Demaçi accepts the KLA’s invitation, attacks Rugova

Solana: Milošević’s last chance PRISTINA - Adem Demaçi, until now known as the leader of the Kosovo Parliamentary Party and a supporter of the KLA, has accepted its invitation to head the army’s political committee. A leader of the Kosovo opposition and known as an opponent of Rugova of the Democratic League, Demaçi has decided to lead the KLA’s political line. According to ANSA, in this context he also immediately expressed the army’s position on Rugova’s negotiators. The delegation appointed by Ibrahim Rugova to negotiate with the Serbs for peace in Kosovo is not a representative delegation. On page 2

Terrorism threatens NATO maneuvers in Bizë

Brussels warns of attacks during military exercises. Intelligence services on the move TIRANA - NATO sounds the alarm. The multinational troop exercise in Bizë, Albania, and the Western countries’ embassies in Tirana are targets of terrorism, according to a fax sent from Brussels to all the countries taking part in the military exercise that begins next Monday. “Take extreme security measures,” the fax says, as one of the recipients of the document confirms to the newspaper. Deputy Minister of Defense Ilir Boçka confirms that all measures have been taken to eliminate any possible incident during the exercise, in which 1,200 troops... from 15 countries will take part. Boçka does not confirm, but at the same time does not deny, that such a fax has also arrived at the Ministry of Defense. “I have no comment to make on this question,” he says. On page 3 From the NATO exercise in Bizë in 1996

USA: Americans, leave Albania

Embassy closes: fear of attacks Lino meets Islami: Protect us. Order for all its citizens to leave After a bomb threat, the American Embassy in Switzerland has also been closed, while its staff has been evacuated...

Battle with the Serbs in Padesh

TROPOJA / Fighting again at the border

Embassy closes: fear of attacks

After a bomb threat, the American Embassy in Switzerland has also been closed, while its staff has been evacuated The American Embassy has shut its doors and is calling on all its citizens in Albania to return to their country immediately. This is being done as a security measure against possible terrorist attacks, according to its official statement. Meanwhile, on the evening of the previous day, Lino asked the Albanian authorities for help. “Protect us from possible terrorist attacks,” she asked Islami and Teta at a meeting requested urgently. A few moments later, the capital’s police raised the alert level at all central institutions and at the American Embassy headquarters on Elbasan Street. On page 3 The American Embassy (above); Ambassador Lino

In Padesh

TIRANA - Incidents continue on the northern border. The Albanian Ministry of Public Order announced yesterday that, on the night of August 13, there were further clashes between Yugoslav border soldiers and the Albanian residents of Padesh. At around 21:30, several Yugoslav soldiers began firing volleys toward the border post and the rural settlements just 300 meters from the border. Our side’s response was swift. On page 2

Klosi: I wanted the first version of SHIK

Blushi: Returning the law is not politically motivated. Parties react Head of the Secret Service: It was more accurate TIRANA - “I liked the first version,” said Fatos Klosi, head of SHIK, referring to the original wording of the article that required Albanian citizens to cooperate with secret police officers. While Klosi has voiced his dissatisfaction, and as a strong reaction from the Prime Minister’s Office is expected, Nano’s spokesperson, Ben Blushi, spoke in a tone of opposition about Meidani’s latest action: returning the law to Parliament. On page 4

Pyramid-scheme auction to begin on August 28

18 more real estate properties also for sale TIRANA - The first sale of the Pyramid schemes’ assets will take place on August 28. Yesterday, at a meeting with the Supervisory Board for Loans, chaired by Farudin Apari, “Deloitte & Touche” decided to end the suspension of the reserves. This came just one day after the Council of Ministers issued its decision on “Establishing rules for the sale of assets belonging to non-bank legal entities that have borrowed from the general public.” Meanwhile, two catalogs have also been prepared, listing items to be put up for sale on August 28. One of these catalogs includes the vehicles and office equipment of five companies, “Vefa, Silva, Kamberi, Leka and Çeku.” The other catalog lists real estate, including the “Iliria” racetrack at Durrës beach. On page 14

Passport scandal at the Ministry

TIRANA - The identities of more than two million Albanians of passport-eligible age remain uncertain. A report by the State Audit Office concerning its review of the financial activities of the Ministry of Public Order during 1994–1997 has disclosed information indicating that the tender for selecting the winning company, which was to undertake the production of Albanian passports for use abroad, was irregular. The Council of Ministers’ decision of April 19, 1994, drained “a fortune” of 100 million new lek from the Ministry of Public Order’s coffers, solely for the purchase of passports for Albanian citizens.

Gang war in the city center

GAZETA of Shkodër SHKODËR - An armed battle in the city center ended with one person dead and dozens of others wanted by police. The clash between rival gangs on one of the city’s main streets lasted for several minutes. The panic among Shkodër residents in the evening quickly emptied all the streets connecting ... On page 6

Municipality refuses to return embassy properties

GAZETA of Tirana TIRANA - The Italian state is seeking the return of the building of the former Italian Legation, together with the consulate, which were its property before the war. After half a century, the shores of the Adriatic are seeking their old properties, but the legislation in force leaves no room for such an action. The final response will be given in the coming days. On page 5

Francis, the city’s saint of Italy

GAZETA of Durrës DURRËS - NATO begins landing on Albanian soil. A French support ship made landfall at Durrës yesterday and “unloaded” logistical equipment for the encampment in the village of Bizë. According to the plan drawn up by NATO’s European command, the first contingents of this military alliance were scheduled to arrive yesterday to take part in the maneuvers to be held at Bizë, Durrës. On page 11

DRAFT LAW

ON PUBLIC AND PRIVATE RADIO AND TELEVISION IN THE REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA On pages 7–10