The seventh day of protests. Demonstrators flooded the streets and squares until evening
March from Fier toward the Flag Monument
Huge funeral for the young man killed during the protests. The PD headquarters is set on fire
The seventh day of protests. Demonstrators flooded the streets and squares until evening
Vlora “topples” Meksi
March from Fier toward the Flag Monument
Huge funeral for the young man killed during the protests. The PD headquarters is set on fire
Police officers abandon the police station. General Shehu directs the entire evacuation operation. On page 3
For nine hours straight, 20,000 people walked toward the city of Vlora. On page 2
Radhima seaport is attacked. The speedboats seized by the police are taken away. On page 3
From the protests in Vlora
Parliament withdraws the tanks: Government bill rejected
The state of emergency “fails” in class
TIRANA - The Albanian Parliament withdraws the tanks from Vlora.
Albanian MPs did not pass yesterday the law that would have sent Zhulali’s military troops to the coastal city. Requested the day before by Prime Minister Meksi, the law provided for the imposition of a state of emergency in Vlora. But yesterday’s debate between the PD group and the MPs from Vlora led to the conclusion: “The law is pointless; there must be dialogue.” MP Dashamir Shehi from Vlora shared this view, and shortly after yesterday’s session he told the press that “the MPs from Vlora could not send tanks to this city.” On page 5
Parliament
Forum: “Today the capital should take to the streets”
PS accuses the government
Last night, candlelight protest in Tirana. Eurosocialists mourn Vlora
Candlelight protest (REUTERS)
On pages 2, 6
PD: “This is no time to talk about resignations”
NATIONAL COUNCIL TODAY
Emergency meeting of the Executive Committee yesterday. President Berisha also attended
On page 4
PD headquarters
Zile: “Soldiers could not be sent to Vlora”
VLORE - “The state of emergency in Vlora is absurd.
The situation in the city is not one that could lead to this extreme decision.” The mayor of Vlora, Gëzim Zile, in an interview given immediately after the parliamentary session, came out [unclear] for the people of Vlora. “I am with the people of Vlora, I am with the first link, but I am against violence,” declared the city’s number one official, though at the same time his statements were highly contradictory. “I am with the people of my city, but at the same time I am not with those who are against it.” Caught amid a barrage of journalists’ questions, Zile acknowledged that the only solution is dialogue and that he is ready to give up his seat as well.
On page 5
“A political solution is needed, not the rubber truncheon”
TIRANA - Dashamir Shehi opposes Meksi’s proposal.
“The MPs from Vlora could not send tanks to this city.” This is what the Democratic MP declared, taking a firm stand against what the prime minister had announced in Parliament just one day earlier as a plan. Believing Vlora to be a civilian city, Shehi adds that “a political solution is the only chance for this city.” According to Shehi, what is currently happening in Vlora and elsewhere cannot be resolved with a rubber truncheon. Recalling the applause for his position, but extremely opposed to Meksi’s idea, Shehi supports establishing political dialogue as the only chance for the city where he secured his vote.
On page 5
The press decides to defend itself
Statement today
TIRANA - People in the press are mobilizing to defend their lives.
An urgent roundtable with publishers and editors-in-chief of Albanian newspapers decided to establish a committee to protect journalists under threat and strongly condemned the violence perpetrated against the local press.
Today, press representatives are expected to issue a representative statement and a declaration defending public rights; measures will be taken to ensure that concrete steps are undertaken by the Committee. The meeting was held between the free press and a number of journalists, “Reporter” and the capital’s newspapers’ editors, as a way to protect journalists. The incident involving “Koha Jonë” is cited; the “Chairman” tried to obstruct the press strike. On the date “Reporter” and the journalists. [partly illegible]
Driza’s file ready for court
Protests yesterday at Sudja too. VEFA surrounds its counters with iron bars
Kamberi’s creditors: “We want explanations”
Protests yesterday at Sudja too. VEFA surrounds its counters with iron bars
Driza’s file ready for court
Kamberi’s creditors: “We want explanations”
TIRANA - “We want explanations from the company president himself.” In a petition posted by the creditors of “Kamberi” at one of its Tirana branches, the company president, Ferdinant Kamberi, was asked to come before the people and explain the latest decision concerning the withdrawal of capital by creditors on March 1. Driza goes to court. The head of the “Populli” foundation will soon appear in court. [small text partly illegible]
Driza
On pages 2, 7
Students: A canvas against violence
SPECTACLE
On page 8
Academy of Arts
France ’98: Italy-England at Wembley today
SPORT
France ’98
Today at Wembley
Italy-England
Alan Shearer
On page 9
