Scandal erupts: state officials involved in smuggling with Montenegro

Vehbi Alimuçaj home soon Page 8 The military prosecutor accuses Brojka: “He threw me out onto the street out of spite for the General, because I signed the arrest warrant”

The West’s message to Kosovo: If you want independence, fight!

On Wednesday, 24.06.1998, three events took place, which make up three components of a single message. First: U.S. State Department spokesperson James Rubin said that they would like the Kosovo Liberation Army to be under Rugova’s political control. This message means that America wants the complete institutionalization of Kosovo’s structures. At the same time, this message concerns both sides: the KLA, which should identify itself politically, and Ibrahim Rugova, who, if he does not want to be a fictitious President, should put himself at the head of the war. Second: NATO Secretary General Javier Solana received Ibrahim Rugova. Rugova requested NATO intervention, but Solana replied that in such a case there was no reason to act for Kosovo. Solana’s message is clear: If you want independence, fight! Continued on page 4

Official comedy: INSIG has two directors, one Malaj’s, the other Nano’s. The law and the lawless sit side by side.

Bun-do: My conflict with Malaj is like Berisha’s with Brozi. I’m waiting for the Prime Minister to return. I can’t reach an agreement with Malaj; he threatens me.... Continued on page 9

“Republika”: two pages from France ’98 World Cup

The “heroes” of Iran are subdued; the German machine does not falter. The Mexicans—here comes the sombrero dance. The Belgians cry too; Clemente: I am disappointed. The Bulgarian coach withdraws. FIFA imposes sanctions. The Scandinavians go from modest outsiders to contenders. Norway, which bit Brazil, could go far. Could go far. Today’s schedule: Argentina–Croatia, Japan–Jamaica, Romania–Tunisia and Colombia–England Pages 14–15

The trial of Alimuçen, a soap bubble. Kanelopulos, VEFA’s guarantor Page 8

$500,000 bribe for M.Leka. The Shkodran millionaire withdraws

500 mijë dollarë rr ysh f et për M.Lekën. Tërhiqet milioneri shkodran

Inside

Draft Constitution ready in three days. European troika returns to Tirana for an inspection. Corruption is frightened by frightening names. DBSH candidate Zguri once again faces Shijak: It is the prelude to victory Page 3 Will Nano meet with the Serbian Prime Minister? Godo: It would be irresponsible. Islami and Fino: We know nothing. Rugova as commander-in-chief of the KLA? Page 4 Serbs kill two Albanians at the border. 65 million arrest the mine director. The “Gjebrea” scandal is settled for three hundred thousand lekë. Methyl alcohol pays 60 Proparma employees Page 2 Rinas closes its gates: Two South Africans are detained; three Moroccans, one Turk and one Pakistani are turned back. 30 people plus Havari are paid without working. They get drunk at the disco, are killed outside. Berisha’s guards cooperate with the General Prosecutor’s Office Pages 5–6

Gorbachev’s speech in Katowice, autumn 1986

- Let political parties of the left, the center and the right be created, but let them be controlled and directed by us, the communists. - The party that takes political power will curse communism from foundation to roof, so that we win the sympathy of the West. - Those who have been convicted and persecuted should be brought closer so that they support us, but we will not give them power, because they will seek revenge...