The prolonged drought has dried up the hydroelectric reservoirs Yesterday, KESH ordered a restriction of electricity across the entire country This order seemed as if it would make Albanians realize what embargoes, the explosion of weapons of all kinds, and the noise of bullets across Albania had not managed to make them understand: that they have truly entered winter now. After several weeks during which our leaders, faced with the serious energy situation, have been anxiously meeting, they now think that the greatest hardship for the country will be KESH’s daily reduction of electricity by three hours. Instead of thinking that winter would close in, the winter is the frightening reality of the country of KESH. The crisis will not hit first the owners of villas and luxury apartments, but ordinary citizens, who live with little light, no water and cold water. In fact, both literally and figuratively, the country is entering real darkness. In this situation, the measures announced by the government are more words than deeds. KESH is unable to provide enough electricity for the population and the economy. For this reason, for months there will be prolonged cuts, making everyday life even harder. In many areas, the lack of power will last longer than three hours, especially in the evening, when the need for energy is greater.

This summer seems destined to remain with Albanians like the one they did not forget last winter and the terrible lack of energy. We are approaching this season again. Rich with an entire setting of our everyday reality. And if there are no electricity cuts today, faced with the serious energy situation, it seems we are preparing for the worst. Power outages may become even more frequent. KESH has issued this early warning. According to official data from the leaders of this institution, a significant deficit in energy production will bring severe restrictions in the months ahead. In fact, a broad plan of restrictions is being prepared across the country, which will affect families, enterprises and services. Given that the country is suffering the consequences of a prolonged drought, the water levels in the hydroelectric plants have dropped significantly. This has directly affected the reduction of electricity production. On the other hand, importing energy remains difficult and costly. Under these circumstances, KESH is emerging as a factor that strongly affects the political and social life of the country, precisely at a time when the country is preparing for elections.

Page 23 Al Gore, the U.S. presidential candidate with vice-presidential candidate Joseph Lieberman

Forced reply to the newspaper “Albana”, still owned by XII Rakipi The respected newspaper “Albana”, which has finally seen the light of independence and its date 11.9.97, although it had a long journey before seeing the light, with all the fate of a piece of paper coming from the printing press, today has also become a daily that deals with “Koha Jonë”. It is its right to write whatever it wishes about us. However, there is a line between slander and truth. “Koha Jonë” has been and will remain an independent newspaper, despite attempts to damage it, smear it, or use it in political games. We have resisted all pressures, attacks and slander and will continue to do so. (continued on page 4)

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EXPRESS SPORT Tomorrow with a special issue Gilika for the matches Taulid-Kapdi of Vienna and Tomori-Apoel Nicosia

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