Handcuffs for the pyramids Dr. Aleksandër Meksi reported with a new emergency law against fraud and losses, as well as measures for pyramid activities. The law was adopted by consensus after an intensive review in the committees. In his speech, the Prime Minister stressed that the country's economic and financial stability must not be allowed to be undermined because of pyramid activity. According to him, the guilty parties will receive the punishment they deserve and any further escalation will be prevented. He pointed out that illegal informal activity has directly harmed the interests of citizens and the market. Law: On the prohibition of fraudulent lending pyramid schemes No less than 20 years' imprisonment and confiscation of the defendant's unlawful and immovable property. For the organizers of the schemes and the defendant's immovable property. For the organizers of lending pyramid schemes, who have deceived citizens and undermined public and economic order. Article 1. The organization, creation, acceptance of deposits, receipt of money with promises of unjustified profit, outside legal and banking regulation, as well as any other action aimed at profit through pyramid schemes, is prohibited. Article 2. The perpetrators and organizers of these activities are punished in accordance with criminal law. The property obtained from this activity is subject to seizure and confiscation. Article 3. This law enters into force immediately. The move to prohibit pyramid schemes was widely supported in the chamber and presented as an urgent necessity for preserving public order, economic stability and citizens' trust.

The ministerial commission on the issue arising from the lending firm writes to President Berisha We inform you about the talks with the representative and investor for the persons harmed by the activity of the lending firms. The process will be carried out on established criteria and with full transparency. Citizens' requests will be carefully verified and the local commissions will have special responsibility for documentation. The request for the return of amounts will be handled according to the order and deadlines set in the relevant decisions. Cooperation is requested from everyone to avoid abuses and false declarations.

Turqirinjë journalist converts the PS None of the public statements has the value of the pre-prepared statements derived from the elements presented by the coherent structures for Albania. Page 3

The Socialist Party remains alongside the structures of the former State Security The Socialist Party, even after the recent statements, has shown that it supports a certain political camp. According to its declarations, the process of identifying and dealing with creditors should go through unclear channels and without legal guarantees. This has been opposed by majority officials, who have called for clear and controllable procedures. Page 3

Mr. Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Tirana concluded their visit to Portugal The conclusion of a new agreement(s) with the European Union, according to the Albanian minister, is considered valid by foreign representations and investors. According to official announcements from the Portuguese government, interest has been shown in economic cooperation and in expanding exchanges. The Prime Minister stressed that Albania is entering a new phase of economic reforms and of creating a more favorable climate for foreign investment. The Minister of Foreign Affairs emphasized that partnership with EU countries remains a priority of Albanian foreign policy.

State Control reports on the 1995 budget and the financial activity of 1996 Violations of the law in customs, privatization, tenders and in the property restitution commissions Page 7