Vlora police “investigate” two employees. Mulosmani: Everything is under control Calm in Vlora. The counters reopen tomorrow. The company holds two emergency meetings page 7

“Christ is Born!” One third of Albanians bowed last night before the statue of the Holy Mary with the newborn Christ in her arms. Churches held Masses, while families celebrated the sixth Christmas since the state permitted religion in December ’90. This year's Christmas is different from the one held in the bitter cold at the Church of the Friars by Dom Simon Jubani, in the last winter of Albanian communism. Since then, several hundred churches have been built in Albania, and the Christian faith has moved beyond the parishes and into the streets. There were many people in the churches last night. Some of them were not Christians. In families, many of them mixed in terms of religion, the Christmas tree was put up by a Muslim father, a Catholic mother and children who may never have gone to church. Anything can be said about us Albanians, except that we are divided into religious camps. Coexistence between religions shows no signs of fracture, even now that the edifice of faith has been rebuilt on the ruins of 1967. This phenomenon, which astonishes foreigners visiting our country, is uniquely Albanian, and we can only be pleased by the tolerance we show one another every day. All the more so when, not far from us, at the northern borders, thousands of innocent people have been killed under the banners of religions. Last night was an opportunity for believers to reflect and find peace in their souls. We need to do this because Albanian life is filled with stress and, to a large extent, with hatred. This holiday reminds us that we still have reasons to rejoice. Last night we commemorated the birth of Christ, believing in our own rebirth. K. J

The army beats protesters in Belgrade photo REUTER

The army beats protesters in Belgrade — photo REUTER

Kamberi supports VEFA in lowering interest rates page 2 Sudja, real name revealed page 11 Gjinushi: Everyone against totalitarianism page 3 Secrets of Fest ’96 revealed page 19