The State Secretary at the Ministry of the Interior, Ndre Legjisi, makes serious accusations against the Vlora police: They are compromised. They paved the way for Zani’s escape. They will be prosecuted Page 5 The date of the Rome conference is set: October 22. Milo continues to raise millions in Athens. Kopliku: The DP’s problem, “the fifth column”

The date of the Rome conference is set: October 22. Milo continues to raise millions in Athens. Kopliku: The DP’s problem, “the fifth column”

Giving priority to relations with neighboring countries marks what may be called a turning point in Albanian foreign policy. The new government, perhaps guided by realism, but perhaps also extending to foreign policy its departure from the confrontational style characteristic of Berisha’s policy, seems committed to giving a new dimension to relations with neighboring countries, which have been the “Achilles’ heel” of Albanian foreign policy during this half-century. The fact is that almost all the visits by our highest-ranking officials have focused solely on the Balkans, especially Greece. In a very short period of time, Athens has hosted and is to host all the leading figures in Albanian politics, thereby becoming something of a place of pilgrimage. And in this regard, the positive results are worth noting, from the legalization of emigrants to support for recovery in Albania and closer ties with European structures. But while the concept of “good neighborliness” has been set out in all its components in the case of Greece, the same cannot be said of our other neighbors, especially those to the north, with whom we also have more delicate problems. When it comes to relations with Greece, our government officials need not beat their chests over achievements, since even in Berisha’s time Greece was a preferred partner, perhaps because of the 300,000 Albanians living there, or because of the problems Athens had with Macedonia and Turkey. Although around two months have passed since the “Nano 3” government was formed, no step has been taken and no high-level contact recorded with Macedonia, let alone Yugoslavia, leaving everything at the level of declarations of good intentions. Inactivity or delays in starting high-level contacts with Macedonia and taking the decisive step in this direction with Yugoslavia could turn the realistic policy of neighborliness proclaimed by our government officials into a fiasco. Just as Albanian refugees influence relations with Greece, it should be recognized that Albanians living in Yugoslavia and Macedonia should be a factor encouraging the normalization of relations, not the opposite, as has happened until now. On the other hand, bilateral exchanges between institutions and dialogue, more open borders, intensifying contacts in all fields, and removing all kinds of barriers to cooperation should provide another impetus for Albanians to move in this direction. It is paradoxical that our officials should wait for others to suggest or mediate such a step. Meanwhile, opening up to Yugoslavia as well would discredit accusations that the government is “pro-Greek.” Also, Nano, Milo and others need not fall victim to pressure framed in pseudo-nationalist terms by certain circles seeking to regain lost ground. Above all, thawing relations with Yugoslavia is in step with the efforts of American and European diplomacy to foster a spirit of understanding in the post-Dayton Balkans. GAVROSH LEVONJA

One of the Missionaries of Charity sisters praying for the Albanian saint Photo REUTERS

One of the Missionaries of Charity sisters praying for the Albanian saint Photo REUTERS

They were returning from a funeral; the car was hit Page 5

Companies are not declaring their financial obligations SCANDAL! 100,000 pensions without pension contributions Page 8

They were detained in Milan, Turin and Calabria Rome bans 60 Albanian prostitutes Page 13