Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 97-06-27

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Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] UNITY IS NEEDED TO SAVE THE COUNTRY FROM COMMUNIST REBELLION - Berisha

[02] ONE OF OMONIA'S LEADERS KIDNAPPED

[03] GUNBATTLE AMONG RIVAL GANGS IN VLORE - leaders of Albanian United Right risked

[04] SP SPOKESMAN EXPRESSES REGRET ON INCIDENT AGAINST BEZHANI

[05] DP PROTESTS AGAINST FAVOURS OF ALBANIAN TELEVISION TO SP

[06] TWO PEOPLE KILLED BY FIRE WEAPONS IN GJIROKASTER

[07] PRESS REVIEW

[08] CONSTITUTIONAL COURT EXAMINES REDUCTION OF VOTING HOURS

[09] KIDNAPPING OF THEODHORI BEZHANI IS POLITICALLY MOTIVATED - HRUP

[10] ALBANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER MEETS WITH U.N. SECRETARY GENERAL

[11] EUROPEAN UNION DECLARATION ON THE EVE OF PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS IN ALBANIA

[12] AGREEMENT ON ARMED FORCES SIGNED BETWEEN ARMY GENERAL STAFFS OF ALBANIA AND TURKEY

[13] PRESIDENT BERISHA TAKES PART IN ELECTORAL MEETING OF DP IN SHKODER

[14] DECLARATION OF ALBANIAN PM ON OCCASION OF PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS OF JUNE 29

[15] MEETING OF SPECIAL GOVERNMENT COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS

[16] ELECTORAL RALLY OF PRESIDENT BERISHA IN DURRES

[17] INSECURITY IN GJIROKASTER BEFORE ELECTIONS

[18] CONSTITUTIONAL COURT DECIDED VOTING HOURS FROM 7 A.M. TO 6 P.M.

[19] 3500 ALBANIAN EMIGRANTS HAVE COME HOME FROM GREECE FOR JUNE 29 ELECTIONS

[20] INSECURITY IN GJIROKASTER BEFORE ELECTIONS

[21] DEMOCRATIC PARTY VOICES CONCERN FOR HINDRANCES MADE TO IT IN ITS ELECTORAL CAMPAIGN IN SOUTHERN ALBANIA

[22] WITH THE FEELING OF RECONCILIATION ALL MUST SURRENDER ARMS TO VOTE - U.S. Ambassadress M Lino

[23] FIGHTING BETWEEN RIVAL GROUPS IN CERRIK - Three dead and some wounded

[24] DP HOLDS CLOSING RALLY OF ELECTORAL CAMPAIGN IN TIRANE

[01] UNITY IS NEEDED TO SAVE THE COUNTRY FROM COMMUNIST REBELLION - Berisha

Berisha wished the citizens of Rrogozhine and the nearby villages victory in the June 29 election which would also be the victory of democracy. He said that terrorism and rebellion would come to an end through the voters' free ballot.

Further on President Berisha attended the electoral rally held in the main square of Kavaja town near the obelisk which symbolizes the victory of democracy. Addressing thousands of DP members and sympathizers in the square, Berisha said that "future is ours, it belongs to Albania." He stressed that unity is needed to save the country from the communist rebellion.

He also stressed to those present that "we are proud of you as the bastion of democracy. The call from my heart," said Berisha "is for you and all Albanians to give Albania on June 29 freedom from our freedom." Kavaja, he said, spreads its appeal that Albanians must defend Albania's integrity.

At the end, President Berisha presented to citizens of Kavaja the DP candidates for deputies, inviting them to vote for their future.

Taking the floor, the DPA chairman, Tritan Shehu, who is a candidate in Kavaje, voiced the conviction that Kavaja would give its vote as always to the freedom and democracy.

Azem hajdari, Halit Shamata and Luan Skuqi voiced their security that together with people of Kavaja they would spread throughout Albania messases of genuine democracy. xh/e

[02] ONE OF OMONIA'S LEADERS KIDNAPPED

There were three people, unmasked, on a Benz without number plate who kidnapped Bezhani, eye-witnesses said. The daughter of Theodhori Bezhani, Konstandina, is a candidate for Human Right Union Party in Saranda district. In the morning she had threatening telephone calls asking her to withdraw her candidacy, otherwise she "would not see her father anymore alive."

In the constituency where Ms Bezhani is a candidate, a week ago the DP secretary for Foreign Relations, Leonard Demi was maltreated by a group of armed people. Demi was in Saranda to present the DP candidate. SP candidate for deputy in that constituency is Gramoz Ruci, former Interior Minister, one of the main figures of the Socialist Party.

The motives of the kidnapping are not clear but it is common knowledge that the son of Theodhori Bezhani, Kosta, is the owner of the company Fresh of Frashtan in Gjirokaster.

Mr Theodhori Bezhani was in 1994 one of the five Albanian nationals of Greek origin accused of espionage in favour of the Greek state. xh/E

[03] GUNBATTLE AMONG RIVAL GANGS IN VLORE - leaders of Albanian United Right risked

This situation has created difficulties for the evacuation of participants from the Sports Palace, and the police forces were not able to operate. Calm appeared to return to the area by 13:00, and the participants in the rally came out of the building without problems.

According to the sources from the Police Commissariat, due to the fire exchange between the rival gangs the citizen Syrja Ali Sharra was killed by a stray bullet. /mt/e

[04] SP SPOKESMAN EXPRESSES REGRET ON INCIDENT AGAINST BEZHANI

"The threatening against Mrs Bezhani, taking hostage her father with the aim to exercise pressure to withdraw from putting up candidature, is in the course of provocations, conceived by the segments of the former secret Sigurimi and the occult structures with the only goal to destabilize the situation in the southern zones and to bring arguments by every means to favour the idea of the contest of elections", says the report of SP spokesman.

The Albanian Socialist Party, not only condemns the criminal act, but also expresses its constant position for the creation of normal conditions to hold free and fair elections in the whole territory of Albania. SP also expresses its concern about this act against a candidate from the minority, which aims not only to compromise the elections, but by hitting the minority, also to damage even the good relations between the Government of National Reconciliation and the Greek government.

SP considers the respect of the rights of the minority as a powerful element for the relations of the good neighbouring between Albania and Greece, ends the report of SP spokesman. /mt/E

[05] DP PROTESTS AGAINST FAVOURS OF ALBANIAN TELEVISION TO SP

The protest of DP, published Friday by the press office of this party, says that along with the violation of the minutiae, in many cases in favour of the Socialist Party, the Albanian Radio Television falsifies the electoral campaign of SP, by importing entire sequences from one meeting to another.

"Meanwhile that Fatos Nano was launching an electoral rally in Elbasan, the Television has shown aspects from the meeting of Gramsh. Even in the meeting of Ballsh, the television has used views from the rally of Gramsh" says the protest of DP, which ends with an appeal addressed to the Central Electoral Commission, OSCE, Society for Democratic Culture and all the other international bodies to exercise their pressure on the Albanian Radio Television for a free and fair electoral campaign for all. /pas/mt/e

[06] TWO PEOPLE KILLED BY FIRE WEAPONS IN GJIROKASTER

The driver of the Mayor of Libohove, A. Beqo, 30, was gravely injured on Wednesday at 20:00, due to an explosion of a cannon shot near the complex of the milk plant of Gjallica. Although he was sent to the hospital of Ioannina, the grave wounds caused him the death.

Fire exchange occurred in the southern entrance of Gjirokaster between two persons in two vehicles, where someone was slightly hurt. /eva/mt/e

[07] PRESS REVIEW

Rilindja Demokratike, with regard to this act reports in the editorial "While two days are left from the elections, the socialists, as the beast in the last death-rattle, have intensified their criminal acts. Yesterday, the gangs of SP attempted to spoil the meeting of Berisha in Lushnje by shooting on the people without having mercy that anyone might have been killed." Under the title "Gangs of Fatos Nano terrorizes Lushnje", the paper carries a statement of DP, which condemns the criminal act.

Republika reports "Berisha opens graves in Lushnje", and "The meeting of Berisha smeared with blood".

Albania under the title "The socialists in Lushnje repeat the scenario of Elbasan," reports "Fatos Nano orders the massacre". On the first page the paper reports that Nano has instructed his armed people not to allow Berisha go down Shkumbin.

"Fatos Nano, who has started the campaign in Vlore and has finished it at the bridge of Shkumbin, is waiting now for the victory of Berisha to call on his partisans down Shkumbin not to surrender their weapons, until they are joined with Greece."

Tribuna paper reports "SP gangs attack the President in Lushnje."

Koha Jone reports on the tenth page "Lushnje 'shoots' the undesirable meeting. The paper also reports on a guard of the President who is taken hostage by the armed persons.

Indipendet reports "Berisha shot in Lushnje.'

Dita reports on 11 persons injured in the meeting of Berisha".

Gazeta Shqiptare under the title "Bloody afternoon in the town where the riots against usuries started", carries the article entitled "Berisha in Lushnje, 9 persons injured".

Among the other articles covered by the today's press:

Under the title "Elections, the last chance to help Albania", RD covers the meeting of President Berisha with Vranitzky. On the third page the paper reports regarding the meeting of the Democratic Party Youth Forum in the Palace of Congresses "The democracy will win - the promise of the Albanian youth."

ZP informs on the first page on the meeting of the Socialist Party in the Scanderbeg Square on Friday. The paper covers the meetings of Fatos Nano in Mallakaster and Durres. SP carries the electoral program of SP.

Rilindja publishes the statement of U.S. State Secretary, Madeleine Albright under the title "The will is expressed through the vote, not through violence." The paper covers the meeting of President Berisha with Vranitzky.

Albania carries the article "Propagandistic terror of ZP" and "The gangs ask the votes of gangs."

Republika publishes an interview with Sude under the title "I will tell where the money went."

Koha Jone covers the news conference of the "Salvation Committee in Vlore", under the title "If Berisha wins, the gunfire will start". The paper carries an interview with Albert Shyti, chairman of the Public Salvation Committee in Vlore and candidate of SDP under the title "Only the solution of 'usuries' can 'oppress the committees".

Dita carries an interview with former Austrian chancellor Vranitzky for Deutche Welle.

Gazeta Shqiptare covers on the second page the news conference of democratic leaders Demi and Vejsiu. /eva/mt/E

[08] CONSTITUTIONAL COURT EXAMINES REDUCTION OF VOTING HOURS

The draft, presented in the Constitutional Court, is defended by the Minister of Justice, Spartak Ngjela, representative of the Government and by Thimjo Kondi and Kujtim Puto, members and representatives of the Central Electoral Commission.

Minister Ngjela proposed to the Constitutional Court the idea to delegate the competencies to the Central Election Commission for the reduction of the voting hours.

All the representatives of the parties, present in this sitting, shared the same opinion regarding the reduction of voting hours.

Minister Ngjela said that two variations exist for this problem; the first variation that has come from the talks of the OSCE envoy, Franz Vranitzky with President Berisha and Premier Fino, according to which the voting hours must be 6-18, and a second variation, according to which the voting hours must be 7-19.

Ngjela said that the Government does not reject any one these variations.

At the end of the sitting, the court's jury withdrew to take the decision. /eva/mt/sh/

[09] KIDNAPPING OF THEODHORI BEZHANI IS POLITICALLY MOTIVATED - HRUP

"The incident towards the candidate for deputy of HRUP, Konstandina Bezhani may have political or ordinary motives. In the present moments the supposition is that it may have political reasons," said Vasil Melo, leader of HRUP, regarding the episode.

Today, Konstandina and the HRUP chairman for Saranda, Dhimiter Pepo during an electoral rally in Saranda described the kidnapping of Th. Bezhani "as a political act of the dark forces," without naming them.

In the mean time, Th. Bezhani is not yet found and the people who are keeping him hostage are not yet identified.

In some interviews on Greek private TV stations, Mega and Antena, the children of Th. Bezhani, Kosta and Konstandina, admitted the political motive of their father's kidnapping.

Mr Bezhani is a HRUP candidate in constituency 115 competing with Gramoz Ruci, one of the main figures of the Socialist Party. pas/xh/sh/

[10] ALBANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER MEETS WITH U.N. SECRETARY GENERAL

Asked by Annan on the situation in southern Albania, Starova said that there are problems in Vlore, Sarande and less in Gjirokaster, in which there have been even incidents with the candidates presented by right wing forces.

"Our priority after the polls," said Starova, "will be the restitution of the public order."

At the end, Mr Cofi Annan conveyed to Mr Starova his greetings for President Berisha, Prime Minister Fino and wished for the elections on June 29 as elections of a decisive importance for the future, ends the report of the press and information department of the Foreign Ministry of Albania. ssh/kled/xh/sh/

[11] EUROPEAN UNION DECLARATION ON THE EVE OF PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS IN ALBANIA

While the holding of free and fair elections is Albania's own responsibility, the EU reaffirms its commitment to provide support for the elections within the coordinating framework of the OSCE including a large number of monitors from Member States.

The EU stresses the importance of the consolidation of the national reconciliation process after the elections and expressed the hope that they will lead to the formation of a new government which will enjoy broad support amongst the Albanian population as well as cooperation of all political forces in Albania. A new Government must, with the assistance of the international community as a whole and EU in particular, restore confidence in the democratic structures of the country and lead Albania toward economic recovery.

The EU is prepared to support economic recovery in Albania provided Albania meets the conditions set at the Preparatory Conference in Rome on May 26, 1997. Future relations between the EU and Albania will depend on full restoration of democratic principles, respect for human and minority rights, sound economic practices as well as cooperative relations between Albania and its neighbours. The continuation of the process of national reconciliation following the elections will be a prerequisite for defining the terms for international aid.

The EU expressed support and appreciation for the neutral and impartial way in which the Multinational Protection Force, in which several EU Member States participate, is carrying out its tasks in accordance with the relevant UNSC resolutions, in close cooperation with the Albanian authorities. xh/sh/

[12] AGREEMENT ON ARMED FORCES SIGNED BETWEEN ARMY GENERAL STAFFS OF ALBANIA AND TURKEY

The protocol was signed for the Albanian party by Major General Baki Sheshi whereas for the Turkish party by Major General Erain Yllmaz.

The signing of the Protocol of Assistance and Cooperation for the Armed Forces is made in the context of the emergent needs for restructuring of the Albanian Army and the Partnership for Peace. This document is based on the agreements for cooperation in the military fields reached between the Republic of Albania and the Republic of Turkey.

Attending the signing ceremony also were the chief of the Albanian Army General Staff, General Adem Copani.

The military delegation of Turkey had a meeting with the Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Albanian Army, Major General Armand Vincani. jz/xh/sh/

[13] PRESIDENT BERISHA TAKES PART IN ELECTORAL MEETING OF DP IN SHKODER

"I have come to wish you from my heart victory of Shkoder and of entire Albania on June 29," said Albanian President Sali Berisha, addressing those present in the meeting. "This will be the triumph on the terror and communist rebellion, which are terrorizing in southern zones for four months now."

"We promise you that, within 75 days we shall restore order and peace which is so much demanded by Albanians. Yesterday in Lushnje, terrorist forces hit Lushnje people, but the democrats did not leave. Therefore I appeal to you to vote also for Gjirokaster, Saranda, Vlore which are being terrorized by gangs in the south," said Berisha.

He presented before participants in the rally the candidates of the Democratic Party for deputies in this district, Pjeter Arbnori, Ali Spahia, Ali Kazazi, Nard Noka, Ferit Hoti, Mark Kroqi, Valentin Balaj and Jozefina Topalli.

Those present were also addressed by DPA chairman Tritan Shehu, by Pjeter Arbnori, Azem Hajdari and the chairman of Albanian-American League, former U.S. congressman, Joseph Dioguardi. kled/xh/sh/

[14] DECLARATION OF ALBANIAN PM ON OCCASION OF PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS OF JUNE 29

The Government of National Reconciliation is today at the end of the mission for which it was created, it is on the verge of the June 29 elections. The voting will be decisive for the Albanian people, it will open a new page in Albania's history.

On June 29, the Albanian people in the North and the South, in the town and countryside, will return again to the sacred act of voting, the corner stone of the democratic society, of that society which we want to construct.

This date is for us, Albanians, vital because it must restore the lost faith through the free vote, the system which will ensure equality before the law. Precisely for this, I declare that June 29 is practically the day of national responsibility for the fate of Albania, for our fate and that of our children.

The elections on Sunday are our single hope for the restoration of peace, calmness, elimination of hatred on party emotional and regional basis.

On this occasion, I remind you that these polls mark not the solution of all the problems, but the beginning of their solution, the possibility to exert the will not through violence and self-trial but through the free vote.

In these elections we enjoy the support of the international community, which through OSCE and other international organizations has undertaken an extraordinary effort to help Albanian democracy, to help the Albanian nation find the real road towards a European modern state.

The international observers beginning with those of OSCE, are in Albania to assist us and not to decide, they are to organize and make possible that Albanian policy, Albania enter the European family of the democratic and prosperous countries. This is an assistance of an international democratic family which demands and wishes that Albania too be a part of it. The world demands and supports peaceful elections, the massive expression of the sovereign will of the people in order that a clear future of a modern state be created and formed on the basis of the democratic way of voting.

Let us show the homeland that we love it, let us tell that we love peace, let us say to Europe that we deserve it.

All to the polls of June 29, for a normal and prosperous Albania, without arms, passion and victims," ends the declaration of Albanian Prime Minister. kled/xh/Z/

[15] MEETING OF SPECIAL GOVERNMENT COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS

According to PM's spokesman, attending the meeting also were the the Interior Minister, Belul Celo, Finance Minister Arben Malaj, State Secretary in the Interior Ministry Lush Perpali and others.

The meeting discussed the problems that have emerged over the preparatory process of elections. In this context, those present in the meeting analysed a complaint of the candidate for deputy Shaqir Vukaj, who demanded that the commission see the possibility of transferring some polling stations in Malesi e Madhe from private homes to 8 form schools. After discussions, it was decided that this demand be met.

The meeting stressed the fact that if there were other cases like that in Malesi e Madhe after immediate verification measures should be adopted on the basis of the electoral law and the concrete situation.

Those present in the meeting approved the ballot and the protocol of the second round of the parliamentary general elections and the project which was adopted was sent to OSCE representatives in Tirane. kled/xh/sh/

[16] ELECTORAL RALLY OF PRESIDENT BERISHA IN DURRES

Berisha stressed that "we all must go to the polls and decide through the free vote the alternative of DP."

On June 29, said President Berisha to inhabitants of Durres, "you will not vote only for yourselves, but also for the people of Vlore, Gjirokaster, Saranda, etc who are experiencing the violence of the committees."

Berisha appealed to Durres citizens and all Albanians to vote against terrorism. jz/xh/Z/

[17] INSECURITY IN GJIROKASTER BEFORE ELECTIONS

The last incident was that which occurred yesterday at noon, when armed civilians kidnaped one of the leaders of the Greek minority organization, OMONIA, Theodhori Bezhani in return of a sum of money.

According to the chief of the police commissariat, Xhafer Xhoxhaj, after the denunciation by the son of Bezhani, police could identify the authors and their whereabouts. This is the second case of kidnaping after that of a 15 years old girl.

Two people killed by firearms, 7 wounded and other incidents which have taken place on the Kakavije-Tepelene road, caused mainly by criminal gangs, make difficult the electoral process on Sunday, says a local leader of a right wing party.

In the mean time, leaders of the left coalition say that although the situation is not normal, the electoral process for June 29 polls has been possible in that district. jz/xh/Z/

[18] CONSTITUTIONAL COURT DECIDED VOTING HOURS FROM 7 A.M. TO 6 P.M.

This court considers without constitutional basis the request of the Council of Ministers to recognize the Central Election Commission the right to determine the voting hours.

CEC is an administrative structure and as such has no competence to make amendements to the legal provisions or to fix norms which run counter to the laws in force.

Taking into account the state of factic and judicial emergency Albania is in, due to the terror and crimes carried out by armed groups and gangs in some of its zones, taking into account the difficulties emerging before the public order forces and the multinational forces to secure the polling process, especially in the evening, taking into account the impossibility of CEC and electoral subjects to guarantee the course of the voting until 9 p.m. and in order to better guarantee and the right to vote be freely exerted, the Constitutional Court reached the conclusion that the application of Article 64 of the law on elections be annulled only in the part where the opening and closing hours of the voting are determined (8 a.m. until 9 p.m.) and the beginning of the work by election commissions of the polling stations at 7 a.m.

Hence this Constitutional Court judged that in the concrete case the voting hours must be set by this court.

The voting in the elections of June 29, 1997, including a possible second round of polls, begins at 7 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m.

On the election day, the election commissions of the polling stations start work at 6 a.m.

The decision is final and enters into force immediately. xh

[19] 3500 ALBANIAN EMIGRANTS HAVE COME HOME FROM GREECE FOR JUNE 29 ELECTIONS

The chief of the police commissariat Xhafer Xhoxhaj told ATA that the movement on the national Kakvije-Gjirokaster road has been put under the control of police.

In the mean time, there are hundreds of emigrants in front of the customs' house who are following the procedure for the one month permit.

According to emigrants, the Greek police have not made any exception regarding these permits, and they have offered such permits even for the Albanians who do not have the right for legal stay in Greece. jz/xh/Z/

[20] INSECURITY IN GJIROKASTER BEFORE ELECTIONS

The last incident was that which occurred yesterday at noon, when armed civilians kidnaped one of the leaders of the Greek minority organization, OMONIA, Theodhori Bezhani .

According to the chief of the police commissariat, Xhafer Xhoxhaj, after the denunciation by the son of Bezhani, police could identify the authors and their whereabouts. This is the second case of kidnaping after that of a 15 years old girl.

Two people killed by firearms, 7 wounded and other incidents which have taken place on the Kakavije-Tepelene road, caused mainly by criminal gangs, make difficult the electoral process on Sunday, says a local leader of a right wing party.

In the mean time, leaders of the left coalition say that although the situation is not normal, the electoral process for June 29 polls has been possible in that district. jz/xh/Z/

[21] DEMOCRATIC PARTY VOICES CONCERN FOR HINDRANCES MADE TO IT IN ITS ELECTORAL CAMPAIGN IN SOUTHERN ALBANIA

"We are worried for the situation in some parts of the country in the south, which are in the hands of the procommunist groups. It has been difficult for DP to carry out electoral campaign there," said in a news conference the DP Secretary General Genc Pollo.

Pollo illustrated before reporters the incidents in the south where SP secretary Ylli Vejsiu has been prevented to present the DP candidate in Tepelene in the constituency where Fatos Nano of SP is a candidate as well.

Pollo mentioned also the case of the SP secretary Leonard Demi who was beaten by some people who considered themselves members of the Salvation Committee in the presence of the communist colonel Xhevat Kociu, whom Nano was forced to make a telephone call to release Demi.

Pollo explained further on the incident in Lushnje yesterday.

Pollo said that the Central Election Commission and OSCE have been informed of these events. DP has signed the social pact which was signed by the socialists only in the Rome meeting, said Pollo.

"We will respect the decision by the international community and the appointed coordinators. In case we will lose, we shall be a constructive and loyal opposition," said Pollo. I would like to hear this also by SP leaders," he added.

Asked for the SP, SDP and DAP coalition, Pollo explained that that coalition is totally unstable. kled/xh/Z/.

[22] WITH THE FEELING OF RECONCILIATION ALL MUST SURRENDER ARMS TO VOTE - U.S. Ambassadress M Lino

To take part in democracy means to exert your right to vote," said Lino. Voting is the first fundamental step, the road through which the leaders are elected, the way how people show the politicians what must they do. If you do not vote it does not mean that the politicians serve badly, said Lino.

Democracy puts a heavier burden on the politicians of a country. I call on Albanian politicians to take part extensively in the polls, to respect the outcome of the free elections, to set down to work for the solution of the problems of Albania. They must set an example to the people, to put an end to quarrels and to work together for the benefit of the country.

"I would say that the International Community including the U.S. and all OSCE member countries has worked for whole months to ensure all Albanians that they will have the possibility to express their choice in the polling stations. The U.S. Government supports none of the parties and favours none in the Albanian policy. We support Albanian democracy, we would like to see that democracy will have success in Albania. We will help, but it is the responsibility of Albanian voters to take the first step by voting. Violence brings violence, and hatred brings only hatred. With the feeling of reconciliation, all must surrender arms to vote," ends the address of U.S. Ambassadress. jz/xh/

[23] FIGHTING BETWEEN RIVAL GROUPS IN CERRIK - Three dead and some wounded

From 4.30 a.m. until 6. 30, fighting took place between two rival groups, one of which from Elbasan. During the confrontation, three people, averagely 20 years of age, were killed and some others were wounded.

The confrontation was based on an old hatred between members of a Rom tribe, and occurred about 3 km from Cerrik town. Participating in the fight were about 100 people who used different kinds of arms against one another.

Since the police station in Cerrik does not function for about two months, indirect sources say that two other people had died because of grave wounds.

Sources of Elbasan police station say that "the local gang of the farm" may be the author of scores of plunders made recently on the Cerrik-Belsh road. xh/

[24] DP HOLDS CLOSING RALLY OF ELECTORAL CAMPAIGN IN TIRANE

The rally was opened by the DP chairman for Tirane, Shaban Memia, who said that "June 29 will be the day of democracy."

"Citizens of Tirane, on June 29 you together with Albanians throughout Albania will vote for youselves, for your children, for their hopes and future, you will vote for Albania's integration in Europe" said Berisha.

Further on he said that "the entire youth of Albania, the youth who will not accept the destruction of the country, will vote for DP on June 29. Albanians will vote for free elections and not for (salvation) committees, they will vote for cooperation and undertanding and not for boycott," added Berisha.

In his address, the chairman of the Albanian Democratic Party Tritan Shehu said that "Tirane will vote for us and not for rebellion."

The chairman of the Presidency of the People's Assembly, Pjeter Arbnori, promised that the new governnment will restore peace and crush down rebellion. The chairman of the DP branch for Vlore, Argent Grabova brought the greetings of the entire democratic people of Vlore.

"We must vote in the name of life. We must not be deceived by the slogans of the stalinist type," said Grabova.

Those present were also addressed by the Mayor of Tirane, Albert Brojka, DP Secretary General Genc Pollo, the leader of the student movement in 1991, Azem Hajdari and the president of the Miners Trade Unions, Gezim Kalaja. kei/xh

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