Reorganization of the banking system in support of the rapid development of the economy By 1 January 2001, the final year of banking operation and formalization of the National Commercial Bank (BKT) The Albanian financial market will have at its disposal three commercial banks (BKT) with state capital and 10 private banks that will compete and serve our economy. By decision of the Council of Ministers, the country's former state treasury bank BKT is, and the year 2000 is designated as the year of closure of the Agricultural Commercial Bank, with 1 January 2001 being its final year of operation and formalization. Meanwhile, also by decision of the Council of Ministers, the complete privatization of the Savings Bank will be carried out. This is one of the most important points in the reform of the banking system and its privatization. SAVINGS BANK

1996, a year of major transformations in the reform of the Albanian army Page 3

Page 3 “Courage and passion have made me what I am” Pasi-ngjyrën Simaku returns from America after five years “To get some oxygen” Why she now stays only in the place that makes her a singer Anxhela is liry, “friendly country” always. Our well-known singer is finally coming. Returning home after five years, the renowned singer Vaçe Zela was warmly welcomed in the premises of “Rinas” airport. The reason for her return ends with an invitation of interest, with a “family feeling” in her heart, with longing for Albanian music and many friends. “I have come to get some oxygen,” she says to our newspaper.

“In Bulgaria, people are ready and without hope, everything is in the hands, and the activity of the population is arranged to foresee,” Zhelev stressed Bulgarian President Zhelev, speaking at a press conference in Skopje, stressed that organizing early elections in his country will be difficult for procedural reasons. “According to the Constitution, the President can dissolve parliament only if he manages to find a political force with a majority to form the government,” he said. “I think we are moving toward that situation.” According to him, the government of Socialist Prime Minister Videnov “can no longer continue” and “early elections will surely be held.” In Bulgaria, mass protests against the government have been underway for some time, because of the economic and political crisis. In December, tension rose with the storming of the parliament headquarters and with the daily protests.

Xhaferri in Rome The Italian ambassador confirms the commitment of the Vlora bank to the privatization of enterprises in the Italian industrial city Ambassador Vani Montorio, accompanied by Mr. Sokol Olldashi, in a meeting with foreign journalists in Tirana, expressed special appreciation for the economic and privatization pace in Albania. He stressed that the Albanian economy is moving at dynamic rates similar to those of countries seeking integration into the European Union. In this context, Italian interest in investment and in denser economic relations was highlighted.

Brojka in Brussels - The EURO in its model in Brussels entered the victory of the PD in the elections of victories and put the anti-democratic solution on its head [?] - Agriculture yri enters favorable in local ? - The President of the ECU will soon visit Albania and the European one During a statement to the press, Mr. Brojka, participant in the Brussels forum, said that the victory of the Democratic Party represented a victory for democratic processes in Albania. He praised the interest of European structures in the progress of reforms and in deepening relations with Albanian institutions. In his statements he also spoke about the economy, investments, and the prospect of rapprochement with Europe.

From the editorial office of the newspaper “Koha Jonë” We were not surprised by the sensational item published in the newspaper “Koha Jonë” with the bombastic headline “At ‘RD’, 5 paintings were stolen” ! For two days now, its journalist has been doing us this “favor” that we should rather call an “artistic blow” against press freedom. This kind of writing used in such an article does not serve the truth. No painting has been stolen from the premises of the newspaper “RD”. Everything that has been written is a low fabrication and speculation. Our editorial office considers this a deliberate attempt at discrediting.