03/07/1997
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Koha Jonë

3 July 1997

Berisha orders a coup d’état

Deputy Minister of the Interior: Çelo Kthjellt today, PD, Hajdari Minister of the Interior, OSCE-PS has won 60%, Monarchy blocks the roads In Tirana’s and the Block’s most tense movement, around 7 o’clock yesterday evening, military units came alive in the squares and moved through the clearly defined heart of the capital. Monarchists, alarmed by the serious reactions and the capital’s state of alarm, began as early as possible to gather in small groups in the Block area. As soon as the votes in Tirana had finished being counted and the winners of the 29 June district were announced in a preliminary version, applause, insults and the first clashes began to erupt, generating the forebodings of Albanian politics and turning a chess club evening into a dangerous one. It is not known how much may have fueled the chain of reactions from the government and the prime minister. Never before had tanks been seen positioned on the “Dëshmorët e Kombit” Boulevard, opposite the Prime Minister’s Office. Also in the early hours a number of armored vehicles moved toward the Parliament building. According to initial information, heavy military equipment was also seen heading toward the Bank of Albania and the area of Albanian Radio-Television. Sources close to the Ministry of the Interior state that the order for these movements was given directly by President Sali Berisha. At a time when the preliminary election results pointed to a clear victory for the Socialist Party and its allies, the right-wing camp reacted with a show of force. The situation remains extremely tense and sporadic clashes were also recorded late in the evening. President: “Irrevocable resignation” PS leader Nano and Prime Minister Fino greet supporters for the victory, in Skënderbej Square

A girl remained, a note remained

At the height of a central square in Tirana and the Block, the political chaos and the reaction of the parties were not absent. A young girl, who appeared to be a passerby, remained isolated for several minutes amid the crowd and the moving vehicles. The first testimonies say that she did not suffer serious injuries, but her image became a symbol of the insecurity of the evening.

State banks sold for 1 USD

Salary [?]

Private radio “KOHA” is seeking to hire

1- four journalists who have experience in radio 2- one radio photojournalist The salary is high and prepayment for three months for the newspaper, while the lodging will be provided for one month. The editorial office of radio “KOHA”,

Notice for newspaper sellers in the districts

To newspaper sellers who do not return the sales receipts until the newspapers have been sold and to the newspaper seller and the agency, as well as to the editorial office and the newspaper. Newspaper sellers who do not agree to come to Tirana without compensation are to come to the newspaper bank and fill out the reports, and are excluded from the sale of the newspaper or additional copies. Newspaper “KOHA JONË”, Savings Bank, Tirana. Account no. 158631520