Pentagon negotiations with the Government over the military airport The military airport, described as the most strategic point in the Adriatic, is expected to become a shelter for American aircraft. Three Pentagon specialists have inspected the Gjadër base and concluded that it is ready to be inaugurated for combat operations, TIRANA - Albania risks becoming involved in the US conflict with Iraq. The Albanian military airport at Gjadër could be used as a base for American fighter aircraft that will bomb Saddam. Negotiations between the Pentagon and the Albanian government began a few days ago. Meanwhile, several American specialists have arrived at the Ministry of Defense from Stuttgart, Germany. According to sources at the Ministry of Defense, the specialists visited Gjadër and found the airport suitable, subject to some rapid restructuring. The military airport at Gjadër has the most advanced military equipment of all the aviation units in Albania.

Fear in the Capital too; police stations are being fortified Shkodër after the destruction (Photo: Hektor Pustina) TIRANA - The fear gripping Shkodër has spread to Laç and Kukës as well. Operational intelligence from the police has confirmed that in these cities certain individuals have begun organizing for suspicious purposes. The mystery surrounding what happened in Tirana, where there were telephone calls to the Police Directorate. The guards have been placed on watch at the Ministry of the Interior. In Laç, the police station chief says that “despite the warnings, the situation is under control.” On page 8 Shkodër after the destruction (Photo: Hektor Pustina)

PARLIAMENT DECIDES On page 2

TIRANA / SCHOOLS On page 12

A speedboat carrying 10 rebels at sea SHKODËR - After around 40 hours of anxiety and uncertainty, Shkodër returned to normal life, but without many of its local institutions. Their employees were present near the damaged offices; nevertheless, the people of Shkodër already knew that no services would be provided in the badly damaged buildings, which continued only to bear witness to the citizens’ grief. A dangerous adventure seems to be underway involving 10 people, among the leading protagonists in the latest events in Shkodër. According to the spokesperson for the Ministry of the Interior, ten members of the gang that terrorized the northwestern city are in the middle of the sea, aboard a speedboat. It is believed that the money stolen from the Savings Banks at midnight on Sunday is also on board, a fact that has not yet been fully confirmed. On page 6

Journalism faces up to 5 years [in prison]. The Prosecutor’s Office launches an investigation Nano sues Vokshi “Spread news causing panic and fear” TIRANA - The Government denounces Vjollca Vokshi, a journalist with radio station "Kontakt". "She has spread false information with the aim of spreading fear and insecurity among people," states the complaint filed by the Council of Ministers, signed by its Secretary General, Fatmir Xhafa. It concerns a broadcast on February 23, when Vokshi spoke about a communiqué from the Albanian Government. "We are ready to prove that not a single [unclear] thing Vokshi said is true, and for this reason we are requesting criminal prosecution," the complaint states. Along with the complaint, a communiqué—which claims that eight [unclear]—and a cassette recording the entire news program have also been attached. The Government refers to Article 267 of the Criminal Code, which provides for penalties ranging from a fine to up to five years’ imprisonment. The complaint arrived yesterday at midday and will soon be placed in the hands of the prosecutor handling the case. On page 7

Sweeps all the awards BULGARIA - Discover '98 "Mariyah Cary, Albanian—Elsa Lila, queen of song" say the awards of this one. With a 100-point lead, she leaves behind Belarus, Kazakhstan, Malta, Israel, etc. She takes part for the first time in the International Festival and the miracle has happened. Maximum points from the festival jury for her vocals and live performance. She is released from the stage and the Bulgarian media. On page 4

TIRANA "In prison because your case file has gone missing" The marathon of hearings delivers its verdict TIRANA - "Stay in prison because your case file has gone missing." This was more or less the answer the court gave to a man sentenced to 25 years in prison. After new evidence was found, the man accused of murder requested a retrial, but the case file and the investigation materials relating to this incident could not be traced to their last known location. The labyrinths of justice have cost A.Peposhi dearly. Accused of murder, he sat in the dock at the end of 1990. After examining the evidence, the judicial panel presided over by Fehmi Petku decided to sentence this defendant to 25 years' imprisonment. Although he has never admitted committing the crime, Peposhi's harsh life in prison began. After six years of his sentence, his family managed to find new evidence that proved his innocence. Seven witnesses had declared themselves ready to challenge the charge brought several years earlier by the prosecutors. A retrial was therefore requested after new facts were discovered. The Court of Cassation granted the request, and in June 1996 the case was assigned to the court of first instance, Judge Skënder Haluçi at the court of first instance. A thin woman repeatedly appeared at the judge's office, waiting for a decision in the cause of justice. Hearings in the case were postponed for various reasons, until, some time ago, the astonishing notice arrived at Haluçi's office: "The file for this case cannot be found. It must have been lost." With tears in her eyes, the woman pleaded in vain for a more hopeful answer. The case file, and with it Peposhi's freedom, depended on some materials forgotten who-knows-where in a corner of the archive. Its dust has not been shaken off even after new evidence proved the innocence of the man sentenced to a quarter-century in prison. Yesterday, the judge decided to suspend the proceedings because the documentation in the case file was missing. "I have no way to continue without any materials," Haluçi said in justification of his decision. In this way, Peposhi has been deprived of his only chance to change the charge that will weigh on him even after he has served his sentence, etc.

TIRANA - The Government denounces Vjollca Vokshi, a journalist with radio station "Kontakt". Prime Minister Fatos Nano; Journalist Vjollca Vokshi

TIRANA - Vranicki has once again brought Nano and Berisha into conflict. The two highest-ranking figures in Albanian politics exchanged arguments yesterday over a phone call Vranicki had had with Nano the other time. Berisha called Nano a fraud, while the prime minister called Berisha’s accusations the usual cries of the PD. On page 3

PROJECT: USD 200 MILLION

PROJECT: USD 825 MILLION On page 9

ITALIAN EMBASSY On page 9

CHAMPIONSHIP IN DANGER On page 11