TRAGEDY They had set out for kindergarten as they did every morning Grandmother killed along with her 4-year-old grandson Page 5

EDITORIAL Albania’s servility betrays the Kosovars Whenever the subject turns to how our politics behaves—more precisely, how the politicians who conduct it deal with foreign organizations, states, and even individuals (whether or not they hold an important position)—most Albanians can find no other word to use but “servility.” This is so true that even every “sneeze” that is not uttered in Albanian has become a point of reference, as we seek solutions, even going so far as to strip them of the right to punish crime because of the allergy in European chancelleries to the death penalty; and our unconditional acceptance of every condition imposed on us to see things not with our own eyes, but through the imagined perspective of the interests of those who visit this country’s hotels at most twice a year; even advice on how to grow grapes, or on the prisons and numerous punishments that continue to be imposed on Albanians in the remaining territory of Serbia; and even the requests and refusals to restore relations with Serbia, for precisely these reasons, while voting elsewhere to bring the post-Milošević people into the great European family—this is more than servility, while even calling it betrayal is an understatement. Normally, we should now leave the OSCE, since we have refused to establish bilateral contacts with Serbia. Nevertheless, the excuse is ready in this case too: That is what Europe wanted. They cannot find anything else to say except reference for seeking solutions, even for problems known only to Albanians, of which those who live outside this country have no idea even exist. In any case, everything can be forgiven for the sake of “respect.” Even condemning Albanians to live alongside crime, one is made to see things not through our own eyes, but through the eyes of the imagination shaped by the interests of those who at most twice a year stay in this country’s hotels; even advice on how to plant grapes or potatoes, and so on. But for things to go so far that we even forget ourselves, the sacrifices we made by taking bread from our own table and our children’s to feed the Kosovars driven out by Serbian violence a year ago,

45 bullets took the 35-year-old’s life New lead: Contract killing by an enemy Today, “Republika” publishes the dates of the competitions and the admission quotas for new correspondence courses Page 15 45 bullets took the 35-year-old’s life INVESTIGATION 30 testimonies in the file on the murder of Sul Dema New lead: Contract killing by an enemy Page 7

Production: 9 million kWh; consumption: 17 million The situation has once again become extremely alarming. Our country produces only 9 million kilowatt-hours of electricity, while current needs are twice as high, namely 17 million kilowatt-hours. On the other hand, the high-capacity international import lines normally allow only 5 million kilowatt-hours to be imported per day. Winter is approaching, and the need for energy is growing. According to a senior official at the Ministry of Public Economy and Privatization, in December and January, based on last year’s experience, around 22 to 23 million kilowatt-hours per day will be needed, while maximum production in our country has traditionally been 16 million kilowatt-hours. Page 3

Albania backs Yugoslavia’s admission to the OSCE Nano invokes Hoxha’s era to justify the Albanian ambassador in Vienna’s vote in favor of admitting the former Yugoslavia to the OSCE. Thus, the leader of the majority himself acknowledges that the Socialist Party supported the admission of the former Yugoslav Federation to the OSCE and even supports the action of the Albanian ambassador in Vienna. The leader of the SP, Fatos Nano, stated yesterday to “Republika” that the Albanian ambassador’s vote. Page 2

Crime and laws frighten foreign investors Foreign direct investment in our country is in a dismal state. This is shown by official statistics from the Bank of Albania, according to which these investments are 43 percent lower than before 1997. To create a climate of confidence for foreign investors in Albania, donors have recommended establishing a special agency. Page 9

Shot at in a burst of gunfire in the city center. The motives for the crime have not yet been established A burst of gunfire in the city center. Another police officer is killed. The motives for the crime have not yet been established. Page 8

Special Report . The false symbols of Tirana Municipality. Pages 12–13