Berisha writes to Kofi Anan: Intervene in favor of the refugees. The Albanian government is deceiving public opinion. The return of refugees is not a condition for aid. In Rinas and Durrës, those receiving assistance are treated as prisoners The government’s inhumanity By Afrim Ibrahimi, sent to Durrës An unusual event is taking place in the leadership of our country, and they are trying to keep it away from the public eye. Around 500 Albanian citizens who emigrated to Italy recently by boat have been forcibly returned to Durrës and are being held in harsh conditions. This serious event is being repeated for the second time in these months. The Albanian citizens, who arrived in Durrës aboard the Italian ship "Michele" on Monday at midday, are being kept isolated in the port of Durrës. They have been placed in several hangars near the port, and hundreds of police officers are preventing them from leaving. Witnesses coming from there say their situation is dramatic and that they are suffering for bread and water. These Albanians are refugees and not criminals, therefore keeping them in the Durrës camp is in open contradiction with the laws of the country and with international conventions. Letter from the Chairman of the PD, Sali Berisha, to the Secretary-General of the UN, Kofi Anan "Stop the return of Albanian refugees" Considering with concern the return to Albania of Albanian refugees by force and in violation of all international norms and documents, and with the feeling of deep humanism, I appeal to you, Mr. Secretary-General of the United Nations, to intervene urgently to stop this return of Albanian refugees and their treatment in Albania as prisoners. The Tirana government is treating these refugees in a completely inhumane way. First, they are being returned to Albania on the same day as hundreds of others, when their return is not an EU condition for aid to Albania. Second, this government is deceiving both domestic and foreign opinion by presenting their return as voluntary. By leaving Albania, these citizens sought political asylum in Italy. Therefore, their return by the Italian authorities is a completely special procedure. Their return cannot in any way be presented as voluntary by the Albanian government. Third, the government has placed the returned citizens in a prisoner-like condition, in completely unacceptable circumstances, and even prevents contact with their relatives. Fourth, these refugees will be treated as such because, in explaining their journey and their decision to leave Albania, they stated that they were leaving for political reasons and requested political asylum. Finally, with this act the government denies citizens the fundamental freedom to leave their country and thereby shamelessly violates both the spirit and the letter of important international documents on the protection of human rights and freedoms. Please, Mr. Secretary-General, do everything possible to stop and also warn the Italian authorities not to undertake such actions that are incompatible with the law and with standards of conduct toward refugees. Sali Berisha War in Beçari Bombs and bullets in front of the city police station. Prisoners are moving According to unconfirmed information, it is learned that in the evening in the city of Berat there was an exchange of fire between the security forces and prisoners in their cells. Unofficial sources report that special forces used tear gas and stun grenades against those arrested for the March events. The latter managed to seize police weapons and responded with fire. An officer from the police station speaks while requesting that his identity be kept secret: "On Wednesday evening an operation was carried out to detain several individuals. Some of them were members of the 'Vakëfi' gang, declared opponents of the 'Çeçua' gang, whose stronghold was said to be at the Kozak mosque. The reason for the police operation was the detainees’ statement that weapons had been confiscated at the 'Kristaq Capo' school and were being taken to the police station. In the late hours of the evening, a group of prisoners, who had managed to get rid of their handcuffs, tried to bring the weapons to their cells and then escape. Gunfire began immediately, as the security forces were trying to keep them under control. There are several wounded and perhaps even one or two dead. The situation is very alarming. Law and order in the city are being seriously threatened. These people are reckless and anti-state. They are linked to far-left politicians and to figures from the old police force. Many of them have committed several criminal acts. This is a very serious situation and state institutions must be very vigilant and ready." Continues on page 5

Bombs and bullets in front of the city police station. Prisoners are moving According to unconfirmed information, it is learned that in the evening in the city of Berat there was an exchange of fire between the security forces and prisoners in their cells. Unofficial sources report that special forces used tear gas and stun grenades against those arrested for the March events. The latter managed to seize police weapons and responded with fire. Continues

MP Hajdari holds meetings at the State Department USA: The elections did not produce satisfactory results MP Hajdari holds meetings at the State Department PAGE 3

The government has failed in the measures taken for the return of 500 Albanians from Italy and, instead of receiving them as its own citizens, treats them as prisoners. This constitutes a violation of fundamental rights and a deception of public opinion, since the return of refugees is not a condition for aid.

Doubts about the possibility of paying public-sector employees The new government is showing a serious inability to stop the free fall of the national currency. The lek has significantly depreciated against foreign currencies, causing severe consequences for wages, savings and the market. Businesses and citizens are facing great uncertainty, while the government is showing no signs of controlling the situation. Figures published by the foreign exchange market speak of a continuing weakening of the lek and a rise in the prices of imported goods. There are serious doubts about whether the government will be able to meet on time the payments for public-sector employees and other financial obligations. Continues on page 5

Alimuçaj: Arapi is already ready for the screening "The government has the "pickpockets" behind it Alimuçaj: Arapi is already ready for the screening ON PAGE 5

VEFA: If the transfers are not unblocked "Dolemi e lounde e zhiholokon transferat" VEFA: If the transfers are not unblocked ON PAGE 5

The state and VEFA exchange jokes Creditors: We exchange money for jokes The state and VEFA exchange jokes ON PAGE 5

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