ON THE THRESHOLD OF PRIVATIZATION: BANKS LAUNCH ATTACK ON DEBTORS On page 6

Albania, a war of intelligence agencies

OPINION Sokol BALLA The only lights visible from the heights of the road to Dajt on Sunday afternoon were those of the “Qemal Stafa” stadium. The two powerful spotlights illuminated the latest show in the capital, plunged into darkness. But the fear soon subsided. As the symbolic football match between Government and Opposition began, the lights suddenly came back on in most of Tirana’s apartment blocks. Only to go out again a few minutes after the match ended—a match that had exhausted the Electric Company workers more than the players, as they kept the power running continuously, with tape clenched between their teeth, so that the people could watch the latest performance by our New Leadership. Naturally, it was amusing to watch the latest clash between the Bellies of the Government and those of the Opposition. It was clear that the Opposition had begun to get its shape back after almost two years away from the “table”—something that could not be said of the people in power, most of whom—with the exception of a journalist or two—showed little distinction between elegance and a blunder. Otherwise, everyone who watched the match saw the great tension between the players on the two teams, who did not spare insults or kicks aimed at one another. So much so that some began to think these people had been forced to take part, and that this match had even been assigned to them as a party duty. Otherwise, there is no way to explain why the Government took this match so seriously, “forcing” some of its ministers to train at the National “Qemal Stafa” Stadium for several days beforehand, from 11:00 to 1:00. A period that usually falls within official working hours in the administration, when our senior officials are supposed to work to bring us art and water, and keep us safe from the wars knocking at our door. But, like everything else, blame has its own pyramid. It starts with Daan Everts, our esteemed prime minister, who was running around the pitch on Sunday, under orders that gave him the pleasure of making fun of others. All these people who lead us seem lately to be worrying a great deal about the Show. Of course the ministers have to come out and play, bellies hanging out and legs perpetually hairy, when their own great boss—the Albanian one—puts on an American-style spectacle. Wearing a military cap that did not fit him very well, he inspected some stiff-as-marble soldiers at the border. Then, the following day, he went abroad. In one respect, this government is certainly beyond reproach. It has established a public relations office that even Bill Clinton would envy. Only our enemy is not called Monica Lewinski. Sunday’s farce had just one truth. The words of a humourist, stone-faced as he watched the match: “Let’s go, because in a moment they’ll start kissing here.” There were no kisses, but after the match the lights went out again, and everyone began to feel cold. The show was over.

PINE RAKI Everts has had the raki and coffee of the people of Lazarat. OSCE Ambassador 45 climbed up to the village of Lazarat after spending the night in Gjirokastër. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s car was the only vehicle that had... On page 11

TOTOFUTBOLLI The state robs itself, or rather its citizens. A law passed by the Albanian Parliament, even though none of those who raised their hands knew what it was about, has ruled that all gambling winnings be taxed at 20 percent. On page 23

TIRANA Another blue uniform is killed. Two traffic police officers fell victim to drunk drivers in an accident while carrying out their sacred duty. One of them has lost his life, while the other policeman is in serious condition. On page 9

After Gazeta e Shkodrës and Gazeta e Durrësit, in recent days “Gazeta Shqiptare” is adding “Gazeta e Gjirokastrës” starting today. They thought the southern city should also be represented with a special page, where social, economic and public-order issues will be covered every day, as well as the good news coming from the southern cities, such as the residents of Gjirokastër forming a guard unit.