The phone call that triggered the bloodbath in Cërrik casts suspicion on a senior politician Two days ago, Tirana’s chief of police accused the minister of stealing money through his men Klosi of SHIK draws Majko and Meidani into the dispute P. 4

A week of negotiations and no concrete result. Rambouillet is causing uncertainty, as international diplomacy slides into a vacuum. The talks have stalled precisely because Milosheviçi still does not believe NATO’s demands. The Serbs hope to use the Rambouillet conference as well to continue their strategy of violence and ethnic cleansing. They are playing the blackmail card. Serbian President Milan Milutinoviç declared that if NATO attacks, “blood will be shed in the courts.” This is open pressure on the international community. When opportunism does not work, the Serbs resort to authoritarianism. This is because NATO’s military threats have still not been clearly specified. The Rambouillet conference should take place after air strikes, like Dayton for Bosnia. Now Milosheviçi considers himself an angel, immune from war. Indeed, he continues to perpetrate even more brutal violence in Kosovo. The Contact Group will meet today in Paris to decide whether to extend the deadline for the talks. February is paying the price for the clashes Milosheviçi has repeatedly provoked against the Albanians through the use of force. This gives Milosheviçi more time. This conclusion is also borne out by the West’s previous actions. What must be done urgently Continued on page 3

Fadil Kraja: The Can Collector, Gazmend Muka: The Bell, Spielberg—The Man Who Recreates War, Dionis Bubani: Humor prolongs your life and does not take it away, Medi Belortaja: Waiting for Rambouillet In the Sunday Supplement. Fadil Kraja: The Can Collector, Gazmend Muka: The Bell, Spielberg—The Man Who Recreates War, Dionis Bubani: Humor prolongs your life and does not take it away, Medi Belortaja: Waiting for Rambouillet

The press, an alibi for the incompetence of government officials The witch hunt against journalists is back. “Republika” has once again been placed at the center of government lawsuits. Following an article focusing on the unjustified expenses of the current government’s leaders, and specifically Deputy Prime Minister Ilir Meta, the latter has boldly taken the matter to court, whereas it would have been less troublesome Page 7

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By Ferdinand RADI This article, which I wrote in a fit of inspiration as usual and in a bad state of mind, forced me to put aside the comedy I have in hand and deal with the absurdities of the Ministry of Culture. I have four days available to finish it and two more to Page 19

Owners give the Government an ultimatum Base of petty traffickers uncovered Pages 2, 16

How would politicians propose to girls on Valentine’s Day? P. 9

NAMIK DOKLE Say the world has fallen asleep Say, down with the referendum Say Nano has left But in bed, don’t sleep without me SKËNDER GJINUSHI Say the world is a grave Say you are not the chairman If the party were an equation Vlora would be the love of the unknown SALI BERISHA You, perfection of womanhood Listen to what the heart doctor says I’ll be waiting for you after work At Saturday’s rally BASHKIM FINO You, light of the city I am no longer head of state Stop, you girl from Tirana I’m in that line of work too PJETËR ARBNORI I, who have spent my life In a prison-cell stance Will either put you in the prison of my heart Or go on hunger strike