NATO’s Albanian: Why foreign soldiers are really needed in the “buffer” zone Alfred Moisiu It is now entirely clear that Kosovo is not merely a dangerous potential for war; it is practically in a state of war, with the sole difference that this situation has not yet reached its highest levels. Given the current state of developments, a devastating war and even greater bloodshed could still break out. I do not undertake to examine the problem from a historical, political or diplomatic perspective, nor its economic consequences. I wish to highlight only two important issues, viewed from a politico-military perspective, which, if not assessed, I believe could have serious consequences for the future. The first problem is the matter of reinforcing, or deploying, NATO troops to prevent the development of ... Milo-Primakov battle Continued on page 11 The Albanian man killed yesterday on the outskirts of Pristina (Photo: ANSA)

The Head of State’s bold project. The opposition does not seem opposed Meidani will invite his predecessors: What should we do? They meet again at the Presidency after eight years The Head of State’s bold project. The opposition does not seem opposed Ali and Berisha together again Meidani will invite his predecessors: What should we do? They meet again at the Presidency after eight years TIRANA - Berisha and Alia will meet at the Presidency. Meidani has decided to play the role of arbiter to the very end, but this time he has attempted almost the impossible. The last communist president and the first president of the former right-wing opposition may sit face to face to share their views on the nation’s major problems. In Meidani’s presence, without political quarrelling, will be two of the most talked-about figures in Albanian politics. Berisha, now the opposition leader, not worn down by the burden of power, and Alia, who has at last escaped retribution as the sole witness to the communist dictatorship. TIRANA - What happened eight years ago at the ministerial meeting that President Alia organized with Nano, Gjinushi and Berisha? It was at the end of the 1990 attempt, when the former head of state summoned to his office at the Presidency those who the next day would become the leading figures in Albanian politics. No details of that meeting have yet emerged. But it is reported that Alia insisted there on the creation of a social-democratic party. It seems, however, that his interlocutors did not agree with one another; shortly afterwards, they would find themselves in opposing trenches in Albanian politics. On page 3

Controversies among factions in the PS Majko: I see only Pëllumbi and Agolli as opponents The secretary talks about the new group supporting him On page 6 Majko Agolli

ON SATURDAY IN VLORA TIRANA - The Democrats attack the capital of protests against them at midday yesterday. Hajdari, Pollo and other delegates will be special participants in this long, bold undertaking. The travel plan ... [partly illegible] ... Vlora will be the weekend stop for the main leaders of the PD. A possible move by Berisha from Tirana to Vlora is now being discussed; at least for this weekend. The tactic of this demonstration ... On page 6 Protests against Berisha in Vlora, last spring On the banner: “BERISHA DICTATOR and THIEF” On the banner: “PUSH”

The old leader of the Republicans explains why the opposition has remained silent “If things were different, Nano would not have it easy” TIRANA - Sabri Godo against Berisha and Nano. “Berisha is the obstacle facing the opposition, while Nano has a dangerous authoritarian tendency...” INTERVIEW / The old leader of the Republicans explains why the opposition has remained silent Godo: He, Berisha, is entirely to blame “If things were different, Nano would not have it easy” TIRANA - Sabri Godo against Berisha and Nano. “Berisha is the obstacle facing the opposition, while Nano has a dangerous authoritarian tendency.” The wise old man of politics once again appealed yesterday to his political rivals to abandon their heg[emonic?] tendencies in Albanian politics. According to Godo, political forces and politicians must find common ground on major issues concerning the Albanian state and nation. And perhaps not at The Hague tribunal, as Kadar[eja?] warns; Godo’s position as a protagonist of this political class would be one step lower: this political class should deserve a moral trial. The PD and its allies have recently reduced their conditions regarding the constitution, but they continue to demand your departure from leadership. Would Godo accept such a condition? On page 2

THE SHKODRA NEWSPAPER SHKODËR - Pyramid schemes are nothing new for the people of Shkodër. Eighty years ago, the city’s elderly lost their savings in a scheme run by Jewish banks. A 95-year-old woman still keeps the evidence of that great loss with her. “We are the only city to have been hit twice by pyramid firms.” On page 6

THE VLORA NEWSPAPER VLORË - The battle over property is terrorizing the entire city. An endless hail of gunfire has caused three casualties: one dead and two wounded. The police know all the people involved in the incident, but it has not yet been confirmed which of them have ended up in jail to give statements. On page 7

THE DURRËS NEWSPAPER DURRËS - A businessman from Durrës shot in the street. He was killed as he was entering his home, struck by seven bullets fired by people who have not yet been identified. Uran Sabriu, 49, owned a bar on one of the city’s main streets, but his execution remains a mystery to the police and his relatives. The businessman’s murder is the first case of a merchant being killed in Durrës. On page 8

THE TIRANA NEWSPAPER TIRANA - The Institute of Nuclear Physics stands on the outskirts of Tirana. Only a few years ago, Albania’s hopes of also having a nuclear facility there were flourishing. Two million dollars would have made nuclear energy possible at a level that would put the country first in the Balkans, and a project had been underway for six years. But foreigners thought that Albanians did not need this luxury. On page 5

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