DP: Strikes, protests and demonstrations until the Nano government is brought down Yesterday at the rally, Berisha declares an alliance with the creditors—protests together Page 3

The PD and PS do not hold opposing positions on the constitution. This surprising conclusion, after five years of prolonged discussions, was also borne out by the position taken by most of the allies making up the respective groupings. Seated opposite one another at Sunday’s political debate table, Gjinushi, Majko, Pollo and, alongside them, Bushati and Hushi, have shown that Albanian politics is above all a victim of poor information or political whims. The constitution is the typical example of this conclusion, into whose trap prominent politicians fell. It emerged as a key issue in Albanian politics as early as 1991; the failure of the constitution is attributable more to its absurdity than to the will of Albanian politics. The well-known debate, repeated with the same fanaticism in 1993, 1994, 1996 and 1997, has proved to have little basis. When asked whether a constitution is necessary, all the political leaders concerned have answered, “Yes.” They have likewise answered “Yes” to the idea of drafting it in accordance with the constitutional provisions, that is, through a commission. The conflict and hesitation, meanwhile, have focused on the deadlines for approval and the commission’s work. Pollo was later surprised to learn that no such deadlines exist and that the commission can decide in advance that its work will be completed in just one day. Observing that deadline is not a vital issue. Alongside Pollo’s surprise, Majko declared that all parties are ready to give their consensus on the overwhelming majority of the constitution. It would be better for the remaining disputed points—five or six articles—to be approved by referendum. The discovery that disagreements over the constitution were more a misunderstanding than a matter of principle has brought further surprises. Of the four basic points discussed, representatives of the government and opposition have found that they agree on three. The fourth, the PD’s stance in parliament, was more a matter of perceptions, or a call by the parties to return to the chamber of laws. Seated opposite each other at the same table, in front of an audience that does not tolerate political games, the PD, PS and the other forces have demonstrated that compromise and mutual understanding are not impossible concepts. On the contrary, they have shown that Albania continues to be a victim of the theory of conflict, or a hostage to political resentments of the moment or those inherited from the past. In such a context, when the country has fallen into the trap of collective madness and rancour, politics seems to be the first institution that should set an example of rationality. But this forgotten word, or one removed from everyday vocabulary, has not yet been given the value it deserves. Aristotle’s old saying, “the force of persuasion has no feet to walk on,” should be one of the most apt mottos for a political class which, after destroying Albania, must at least have the courage to rebuild it with as little pain and as low a cost as possible.

After the statements by the Vlora crime boss in court—Police chief speaks “Seeing the danger of being shot, he let go of his weapon, raised his hands and began saying: ‘What do you want from me? I haven’t committed any crimes.’” The chief of police in Vlora, Gjon Abazi, has reacted sharply to Zani’s statements in the Tirana court. “He was caught thanks to a surprise police operation,” says Abazi, who recounts the details of the arrest minute by minute. P. 13 Opposition leader Sali Berisha at a rally during the 29 June campaign

Parliament—Interpellation with the Minister of Finance P. 3

Compromise in Thessaloniki over the metropolitans; Tirana’s response is awaited P. 5

Memaliaj—Workers stop work over wages P. 7

Vorë—Eight people tie up the guards with wire P. 2

In Laprakë: grenades, detonators and hundreds of cartridges P. 2

Ministry of Labour revives creditors’ hopes P. 10

RESTARTS New season of TELEBINGO Read on page 7