Police: He was playing with his pistol TIRANA - Fino’s bodyguard, 25-year-old Robert Hoxha, kills himself. According to sources from the Republican Guard, he died yesterday at 11:15 a.m. from a bullet fired by his own pistol. Tirana police sources said that Hoxha was standing and playing with his pistol when the tragedy occurred. According to the sole eyewitness, whose account was later confirmed by the investigation team, the noncommissioned officer was playing with his weapon and, during a moment of inattention, the pistol’s trigger was fatally pulled. The bullet struck the 25-year-old in the head, leaving no chance of survival. The investigation team, headed by Tirana Police Deputy Director Hasan Ahmetaj, completed its work in record time, confirming the cause of death as suicide. On page 4 Robert Hoxha, the bodyguard who killed himself

PD insists: New elections now The right and the left unite once again against Berisha Secret pact for the two runoffs TIRANA - The Socialists will support DBSH in Shijak. Meanwhile, it seems that Albanian right-wingers will instruct their people in Vorë to cast their votes for the candidate of the Alliance for the State. In this way, a secret alliance between the Albanian left and right is being attempted against the PD ahead of the second round of the local elections. The “scenario” has been uncovered at the Socialists’ offices, who, although they do not say so openly, do not hide their “sympathy” for the people of the right over those of Berisha. Meanwhile, the right-wingers have also sent positive signals about an alliance in Sunday’s runoffs, while ruling out the possibility of cooperation at higher levels. “We cannot cooperate with Berisha in a campaign marked by violence,” Mediu said, after the PS and its allies had given the OK. On page 3 Nano and Godo

Account by two Montenegrin deserters. Nano will meet the Serbs TIRANA - The two Montenegrin deserters were questioned yesterday by experts from the Ministry of Public Order. “We want to return to our homes in Germany, to our relatives,” the soldiers told OSCE representatives, who have taken them under their protection. They are now awaiting a further decision and are being kept by the Albanian police in a secret residence. Police informants had previously warned of the danger of an attack on aid warehouses in Tropojë. The police immediately took precautions, reinforcing guard duty at these warehouses and increasing special forces patrols in the area. Today, meanwhile, Nano will meet his Yugoslav counterpart in Crans Montana, at a meeting where the Kosovo issue will also be discussed. On page 2 A KLA unit (photo: ANSA)

Bashkim Gjergji The situation in Kosovo has worsened, as have conditions on the streets of European capitals, because of attacks and military actions by the police and paramilitary forces. On the other hand, it is clear that the direct consequences of the policy of force pursued by Belgrade are an increase in the number of people crossing the border and finding refuge in Albania, as well as the consolidation of the KLA for cooperation and support for political steps[?]... The Albanian public, and the wider public, are familiar with the whole situation. They are also familiar with the options and numerous statements, which range from the negotiating table to a determined war for complete liberation from the Serbian occupiers. However, it is interesting to examine Belgrade’s position, which, despite its many internal problems—problems involving the worsening economic situation, growing opposition to the war among certain sections of the population, etc.—is at the same time discredited in the eyes of world opinion because of events in Bosnia and now ... continued on page 2 [The opening fragment “het në faqen 2” is incomplete; translated as “continued on page 2.”] …of the KLA’s position, as a factor carrying greater weight, which is gradually gaining ground over a peaceful means of the solutions being offered. The latest statements by the two parts of the resistance—that of Rugova and the other Kosovo Albanian political leaders, as well as the anonymous KLA commanders—about cooperation, separating one side’s political steps from the negotiating steps, and the political reorientation of the whole, made clear the possibilities for beginning a process of unification and combining the actions of Kosovo’s political and military forces, although, according to Pristina’s latest statements, the current Kosovo Albanian political leadership has no influence whatsoever over the armed units on the ground. In fact, the need to make progress in using more effective methods to achieve a lasting solution to the Albanian question is dictated precisely by the evidence of the diplomatic situation and Serbian intransigence in responding to the Contact Group’s suggestions for easing tensions in Kosovo and beginning talks. The Yeltsin-Milošević meeting and the latter’s insistence on setting conditions that prolonged the period of military operations provide grounds for concluding that Belgrade will continue along the path it has embarked upon. Specifically, Serbian attacks continue in Çeralevë, Planik and many villages, as retaliation. The Kosovo Liberation Army has launched new actions against the Serbian police. This tense situation has once again paved the way for visits to Pristina by Russian, German or American dignitaries, while Rugova will again set off for countries to address the problem On page 2 on page 2 …influence, which at times faces numerous internal problems, including the difficult economic situation and population, etc. Although in Bosnia and, most recently, in Drenica, they insist on using harsh language. It seems that Milošević, convinced that he cannot keep Kosovo in his grip, has given up and is interested in NATO using weapons; NATO has long declared that it is also considering the possibility of intervening in Kosovo if the situation deteriorates. This hypothesis, long raised by Balkan specialists, prompted predictions of an even more serious situation in Kosovo, which would mean new bombings and attacks, and further suffering. All of this would lead to the conclusion that a military operation by the Western Alliance in the region would be carried out. Such a show of force would also be the best way to confront Slobodan Milošević if he were to withdraw from Kosovo in the face of Serbian parties, nationalist forces and public opinion. In exchange for this concession, it would not be surprising if the issue of the Republic came to the fore tomorrow—this time as a problem of unifying the two Serbias. In this way, if the issue takes the path of a compromise involving the loss of Kosovo in exchange for “taking the little sister into the fold,” then it becomes clear that Bosnia will have to pay once again—this time in exchange for a Kosovo outside Serbia’s clutches.

Yesterday, the Kalashnikovs, cannons and anti-aircraft guns that had gone missing were returned Six containers of March’s weapons arrive TIRANA - Six containers of weapons have arrived at the Port of Durrës. The “San Giorgio” brought the arsenal back from Italy yesterday; it had been taken abroad during the month of March along with the ships of the naval fleet. The armaments and ammunition, which included everything from cannons and anti-aircraft guns to bullets, had been cleaned and well cared for by our neighbors. Logistical assistance for the Albanian army also arrived during yesterday’s trip and has already been distributed. On page 8

Tirana, 2,000 such cases a year. A shocking statement by a doctor at Tirana Maternity Hospital. Around 2,000 women in the capital are forced to abort their children because their husbands want boys. So far, no cases have been reported, but the women say they do not do it of their own free will. Tirana, 2,000 such cases a year “I aborted it because it wasn’t a boy” A shocking statement by a doctor at Tirana Maternity Hospital. Around 2,000 women in the capital are forced to abort their children because their husbands want boys. So far, no cases have been reported, but the women say they do not do it of their own free will. On page 5

GAZETA e Shkodrës The city without water for 36 hours SHKODER — The northern city, accustomed to occasional sieges and lockdowns, has been facing new trials of thirst in recent days. Until yesterday, most of it had gone without water for 36 hours. On page 6

GAZETA e Vlorës Explosive injures three children VLORE — Three children were injured when a box of firecrackers exploded. The box exploded after their father carelessly threw it into a fire. On page 7

GAZETA e Durrësit Speedboat operator arrested DURRES — Ten Albanians heading for the Italian coast by speedboat were turned back at sea. The Italian-Albanian cross-border patrol forces of the “Guardia di Finanza” turned back and detained a rubber dinghy carrying ten Albanians. On page 8

“E dël...?”

Norway: qualification handed to them. The first matchups are set: Brazil-Chile, Italy-Norway Norway: qualification handed to them The first matchups are set: Brazil-Chile, Italy-Norway From the Brazil-Norway match, 1–2 (Photo: ANSA) On pages 10–11