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IN FOCUS By Neritan Alibali The Prime Minister of Albania, Mr Ilir Meta, will soon pay an official visit to the Hellenic Republic ... nothing but an occupying army for Albania. The paradox continues further. The Greek state has drawn up ... the European Convention on the Rights of Minorities calls Albania to account, even though it has signed this Convention. In Greece. Naturally, this visit is welcome, because good relations with neighbouring countries should be one of the priorities of Albania’s foreign policy, regardless of which political forces are in power. Nevertheless, public opinion is doubtful as to whether relations with Greece are developing on the basis of reciprocity, equality and dignity, or on the basis of inferiority and clientelism. Experience has shown that our politicians in power have been all too compliant with every kind of request made by the other side, even when those requests have been excessive. No one can deny the fact that, because of both old and recent history, there are great mutual suspicions in relations between Albania and Greece. It is the responsibility of the political classes of both countries, with goodwill and great effort, to turn suspicion into trust. Nevertheless, it must be said that the Prime Minister of Albania is travelling to Greece, a country where the state of war with Albania remains in force. The paradox of this situation is made even more complete by the fact that 200 Greek soldiers are currently in Albania. As a consequence of the Greek law of war still in force, this military contingent is, in effect, further. The Greek state has drawn up a National Plan for the development of the region, under which a considerable sum of money will be invested in an “enemy” country such as Albania, with which the Greeks are at war. Greece is considered a democratic country, where freedom and human rights are the foundations of current Greek legislation. Nevertheless, the right to property, one of the basic human rights, continues to be trampled upon. Greece refuses to recognize the property of the Cham people. But the Greek Government and political establishment must understand that, whether they like it or not, the property of the Chams in Greece exists and must be returned to its lawful owners. The Prime Minister of Albania must raise this issue forcefully with Greek officials, fully convinced that he is not violating a taboo, but demanding one of the universally enshrined human rights. Greece has never expressed satisfaction with the treatment of the Greek minority in Albania. It must be said that Albanians have treated minorities as brothers. And not only has Albania done everything possible to meet the highest international standards for the treatment of minorities; it has succeeded in doing so. But the paradox lies in the fact that a country such as Greece, which has so far refused to sign to account even though Albania has signed this Convention. In this regard, it should be underlined that Greece is the only theist country in Europe, a fact that has created considerable problems in its relations with International Institutions. In any case, the problems between the two countries must be resolved with goodwill and understanding. We highly value the European standards upheld by prominent Greek politicians, who are making praiseworthy efforts to bring about a more enlightened mentality in Greece. But both sides, Albanian politics as well as Greek politics, must be convinced that without clearing away the stains of the past in our relations, we will not have a future we can trust. Mr Ilir Meta must be sincere about going to Greece as the Prime Minister of a country that knew how to cope with the greatest European crisis since the Second World War, the conflict in Kosovo; that sheltered, fed and protected 500,000 Kosovars deported by the Serbian regime; that knew how to take part in a battle and raise its voice with dignity to claim its rightful place in the shared victory against a dictatorship; and that knows how to contribute to peace, democracy and prosperity in our region. If the Prime Minister is not mindful of all this, the paradoxes in Albanian-Greek relations will continue.

P. 10 G-8 criticizes Russia

The Democratic leader, Zef Bushati, opened the doors of his party to Prime Minister Ilir Meta yesterday, going beyond the expectations of his colleagues in “Union for Democracy.” Bushati appears to have begun talks with the head of the Albanian Executive about the modalities for the PDK’s participation in the anti-corruption commission at expert level, without wanting to damage relations with the grouping’s “umbrella,” the PD. Meanwhile, the Democrats insist that they will not take part in the Government Anti-Corruption Commission proposed by Prime Minister Meta, declaring that they will engage only in a parliamentary commission. The leaders of the other parties making up the political grouping around the PD have also come out against this government commission, but this has not stopped Bushati from embarking on his “adventure” into anti-corruption. Berisha’s ally in the political grouping “Union for Democracy,” Zef Bushati, after having received (Continued on page 5)

Today, at 11 a.m., at the Central Headquarters, the PR Presidency will hold a press conference.