Albanian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tritan Shehu, in the Italian daily “Unità” The fanatical standard-bearers of the Stalinist criminal ideology Albanians determined to move toward Europe Continues on page 3

President Berisha withdraws restrictions on curfew hours and the operation of vital sectors The government has no power to control the state in half the country, despite the declaration of a state of emergency President of the Republic Sali Berisha announced yesterday that he would lift some of the restrictions imposed on citizens’ freedoms. In this regard, he said that the curfew order from 20:00 to 6:00 would be shortened, coming into force tomorrow at 22:00 and lasting until 5:00. Likewise, the operating hours of vehicles and entertainment venues will be extended until 22:00. Shops will close at 19:00, while bread, milk, water, newspapers and fuel will be unrestricted. Hospitals will work throughout the night. Telephone restrictions will apply only to the cities where the state of emergency has been declared and will include the southern cities of the country. Continues on page 3

Clerics and students who sow such criminal strikes will never be allowed by us as the result of a movement for free votes; but rather as the result of a crime that sought to seize freedom Page 3

Calm situation in most districts of Albania

The confrontation of the Albanians and more active battles in the seal continue; the civilian government has changed the way of dealing with this same age group! The credibility of the Assembly is morose, Sali Berisha said that today the night order has not been changed. In a press conference held late yesterday evening at the PD headquarters, he stressed that: “there are armed civilian groups, as well as elements of ordinary crime, involved in certain political subjects and this same age group.” While seeking to calm the situation, the President of the Republic did not state that the order imposing curfew throughout the country would enter into force from 22:00 to 5:00. He said that the Albanian government had no power to control half the country, but denied that the country was in a civil war.

Këlcyrë - Calm situation. In this city, life has begun to return to normal rhythms... Këlcyrë - Calm situation. In this city, life has begun to return to normal rhythms. Movements are limited. On the city's main streets there are such things in the city. The main telecommunication line has not been affected. This morning in Këlcyrë has been characterized by calm and people are peaceful. Kuçovë - According to residents and police officers, the situation appears calm. The police have resumed their activity and have returned to normal. Measures have been taken to guarantee order and peace. It is understood that checks are still continuing in the city. Lushnjë - The situation here calmed down on Monday; yesterday the city was quiet, and no incidents were recorded. Police forces and self-defense units operated in the city. Strong measures have been taken to prevent any movement by problematic elements. Akovë[?] - In this district the police and security forces have brought the situation under control. The administration and public services have begun returning to work. Kavajë - The situation in this district appears to be moving toward normalization. Vehicle and pedestrian traffic has partially resumed. Some shops have opened and the market is beginning to resume activity. Vlorë - The situation in the district continues to remain serious. There are still tensions in the city and surrounding areas. Increased security measures have been taken and efforts to restore order continue. Tiranë - The situation in the capital is calm. Institutions are functioning normally and public life is returning to its usual pace. Tepelenë - In this district the situation is calm. Measures have been taken to protect important facilities and ensure normal traffic. Continues on page 2

Vatican City, 5 March (AFP) - Yesterday the Pope called on Christians attending his weekly Wednesday audience to pray for Albania. Although Albania, until today committed to dialogue, “is largely a society”, he favored democracy in Albania, he said in one of his Wednesday audience addresses, a day after the Albanian government declared a civilian state in seven cities of the country. According to him, “I pray to God to look upon this situation of suffering.”