A multi-party round table, the only path to success The other parties can act as arbitrators and catalysts The meeting held yesterday between representatives of the Democratic Party and the Socialist Party is certainly a step toward establishing dialogue between the country’s political forces in an effort to restore faith in democracy. Above all, it is significant that this is the first time these two parties have sat at the same table to achieve a common goal. On the other hand, it may be viewed as an attempt to implement the instructions given by Europe in Strasbourg during the visit of the leaders of Albania’s political forces. It would be wrong to claim that the meeting was a success, and the truth is that after it ended, representatives of both sides made promising statements, but did not speak of any success in yesterday’s talks. [Figure: PJ and PD] [Text cut off at the bottom of the image: ...] Both parties, despite any differences they may have had, did not move from their initial positions. Thus, as was learned after the meeting, the leaders of the PD insisted on the idea of the Socialists returning to Parliament, as a step that would help overcome the impasse created in the country’s political life. But one thing

Understanding on the Kosovo issue

After the new immigration law The new law that has now come into force in Italy makes the dreams of those who choose the path of undocumented emigration far less attainable. For those caught entering Italian territory illegally, the law provides for a sentence of three months in prison, followed by repatriation. In addition, tens of thousands of Albanians living illegally in Italy without valid documents are expected to become the target of a relentless hunt by the Italian police. One of the articles of this law provides for a sentence of up to six months in prison for those caught without documents and, after imprisonment, repatriation. But very severe penalties are envisaged for those who facilitate the entry and accommodation of undocumented immigrants. The new Italian law is expected to increase the flow of people who will be repatriated to Albania. Meanwhile, another portion of foreign immigrants in Italy, including Albanians, will benefit from this law. Those who have lived in Italy for more than five years, regardless of how they entered, will gain the right to remain there and will be issued valid documents. The law also benefits those who have relatives in Italy, up to the fourth degree of kinship. Under this law, pregnant women without documents will also be granted the right to remain in Italy, as will children under the age of 16. As can be seen, the new Italian law on immigrants aims to curb the entry of undocumented immigrants and is directed above all against the category most likely to turn to crime. S.R

with Germany Ibrahim Rugova continued his visit to Germany yesterday. After meeting and holding talks with German Foreign Minister Kinkel, yesterday he was also received by, and held meetings with, the “Fridrih Herber” and “Kondrat Adenhauer” foundations. Yesterday, Rugova also held a press conference for foreign journalists. Its main thematic areas were: the official Kosovo Albanian position on resolving the Kosovo issue and the role Germany has played and has pledged to play in support of the Kosovo issue; the problem of returning to their homeland the refugees who came from the former Yugoslavia, most of whom are Albanians, and the conditions set out in the agreement for ensuring the political and financial security of those returning; as well as the significance and importance of yesterday’s meeting of politicians for Germany’s further involvement in efforts to accelerate the start of Albanian-Serb dialogue for a just and peaceful resolution of the Kosovo issue. Although German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel yesterday declared his support for expanded autonomy for Kosovo, the leader of Kosovo’s Albanians, Ibrahim Rugova, reaffirmed the Kosovo Albanian position that independence is the complete solution to the Kosovo issue. Rugova stated: “We see a better and neutral solution in an international civilian protectorate for Kosovo as a transitional phase. There is understanding on Kosovo, as Minister Kinkel and the others said. Naturally, Minister Kinkel, other European countries and the United States will also become involved; they have already been engaged in this direction. So far, Germany’s involvement has been at a good level.”

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