WHERE DOES THE STATE END AND THE MAFIA BEGIN? - It is now two years that the state has been opening and closing scandals for its own purposes. Their list is long-standing, but public opinion is keeping them in mind - 1 million and 600 thousand dollars disappear without leaving a trace. The problem of the “phantom suitcase” has been dragging on for a year and a half; there are indications that the persons involved in this affair are slipping out of control and becoming untouchable. At the outset, the unbelievable “suitcase” scandal prompted dozens of senior officials to be brought in and out of the state machine. Rumors, as they have emerged, have not stopped denouncing the hand-to-hand division of the 1 million 600 thousand dollars. - Scandals of the millionaires - A long string of scandals has recently broken out in the center and throughout the districts. They involve hundreds of millions of lek, bought and stolen openly in many different ways. Only the “Nafto” scandal with the losses created in secret has amounted to 90 million lek. The theft at “Albturist”, “Mjalti”, “Bujqësia” and many other scandals reach staggering figures. - They disappear into thin air - Thousands of tons of diesel fuel disappear from Albanian customs. Silence is maintained over the exact figures. No one takes responsibility. In the seizure are the fleet diverted toward Turkey, the thermoses and the hotels of Durrës. Toward Kosovo and the Block, as if it were a lawless land, tankers pass in violation of every law and norm. In customs and in several state enterprises, corruption is increasing. - Operation with cardboard bags - Deputies publish orders that have been removed without circulation stamps and trade them at different prices. In shops and warehouses, a number of suspicious transactions have been carried out. In various parts of the administration, large quantities of unaccounted goods have been found. In some cases, well-known names are mentioned. - Daylight theft, archival documents - The organization makes unfounded statements with documents disappearing from public archives. In many cases, inventory rules have been violated. Once again, the suspicion of institutional irresponsibility emerges forcefully before the public. - Smuggling of goods and currency - According to occasional reports, smuggled goods and currency have been seized at the border. The networks are spread across several crossing points. The real beneficiaries remain in the shadows. (continued on page 6)

CHAUVINIST PRESSURE BASHKIM ZENELI Secretary of the Socialist Party for Foreign Relations, deputy BASHKIM ZENELI Secretary of the Socialist Party for Foreign Relations, deputy The voices of opinion in the press of European and American countries express positive assessments of the path of democracy that the Albanian people are following. But there are also writings and positions that, in a certain way, fuel prejudices as well. A statement by former Greek Prime Minister Konstantinos Mitsotakis on 30 June 1993 highlighted such a climate. His stance regarding the Albanian question and Greek-Albanian relations has caused reactions. European public opinion needs to be accurately informed about Albanian truths. Even on the occasion of Mr. Mitsotakis’s visit to Tirana, efforts were made to present reality through the lens of Balkan chauvinism. These efforts are condemnable. Albania has pursued a clear policy of good-neighborliness, understanding, and cooperation. It cannot accept that its sovereignty be conditioned by unacceptable demands or interference. The Albanian people have shown their maturity and dignity in difficult historical moments. We are for correct relations with Greece, but against any chauvinist pressure. No one can dictate Albania’s path. The Albanian people know how to defend national interests and build friendship on the basis of equality. (continued on page 5)

Statements by the critical spokesman Janar Vrynt on Greek ultra-chauvinism are worrying, as is the persistence of the state of war between Greece and Albania (continued on page 6)

A source with whom we had spoken regarding the creation of a commission at the enterprise in Vau i Dejës informed us that we could not know details because of the order of the company director. In recent days, a heavy silence has fallen over this enterprise, one that can even be seen with the naked eye. Other police sources said that workers from this enterprise were taken to the public order department. Since our concern was especially to learn about this event related to theft, we were told that “the case continues”, while later other sources stated that at least 20 people have been questioned. This event has caused concern in the town and the district. Some residents claim that for some time material shortages and suspicious movements have been observed in the factory. The order authorities still give no official explanation. (continued on page 3)

Japan, the world’s first and second country[?], is today and tomorrow facing a series of economic and social challenges. Our article addresses some of the most distinctive features of Japanese development, changes in the labor market, relations between the state and business, as well as the trends of modern Japanese society. (continued on page 6)

The reason is criticism Recently, several newspapers in the country have published commentaries, analyses, and opinions related to financial and economic issues. These writings have raised questions about large sums, loans, national assets, and state obligations. In some cases, 25 billion dollars are mentioned, but public opinion demands full and documented clarification. Various analysts assess that the Albanian economy is in a difficult phase of transition. The issue of debts, assets, and reserves must be handled with responsibility and transparency. Citizens have the right to know. (continued on page 3)

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