Most show only the house as property. The prime minister does not even have that Meidani, Nano, Berisha, Frino... How much the Albanian leaders have declared. We have doubts, we will investigate ELECTIONS / Meetings begin in the districts There is friction among socialists: 37 local leaders are under fire TIRANË - Yesterday the Council of Ministers presented to the President of the Republic the official information on the declaration of assets by senior officials. The document immediately provoked reactions, as most of the leading politicians are listed as owners only of the apartments where they live, while others do not even appear to own a home. Official sources said there are serious doubts about the accuracy of the data and that detailed checks will begin. The list includes President Rexhep Meidani, Prime Minister Fatos Nano, former president Sali Berisha, as well as other top political figures. The issue is expected to trigger a strong public debate, while the opposition is calling for full transparency and the publication of the source of income. TIRANË - PS leaders are being asked to avoid conflicts during the selection of candidates for the local elections. Recent clashes in several districts have led to the dismissal and replacement of local leaders. According to sources from the Pink headquarters, 37 local officials are at risk of losing their posts because of internal disagreements and a lack of organizational discipline. The consultation process is expected to continue over the coming week.

TIRANË The government session has just ended, with the decision on disarmament in the areas of the country where this has been difficult postponed. The official GOVERNMENT announcement states that the executive has approved the decision for the voluntary collection of weapons in the areas where collectivization is difficult, until the end of May. The decision specifies that from 1 June the compulsory surrender of weapons for compensation will begin. According to cabinet officials, the reason for the delay has been the number of weapons still in the hands of the population and the need to register and administer them. The police will also begin searching homes and other premises for weapons.

DEBATE IN CULTURE / What should be done with the old building TIRANË As new initiatives for the privatization of the former League of Writers and Artists building appear in the final days of this parliamentary mandate, the debate has been revived once again. Voices from the literary and artistic world have described such an initiative as wrong and contrary to any cultural logic. According to them, this building has historical value and should be preserved as an institution of memory and of the activity of Albanian creators. Some propose that the building be turned into an open cultural centre, while others call for the return of its former functions. The debate is expected to continue in the coming days. Continues on page 12

Polemic over the events The opposition spokesperson yesterday published a statement calling for a full investigation into the events of 1997. According to him, without establishing political and criminal responsibility there can be no real reconciliation. The statement comes at a time when the debate over opening the files and the role of institutions in the previous crisis has returned strongly. Representatives of the majority have considered this an attempt at political tension, while the other side is demanding full transparency. The issue remains one of the hottest points in Albanian political life.

Arben Puto O If we are to be realistic and not dogmatic, we must accept that Albania, after the latest crisis, needs social and institutional reconciliation. Without it, it will be difficult to move forward with sustainable reforms and with the return of public trust. Reconciliation does not mean forgetting guilt, but finding a common language to rebuild political and civic life. In a polarized country, any initiative for cooperation should be encouraged. Otherwise, the wounds of the past will remain open and will feed new conflicts. Continues on page 2

Page 2/4 TIRANË - A new shock about death from AIDS in the world of art. According to a short notice, a person connected to the artistic circle of singer Tina Turner has died from this disease. The news has been widely covered in foreign media and has prompted many reactions. On page 10

On page 8 GAZETA socialistë 10 things are found in the association On page 8 GAZETA assistant[s] Learning with the assistant On page 6

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