FINANCIAL POLICE IN SHKODER The wealth of the financial pyramid “VEFA” continues to grow. At least that is what is shown by its revenues of 1.7 billion lekë for the first 7 months of 1992. The turnover for July was 361 million lekë, while the declared profit was 177 million lekë. The wealth of “VEFA” is increasing at a dizzying pace. In just 7 months up to 31.7.1992, self-declared profit reached 1,291,991,700 lekë, divided according to the type of activity into trade and services. Declared revenues amounted to 8,298,000,000 lekë, declared profit 1,291,991,700 lekë, with a profit margin of 15.57 percent. These data were made public by the directorate of the financial police in Shkoder, which carried out an inspection of the trading company “VEFA”, Shkoder branch. According to the financial police, the company “VEFA”, with a branch in Shkoder, is engaged in wholesale and retail sales of industrial, food, construction and other goods. In its findings, the financial police established that the company “VEFA”, Shkoder branch, for the period from 1.1.1992 to 31.7.1992, achieved a turnover in goods amounting to 8,298,000,000 lekë and taxable profit of 1,291,991,700 lekë. MISUSE IN VLORË, DIBËR, BERAT 1. The Tirana Financial Police Department expanded the scope of inspection and investigation more broadly, bringing to light abuses and serious financial violations. In the Vlora district, during an inspection carried out at the construction enterprise “Llakatund”, it was established that in the calculation of works there had been an inflation of their value by 400,000 lekë, which had been misappropriated. In the city of Berat, also during an inspection at the trade enterprise, a shortage worth 340,000 lekë was discovered. The director of the enterprise and the chief accountant were dismissed. 2. At NISH kimike “Berat”, violations were found involving 117 kg of missing chewing gum, as well as goods unjustified by the documentation in the amount of 845,000 lekë. In Dibër, at NBSH, it was noted that goods release slips had been issued without cover for goods worth 24,300,000 lekë. Misappropriations were also identified in the forestry enterprise and in the supply sector, with considerable amounts. 3. The financial police authorities are pursuing a number of other cases of abuse in Tirana, Durrës, Fier, Elbasan and other cities. Investigations continue and strict administrative and criminal measures are expected against the violators.

is not a public figure, therefore ... The chairman of the General Council of the PSD, Niko Peleshi[?], in a meeting with journalists stated that delays in implementing reforms are creating concern among the electorate. He said that expectations for rapid change are high and that the government must be more determined in the fight against corruption and incompetence. According to him, the old administration still obstructs many initiatives and the pace of transformation remains slow. He called for greater responsibility from institutions, as well as more transparency in privatization and in the distribution of aid. Meanwhile, the need for political dialogue and the avoidance of artificial tensions was emphasized. “The electorate does not forgive delay,” it was said at the end of the meeting.

(Continues on page 2) Why, through protests, demands and complaints, did the first serious problems in relations with foreign partners come to light? Cases of non-compliance with contracts, delays in issuing permits, lack of legal security and frequent changes in decision-making have created an atmosphere of distrust. Representatives of several foreign companies have stated that excessive bureaucracy and the lack of coordination among ministries are hindering investments. On the other hand, the Albanian authorities consider some of the investors’ demands excessive and stress that the country is going through a difficult period of transition. Nevertheless, it is acknowledged that there is a need for clear rules, precise deadlines and institutional responsibility so that economic cooperation is not harmed from the very first steps.

The policy in question is presented in two different ways. On the one hand, the authorities seek to build minimal protection schemes for the most vulnerable groups; on the other, the lack of funds, administrative experience and statistics makes their functioning unclear. In many districts, citizens complain that they do not know whom to turn to for help, what documents are needed, and according to which criteria beneficiaries are selected. The social file, as a concept, is running into its first obstacles: the registers are incomplete, cooperation between local government and central institutions is weak, and verification of the real situation often remains merely formal. Specialists believe that without an accurate information system and without unified procedures, economic aid risks being distributed unfairly or failing to reach the poorest. (Continues on page 2)