INTERVIEW / Former Interior Minister criticizes the government Smuggling, a thorn against Fino “The customs clearances made today are a real shame” The fight against crime must start from Finance TIRANË- He has decided to speak harshly against the government and the people it leads. Mr. Halit Shamata, contacted yesterday in the office of the Central Army House, said that “the Nano Government has lost credibility and no longer has the people’s trust.” He was very direct yesterday when he said that the fight against smuggling must begin in the Ministry of Finance. “Where the customs clearances are being done today is a real shame,” Shamata told “Gazeta Shqiptare.” In his interview he says that corruption is growing in the Albanian state and that the government is not providing concrete evidence in the fight against crime. Photo

A bit of condescension For the official level of political debate, Albania is paying a very heavy price. When the country’s hottest problems are set aside while the debate over appointing a prime minister is placed at the center of attention, that is a sign not only of a lack of seriousness, but also of alarming immaturity. Under these circumstances, the fact that Mrs. Meksi’s name was floated as an alternative for prime minister was by no means accidental. On the contrary, it showed that the Albanian political class continues to act according to the logic of improvisation. Mrs. Meksi is a well-known figure in our politics, but not necessarily the best solution for such a crisis. The debate that followed revealed more the weakness of the parties than the strength of the candidacy. Instead of discussing the program, the person was discussed; instead of examining responsibility, polemics were encouraged. And that is precisely where the mistake lies: in replacing fundamental issues with individual names, in the excessive personalization of political life. Albania does not need new experiments based on the same old model. It needs institutions that work and people who take responsibility. Meksi may or may not be part of that solution, but the way her name was handled showed that we are still far from a truly state-building culture.

They injured the child leader, the secretaries and the house VLORË- On Sunday afternoon an attack was organized against the “Gazeta Shqiptare” journalist for Vlorë, Mimoza Joli. The journalist was lightly injured in the head by several unidentified persons. According to the police, the attack took place near her home. The investigation continues. On page 7

The parties’ mediation, but “it runs counter to the law” TIRANË- As part of the latest consultations on electoral reform, there have been heated debates between political parties. The opposition has opposed the majority’s proposals, describing them as steps that run counter to the law. The discussions are expected to continue today. On page 2

GAZETA economics TIRANË- The University of Tirana has decided to change the system for equating diplomas with foreign ones. According to a recent decision, Albanian diplomas will be recognized more easily and will have greater compatibility with European standards. On page 5

GAZETA current affairs SHKODËR- In many areas of the district of Shkodër, dozens of families continue to remain confined at home as a result of old feuds. Local authorities state that the problem remains very troubling and requires immediate intervention. On page 6

GAZETA current affairs DURRËS- [partially illegible text] small traders have asked the municipality for tax relief and support for their activity. Local representatives have promised to review the requests. On page 8

Annuli among creditors: How will we be paid Recovery coefficient is lost Annuli among creditors: How will we be paid Loan-sharking in the hands of “X” Recovery coefficient is lost TIRANË- The hope of hundreds of families to recover a portion of the money lost in the pyramid firms seems to be fading. The issue of loan-sharking remains suspended, while creditors await a solution that is not coming. In this climate of uncertainty, the name of “X” is mentioned as the person or institution that will decide the fate of the money’s return. But no one gives a clear explanation of who “X” is and on what basis he or it will act. This has increased mistrust and tension among creditors. On page 9

Leaders for a Tropojë together with a killed man a bloody event toward Freizë Leaders for a Tropojë together with a killed man Murder mystery of a Kosovar a bloody event toward Freizë [long partly illegible text in the lower left column, printed in small type. Words visible include “Tropojë”, “Kosovar”, “murder”, “mystery”, “police”, “Freizë/Fierzë” and other local references.]

at GAZETA SHQIPTARE at GAZETA SHQIPTARE Italian visa: Here are new names List of 138 people On page 11

Albania, Tirana, Rr. e Durrësit L. “Qemal Stafa” building 102, entrance 20, apt. 22 IMPORT - EXPORT Apartments, premises, villas, land for rent and sale

The value of accompanying prizes for the date 16.05.1998 of Telebingo Kombëtare GRAND PRIZE 5,000,000 LEKË ONE APARTMENT 3,000,000 LEKË ONE CAR 150,000 LEKË TOURIST UMBRELLA[?] Winning slips of ticket 1 and series 207 [?] Winning slips of ticket 6 and series 223 [?] Winning slips of ticket 8 and series 274 [?] The drawing will take place on 17 May 1998