Cholera-like poisoning or disease?... - So far 5 dead. Among them 2 soldiers, 90 hospitalized. - Urgent measures are needed. The situation is extraordinary. Where are the authorities?

Kuçova - the center of the sick There are 28 people from the Berat district and 4 patients from Skrapar hospitalized in the infectious ward of the Kuçovë hospital. The condition of the sick is very serious. The cause is the consumption of sausages and meat by-products. In the Berat hospital there are around 40 people admitted. Also hospitalized are 18 residents from the villages around Berat, who had eaten pork and sausage. Some of the patients have been taken to Tirana for treatment. Meanwhile, 4 people have been sent to the hospital in Skrapar, and their condition is reported to be serious. The arrival of hygiene doctors from Tirana and specialist teams has made it possible to take measures to isolate the sick as well as to stop the sale of meat by-products until the test results arrive. The assessment commission that went yesterday to Kuçovë by order of the Council of Ministers will present its report today. (Continued on page 8)

Interview with the Deputy Minis- ter of Health Z. Zamira Simoni Late last night we spoke with the Deputy Minister of Health, who told us that all necessary measures are being taken and that a special team from Tirana has gone to Berat and Kuçovë to investigate and take action. According to her, the first suspicions are linked to mass food poisoning, but the possibility of an epidemic form cannot be ruled out either. The population has been advised to avoid consuming meat and sausages sold in recent days, and to report immediately to health centers in the event of symptoms. (Continued on page 8)

The expelled Albanians want the dispute with Greece to be brought to an end According to the Reuters agency, the public statement of the Association of Expelled Albanians says that the conflict with Greece should be resolved through dialogue and without further tension. The association calls on the authorities of both countries to find common ground and protect the rights of the affected citizens. (Continued on page 8)

Albania is an irreplaceable factor of stability in the Balkans! SEVERAL-HOUR VISIT OF MARTINO IN TIRANA - Albania is an irreplaceable factor of stability in the Balkans! Yesterday, the Italian Foreign Minister, Antonio Martino, paid a short several-hour visit to Tirana. He met with the country's highest authorities and discussed the situation in the region, bilateral relations, and the prospects for economic and political cooperation. In his statement he emphasized that Albania remains an important factor of stability in the Balkans. (Continued on page 8)

The dead, an old man, a soldier, a driver, there are 3 cases in question. The Berat police have reported that the victims were transported by family members and relatives to the hospital in a very serious condition. Doctors state that the clinical signs are those of severe food poisoning, with vomiting, fever and dehydration. Samples have been taken from the meat products used by the affected families and responses are awaited from the central laboratory. (Continued on page 8)

Skënder Buçpapaj Tracked for speculation and “theft” of socialism, today the sons of former secretaries and directors are wallowing in happiness. Likewise, it must not be forgotten that most of those who yesterday preached proletarian virtue are today turned into preachers of unlimited profit. Instead of taking responsibility for the moral and material destruction of the country, they play the new moralist and lecture the citizens. This is why the Albanian transition is being presented as so difficult and so contradictory. (Continued on page 8)

PARALYSIS: One step further The government seems to be moving slowly in the face of the public health crisis. While the number of cases is increasing, central decision-making is moving at a pace that does not match the situation. The public expects transparency, determination and immediate measures. (Continued on page 8)

* 20 illegal immigrants were detained by the Greek police at the border. * The Archbishop of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church has called for calm and understanding. * A car accident on the Tirana-Durrës road left several people injured. * In Kosovo, political tensions and student protests continue. TELEGRAFICALLY ... * Talks on Albanian-Greek bilateral issues are taking place in Athens. * The Italian government promises new aid for Albania. * In some cities there are shortages of drinking water and electricity. TELEGRAFICALLY ... * The Minister of Agriculture announces measures to control food markets. * Customs have blocked a quantity of smuggled goods. * Rain and lower temperatures are expected in the country. TELEGRAFICALLY ... * In Kavajë, police arrested three people for theft. * In Shkodër, a cultural event dedicated to books was held. * In Dibër, farmers are asking for subsidies for spring seeds.