Brussels demands: “Dialogue must begin in Albania” After a six-day strike in hospital. Their condition continues to worsen VLORË - The situation is worsening in the city of Vlorë, also as a result of the students’ protest. It is learned that they are ready to begin a hunger strike. Faced with no solution, the students have warned of a tougher form of protest. Tense because of recent events, they are demanding a solution and dialogue. Brussels, through the EU foreign ministers, has called for dialogue to begin in Albania and for the principles of democracy to be respected. Students have ended up in hospital. Their condition continues to worsen. (Photo: H. Pustina) Students during the protest in strike (Photo: H. Pustina)

The lek toward the abyss, banks raise interest rates: will loans become more expensive? VLORË - The consumption situation and the uncertainty created by the current crisis seem to be leaving visible traces in the banking market as well. Signs of an increase in deposit and loan interest rates have appeared. This is being immediately reflected in interest rates on the financial market, bringing consequences for borrowers and savers. If the market continues to be unstable, the effects will be significant for household finances and business. On pages 2-3

Creditors have lost 145 million dollars TIRANË - “Gjallica” has not made the payments. After that, depositors have lost large sums. According to the initial calculations, the losses amount to 145 million dollars. The company has been unable to meet its obligations and has collapsed. On page 4 The Gjallica hall in Vlorë

TREND Oxa: “Singapërinë” I dedicate to joy Oxa with her uncle On pages 5-8

The cylinder of revolt and of public anger against those responsible for the crisis continues to expand. There are protests, road blockades and spontaneous gatherings throughout the country. This tense situation calls for political calm and institutional responsibility. Instead of encouraging confrontation, political actors should seek an exit. In this climate, the voice of citizens has become stronger than ever before.

The central office of TELE-BINGO KONISFESTARE begins, as of 20.2.1997 in Tirana, the drawing of coupons with winning numbers. All winners, in order to collect the amount won, must appear with an identification document. 1. STAR-BINGO: the lottery with 35 numbers and 2 x 2 “TELE-BINGO KONISFESTARE” 2. TELE-BINGO: the lottery with 90 numbers, with 2,000,000,000 (two billion) lekë and 4 x 2 “TELE-BINGO KONISFESTARE” 3. TELE-BINGO: the lottery with 35 numbers, with 2,000,000,000 (two billion) lekë and 4 x 2 “TELE-BINGO KONISFESTARE” All winners must present themselves at the central office with the original coupon and an identification document. If the coupon has erasures, damage, or a missing serial number, it is considered invalid.

SPORT Vlorë: Championship boycott On page 10 FROM THE WORLD Albright: “With China, one another” On page 9 SHOWBIZ We Albanians too Alongside Elvis Presley’s recordings On page 9

RESPONSIVE CARTOON THE NEW HANDS OF THE EU LOCAL CAFES? THE NOBLES OF TIRANA GA.00