Biza of Martanesh, the first US base in Eastern Europe

Work begins on the American military base Around 2 million dollars in investment this year alone Work begins on the American military base Biza of Martanesh, the first US base in Eastern Europe Around 2 million dollars in investment this year alone The sensational news about Albania announced late last November by the daily newspaper “Washington Post” appears to be finally coming to light. According to highly confidential sources at the Ministry of Defense, Biza of Martanesh, in the district of Mat, will appear on military maps as the “First American Base in Eastern Europe.” In addition, a series of geostrategic factors and recently established training plans, along with investments already under way and those planned for the facilities in this area, which has long been known as a strategic location, all point to this conclusion. At the beginning of this summer, Albanian, US and other peacekeeping forces from member countries of the Partnership for Peace are expected to hold exercises at this very site. This may also mark the official beginning of operations at this large training base. Continued on page 2 US Marines during an exercise at Fushë Gurë in Lurë. Photo: P. Omeri

46 undocumented migrants detained in Puglia

The flow of illegal crossings to Italy is increasing In Vlorë, 24 hours earlier, police had detained 20 others page 5

Assassination attempt on the chief judge of Kucovë

Attack on the car. The driver is wounded The senior judge accuses right-wing extremists

Knife fight between women

They had attacked their fellow villager together Mother and daughter sentenced to five years in prison for wounding page 7

Rushen and Tomorr Golemi privatize more than 18,000 m²

Instead of politicians declaring their assets The value of the privatized properties is around 1 million dollars Instead of politicians declaring their assets Rushen and Tomorr Golemi privatize more than 18,000 m² The value of the privatized properties is around 1 million dollars page 3

The “2 April” convict in Tirana’s cells

Renewed investigations into the Shkodër killings demanded Gjekë Çelaj transferred from Lezhë prison Renewed investigations into the Shkodër killings demanded The “2 April” convict in Tirana’s cells Gjekë Çelaj transferred from Lezhë prison page 2

Five years after the statue was toppled

Message from the head of state on the occasion of 20 February ’91 Yesterday marked the anniversary of the great revolt that uprooted the red communist regime page 6 Photo: A. Babani

“They want to destroy our unity”

Sabri Koçi attacks religious sects Eid al-Fitr and controversy yesterday in Tirana Sabri Koçi attacks religious sects “They want to destroy our unity” Eid al-Fitr and controversy yesterday in Tirana page 2

Berisha “back on his feet”

Yesterday the President strolled along the boulevard He visits Tritan Shehu’s home Yesterday the President strolled along the boulevard Berisha “back on his feet” He visits Tritan Shehu’s home page 4

No to the liquidation of the independent press

Vrioni’s order brings together 14 press organizations A meeting with the President of the Republic is requested Vrioni’s order brings together 14 press organizations No to the liquidation of the independent press A meeting with the President of the Republic is requested page 2

Godo, alone on the “white list”

PR deploys its “commissioners” throughout the country Working groups to assist Republican candidates PR deploys its “commissioners” throughout the country Godo, alone on the “white list” Working groups to assist Republican candidates page 3

Extradition of prisoners discussed

Minister Frashëri in Athens yesterday page 5

Books in Albanian blocked

Further incidents on the Macedonian border page 19