…boja and t… Gjo…Deda-Makashi received lengthy applause for their performances on the first night. A show launched with big names from the tradition seems to demand considerable attention, given the presenters’ rather poorly prepared introductions.
On page 4
The Festival presenters
World cinema in mourning: the great Mastroian dies
On page 4
THE WORLD
Belgrade: “New elections? Why not!”
The OSCE’s special commission arrived in the Serbian capital yesterday.
On page 3
DEAD / THAN RED
SPORT
Këmpes: “The contract will be signed on January 2”
He spent a day in the company of Xhavarr… of the starters.
On page 6
