The strikers' demands are the same as those of the European Troika package International concern for the hunger strikers is growing; OSCE mediates for a solution to the crisis. Evert meets with representatives of the strike OSCE The OSCE ambassador in Tirana, Evert, and the strike leaders of the hunger strike

Thousands of citizens spent 24 hours in a hunger strike near Parliament, while the unauthorized claim that this is the hour of hope! Representatives of the European Troika, its mission and the government ambassador held discussions with representatives of the hunger strikers and with the leaders of the Independent Union of Albanian Students. The opposition political class of the country has also joined their demands. The leadership of the Democratic Party has called for provocations to be avoided and for the conditions set by the strikers to be met. Otherwise, the country risks descending into chaos. Yesterday, discussions were also held between the international representatives and the Speaker of Parliament, Skënder Gjinushi, as well as the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Arjan Starova. At 15:30, the head of the OSCE mission in Tirana, Ambassador Dan Everts, met with representatives of the strike and then, later the same day, with the leaders of the Independent Union of Albanian Students, while he was outside Parliament. The strike entered its sixth day and the danger to the strikers' lives is increasing. In the evening, reports on the strikers' condition spoke of a deterioration. Many citizens and supporters of the opposition remained near the strike.

United for Democracy: The government's indifference and cynicism toward the strikers' demands endanger the country's stability United for Democracy calls on the USA, the governments of Western countries, and international institutions to exert their influence in order to accept Tirana's request ON PAGE 3

The government doubles its own salaries The new government of Fatos Nano has decided to spend most of its funds on the high salaries of senior state officials. Of the government's figure, 80.7 million lekë have been allocated for this item. This amount should be increased by the payments made for cabinets, bonuses, and per diems, which bring the total to 88.3 million lekë. Compared with last year, the government has increased its own salaries by 100 percent. Government officials will receive monthly salaries ranging from 160,000 to 250,000 lekë. This increase in income for the government staff comes at a time when public administration and education workers are receiving minimum wages and vulnerable groups are being hit by high taxes. ON PAGE 3

The secret message from Deloitte & Touche ON PAGE 5 Beckham, blind tool of the clique He was innocent, no one exploited his name ON PAGE 4 Criminals drive away foreign investments Italian investors denounce: Albania is still not abandoned ON PAGE 4

Bayram, a day of forgiveness, respect, and tolerance Social Democrats of the PDS, Sali Berisha, senior state officials, and all Albanian believers will receive greetings for the Bayram holiday . Sali Berisha, senior state officials, and all Albanian believers will receive greetings for the Bayram holiday. The Bayram holiday receptions will begin at 10:00 at the headquarters of the party of Albanian democrats, where its chairman, Prof. Dr. Sali Berisha, will receive greetings with his family and his closest collaborators. High-ranking Albanian state figures, the diplomatic corps, political party leaders, as well as delegations from the districts will take part. In addition to the Democratic Party headquarters, receptions will also be held at the Presidency, the Assembly of Albania, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and in religious institutions. In the premises of the PDS central headquarters, the greeting receptions will begin at 11:00, since there will be prayers there earlier. ON PAGE 3

“Reactions are expected from Albanian political forces but with positions from the government” The PD official, Genc Pollo, is urging the parties to solve the conflict over the Kosovo resolution ON PAGE 3

ENGLISH: Democratic Renaissance. Newspaper of the Democratic Party of Albania. Thursday, 29 January 1998. Price 20 lekë. Government compensates VFA, VEA firm; Beckham, blind tool of the clique; Criminals drive away foreign investments. Alarm for the life of the hunger strikers. The hunger strikers’ demands are the same as those of the European Troika package. International concern rises for the hunger strikers; OSCE mediates for solving the crisis. Evert meets representatives of the strike. Berisha: Jurists demand the independence of justice. The government doubles its own salaries. Albanians without income and with high taxes. ITALIANO: Democratic Renaissance. Newspaper of the Democratic Party of Albania. Thursday, 29 January 1998. Price 20 lekë. Government compensates VFA, VEA firm; Beckham, blind tool of the clique; Criminals drive away foreign investments. Alarm for the life of the hunger strikers. The hunger strikers’ demands are the same as those of the European Troika package. International concern rises for the hunger strikers; OSCE mediates for solving the crisis. Evert meets representatives of the strike. Berisha: Jurists demand the independence of justice. The government doubles its own salaries. Albanians without income and with high taxes.