The explosion caused the rock face to collapse. The rocks trapped the group of villagers Massacre in the military tunnel A munitions depot explodes: 27 dead They had entered the tunnel carrying torches. The explosions are still continuing BURREL - Catastrophe at a military depot in Qafë Shtamë. At least 27 people—including women and children—have died. Others have been seriously injured, but their number has not been confirmed. The reasons for this terrible accident remain a mystery, but sources at the Burrel police station offer two versions: the victims went into the military tunnel believing there was food and other provisions inside, or they had sought to dismantle the casings of military shells in order to sell them as scrap metal in Montenegro. Near the depot that blew up on Tuesday evening—at around 22:30—there are another seven or eight depots, which are also at risk. Following an order from the Ministry of Health, the military hospital in Tirana was put on alert to receive the injured. By 16:30 yesterday, the military helicopters had still not arrived. Also yesterday, another military depot was blown up in the village of Palikësht in Berat, but fortunately there were no casualties. A witness recounts: “The villagers had gone there because they thought they would find food. There were women and children among them, too.” The decision will be made on Friday

ANDREA STEFANI Today is May 1. And perhaps for the first time in this century, Albanians will find it difficult to call this day a May Day celebration. Because the spirit cannot celebrate. The people of our nation are not illuminated by fireworks. Amid the ruin left by volleys of bullets, people once had another life. The flowers in people’s hands have long ceased to be messages of peace and happiness; sadly, they are now tributes laid on the graves of innocent lives cut short by absurdity. And absurdity in Albania continues its course, amid politics and dreams, joy and inhumanity, in a conflict unfolding among the clans of the eyes. For half a century, the Albanian working class could not celebrate its own day in the way it was celebrated in other parts of the world. Stripped of its rights, it was reduced to humiliation, its roots scorched by the flames of destruction. Can the people be blamed for such a calamity? Such social calamities erupt only from the interests of financial and political corruption. A people may be deceived by the corrupt, but it cannot itself be corrupted. That is why celebration cannot find the strength or courage; it cannot be so cynical as to rise above blood and ruins and shout: “Happy May Day!” Today, on its holiday, the world of labor must sit down and take stock of its losses. Once, it took stock of its victories. “Hundreds of domestic and foreign businesses and investments have been destroyed or remain paralyzed. An entire material wealth has been violated and wiped out, while thousands of people join the army of the unemployed every day.” But this is more than a holiday: it is the leveling of the foundations of a thriving business, a degradation of the future, a degradation of the cultural fabric built with so much effort. Today, the Albanian world of labor cannot celebrate. And this would not have happened if the political world had accepted and applied this year the principle of free and fair competition, as the world of labor has done. Albanian politics once understood too quickly that democracy is the rule of freedom, whereas dictatorship—whatever its name or color—is freedom under rule. But no political intrigue can make the world of labor stop hoping. It will not stop hoping that the cyclone of antisocial antagonism for power swirling over Albania will sweep away the eight mysterious planets that give rise to it. Then labor will once again be able to raise, in May, a toast to its own sweat... inhumane and antisocial, which it resolved among its clans. For almost its day with the dignity it deserved, as it did in the past and as in many other countries around the globe. Trapped in the barracks, it was forced to march to the sound of the drum and cheer, in shameful and hypocritical enthusiasm, for a policy that smiled and spoke from the stands. May Day forced people to wear the red tie of politics. Even here, this celebration of the work and sweat of people who create wealth has unfortunately turned into politics. May Day in Albania is compelled to mourn. In its background lies a trail of graves and wounded people, signs of the mysterious political conflict [?] that has gripped and devastated the country. Many of these victims are undoubtedly working people. May Day must mourn them. Is it not a celebration stained by the smoke and stench of gunpowder, rooted in the vibrations of the soul

WASHINGTON - New accusations by the former governor of the Albanian Bank. In his latest statements, issued to foreign news agencies, LUNIKU has also strongly attacked the Government, saying: “I was under strong pressure from it to issue private banking licenses to companies and firms involved in pyramid schemes. But the Bank always refused. A year and a half ago, I sent a letter to the Government, the Prosecutor’s Office, and other institutions, warning them of the devastating consequences of this activity. (The full article in tomorrow’s issue)

The Americans did not agree USA: “Tirana offered us Sazan in December ’95” Washington: The location they offered us did not suit us TIRANA - “The Albanian Government was the first to offer us Sazan.” The U.S. Embassy in Tirana yesterday revealed the mystery surrounding the talks held between the governments of the two countries. In December 1995, a proposal was made to Washington. Talks began immediately, but it now seems they have stalled. The Embassy’s statement says that the USA did not agree to the proposal. On page 2

The decision will be made on Friday VLORE - The port of Vlora will soon have to resume its operations. Friday of this week has been set as the final deadline by which the first ferry arriving from Brindisi may be expected at the port. Port authorities have met with the command of the multinational forces in the city and discussed the possibility of resuming the handling of cargo ships at the port. “But on Friday we may receive a definitive answer,” said General Giglio, commander of the forces in Vlora, after the meeting.

No results on the elections or the electoral law PD leader: “It was a consultation.” PS leader: “I’m sorry.” Yesterday, the Nano–Shehu meeting (Photo: P. Ilo) On page 2 The PD leader: “It was a consultation.” The PS leader: “I’m sorry.” Yesterday, the Nano–Shehu meeting (Photo: P. Ilo)

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“In 1969 the Kingdom of Libya would have helped us, but...” “In 1979 we were ready to overthrow Hoxha with the Americans” “I did not send Xhevdet Mustafa; on the contrary, I opposed it” On page 5 Leka Zogu in ’70, ready for intervention

SPORT Cup: Partizani–Flamurtari in the final TIRANA – Flamurtari won easily, while Partizani had difficulties. On page 6

Bektashi leader passes away TIRANA - One of the leaders of the Bektashi community has died. The First Deputy of the World Leader, His Holiness Baba Bajram Mahmutaj, parted yesterday from his family and Bektashi believers. A statement from the Bektashi Community says that “with his death, Bektashi believers, friends and well-wishers have lost one of the spiritual leaders of God’s word and wisdom.” Baba Bajram was born in Tepelenë on May 18, 1907, and from an early age was educated in the teachings of the Bektashi faith. At the age of 17, he built the Plashnik Teqe. The funeral ceremony will be held today at the Headquarters of the World Bektashi Center in Tirana, at 12 o’clock, where tributes will be paid, and at 15:00 he will be accompanied to the cemetery. “Gazeta Shqiptare” expresses its most sincere condolences to the family and all Bektashi believers for this profound loss.

England: Blair–Major duel today The Labour Party has a strong chance of winning the vote. Major On page 7