Former prime minister repeats from a minority position Page 3 EDITORIAL Lessons coming from Kosovo More than two months before the end of the new parliamentary session, the Albanian socialist government has begun intense activity in an area in which throughout this legislature it has been most careless: foreign policy. What is immediately noticeable in its priorities and rhetoric is that it seems to devote more attention to relations with Kosovo, somewhat leaving in the background both ties with other countries in the region, the orientation toward European integration, and efforts for cooperation in the field of freedoms and human rights in the region. At the same time, for better or worse, the relations of the Albanian government with the new administration in Kosovo are no longer those of the summer months, when Tirana’s role, especially in the period before the elections in Kosovo, was irreplaceable and strongly encouraged by various international organizations. It was also noted that the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Bujar Bukoshi, during his stay in Tirana, felt no need at all to pay any tribute to his political supporters. Likewise, it seemed that the Albanian government did not especially have in mind Ibrahim Rugova’s victory. Kosovo’s biggest ally has always been America, but in the future, with its relations with Tirana, it does not have the personal reasons to tremble before some statement of condolences or even before a somewhat cooler stance.

DARKNESS Albania is heading toward an economic catastrophe The IMF chief commissioner warns the Albanian government Page 7

Korçë, Bilbilen Zylfare, official total by Brunner, official of the Ministry of Public Order, the event that occurred at 11:00 on Friday is linked to the serious wounding of the citizen Shyqyri Xhafa. Korçë, in a difficult cold, crime has stamped its cruellest mark. On Friday night in the southeastern city, the unknown hand of a car-type vehicle took the life of 19-year-old Ilir Puka, while leaving his friend, Dritan Adili, dead. The serious घटना happened in neighbourhood no. 12, after 11:00 p.m. The victims were traveling on bicycles when a vehicle came out in front of them. From this vehicle, a burst of bullets caught the two boys by surprise. Dritan Adili, 22, was left dead on the spot, while Ilir Puka, 19, died while being taken to hospital. The victims’ relatives claim that the perpetrators of this criminal act were... Page 9

The theft happened in broad daylight Page 9 They were accused, the cashier, the victim of the crime

The number of black-market workers in Albania during the summer doubles and has doubled. While at the end of 1999, 73,000 illegal workers, according to a publication of the Institute of Insurance, at the end of ... employed in jobs outside the scheme. This year 2000, the increase in the number of workers in black. Official payments reach 26 percent. Page 11

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The operation against Iraqi bases is compromised Page 12, 13

For the construction of the perimeter walls of its branch in “Tirana”. Participation conditions: Those interested in official information and documents should contact the company offices in Tirana, at the security shop [?] near KOPS, until 10.11.2000. Tel/fax 042 23800 and 042 36180 Mob 0348234000