The PD’s Department for Oil in Fier opposes mass layoffs August, the month of the oil workers’ protest ON PAGE 2

The studies were ready, but the government blocked them... Bufi blocks the industry’s rehabilitation projects ON PAGE 5

The poisoned flour was seized, but the danger still exists 23 bakeries that were producing poison are closed ON PAGE 5

Those currently in power are trying to conceal their involvement in the murders and crimes committed in Albania ON PAGE 3

According to an American diplomat in Tirana American programs in Albania have also been suspended, immediately after the embassy staff left Albania and its operations in Tirana were closed. An American diplomat told a senior PD official yesterday that the United States has now also suspended its programs in Albania. The Americans’ second step against Albania is a serious blow both to the country and to the governing policy of the left-wing coalition. Three days ago, the State Department ordered the closure of the embassy in the Albanian capital and advised its citizens to leave Albania or cancel their trips to the country.

The Albanian government is not only failing to end its longstanding alliance with terrorism, but is taking this cooperation even further. The escape of four prisoners in Krujë was one flagrant instance of complete understanding between Albanian criminals and the government led by their counterparts in power. One of the escapees was a member of Zani Çaushi’s gang, although it is difficult to say whether they knew him as a whole as well as Zani himself. His departure from prison, together with three other accomplices, took place entirely with the help of the police, and there was no sign that the other prisoners had attempted to escape. This is only one case of criminals and murderers being abused by elements of the Albanian authorities. Despite the commitment of Western assistance to fighting organized crime and terrorism in Albania, the money of European and American taxpayers is being directed to the benefit of Albanian criminals. The criminals are no longer in prison. They are freely roaming outside, while the few murderers who have been caught by the police will soon be released, like the Albanian prime minister’s favorite. There is no other logic behind the release of those deemed responsible for the events that have recently taken place in the country, in which a thousand citizens were not involved. The government’s collaboration—evident throughout its conduct—ranges from terrorism and the trafficking of illegal migrants and narcotics to ordinary or politically motivated crimes against the Albanian opposition. The departure of the American embassy staff is a warning sign about this kind of collaboration. Their relations, along with the compromise involved, concern not merely the security of the entire Albanian political sphere, but Albanians themselves. In the West, there is no doubt that criminals are allowed to operate unchecked, including those behind their assassination plots, even in Albania. The Albanian government’s collaboration with crime can be described as a deliberate act of governmental leniency; this will bring a climate of [text unclear] to Albania and turn the country into a corridor that even Colombia would envy. The picture of Albania today is frightening. Tomorrow it may be even worse.

The United States has only one third of the planned forces Yesterday, NATO forces at the Maranesh Base

Democratic Party Chairman Sali Berisha welcomed the start of NATO maneuvers in Albania Democratic Party Chairman Sali Berisha welcomed the start of NATO maneuvers at Bazë as an important event in establishing Albania’s cooperation with NATO and the Alliance’s commitment to peace and stability in the conflict-ridden Balkan region. The Serbian massacres in Kosovo, the great humanitarian catastrophe being endured by hundreds of thousands of civilians, can be stopped only through intervention by the North Atlantic Alliance. “May the maneuvers in Bizë serve the Alliance in fulfilling this task as quickly and successfully as possible.”

The Nano government issues yet another unlawful decision, seriously undermining local autonomy ON PAGE 2

Bode: The government uses public funds for political purposes PD Secretary General Ridvan Bode said yesterday that the government’s decision to leave several heads of pyramid firms free has to do with its agreements and compromises. ON PAGE 3

The food we eat is produced on production lines set up in Italy, Greece and Turkey, with Albania as their sole destination. Greece ranks first in importing expired goods SHKSH Chairman Islam Cani sounds the alarm: We will feel the consequences of foods “made especially for Albania” in five years From Greek alcohol to Vojvodina flour Smuggled and poisoned, too ON PAGE 5

Tropoja tends the wounds of its brothers ON PAGE 4

Sarandë: crime rules, the police write the reports ON PAGE 4

Along the Durrës road, one killed and two wounded after a hail of bullets ON PAGE 4

Shkodër PD local leaders address journalists SHKODËR — The leadership of the Shkodër PD held a press conference yesterday concerning the closure of the American embassy in Tirana and the deteriorating situation in the country. According to the Shkodër Democrats, the US State Department’s decision to suspend the activities of the American embassy in Tirana and its warning to American citizens to leave Albania is a bad omen for all Albanians. ON PAGE 2