27/08/1999
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Republika

27 August 1999

Milo: Diplomats, you must work to recognize the new reality in Kosovo

P. 5

Arbnori: Opponents must organize into groups; otherwise, we will do as the majority says

P. 5

Berisha in today’s PD and in tomorrow’s “statute”

Here are Berisha’s obsessions P. 5

Gjinushi fined for theft

P. 5

Why a storm in a teacup?

In Albania it has become fashionable for politicians to accuse one another of corruption, smuggling, trafficking, and [the text is unclear]—amid the turmoil and chaos, they have brought nothing to light. This is how the abuses of senior state officials were [unclear] ... it is understood that those in government took office only to engage in powerful business. The conclusion? The asset-control system did not work as a mechanism, and corruption de facto obtained a license. When the left came to power, they too came out with all guns blazing: “Mele for himself!” None ... those accused of cigarette smuggling, radioactive iron, bananas, etc. There has often been talk of checking the assets of senior state officials, but ... my goodness, just words, as Hamlet used to say. Even when the PD was in government, asset checks became nothing more than a formality. A state official, local or central, would go to the tax office and declare their income. Everything ended there. Albanians merely satisfied their curiosity when they learned that the country’s president, Berisha, had put aside 3 million lekë (old lekë), 3 million and 5. No further checks, no verification, not even of the suspects. [Unclear text] ... no other officeholder, including those close to the former president, even tried to declare part of their assets. Today, when many of them have withdrawn, they sleep alongside their businesses. “Mete for himself!” No checks on suspicious assets (even though they came out of the monstrous pyramid-scheme empire). Nano was not interested in making a show of anti-corruption, but began governing according to the Chinese theories that had accompanied him in Bënçë prison. He called for meritocracy, turning it in day-to-day practice into rewards for party militants. Meanwhile, highly dubious people who had attended to him while he was in prison were given special status to get rich quickly; so much so that when their trucks were stopped at Qafë Thanë and Kapshticë, emissaries were sent from Tirana to get them released. Nano did not dare declare war on corruption or fraud (also because he himself had deceived Albanians by promising them a 100% return of the money they had lost in pyramid schemes). Majko came to power somewhat timidly, but then comically drew his sword as he declared that he would punish all the corrupt. Indeed, before punishing the wicked, he pardoned them for the accusation that had been brought. Gjoni got scared. They were hardened, while [unclear] was still inexperienced. Continued on page 2

The border with Greece is closed

A new scheme to prevent Albanians from entering the Greek state P. 2

The Mafia has laundered 15

The Mafia has laundered 15

Majko’s supporters speak

P. 3 DBSH spokesperson: Before we [unclear: vëri - fikojmë] the assets, let us establish the institutions

37 politicians summoned to Court

P. 6

The Mafia has laundered 15 billion dollars

P. 10

Albanian customs officials rob merchants

P. 9

Prefects react to the Prime Minister

P. 3