Serbia is preparing aggression against Albania. Army: Declaration of war is a matter of hours Lino calls at the Ministry of Defense. Closed-door meeting with Hajdaraga and Andoni. The Navy is also put on alert. Rugova: I am coming to Tirana.

p. 4

Mediu: The absence of the state is punishing Albanians. The PS has failed; Albania is at a crossroads pp. 3–6

Gaqo Apostoli is accused of forgery p. 5

By Mesila DODA When, one day in the spring of 1997, the tragedy occurred in which the “i katërti i Radës,” a vessel loaded with women and children, sank in the Strait of Otranto, analyses by the world’s political commentators questioned Italian foreign policy and even called it an outright political failure. It was precisely the moment when international armed forces were to enter Albania, and command of this force had been entrusted to Italy. In a way, this also reaffirmed Italian supremacy in Albania and in the area designated as its sphere of influence, in a sense granted as a reward for everything Italy had done for Albania and the Albanians after 1990. At last, it seemed that an economic power such as Italy could also become a giant in foreign policy. But the fact is that, at every decisive moment, Italy adopts the stance of the eternal little girl, who never knows which side of the victor to take or how to calculate according to the direct reach of its influence. Thus, the Otranto tragedy once again called Italy’s foreign policy into question. Later, embarrassed and burdened by a sense of guilt, Italy chose a different stance toward the Albanians, but had lost much standing in the eyes of international politics, to the point that even the leadership of Operation “Alba” came up for discussion. The same scene is being repeated now, as the hour of war rings at the gates of the Balkans. What is the stance of our dear and powerful neighbor? In tolerance Continued on page 3

Nano reconciles the Czech woman with Pashko p. 5 The PR celebration brings everyone together. Berisha meets Dokle p. 3 The Vlora “Çausi” returns to court. Witnesses, all in Zani’s favor. Tirana deputy prosecutor leaves p. 2 Strike in Education: primary and secondary school students boycott classes p. 8 Crime takes over Shkodër. The Alibali brothers are killed p. 9 Theater: We will not perform unless we meet with Majko p. 14 Football — Tirana, the first team to reach the Cup quarter-finals p. 15