Terrorist mastermind Bin Laden threatens Here is why yesterday the Department urged its citizens to leave Albania Bin Laden has called for Americans and British people to be killed. The citizens of these countries have supported the decision to attack Iraq and ... this makes each of them, just like the Jews in occupied Palestine, a soldier whom every Muslim must fight and kill,” the Islamic terrorist mastermind declared in an Arab newspaper cited by ANSA On page 3

On page 5 His name is Bardhyl Balliu, 36, from Kavaja. Yesterday he was found murdered in the isolation room of Police Station 4

Tritan Shehu The year 1998 has now passed. In itself, it brought nothing new to Albania; it is simply a continuation of the second half of 1997 in every respect. The only new feature of this year remains the adoption of the Constitution, but even this took place within the old patterns of Albanian political conflict, showing no signs of political development. This year’s Constitution again became a “bone of contention,” like the one in 1994. Our politics could offer nothing new, except the boycott[?], which had also been introduced in Albania on the afternoon of 26 May 1996. The most important event outside Albania’s borders, but within our cam[?]p, was the tragic developments in Kosovo, which reached a peak this year, calling for a real, acceptable solution that would correct, to some extent, the historical injustices inflicted on this people. Unfortunately, no common language or coordinated strategy was found on this issue either, including with Kosovo’s legitimate leaders. Unfortunately, also... Continued on page 2

IN CHURCH Berisha and Ceka shake hands and talk about breaking the political deadlock. A spontaneous visit to the Orthodox Church in Tirana brought face to face two longtime political enemies, Sali Berisha and Neritan Ceka. The former arrived at the church with his wife... On page 4

POVERTY New Year ’99 is approaching. Some families will spend this evening in luxurious venues, others in their homes, but a large number will be without a home. This is not about beggars, vendors at late-night shops, or the staff working at venues... On page 14

New Year’s Eve is approaching, and people are hurrying to make the final preparations to spend this unforgettable end-of-year night with their families. While businesspeople and VIPs are counting on luxury restaurants to do their job and open their doors to welcome select clients, despite the high prices. On page 7