TODAY, THE FIFTH ANNIVERSARY Carlo Bollino Someone once had the idea of saying that “Gazeta,” at its beginning, had an informational mission that was not especially highly regarded amid the multitude of daily newspapers. Little by little, the news began to acquire its true value, and so the story of Albania over these past five years began to be written. Apparently, time does not have the same value in all newspapers. Five years is not all that long, but in Albania it can seem like a century. This is apparent in these five years, too. Thus “Gazeta Shqiptare” came into being. It was 22 April 1993. Looking now at its first issue, we make amusing comparisons with other newspapers, and especially note how much we have changed since then. An endless number of events have taken place since April 1993—which seems so long ago to us. When Gazeta Shqiptare was born, it was almost an illusion. Everyone who began working with us at that time helped us live this dream with extraordinary enthusiasm. We all shared what people usually only encounter by name. We were all together, working on the notes and other assignments. Eighteen hours a day. The British reporter, always on the move around the city, which had changed with each passing day and month in Albania. I remember my friend Mandi and one of his sayings: “Gazeta Shqiptare makes a proverb of this for us: ‘To be a journalist, you need strong knees…’” At first we were all young, crammed into three rooms, with the electricity going on and off like a dervish; we had no choice but to make the most of every moment between print runs. Only in this way could we keep a machine running that was mostly at the end of its life, while our computers shut down. Because of the constant flickering of the lights and the many hardships, as well as our age, we could never get used to the rhythm of the power cuts. Otherwise, nobody knows what would happen. In the first months, the newspaper sold quickly. This meant that every day we had to keep the news fresh, so the paper could take its place on the newsstands within 24 hours. It was a great effort, an extraordinarily demanding one each day. Later we understood that this system had been designed so that we, too, would grow little by little. When we started working, we were among the few who wrote in detail about crime stories. We did this because none of us wanted to get entangled in politics. This was one of the advantages that helped us move forward, but at the same time one of the obstacles that persisted for a while. The situation was unclear, and we were often accused of “doing politics” through our crime reporting… It often happens that even good journalists wish to do so. This was our case, too. Fortunately, those times are now behind us. Our newspaper began to grow. From an illusion, something one believed in almost impossibly, it began turning into an exhilarating certainty. Always with the truth, and only the truth, as our sole point of reference. Throughout this story, those in power have done their worst to make many things weigh on our backs. We would rather not mention them all. One thing that has remained, and that we remember proudly today, is “a newspaper for citizens”—an assessment given to us by many different media outlets in this country, and so we cannot help but be proud. We are all convinced that we will continue along this path, with great sacrifices. The description “newspaper for citizens” deserves to be noted as a recognition of our work. During our five years as a newspaper, unfortunately we have also had to mourn a colleague we loved: Ali Ukaj. Ali was brutally murdered in the summer of last year, at a time when human life did not count for very much in Albania. On this day, which ought to be a day of celebration for the entire Editorial Office, we remember Ali as one of those who founded the newspaper under the name “Gazeta Shqiptare.” In his name too, we will try to make today a great celebration for all of us. In a few words, this is our five-year story. Since that distant April of 1993, our newspaper has steadily gained more space in the Albanian press market. At this point, we cannot fail to thank our many readers and contributors throughout Albania. Thanks to their respect, our newspaper never lacked its readers’ trust. Ultimately, that is everything a quality newspaper should have. And so now we feel supported. In these circumstances, how could we not feel happy about our effort: to make the newspaper as little lonely as possible? It is the service of a sacrifice—the endurance of a five-year sacrifice.

PD’s secret strategy against Nano Zogaj: “An approach? Why not, the opposition has changed” Dade and Brokaj are the “last straw” between Nano and Meidani Dade and Brokaj, the “last straw” between Nano and Meidani Berisha and Zogaj in a display of “great friendship” (Photo: Armando Babani) PD sets its sights on the Alliance in order to broaden its alliances. It seems that the Democrats’ plans also include the motion supporters, who caused the first split in the first and largest opposition party to emerge in December ’90. Sources from the Democrats’ blue headquarters say that the quarrels in the governing coalition are the best opportunity to take advantage. Meanwhile, Preç Zogaj, Secretary General of the Democratic Alliance, has not finally ruled out the Democrats’ hopes for the near future. “I can never say never in politics,” Zogaj said, although he assured us that such a possibility had never been discussed in the PAD. Meanwhile, it seems that Arta Dade is the Government’s real problem. Dade has met with Meidani, but her dismissal from office was not discussed at all. “I am waiting for Meidani’s signature, but if he does not dismiss me, I will continue in the post of Minister of Culture,” Dade declared. The minister has also taken a shot at Nano, saying that after this affair he needs to fix the defects.

Bardhyl Minxhozi Now that the fifth anniversary has been marked, and criticism of the press has been voiced, events and conferences for journalists are being organized, and opinions are being expressed on the change from independence to democracy. But before we explain the sidelining of the “press,” we need to understand that these are part of an important official process, one that must transform their role and the work they publish; and why not welcome the efforts of journalists and publishers to build self-confidence under such difficult socioeconomic conditions. On the other hand, we cannot accept that this way of thinking is shortsighted about the press’s ideal prospects, at a time when institutions and other conditions in Albania are giving us no encouragement whatsoever, as is invariably the case. Our journalism, in a sense, expresses the absence of ... Continued on page 2

“China Town” is being built on the outskirts After the shops and the influx of refugees, homes are now going up too TIRANA - The Chinese are back in Tirana, and this time the first outlines of future Chinese neighborhoods are beginning to appear. Tirana will soon have a China Town, like those in Western metropolises. This is explained by the fact that the first clusters of Chinese restaurants and shops have now appeared in particular areas of the capital. The Chinese Embassy in Tirana said yesterday that it was unable to determine the number of its citizens currently in Albania. In any case, the streets of Tirana are now seeing the elegant Orientals strolling in groups, with families of many members. Having arrived, in most cases, from Hong Kong, the new Chinese residents of Albania are mainly engaged in trade, while never losing the tradition of socializing with their compatriots in Western European countries. On page 5

TIRANA - High-security prisons are being established. For the first time in Albania, all three security regimes will be in operation. Prisoners sentenced to severe terms by the courts will serve their sentences in the prisons of Burrel and Shënjtor. Under the new legal rules for the treatment of convicted prisoners, approved by Parliament, prisons will be divided into closed, semi-open and open prisons. On page 4 Berat, special police officers on the verge of revolting over wages BERAT - Special police officers in the districts are on the verge of revolt. The lack of proper treatment, low wages, a weakened force and several other factors have led dozens of Rapid Intervention Force officers in the South to leave their posts. Yesterday, they asked the command and the relevant authorities to resolve their demands by 3 May. On page 8 Serbs reinforce the border TIRANA - Serbs reinforce the border near Tropojë. Military troops and heavy weapons have arrived to support Serbian soldiers at the posts along the Albanian border. According to the Interior Ministry spokesperson, numerous movements were observed on the other side of the border on Monday afternoon. Thus, our posts in the Tropojë area have received reports of Serbian reinforcements at post P. On page 12

The Ministry, fines at the ready GJIROKASTËR - Tax inspectors from the districts are heading to the towns of the South. To remind Saranda, Gjirokastër and Tepelenë that taxes must be paid, a team from the General Directorate of Taxes has gone there. On page 9

GAZETA of Shkodër GAZETA e Shkodrës Police chief: Crime is on the move SHKODËR - At last, after two months of silence, Pjerin Ndreu, the police chief who took office after Shkurti’s departure, has decided to speak to the press. His prolonged silence was also accompanied by a lack of communication from his side, as he did not accept the version involving violence. On page 6

GAZETA of Vlorë VLORË - Creditors of the pyramid schemes are putting pressure on the Government. GAZETA e Vlorës Creditors: Parliament must recognize the pyramid-scheme debts VLORË - Creditors of the pyramid schemes are putting pressure on the Government: “The money swallowed up by the pyramid schemes must be recognized by a law passed by Parliament.” They gathered after their first meeting with F. Arapi and a working session marked by a very harsh tone. On page 7

GAZETA of Durrës GAZETA e Durrësit New buildings at risk of collapse DURRËS - New buildings in Durrës are at risk of collapse. Failure to comply with technical standards has caused many of them to develop numerous problems and urgently require specialized teams to save the buildings. This is because more than 80 percent of the construction companies in the city are not licensed to operate. On page 8

Italian visa “counter” at GAZETA SHQIPTARE Send your letters to: 370 Dibra St., Tirana The Italian Consul answers in the pages of “Gazeta Shqiptare” Italian visas: here are new names 176 people have their visas ready On page 12