Berisha promises the return of the property of religious communities Since yesterday, the Ardenica Monastery belongs to the Orthodox Church The President of the Republic, Sali Berisha, yesterday on Christmas Day visited the Orthodox Church in Tirana, extending greetings for the Christians’ holiday. During the meeting with the Archbishop of this church, Anastasi Janullatos, President Berisha announced that “from today the Ardenica Monastery will be the property of the Orthodox Church, to which it belongs.” Meanwhile, Berisha declared that all property belonging to religious communities will be returned, once Parliament swiftly approves the relevant law. All the leaders of the communities welcomed this promise by the President, although they stated that this is a belated decision, one that had long been due to them. page 3 Berisha shakes hands with Janullatos yesterday in the Orthodox Church

Fest ’95 concluded “Eja” song of the year Fest ’95 awards: Ardit Gjebrea and “Projekt Jon” the first prize and the audience prize “E doni dashurinë”, the second prize, “Simfonia ime” the third prize. Kozma Dushi the career award, Alma Bektashi the young interpreters’ award page 14

Fireworks and rain for the birth of Christ The ovations and prayers of Christian believers of all sects and religious communities in Albania for the birth of Christ were not prevented even by the torrential rain that began the night before yesterday. Thousands of Catholic believers on Sunday at midnight celebrated for hours, waiting for the birth of Christ. The romantic story was also mentioned frequently yesterday during the midnight mass, thus being greeted by the State as well with the launching of several fireworks in Tirana. But the rain somewhat dimmed the atmosphere of popular celebration, not allowing believers to wander through the streets after the baptism was completed in church. The same procedure also took place at the Orthodox Church of Tirana on Kavaja Street. Only a few hours after celebrating the birth of Christ in the Catholic Church, the Orthodox believers of Tirana awaited the resurrection of Jesus, but seven hours later. The special mass was opened by the Archbishop of the church, Janullatos, who then received a visit from President Berisha, accompanied by his “First Lady” and the deputies: Mimo Çela, Robert Ndrenika, Ylli Bufi, Gaqo Apostoli, Perikli Teta and Teodor Laço. The President was welcomed as the first man of the Church in the Orthodox celebrations. The emotions of this ceremony did not end without incidents. “The group of Christians from Selta” sang in front of the Orthodox Church to protest against the independence demanded by the Albanian autocephalists. The same atmosphere was also present in other parts of the country. In Shkodër, on the occasion of Christmas, the house of a priest was robbed. In a letter left behind in such cases, the thieves said: “God forgive us, but we did it out of poverty.” But the celebrations for the birth of Christ were not dimmed by this event. The magnificent shrine of Shkodër welcomed the Christmas feast with songs and greetings, attended also by the Speaker of Parliament Arbënor. Once again the leaders of Albanian Catholicism called for the banning of abortion. In the city of Berat, the celebration passed peacefully for the many Orthodox believers, who quietly greeted it without fireworks, while awaiting the birth of Christ. “Let us not become poor” was the prayer of the Christian believers. A.H

After a statement by Spahia: Party leaders react harshly The electoral draft law is being prepared by the government and will be discussed in January 1996 After a statement by Spahia: Party leaders react harshly PD throws down the gauntlet to 13 parties The electoral draft law is being prepared by the government and will be discussed in January 1996 page 3

They had bought a 12-year-old girl for 60 thousand lek page 2

Huge profits for the traffickers of “white flesh” During 1994 more than 400 Albanian girls were arrested by the Greek police Huge profits for the traffickers of “white flesh” Greece - prostitution of Albanian women in figures During 1994 more than 400 Albanian girls were arrested by the Greek police page 2

The Liberian is named Europe’s best in football “I am the first African to receive this award” The Liberian is named Europe’s best in football Weah wins the Golden Ball “I am the first African to receive this award” The AC Milan striker, the 29-year-old Liberian star, George Weah, won the Golden Ball yesterday as the best footballer of 1995. This is the most prestigious award in football. Weah collected 144 points in the vote cast by football journalists, ahead of Bayern Munich’s German centre-forward Jürgen Klinsmann with 108 points and Ajax Amsterdam’s Finnish player Jari Litmanen with 67 points. This award also coincides with the 40th anniversary of the “Golden Ball” trophy organized by the French magazine France Football. “Winning the Golden Ball is a pride for Africa, I am very happy because I am the first African to receive this award,” Weah said after receiving the trophy. Milan footballer George Weah Reuters

Red Cross lottery First prize 700,000 lek And 2,222 prizes from 500-250,000 lek Draw date 29. 12. 1995 Live on TV at 20:40 These prizes are given to each one of you