COUNTERACCUSATION On page 3

EXCLUSIVE / A CALL FROM THE WRITER IN PARIS Ismail KADARE Swagger is a universal human trait. You find it everywhere in the world, but especially among Balkan peoples. And particularly among Albanians. The long chronicle of our peninsula cannot be properly understood without it. Indeed, it is often difficult to tell where the boundary of a dignified, even courageous deed ends and where swagger begins. The latter is often interwoven with all the good and bad traits of the Balkan person, placing special emphasis on both his vices and his virtues. As such, it is always reflected in one’s outlook on life, in one’s manner of behaving, thinking and acting, and even in very everyday things such as how a person dresses or walks. Nevertheless, if we calmly examine the long history of the Albanian people, we notice that, while this malady has been very present in everyday life, it has not caused as much damage as might have been expected in the sphere where its damage is truly fatal: among Albanian leaders, those now called “leaders”. Without dwelling on the whims or swagger of Albanian princes and feudal lords in the Middle Ages, which were neither more nor less common than those of their European and Byzantine counterparts, the historical record offers no evidence either of empty pride or of acts of swagger by the most illustrious Albanian leader of this Balkan region, Gjergj Kastrioti. And this Albanian count, who suddenly rose to dizzying heights, was surrounded by legends while still alive, was given titles and accolades that any prince of the time would have built for himself, and was ultimately received triumphantly several times in the centers of Europe and in the mighty Vatican, ran the risk of falling in love with himself.

and swaggering acts by the most illustrious Albanian leader of this Balkan region, Gjergj Kastrioti. And this Albanian count, who suddenly rose to dizzying heights, was surrounded by legends while still alive, was given titles and accolades that any prince of the time would have built for himself, and was ultimately received triumphantly several times in the centers of Europe and in the mighty Vatican, ran the risk of falling in love with himself. Neither Gjergj Kastrioti, Skënderbeu, nor the distinguished Albanian Renaissance figures who came after him, whether leaders of thought or of action, ever showed signs of excessive pride or self-satisfaction. And this self-restraint, this great dignity, has only one explanation: they were conscious of the harsh fate of their people. In other words, they had understood that history had placed them at the head of a people in danger and gravely afflicted, so neither boasting nor feverish pursuit of glory could find a place in their minds. The man who proclaimed Albania’s independence, Ismail Qemali, although he came to a small country from high positions in a great empire, never distinguished himself through delusions of grandeur. And likewise, his successor, Bishop Fan Noli, showed no such signs, although he was conscious that he was — Continued on page 24

On page 4

THE POLL Tax evasion has become widespread, while corruption remains an obstacle to the progress of private companies. These were two of the most important findings of a survey conducted by the Albanian Center for Economic Research and presented at a seminar. According to this survey, businesspeople accuse the Government of creating favorable conditions for the growth of tax evasion through the tax policy it is pursuing, forcing them to conceal the results of their business activities. On page 9

“The port is the true gateway for crime in the city of Durrës.” This is what prosecutor Bar-hosh Bardhi told Gazeta Shqiptare. Speaking about Durrës’s recent grave and desperate efforts, the prosecutor also said of Majko that before speaking about justice today, he should look at his own ministers. On page 16

The people of Gjirokastër are having trouble with their medicines. From this city they have the opportunity to go to Greece and buy medicines for treatment, but the problem begins in the pharmacies of Gjirokastër. “Medicines in Greece cure us,” they say, “whereas the same medicines, when bought in Albania, do us no good.” On page 17