The rally of armed monarchists turns into tragedy A young man is killed near the Electoral Commission. Another is wounded; investigations begin Leka Zogu at yesterday’s rally (Photo: REUTERS) On page 3 A bloody confrontation in the capital. Leka, in military uniform, leads his loyalists: “They stole our vote” Leka Zogu at yesterday’s rally (Photo: REUTERS)

The answer to the head [?] A royal return with guns? Fatos Baxhaku Everyone remembers—or at least hoped—that the conclusion of the elections and the atmosphere that would arise around them would bring the peace that Albanians have lost over the years, regardless of who won, the left or the right, the monarchy or the republic. Yesterday, the sharp cracks of gunfire left a young man dead, another wounded, and blood returned to the streets of the capital, making the word “hope” seem even more distant. The motive is now clear: political. Yesterday, supporters of His Majesty decided to come armed. Leka I himself led his supporters, with his usual pistol at his belt and wearing a military uniform. He wanted to say that he was a soldier of Ahmet, the Minister of Defense later explained, describing the royal heir’s combative stance. At a subsequent rally, with the monarchists all gathered together, others initially described the event as a socialist one, and yesterday’s attempt almost lost its initial significance, becoming entangled in the labyrinth of events and political statements by politicians who, knowingly and especially during election periods, try to benefit even from the smallest things—not to mention a shocking event like yesterday’s in Kavajë. It is sad—utterly sad—that the monarchists’ protest should turn into an armed [?] deadly [?]. A young man, carried away by the normal enthusiasm of being loyal to the king, did not come away unscathed; at least another person escaped more lightly, but the mark in his eyes will not be erased for the rest of his life. Did the confrontation between the two sides in Tirana have to happen? Was there no other way for the protesters? Why has hatred in a country that was once known for peace lost its normal meaning for so long? Caught up as we are in the great “mountain” of news that we have to cover these days, it is not our place as journalists to give either side all the credit. Better to let the families of the injured and the people who had to endure the pain while also thinking of their own lives be the ones with the moral right to speak. One thing, however, we cannot leave unsaid. How can a rally be held in a country aspiring to become democratic when most of the people are armed? Bombs, automatic weapons, military postures, and demands made with guns in hand—even if those demands are justified—are not things Albanians want to forget once and for all? For the first [?] guard [?], months have been shed, and so much blood has been shed in this already devastated country. If we are to choose to build it, we must lay down our arms; otherwise, what about the families of citizens, so many people who have perished in this … television [?]. Besides the great ones, the insistence on not understanding [?].

THE BATTLE FOR LAW AND ORDER TIRANA—Minister Çelo returns from Greece, but unexpectedly submits an irrevocable resignation. Last night Bashkim Fino signed Ali Kazazi’s appointment as Minister of the Interior. Kazazi, State Secretary at the Ministry of Defense, had been proposed for the post by his Democratic Party. Although he has denied rumors that he was fleeing Albania, the sudden act by Çelo remains shrouded in mystery. He returned to Tirana yesterday afternoon, after a two-day absence with Fino’s permission, and immediately called him to inform him of his return. But just a few minutes later, a letter signed by Çelo himself arrived on the desk of the head of government. On page 2 Belul Çelo

Another clash. “I had not put forward any candidate”

Berisha intervenes in the Commission TIRANA—Berisha intervenes in the CEC: “Don’t rush the run-off.” It was a telephone call from the head of state, who suggested that the second round could also be postponed. The announcement came from within the CEC, specifying that on this final day the Commission’s work was becoming increasingly difficult. So far, more than 15 electoral zones have been unable to submit the documentation for the first round. Meanwhile, yesterday the OSCE ambassador insisted: “Hurry up, you are late; don’t let it be thought that the run-off can be postponed!” CEC Secretary, Kondi

Lists to be finalized soon

Fino: “He violated the Constitution again” TIRANA - Berisha appoints the new Commander of the Republican Guard, but the decision has once again caused a clash with Prime Minister Fino. “He sent the appointment document for the new Commander of the Guard to my office, even though this is another violation of our constitutional laws,” was the first reaction of the head of Government. Under the main provisions, for the appointment of a senior official to this post, as well as to other important posts, the Prime Minister must propose one, two, or several candidates to the President before he officially decrees the appointment. “First of all, I have not proposed any name to Berisha so far, since I transferred Commander Xhaferi’s powers to the Guard’s chief of staff; and secondly, the President cannot decree the appointment of someone else to this post without waiting for my proposal.” This is what Fino said yesterday, moments after the document arrived at his office from the President’s building. The new commander’s name is still unknown; he has worked within the Guard’s structures. Arian Çani The Presidency

Who will be the political opponents of Shamata, Meksi, Përpallat and the other well-known candidates on the day that will mark the end of the most hotly debated voting in Albania On page 3

VLORA - Revenge pursued and punished them even in the cemetery. Two brothers who had gone to mourn at their brother’s grave, about 40 days after he had been killed in an ambush by several unidentified people, were suddenly shot with automatic weapons and they too were left dead. The suddenness of the gunfire directed at them gave the two brothers no chance to react. Yesterday, another citizen from Vlora also lost his life after an argument with a group of young people. On page 5

TIRANA - Christian Vieri, Juventus’s footballer, has been sold to Atletico Madrid for 35 billion lire. In this way he has become the third footballer to be sold for astronomical sums, after Ronaldo and Shearer, who reached the highest figure. While on vacation in America, the Juventus player received the news from his manager, but did not want to comment; he himself stated in one sentence: “I’m happy that my wish has come true.” On the other hand, his mother spoke in his place, declaring that Vieri had only one wish: to go to Madrid and to Atletico. Juve is also pleased with the golden offer. His mother immediately spoke up, golden offer. His mother immediately spoke up, golden offer. Brehme? immediately spoke ... (9 billion lire) and has entered negotiations for Bierhoff (16 billion lire),

Stich and Sampras in the semifinals TIRANA - Sampras and Stich in the semifinals. Also triumphant was Hingis, who became the first finalist in the women’s tournament. Together with Novotna, she will contest the final. The Germans were delighted with the semifinal. Becker was on his way out, forced to shake Sampras’s hand after a tough match, particularly in the second and fourth sets. At the end of it, Becker could not manage to win even a bre- and lost 3–1. The only set he won was through a tiebreak. But they have been delighted by Stich’s excellent form. The 1990 Wimbledon champion has shown superb preparation, which few had believed possible. In the quarterfinals he gave Englishman Tim Henman no chance, beating him 3–0. Three sets with no contest, 6–2, 6–3, 6–4, and Stich expects to be in the semifinal. On page 7

KUÇOVË Two police officers taken hostage killed A bank robbed in Berat On page 5