YESTERDAY HE MET NILL, TODAY TALKS WITH THE SERBS PAGE 15

THE MINISTRY OF PUBLIC ORDER ANALYZES THE BERAT MASSACRE PAGE 2

Reduced death penalty By Prof. Dr. Ismet ELEZI With the transition from the totalitarian state to a pluralist society, as a result of the student movement of the 1990s, important reforms were also made to criminal legislation to democratize it, from 1990 to 1995, culminating in the adoption of the new Penal Code, which marked a highly significant event. Meanwhile, important amendments were also made in 1996 and 1998. At present, several key factors make reform necessary: First, the adoption of the new Constitution and the harmonization of the Penal Code with its provisions, including in the criminal-law field. Second, drawing general lessons from Albania’s experience in the fight against crime and in protecting human rights and freedoms, particularly against organized crime. Third, the strengthening of the state and public order, as well as relations with foreign countries, create the opportunity for higher-quality legal reform in the criminal-law field. On the basis of these factors, and with the aim of anticipating legal reform, as part of the exchange of views, I would like to set out some observations and proposals on key issues in the general part of the Penal Code, which may be useful to the competent state bodies. 1. In some earlier articles, the author presented his views on the main characteristics of the new Penal Code, as an important achievement of Albanian legal thought. Without denying these achievements, there is every possibility of further deepening the process of improving the Penal Code through the legal reform that may be undertaken. 1. The first major issue of fundamental importance is the identification of the sources of criminal law following the adoption of the new Constitution. Criminal law consists of the Penal Code currently in force and other laws containing criminal provisions, such as Law No. 8279, dated 15.01.1998, etc. (Continued on page 16)

GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER JOSCHKA FISCHER AND EU HIGH COMMISSIONER HANS VAN DER BRUK IN TIRANA YESTERDAY The Kosovars must sign the agreement; otherwise, attacks against Belgrade cannot be launched

KORÇË: The regional police director, Arben Jace, made this statement at a press conference for a local TV station. The police said that they are committed to cracking down on crime wherever it occurs, in order to restore peace to the city, but the weakest point continues to be the punishment of those responsible. He cited specific cases in which, even though a criminal offence had been substantiated with material evidence, the case had remained pending, with no concrete action taken by the justice authorities. PAGE 10

PAGE 9 The new Gomsqë bridge and the tunnel in Koman must be built first

TEPELENË - Over the past 20 days, the Tepelenë police have carried out a series of operations against criminal elements, leading to the arrest of 35 people. According to the chief of the police station in this district, who took up the post only two weeks ago, the fight against criminal groups will be ongoing and not limited to campaigns. PAGE 9

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POUND/DOLLAR London 1600 GMT U.S. $ 1.6995 $1.7031 1.6825 Dollar 142.00 Monday Euro 153.00