After the bombings in Kenya and Tanzania, the ambassador’s super-escort in Tirana SHIK, a disgrace of the fundamentalists Senior PS official: For this reason we changed the law Fatos Klosi: The Egyptians had overflowed the cup OPPOSITION HATRED GAZETA SHQIPTARE TIRANA – The ugly bomb explosions that shook Tirana yesterday, the headquarters of the American mission and this time on a serious scale, were followed by numerous reactions from political forces and not only. Although the decision to expel the “Egyptians” was taken by the government, the first comments from the opposition were directed against the American embassy. In the right-wing press the same language and tone were also used by deputies of the PD. The latter, as always, hinted that behind this event stand the “dark forces” of power. Aware of what value such a policy has for the country and knowing the weight that the great Western ally carries for Albania, the President of the Republic, Rexhep Meidani, described several statements by opposition figures addressed to the USA as “repugnant and irresponsible”. Also, sources from the PS say that the change to the Law on the Intelligence Service was dictated by the need to stop the destructive activity of certain foreign elements, mainly from Arab countries. Meanwhile, Fatos Klosi, when asked by “Gazeta Shqiptare”, stated that there was sufficient information confirming their suspicious activity in Albania. On the other hand, the chairman of the PD parliamentary group, Tritan Shehu, declared yesterday that a “captured state” cannot maintain order and security. Several right-wing deputies linked the wave of terrorism to the government’s policy toward foreigners. More on pages 3, 4 and 5

HISTORY / After seeking political asylum and not being “amnestied” The troubled year of 1990 also shaped the normal life of the Popa family. The head of the family, Ali Popa, a well-known and respected resident of the “Ali Demi” neighborhood in Tirana, at the height of his family’s misfortunes joined hundreds of fellow citizens who entered the courtyards of foreign embassies in search of a passport for salvation. Away from his family, he remained in Italy, while the later-arriving democratic government did not “amnesty” his family. It did not give them passports. Under these conditions, his wife and children decided to take the illegal route, entering the Italian embassy, where they requested political asylum. Today, in 1998, they have spent a full 4 years living within the walls of this country’s embassy and continue to fear free life in their homeland. An unusual story, very interesting and full of unknown, shocking and extraordinary elements, has been unfolding for these 4 years on the two floors of the Italian embassy in Tirana. (Continued on page 11)

A day with the policemen who turned into Tosks [?] How the royal hashish den was ruined The dance of the devil[?] and on this occasion it seems that... we had to stop... In this uproar... that could be heard... and that forced us to stop... instead of an “operation”... we had to make our way through... (Continued on page 16)

GARO BOLLINO This is the third time we have written it in a year: in Albania there is a negative climate against foreigners, especially against Americans. This climate was not created by chance either during the years of communism, or during the Italian presence in Albania, or in 1997. This climate has been built up continuously — even if in a subtle way — by certain political and media figures. The statements made yesterday by some opposition officials, after the attacks, are the freshest proof of this mindset. By accusing the American embassy, speaking about “dark forces” and downplaying the terrorist threat, they not only show a lack of responsibility, but also stir up hatred that can become uncontrollable. If Albania is to build a normal state, it must respect its allies and clearly distance itself from any anti-American and xenophobic rhetoric.

OPINION The shackles of the Security Service are being dismantled[?] IRAKLI KOÇOLLARI Looking at the developments of recent months in Albania, it is becoming clear that crime and anarchy, murders, trafficking and corruption have penetrated deeply into the administration. This situation calls not only for legal reforms, but also for a thorough cleansing of the structures that have lost their mission. (Continued on page 8)

The new director of FISH reacts to the changes being made in favor of the young [?] (Continued on page 10)

[?] Various announcements for everyone Escort[?] The downfall of schools from the council of the city[?] No. 6 GAZETA e Cifres[?] how the last lions of the city were ruined No. 7 GAZETA e Cifres[?] Bërdhori or aykaze qe mori pa ligje No. 5 GAZETA e Cifres[?] sports rebellion No. 2 GAZETA SPORT Football contracts threaten the start of the Cup

DURRËS - BARI - ANKONA / TIRRESTE - DURRËS Office n. 11, 10039/Piazza Sanq Borsi[?] - TIK 14005 Commercial passenger, Butrinta and Kamoho[?] DURRËS - BARI - ANKONA TIRRESTE - DURRËS From DURRËS to BARI: every Monday departure at 13:00 every Thursday departure at 22:00 every Saturday departure at 13:00 From DURRËS to ANKONA: every Monday departure at 19:00 every Friday departure at 22:00 From DURRËS to TIRIESTE: every Wednesday departure at 19:00 every Saturday departure at 19:00 In Albania DURRËS: Maritime agency “Sicilorë TIRANIJA[?]” TIRANA: Italia Nacionale Agency “Piazza 4”, 042 318 58 In Italy: BARI: Sri. Agency, Via Latisela 4 ANKONA: Maritime Agencies Sri. Via XXIX Settembre, 20 Forweni Sri. Piazza Guido del Duca, 2/a Tel. 071/2041904/5 - Fax 202598 - TIK 560022 TRIESTE: Via Gehiardi 2/6/A - Tel. 040 262463 - Fax 229911 - TIK 14146 No. 1 Italia