Detention in prison for the Lazarat gang But the Court releases one of them, angering the security forces Two explosions rocked Gjirokastër last night; a bridge was blown up Special report “How Saranda was destroyed in March” Accounts by one of the protagonists of the terrifying events On page 6 Theories are being put forward investigating the gang’s links with certain groups. The gang has more than eight members TIRANA - Detention in prison for the Lazarat gang. Two courts of first instance have signed the decision ordering the detention in prison of those apprehended in recent days in Gjirokastër by the Interior Ministry’s special forces. The Prosecution has presented a series of pieces of evidence supporting its request for the detention order. Testimony, information, traces, weapons, etc. are among the evidence confirmed yesterday by the General Prosecution Office. As the investigation gets fully underway, sources say that another member of the dangerous gang has been held at Unit 313 in Tirana for more than two months. He was arrested on the same charge and is thought to be one of the gang’s most important members. Myrteza Shemsa has hired a well-known lawyer to represent him. According to sources from this source, the detainee was released yesterday. His lawyer arrived at the prison with the release order issued by the court. In all, four people have been arrested by court order, but according to information, the gang consists of more than eight people. They are accused of setting fire to and destroying state institutions, robbery, theft... On page 5 At 19:45, two TNT explosions made the city bridge impassable. At the same time, the Court releases one of the gang’s members. His lawyer goes to the prison with the court’s decision

FOOTBALL / Final round Musta’s Reds take over the top spot after their win in Ballsh, with the Shkodër side close behind. Tirana’s champions end the season on a disappointing note On page 7

THE PRESIDENT TAKES STOCK OF THE YEAR Meidani: The DP is a national asset TIRANA - The Presidency takes stock of its governance. From attempts at national reconciliation to efforts at disarmament, from drafting the Constitution to contacts with the world. The Presidency’s record has also been presented by Meidani’s spokesperson and his political adviser, Preç Zogaj. For both speakers, the Presidency’s five months have been a period of intense activity by the head of state, as well as a success which, for Meidani’s associates, has been “popular support and international backing.” The president’s associates have dismissed speculation about a real conflict between the Presidency, the Government and the PS, and have assured the public that Meidani has a new disarmament formula for Albanians. Meidani On page 2

BALLSH On page 5

KRUJE Turkeys face off on TV An ancient tradition on the eve of the holiday KRUJË - Turkeys are not only served to fill the New Year’s table. In keeping with a tradition dating back many decades, the turkey-fighting championship has begun in Krujë in these final days of the year. This year the final match will be broadcast on local television. Turkey-wrestling championship fever has begun in Krujë. Having been raised and trained over the past few months, the competitors will “cross beaks” at the handball arena. This ancient tradition was held on the occasion of the Muslim holiday of Novruz. After the dictatorship was established, the matches continued until ’67, when the system took a dim view of religious celebrations. Those passionate about this championship did not want to break with their ancestors’ tradition and found another solution. The matches began to be held on the eve of New Year. Under a strict system of organization, the matches begin at neighborhood level. At each match, the losing turkeys are disqualified, while the winners secure their way to the grand final. The winners from each neighborhood then compete at city level. The matches are held at the handball arena, watched by many curious spectators. The custom does not provide for placing “official” bets, but the matches often prove profitable for the best predictors. This year’s innovation will be the broadcast of the final match on the city’s private television station. In this way, the winning turkey will become known throughout the city before it is roasted. On page 3 Murat Aruqj The Tele-Bingo postcard

On page 3 Berisha yesterday in Skënderbej Square. Photo: P. Ilo

TIRANA - Albanian politicians will stay away from cafés and restaurants on New Year’s Eve. Asked yesterday, many party leaders said they would stay with their families. Berisha, Godo, Mello and Arbnori do not seem likely to break with their tradition of celebrating the magical night with their families. Meanwhile, the younger Majko and Pollo are trying to abandon the family hearth for one night and head into the din of Tirana’s luxury venues. The Gjimnashi couple are also fans of going out. Traditionally, the spouses have not stayed away from noisy restaurants when welcoming the New Year. But the night between the two years seems set to bring politicians’ families some last-minute gift surprises, too. Berisha has his ready for Monday, as do Gjimnashi and Majko. But they remain a mystery until... On page 2

Due to a technical defect, “Gazeta TV” has not been published today. The newspaper’s editorial office apologizes to all its readers and promises that this defect will not recur in the future.