INTERVIEW / Lavdosh Beqo takes Gjergj Ndreca’s place in the protesters’ tent A former communist-era prisoner since the age of 16: Berisha is keeping Hoxha’s testament. The neighbors of the self-immolated striker: Here is Gjergj’s wealth in Laç. Compensation splits the government. Nishani: The strike is political The news Lavdosh Beqo, the 81-year-old, who for almost 20 years has enjoyed political asylum status in France, came directly from France and joined the hunger strike of the former political prisoners. He says he is not doing this for the money, although the state also owes him 14 million new lek, but in solidarity with his prison comrades. TIRANE Brunilda Gorovelli In an interview for “Shqiptarja.com”, the 81-year-old Beqo recounts that he will stay until the end of this strike, since he has nothing to lose anyway, and also to be... ▸ continues on pages 2-3,4,-5,6-7 Lavdosh Beqo Gjergj Ndreca in hospital Lavdosh Beqo; Gjergj Ndreca in hospital

Comment BY STËFAN FULE* If I had to mention one thing that many European Union politicians would envy their counterparts in Albania, it would undoubtedly be the unwavering support of Albanian citizens for EU integration. For many years now, this support from Albanian society has... ▸ continues on page 6

THE EC DECISION TODAY “Green light” from the foreign ministers. “Shqiptarja.com” revealed the conditions on 25 September

TIRANE Jakin Marena The European Commission is expected today to recommend granting Albania candidate country status for the EU. But it will... ▸ Page 6

Comment BY SHINASI A. RAMA Gjergj Ndreca’s self-sacrificing act, who set himself on fire in the middle of the capital, is another critical point in the Albanian transition. Gjergj Ndreca and his fellow sufferers, confined in a hunger strike, for 17 days now have been demanding their rights, which are not being given to them by the rulers of the Albanian state. This happens with all sides, both those who are in... ▸ continues on page 10

The names of the winning balls from yesterday’s draw ▸ Page 13

Former director Carlos Elbirt: Berisha allowed the pyramids ▸ Page 14

Rama-Obama, meeting in Washington: A fortune ▸ Page 9

BLOG DAY FOUR ▸ Page 17 THE BEAUTIFULS AND THE BEASTS BY VALBONA SULÇE

TESTIMONY ▸ Page 16 Rolanda’s murder, neighbor: Edmond did not let us help her

DEBATES ▸ Page 15 Municipality sends the casinos to Shkozë, the left is against it

CONCERT ▸ Pages 22-23 Celentano returns, success after 20 years away from the stage

REPORT ▸ Page 15 Girl: The unknown boyfriend does not concern me

TELE BINGO SHQIPTARE The results of the draw of 9 October 2012 played on TV Klan Winning numbers can be read on page 13

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