Regarding the statement by an opposition deputy and the article accompanying it, published in the newspaper “Koha Jonë” of 18 November 1992, in which it was said that the Democratic candidate for mayor of Kavajë, Mr. Shaban Memia, had been “taken hostage” and placed under arrest by the police, the press office at the President of the Republic informs that the President of the Republic immediately took an interest in the matter and dealt with it with the police and prosecutor's offices, as well as with leaders of the Democratic Party. After checking the facts, it turned out that Mr. Shaban Memia had not been arrested nor taken hostage, but that in accordance with the law he had been taken to the police authorities in order to clarify the circumstances of an unlawful gathering. The President of the Republic emphasizes that respect for the law is a duty for everyone and that no one can be above the law. At the same time, he considers it essential that any information made public be accurate and verified. Tirana, 19.11.1992

President BERISHA received the Turkish Minister of Defense, Mr. AYAZ On the occasion of the official visit he is making to Albania, Mr. İlhan Ayaz, Minister of Defense of Turkey, was received in a special meeting by the President of the Republic, Sali Berisha. In this meeting, the traditional friendship between the two countries and the importance of the new relations in the conditions of democracy were emphasized. President Berisha appreciated the assistance Turkey has given to Albania and expressed his conviction that cooperation will expand, especially in the fields of defense, economy, and culture. The Turkish Minister of Defense, Mr. Ayaz, praised the democratic developments in Albania and expressed his country's readiness to help modernize the Albanian army and train its cadres. The two interlocutors expressed their wish to intensify bilateral relations and strengthen regional cooperation.

The situation is returning to normal As in Lezhë and Pukë, which were severely affected by the major damage caused by the floods of recent days, the situation in the district of Shkodër is also moving toward normalization. According to reports received from the damaged communes and villages, measures have been taken to provide food, medicines, and clothing. Army units and police forces have been deployed to deal with the consequences of the natural disaster. In the flooded areas, the waters have begun to recede and preliminary assessments of the damage to homes, agricultural land, and livestock are being made. Aid from the government and various organizations is being distributed gradually. Residents of the affected areas are returning to their homes, while efforts continue to restore full normality. (Continues on page 2)

100 thousand lek for the families of the two victims in Shkodër The director of the Albanian Commercial Bank, Tirana branch, Mr. Petrit Kalakula, handed over 100,000 lek yesterday to the families of the two victims of the disaster in Shkodër. This amount was raised from the contributions of several employees and is being given to the victims' families as a sign of condolences and human solidarity. The gesture was appreciated by the victims' relatives and by citizens present at the ceremony. (Continues on page 2)

The divorce legislation requires revision All those who have suffered damage from the floods should be compensated, but that does not mean that politics should be made out of the disaster. At one of the recent meetings, there was also discussion about the way certain social issues are being handled publicly and about the need to improve divorce legislation. It was emphasized that judicial practice has shown gaps that require revision of the existing provisions, in order to better protect the interests of children and spouses. (Continues on page 4)

The company “DELISPE” informs all Albanian readers and subscribers of the daily newspaper “Rilindja Demokratike” that as of 27.11.1992 all suspension and delivery in the propaganda section and the voluntary payment rubric “Rilindja Demokratike” sent by subscription of the anthology of neighborhood wolves with “DELISPE” “DELISPE”. This investment together with the presentation of the “Rilindja Demokratike” series, for reasons of cost savings, perhaps(?) due to the universal use of it, has been reduced according to the stated figure. Tel./Fax: 337-47 Company “DELISPE”