The government begins the attack: Corrupt officials in the firms The deceived victims of Sudja are on the verge of a hunger strike • They write to Ceka: “We are waiting only 15 days”

FSHAI was keeping watch from Brussels IMF insists: Control the firms TIRANA - The public administrator for the rentier firms, Ylli Bufi, confirmed yesterday from Brussels that the IMF chief in Albania, Johan Mathisen, had expressed his skepticism regarding the activity of the pyramid firms in Albania. Bufi stressed this point during a press conference after meeting Mr. Mathisen. According to him, the main issue is the use of money by the firms. “On the other hand, the IMF has expressed its readiness to help the Albanian government in stabilizing the economy after the anarchy of the unrest,” Bufi said. The main problem that arises today in Albania is the system of rentier firms, the problem with profits, and the problems of licensing and controlling the activity of these firms, the public administrator continued. “1998 is not an easy year for us,” Mr. Bufi said. Asked about the level of reserves created by these firms, he said: “Despite the fact that we have formed an opinion based on the actions of the administrators, there are things that got out of control, especially in January. However, recently many things have been discovered or noted.” For his part, the IMF chief at the Bank of Albania, Johan Mathisen, during the meeting with Prime Minister Fino, expressed his concern about the situation. He requested that all rentier firms be put under control. According to Mathisen, only then can work begin on stabilizing and rebuilding the country’s economy. Mr. Bufi added that the IMF is expected to grant Albania 43 million dollars. This sum will be disbursed in the form of financial pressure on the budget. Part of it will be used for restructuring the state banks and covering budget expenditures. “At this conference, Europe’s strategy and VJELA’s were also discussed. In what way should Albania move forward?” he said. In a press statement Bufi said that the postponement to October of the meeting of the IMF and World Bank Board does not affect the postponement of decisions on the loan. “The IMF and the WB have expressed understanding and solidarity with Albania. They have promised the new government an agreement by the end of October,” he added. Mr. Bufi met yesterday with the director of the IMF’s Europe department, Michael Deppler. He also had contacts with the European Union commissioner for trade, Van den Broek, and the president of the EBRD, Jacques de Larosière. At the conference Bufi said that this aid could be requested through a three-year agreement. According to him, in this case the government also receives a credit line of around 200 million dollars from the IMF and the WB, as development credit. This does not mean that this money or these dollars will be spent directly in Albania, but they still indicate important support for the country’s economy. ETLEVA DELIA

VEFA publishes the lists: Here is who will be paid on 1 October VEFA publishes the lists: Here is who will be paid on 1 October On page 5

“Transparency should be discussed in the chamber” PDK, PLL, PRSD and PRD deputies: The left must give an account TIRANA - Nothing new was decided last night. EPD decided yesterday evening that in today’s parliamentary session the general director of VJELA, Alimuçaj, will also take part. During a press conference, the right-wing parties declared yesterday that they will no longer accept negotiations with the left-wing power. “We have always been against closing this issue, and moreover we prefer that this transparency be discussed in the parliamentary chamber. This is a matter that has taken on national dimensions and for that reason it must come before the people’s elected representatives,” said yesterday PDK public relations secretary Ferdinand Poni. Regarding the obligation of the head of the parliamentary committee on economy, Fatos Beja, to give an account in Parliament, the PRD right-wing deputy Mioslim Murrizi[?] said that “he must come to the chamber to transparently show his scandal.” Alimuçaj runs VJELA and is one of the main rentier firms. According to the right, in today’s parliamentary meeting it will also be requested that Prime Minister Fino clarify the government’s role in managing the firms crisis. “We have not accepted and will not accept any secret agreement,” said opposition representatives. On page 7

The file is ready at the Ministry On page 8 Photo: Gani Shehu

THE FIRE CHIEF ZAFFER, BULLETS KILL 8 PEOPLE Beach war: two victims On page 8 (REUTERS photo)

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JOB OFFER! The company “MAGIC BINGO ALBANIA” seeks to employ an Albanian secretary in its Tirana office Interested candidates should present themselves by 29/9/97 at the company address in “Blloku Vasil Shanto”, 4th floor, offices 6 and 7. For information call 226 - 257 Candidates should have a knowledge of the Italian language, accounting skills, and a good general education. Other qualifications: age 25. Candidates must be able to handle intensive work with a high level of responsibility. On page 4

SARANDË Dynamite on the ferry: panic among people On page 4 KORÇË Police clash: 6 injured On page 4