Arrest pending trial for the Lazarat gang But the Court again notes the killing of the Order The ‘rude’ type, how he split from the gang in March TIRANA - Late yesterday evening, on 27 December, the Tirana Court of First Instance ordered pre-trial detention for the members of the “dangerous gang of Lazarat”, which is accused of taking part in the killing of the officer shot at the Qafë Gjashta checkpoint. The bench was made up of Besnik Hoxha, Sokol Këlliçi and Tiloja, while prosecutor Mirela Cami submitted the request for the defendants’ “arrest pending trial”. At 9:10 p.m. the court delivered its ruling for Ismail Teferi, Bilbil Gjoni, Bajar Emri, Abedin Xhumba, Viktor Konda, Fatos Sulo, Paskal Peto and Genci Kokalari. Ylber Bani and Besnik Murataj, who were detained a few days after the operation, will be tried together with them. The Court declared pre-trial detention for these 10 people in absentia, and also decided on the status of “terrorist”, now sought for “participation in an armed gang, intentional murder, murder in collaboration and unlawful possession of weapons.” Last night’s news was precisely this: that the defendants presented with time-limited arrest warrants had started to be called “terrorists”. On what basis? Last night’s report said that, according to the ruling, they are “persons who have exercised terror over the police and the people.” Continues on page 2

An ancient tradition on the eve of the holiday KRUJË - Turkeys face to face in the town square. Yesterday, in the cold of Saturday morning, the day lasted at least as an old tradition of Krujë. Forty-six turkeys, each weighing six to seven kilos, lined up in the square, were bought by family heads for New Year’s dinner. Here, the newspaper’s and television crews took close-up photos and filmed. After a while, with the bags tied to the turkeys’ legs, they disappeared into the alleys of the old town. Continues on page 5

KRUJË - Turkeys face to face in the town square. More than forty-five heavily weighted turkeys were sold yesterday morning at the traditional market of Krujë, on the eve of New Year’s Day. The sellers brought fattened turkeys from the surrounding villages and sparked a kind of quiet competition to find the best one. Among the townspeople, cameramen and photographers were also seen. After the market, many buyers took the turkeys by the legs and headed to their homes in the old town neighborhoods. The atmosphere resembled a year-end ritual. Continues on page 5

The greeting that chairman Berisha gave in English to the new American ambassador TIRANA - The English greeting by the chairman of the Democratic Party, Sali Berisha, in his office during the meeting with the chargé d’affaires of the American embassy in Tirana, Mediaini, has become an international talking point. “Hello, Mr. President,” Berisha is said to have addressed the American diplomat in English, while the latter replied with a cautious smile. The meeting dealt with the political and economic problems in the country, the need to respect the law and stability. The American representative said that Albanians need stable institutions and the normal functioning of democratic processes. Continues on page 3

On Musa’s Monday after the basketball victory, the Europeans in baseball, attacks again in Shkodran style. Tirana’s champions in nine disappointments At 9:05 on Saturday it definitively declares the winter champion. Continues on page 7

Mediaini: PD is a national asset Mediaini, the chargé d’affaires of the American embassy in Tirana, met yesterday with PD chairman Sali Berisha. During the meeting, the economic, political and social problems in the country were discussed. Mediaini told his interlocutor that Albanians need stability and the implementation of laws. The president of the joint committee for democracy and economy for Albanians said that the Democratic Party will always stand by democratic and stabilizing processes in Albania. Continues on page 3 BERISHA, VISION 2000 Photo: P. IDO

BALLSH Tragedy on the road, 6 victims On page 5 VLORE Police detain wanted man On page 9 LASHTESI “Babëdu for the Ndoja group” On page 8

On page 3 READERS (For technical reasons, today the numbers are inconsistent o some limitations. In Monday’s newspaper, the correct page will be 7) We apologize to all colleagues of the incoming.

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