PRESIDENT / A stern speech before the people of the law Rexhep Meidani 1. A general assessment of the situation in the justice system. - The general crisis Albania went through, especially that of last year, the distortion over time of the concept of the state and of the separation and independence of the fundamental branches of power, could not leave the justice system outside its vortex either. Unfortunately, this system needs time to repair itself. This is due to the delicate nature of this sector. Nevertheless, the situation is not hopeless; what is needed is a much greater commitment from each person and from all of us together, so that we can restore the people’s faith in justice as soon as possible. After the elections of 29 June, recognizing this critical situation, the state undertook several concrete measures aimed at institutional improvements and at ensuring greater independence for judges and prosecutors. I am referring to improvements to the laws on the KLD and, in particular, to the law on the organization of the justice system, which for the first time guarantees a democratic approach to decision-making and better harmonizes the legal guarantees of judges’ tenure with their responsibilities to deliver equal justice for all, based on the law. Of course, I do not think the judiciary is perfect; time may show in the future that further improvements are needed. Indeed, I believe this body must become functional, and its elected members should have the status of members of the Constitutional Court. Continued on page 12

A Chinese transoceanic ship brought them to Durrës The secret cargo arrived at the port in November 1997 The arms trade with Beijing began under Zhulali. Brokaj bought missiles. A Chinese transoceanic ship brought them to Durrës. The secret cargo arrived at the port in November 1997. DURRËS - Safet Zhulali, Shagj Vukaj and Zabit Brokaj imported antiaircraft and antitank missiles from the People’s Republic of China. A customs officer at Durrës Customs told Gazeta Shqiptare yesterday how the missiles passed through while the previous officials were serving as Minister of Defence. This reveals part of the mystery surrounding this activity... the operations of the company “Meiko”. “The prosecutors are wasting their time; all the customs clearance documents are at the General Directorate of Customs in Tiranë,” the customs officer says. According to him, a full 9 million dollars were spent on the missiles and other military-use materials. Three Chinese transoceanic ships arrived during 1996–1997, respectively. The customs officer explains that all the armaments were subject to duties, and that all the documentation exists. Spare parts for MIG aircraft were also brought to Albania. In 1996, after the Peshkëpi incident, the Albanian state bought S.A.M. antiaircraft missiles as well as RED-Arrow antitank missiles, which were the latest word in military technology. On page 3

Mysterious bullets at midnight The burial of police officers from the Ballsh Police Station, killed months earlier On page 6

The Socialist Party sets conditions for legalizing the communists. Meanwhile, the latter respond sharply. “They are dragging things out because they are afraid of us,” declared Kristaq Mosko, one of the leading figures of the underground PK. On page 4 Legalization of the PKSH. The Socialists set conditions PS to the communists: Give up Enver’s doctrine

Tirana Newspaper Municipality: Metro for the Capital TIRANË - The Albanian capital will get a metro. This sensational news emerged a few days ago from a study published in a small newspaper issued by the Municipality of Tirana. A series of optimistic proposals for the future, focusing on the central flat area of Tirana. On page 5

Neritan Ceka Ceka: I agree with the changes in the Government TIRANË - Ceka and PAD express support for changes in the government. Zogaj told “Gazeta Shqiptare” that his party has never been against changes a priori, but they must be justified and help improve the work of the government cabinet. On page 2

VLORA NEWSPAPER Here are Vlora’s problems VLORA - The city’s intellectuals and officials gather to discuss Vlora’s troubles and problems. What has been done so far, and what will be done in the future? “Enough promises: Vlora needs concrete investment to escape the difficult situation it is in.” On page 7

DURRËS - The 25-year-old police officer who was wounded on Thursday evening died yesterday in Bari, Italy. After a long and difficult operation, the young man was unable to win his battle with death. On Tuesday, the Italian doctors will perform an autopsy and send him back so that he can be reunited with his family at the end of next week. On page 8

Among the first 68 are also 5 foreign citizens The government approves the decision, but Nano’s signature is awaited before they are made public TIRANA - The Council of Ministers [approved] the decision on seizing the assets of those who illegally obtained money from the pyramid schemes. In Nano’s absence, the meeting was chaired by Fino. But since only the Prime Minister has the authority to sign, the 68 names on the first list of those pardoned will not be made public before Nano’s return. What is known so far is that it also includes 5 foreign citizens, as well as 18 different companies. The first list contains the names of the closest associates of the bosses of the pyramid schemes; another list, with around 100 names, also includes politicians from small opposition parties, judges, and other well-known figures. On page 9 From the protests against the pyramid schemes

Panic among people in the city centre A few minutes after yesterday’s assassination attempt On page 5