One of the hydroelectric plant’s four giant transformers burns Fierza was spared Page 7

BY BLENDI FEVZIU An unexpected statement by Majko has once again brought the issue of a Nano–Berisha meeting to the political table. The idea, amplified by the press as well, immediately became an element of political marketing and provoked reactions in both camps. The much-discussed meeting of the two poles of Albanian politics is not a newly discovered issue. It is an old story that has often filled the pages of the press and dictated its main headlines. Perceived as a handicap of Albanian politics, according to which Nano and Berisha have not met since 1992, it has concerned public opinion and at certain times become its preferred topic. But it seems that bringing this issue back at this time does not really correspond to the country’s turbulent political situation. On either side, the idea of a Nano–Berisha meeting cannot but be met with an ironic smile. A Nano–Berisha meeting would have value in a genuine political situation. On the eve of elections or at an important event, it would serve as a face-off between programs and ideas, as well as an opportunity for reconciliation or proof that Albanian politics has moved beyond old grudges and entered a new phase. Today neither of these two conditions is met. The PS, despite Majko’s statement, cannot help but be unsettled by the idea of a Nano sitting across from the leader of the PD. The pink party has been swept up in the euphoria of pushing Berisha out of day-to-day politics. His radical actions, the ever-present conflict with the West, and the idea that his comings and goings in parliament and his refusal to take part in the constitutional commission have tired Europe have become a triumphant idea within the ruling party. Summed up in Evertës’s latest statement as well, this euphoria has been translated into a very simple maxim: “Carry on with your work, forget the opposition.” But such a meeting may sound just as absurd in the opposition camp. For more than a year, Berisha’s strategy has rested on motivating the militants, not improving last year’s image. Faced with reconciliation, Berisha has preferred accusation, and this political logic has been reflected throughout the entire blue hierarchy. Even more so at this moment, his sitting across from Nano would be considered a capitulation and would demotivate the fanatical ranks. Not to mention that it would create serious problems for him within the party. In practice, a Nano–Berisha meeting seems more like a beautiful dream. One of those dreams that ... day-to-day politics and that same politics holds back.

Berisha: Youth in the party P. 2

The secret worries the government P. 3

Page 5 An armed Serbian paramilitary in Mitrovica Photo REUTERS Yesterday the first television station of “Koha Jonë” began broadcasting At last, the “Koha Jonë” company began broadcasting yesterday afternoon with its television station. Alongside other stations such as TV Klan, TVA, Alba TV, TV Shijak, TVTeuta, and Nesër RTV, viewers were joined last night by another television channel, which within the month of September will become a competitive channel, observing the rules of the game and fair competition. Thus, 1 August may be called the first day of broadcasting for this company, but in any case not its first day of work, since for more than a month the structures of this television station have been in preparation. It is expected to be quite different from the other channels, although during August it will not yet be very competitive, as its staff of journalists still needs to be completed. The hope is that the newest television station will belong to people who aspire to beauty and dignity, who have hopes, but also criticize. Our channel will under no circumstances fall prey to midnight temptations or pornography. We think we will grow slowly, just like your dreams, which contain within themselves a desire for a more beautiful life, far from mediocrity and envy. The staff of the “KOHA JONË” television station An armed Serbian paramilitary in Mitrovica. Photo REUTERS

The prime minister does not compel the minister to comply by 10 August P. 3 The prime minister does not compel the minister to comply by 10 August Nano–Teta: the boss backs down P. 3 The Finance chief ready to face the law over smuggling Malaj accepts the confidence vote P. 3 Majko’s proposal finds no support from either side Nano–Berisha: a meeting without value P. 3 Transformer burns — “2K” celebrates Yesterday, something extraordinary happened: a transformer at the Fierza hydroelectric plant burned, but the “2K” company of Kokoidhima escaped being “burned”—the company has a workshop in Elbasan for repairing transformers, which it privatized with securities. Evil tongues say they set it on fire themselves to save “2K” from going up in flames, because it needed money to pay off creditors’ securities. Late last night, the ministry and KESH decided that it would not be repaired by “2K,” since there is no guarantee, but would instead be sent to Italy.