Albanian-Greek relations remain strained and declarations continue to be exchanged Is Greece receiving more refugees or sending them back? Kapshticë The return of refugees continues The flow of returning Albanian refugees has increased considerably, and over the last 3–4 days the number of those sent back has reached 5,000. Many of them were seized by Greek police while at work, others on the roads or in various public places. Some had the money they had earned confiscated by Greek police; others left everything they had earned in deposits there. They were forcibly issued identification documents by the local authorities, which serve as proof for them and show that not everything is without prospects. On Sunday there was a certain decrease, with only 800 people returned. But the refugees explain this by saying that this day is an absolute day of rest, while for Monday the authorities in the Bllish area confirm that the return of refugees has increased considerably. Meanwhile, it is worth emphasizing that while severe measures are being enforced against refugees, a different approach is taken toward traders from both sides, who are allowed to move freely in both directions. Everyone who has [text cut off/unclear] information for our mass media about the Greek side’s beer for the overthrow of the order and power in Albania, various refugees answer: no. On the contrary, political pluralism and democracy on the part of the Greeks ... On Sunday at 8 o’clock we are in Kakavijë. To pass through our customs checkpoint, you have to leave 30 heavy vehicles behind you. Vasil Tsolaku, from Mbreshtan in Përmet, returned from Greece with his family two days ago, even though he has valid documents. “That’s the order,” he was told. Before even passing the customs checkpoint, you can see that Albanians are allowed to cross even with visas outside it, bearing their stamp. They are going for Saint Mary’s Day. May fortune smile on everyone. Vasil T.’s brother cannot get through. Kristaqi, a teacher from Kosina in Përmet, crosses into Greek territory until 10 o’clock. About 150 Albanian emigrants arrive in police and army vehicles resembling prison vans. Some have valid visas. Others come of their own accord. The number of buses reaches as many as 30 a day. We are in Greek territory. The road has been blocked by 50 heavy vehicles. There will be more tomorrow, since the day is Saturday and Sunday has been a day off for them. Our drivers blame our customs service, which should work in shifts. One way to make things easier for these vehicles transporting goods to our market would be to clear them through customs at night, regulate the hours for smaller vehicles, and so on. Most of the returned refugees curse our government. Meanwhile, hundreds of Albanians are leaving with valid visas for Greece. One gets the impression that more people are leaving Albania than entering it. Some of those who are returned cross over again clandestinely. Pandeli Janaqi, a member of the Greek minority living in Tirana, ... “Who said we’re falling out with the Greeks?” I tell him. “The television says so.” “You know about these things,” he says. “Look, is it better to buy rice from Greece for 50 lekë, or for 100–150 lekë from America and China?” Ardian Çela, from Bushani in Fier, 21 years old, an only son, says that Greek police mistreated him; he will go back again; he says, “What are we supposed to live on?” Meanwhile, at 1:30 p.m. the state helicopter arrives, where our television journalists are filming. Egerem Carkaj, from Rehova, is 52 years old and has 7 small children. “I can’t cope with life in the village,” he says. “I produced 7 quintals of grain; with six of my own and a cow, I can’t support my family. Six days on foot on the road—and then you take the road with your head held high; that’s what they call it,” he concludes. I also see six Albanians dressed in black, with their clothes torn, going to collect the lifeless body of their loved one. It was striking that five of the returnees’ families were made up of children aged 10–18. Tauland Cene-mi from Elbasan has spent four months roaming the streets of Athens, begging to support the eight people at home. When many refugees hear that they will be featured in “Zëri i popullit,” they want to know many things. Firok Hoxha, 23, from Gjeqani in Pukë, wants to know what arrangements are being made these days to transport them to their districts, since they cannot afford private fares. He asks about Fatos Nano; “The DP has ruined our lives,” he says, Fatini and the others who make it conditional on Albanian-Greek relations. (Continued on page 2) ...and regarding the clearances, a different stance to move freely in both directions. Asked whether they had heard any calls in our mass media from the Greek side for the overthrow of the constitutional order in Albania, the various refugees answer: no. On the contrary, the Greeks hold pluralism and democracy in high regard. However, even ordinary Greeks had plenty of criticisms of particular government officials and the course of governance in Albania. Correspondent of “Zëri i popullit” ...the restriction of small cars at certain times, etc. Most Greek refugees have who return cross over clandestinely again. Pandeli, clandestinely. Pandeli, 52, is upset. He has been continually at odds in Tirana. “I want to preserve this in Albania,” says the son; “it is not in our interest to fall out with our neighbors,” Pandeli continues. (Continued on page 2)

For more than a week, the trial against the 5 OMONIA leaders has been at the center of attention in Greek radio and television broadcasts and in the Greek press. Comments about this trial and the measures being taken by the Greek government in response to it account for almost 70 percent of television news programs. The measure is the punishment of refugees. Although there has been talk, and continues to be talk, of mass deportations, according to Greek sources about 2,500 refugees have been deported in one week—a very small figure compared with the 20,000 people the Miotacis government deported within two days in the past two years. This measure has not immediately been implemented intensively; many believe that the conclusion of the trial is being awaited, and that it may also lead to mass deportations of refugees. According to rumors circulating in Athens, the conclusion of the trial may also result in the blocking of remittances that Albanian refugees have deposited in Greek banks. Another measure by the Greek government is the deployment of special troops along the border in order to prevent clandestine refugees from entering Greece, thereby curbing crossings in both directions, which reach 15,000 people in a month. According to Greek television, “Miçotacisi indirectly warned of financing the Democratic Party, emphasizing: ‘We did not help Berisha, but Albanian democracy.’” The meeting between Mr. Papulias and the American ambassador in Tirana has also received an echo. After the meeting ...[text cut off at the end] Athens. After the meeting, the latter said: “We will speak definitively when the trial is over.” The Ameri- (Continued on page 2)

Exclusive to “Zëri i popullit” WE SOCIALISTS ARE MORE CAPABLE OF GOVERNING — Interview with the chairman of the Bulgarian Socialist Party, Zhan Videnov — VIDANOV: “The stance on the ‘NANO’ issue is a test of civilization, democracy and human ethics, not only for us, but also for the West.” (READ ON PAGE NO. 3)

On 21 August, at 11 o’clock, the 50th anniversary of the fall of the heroes of Vigu, Ndoc Marku, Namik Gjylbegaj, Ahmet Haxhia, Ndoc Dedë Marku and Hidajet Lezha, was commemorated in Vig, Mirditë. On 21 August, at 11 o’clock, Vigu, Ndoc Marku, Namik Gjylbegaj, Ahmet Haxhia, Ndoc Dedë Marku and Hidajet Lezha, was commemorated in Vig, Mirditë. Young people and veterans had come from the surrounding villages, as well as representatives of the Association of Veterans of the Anti-Fascist National Liberation War and of the Socialist Party from the districts of Shkodër, Malësi e Madhe, Lezhë and Laç. Also present were the brother of Ndoc Mazi and the sister of Namik Gjylbegut and Ahmet Ha- against fascism. Therefore, their names and deeds will be remembered forever. “When they came here,” Namik Dokle said in his speech, “the five heroes of Vigu had neither a Socialist Party membership card nor a Democratic Party one. But they came with a lofty ideal, the ideal of freedom and democracy. That is why we remember them, just as we remember all those who gave their lives for freedom and democracy. Their ideal should unite Albanians, not divide them. Heroes and martyrs belong to the people, they belong to Albania, not to the parties. For ...[text cut off at the end] But it is regrettable that no representative of the authorities has come here today. Perhaps they are busy with the fuel trade to Montenegro and Serbia, and have forgotten that today is the 50th anniversary of these martyrs. Their ideals were magnificent and pure. They have remained just that: true beacons of freedom and democracy. It is undemocratic to decorate their killers and not lay a wreath of flowers here, on this ground where they gave their lives for freedom. Correspondent of «Zëri i popullit» Ndoc Dedë Marku and Hidajet Lezha. along with representatives of the Association of Veterans of the National Liberation Anti-Fascist War and Madhe, Lezhë and Lac. Also present were the brother of Ndoc Mazi, the sister of Naim Gjylbegut and Ahmet Haxhiu, as well as other relatives of the people from Vigu. Deputies Namik Dokle, Maqo Lakrori and Ndre Legisi also took part. Speaking on behalf of the Presidium of the Committee of Veterans of the National Liberation Anti-Fascist War was veteran Muntaz Shehu. He recalled the heroic deed of the five heroes, who sacrificed their lives in their youth for a great ideal: freedom. They were two young men from the village and two from the town; two of the Catholic faith and three of the Muslim faith. They brought a great message to Mirditë: the message of the people’s unity in the struggle. Correspondent of “Zëri i popullit”

These days a new trial is taking place to attract the attention of Albanian and foreign public opinion: the “trial of five Albanian citizens of Greek origin.” Albanian television never forgets this wording. It repeats it from one broadcast to the next, but brings nothing new about the espionage by these Albanian citizens of Greek origin. For ordinary Albanians, the Greeks would emerge from politics with many questions: why are all conflicts with Greece amplified so much in particular? Is it appropriate in this case to use the popular expression “they give you bread and stones”? Albanians, and peoples in general, want to get along with one another. You cannot choose your neighbor; you cannot tell Greece, “Go away, I want to live next to Kuwait or America.” That is why you are obliged to get along with them. And this would be a very useful lesson for Albanian politicians, who have become so incandescent today in their stance— (Continued on page 2)

Yesterday, on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Albanian government, Deputy Minister Arian Starova told journalists and representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in our country that the landing of the Greek aircraft on our territory was an unacceptable act and a flagrant intervention in internal affairs, through which an attempt is being made to impose something on the Albanian justice system. Considering it a non-spontaneous action, following the Peshkëpi incident in which two servicemen lost their lives and the killing of an Albanian citizen in Athens, he said there had been a connection between these actions and statements by Greek leaders, who had said that military measures would also be taken. Analyzing them, he continued, it becomes clear that they were premeditated by Greece. The latest case reinforces the view that Greece is contributing to the destabilization of the Balkans and has destabilizing aims for the whole Balkans. Continuing his remarks, he stressed that these actions are also synchronized with other policies taking place in the Balk- (Continued on page 2)

The trial of the five Greek-minority members continues The trial of the five Greek-minority members accused of the crime of espionage continued on Sunday and Monday, once again with the questioning of witnesses. The proceedings ... and possession without a permit, the Sunday session ... the witnesses did not have the chance to continue for long because of their failure to appear— (Continued on page 4)

On Sunday, August 21, at an hour when daylight had broken; but while— On Sunday, August 21, at an hour when daylight had broken; but while many citizens were still in bed, thinking of a real day’s rest… On Sunday, an airplane was heard over Sarandë. Since it was still arriving… (Continued on page 4)

Shkodër Two tragic incidents have occurred in recent days. The 28-year-old Qemal Merkulaj was killed. Information from the police indicates that there was a dispute between Qemal and his neighbor Qazim Flkaj, which resulted in this killing. The latter went home, where he took an automatic weapon that he had apparently been keeping illegally, and killed Qemal in the courtyard of the house, endangering people and family members who were there. The perpetrator fled in an unknown direction. Meanwhile, at the agricultural mechanics school, 26-year-old Hamza Hanhja was killed. The conflict had begun over ownership of a building belonging to this school, between him and citizen Bujar Memçaj, an employee of the criminal police. During the argument, Bujar shot Hamza with a firearm, wounding him; Hamza later died in hospital. Bujar also fled in an unknown direction. The police say they have issued wanted notices for both perpetrators of these crimes. Vëzhguesi

- The border crossing point at Kakavijë began operating around the clock, ... established by the Albanian government for this purpose. *** - More than 835 thousand ... including 200 employees ...

- Elbasan’s sanitary inspectorate has seized 300,000 ... for compotes and jams ... of various kinds, deemed expired. *** - Clinton warns that he will take strict measures against Cuba. Fidel Castro [gave] a harsh response ...

- Parlësi commemorated the 60th anniversary of liberation from the Nazis in recent days, with the participation of the American president as well. ** - The assets of movement and beauty ... in Elbasan ...

*** - It is reported that the highest temperature, 51 degrees C, marks this summer’s heat in Kuwait. - Sarajevo airport reopened on August 20, but only for military flights. ** - It is reported that cholera, which has affected several people in Turkey, has also reached Greece ...

*** - Fires, drought ... are ... places this hot summer. Crete ... the place still on Sunday ... fire ... - Former owners have asked the headquarters of the Islamic Committee in Tirana to represent the institution ...

- 24-year-old Orma Gjoku was buried in Tepelenë. Meanwhile, the mass return of Albanian refugees from Greece continues, among whom were also treated ... *** - The last Russian village [residents] left Estonia, in implementation of the agreements on the withdrawal of troops from the Republic of Russia.