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IN FOCUS Albania-Greece relations, the paradoxes continue By Nurjan Albani The Prime Minister of Greece, Mr. Simitis, on an official visit in Athens, held important meetings with senior officials of the Albanian government. As has been officially stated, the talks focused especially on the issue of migration, the current situation in Kosovo, and the dialogue between Athens and Tirana for solving the small pending problems. These meetings with Mr. Simitis seem to have been removed from a dual backdrop, which is shaped by two different messages, fundamental in the evolution of the orientation of Albanian foreign policy. The left-wing power in Albania, despite official statements about normal economic and human exchange, seems to have tried more to shift high-level meetings toward a political normality in favor of Greece. There is a public suspicion that every diplomatic operation of the current government has taken care not to touch those hidden interests against which no one has dared to speak out. This may also explain the fact that in official meetings with the Greek prime minister there has been no clear and direct reaction regarding the issues that have publicly become the subject of discussion in both democratic countries. Where were the long memorandums placed and negotiated? What is the reason for the sudden change in tone with the Greek side? Can a relationship be called strategic if it is based on silence over matters of our national right? Democratic leaders, widely respected in domestic and international opinion, have clearly stated that the normalization of Albanian-Greek relations must be linked to equal standards, respect for our identity, and the solution of all inherited problems. The behavior of the current government seems to be wavering between formal servility and weak rhetoric. Instead of strongly demanding the rights of Albanian emigrants in Greece, securing the return of the property of Albanian communities, raising the unresolved border issues at the table, and demanding reciprocal standards for minorities, it settles for general statements and official photographs. This is unacceptable for any political force that aims to defend national interests. If the Albanian government truly seeks to build a lasting relationship with Greece, it must do so on the basis of a clear state platform. Good words and protocol meetings are not enough. Sincerity, reciprocity, and political courage are needed. Without these, any rapid rapprochement remains fragile and any official optimism remains propaganda. ( continues on page 8 )

By Jui Pirrti[?] The cryptic proposal made by Prime Minister Meta, declaring that angharë[?] in rio konstatamanari[?] also leaders of political parties. Berisha and PSp[?] other government of the slain group. This word, the chairman of the PD, has involved the government and the police. The title of "government" in general has increased the government confusion, but it also matches his "avernitur" government up to anti-corruption. Berisha's Akat, with job removal from the people, is a turning point. "Mr. Berisha has worked" - said Prime Minister Meta. ( continues on page 10 ) P. 10 G-8 criticizes Russia

Godo: The Constitution and private property in Albania P. 3 Pollo meets with Ambassador Limprecht P. 3 Thaçi: Kosovo is safe for everyone P. 4

Today, at 11 o’clock, at the Headquarters, the Presidency of the PR holds a press conference.