Rapes, the open wound of society today Society is mobilizing, but... “Most victims are afraid to speak” TIRANA- Rape hurts, not because of the wounds it leaves in flesh and bone; it kills, without blood, the hollow of shame and the sense of guilt; it makes one recoil like a snake, something that then refuses voice and breath. Rape, absurdly, is considered an unrestrained crime. A medical study has stated that 1 in 7 women has been sexually assaulted. This seems to be the bleak panorama of the emergence of this phenomenon, which is taking on frightening proportions all over the world and has recently reached us too. A country where patriarchal mentality still stifles women’s rights, treating her as property or merchandise. Everything starts right here. The flame of disrespect for women has been lit for a long time. According to police data for the months we are leaving behind this year, 109 cases of rape have been officially recorded. Despite these figures, officials and specialists state that the real number is many times higher, since most victims do not report. The wave of brutality, apparently, is growing and may be reaching its peak. And in this whole chain, the number of women killed by the violence of fathers, husbands, relatives or strangers is becoming increasingly alarming. Below: about rapes, victims, the reasons and the perpetrators of a crime that continues to be kept silent. Concludes on pages 10-11 The instances that have become common for Albanians testify to this. Above: a girl who has suffered rape... below: a rape case in the center of Tirana, before noon.

Nano and the IMF ask for the benchmarks of the reform for 1998 TIRANA- Cut at least 15,000 people and set aside some soft reforms, including the privatization of banks. Prime Minister Nano received both of these messages yesterday in a meeting with the director of the international institution, Michel Camdessus. With the Fund insisting on cutting the public administration and the Albanian government insisting on closing loss-making enterprises, this news moves to the top of next year’s reform agenda. In his remarks after the meeting with Prime Minister Nano, the IMF deputy chief in Washington, Stanley Fischer, stated that 15,000 people will be laid off as part of the economic reforms. According to him, the Albanian government should also urgently consider privatizing state-owned banks. By Edmond Hoxha On page 2 Fatos Nano

Another one wanted TIRANA- The former commander of the Guard and one of the senior officials of the Ministry of Public Order, Xhahil Xhaferi, has been placed under house arrest in absentia. The decision was made yesterday by the judge in the case, Sokol Çomo, who issued this security measure after hearing the prosecutor’s request. The charges against the defendant are “intentional killing” and “abuse of office”. Xhaferi has been internationally wanted for nine months, while yesterday Ylli Dylgjeri, former chief police inspector and one of the accused in the events of 2 April, was also placed under arrest. The decision regarding the latter was handed down by the judges after the statement he made before investigators in the courtroom. Xhafeli was the only one of those accused in the 2 April घटना who had so far escaped handcuffs. Along with him, there are 6 other people accused of the murder of four demonstrators. Another person has been declared wanted and an arrest warrant in absentia has also been signed for Ylli Dylgjeri. On page 12

The fools do not stop THE ITALIAN EMBASSY AND THE ALBANIAN DIRECTORATE TIRANA- Only a few days ago hundreds of Albanian citizens were still stuck in a series of queues at the counters of the Italian Embassy, hoping this time they would be lucky. Unfortunately, that did not happen. For many of them it became known that they had to keep waiting, as the new booking system for numbers was not working. In front of the Italian Embassy, taking advantage of the crowd and people’s anxiety, the scammers appeared again, selling places in line and numbers. Some citizens say that the place in line was being sold for considerable sums. This phenomenon, which had already become known before, has started again. Those concerned denounce that everything happens before the eyes of the police and private guards. The Embassy has not issued a public response. By A. Muka

On pages 5-8

. Vllaznia and Partizani earned victories with a goal each in the final minutes. Shkumbini in Ballsh was held on its own pitch. On pages 10-11

Weapons factory on strike On page 4

Leka Zogu’s bodyguard is detained On page 3

Will Hani i Hotit open? On page 4

Shkoder Berisha back in the square SHKODËR- Along with other Democratic Party deputies, former president Sali Berisha arrived in Shkodër yesterday morning, where he held a meeting with PD supporters in the prefecture of this city. Berisha spoke with them about the recent political developments, which, according to him, have caused unrest in the country. In yesterday’s meeting with supporters, Berisha declared that his government was the first to restore order after the unrest and that the socialists are trying to manipulate the situation. On page 5

EXPLANATIONS Visa queue for sale The fools do not work TIRANA- Today the coupon deadline ends. All reservations must be checked by 1:00 p.m. Anyone who does not show up loses the right. The system is valid only for regular travelers. On page 4 [?] Italian Embassy

The school on the boulevard The school named “Harry T. Fultz” invites all candidates who wish to work as a librarian at this school to apply. Every candidate must have the following qualifications: 1- University degree 2- Proficiency in English 3- Knowledge of computers 4- Knowledge of typing 5- Ability to participate in the school’s programs. The application must be submitted to the personnel office of this school. Candidates will undergo testing on 12/19/98 and will be trained if they successfully complete the assignment. They must present themselves at the school on 17/12/97. Address: 1 km past the Artificial Lake, near the new Aviation building. School of Fine Management of Harry T. Fultz technical School. For more information call 287 34 and 220 80.