Interior Minister: They were Gaxhai’s men Deep mourning in Ballsh for the three policemen killed. Calls against crime at the funeral TIRANA - The policemen’s killers have been arrested. Yesterday, the police forces of Fier and Ballsh arrested another member of the gang, calling his mother, while the other suspects are being sought, along with two others. The prosecution has identified the source and the lines of inquiry. Meidani and Ceka go to the scene of the massacre TIRANA - The policemen’s killers have been arrested. Yesterday, the police forces of Fier and Ballsh arrested another member of the gang, identifying him through his mother, while the other suspects are being sought, along with two others. The prosecution has identified the source and the lines of inquiry. The gang had taken to the road to rob and clashed violently with the police. Another version concerns an ambush prepared to kill Arben Latifi, the cause that gave Zani his life; Zani was killed in Vorë a few months ago. A lead has emerged following recent information received by the police and may be the one that will lead to the truth being established. “The group was part of Gaxhai’s gang,” Interior Minister Neritan Ceka told Gazeta yesterday. But he denied that the gang’s leader was present at the massacre of the policemen. One afternoon, two “FIA” units with special forces also arrived in Fier; they will take part in the operation to capture several other gangs operating in the area. The latest searches of the arrestees’ press [records] have also uncovered “Gaxhai’s satvisë” as well as various amatinë. Funeral ceremony for the slain policemen, yesterday in Ballsh. (Photo: REUTERS) On page 9

The tug-of-war between Nano and Pëllumbi. The chairman lands a punch. 22 young people will join the KPD. What was expected happened TIRANA - Nano defeats Pëllumbi. The battle between the big figures took place in the presence of 500 Socialist delegates. The professor was left undefended by his side, while he was attacked by the opposing camp. “Leave! There is dictatorship in the PS!” This was declared by the man who led the PS while Nano was in prison, leaving behind the taste of victory for the triumphant Nano and of defeat for the other. Meanwhile, yesterday the KPD also approved 22 new candidacies by consensus. Among them, Blushi, Prela and Ruçi stood out. This is the second victory Nano has achieved over his old opponents, Servet Pëllumbi. But what will be the political fate of the latter? On page 3

FOOTBALL / WEEK XVI TIRANA - The Reds have finally reached the top of the standings. What had been expected since the first week—and much discussed during the preparatory phase—happened yesterday, exactly 90 minutes before the clock marked the end of the championship’s first chapter. Partizani put on an excellent technical performance yesterday, a super match that saw them seize the lead. Vllaznia have the same number of points, but a weaker goal difference. Tirana took a point in Lushnjë, missing several clear chances. Besa and Shqiponja disappointed; with this draw, they are level on 15 points and find Olimpiku as the leader of the hopefuls. Sejdinaj’s boys were narrowly beaten in Laç. Partizani’s first goal yesterday On pages 10–11

The specialist speaks TIRANA - How polluted is the air we breathe into our lungs? If, with a little imagination, we can picture mud reaching up to our knees, it is very difficult not to breathe, even though we know that clean air in cities is out of the question. At present, the main sources of toxic emissions into the atmosphere in our country are: the transport sector; industrial imports and energy and heating; polluting energy sources; and, finally, the burning of various materials, especially plastics. Until the early 1990s, industrial facilities caused the greatest share of toxic pollution, bearing in mind that the total number of vehicles in operation in the country increased by 3,500, all of them in the state sector. On page 12

Residents fear further attacks GJIROKASTËR - The city has shrunk even further following the latest TNT explosion. It was 20 kilograms of explosives that shook Gjirokastër on the night of the thirteenth and frightened the people of this city. In the half-destroyed homes, the only voices heard are those of the police surrounding the city. The explosion, which occurred in the “Kodër” neighborhood, had serious consequences for the Tralaj family. The TNT had been placed on the road connecting Gjirokastër with Sarandë, and the nearby apartment buildings lost almost all their windows and doors. Gjirokastër is gripped by great fear, as this was the sixth explosion in a week. According to police sources, it is known that the incidents have led only to several dozen detentions, but unfortunately there is not enough evidence to detain them. On page 9

FEST '97 TIRANA - The five-year-old [event] that was held at the end on the stage of the only nationwide Albanian light-music festival saw the “live” phenomenon reappear. Having become almost unaccustomed to real stage emotions, Fest ’97 found it impossible to hold the audience’s cold gaze on what was “its real year.” The Albanian music class. Off-key notes and [unclear] but also unprecedented quality: this was what the third night offered, a night that may remain in everyone’s memory as “the night of truth.” From singers trying to read, with great difficulty, lyrics written on their hands, to police officers who order journalists out of the way, “who should write well.” For some, Fest ’97 will remain glorious; for others, fatal. Redon Makashi On page 4

wishes you a merry Christmas As every Sunday, Gazeta TV, with facts, personal stories and “adventures” from the lives of foreign and Albanian VIPs On pages 5–8

LAW-AND-ORDER ISSUES Armed robbery: One of the most widespread crimes Although punishable by long prison sentences of up to 20 years On page 12