Dozens of creditors demand that the company void the contracts. The court does not accept the lawsuits Parliament approves the law on distributing frozen money from foundations Dozens of creditors demand that the company void the contracts. The court does not accept the lawsuits VEFA on trial for usury Pages 2, 9 Parliament approves the law on distributing frozen money from foundations

Mejdani and Imami, Ceka and Apostoli, Gjinushi and Majko took to the square. Several tens of thousands of protesters gathered at the call of their parties throughout the country. Up to that point, the democrats said there was no problem at all. In this political battle, the official propaganda machine had already attacked the above-mentioned politicians dozens of times, placing them under the umbrella of the “far left.” Albania’s ruling democracy declared that it was not concerned even when the center of Tirana was occupied by 40,000 people demanding their money. On the podium of the Palace of Culture stood the “extremists,” who after a few hours were not slow to be accused as the authors of the destruction throughout the country. But the day before yesterday something happened that neither Mr. Berisha nor the propaganda units he directs can any longer label with the worn-out terms of the Cold War. A man who has spent two-thirds of his life in the prisons of communism has undertaken to unite the political parties of the entire spectrum, from the left to the right. Kurt Kola became the initiator the day before yesterday of the Forum for Democracy, which brought together the Association of Former Politically Persecuted Persons, the PS, PA, PD, PSD, the Legality Movement, PDD, PDR and Democratic Ideal. Seven parties and one political association have formed the broadest grouping in Albania’s pluralist history, aiming at “coming out of the economic and political crisis,” as the initiators say. United with the Shkodër United Right, it currently constitutes the most serious political threat to the PD and the president. The Forum for Democracy’s first demand is the resignation of the Meksi government. The same demand had also come a few days earlier from Shkodër. The opposition wants the process of healing the two-billion usury wound to begin with the removal of a government now completely discredited in the eyes of Albanians. After that, the Forum proposes a technical government as the most acceptable formula. (To be continued on page 5) S. MINXHOZI

Photo: R. Taho

Statement by the president of the company “Cenaj”, Mr. Lefter Cenaj Regarding the initiative that arose from several companies, which also deal in usury, the president of the company “Cenaj”, Lefter Cenaj, replies: “In the way things are going between lenders and borrowing companies, where even companies that have security and capital have been shaken by the upheaval that has engulfed Albania, I think the solution that has been offered is undoubtedly the best for all lenders and borrowers. So giving only 3% interest per month to each creditor, (regardless of whether the contracts were signed at 6% or even more) as well as returning the creditor’s deposit may be the best solution that can be offered in this catastrophic situation for everyone. My company does not have urgent problems, but the downfall of the others does not leave even the healthy ones untouched by the epidemic. But the four presidents of the four companies: “VEFA”, “Kamberi”, “Silva” and “Cenaj” must sit down to decide definitively on this solution proposal. After that, the government or another mechanism must set a binding measure of 3% interest per month. That is how we all survive: we continue investments, while people get their money back. There is no other way.”

For more than two days the company “Kamberi” has temporarily suspended the payment of deposits and interest, as the company is being inspected by the parliamentary and government commissions. When the inspection is completed, the company will resume its money-lending activity.

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