EXCLUSIVE/ Details of the official ceremony for the transfer of presidents THE PRIME MINISTER “GETS REVENGE” ON TOPI WITH NO FAREWELL SPEECH Shqiptarja.com reveals the ceremony of July 24: it will take place at the Presidency, the salute before the flags has been changed, and only the new president Bujar Nishani will speak. Yesterday the president remained stranded at sea for more than 12 hours, due to a ferry breakdown

Prime Minister Berisha has taken severe revenge against acting president Topi, as at last week’s cabinet meeting he changed the state ceremonial, removing the farewell speech of the acting head of state, while also moving Nishani’s inauguration ceremony from the Palace of Brigades to the Presidency, as well as canceling the procession of Topi and his successor in front of the guard of honor. ■■■ TIRANE JAKIN MARENA The end of Bamir Topi’s presidential term has been full of unpleasant surprises, far beyond the limits any head of state can face in this part of the world. Thus, while acting President Topi was stranded in the middle of the sea on a broken ferry with no help from the government, in Tirana, from the Prime Minister’s office, the decision taken at last week’s cabinet meeting to change the state ceremonial that provides for the handing over of the presidency at the end of the term was made known. It is understood that precisely... ▶ continued on pages 2-3

THREAT DURING THE OPERATION AGAINST THE ROMA ▶ Page 9 Journalist: Why? Florenc Hoxha: You’re blackmailing me! Journalist: I’m blackmailing you?! Florenc Hoxha: Yes, because you’re preventing me from doing my duty since you’re filming me. The city hall’s Florenci to the journalist: I’m filming this pretty girl too Head of municipal police: Don’t film, it’s blackmail against me

BY Enton ABILEKAJ Doubts are not enough Once again the Socialist Party is under pressure. The visit of the troika of ambassadors on Monday to Rama’s office was expected to be a friendly meeting, where the vote of August 6 would be confirmed. The leader of the socialists had been the initiator of the move to lift immunity in May, so the Socialist vote had already been declared. Ten days after the submission of the majority’s draft constitutional amendments, only the opposition’s remarks were expected... ▶ continued on page 6

SHARP DEBATES IN THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Basha: I cut down the trees, but we don’t have a permit Artan Lame: You can’t start the work without a permit. The mayor: There is a Council of Ministers decision, works even without a project

BY AURON TARE Meke the Partisan and the professors When Meke the Partisan, with his muddy op-ankle boots, stepped on the magnificent stairs of the rooms of the Palace of Dreams in Tirana, it was the end of World War II. Meke the Partisan, proud beneath the decrepit palace, gazed curiously at this building that was so different from the stone houses of the villages of Labëria. Having come down from the mountain, Mekja entered the Palace as a victor and as a representative of a new order,... ▶ continued on page 21

■■■ TIRANE ESMERALDA KETA Even after they have cut down the trees of the national park of Tirana, the wall surrounding the Martyrs’ Cemetery has been marked, and soon also that of the Palace of Brigades, the Tirana municipality... ▶ Page 8

Osteoarthritis: what it is and how it is treated 36 curiosities you don’t know about the body ▶ Pages 13-20

The celebrations for the 100th anniversary are disgusting patriotism ▶ Page 21

Ylli Zyla did not resign, still signs as SHIU director ▶ Page 5

“The Last Winter”, Ismail Kadare’s accusation against Nexhmije Hoxha ▶ Page 7

A1 REPORT! the origin of the news...

...always one step ahead... Asian food and Mexican Address: Tirana-Durrës Highway, km 7, Vorek, Tirana; Tel: 042 406 500; 042 406 501; Fax 042 406 502; e-mail: neranxirest@?arion.com; www.neranxi.com