03/02/1998
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Republika

3 February 1998

Wages — Government Agreement with the Mafia

The entire machinery of today’s power seems to be concentrated in a very small space: politics, the economy, social life, Janullatos’s beast, and the Mafia. Their components are there to politicize all the disputes that make up the opposition. This square has turned into a theater stage where, from morning till night, the protagonists of a tragedy act: the people, government officials, murderers and gangs, servants and masters. All possible events unfold here, all the events embodied at every step and in every movement, in the symbols of everyday life. Government officials and politicians reveal their inferiority every day. State power seeks to rule over spiritual power. The people look on, disillusioned, trapped and kept in chains by the weapon of false authority. Meanwhile, the Albanian world feels enclosed, [unclear], by prearranged [unclear] that also include within themselves the “internal enemy.” It is a scenario that seems as though it will never end, full of innuendo, symbols, inventions, visible and invisible hierarchies, and almost unbearable tension. The situation we are experiencing is undoubtedly an autobiography of the political forces. Above all, the leaders of the PD and PS are careful not to upset the Mafia. They are ready to overshadow all the financial scandals or anti-national crimes in which they have been implicated together. The PS is loudly proclaiming that it is favoring Continued on page 3

Foreign Intelligence Services in the Government

On the brink of war in Kosovo. Macedonia is fearful. Tirana: We will not remain indifferent Foreign Intelligence Services in the Government SHIK sends a signal. Prosecution: Files on government officials who have been abroad. They have collaborated with the Mafia. Investigations also concerning Pashko President Meidani refuses a salary of 1.2 million Page 4

FATMIRI WAGES Cartoon showing two people pushing a large circle; the labels “FATMIRI” and “WAGES” appear beside the figures.

Bezhani identifies the spies. One is ready to resign. The other is aggressive

Page 2

Rexhep Qosja: Berisha privatized the state. Meksi and Arbnori were puppets

Page 14

The Italian investor’s murder as a robbery is called into question

Page 2

NOTICE

“Republika” informs vendors in the districts that it will not accept returns exceeding 10%

Inside:

The budget is stitched together in Parliament Angjeli gives Ermelinda Meksi and Gaqo Apostoli a dressing-down Malaj denounces Ali-Muçaj Papa searches for “Grunasi” Page 9 From Godo’s visit to Germany: Albania will get a Constitution Balli freezes the alliances Pollo secures 10 signatures in Strasbourg against Nano Page 3 Culture: Inva Mula back in Hollywood Swiss foundation—a chance for Albanian students Sports: Altin Çela on his way to “Grand Master” Pages 13, 15