Berisha: From Shkodra we take on the great mission of restoring democracy. The democrats will intensify the protests. Representatives of the United Right also took part in the PD rallies. Two grand rallies yesterday in the city of Shkodra. Thousands of residents of Shkodër greet the chairman of the Democratic Party, Sali Berisha Thousands of citizens of Shkodra for two consecutive days staged strong demonstrations under the leadership of the Democratic Party leader, in opposition to this government that came to power illegally through violence. On Friday evening, the citizens of Shkodra protested in front of the prefecture headquarters, chanting against the communist and anti-Albanian government, and then continued their peaceful protests in the city center, while yesterday hundreds of citizens carried out their usual march and then gathered in a protest rally in front of the “Flamur” shop, where the chairman of the Democratic Party, Berisha, delivered his speech. On Saturday, the democratic residents of Shkodër turned the city center into an extraordinary setting. The crowd surged in from all the streets and the city square was filled to the brim with thousands of protesters. Under the evening lights, determined looks and raised hands created the image of an entire city standing up against the return of communism. In his speech, Berisha said that from Shkodra begins the mission to restore democracy and to overthrow, through the ballot and protest, the government born of violence. He emphasized that the democrats will extend their protests with intensity throughout the country and that representatives of the United Right are also alongside the Democratic Party. According to him, citizens will never accept the return of communism and the state of fear. The rallies ended with strong calls against the government and with the shout, “Down with communism!”

No investigation into smuggling has begun in Albania In response to the strong statements by the U.S. ambassador that the smuggling issue is one of the key fronts in the fight against corruption and crime, the spokesman of the Democratic Party reacted by stressing that no serious investigation into this issue has begun in Albania. According to him, state structures have not only taken no action, but in some cases implicated officials have been left free. He adds that the lack of transparency and political will to strike at smuggling networks is seriously damaging public order, the economy, and public trust. The statement highlights the need for full investigations and for the punishment of those responsible without political distinction.

The role of some structures, which take part in the anti-smuggling commission, in carrying out trafficking has made Europe say stop EU anti-smuggling measures in Albania A detailed report by the newspaper “Koha Jonë” includes statements according to which new control measures are being imposed on Albania because of the involvement of officials and state structures in the trafficking of goods. The article mentions that representatives of institutions that are supposed to fight smuggling are themselves implicated in it. According to the article, this has prompted European partners to exercise stronger oversight over Albanian institutions and to impose restrictions on economic and customs relations. The article presents the situation as a consequence of political irresponsibility and tolerance toward trafficking networks.

The president of the Court of Cassation, Arni Shehu, speaks about the constitutional crisis in Albania A strange decision left halfway by the politics of the judiciary does not exist ON PAGE 3

Facts and accusations against the government smuggling leadership are increasing Some bitter truths about Albania governed by the left EU anti-smuggling measures in Albania Recently, according to a series of reports and comments in the press, Albania has increasingly been portrayed as a country where weak governance and ties to traffickers are seriously endangering public order and the country’s image. The accusations target high levels of the administration and speak of a government leadership involved in smuggling networks. The article stresses that facts, testimonies, and indications are growing every day, showing that the mafialization of the state has become a serious threat to society. From this perspective, Albania is presented as a country under the pressure of the mafia, while citizens bear the burden of insecurity, poverty, and institutional decay.

EU anti-smuggling measures in Albania PP proposes: parliament should create the “Anti-Mafia” commission ON PAGE 2

The European Commission’s working committee will discuss the constitutional crisis The European Commission’s legal committee will discuss the constitutional crisis Genc Pollo in Strasbourg PP proposes: parliament should create an “Anti-Mafia” commission Mediu: The government runs smuggling ON PAGE 3

EU anti-smuggling measures in Albania The role of some structures, which take part in the anti-smuggling commission, in carrying out trafficking has made Europe say stop ON PAGE 2

Italian police, drug involvement, officials, money found Albania, plague and prostitution SPECIAL ON PAGE 6

’98 budget draft and propaganda ’98 budget draft and propaganda The administration does not cut off 24 thousand electricity lines ON PAGE 7

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