The crisis returns; the Democrats and their allies walk out of the Commission. Everts under accusation The season of strikes begins: in Kavaja, a strike against the police; 300 nurses in Korçë barricade themselves over their diplomas; the Shkodër Student Union goes on strike over food

By Arben ILIAZI The culture of war in Albania is felt even in peacetime. It is practiced by all sides of the political spectrum and makes the electorate feel in conflict even with itself. International organizations that have been operating for several years, the most important of which is the OSCE, have worked to instill the belief that tolerance and dialogue can bring hope and help avert violence, especially psychological violence. But the core of their mission has not been fulfilled. In different political contexts, conflicts are unavoidable, and the culture of war prevails over the institutional rules of democracy. The constitutional process marks a new worsening of the political status quo. At an unexpected pace, everything became over-politicized and took on violent dimensions. The opposition is chiefly to blame. It should have been more tolerant and more civilized toward the opposition’s objections. On the contrary, its propaganda unfolded against a confrontational backdrop and left no room for an exchange of views. The government, generally speaking, also undermined the efforts. Continued on page 3

Illustration: Medi Beloriaja

Psychological violence kills hope

Page 2 Albania - Greece, 0:0 Well done, lads! This too is a victory p. 15 $2,000 "take" Kadarene to Gjirokastër p. 13 Kosovo, between Serbia and Yugoslavia p. 11