Italian secret services warn of the weapons arsenal that will pass through Albania Military supplies for illegal Albanian organizations Page 3

By all indications, within January the Albanian political spectrum will once again take on the red color of the Communist Party, outlawed by the 1992 parliament. Thus, the Albanian Communists are re-entering politics after more than five years “with a program of international standards,” as one of the party’s leading figures puts it. Although not legalized, the party is already a reality. But what is of greatest interest is the impact the CP will have as it becomes active in the country’s political life. More than anyone else, the Socialist Party will feel the Communists’ arrival on the scene, for several reasons. With a political force now to its left, the Socialists will often find themselves caught between two fires, forcing them to adopt more sophisticated tactics to influence voters. With the CP’s legalization, a not insignificant number of members of Nano’s party are expected to shift further left, where they feel much more at home. It is a well-known fact that when the CP was outlawed in 1992, its electorate was absorbed into the ranks of the SP, as there was no political force further to the left. But the recent political moves by the Socialist leader, Nano, beginning with last year’s motion and continuing through current developments, have set the SP on a run toward the center. Naturally, this is bound to increase the number of Socialists who, unable to break free from the shackles of fanatical leftism, will turn toward the party of Millosh and Hasanlli. In addition, conflicts may arise between the Communists and the Socialists over the legacy of Hoxha’s party. Just a few days ago, the Communists claimed “ownership” of “Zëri i Popullit.” For the Socialists, who, after the CP is legalized, will find themselves in the role of the more left-wing party, it is more reasonable to target the centrist electorate. This is not only because the parties operating in that part of the spectrum carry little weight, but also because of the current state of the PD, the SP’s major rival. Consequently, a merger between Nano’s Socialists and Gjinushi’s Social Democrats should come as no surprise. But the CP will also serve as a “lightning rod” against Berisha’s favorite accusations against the Socialists, concerning “Enverism” and the burdens of the PPSH’s 45-year past. Indeed, this was also the reason for Berisha’s haste in outlawing the Communists, in order to take power. GAVROSH LEVONJA

Nexhmije Hoxha on the day she was released from prison Photo: GENT SHKULLAKU

The cargo was confiscated. Seven Albanians and one Greek arrested Last night at 22:30, an anti-smuggling operation The first ship carrying smuggled cigarettes, which had set out from Greece to unload on the Albanian shores of the Adriatic, has been seized. Police arrested seven Albanians and one Greek last night, members of the crew of the smuggling vessel. The operation, by sea and land, kept “top secret,” was completed at around 22:30 by law-enforcement forces in cooperation with the Guardia di Finanza. “The high-tonnage vessel was intercepted at the mouth of the Vjosë River,” Deputy Interior Minister Bace told Kl last night.

Government decision, effective January 1 P. 6

Bank deposit rates change P. 15

The “Legion of Honour” for the Albanian writer P. 19

Italians arrive in Albania for the second time P. 2

Following the application for legalization, the documentation is ready P. 4

Today the Constitutional Court reviews the rotation P. 5

All candidates who applied for the advertising manager position at Radio “KOHA” are hereby notified to attend the competition on Friday at 11:00 at the offices of the newspaper “Koha Jonë”.