Following the proposal for a referendum, politicians give their views I have no regard for the newspaper “Koha Jonë” The President aims to sideline the lawful body, Parliament. The DP fears facing the people The President should take the initiative to bring the parties together The Constitution presented to us is the worst version that could be given to us page 5

The Hoxha family’s expenses are once again in focus. There were six hours of judicial examination on the second day of the “Gradeci” trial, held yesterday at the Tirana Court, during which the six witnesses called to testify clearly supported the prosecution’s case, while the defendant mounted his defense, describing the trial against him as “political revenge.” At yesterday’s hearing before the military judges, chaired by Fatmira Lasku, President of the Tirana Military Court, the witnesses included former director of the Special Clinic Pavllo Milo and former secretary of the Albanian Embassy in Paris, Eqerem Gaxholi. The latter, however, considered by the bench to be “the key witness in the case,” tried to undermine Gradeci’s position but in fact found himself overwhelmed by the evidence presented by the defendant’s lawyer, Përparim Sanxhaku. According to the judges and lawyer Sanxhaku, E.G.’s explanations were highly contradictory, particularly regarding his claims about the role he played in withdrawing dollars and buying medicines in Paris on behalf of the Hoxha family. Among other things, Sanxhaku referred to two records from 1983 concerning the purchase of medical equipment and medicines for the Special Clinic. The first concerned the closing of an account of US$15,000, withdrawn by cheque by Sulo Gradeci and handed over in Paris to E. Gaxholi. The second record referred to the sum of US$25,000 withdrawn by E. G. from the fund established by a Council of Ministers decision for the purchase of medicines. But Gaxholi was sweating profusely and was extremely confused in his testimony, to the point that Fatmira Lasku, chair of the bench, had to address the witness sternly. Later, since seven witnesses were absent, having gone abroad for various reasons, it was agreed that reading their testimonies aloud would stand in for their appearance in court. At the end, in his 20-page defense, the defendant affirmed that the trial “is political revenge and an unscrupulous attempt to unjustly burden me with guilt.” In any case, Njazi Seferi, a prosecutor at the Peshkopi District Prosecutor’s Office assigned to present the case against Gradeci, will deliver his closing arguments today at 10:00. K.J. 5.10.94 Z.DULE

Shkodër page 4

Berat page 2

Kapshicë Two sick people are taken to Korçë hospital Kapshicë Iraqi refugees reappear at the Albanian border crossing Two sick people are taken to Korçë hospital Despair, lack of money and medicines. This is how the group of Iraqi refugees has reappeared at the Kapshicë border crossing, bringing their tragedy to Albanian soil once again. Eyewitnesses report that the refugees from far away have been at the Albanian-Greek border for seven days, after being turned back by Greek police. In the company of our taxi drivers, who bring them food from time to time, and scorned by Greek soldiers, the Iraqi refugees spend their days and nights in utter misery. The harsh conditions, cold and hunger have further worsened their health. The only assistance from the local authorities has been the hospitalisation of two sick people at Korçë hospital. According to information from the hospital’s emergency service, one of the patients was kept under observation temporarily for abdominal pain. One of the doctors says that several foreigners are examined from time to time but does not confirm what their illness is. The refugees’ future is unknown, nor is it known whether Mother Teresa’s missionaries will help them again in this case. Abandoned and without any state support, the Iraqis are being advised to follow the example of Albanians and cross the border illegally, but their physical condition does not allow them to do so either. G.A.

Will the referendum also be a wolf? page 3 by Frrok Çupi

NATIONAL LIBRARY TIRANA