Politics at the concert Dj Bobo

By Arben Llazi Is there room for the possible rebirth of politics and, sometimes, morality? In today's Albania, politics has a very hard time being reborn, dangerous as it is. Those were times when serious politicians tried to build a culture of communication and respect some unwritten ethical laws. Is there room for the possi- ble rebirth of politics and sometimes morality? In present-day Albania, where politics has become very hard to revive, even as a mist that no longer stems from its natural environ- ment, dialogue and under- standing between the par- ties take on the guise of a luxury that is both heavy and equally elusive. A vague and hardened fatherland between power and opposi- tion, the most meaningful example of a self-resigna- tion of politics from words and calls remains the un- ending race of insults and even misunderstandings, in thought and surely by seeking more than it has ever been put through. It is enough here to re- member what the unpub- lished meeting of the for- mer head of government was in order to resume the talks with the former de- fense minister and former chief of staff, almost lead- ing to the strain of a coop- eration of all the parties in- volved. A meeting left un- clear, like the likeness that replaces it, or like a mes- sage interrupted in midair, while its ending remains unresolved. If political elites have ever been ready to avoid con- flict, it seems they have done so only in difficult mo- ments, in extraordinary cir- cumstances, and not as a lasting philosophy of be- havior. Albanian politics still suffers from the lack of a public ethic that would make it possible to respect the opponent, recognize the legitimacy of the other, and follow the minimal rules of the game. Instead, emo- tions, immediate interests, and narrow calculations of- ten clash, turning the pub- lic arena into a field where words are used more to strike than to persuade. In such a climate, the re- signation of politics is not a formal act, but a condition felt every day: in the lack of trust, in the inability to build consensus, and in the tendency to see the other not as an opponent but as a دشمن. This is perhaps the greatest drama of the tran- sition: politics gives up on itself precisely when soci- ety needs it most. Continues on page 4

Interview: Mr. Codo Komneni on the new political realities Interview: Mr. Codo Komneni new political realities The wall of minds has still not been torn down • Law 7501, the test case for coop- eration among opposition forces • The coalition has not solved any of the fundamental problems P. 2

Mediu: Albanian politics should give up its preference for a "leader" PAGE 5

Zala: Majko, Thaçi's guest; the meeting with Rugova, normal P. 5

Zëri: Majko-Rugova, rea- dy for the next bombshell those in power or the lost ones P. 5

The names of state officials linked to crime are revealed P. 6

The first phase of money laundering in banks has been completed P. 6

The top of the clandestine trafficking network is being dismantled P. 9

The Prosecutor's Office moves in a closed circle P. 2

Ohine Albania www.albaniaonline.net P. 2