Alternatives and names for reform T. Shehu, chief coordinator of the right Page 3

BY ALFRED PEZA “We hope for a kind of Albanian right, ‘purely Albanian.’” “We hope for a kind of Albanian right, ‘purely Albanian.’ The [Asimi?] has erased the changes after the group’s shift [...] The United Right, which was created in opposition, is a conservative opposition facing the left. The main parties of the right must clarify who the leader is, who together will represent the reformed right wing?” The tones that are coming and the first [...] have withdrawn. “Murder”, “coup”, “state”, “rebels”, “anti-unification” have been seen in sequence. A Europe that is facing the new wave of the conservative right, with the problem of the return of nationalisms in the region and populism, makes the reform of the Albanian opposition even more important. For this reason, after a period of intense clashes, the internationals are calling for calm and a redimensioning of positions. Thus, after the meeting with the envoy of the French government in Tirana, [...] after the French ambassador, it appears that the movements in the right-wing camp are focusing on a figure acceptable to the West and to public opinion. T. Shehu is mentioned in this context as one of the new names. But today it is difficult to say that Berisha will step aside. Recent statements show that he intends to keep the leading role. However, Western and domestic circles believe that PD must be reformed and bring new alternatives against Nano. Returning to a more moderate political language and opening up to allies will be the condition for the right’s return to the electoral race. In this sense, not only the names, but also the way politics is done, must change. Along with new figures there must also come a more realistic, less rhetorical platform. If this does not happen, the right risks remaining on the fringes of Albanian political developments and losing the international support that has always been considered essential. The discussion about an anti-Nano alternative is taking place not only in Albania, but also in European chancelleries.

Billions in smuggling to the Prosecutor’s Office Tirana Customs files the complaint, the European Community’s DGXXI is also cooperating Page 2 Yesterday, after the complaint from the capital, it was transferred for processing in the hearing of an anti-smuggling case involving the system of the first districts of Tirana and Italian circles. On this matter, the Durrës prosecutor’s office, which is now uncovering a suspected international customs organization called “DGXXI”. It has taken on responsibility for and oversight of this complaint, in which drivers of both nationalities are suspected of being involved, with the consequence of major financial losses for the Albanian state and the facilitation of goods trafficking. The complaint has been signaled especially after the circulation of various goods, including goods with high tariffs. In the accompanying material it is stated that the investigation began on the basis of documents secured in cooperation with European structures. REUTERS photo

The Albanian ambassador and Prodi comment on the return of mercury Rome: “Tirana”, controversy over refugees P 5 The Foreign Minister of Macedonia in Tirana Tetovo University, one of the disputes P 4 The BEP Assembly discusses Kosovo Plan for military intervention nearly ready P 4 Negligence of judicial officers Cigarette trafficking, accusations against customs P 2 After 7 months, the relatives go to Nano Qafë - Shkalla, home to 12 families P 7 Alimuçaj against the control of foreign finances VEFA closes the door on the administrators P 10 At the port of Durrës they arrive together with the refugees “Otranto 2”, yesterday two victims were returned P 6