The PQ compromise, like a coffin after the harvest

Being at the head of a political party or even a grouping of parties does not mean at all that you are an expert in politics. Although it may sound somewhat vulgar, it must be accepted that politics is the art of compromise. After what happened in the elections of May 26, which certainly not only harmed all the country's political forces, with the exception of the PD, but also marked a real regression in the progress of democratic processes in the country. Nevertheless, for those who have a sense of responsibility, finding a compromise is an imperative duty; despite the circumstances that have arisen, it was neither impossible nor unacceptable. Page 2

BUSH arrives in Albania by sea

Yesterday the former American president spent several hours in Vlorë Unlike on previous occasions, yesterday Berisha shook hands with one of his friends not beside the aircraft stairs at Rinas Airport, but beside the yacht on the Ionian Sea shore in Vlorë. Former American President Geoge Bush, accompanied by his wife Barbara and former chief of Kolin Powell, spent several hours in Vlorë yesterday as a guest of President Berisha. According to official sources, among other things, the meeting discussed the political situation in Albania and, in particular, the situation in Kosovo. Berisha reiterated the Albanian view that resolving Kosovo's problems is one of the key points in resolving the crisis in the Balkans. Yesterday's meeting was Berisha's fourth meeting with Mr. Bush. Berisha met Mr. Bush as President of the USA in 1992. In 1994, Bush came on a private visit after the referendum on the Constitution. In 1996, during a visit to America, Berisha was Bush's guest at his villa.

Austria: Yes to the request for election observers

Arbnori's invitation to the Speaker of the Austrian Parliament, Mr. Fischer, to send an Austrian parliamentary delegation as observers at the June 16 elections has received a positive response. After discussion with the chairpersons of all parliamentary groups, it was agreed that a group of Austrian parliamentarians would observe the third round of elections in the 17 constituencies. Yesterday Austrian Chancellor Vranicki responded negatively to the invitation from the leaders of the Centre Pole to mediate over the irregularities observed in the May 26 elections.

Macedonia abolishes the death penalty in peacetime

The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) signed on Friday a protocol to the European Convention on Human Rights, abolishing the death penalty, it was learned from the Council of Europe (39 member states). FYROM has also signed the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture, the European Charter of Local Self-Government and three other protocols to the European Convention on Human Rights, the same source reported. The protocol abolishing the death penalty concerns capital punishment in peacetime.

150 poisoned by meat

KOSOVE It is suspected that the meat used for hamburgers at an establishment in Prishtinë led to the poisoning of 150 citizens. According to the source, those who fell ill have severe stomach cramps, and many are under medical observation at the hospital. The establishment has been closed, and an investigation into the matter is said to have begun.

ALL-CONSUMING PASSIONS:

With bad weather, we'll feel better... P. 6

People are distressed, the situation is very serious...

P. 4

CEC reminds the OSCE of the left opposition's withdrawal

VOTE P. 2

GERMANY: The government will not be swayed by street protests

GERMANY: The government will not be swayed by street protests

The “REPUBLIKA” newspaper, “Sami Frashëri” Street, near “Petro Nini Luarasi” High School, Tirana. Account No. BTK 986/110 Tel/Fax 259 88