In the Foreign Policy Committee of the People’s Assembly: the extension of the Greek company’s stay is approved Committee chairman Sabri Godo calls for consensus, but Genc Pollo and Hysen Selfo voted against PAGE 2

THE MINISTER OF DEFENCE MR. SABIT BROKAJ: THE MINISTER OF DEFENCE MR. SABIT BROKAJ: NATO’s presence, a guarantee against the conflict spreading There has not been a single case of weapons crossing the Albanian border PAGE 2

TIRANA, MUNICIPAL COUNCIL MEETS The Prefecture calls for an investigation into the record of Osman Kozoti, named an “Honorary Citizen” by the Municipality of Tirana. He was a collaborator of fascism PAGE 6

BERISHA INSULTS HIS ALLIES PAGE 2

28 March 1997 — Vlora commemorates the Otranto tragedy — 28 March 1998

More than remembrance, an appeal for justice

Today is the first anniversary of the Otranto tragedy. March 28, 1997, reminds the people of Vlora of the worst event of this century’s final years. Throughout this year, grief has been an integral part of their lives, and the people of Vlora have known how to bear it. United as always, all the more so in the face of shared grief, the people of Vlora gained new strength over the course of this year. A year ago, people with shattered dreams and no hope left the terror of absurd situations and political turmoil, seeking calmer horizons and the bare minimum any person could wish for: the security of life. And this hope, too, was cut short. Within the hull of the old ship, 89 human lives came to an end, among them the lives of innocent infants and mothers. Since then, the people of Vlora have cursed those responsible for this unprecedented tragedy and, at the same time, prayed with all their hearts that such days may never return. More than ever, they cherish life, with all its uncertainty. Let it be simple and without the comforts and luxuries that time might have brought them; above all, let it be peaceful and safe. Today, the people of Vlora will lay flowers in the newest plot of the city cemetery. A memorial has also been erected there, where, in addition to 57 names, the words have been engraved: “You fled an endless nightmare and were led to a terrible end”. H. Koçi (ATSH)

More than remembrance, an appeal for justice “Whenever I told them that I knew nothing and had nothing to do with this business, they beat me with a rubber baton and a pipe. One of them also had a pair of pliers with which he pulled out my teeth”... PAGE 3

Last year’s events before the military prosecutor’s office PAGE 5

Today, 28.03.1998, at 11:00, a press conference will be held at the PSSH headquarters. Journalists from the local and foreign press and media, as well as representatives of the diplomatic corps in Tirana, are invited to attend.