Nafiz Bezhani opens a conflict with Majko: “I will take him to Parliament. He has appointed dubious people to the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Defense” Rift in the Government. Majko brings back Nano’s man; Meta objects after his adviser’s candidacy is rejected [Handwritten note: 1-22?] Berisha with tanks, Majko with a crane. Nafiz Bezhani opens a conflict with Majko: “I will take him to Parliament. He has appointed dubious people to the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Defense.” The Prosecutor’s Office declares Hajdin Sejdinë a collaborator of Alimuca. P. 6

Arben ILIAZI. The year we have left behind demonstrated not only a visible division and personalization of democracy, due to a sense of exclusion, but also an even deeper crisis of confidence. In the days of division, 1998 saw a mass exodus of citizens toward the shores of Italy. This is not a matter of a lack of patriotism, but of people caught amid chaos and misery, to such an extent that they did not dare celebrate New Year in their own homes. Many citizens, who represent disinterested love for their homeland, are leaving and will not return. They see hope nowhere, because it no longer exists on the soil either, which in their eyes has become a barren land, nor in national customs, nor in the laws or the lawmakers. In the lives of many Albanians, not only morality but also faith has been destroyed. Rights remain unguaranteed and restricted. First and foremost, Albanian citizens need dignity and well-being. We cannot have a stable democracy without providing a healthcare network for the poor, pensioners and the vulnerable, and without creating opportunities for food, education, healthcare and housing. In most democratic countries, a tax policy is pursued in which the rich pay more than the poor. In Albania, rec- [continues on p. 3].

A former serviceman waiting for the New Year. © M. Mazi

New Year, an old story. 8 children injured and 30 wounded on the last night of the year. Only Skrapari did not fire guns. Berisha sings “Lule-Borë” in Shkodër. P. 2. Vlorë — 50 bullets, three dead. In Fier, a grenade at Banka Tirana. He hangs himself at his brother’s house. P. 7. How I knew Kadri Roshi. P. 13. The shadow of war over the fragile ceasefire. Mass graves in Kosovo? OSCE begins investigations. Euro, eureka! P. 11–12.

Motion of no confidence in the Prime Minister; the Constitution saves the ministers. Coalitions announce changes. Government at war with Parliament. Meidani summons the ministers to a meeting. P. 3–5

Majko–Berisha, second meeting set. Ekrem Bardha: National interests above all. Godo, Albanian person of the year. Hope for political reconciliation fades. P. 4