Now that the Kosovo crisis has directly engulfed Albania as well, where thousands of Albanians in need have managed to flee the violence of Serbian military and paramilitary forces in its northern part. Without hesitation, this exodus of Albanians into Albania can be considered an event that is an axiom of military strategy, aimed at ethnic cleansing. All our information and analyses, hastily drawn from this information and closely consulted with our Western allies, compare the current conflict with pre-Bosnia. It is the same old tactic of attacking, from a distance, villages inhabited by defenseless civilians. From the Albanian state border, the artillery and air-force bombardments can easily be heard, often lasting for as long as 24 hours without interruption. To date, the figures speak of more than 20,000 Albanians from Kosovo displaced, most of them—13,000—in Albania, and the others in Montenegro. This population will continue to leave its homes until an international wave of intervention takes action. Along with its displacement, it is also exporting the conflict, bringing it to Albania, Montenegro and, why not, Macedonia as well. Without trying to hide that I felt some emotion, I can say that the conflict, even at its current scale, has devastating effects. Continued on page 2

A NATO aircraft checking its armament before takeoff (Photo: ANSA) A NATO aircraft checking its armament before takeoff (Photo: ANSA)

TIRANA — Meidani calls for action against the Serbs in Kosovo. “There is no more time to lose. Air strikes against Serbian military deployments in Kosovo, if the bloodshed and ethnic cleansing continue, will increase the chances of a realistic solution and an equilibrium acceptable to the parties,” the Albanian President declared. against the Serbs in Kosovo. “There is no more time to lose. Air strikes against Serbian military deployments in Kosovo, if the bloodshed and ethnic cleansing continue, will increase the chances of a realistic solution and an equilibrium acceptable to the parties,” the Albanian President declared. NATO has arrived; sounds of war in Albanian skies Among the 84 bombers, reconnaissance aircraft over the border TIRANA — Meidani calls for action the parties,” the Albanian President declared. Dj. 84 fighter aircraft to secure peace in Kosovo. NATO has demonstrated and given its answer to Milosheviç, in the operation codenamed “Determined Falco”. On page 3

BASHKIM GJERGJI Global news agencies and the state TV channel broadcast yesterday NATO’s operation in the airspace of our country and Macedonia, along the borders with the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Given the very grave situation in Kosovo and the situation in the north of the country, it is understandable that this show of force by the Western military machine should be seen on both sides of the borders with the hope that, unlike what happened before, the course of events during the Bosnian crisis will not be repeated. The West will move faster, without any hesitation in applying tough measures against the Belgrade regime. It is not difficult to understand the significance of this spectacular action at a moment when the Contact Group is deadlocked over taking further steps to resolve the Kosovo problem by peaceful means. The failure of the West’s efforts so far to achieve a concrete result on the ground in Kosovo is due to the fact that Millosheviçi prefers the “fait accompli” tactic on the military front, with the aim of keeping the situation in Kosovo unchanged and, on that basis, preserving his dictatorial rule. In this context, statements by many Western and Albanian figures that Belgrade understands no language other than the language of force seem to express not only an essential truth, but also a practical option, which today has become known by a codename and tomorrow may appear under another name, depending on the circumstances and the course of events. Western circles are following the Millosheviçi–Jelcin meeting very closely. Moscow’s role may prove decisive in the positions Belgrade may adopt very soon. But the statements by Kohen, Ollbrajt and Tomi Bler make one think

THREE DAYS OF “REST” FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE REVOLTS TIRANA — “He seemed to have no mental health problems, and yet he spent three days in the psychiatry ward.” A source at the prison hospital in Tirana said yesterday that Zani Gausi had recently been admitted to the psychiatric ward for people with mental illnesses at the hospital, which is surrounded by barbed wire. But the source swore that Zani was perfectly well and clearly showed no kind of problem. In any case, a man who was under supervision during the period of unrest in Vlora spent three days in the prison hospital, with a medical decision given as justification. Internal sources said yesterday that Zani left the comfortable rooms of this ward as soon as he learned that his arrival would mean his brother’s automatic removal from the facility. Zani On page 4

Accusations against Majko, Gjinushi... . The Democrats reveal from ... exceeded by far everyone else the large sum he received as a consultant to several private companies. Skender Gjinushi, Namik Dokle, Luan Hajdaraga, Kris[to?]o Goxhi as well... On page 9

NAPOLON ROSHI After the bitter experience we had with the united powers in the past half-century, I, at least, imagine the President for another half-century with minimal power: allowing the Government to govern, speaking and appearing very rarely, but stepping into the role of arbiter when he sees that, even though danger threatens the country, everyone is ringing their own bell. The noisy flights of aircraft over Tirana yesterday at midday perhaps made us realize that the danger of war really is threatening us. In these circumstances, the country needs you to act, Mr. President. I believe it is time for you to immediately call the most powerful people in this country, from government and opposition, to the table in your office. And for this meeting to be worthwhile, make as little noise as possible; do not admit any newspaper, camera or recording equipment. People are fed up with demonstrative handshakes and embraces; they are fed up with inflated statements after meetings which, very rarely, tell the truth about what was said and done at the meeting. A simple announcement that the meeting took place would be enough. People do not need words; they need to see, feel and touch the fruits of the meeting. I do not think I am exaggerating when I say that, for the sake of our survival as a state, on this major issue only one bell should be heard. We began this century, and are bringing it to a close, with international peacekeeping forces on our soil... Therefore, for the sake of the country, act, Mr. President.

DURRES — The Macedonians are asking for a piece of the Port of Durrës. It was the Macedonian head of government himself, Cërvenkovski, who put this request on the negotiating table on behalf of the government he leads. On page 8

TIRANA — Charges against the “robbers” of Don Bosco are being dropped. The February 22 rebellion in Shkodër led to the arrest of many people accused of taking part in the looting of the charitable center. On page 6

VLORE — Vlora businesspeople protest against the artificially created insecurity surrounding participation in the trade fair. Twenty-seven presidents of Vlora’s leading companies protested at the close of the three-day “Expo Vlora ’98” fair. On page 7

Berisha’s conditions for the SP The opposition party withdraws from the Central Commission “A major decision will be made by the Central Election Commission.” Sali Berisha, the opposition leader, had warned an hour earlier of what would happen at the Palace of Congresses, where the Democratic deputy chair of the Commission, Pëllumb Çela, announced the resignation of the representatives of the Union for Democracy. If the SP does not take these demands into account very soon, the Democrats have warned that they will abandon the elections. On page 2

WORLD CUP SPECIAL FRANCE ’98 GERMAN TRIUMPH Möller and Klinsmann extinguished the Americans. England had no trouble overcoming the Tunisians. In Romania-Colombia, Ilie saved the dull 90 minutes On pages 10–11

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