Former convict: He didn’t give me the money The former political prisoner punched the PD deputy in the face at the Parliament headquarters Lirak Bejko hit the former justice minister as he parked his car near the headquarters of the former persecuted, where tributes were being held for a deceased fellow sufferer. Two former persecuted people are arrested The news PD deputy, also chairman of the legal affairs committee Ilir Rusmali, was punched yesterday by former political prisoner Lirak Bejko. The latter was arrested immediately by officers from police station no. 1, where the police also handcuffed citizen Gjergji Ndreca, who opposed the officers when they tried to detain the 47-year-old Bejko. TIRANA ELTON QYNO Blows aimed at Democratic Party deputy Ilir Rusmali. The attacks did not come from PD opponents, but from two former persecuted people, a social group that supports the political programs of the party of which Rusmali is a member and deputy. The 47-year-old Lirak Bejko is the person who punched Ilir Rusmali as the latter had just gotten out of the car and was heading to enter the hall... Continued on page 7 In the photo: PD deputy Ilir Rusmali

AMNESTY Page 9 Gazmend Dibra: “The prisons need to be emptied because they are overcrowded”

FIER Pages 12-13 Ecological scandal, a sea of tar in the Seman area

Editorial BY GENTIAN KALOSHI* The missing debate about the faculties For 3 weeks, the campaign for the elections of university and faculty leaders across the country has been underway. The situation seems very calm. Only 5 days remain until election day. Once again, the situation remains extremely calm. Instinctively, I think we would be in the same election period for local government or even in the elections for central government. Why are the local and national audio-visual media not covering these elections adequately? Someone might say that they are apolitical. Nevertheless, even if we were to think that politics remains outside these elections, what better thing could there be for those who will vote or speak on behalf of the people than to know the platforms, means, or opportunities of the candidates who will lead the higher education institutions of our country for a 4-year period. We have not failed to watch a single debate between candidates for mayors of communes or peripheral municipalities. How is it possible not to enjoy a civilized debate among respected professors who will be responsible for the quality of our students’ knowledge... How is it possible not to enjoy a civilized debate among respected professors who will be responsible for the quality of our students’ knowledge. The most discouraging fact is that all the print media quickly reported that only 5% of students voted for the candidates in the elections. So, do we remain with a media that is only wise about discouraging facts or with a media that... Continued on page 14

STATE MATURA How the A1 form should be filled out 38 subjects that high school seniors can choose are published Deadline February 20-March 10. Anyone who writes incorrectly is disqualified TIRANA ESMERALDA KETA The A1 form is published, on which graduating students indicate the subjects they will choose for the final exams. The Ministry of Education has also published the 38 optional subjects, with the sole condition that they fill in a number... Pages 10-11

DOCUMENT Pages 4-5 The Supreme Court, Dvorani: “Why didn’t Ilir Meta come to court?”

CURRENT AFFAIRS, DIAMOND, RECIPES, KITCHEN SECRETS AND MORE... AT ELVIRA’S BIO TABLE The Albanian actress celebrates her birthday, but surrounds it with taste...[?] “Weekend” The entertainment supplement At Elvira Diamanti’s bio table • Adri Pulaj, birthday in Beijing • Films and shows Pages 15-21

Ballauri: “Let prostitution be legalized, here are the benefits” Page 14

1991 ... always one step ahead... Syrups for cocktails and liqueurs for bars and restaurants Address: Tirana-Durrës Highway, km 7, Yzberish Tirana; Tel: 042 406 500; 042 406 501; Fax 042 406 502; e-mail: neranxi@neranxi.com; www.neranxi.com