Major police operation: Six detained in an international gang Italy, a major blow against crime. More than 80 people end up in handcuffs; among them are Albanians too WELL DETECTED IN THE YEAR '94 "Far away from the bishops"? i nsklemgraniteve? Islami Janullatos A signature, and you? Yesterday's investiture ceremony ASTI - Perhaps concern carried the plant and the retouching of the paragraph with it. Yesterday’s news of the large-scale anti-crime operation in the Asti area aroused even more curiosity and hope among Albanians. It was learned that among the dozens arrested and those wanted were also their compatriots. The first thirty thousand lire and the Italian-Albanian Union “Skënderbej” brought the news in Albanian and with photographs. The Italian press was even louder. “Scoperto il clan dei killer albanesi” - the daily Il Giorno announced on its front page, describing the group of 6 Albanians arrested as an “Albanian mafia gang.” The news is enough to cause pain but also reflection. In fact, a quick check of police documents and the investigative proceedings shows that the “Albanian mobsters” are an Italian “product.” All six were clandestine immigrants and permanent or temporary residents of the city of Asti. More importantly, they were involved in a multinational mafia-type organization and not in an isolated ethnic “clan.” According to the first investigations by the Italian authorities, the gang dealt in arms trafficking, drugs, theft and robberies, and various criminal intermediations between Albania and Italy. For more see page 2

Durrës shipyard DURRËS - A final strike has been declared by 81 workers of the fishing enterprise “Ari”, which is located 300 meters from the Durrës police station. The head of the fishing union said the reason for this strike is the financial discrimination that has been imposed on the workers. “As long as the police get a salary, we want at least as much as they do,” he said. The workers said they would continue the protest if their demands are not met. On page 5

Ministry: they should guard the perimeter themselves SHKODËR - Public Order forces and rapid intervention units, brought to Shkodër by order of the Ministry of the Interior one week ago, have begun an operation to identify people who have committed thefts, robberies and looting. The news is reported by the Head of Public Order in Shkodër, who stated that during yesterday’s day several houses and premises were searched. As part of the operation, measures are also being taken to stop smuggling on the city’s entry and exit roads. Shkodër On page 5

She had reported the fraud long before TIRANË - An Albanian mother discovered that her 16-year-old daughter, a migrant in Greece, “has been kidnapped” by a “prostitution clan” and was being held hidden in Vlorë. She reported the kidnapping and the police made it possible to free the girl. The trial of the persons accused in this case is expected to begin today. Tiranë On page 4

ARMY 24 kilograms lost during the March events On page 3

KORÇË On page 6

BERAT On page 6

ELB On page 5

Tickets are sold every day at all Totolubi points and at MBA company outlets They cost only 60 lek For participation: 80 mini Bingo prizes 300,000 lek Up to bingo 700,000 lek Seventh bingo 3,000,000 lek '97 draw

Tender invitation Invitation to tender 1. The Institute of Insurance (INSIG) announces that, from 8 to 11 July 1997, it will be available to sell an object valued at 320,000 lek by auction according to expert appraisal. 2. The Institute of Insurance (INSIG) invites bidders to participate in the tender for the purchase of vehicles and rights from 15/21/1997. 3. Bids close on 14 July 1997 at 12.00. 4. Bids must be accompanied by the insurance coupon. 5. Interested persons should obtain the full tender documents at the tender office. Address: Institute of Insurance - Rr. 'Sami Frashëri', Tirana - ALBANIA Tel. 365 42 94 69 Fax 36542-94 80