Prosecutor Tirana: He may benefit from the law Who is at risk from what he says? Prosecutor Tirana: He may benefit from the law Alimucaj heading toward a confession Who is at risk from what he says? Alimucaj may benefit from a reduced sentence by cooperating with the Justice system. For two weeks, the VEFA boss has been questioned four times by the special team of investigators. During sessions lasting several hours in one of the prison’s special rooms, Vehbiu answered almost all the prosecutors’ questions. According to his lawyers, he answers by means of documents, which have subsequently served as evidence for the investigators. Meanwhile, representatives of the prosecution clarify that the evidence they have is not yet known to the public. On page 9 Vehbiu

CURIOSITY He may apply for foreign citizenship Minister Teta: It’s true, I was born in France TIRANA—Minister of Public Order Perikli Teta recounts his French origins. “I was born in France in 1941,” Albania’s Minister of Public Order told Gazeta yesterday, adding that he still retains a great affection for his country of origin and everything connected with it. Although in many European countries it was thought that, upon birth, a child automatically acquired the citizenship of the country where they were born, this was not the case for Minister Teta. His family, which had emigrated to St.Etienne in France in 1930, returned to Albania in 1947. On page 3 Teta

Nano: He will oversee the fight against crime Government: Operations against traffickers to begin on August 20 Meeting of the Security Policy Committee: Corrupt police officers must be removed INTERVIEW / The ambassador speaks after the controversy over the Constitution Everts: I’m tired of Berisha OSCE: We don’t want the DP’s seat at the table OPINION Tolerance: the test of the majority TIRANA - Prime Minister Nano took the reins of the fight against crime in the country into his own hands. The Ministry of Public Order, the Ministry of Defence and SHIK all turned... Islami and Nano

took up the post of Special Representative of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe in Albania a few days ago. This is his first public message, prepared especially for “Gazeta Shqiptare.” ANDREAS PAPACONSTANTINOU The Council of Europe aims to support Albania at every level in meeting the obligations and commitments of a member state. At the same time, the Council of Europe is involved in the fundamental political processes that are to transform Albania from a “new democracy” into a true democracy. This is, in fact, a difficult and ongoing constitutional process. It remains an undeniable truth that those who take part in the process should receive credit for their contribution, while those who stand outside it lose a great opportunity. The institution of government is a priority. It is the reflection of a democratic society and must be strengthened. The Council of Europe is contributing to the strengthening of this branch of government, which is still Whom should the new Albania support at this moment? Its position should lean toward one of the member states. Meanwhile, the Council of Europe is involved in processes that are fundamentally political, which means it can This is, in fact, a difficult and ongoing process that takes time and requires a change in mentality. In this sense, by showing attention and respect for the country, the Council of Europe wishes to contribute to a major change in the rules of the democratic game. Democracy means, above all, institutions. It has nothing to do with “pre-institutional” political struggles. Respect for institutions is the basic factor reflecting democratic maturity. On the other hand, one of the fundamental norms of a democratic system is the alternation of governments. Through elections, people decide who should be in power and who should be in opposition. The government and the opposition are two constituent parts of a democratic system. Both operate within the bounds of true democracy, and both institutions must respect one another in a spirit of peace and tolerance. Accepting this rule is vital for Albania, which must not allow itself to enter a dangerous spiral of political deterioration. The fundamental law in a democratic society is the constitution. The adoption of the Constitution is one of the most important moments in the political and institutional life of a country. All political forces have the right and the duty to take part in the process of drafting the constitution. The Parliamentary Constitutional Commission has nearly completed its work, which the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe has so far described as a high-quality draft that meets European democratic standards. The legitimacy of the Constitutional Commission’s procedures has been unequivocally recognized by the Tripartite Parliamentary Delegation of the European Institutions. Even now, the process must remain open so that it is inclusive. Every positive element in the new proposals that has this aim must be studied carefully, while absolutely respecting the institutions and always bearing in mind the International Community’s great desire to see Albania as soon as possible with a government capable of ensuring participation in the process. Those who contribute should make their full contribution, while those who choose to remain outside will lose a great opportunity. The institutions of the judiciary are one of the priority areas. The judiciary is a mirror of power, which is still weak and has many structural problems. A freer, higher-quality and independent press makes democracy stronger, richer and more sincere. Therefore, all guarantees and institutional support must be provided for this purpose. All the negative phenomena that distort the true meaning of democracy and damage the image and credibility of institutions—such as corruption—must be fought and addressed seriously and without hesitation. Bearing in mind the endemic nature and structure of this problem, the government must commit itself to expressing its position forcefully and without compromise, in order to wage an all-out fight against corruption. In this regard, the support of the Council of Europe and of the International Community in general will not be lacking; they will help identify the real problems and provide the necessary expertise and institution-building strategy. “Silent giant” is civil society. This factor makes democracy more visible and more enduring. Special attention should be paid to its development. If you invest in developing civil society, you have invested in democracy itself. Through its cooperation programmes, the Council of Europe has helped establish the fundamental pillars of stable and flexible structures for dialogue and governance. The work of the Council of Europe aims to consolidate the common foundation of a free and democratic society. This also influences the economy. There can be no economic growth without political stability. Stable democratic institutions and a functioning legal system are essential prerequisites for investment and economic development. “Democratic Security” is a concept that has evolved in recent years and refers to the stabilizing effect spreading across Europe through the establishment and promotion of democratic values, the rule of law Continued on page 2

FERDINAND XHAFERRI One of the main benchmarks used to assess quantitatively how pluralism is applied and how democracy functions is the tolerance shown by the majority in its relations with the minority. If signs of this tolerance are not observed, or there is no predisposition— Continued on page 2

TIRANA - Prime Minister Nano takes the reins of Public Order into his own hands. Deputy Prime Minister Islami has been tasked with overseeing the activities of the Ministry of Public Order and keeping the Prime Minister informed, in accordance with an order issued by the latter. Nano has ordered that a detailed plan be drawn up by August 20 to prevent, detect and combat criminal activities taking place in the northeastern part of the country. From now on, SHIK must submit daily information and weekly analytical reports on the security situation in the north of the country. The Prime Minister has also convened the Governmental National Security Committee, attended by the ministers of Public Order, Defence and Foreign Affairs, the head of SHIK, the Prosecutor General and the two deputy prime ministers. On page 3

Koçi: The chief customs officer has threatened us all. These are acts of a mafioso PS to Malaj: Names of the corrupt MPs Ultimatum following Bleta’s allegations of pressure on customs TIRANA - The Socialist parliamentary group has officially asked the Ministry of Finance to send the list of names of the MPs whom Bleta accused of seeking favors at customs, Majko and Koçi confirmed at a press conference. Majko announced that the PS would report any MP to the prosecutor’s office if Bleta named them specifically in an accusation. Koçi described Bleta’s statement as a “mafia-style threat.” On page 3

List of 150 people On page 12

Troika: Rugova gives up the demand for Kosovo’s independence PRISHTINË - The President of Yugoslavia has promised representatives of the European Union Troika that he will halt military operations in Kosovo. Meanwhile, he has called on the international community to condemn terrorism and those who support it in every way. For his part, President Rugova has announced that he is working on a plan for talks in which, according to him, the Kosovo Liberation Army could also take part. On page 4

GAZETA e Durrësit The Prefecture frees the water utilities DURRËS - For several days now, water has been unable to reach even the second and third floors of apartment buildings in Durrës. The alarming situation created in the city is meanwhile the result of 1513 illegal connections to the main water pipes. According to the results of a meeting held yesterday at the Prefecture of Durrës. On page 8

GAZETA e Vlorës Car trafficking at Customs VLORË - A car that had just disembarked from the Italian ferry on the Brindizi-Vlorë route passed through the city port’s customs without being cleared. The “Fuoristrada” vehicle appears to have passed “right under the noses” of the customs officers, and even more so of the two police barriers set up at the port exit. On page 7

GAZETA e Shkodrës New owners seize Shiroka SHKODËR - Shiroka’s dream of becoming a tourism paradise on the shore of the large lake, by the peninsula, is seriously at risk. The latest threat to it comes from written notices prepared along the shore in black paint on signs, on pieces of plywood fastened onto trees and onto walls. On page 6

Everts I would like to urge the PD to return to Parliament. Positions such as boycotting, then returning, boycotting again, then returning to Parliament once more, and so on—we unanimously consider that this is not opposition, is not in the party’s own interest, and is not in the country’s interest,” Everts, the diplomat who has been negotiating the disputes among Albanian parties for a year, said in an interview with Gazeta. He expressed optimism that the crisis in the constitutional commission would be resolved very soon. Everts praised the PD’s decision to take part in the Constitution process, but believes that all three parties that have requested a share alongside Berisha should postpone and avoid parliamentary debate. On page 2