“Distribution from January 10 to 15” The clients’ committee met the 29-year-old woman yesterday: “I want lots of people outside the building” Yesterday, a member of the clients’ committee relayed Sudja’s words (Photo: P. Ilo) Yesterday, Sudja’s message was relayed through a megaphone by a committee member. She did not come out onto the balcony because she was not feeling well. TIRANA — “You will get the money when the order comes to me from above.” That was Sudja’s reply yesterday to her clients’ committee. The meeting lasted around 45 minutes, and it was affirmed that the regular distribution of payments would take place from January 10 to 15. Meanwhile, all clients who will withdraw money on behalf of a relative or a friend will be provided with a power of attorney authorizing them to do so. It seems Sudja wants as many people around her as possible. “On January 10, we have to come to the place, all of us. Clients from every district in the country, too. Sudja herself wants this.” That was the reply of a committee member who had just met the woman, while his message spread like wildfire through the crowds of people standing and waiting patiently. A somewhat unusual request from the moneylender, amid this feverish money adventure. On page 3

“Populli” halted the distribution of money yesterday TIRANA — The distribution at the “Populli” foundation has been halted. Yesterday, throughout the day, no client withdrew their kismet. Its employees said it was simply a technical procedure and there was nothing to worry about. “Driza has gathered all the branch managers at headquarters for an emergency meeting.” On page 3

Smoking: young people’s bad habit The “Queen” of Fest ’96, a devout Christian Students: 30% have tried it at some point Video games: Poker, the new “drug” of young people. Hours in front of electronic screens The most successful rhythms in the world over the past five years. From heavy metal to pop and underground sounds On pages 5–8

This is how the French ambassador in Tirana died Enver Hoxha among military officers in the 1960s TIRANA — An ambassador spied on at every turn, and the atmosphere of a French revolution that [text unclear] cultural [text unclear], absurd people in the whole [text unclear] according to the Chinese style. This is what Albania appears to us to be through the memories of a former [text unclear], recently published by “Teona”. The reason: “The protocol [text unclear] did not allow the French diplomat’s eyes to be treated, as he was dying of a heart attack.” On page 11

“The sentences for Miska and Shahu are too lenient” The second-instance trial for the nine most recently convicted defendants will begin soon

ROME — Albanians robbed... in Rome. Four million lire vanished yesterday from the pockets of several offi...

TIRANA – For 24 hours, Albanians sat with their arms folded. The gates of their most powerful sectors were closed in support of the call by the BSPSH. Azem Hajdari called a one-day strike. “More than 80 percent of the national budgetary system went on strike,” according to Hajdari’s statistics. Commenting on his figures, Hajdari described the strike as “completely successful” and even as a “historic act showing that trade unionism in Albania is moving.” On page 3

“Lenient sentences for Miška and Shahu” From the trial of the genocidaires TIRANA – The prosecutor is appealing the lenient ruling against the genocidaires. In ten days, the trial of the last group of people tried for crimes against humanity by the Tirana Court will open at the Court of Appeal. There are [the number is unclear in the source] accused who will sit in the dock, of whom only four are present, while the others will be tried in absentia. While seven of them have appealed the harsh court sentences, in the case of the other two, Pali Miska and Hysen Shahu, it is the prosecution that has filed the appeal. On page 5

SPORT Bajko O.K. for USD 120,000 with Përmet On page 10

FROM THE WORLD Moscow wants guarantees from NATO On page 2 Yeltsin

ROME – Albanians were robbed in Rome. Four million lire disappeared from the pockets of five Albanian officials who were visiting the area around the Colosseum. A delegation that included members of parliament, a mayor and journalists also fell victim to some nomadic children, who stole a considerable amount of their money—something that put a dent in their pockets. Having arrived in the Italian capital for a meeting with the Pope, the Albanians from Tirana found themselves without a penny in their pockets after discovering that their group’s “cash box” was missing. The robbery took place in a matter of minutes, and only afterwards did they realize that they had not a single coin in their pockets, when they saw the nomads running away under the eyes of a police carabiniere.

Auction of icons in Lushnjë, but only for rent 50 THOUSAND DRACHMAS GIVEN FOR THE CROSS PULLED FROM THE OSUM BERAT – A windfall for the Feast of the Holy Water. A sum of 50 thousand drachmas was given to a young man from Berat after he found the cross thrown into the cold waters of the Osum. Yesterday’s religious Feast of the Holy Water featured the young men of Berat and the leadership of the Albanian Orthodox Church. Its head, Janullatos, threw the large cross into the middle of the river, and 16 young men jumped in to retrieve it. Fortune smiled on the young Armando Avra-mi, who was the first to reach the ground and raise the holy cross aloft. An original ceremony for Albanian believers, too. Two of the city church’s icons were put up for auction. An icon of Saint Basil sold for 4,800 lekë, while an icon of Saint Nicholas was valued at 3,800 lekë. All 75 church icons became the property of the people of Lushnjë, who must return them after keeping them in their homes for a month. The auction of valuable works—an original ritual—lasted more than two hours, after which the ritual of throwing the cross into the Holy Water took place. Although the space was cramped, the young women of Lushnjë rushed to get places in the front rows so they could enjoy being sprinkled with the Holy Water, which, in other words, means a little more good luck for them in the new year. ha.ta / sh.by Orthodox believers reaching for the cross that brings good luck for the year