. Will the money be returned today? Sudja and Gjalliça have now reached the final stage of their ordeal: “the money will be distributed.” It is simply a coincidence—we would like to call it that—that the two names operating pyramid schemes have chosen January 15 to “prove people wrong,” as is well known. Let us hope they will come through once again. In any case, Albanians will remember this day. If anything else is forgotten, the remaining money will be taken from them and distributed amid despair, in homes weighed down by grief, struck from every direction, and among children who hear their parents repeat the words “answer, pyramid scheme, what are we going to do?” thousands of times. And the current goes on, chewing away at the bread in silence beside the table. Today is January 15. Thousands of people will crowd around the counters of Sudja and Gjalliça from the early hours of the morning. The end of a terrible dream, or a stronger hope that will tear the oppression of their customers out by the roots? This morning will provide the answer. We will see whether Sudja and Gjalliça keep their promise. “On January 15, I will distribute the money.” Those were the last words they uttered, but—despite a little optimism still remaining here and there—it seems people no longer believe them. Sudja, after a tiring and uncertain adventure, announced her final deadline for distributing the money a few days ago, even accompanying it with a bold invitation: “If I don’t start at 9 in the morning, do whatever you want to me.” Meanwhile, Gjalliça, following conflicts between the company’s two directors, has declared January 15 to be the definite date for paying out the money. Long, anxious hours, as thousands of customers have come today to make their wishes—or curses—heard loud and clear. (Ar. Ça.)

A confidential Bank report reveals the money from the pyramid schemes The pyramid-scheme storm Xhaferi was questioned about the source of the money and its transfers within and outside the country Over a 10-month period, private firms increased their bank deposits about fourfold TIRANA — It seems that the “pyramid-scheme” business caused a river of money to flow into the counters of second-tier banks during 1996. Total deposits in local currency and foreign currency rose at unprecedented rates, reaching more than 95 billion lekë. This is an increase—compared with the end of 1995—of around 29 billion lekë, or approximately 290 million US dollars. Of this staggering increase in cash deposits at banks, 25 billion lekë belonged to private companies operating “pyramid schemes,” taking the lion’s share. And the management of this enormous capital, created by concentrating the income of thousands of people, has now become the focus of the conflict that has erupted between the banks and the “pyramid schemes.” On page 7 The firms’ deposits at the end of ’96 have increased by 250 million dollars. The Foundation’s president was questioned for 90 minutes

THE STORY A fake mother to get the house TIRANA — A fake mother to get the house, and a fake document. Then a fake court case, and a house changed hands. While an elderly woman had died in faraway America, another woman in Tirana signed on her behalf to give away a house. The notary was unable to tell the forged deed from the genuine one, and the matter was taken to the court in Tirana. A court case to establish ownership was conducted with only one party present, and a decision was thus made in a dispute within a family. The story has now been investigated, and the file has once again been returned to court, where another judge is expected to uncover the truth about the case. It is a property story of the kind that fills court offices every day, but one that perhaps contains some of the most subtle elements of fraud. The story began about two years ago, when an elderly woman in Tirana, together with her daughter and son-in-law, left Albania and went to America. But before that, through a notarial deed, she had transferred ownership of the house to her daughter. Apparently, this decision had aroused the jealousy of her other daughter, who had remained in Tirana. But although her mother had died in America, the daughter in Tirana obtained a certificate from the civil registry, where her mother had not been deregistered, and found another woman to act as her mother; the woman did not hesitate to give her the house. Moreover, after the notarial deed, a court had “examined” the documents, holding an ownership hearing with only one party present and ruling in her favor, after “hearing” the mother. The news reached the United States, and when the couple returned, they really did find their house sold. After this, she filed a fraud complaint against the notary. An investigation by the Tirana Prosecutor’s Office was also launched into the case, and the file has now reached the court, where it is awaiting trial. Mentor Kikia

After the decision to impose limits on cash withdrawals, Alimucaj reacts angrily

People are still handing over money for a percentage

After the decision to impose limits on cash withdrawals, Alimuçaj reacts angrily On page 7 Vehbi Alimuçaj

People are still handing over money for a percentage On page 7 People in front of the counters

Yesterday, a meeting of the PD leadership with Berisha TIRANA — A slap in the face for Hajdari from the PD. “Azem is outside our parliamentary group.” This was the decision of the Party’s leadership, which met yesterday for a lengthy meeting. The leadership’s closed-door meeting also set out the main directions for Saturday’s expanded meeting of the National Council. Reorganizing itself, strengthening the PD’s leadership structures, and deepening economic reform were the main topics debated for several hours in Shehu’s office. The head of state, Sali Berisha, was also present at the meeting. PD headquarters; Azem Hajdari

Two young high-school students came very close to death KORÇË / Police are persistently searching for the mysterious seller

DURRËS — A major anti-smuggling operation in Durrës, and 100 vehicles have been impounded. Police and Ministry of Finance personnel organized a blitz at the city of Durrës’s car market. An unexpected inspection uncovered dozens of vehicles with irregular documents. On page 5

FROM THE WORLD Drashkoviç. On page 2

SHOW Vlorë. On page 4

The PD says: “None of it is true; we will house them” Tension at the former Party School following the decision concerning the students . TIRANA — Another Bathore in Tirana? Solving the students’ problem is expected to create another Gordian knot for Tirana’s government officials. Everything at the premises of the former Party School points to tension that could erupt any day now. “Get your placards ready; we’ll move you out soon.” This was the administrative order that arrived at the buildings, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and tension. “None of it is true; there will be no relocation.” The response also came from the Tirana office of the PD, thus ensuring a normal and calm atmosphere. PD Vice-Chairman Ekrem Kastrati believes that “Everyone will be accommodated in proper apartments, and only afterward will arrangements be made for the students.” On page 3 The former Party School in Tirana (Photo: P. Ilo)

THE CLUB BOARD HAS DISMISSED LILAMANI KAVAJË — As of today, Lilamani will no longer be on the Kavajë team’s bench. In his place is a familiar name in coaching, Ramadan Shehu. Lilamani’s career on Besa’s bench lasted only half a season. A lengthy meeting of the club’s board resulted in Lilamani’s dismissal. The announcement came from Besa president Gëzim Kalaja himself, who also made public the name of his replacement, Ramadan Shehu. With a distinguished career as a player and later as a coach, Shehu will take his place on the Kavajë bench to raise the team’s profile to the level of the fans’ wishes and aspirations. Shehu has worked mostly with the youth sector, where he has been crowned champion several times with the Ministry of Sport team. He has also made a successful debut in winning competitions. As a consultant, he won the championship with Teuta in the 1993–1994 season. He later coached Partizani in the 1995–1996 season, but soon left after disputes with the club’s management. qe.ca