Berisha recognizes the CEC, registers with the commission

CEC Berisha recognizes the CEC, registers with the commission PAGE 2

Meidani: 1 October, election day

The President of the Republic decrees the date of the local elections If, in the first round of elections, none of the competing candidates wins a majority of the votes, the second round will be held on 15 October 2000. The deadline for parties to register with the CEC is mid-August • If, in the first round of elections, none of the competing candidates wins a majority of the votes, the second round will be held on 15 October 2000 • The deadline for parties to register with the CEC is mid-August PAGE 3

VISIT

Amato in Tirana yesterday. His first visit to Albania as Prime Minister of Italy

PS - PAD, post-election local coalition

PS-PAD / ELECTIONS Ruçi and Peshkopia set the framework for cooperation PS - PAD, post-election local coalition The leaders of the two parties confirm their support for one another in the event of a runoff PAGE 2

Restructuring, a step toward privatization

Bank reform, from banking offices, agencies and branches to the General Directorate BANKING / ECONOMY The government approves the restructuring program of the Savings Bank Restructuring, a step toward privatization The reform in the bank covers everything from banking offices, agencies and branches to the General Directorate PAGE 12

Amato: Illegal migrants, five times fewer this year

In the photo: Albanian Prime Minister Meta and his Italian counterpart Amato yesterday in Tirana (Photo: A. Babani) META: In ’99–2000, our joint forces uncovered 1,500 cases of trafficking • 270 people implicated were arrested in the first six months • Cooperation between the two governments has achieved visible results AMATO: Cooperation must not be undermined by organized crime between the two countries • The Italian government welcomed the approval of the draft law • We hope it will greatly curb clandestine trafficking PAGE 3

PUBLIMEDIA, 180 PERFORMANCES IN ONE YEAR AND FOUR PREMIERES

“The Dinner of the Fools” — the successful tour under the patronage of Culture Minister Edi Rama — Interview with director Gëzim Kame — CULTURE PUBLIMEDIA, 180 PERFORMANCES IN ONE YEAR AND FOUR PREMIERES “The Dinner of the Fools” — the successful tour under the patronage of Culture Minister Edi Rama — Interview with director Gëzim Kame — PAGE 14

WOMEN AND POWER, EXCLUSION OR SELF-EXCLUSION

COMMENTARY WOMEN AND POWER, EXCLUSION OR SELF-EXCLUSION By Eva Allushi WHY THE PD LACKS PROMINENT FIGURES Kreshnik Lumi PAGE 4

Announcement

TIRANA Announcement “Zëri i Popullit” is looking to hire journalists in various fields, up to 30 years of age. Apply to the editorial office, or call us at the following telephone numbers: 275-32, 292-20 National Library TIRANA

ALBTELEKOM / INVESTMENT Tirana, 33,500 new telephone numbers