FULL LAW / EXCISE DUTY CHANGES, THE PRICE HIKE STARTS ON 1 JANUARY 2015 Cigarette prices rise by 20 lek Tax increase also in 2016; on 1 January 2017 a pack of cigarettes becomes 20 lek more expensive again. Beqaj: We are reducing smokers. Only the price of cigars remains unchanged

Opinion of the Day By VASIL KURETA Humanity, in its uninterrupted evolution, has faced extremely difficult challenges of different kinds, with destructive 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 (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 practice his profession By FATMIRA NIKOLLI With music, wine and conversation, on Tuesday evening the artistic calendar of the National Theatre was ... On page 18

By OLA MITRE The Council of Ministers yesterday approved the Executive’s decision on excise duties in the Republic of Albania”, which provides for an increase in excise duty on tobacco, which is expected to also lead to an increase in cigarette prices. The decision was announced by the Minister of Health, Ilir Beqaj, who stressed 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 for tobacco products is one of the elements that has proved successful in curbing smoking. Although the act, in fact, formally changes the level of excise duty respectively for the tobacco portion, we believe that the direct effect will be in improving citizens’ health care, but also a social and economic impact”, Beqaj said. ... On page 11

Value of the goods, over 2 million euros On page 13

VISHO AJAZI: THEY WANT TO DISCREDIT US On page 3

HIGHER EDUCATION On page 10

PROBLEMS On page 5

DOSSIER On pages 14-15

THE HEAD OF URBAN PLANNING IS ALSO ARRESTED Supplement