A meeting lasting over three hours between the Socialists at the American Embassy Servet, Pellumbi and Ilir Meta met yesterday with the US Ambassador, Bashkim Zeneli They had lunch with the Embassy’s political secretary A meeting lasting over three hours between the Socialists at the American Embassy Berisha in America SP at the Embassy Servet, Pellumbi and Ilir Meta met yesterday with the US Ambassador, Bashkim Zeneli; they had lunch with the Embassy’s political secretary Page 3 SP deputy chairmen Pellumbi and Meta leaving the American Embassy yesterday Photo: FELIX BILANI

Following the Amnesty International letter The calls for the release of SP chairman Fatos Nano have once again been repeated. This time, the Albanian Helsinki Committee has found an opportunity to call for the release of the Socialist leader, following a letter from the major human rights organization “Amnesty International,” which a few days ago asked Albanian President Sali Berisha to release Nano, describing him as a political prisoner. Albanian Helsinki has called for overcoming any hesitation and prejudice in order to rectify an unconvincing court decision. In this regard, the Helsinki statement should serve the Albanian judges, specifically those of the Court of Cassation, who will have the Nano case before them for consideration twice in September. The plenary session of this court began hearing the Nano case on 26 July, following Nano’s request for the protection of legality and the acceptance of that request by the court’s chairman, Zef Brozi, as well as his request for acquittal concerning the charge that Nano had misappropriated Italian aid. It was Prosecutor General Alush Dragoshi who requested that the hearing be postponed, and after that request was accepted, the Plenary Session issued a decision to defer the hearing until September. Likewise, three days ago, Nano and his lawyer filed another petition with the Court of Cassation against the decision of the Court of Appeal dated 21 July, when the prosecutor requested Nano’s release. In light also of the statement by the Albanian Helsinki Committee, the Cassation judges will this time find it much easier to overcome the obstacles of political prejudice that have surrounded the Nano case for two years, since they will issue a decision to release a political prisoner. Read the ACHC statement on page 3

Deputy Minister of Defence declares: “We have sold weapons only to Albanian private companies” How Albanian weapons ended up in Afghanistan and Rwanda Page 2

—Privatization must not leave employees out on the street —If their demands are not met, there will be a hunger strike on 25 August The striking workers yesterday at the Tirana Cold Storage Facility Page 4

—The other 5 matches take place today Albania’s 43rd Cup Thursday in Laç — The home team beat Partizani 3–1! R. Haxhiaj scored first for Partizani in the 15th minute. Sabah Mici equalized for Laç in the 30th. Three minutes later, Xhela scored from the penalty spot. In the 53rd minute, Çiçi scored Laç’s third goal. In the 68th minute, Xhela missed a penalty for Laç. Friday in Krujë — The new coach Mema started with a win. Tirana won 1–0 with a goal by Markoçi, a player developed under coach Sulejman Mema. Markoçi’s goal was scored in the 85th minute. Friday in Kavajë — The first match between Besa and Teuta, played in Kavajë, ended in a 0–0 draw.

Confusion and fear among employees, customers and passers-by yesterday morning in the centre of the capital. At 11:25, the alarm signal rang out inside and outside the State Bank. For a moment, the unusual sound stunned those present. The confusion lasted even longer when several police vans from the Tirana property protection unit arrived from Durrës Street with their sirens blaring continuously. Police officers wearing bulletproof vests and holding pistols immediately got out. All entrances and exits were lined with officers. “Hands up!” was the order given to everyone. The bank’s management was contacted and the cause of the alarm was quickly identified. While cleaning one of the rooms, an employee had accidentally activated the alarm system. Nevertheless, the maximum penalty provided for such a case was immediately imposed: a 500-lek fine for the false alarm.

The great Turkish writer Jashar Qemal writes to AKS Publication continues of the novel about Princess Diana’s love story The four mayors of Vlora want to educate and treat dogs The “DUA” column: Young people write to us and we answer them