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Gazeta Shqiptare

E enjte, 13 gusht 1998

UÇK seizes Drenica again

KOSOVO / 9 Yugoslav policemen killed and dozens of others wounded. The front is opening between Triolli and Chechnya UÇK seizes Drenica again The Serbs abandon some of the strategic positions The Albanians are still not ready ANDI BEJTA The Kosovo front has once again lost track, as in Belgrade it had not happened for years. After what happened with the Serbian forces in the north of Kosovo, it is clear that the battle for control of the Drenica valley has entered a new and very dangerous phase. Diplomatic efforts, which have been dragging on for months through Western chancelleries, have failed to prevent the spread of a war that is now affecting almost the entire region. At the same time, various sources speak of significant losses in the ranks of the Yugoslav police and army, while the UÇK appears to have gained ground in some of the most important strategic areas. Drenica, long described as the heart of Albanian resistance, is once again becoming the epicenter of the clashes. According to reports, some fortified Serbian positions have been abandoned or are being held with difficulty, which has greatly boosted the morale of Albanian fighters. On the other hand, civilians continue to live under extraordinary pressure, displaced, hungry, and with no guarantee of their safety. (to be continued on page 4) UÇK fighters
Sali Berisha Kosovë Drenicë Belgrad

EU threatens Berisha

Europe promises visa facilitation at the Tirana conference with all foreign ministers EU threatens Berisha "If you come to power, I will act the same way you do today" The Troika turned back the PD’s return to Parliament EDI RAMA TIRANA - Yesterday’s news about the blocking of the high-level conference of the foreign ministers of the Balkans and the EU, because of the position of the Albanian opposition, sparked a strong reaction yesterday from Western chancelleries. European diplomats deemed the obstruction of such an event in Tirana unacceptable and made it clear that political responsibility lies with the leaders of the Democratic Party. Sources close to the meetings held yesterday in the capital stated that representatives of the European Troika conveyed harsh messages to Sali Berisha, warning him that the standard by which he is behaving today in opposition will be the same one Europe will hold against him if he returns to power tomorrow. At the center of the efforts has also been the return of the Democratic Party to Parliament, as a necessary condition for the normal functioning of political life in the country. According to the same sources, the Troika’s intervention has pushed the PD to send the first signals of a reconsideration of the boycott. (to be continued on page 3)
Sali Berisha Edi Rama Tiranë Ballkani Europë

The Albanians are still not ready

NATO approves the first strike plan. It will consider a second one if things do not improve ANDI BEJTA The Contact Group has decided to keep a certain degree of pressure on the Albanian leadership in order to speed up a clearer political and military organization. Western sources suggest that although there is clear sympathy for Albanian resistance, there is still a belief that there is no structure capable of facing the next phase of the conflict. In this context, NATO has approved the first strike plan, but leaves open the possibility of a second phase if the situation continues to worsen. According to the same sources, any possible action will also depend on the level of coordination of the Albanian forces on the ground. This has led to a broad debate about the actual preparedness of the Albanian factor, both in Kosovo and beyond it, in the face of an organized opponent with a clear advantage in resources. (to be continued on page 4)
Sali Berisha Kosovë

EC awards a prize to the national team: Tirana still without a national team

Hajri is not yet in a position to speed things up as a decision from the EC is awaited On page 11
Tiranë

GAZETA University the mournful voice of the graves / GAZETA University students without schools / GAZETA Exclusive: Oren under Kosovo of the hearth

GAZETA University the mournful voice of the graves TIRANA - At least two people have lost their lives and three others have been seriously injured by the powerful explosion of an explosive device that shook the center of the capital yesterday evening. The incident caused great panic among residents and damaged several shop windows and vehicles parked near the site of the explosion. GAZETA University students without schools DURRËS - We are dying, stifled by the heat, in worn-out schools. The lack of water and of basic conditions has forced teachers and parents to demand immediate intervention. GAZETA Exclusive: Oren under Kosovo of the hearth SHKODËR - Exclusive. To go with hope, closer to the hearth, without friends On page 5 On page 7 On page 9 Moda Chic.ma facile
Tiranë Durrës Shkodër Kosovë

"Spremtur" Italian caravans

in GAZETA SHQIPTARE On page 30 with the bilingual edition of the Italian newspaper with the Gazeta shqiptare logo