Opposition: Local elections should be postponed page 3

It was not unexpected, but it fell far short of the hopes of the opposition or the majority of Albanians: this was the position taken by the Council of Europe delegation on its first day in Albania. The reporters called for the Socialist Party to enter parliament, referring to the Parliamentary Assembly resolution. They decided that the opposition parties should not demand political guarantees for taking part in the local elections, even though the opposition had rejected the 26 May elections in its demands. Even as it disregards political guarantees, the Council of Europe offers no formula for resolving the crisis after the local elections. The CoE reporters seem to have forgotten the first point of the Parliamentary Assembly resolution, which calls for the condemnation of violence and manipulation in the Albanian elections, while those responsible for this manipulation have been re-elected to oversee the elections. Meanwhile, the United States of America did not recognize the Albanian parliament, did not recognize the 26 May elections, and called for them to be repeated. This position differs from, and perhaps is the opposite of, that of the Council of Europe, which represents Europe’s position on Albania. While the CoE calls for local elections without mentioning new parliamentary elections, the US refers to local elections as the first step toward holding the elections again. While the Council of Europe resolution views new parliamentary elections in Albania as an option, the US sees them as a necessity. And while the CoE resolution sets no deadline, the official position of the US State Department calls for new elections to be held as soon as possible. The platform proposed by the US for resolving the Albanian crisis contrasts with European positions. In fact, the US seems to be challenging Europe with its stance on the Albanian crisis. This is the clearest challenge the US has issued to Europe in this crisis. A few years ago, the US challenge to Europe in the Balkans began. Europe’s solution to the Bosnia crisis failed, while the launch of the American solution raised great hopes and has today achieved results. The US entered the Bosnia crisis later than Europe, just as it came later than Europe to plans for resolving the Albanian crisis. And the White House plan seems more acceptable to Albania’s enemies, who know that it comes too late for the opposition. P.A

Residents of the alley where the paid-sex house was located speak to “KJ”. “It operated for 30 years” page 7 CoE reporters Kolumberg and Rufi argue with Vasil Melo. Photo: A. Babani

Authorities respond with appeasement after the destruction of the frescoes Meksi on the Voskopojë incident: We will take the strictest measures Authorities respond with appeasement after the destruction of the frescoes The state: Why are you surprised?... Meksi on the Voskopojë incident: We will take the strictest measures Events of this magnitude, comparable only to the destruction during the long civil war in Bosnia, when the sides destroyed the cultural sites of their adversaries, are unacceptable in Europe. Given all this, it is up to the President of the Republic to speak out, despite the various political concerns occupying him. The destruction of cultural sites that are more than 300 years old by a few uncontrolled and unaccountable fanatics is not the same as an ordinary crime. pages 18–19

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