The sailors’ town had degenerated over the past few years The Turks are taking over Pasha Liman They will pay for the strategic military base Is history repeating itself? Foreigners are returning to the most important point on the Albanian coast

AFTER THE RECENT EVENTS Do not forget press freedom (Bashkim Cjergji) Today marks exactly 7 years since the day when the first voice in defense of press freedom was raised in Albania. In Tirana. Seven years ago, after the publication of the satirical article "Why Was This Marriage Made", which the editorial office of the weekly "Rilindja Demokratike" had taken from the newspaper "Soviet Russia", its two main leaders, Frrok Çupi and Bledi Kasmi, were summoned to the Ministry of the Interior, where they were informed of the order of then-minister Gramoz Ruçi to report to the investigators. This was a dark sign of the return of the bitter past, an attempt to restrict press freedom at a time when a new wind of democracy was blowing in the country. It was also, at the same time, proof of how fragile the first victories of democracy were. But 7 years after the return of press freedom, attempts to restrict it are repeating once again. On 10 January 1998, the court decided to suspend the newspaper "Koha Jonë" for 10 days. The decision was taken unexpectedly, without allowing the necessary defense and in contradiction with the spirit of freedom of expression. Today, more than ever, press freedom must be defended as one of the most precious achievements of Albanian society.

Today its verdict: "Otherwise, we leave you" TIRANA - Official sources say that President Rexhep Meidani is expected to meet today with the delegation of the Council of Europe. At the center of the talks will be the constitutional process and the possibilities for reaching political consensus. According to yesterday’s news from the French agency, official Tirana has been confronted with a clear message: without progress in drafting the Constitution, Albania risks losing international support. Meanwhile, representatives of the opposition have repeated their demand for early elections, while the majority insists that the priority remains the approval of the state’s fundamental law. (Photo: Plator 10) From yesterday’s elevations recorded in Tirana

OPINION The horoscope of political vocabulary How the language of those in power has changed (Bashnor Kotonë) The world of politics is filled with big words and many promises. In this ironic perspective, the author focuses on the way public language is used, on clichés, empty expressions, and politicians’ ability to say a lot without saying anything. The political vocabulary of the Albanian transition is rich in ready-made formulas, justifications, and attacks on the opponent. By playing with the meanings of words and the contradictions of official discourse, the article seeks to reveal what lies behind the everyday phrases of power. On page 10

The lock is put in place after hours of anxiety On page 5

The high-level Czech delegation and options, not in the Assembly On page 12

The government with more money for the south and the east On page 7

Hajdari reported like Ngjela On page 2

FIER Cells of prisoners are overcrowded On page 4 VLORË Lack of funds for the new port On page 3 LIBGAS sh.p.k. AL. Hoxha - Rruga Asim Vokshi P. 6 SHENULL GUSMARO Tel. 232 0829 Fax 42 407 [?]

Libra: Everything about the sign during the year 1998 in all fields On page 11

The Albanians destroyed Yugoslavia On page 9