- “Albania at the top,” yet Albanians are still poorer than Hungarians, Poles, Czechs, Slovaks, Slovenes, Mongolians... - Of 12 industrial production items, 9 are below the 1993 level The official IMF study “The efforts of the world economy,” according to which Albania in 1994 continues to grow by 8 percent of GDP, thus keeping first place in the growth of the transition countries of Central and Eastern Europe, has immediately, as always at the outset, attracted the attention of the press. Commented on from the highest offices of the state to the low tables of rural markets is also, according to the IMF, the inclusion of Greece in a scenario of what it overturns in itself, remains simply a figure and by no means allows an explanation of the country’s identity [?]. (Percentage change from previous growth) Indicator Years 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 GDP 10.0 -27.7 -9.7 11.0 8.0 The above picture, prepared by IMF specialists in July 1994, shows the trend of GDP in recent years. Comparing the first figures from the chart by year is necessary to measure the real value of GDP and, of course, has not surprised with nostalgia for past years. Facts are facts and show us that we are indeed in overall decline. Are we in a branch of the Albanian economy that affected GDP? If there is no official one, there is often talk of growth in agricultural production (often it seems to start from the results of some plot of private farms and not from the economic framework) or of enterprises just as unprepared by industry for the intensive change in industrial production sectors. According to the Institute of Statistics, the second quarter of 1994 recorded an increase in total net volume of industrial production of 16.4 percent compared with the previous quarter for the index of 1993. From the third quarter of 1993 it is still below the 1993 level (considered the base). Here is how the industrial production index in the second quarter of 1994 appears compared with the same period of 1993: (Index based on 1993-1994) Production 2nd quarter 1993 2nd quarter 1994 Total industrial production 106.8 86.5 Extractive industry 114.5 83.0 - Energy production extraction ind. 105.0 94.0 Extractive industry of non-energy products... 128.3 67.1 Manufacturing industry 103.6 88.1 Food industry 123.5 40.7 Textile industry 118.5 137.7 Footwear industry 113.3 31.62 Coking and refining ind. 78.5 113.2 Chemical industry 117.7 35.4 Production of non-metal mineral articles 122.1 111.5 Energy industry 99.2 112.1 Electrical industry 84.3 105.1 As can be seen, of the 12 industrial production items (state sector), 9 are below the 1993 levels. So industry does not seem to contribute much to GDP growth. (Continued on page 5)

On 26 September 1994, at the headquarters of the Social Democratic Party of Austria, its Secretary General, MP Peter Marici, received the Deputy Chairman of the PSSH, MP Ilir Meta. During this meeting, political developments in Albania, the progress of reforms, and the situation prevailing in the Balkans were discussed. A special place was given to the discussion on human rights and minorities in Albania, where the Deputy Chairman of the PSSH, Ilir Meta, provided an update on recent developments in the [?] issue, especially regarding building plans. The Deputy Chairman of the PSSH, Ilir Meta, also held other separate meetings with representatives of the Austrian SPÖ.

From 25 September to 27 September, at the invitation of Karl Delf, president of the Austrian Socialist Youth and member of the National Council of the Social Democratic Party of Austria, the Deputy Chairman of FRESH, Ilir Meta, made a visit to Vienna. He held separate meetings with the president of the Austrian Socialist Youth, its Secretary General, and one day of the Socialist Youth International.

On 23-24 September, the meeting of the Organizing Commission of the Socialist Youth International was held in Strasbourg regarding its preparations for the commemoration of the 5th anniversary of the Democratic Revolution in Eastern and Central Europe. This Commission included representatives of the Socialist Youth International, the German Social Democratic Youth, the Norwegian Labour Youth, the Estonian Social Democratic Youth, the Albanian Socialist Youth Federation, and the Bulgarian Progressive Youth. The Commission discussed preparations by the Socialist Youth International for the commemoration of the Democratic Revolution in Eastern and Central Europe. In particular, there was discussion of the organization and content of the Socialist Youth International seminar “Five Years after the Revolution,” which will be held in Budapest from 4-11 December. Ilir Meta, a member of this commission, made several proposals on behalf of FRESSH, which were taken into consideration. He also had separate meetings with representatives of other organizations, during which strengthening relations with them was discussed.

According to reports from several news agencies, on 29 September 1994 the European Parliament approved a Resolution in which the immediate release of six leaders of the OMONIA organization was demanded; they had been sentenced by the Tirana Court and imprisoned on charges of military espionage and illegal possession of weapons. The resolution expresses concern about Greek-Albanian relations. It calls on Albania to immediately release the six Greek minorities and stresses that their release would be considered an act that would facilitate the start of a constructive dialogue with the Greek Government and would lead to the removal of obstacles by the Council of Foreign Ministers of the European Union to the immediate granting of the various forms of emergency aid that the European Commission allocates to Albania. The resolution asks the Council of the European Union and the Commission to exert pressure on the Albanian Government to fulfill its obligations toward the European Union and to take steps to democratize relations with neighboring countries.

Another summons letter has reached the People of the legendary commander of the partisans of the Dibra district. Once again, the Tirana District Court summons the former Albanian president to be heard as a defendant for not withdrawing years ago after a lawsuit filed against him by the Lleshi family, collaborators of fascism, who claim to be the lawful heirs of the house where today one of the outstanding figures of the antifascist resistance and the National Liberation War of the Albanian people lives. As has already been made known, Haxhi Lleshi is suffering from a serious illness; in addition to other things also (Continued on page 6)

A shocking घटना occurred in “Isa Boletini” square, in the Perash neighborhood, around 06:30. The money changer Tahir Kasnati, 40, and the driver were waiting in their car for colleagues, with whom they were to travel to Tirana together. Just as they were preparing to leave, a burst of automatic fire hit the car. Tahir was killed, while his colleague Causholli was wounded. The perpetrators fled quickly and were immediately robbed, then they fled swiftly.

Yesterday morning, after speaking with those interested at the office of the Minister of Education about the start of the new school year, we learned that there will be a delay because of the cholera epidemic, but that it will be partial. According to this announcement, the 8-year schools and secondary schools without boarding facilities will begin classes on 3 October, according to the scheduled date, while secondary boarding schools and higher schools will not begin classes until a new deadline is announced by the Ministry of Education. Correspondent of “Zëri i Popullit”

For several weeks now, the European Community has blocked Albanian fish exports because of cholera. The interruption of exports weighs mainly on the shoulders of fishermen. Despite the great difficulties due to the age and wear of the ships and boats, in the last 2-3 years fish have increased in Tali with non-favorable prices, but still some profit is made somewhere. At the same time, measures are being taken to protect against cholera. It is precisely this fact that has blocked fish sales and created difficulties in trading them. The amount of fish collected depends on purchasing power, which is not high. From this quantity that must remain in our market, is it necessary for fishermen to sell the fish at a lower price in the market than the one they export it for? Fishermen, from the profits of selling it, must support their families, secure fuel, which is more expensive, and repair the various parts of the boats. Now the fish is being sold inside the country at a high price for the people but not at a loss for the fishermen. However, the latter continue to collect it in order to survive. The government does not take any measures to ease their current situation. Fishermen also, in opinion, more beautifully show the prey of the area.

Aside from the protocol, which was also covered by photographs in the pages of the Macedonian press, the visit of Albania’s Minister of Defense had another aspect that puzzled not only Macedonians but also Albanians living there. To be more precise, we are referring to the foreign republican press, specifically the press “Bluedime” in Tetovo Municipality dated 28.9.94: “Njoja Makedonija” In the hotel complex of Arabati Baba Teqe — outside protocol and behind closed doors — Albania’s Minister of Defense, Mr. Safet Zhulali, met with Mr. Xhaferi and M. Thaçi, who make up the leadership of the so-called group formed within the PPD. Regarding their meeting, continues the newspaper “Novaja Makedonija,” no announcement was given. We asked Mr. Thaçi for a statement about the talks held and were told: “no comment,” respectively Thaçi said he knew Zhulali [?]. Previously, when he (Zhulali) had been assigned another task by PD, it was unofficially learned that this meeting had been arranged at the initiative of Zhulali’s ministry embassy. So, as can be seen, our Minister of Defense in Macedonia was welcomed by the highest authorities of that state — President Gligorov, the Minister of Defense, etc. — but after the conversation in Tetovo municipality, no one accompanied him anymore. The Minister of Defense shql- (Continued on page 2)

- Learned from information that reached our editorial office yesterday from Malësia e Madhe - Arms smuggling is developing on no smaller scale than fuel smuggling. In many villages of this area, infiltration from Boyl [?] placed by Montenegro and from the southern coast in the north of the country. According to our sources, a state security soldier at the post of Hani i Hotit, as well as SHIK agents, provide special assistance to this smuggling. The information states that weapons without permits are found in large quantities in Shkodër, Malësia e Madhe, mainly along café entry roads, while and for two times for lari this smuggling starts near hands. A small piece from “Zastava” sells for 15 thousand (Lekë?), a Kalashnikov automatic rifle sells for 35-30 thousand lekë, while a hand grenade costs 10 [?] (lekë). Three days ago the weapons also entered in large quantities. The information states that the weapons are without permits and thus their price has fallen, whereas a few months ago an automatic rifle sold for over 100 thousand lekë (jeja). As it seems, these two districts are now involved in the demands, and the mountain areas have started trading this goods along the roads of Ura as well as Pukë and as far as Mirditë, since the border is larger too. The information points out that these movements are mainly handled by the Ula belets in Bozhaj. MUSA KURTULAJ

- Despite the official announcements, cholera is trying to do its own thing. The spreads are wandering here and there. According to the latest announcements, other government authorities have been dealing with the following: from Osteni i Dibrës, one death in Elbasan, 16 hospitalized cases and other suspicions in Fier, Berati hospitalized and dead. MBRITA. - The court of this city yesterday issued a decision concerning Neko Laja, who was sentenced for causing the death of his fellow villager Niko Haxhi with a hunting gun during a quarrel. The case is now in the court of appeal. TIRANE. - Land plots, the object of many conflicts, some of the removals are theft due to the blocking of the law on land. They are becoming more pronounced in the villages of Bregmatë, Vrashikë, Krumë and Nikollë. TIRANE. - The chief prosecutor of the district is opposing police orders for the release of Cimi[n?] and the commission, in application of the law. The decision made public that this is illegal and violates procedures. FROM THE WORLD - Russian President Boris Yeltsin arrived in Sllanov an hour later than planned, because of an airplane race, while Irish Prime Minister Albert Reynolds, the president of the country near qaRe? that was adopted. Yeltsin, who is returning from Washington at the end of a summit meeting with President Bill Clinton, was supposed to have lunch with Reynolds, but the lunch was canceled, “said an Irish source.” Chinese Prime Minister Li Peng declared that the fight against inflation is a major problem associated with the country’s rapid economic development. His speech on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China was mainly devoted to China’s successes, but also to the need for reforms and problems. *** The Amsterdam police announced that it had destroyed a large network of synthetic customs traffickers, composed of a laboratory in Voronezh, a center east of the Dutch capital, and a group in the neighboring country with the Netherlands and Belgium. The Dutch Interior Minister, shaf Paskua, opening high action, said that the police managed to capture the internationally known gang for transporting 4.5 million in gold against the international campaign against T [?].