Arben IMAMI Albania is going through a democratic “test”. Albania’s friends insisted that the political forces return to respect for institutions. On the other hand, the protagonists of the Kosovo crisis have devoted considerable attention to Albania in recent days. Assists from military aid and strengthening of public security and the anti-corruption network, thanks also to their experience, are becoming part of the debate and of the recommendations made in recent days. However, the losers are clear: all responsibility falls on those governing. On Prime Minister Majko and his government. But the greatest responsibility lies with the one who represents the Albanian state, with the government and the majority in general. Stunning corruption, rampant clientelism, bribes in ministries and state offices have brought public administration to paralysis. The irresponsibility of officials, the lack of control and the use of power for narrow party interests have severely undermined the rule of law. In every sector of public life, a spirit of personal gain is visible. Land, construction, tenders, the administration, taxes, customs, and even recruitment have become part of a broad scheme of abuse. Senior officials are protected politically, while citizens face poverty, insecurity and a lack of hope. The situation is worsened by propaganda and the attempt to hide the truth. Albanians are sincerely perceptive enough to be aware that this government is in the final throes of moral and political discredit. Citizens demand standards, legality and accountability. They want institutions that serve, not power that steals. Yet instead of reforms we have spectacle, instead of transparency we have closure, instead of the state we have arrogance. The opposition has the duty to speak clearly and forcefully, to denounce, to demand accountability and to offer an alternative. Otherwise, corruption will continue to eat away at the state from within and society will remain hostage to a greedy minority.

Mediu: The US is concerned about conflicts in Albania p. 3 Pollo: Not repeal, but improvement of the Land Law p. 3 Rugë: Majko’s ministers, servile to the socialists [?] leadership [?] p. 6

Settling of accounts sheds blood in Vlorë p. 2 One killed, three injured Tritan Shehu: “Abandon the iderinë” p. 2 Transparency of the pyramids passes to the next government p. 6 Prostitution ring dismantled p. 8 p. 10

“From the Prime Minister’s spokesman, yesterday’s statement by the Pact supervisor can, of course, be used as a term. I, with devoted words, dedicate it to the democrats.”

25 July 1999 winners draw 50,000 lekë (in letters) TELE-BINGO: 9208 69 7,000,000 lekë (in letters) www.albafon.com

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