Bank deposits are shrinking; the company loses 200 thousand dollars every month. It cannot pay its creditors Page 13

At a time when public opinion had focused its attention on the most vital problems, closely bound up with the country’s future, the “smeared ones” scandal suddenly erupted, quite unexpectedly. Since the “purity of public officials” law was enacted around two years ago, politicians who had “sinned” during the communist regime were penalized in the run-up to successive elections. Bearing this in mind, anyone could rightly think that the “anti-genocide” law, or the law on “vetting public officials,” had been drafted for the sole purpose of excluding Berisha’s political opponents from electoral contests. This impression was further reinforced by the way the commission was set up and operated—the body that screened those who wished to become actors on the Albanian political scene, known as the “Mezini Commission.” Thus, both because of the criteria guiding this commission and its aim of relentlessly attacking Berisha’s opponents, it was understandable that the “sinners” within the DP were immune to the above-mentioned laws. This tendency was even more conspicuous when people who had held positions under the communist regime continued to head important institutions under Berisha’s rule, while individuals were penalized who often were not covered by any of the laws in question. The overturning by the Court of Cassation of a large number of decisions made by the “Mezini” Commission before the 29 June elections, as well as the acquittal of members of the former Politburo, including R. Alia, speaks very clearly to this. But with the arrival of the well-known jurist Bezhani at the head of the public-official vetting commission, one can say that its manipulation for political purposes also came to an end. Unlike the previous experience, the commission chaired by a man imprisoned by Hoxha’s regime and a lawyer for the victims of 2 April is now putting current officeholders, rather than parliamentary candidates, under scrutiny. Most importantly in this regard, based on the facts published very recently, is the exposure of people responsible for notorious abuses in important positions—something Berisha was not concerned about. Meanwhile, the fact that Bezhani was appointed by Parliament and the “Council of Ministers” shows that the “dissident” jurist has no intention of compromising with politicians. GAVROSH LEVONJA

Nafiz Bezhani, Chairman of the Commission for the Vetting of Public Officials, at work Photo: BLEND ÇOTA

The blue and green uniforms defend Kalimash Four hours of fighting at midnight in Kukës between bandits and state forces. Investigations begin Fighting in Kalimash, Kukës. Last night, at around 22:00, armed men attacked the weapons depots of the Infantry Division in Kalimash, Kukës, about 20 kilometres west of the city. Around 10 armed men opened fire with automatic weapons and tracer ammunition at the depots’ guard posts. The guards, non-commissioned officers on active duty, immediately returned fire against the bandits, also using hand grenades. P. 9

“Albanian communists will meet Castro” P. 4

Italian trader’s killer arrested P. 2

Biologists: How can one live for 25 days without food?! P. 2

Donkey meat in restaurants P. 11

Anti-mafia is born in Albania P. 7

The Ngjela Commission: report ready P. 5-24

Wishes all Muslim believers a happy EID AL-ADHA