EXCLUSIVE/ THE LONG ACCOUNT Muhamet Vata speaks, the father of the 18-year-old girl whose head was cut off near the house on Wednesday night “YES, THAT NIGHT I ENTERED AJSHE’S ROOM” The father, according to the police, is among the main suspects in the gruesome crime. “What would I do to the murderer of my daughter? Nothing. I trust the state.” “I didn’t know she was pregnant, but I would have forgiven her” In the photo: (circled) Ajshe Vata, the 18-year-old who was found butchered two days ago in Xhafzotaj, Durrës

In a phone interview for “A1 Report”, Muhamet Vata spoke and gave his version regarding the murder and mutilation of his daughter Ajshe Vata three days earlier. Muhamet Vata described in detail his role and knowledge of this event, expressing hope that the truth will be uncovered by the investigative authorities. ■■■ TIRANË Mira Kazhani For the first time after the mutilation of Ajshe Vata, her father speaks, but also one of the main suspects of the investigators, Muhamet Vata. In a long interview given to journalist Mira Kazhani on the television “A1 Report”, Muhamet Vata gave his version of the event and explained in detail his relationship... ► continued on pages 8-9-10

Comment BY GENCI KOJDHELI Status as a failed exam Despite the fireworks and the government’s boundless joy at receiving candidate status, this artificial stance by Brussels toward Albania should satisfy no one and should at least somewhat enlighten one about the European Union and the dynamics within it. As often happens in Albania–EU relations, the latter once again takes an ambiguous position, meaning, to put it bluntly, whether we deserve the status or not, whether we have done a good job or not, and whether their expectations match our progress. In its latest position too, Brussels went and found a previously unused tool, that of conditional status. Which, translated for the firework-enthusiast crowd, means that status has NOT been obtained yet and CAN only be obtained if several conditions are met. To make it even clearer... ► continued on page 11

NOW “DEATH FAST” Negotiations with Nishani stall over the strike The strikers refuse water. Odyssey to treat Ndreca and Bejko outside ■■■ TIRANË Esmeralda Keta Just a few hours after the meeting with the President of the Republic, Bujar Nishani, the blue-uniformed officers guarding the tent where the hunger strike is taking place... ► Pages 2-3

“I thank Berisha for taking on the VAT idea” ► Pages 4-5

Status in December, after the reforms are completed ► Page 12

THE ANTHEM ► Page 23 Researchers, dispute over the word “God” in the text

CEREMONY ► Page 6 Analyst from Deçan: Berisha not an honorary citizen

► Pages 13-20 • Enkel Demi: From Klani I left for Ezeli • Bojken Lako’s new girlfriend speaks

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