Head of investigations: There are people in the state structures Organized crime is beginning to frighten; mobile phones, a lot of money and identified networks Dervishi: "It creates 9 Russian counterparts from Turkey who know the last moment about the event of “Irlandine e Otranto 2”" Director of the Investigation of Crimes against the Police Organization, Albanian Mafia TIRANA - The mafia has penetrated the Albanian state. This is stated by the director of investigations at the Ministry of Interior, Artur Dervishi. According to him, organized crime currently controls gambling, car parks, prostitution, drugs and arms trafficking points. Speaking on the “Mëngjesi shqiptar” program on TVSH, the director of the Organized Crime Investigation said that “we are waging a frontal war against organized crime”. According to him, “organized crime has now moved into a phase that is frightening public opinion”. “There is a lot of money and it has entered identified criminal networks where many Albanian women have been exploited in Turkey and Italy. Organized crime operates in different forms. In Albania it is struggling to penetrate politics, the media, the police and state structures,” Dervishi said. According to him, some of the best-known counterparts have been identified and work is under way to strike at them. Story on page 3

THE VATICAN FOR ALBANIA The Pope’s appeal: “Reconcile” Page 11 VATICAN - The Pope has called for reconciliation and calm in Albania. In his message, he asked that political and social tensions be overcome through dialogue and understanding. He addressed the Albanians with a clear appeal: “Reconcile”. Pope John Paul II

ALBANIA / REPORT On page 4 TIRANA - The mafia has penetrated the Albanian state. In the operation against smuggling and weapons, law-enforcement forces have seized goods, weapons and various equipment. In the published photograph, confiscated materials from the operation can be seen.

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THE BLOCKED PUMPING STATION Durrës without water for three days On page 4 GJIROKASTËR - This is how smuggling is tackled and not these political games. This refers to an important water supply problem that has left the city without service for several days. After the incident, the specialists continue On page 5

GJIROKASTËR / Accusation from the Athens press “They are issued in exchange for a dirty payment” On page 2 GJIROKASTËR - The Greek consulate in the city of the same name is once again at the center of a serious accusation. Greek media report that visas are being obtained for payment by various Albanians. The article refers to a corrupt practice that damages relations and provokes reactions. Gjiro[a?]kastër

A SPECIAL STATUS FOR THEM Crimes against them will be punished with death Teachers protected by law Crimes against them are punished with death On page 6 TIRANA - The killings of teachers and the disregard for their figure have triggered a strong reaction from trade unions and institutions. A new draft law aims to ensure greater protection for teachers and harsher penalties for the perpetrators of crimes against them. In the photo: Students of the “Naim Frashëri” school writing their assignment More on p. 6

BERAT On page 5

Open Line We are looking for journalists who master the Italian and Albanian specialties and are guaranteed. Those interested should call 042 22641. SPECIAL RANGE ‘98 Everything from the first day to the last On page 6 GAS INSTALLATION Refill * Service * Surface? DUAGAZ sh.p.k. Address: Kavaja Shyti Street, Building [illegible] Tirana - Durrës Office: Myslym Shyri Street, Building 1011 Tel/Fax: +355 42 409271