Unexpected decision by the democrats against the “informational cordon”. They are barricaded in front of RTSH Berisha asks for a tent for the four hunger-striking MPs. Special forces surround the television station Berisha asks for a tent for the four hunger-striking MPs. Special forces surround the television Page 3

The new strategy of the party that leads the country is unveiled Page 3

Albanian communists meet with Skënder Gjinushi Page 3

BRUSSELS - Through the final decision of the Donors’ Conference in Brussels, the West gave a huge OK to Prime Minister Nano and his government. After it was officially declared that, to rebuild Albania, 600 million dollars are fully ready over the next 3 years, the World Bank vice president, Mr. Lin, said: “Now the Albanian government does not need to worry about where it will find the money after 6 months.” No political conditions were imposed on the Albanian government at this conference. In response to a journalist’s question about the reason the Conference ignored the appeal by “Helsinki Watch”, Mr. Lin replied: “The Rome Conference has given full political OK to Brussels.” At the opening of the conference, Prime Minister Nano admitted before the donors that Albania still does not have the political culture of the West. Meanwhile, the opposition is very far from the epithet “loyal,” the prime minister declared. The absence of the PD in parliament, Berisha’s boycott of the Rome Conference, as well as his calls for daily rallies and early elections, forced OSCE and the Council of Europe to commit before the donors to restoring normality in relations between government and opposition in Albania. In particular, the Council of Europe undertook to ensure the normal and full functioning of the Albanian parliament, which clearly implies the entry of the PD into it. The donors, representing 24 states and 11 international economic and political organizations, were aware that the Albanian people had to be helped to overcome the deep crisis caused by the pyramid schemes and political stubbornness. They decided to allocate 30 million dollars just for social assistance funds (instead of the 25 million requested by the Albanian government). The donors also approved the Albanian government’s decision to increase pensions and wages at the beginning of next year. Of particular impact was the appeal by the American representatives at the conference. “The Albanian people have made many sacrifices on the road to democracy, so now it is time not to disappoint them,” declared the U.S. representative. The decision and approval of these measures mean that the West has decided that the government should work without social tensions, strikes, and demonstrations. Although there were no conditions, Brussels set several tasks before the Nano government. For the donors, the priority is reform in public administration, the judicial system, and institutional reform. While the West’s “Blue Book” calls for reforms, Berisha’s “White Book” will document these reforms. EMIN BARÇI

Photo GENT SHKULLAKU Genc Pollo in the hospital where Pjetër Arbnori was admitted during the hunger strike against the “informational cordon”

Minister Malaj speaks after returning from Brussels Page 4

The interior ministers of 17 countries map the narcotrafficking routes From Tajikistan, the white poison comes to our country to then be sold on the European market “Drug trafficking starts from Tajikistan and ends in Albania.” The bombshell confirmation was placed on the tables of the 17 Interior Ministers, at a meeting of theirs in Istanbul. The fight against international illegal trafficking in the area surrounding the Black Sea was the theme of the most important ministerial event of the year for these states. Included on one of the drug transit routes, Albania now appears as the key stop on the long clandestine journey. Page 2

After the elections for the National Council, Musaraj reacts Page 5

Drug epidemic in Greece, 6 groups caught in 24 hours Page 12

The tragedy of Otranto, President Meidani is also going Page 13

“Projekt Jon” concert First collaboration: Ardit Gjebrea with “Koha Jonë” READ PAGE 18

NATIONAL LIBRARY TIRANA U/10/97