Republika
E Diel, 19 Dhjetor 1999
SHOULD META GO TO ATHENS?
IN FOCUS
SHOULD META GO TO ATHENS?
By Timo Mërkuri
What exactly gives rise to the good relations between Albania and Greece, based on mutual interest and necessity and on mutual assistance on both sides? In response to such a question, asked on a television program by a diplomat accredited in Tirana, Mr. Pavli Vula in fact confirmed with a smile: "Why, so that President Moisiu can hear the very same messages he gave in Greece?" It is true that such views are increasingly circulating more often and more openly in public opinion not only in Greece, but also in Albania. All the concerns that surface in the analyses start with the office of the prime minister and his cabinet. Enough of scandal after scandal and minister-after-minister? What has come from the government in recent months has crossed every limit, to the point that the question arises whether governance is turning into rule that is irresponsible and uninfluenced by the public interest. In the case of Albanian-Greek relations, this manifestation of governance seems even clearer. If one were asked to describe the state of these relations in a single sentence, it could be this: a silent decline in trust and seriousness in political communication between the two countries. Albania has approached Athens with grand declarations, while Greece has expected greater restraint, institutional respect and continuity in positions. For this reason, the question of whether Mr. Meta should look to Athens is more than a political metaphor; it is evidence of an approach that is consuming diplomatic capital.
(Continues on page 6)
- I am the owner!
Albali: We are open to fighting corruption
P.3
Albright to the Serbs: You must hold free elections
P.4
How Bushati secured Meta's invitation
P.5
The commissions, a "trap" to silence the opposition
The commissions
"trap" to
silence the
opposition
P.7
Criminal prosecution for two directors
Criminal
prosecution
for two
directors
P.3
Gazidede, after 40 days in prison
Gazidede,
after 40
days
in prison
P.2
The association "Pronesi me Drejtesi" at the Venice Commission
Association "Pronesi"
with Justice"
at the Venice
Commission
P.7
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