Dozens of vehicles stopped from South to North The police assist the customs officers’ onslaught. In Lezhë, the special forces of “Brisku” intervene Roadblocks on national roads. In Durrës, 20 trucks and lorries are caught in the net

Gjerq Peçi Should the death penalty be abolished or not? I would say no. Certainly, the act of imposing the death penalty is in itself absurd, just as absurd as the nature of the crime being committed. But its social and educational function is indispensable. Serious crimes, given the losses they cause, as in the case of genocide and genocide, are always individual in nature, whereas their punishment (and this should not be confused with retribution) is always social and moral. Enver Hoxha’s dictatorial state exploited the fight against crime extensively, turning the death penalty into terror against citizens. But we currently live in a democratic system, however primitive it may be; citizens’ will in the process of drafting laws is undeniable and often perceptible. Thus, if today we express opposition to the death penalty, this should not upset us when we witness such executions, because we are the ones who have this word, punishment, and we have it in the case of the English Labourites, to be “institutionalized” in the form of a political faction. But is it not a utopian idea, pressed more insistently than any other, that the death penalty should be abolished everywhere?! In advance of Western societies, we too are steadily increasing in number, and we must not lose our heads. Not everything said and done in Europe or America is applicable to us. Indeed, some things that are praised there are not even applicable to them. The dissenting voices within their societies are growing stronger and stronger. We should not be brought to our knees by the fact that geographically or politically we find ourselves in Europe. The stage of development and the nature of the problems troubling our society do not correspond to those of Western societies. It is true that we must move toward Europe, and this, if not today then tomorrow, will certainly happen, whether some of us like it or not. But one does not get to Europe by copying its models in every instance. If Europe’s words are often ... …tic, of drafting laws is undeniable and often decisive. Thus, if today we speak out against the death penalty, that does not mean we should be frightened when we witness executions of this kind, because we are the ones who imposed this punishment, not the authorities or certain groups. And we did so not on the basis of revenge, to avenge a crime, but because punishment sets an example for others and is a strong deterrent to every kind of criminal tendency; in other words, we did it in the name of order, awareness of the law, and the protection of coexistence—that is, of life. In individual and social conscience, two great forces operate with the same effect, yet are completely different. The first is the inner voice, while the second is fear of punishment. Both make society and the individual more reasonable and more humane, and life calmer and more stable. An individual or a society that has an inner voice does not need the fear of punishment—in our case, the death penalty, its most extreme form. But who can claim to possess an inner voice? Can a society like ours do so? In my opinion, no. The dilemma of whether or not the death penalty should be abolished does not arise from our current stage of development. So, instead of the Latin phrase “Si vis pacem, para bellum,” I would say: If you want life, prepare for death. But can developed Western societies claim to have an inner voice? The complexity of modern life in these countries has narrowed the scope for exceptions, and we often hear about the negative effects of the death penalty. This cause, also called the cause of Europeanization, its fear of the complexity of life, has led to crime being treated more leniently, even judged from the standpoint of social psychology. Nevertheless, clear-headed minds and voices in support of law and order have long been warning about the grave danger of this change. It seems that left-wing parties in Europe are inspired by the ethics of peaceful Christianity, that is, by its true virtues, such as love, faith and mercy. But if we look at recent developments in these parties’ social structures, paedophilia has not infrequently emerged, as [the text is unclear]… toward Europe, and sooner or later this will become certain, whether some people face is aged and needs cosmetics, naturally it will do that. But a young bride like us, despite our troubles and habits, still has fresh skin, and it will wrinkle quickly if she uses such “chemicals.” After a kind of criminal role was played by the state of Hoxha and that of Berisha on the stage of our society, this legacy passed into the hands of the chosen, but equally horrific, ordinary gangs and brigands. I have not chosen such a word without reason. Our society has long been infected by the virus of political crime, which has now settled among ordinary criminals (including blood feuds). When the Hoxha regime was overthrown, none of those who raised two fingers in the air remembered to remove the malignant tumor from our society’s body once and for all. No one was punished for the communist pogrom (those who use the word “genocide” either do not know what it means or want to exploit it), which continued for forty-odd years. Thus the exemplary crime, carried out in cold blood against the part that resisted, triumphed, and no one is held accountable for these people (the accomplices and co-culprits). And what happened, happened—and no one needs to tell us, because it is before our eyes. Thousands killed and wounded, hundreds of thousands impoverished and robbed, a society physically and morally devastated, a country without institutions or an economy, a state without an army, prisons, police or courts and, most ironically, without a martyr. Who bears this responsibility? Arguments for or against the death penalty, and objections raised by others, are formalities and carry no weight when one analyzes these two brutal experiences that our society endured under one system and its two social lives. Put another way, as an aphorism: In a society that does not punish crime with death, the victims of criminals are left destitute.

The Council on Monday. The situation is tense

INTERVIEW / Beja speaks “Very soon we will go to the Ministry of Justice to become an independent political entity” TIRANA - “As you can see, we were not rebels, but a normal resistance movement demanding our rights. And we succeeded in achieving some of them.” When you meet Dashamir Beja, leader of the Vlora Public Rescue Committee, the impression you get is ... Albp etroli. Workers accuse the old administration: Corruption was linked to the Government On page 6 ...is that of an engineer with a strong character and perhaps a somewhat stern manner. 33 years old, after completing his studies in philosophy, he continued with military studies. A very well-known name to every journalist from any corner of the globe who happened to be in Vlora during the days of the “rebellion” On page 3

IN REVIEW Gorbi speaks about Albania Gorbachev TIRANA - The great statesman Mikhail Gorbachev has spoken for the first time about the question of Albania on Albanian television. “In that conflict, Albania’s problem was an unresolved issue in the foreign policy of the Soviet Union.” The father of Perestroika, the architect of change in all the countries of the East, to whom the world gave ... personally from the appeals of Albanian journalists. Albania will remember what was written in the mouth of the most highly esteemed and respected politician in history. The opportunity arose by chance at the children’s film festival in Italy, where Gorbachev was the guest of honor. He recounts his views on the question of Albania, the problems of a country Gorbachev recalls, saying: we knew of the willingness and closeness of many senior Albanian officials, who were trained in our schools. “Their unforgettable ... showed that Albania had the ability and the inclination to make contemporary changes.” Although Gorbachev left the post of president of the Soviet Union years ago, he is still regarded as an active politician. As such, he also gives his opinion on the events of recent years, in which Albania was swept up. “The year ’90 was the realization of a transformation of your country. But while preserving the specific trajectory of its previous policy.” In his view, it was inevitable that in the years that followed Albania would face the problem of a confused transition. Nevertheless, Gorbachev continues, you showed that the short days marked the civil war that threatened the country, and thus, more importantly, you held the political elections. At the end of his remarks, the politician described as “the man who loves peace” delivers a message of peace and wishes all the Albanian people and the new government well, hoping they will work together to resolve every problem that prevents Albania from moving forward.

On page 7 Council on Monday. Tense situation Controversy in the DP: Will Meksi reveal the cards? TIRANA—Another storm in the DP? The National Council, which is due to meet tomorrow, is expected to become an arena of fierce debate and opposition. Sources within the Party say that Meksi, Shehu, Brojka and several others may speak out against their exclusion from the group of 27, which will lead the DP toward its Congress. The National Council may vote on this group once again, since discontent appears to exist within the DP and among its grassroots as well. On page 2 DP headquarters Controversy in the DP: Now Majko, the right-hand man of

On page 3 Leadership changed yesterday. Fino joins Now Majko is Nano’s right-hand man in the PS TIRANA—Majko, Ulqini, Koçi and Lakrori will be the four new names on the socialists’ General Steering Committee. After a lengthy meeting, the names of those who will head the affairs of the country’s largest political force have been decided. In addition to these four names, four others will join the ranks of the GSC. Luan Rama, Ilir Meta, Arben Malaj and Ilir Zela will add to the ranks of the GSC—while the new names are expected to bring a new atmosphere of organization to the PS. In his speech, Chairman Nano stressed the importance of the PS as a force that will bring about Albania’s integration into Europe. This must be achieved through modern and dynamic organization. On page 2 PS headquarters

TIRANA — Once again “Qemal Stafa” was packed, once again an arena of projections, once again a spectacle and entertainment in the presence of around 15,000 fans. Once again, some people were the protagonists; besides sharing a passion for football (sports journalists spend all day dealing with it) and politics, they were brought together by another purpose as well. POLITICIANS—SPORTS JOURNALISTS 5:2 / A PERSONAL FINO FAN IN THE PRESS STANDS Fino and the referee steal the show from the politicians A hat trick by the former prime minister of the Government of National Reconciliation TIRANA — Once again “Qemal Stafa” was packed, once again an arena of projections, once again a spectacle and entertainment in the presence of around 15,000 fans. Once again, some people were the protagonists; besides sharing a passion for football (sports journalists spend all day dealing with it) and politics, they were brought together by another purpose as well: “To have fun and forget what happened a few months ago.” “Until yesterday we didn’t believe that the votes could have been ‘stolen’, but after watching the match we believe completely that there was manipulation.” This is what a sports journalist said after the match when he saw those goals, scored by the politicians from clear offside positions. An introduction—“Bashkim Fino, Bashkim Fino”—was even played for the referee, who was billed as such and did whatever wanted. Of the five goals scored by the Politicians, Fino’s position was highly dubious, but the referee deliberately allowed it. The sports journalists’ protests were futile and worthless. “I’m a capitalist and I’m not afraid of the Government,” said the chief referee, Koçi. But the worst thing was that there was no unity even among the journalists. Fino’s beautiful play won over dozens of people, including those we had believed would cheer for us. The most devoted fan—or rather, Fino’s craziest female fan—was one of our colleagues, who, seated in the journalists’ stand, shouted after every play: “Fino, the Albanian prime minister.” “Fino was wonderful and, without any doubt, the best football player. Even though I don’t know anything about football, I enjoyed the atmosphere he created in the stadium even more; once again, the best one made me laugh.” Naturally, none of this was meant to be taken as true. Most of the remarks were humorous, reflecting the incandescent atmosphere that filled the two hours of spectacle at “Qemal Stafa.” Nano was in the VIP stand. He did not play on the field because he had been sent off with a red card. Although he had not played a single match with the red card, no match could be played—neither the journalists’ nor the politicians’—without his having to put on a disguise. He has a red party membership card, so he always carries the red card with him, which bars him from official matches. At the beginning, middle and end of the match, as always, there was a show, with Rudi, Nini, Diko with his wonderful banana, and the SnaP group electrifying the audience. The television channel TV1 also broadcast the match, contributing to the spectacle by having Dritan Shakohoxha and Skënder Gj-shahet bring citizens the moments and highlights of a 5:2 victory for the Politicians, with three goals by Fino, while the Sportsmen had led 2:0 at halftime. The politicians’ team before the match The politicians’ team before the match (Photo: Plator Ilo)