FULL LAW / EXCISE DUTY CHANGES, PRICE HIKES START ON 1 JANUARY 2015 Cigarette prices rise by 20 lekë Tax increase also in 2016; on 1 January 2017 a pack of cigarettes will become 20 lekë more expensive. Beqaj: We are reducing smokers. Only the price of cigars does not change By OLA MITRE The Council of Ministers yesterday approved the much-discussed decision “On excise duties in the Republic of Albania,” which provides for an increase in the excise duty on tobacco, expected to lead to higher prices for cigarette packs. The decision was announced by the Minister of Health, Ilir Beqaj, who emphasized that this measure will directly help reduce tobacco consumption and then lower the number of cardiovascular and cancer diseases. “Even in developed countries, the fiscal regime on tobacco products is one of the elements that has proved successful in curbing smoking. Although the act is, in fact, formally a fiscal act, because we are changing the excise law respectively for the tobacco part, we believe that the effect on smoking will have a direct impact on improving citizens’ healthcare, but also, likewise, a social and economic impact,” Beqaj said. ... On page 11

Opinion of the Day By VASIL KURETA Humanity, in its uninterrupted evolution, has faced extremely difficult challenges of various kinds, with devastating wars,... Continues on page 20 The danger of religious extremism

Opinion of the Day By DRITAN HILA It has nothing to do with the “Iron Pact,” the “Iron Curtain” or the “Iron Man.” He is simply a professional with an iron will.... Continues on page 21 The iron diplomat

Arben Kumbaro: The Theatre invited me. Hervin Çuli: He does not take 60% of the budget The minister’s brother, show worth 3.2 million lekë. Mirela Kumbaro: He is doing his job (In the photo:) Minister of Culture Mirela Kumbaro. The well-known director, Arben Kumbaro The director says: The selections are made by the Theatre Board, the accusations are nonsense. The Minister of Culture: He has the right to carry out his profession By FATMIRA NIKOLLI With music, wine and lively conversations on Tuesday evening, the artistic calendar of the National Theatre began. ... On page 18

2 TONS OF DRUGS ARE SEIZED IN ITALY. NAMES, WHO ARE THE 15 ALBANIANS ARRESTED On page 13

VISHO AJAZI: THEY WANT TO DISCREDIT US Head of SHISH: We have not carried out any illegal wiretapping On page 3

HIGHER EDUCATION Transfers and the second faculty, here is how to apply On page 10

PROBLEMS Police, RENEA without life insurance, only one free meal On page 5

DOSSIER State Security: The role of agent Bianka Balliçi after the war On pages 14-15

THE HEAD OF THE URBAN PLANNING OFFICE IS ALSO ARRESTED The head of the commune of Ksamil is handcuffed over building permits Supplement