More war in the small town. The day before, the police station had been attacked Masked men with anti-tank weapons Battle in Çerrik, 5 policemen killed Two special forces officers remain burnt inside the car. 13 wounded are taken to Tirana "Police teams arriving from Tirana, Pogradec, and gramsh[?], the new chief from Elbasan is wounded" "Another policeman is in serious condition at the Military Hospital. He has a head injury" TIRANA - Yesterday afternoon, around 3:00 p.m., in the center of Çerrik, a group of heavily armed people with automatic weapons and anti-tank weapons attacked the police forces, killing five of them and injuring 13 others. The police, arriving from Tirana, Pogradec and Elbasan, were trying to restore order in the town after the attack on the police station the day before. The clash was very fierce and lasted a long time, while two special forces officers were burnt inside their vehicle. The wounded were taken to Tirana. Among them is also the new chief of police in Elbasan. Another policeman is in serious condition at the Military Hospital, with a head injury. ELBASAN Ultimatum to the prefect: "Remove the police commissioner" New chief from Shkodra had been appointed only two days earlier TIRANA Two burnt corpses hidden in Dajt A shepherd accidentally discovers them under a pine thicket inside the vehicle abandoned from Tirana KUÇOVË Three days of war sermons in the city center Two rival groups clash over revenge. Three people lose their lives

Distrust toward Vranicki Electoral dilemma: Fino Faldimi[?] "Keep our votes safe" The parties are still undecided about whether to enter the vote or not QERIM PEKA - The escalation of political actions and the uprising has created a deadlocked climate and a serious basis for talks between the parties. In the first agreement with Vranicki three days ago, as soon as he set foot in Tirana, Fino repeated the demand that the elections be held quickly, no later than 29 June. While the PD has not ruled out a delayed solution, the opposition parties and SHIK-u[?] further deepen doubts about the feasibility of this platform. As a result, the government has changed the terms of talks with Vranicki from setting the election date to issues of stability and public order. This very problem became the subject of yesterday afternoon’s talks between Berisha and Vranicki, with the aim of avoiding the escalation of civil war and finding common ground for serious negotiations. But whatever political scenario Vranicki presents in Tirana, the Fino government’s message remains unchanged. Prime Minister Fino asked the international community to keep watch over the votes and ensure that free elections are held. This was also the framework of yesterday’s conversation between the heads of state and the EU special envoy, former Austrian chancellor Franz Vranitzky. He is trying to build a suitable ground for a meeting between Berisha and the opposition. A meeting that would first and foremost bring the assurance needed to avoid civil war, but from the government’s point of view only with an electoral "contract." In yesterday’s meeting with Vranicki, Berisha avoided condemning the violence and military actions, but beyond that he is also avoiding any statement about rapprochement with the opposition. In these circumstances the Fino government remains committed to elections at the end of June, but with the strong demand that they be monitored and protected by the international community.

Did high-ranking state officials know about the pyramids? Pyramid schemes, investigations at the presidency Prosecutors examine Lumikut[?]'s letter "The Council knew about the crisis" TIRANA - One day earlier, a thorough inspection was carried out in the office of the Defence Council at the Presidency. The Prosecutor’s Office requested documents that might help the investigations into the bankruptcy of the pyramid companies. According to sources, the inspection focused on the Council’s correspondence and materials, to see whether the highest institutions had knowledge of the developments in the crisis. Investigators are reviewing letters and various documents that may shed light on the issue. Also at the center of interest was a letter from Lumikut[?], which according to sources is linked to the warnings about the situation that had emerged. "The Council knew about the crisis"

Monetary Fund: "Postpone the taxes" "This is how you come out of the crisis" TIRANA - During yesterday’s day the delegation from the IMF held several meetings with the government to look at the first measures that need to be taken in response to the economic crisis. According to sources, the experts requested an immediate curb on spending, a revision of the fiscal scheme, and measures to increase revenue. In particular, taxes were discussed and the need for business not to be burdened under crisis conditions, while the state must also secure income. IMF representatives gave several concrete suggestions to the Albanian government, while the talks are expected to continue. "This is how you come out of the crisis" An office[?]

Governor: We will prevent a new rise in the dollar Tusha explains: "This is how we protect the lek" Tirana Tmer e plumba ne Shtepi[?] TIRANA - Besim Alia, commander[?] at the head of the Tirana Police, was yesterday in the office of the Albanian Bank[?]. It was a conversation held about the measures that will be taken to stabilize the exchange rate. The governor announced that interventions are being prepared to prevent a new rise in the dollar and to protect the lek. He stressed that the situation is difficult, but that the financial institutions will try to maintain control over the market. In his statements, Tusha explained some of the ways in which the local currency is intended to be stabilized. Tmer e plumba ne Shtepi[?] National Bank

ELBASAN Ultimatum to the prefect: "Remove the police commissioner" New chief from Shkodra had been appointed only two days earlier TIRANA Two burnt corpses hidden in Dajt A shepherd accidentally discovers them under a pine thicket inside the vehicle abandoned from Tirana KUÇOVË Three days of war sermons in the city center Two rival groups clash over revenge. Three people lose their lives

Deputy Minister Sami: "The closure of the basdo[?] worries us[?]" The mysterious telephone and Forstiti causes a "storm" in Italy DHL No morning [?] lutaja[?] Tel. 042 - 27067 / 042 - 39332

SPORT Martini is exchanged for a shirt and a cap[?] WORLD Russia: Former Minister of Taxis[?] Pablo Picasi[?] No. 00007 4 I Tracktive No. 00007 7

FERRY NIOBE I DURRËS - IGOUMENICË SUNDAY, 25/05/1997 DEPARTURE AT 13.00 FOR TRAILERS, TRUCKS, VANS, CARS AND PASSENGERS FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND ADVANCE BOOKINGS, OFFICES OF THE ALBANIAN AGENCY TRAVEL & TOURS SHPK IN TIRANA: "DURRËSIT" STREET TEL. 042 32993, FAX 042 39331 IN DURRËS: BUL. "SKËNDERBEU" 147, TEL. & FAX 052 242 76 CEL. 068023860