DOCUMENT Aglim Mero Despite the radicalism with which the “revolutionization” of life in the country was being carried out, a breeze of liberalization seemed to be blowing across the Albanian sky. This was the result of several political and economic factors. Among them were the “victories” of the Cultural Revolution in China, which somewhat reassured E. Hoxha about the continuation of Albanian-Chinese relations, and China’s continuing and increasing economic aid to Albania. It seemed that major projects would be completed, such as the Elbasan Metallurgical Combine, which E. Hoxha had called Albania’s second liberation, and the hydroelectric power stations on the Drin, including those at Vau i Dejës and Fierza, etc. In this “euphoria,” elections for the People’s Assembly were also held. Two days after the elections, a meeting of the Central Committee Plenum was held. E. Hoxha Dhimitër Agolli and Agim Mero Enver Hoxha Continued on page 10

Three snipers for the SP leader REPORTAGE/ With Hajdari and Pollo on their journey to the city of revolts A discovery by prosecutors investigating last year’s tragedy

Stones, applause and indifference VLORA WON V LORA WON Fatos Baxhaku Stones have flown at the opposition’s cars. Pollo’s pale face reflected the concern of the moment; police, masked and unmasked, kept watch to protect the DP politicians; many people were angry, shouting at the party’s various tendencies from every direction. While both sides were shouting themselves hoarse at rallies, only a few hundred metres apart, most people from Vlora were rushing to finish their own business. By now tired of others—including journalists—making a fuss, many had reacted at another rally, but yesterday the people of Vlora showed the greatest sign of civilization, one that only cities with centuries of history behind them can show: normality. After all the blood shed in the city’s streets last year, after all the tears that continue to flow in the eyes of Labëria’s mothers, after so many insults and protests, it seems that Vlora, through another kind of “protest”—silence—wanted to remind Albanian politicians that it no longer needs enmity or hatred; it needs only the kind of peace that brings work and prosperity for everyone. Many may beat their chests today: “I managed to set foot in Vlora, the place where I had been threatened.” In fact, for those who had not set foot in the City of the Flag for a year, yesterday’s visit was undoubtedly a political success. Despite the broken windows, people who until a few months ago never even imagined they would be able to get close to Skela did what they had come to do. Regardless, yesterday the people of Vlora truly achieved the greatest victory. They showed that they remain just as hospitable and tolerant toward those who come from elsewhere. hurrying to finish their business. Tired of grief, used by politics, and forgotten by a future that is still slow to arrive, most of the city’s residents did not care whether a political rally was being held or not, or whether there were one or two sides. The fishermen carried on working at sea, entirely unbothered by the parties that yesterday had both thrown their political opponents [wording unclear in source]; around dusk, the speedboats began to stir to life. The old sailors were more interested in the weather forecast than in what “was said at the Sports Palace or in Flag Square.” The others, ordinary people, those still riding their old bicycles, hurried to secure their daily bread. The convoy of cars packed with politicians, observers and journalists had turned back toward Tirana. In the cars, people discussed what had happened [source text unclear], who had been in Vlora. Everyone together, from all sides, felt relieved; each had done their duty, despite the minor incidents that had been expected for days. Yesterday everyone said: “Thank you, Vlora.” Once again, the people of the City of the Flag have reason to be proud. It is also a message, and it should matter to both sides. VLORE - Pollo and Hajdari entered Vlorë yesterday in a long convoy of cars, not preceded by the police, accompanied by the OSCE representative, Dan Evert. The visit, which for days had been viewed as a dangerous test for the opposition, took place yesterday with an almost normal arrival, but amid anxiety and fear. There was no shortage of incidents, some even posing a risk to the entire PD group, but the city and its residents—when the rather noisy cars arrived—responded with a single indifferent glance, like people who at that moment had better things to think about and do. In any case, Pollo, Hajdari, Topalli, Demi, Bejo and Vejsiu held their first rally in Vlorë after a long absence. Special forces guard the Mifol Bridge as the PD convoy passes (Hektor Pustina) On page 6

Clan war for the head of SHIK On page 2 Bare Klosi

TIRANA - “Assassination attempt against Nano”—this phrase sums up the entire investigation into the tragedy of the 14th in Ura Vajgurore. The country’s current Prime Minister—at the time the leader of the Socialists’ election campaign—was in the sights of political opponents whose aim was physical elimination. Investigators on the case and sources at the General Prosecutor’s Office have reached the same conclusion about what was called last year’s most serious incident. On page 3

PROPOSAL Amnesty for homes built without permits Apostoli: Legalization for money TIRANA - The strict crackdown on unauthorized construction has left many people holding their breath. Their question today is: “How serious is the state?” But instead of tearing down the foundations of unauthorized buildings, wouldn’t it be better for the state to legalize those that cause no problems and collect taxes on the others? This would avoid social problems, and at the same time the state would not destroy something that it would find very difficult to replace with something better at its own expense. On page 9

TIRANA - The Constitution faces a dilemma over the chambers of Parliament. “I have very little hope that my option for a Senate will be approved by the Commission.” Sabri Godo, the Republican co-chair of the Constitutional Commission, was pessimistic yesterday about a bicameral parliament. It seems Godo’s idea of a parliament with two chambers, to be enshrined in the new draft constitution, has found very little support. Members of the Constitutional Commission have been unable to agree on whether Parliament should remain as it is now, with one chamber, or whether a Senate should also be added. On page 4

GAZETA e Durrësit DURRES - Archaeology appeals: “Protect us from destruction!” The antiquities of Durrës are at risk. The extremely serious condition of archaeological sites and the failure to enforce laws concerning Durrës’s underground museum—which was designated as such back in 1961—have created a deeply troubling situation in our country’s archaeological capital. On page 8

GAZETA e Shkodrës SHKODER - Mothers’ Day is celebrated in blood. Two women have died accidentally, but the men have not been spared either. It was anything but a happy occasion for 27-year-old nurse Mimoza Nehaj. At 11:00 on Wednesday, as she was walking through the city center in the “Qemal Stafa” neighborhood, a speeding motorcycle struck and killed her. On page 6

KOSOVO / NEW SANCTIONS AGAINST BELGRADE TIRANE - Soldiers from three foreign countries could soon land and be stationed along the tense northern borders. This step could rekindle the hopes of many for an end to the conflict that is claiming lives in Kosovo. On page 4 From yesterday’s protests in Prishtinë (photo: ANSA)

VLORE - Pollo and Hajdari entered Vlorë yesterday in a long convoy of cars, not preceded by the police, accompanied by the OSCE representative, Dan Evert. The visit, which for days had been viewed as a dangerous test for the opposition, took place yesterday with an almost normal arrival, but amid anxiety and fear. There was no shortage of incidents, some even posing a risk to the entire PD group, but the city and its residents—when the rather noisy cars arrived—responded with a single indifferent glance, like people who at that moment had better things to think about and do. In any case, Pollo, Hajdari, Topalli, Demi, Bejo and Vejsiu held their first rally in Vlorë after a long absence. Special forces guard the Mifol Bridge as the PD convoy passes (Hektor Pustina)