The country is in crisis even as it falls apart. Elections now seem very far away The President decrees the Vraniçki law: “Talk to Fino” Redrawing the Parliament is opposed. Agreement reached in Ju. 7 parties sign the anti-Berisha agreement

Andrea Stefani Yesterday, the main Albanian political forces, which until yesterday had insulted one another as enemies and traitors, finally sat down to talk about the elections in Tirana. This is naturally a good thing. A broad political coalition that can pull the country out of the crisis is necessary. But while many opposition parties are doing everything they can to achieve free and fair elections, Berisha continues to behave like a man who wants neither consensus nor peace. He decreed the Vraniçki law only after rejecting it for weeks and only after the country was driven deeper into crisis. Instead of helping, he continues to create new obstacles. Conditioned number 115, the game with decrees, the delays, the pressure and the backstage maneuvers show that the consensus is being betrayed precisely by the one who has the greatest duty to protect it. Albania today needs trust, not political traps. When a president tells the international community “talk to Fino,” he is admitting himself that he is no longer the solution, but part of the problem. Yesterday’s agreement among the seven parties is an important step, but still a fragile one. If the elections are postponed again, the country will slide further into uncertainty. An anti-Berisha agreement was signed in Tirana, but the real challenge is its implementation and the guarantee of free voting.

Photo Pilar Tolo

The socialist leader has 7.2 million USD in liabilities Lawyers stated: “We will ask the court for acquittal, like Sudan in defense” TIRANE - The “Nano” case was filed again in the Tirana District Court to examine the prosecution’s request to reopen the trial against former Prime Minister Fatos Nano. The panel is expected to decide whether to accept the request or reject it, in the context of the general political and legal crisis. His lawyers said they will seek full acquittal and that the case has been used politically for years. According to sources close to the court, the file refers to millions of dollars in liabilities mentioned in the dossier. (See more on page 2)

Tirana - Yesterday afternoon, the Peshkopia region was shaken by an earthquake measuring 3.6 on the Richter scale. The shock was felt not only in the center and nearby districts, but also in Tirana, where many residents left their buildings in alarm. According to specialists, the epicenter was in the mountainous area near Peshkopi. No major material damage has been reported, but the tremors caused panic among the population. Seismological services are monitoring the situation and do not rule out further tremors. (See more on page 4)

On page 3 The OSCE mediator reveals what they were asking for. “You will not escape,” he warned; it will be in the south [?] On page 3 Other statements of the former prime minister. In Berisha’s winter. “The law that the president completes for everyone” On page 2 The parties unite, “do not return to the elections.” “With this law it cannot even be done, city hall.” A just protest if it is true On page 5 VLORE The name of Ortano’s wife is found On page 5 SHKODER “Alba” restoration on the Han-Hotit road PARLIAMENT On page 4 Night of alarm: The final role of the crisis actors From the protests in the city of Vlorë

GAZETA SHQIPTARE. Independent daily political, economic, cultural newspaper. Publisher sp.a. Gen. Dir. 370. Editor-in-chief ARMAND NERO. Editorial office: 259-761 and fax 042/62646, 63865. Address: “Sulejman Delvina” Street, Met. Alsa building, staircase 1. Year V - No. 663 - Saturday, 17 May 1997. Price Lek 30. To Berisha: now vote by yourself. The country in crisis to collapse as well. Elections now seem very far away. The President decrees the Vraniçki law: “Talk to Fino”. Redistribution is opposed. Parliament. Agreement reached in June. 7 parties sign the anti-Berisha agreement. Curse number 115 and the betrayed consensus. Yesterday, the main Albanian political forces, which until yesterday had insulted each other as enemies and traitors, finally sat down in Tirana to discuss the elections. This is naturally a good thing... [translation abbreviated due to illegibility in source OCR]. Earthquake in Peshkopi: Tremors and fear up to Tirana. Help: Is the Nano trial reopened? The socialist leader has 7.2 million USD in obligations. Alarm among the committees: We expect events in Tirana. Vranicki with finger in mouth. Inside page teasers: Mediator of the OSCE... Vlorë... Shkodër... Parliament...

GAZETA SHQIPTARE. Independent daily political, economic, cultural newspaper. Publisher sp.a. Gen. Dir. 370. Editor-in-chief ARMAND NERO. Editorial office: 259-761 and fax 042/62646, 63865. Address: “Sulejman Delvina” Street, Met. Alsa building, staircase 1. Year V - No. 663 - Saturday, 17 May 1997. Price Lek 30. To Berisha: now vote by yourself. The country in crisis to collapse as well. Elections now seem very far away. The President decrees the Vraniçki law: “Talk to Fino”. Redistribution is opposed. Parliament. Agreement reached in June. 7 parties sign the anti-Berisha agreement. Curse number 115 and the betrayed consensus. Yesterday, the main Albanian political forces... [translation abbreviated due to poor OCR legibility]. Earthquake in Peshkopi: tremors and fear up to Tirana. Help: Is the Nano trial being reopened? The socialist leader has obligations of 7.2 million USD. Alarm among the committees: we are waiting for events in Tirana. Vranicki with a finger in his mouth. References to the inside pages: OSCE mediator... Vlorë... Shkodër... Parliament...