Page 2 Letter from the president of the “Xhaferi” Foundation to “KJ”: The Head of State appropriated the billions. Gazidede and Agim Shehu, bargaining for the release of the boys

In recent days, PD leaders have been sending signals through their actions and statements that they are preparing for defeat on 29 June. But what matters more is that, along with this, signs are emerging that they will not easily accept a defeat. In addition to other irregularities, they seem intent on exploiting the stance being taken toward the PD and its prominent figures in the south to justify not accepting the election results in the south of the country, where the outcome is expected to be catastrophic for the PD. Alongside the pretext of the failure to distribute committees and the presence of armed gangs, the PD’s propaganda has placed at the forefront the pressure and violence inflicted on PD leaders and activists, as well as the “lack of preparations” for the elections. Thus, about a week ago, one of the PD secretaries, Mr. Ylli Vejsiu, unable to find anyone in Berat to organize the planned rally, accused his socialist opponents of putting pressure on, intimidating, and threatening PD activists. Three days later, the incident involving Secretary Demi took place: he was mistreated in Sarandë, while Mr. Vejsiu was once again prevented from entering Tepelenë. These incidents are enough for the PD to exploit for propaganda purposes, claiming that under such conditions there can be no question of free elections. Perhaps Berisha’s statements about a spectacular and historic victory, and his harsh language toward his opponents and the people of the south, are also intended precisely to provoke resentment among the people of the south. The possibility of refusing to recognize the result was made public for the first time a few days ago by the central figure of this PD campaign after Berisha, Azem Hajdari. Another point, and this is more important, is that representatives of the PD on voting commissions in some southern towns reportedly have never shown up to take part in preparations for the elections. This, perhaps even more than the violence and mistreatment of leaders, will serve to add to the list of complaints by PD leaders about the unacceptable conditions for holding elections in the south. In this regard, it would not be surprising if they also failed to show up on voting day, citing some act of violence that would be blamed on the Socialists or other PD opponents. In this way, this time the so-called “boycott of the vote count,” which Berisha sharply criticized, could be used by members of his party. Such signs, preparing public opinion for the PD’s refusal to recognize the election results, have become increasingly evident since Shehu and Nano signed the pact in Rome. But it seems that the PD leader’s signature will carry no weight, since those above or around him are ready to spit even on what was signed at the Pope’s altar.

Vranicki meets Fino and Nano. The schedule, “ALBA” and acceptance of the results. The mission’s unresolved issues

The police keep rallies calm Photo REUTERS The police keep rallies calm. Photo REUTERS

Anti-Berisha protest, the city covered with slogans Page 4

PS involved in incidents in the North’s largest city Page 5

After Vejsiu was obstructed in Memaliaj Page 5