– Yesterday at the Tirana court, Ajo Xhaferri, Skënderim Muca, Gajup Mola, Musa Medolli, accused of a criminal offense, were normally declared innocent. Reserved sources claim that another case will be opened against them, with a more serious charge; the political campaign against them continues?! Yesterday in the courtroom against Ajo Xhaferri, Skënderim Muca, Gajup Mola and Musa Medolli, many awaited anxiously the verdict that the court would hand down. For at least 1,000 head of cattle and 50 million lek stolen, 5 years in prison—the accusation that would hang over them for a crime they did not commit—is terrifying. While waiting for the verdict of the black robes, to calm themselves, they reassured one another with the phrase: “don’t worry, there is no God who will put you in prison without evidence.” And indeed, those facts did not come to light. They left the courtroom pale and tearful, but happy. Now their real battle would begin. Would they at last be freed once and for all from the economic tyranny of the Tirana Agricultural Enterprise? Or would the attack against them become even stronger? People asked one another these questions, because they knew very well that the court case was not merely criminal, but a contest with a political background. (Continues on page 8)

A 1.6 million-dollar scandal is emerging – According to him, the sum of 400,000 dollars was deposited into a current account at the Office (Zv.) intended to finance the Democratic Party’s election campaign. According to Italian sources, a Rome official stated that through an enterprise linked to Zurich, substantial sums were moved. The Christian Democrat deputy Alberto Alessi told the press that “a major financial fraud is taking place in Albania, involving both political and economic interests.” He said that part of the funds had been planned for other uses, but was diverted toward Tirana. In the continuation of his statement, he also mentioned the names of banks and intermediaries, but without publishing official documents. Nevertheless, the news has caused a strong reaction in Italian and Albanian political circles. (Continues on page 8)

NI ADMITRARI By DITERO AGOLLI

(ANSA) - Rome, 10 August Valdeziosa [?] has been since 1991, Italy had reached an agreement with Albania, on the date of which the price was 700 million lire to organize a center for clandestine migrants. But over the months, according to the prefecture’s report, irregularities and unjustified payments were observed. Part of the funds were used to buy unnecessary equipment, while the administration remained unclear. According to an investigation by the carabinieri, some of the equipment secured was never delivered, although invoices were issued for it. Likewise, there was talk of the involvement of persons with political connections. The case is being investigated by the Italian authorities. (Continues on page 8)

Letter to the editorial office after arriving in Tirana — By GJONI MALTEZI As has happened before, on Monday, 9 August, the editorial office of the newspaper “Zëri i Popullit” was phoning several war witnesses and veterans to verify information. They also spoke with Mrs. M. N., who responded kindly. The conversation with her lasted a few minutes. But the next day she sent us a letter objecting to the use of her name. We publish her letter below. “I come from the family of that martyr named M. N., and I am hurt by every abuse of history. I am not against the war, I am not against memory, but I am against those who want to use the names of the fallen for political revenge and retaliation. Rezafet did not defeat the fascists, let alone the present-day revanchists.” (Continues on page 8)

Some autonomy and the whole with the agreement made on 8 June in the office of the minister’s adviser for Defence, an offensive was expected to begin in Italy to strike interests close to Tirana. In Albania, with this money, it is thought that a hotel would have been bought and that part of the funds would have ended up in the Democratic Party’s campaign. According to the report, an Albanian intermediary with well-known political ties was also mentioned. The plot that appeared on TV screen also preserved names, figures, and a murky background of agreements. Among other things, the company “Mare Adriatico” and links with other structures were mentioned. No official documents were presented. These accusations were rejected by Albanian representatives, who called them politically motivated slander. News broadcast by RAI 2, 10 August 1993