The Prime Minister is at the beach with his family. He will be replaced for 10 days Islami returns from Macedonia and takes charge of the government Page 3

BY GAVROSH LEVONJA Prime Minister Nano has begun his holiday, something entirely normal for any human being. He has, of course, chosen the most suitable time to take a break from the problems of the day, since at this time politics in general, including international politics, begins its summer recess. But while for ordinary employees the moment of getting away from the burdens and hassles of everyday work is not particularly significant, the same cannot be said of senior state officials, much less the head of government of Europe’s most troubled country. First and foremost, the situation in Kosovo, which is at the center of the attention of world public opinion, would be the main reason for the Prime Minister not to leave Tirana. The current developments there could well herald a new phase in the course of the crisis. At least, the experience of recent months has shown that events in Kosovo can by no means pass without leaving their mark on Albania. In this way, for Nano, both as the originator of a new political line concerning the resolution of the Kosovo issue and as a preferred interlocutor of external actors, it would have been advisable to postpone his regular leave for a little while longer. On the other hand, only a few days ago the Prime Minister once again repeated his refrain about the “sense of responsibility” that should characterize the work of his ministers, not failing to assign tasks and deadlines for completing them, such as the matter of the fall and other issues. Moreover, the socialist leader is taking a break at a time when there are problems within the coalition and within his own party, where his presence cannot fail to be important. Nevertheless, by stepping away for a relatively short time from directing the work of the government, Nano seems to be seeking to complete the image he is trying to create in public opinion: that of a modern leader who differs from his predecessors, does not seek to monopolize everything, but prefers collegial leadership and also seeks to give his associates room to put their abilities to the test. Specifically, during this year-long period in which he has led the government, he has often remained on the sidelines, refraining from intervening even in the conflicts between prominent figures in his government and party. All well and good, but it cannot be ruled out that relying on such a mindset will have a positive effect on preparing the successor of a...

9 7 Photo REUTERS

The decision to send the press to prison has been left to the personal discretion of the state’s senior authorities A draft bill is being prepared that subjectively classifies state secrets The law on state secrets opens the way to the subjective classification of information and seriously infringes freedom of the press. The draft bill, expected to be approved in the coming days, sets out only a general framework for what will constitute a state secret; in each specific case, the decision will be made by the Prime Minister, the heads of institutions authorized by the Prime Minister, and government officials who receive this authority through delegation. P. 2

In Torovicë and Vlorë, gangs rob with impunity P. 6

Albert Shyti recounts the events at the General Prosecutor’s Office P. 7

Fourteen speedboats carrying around 400 undocumented migrants are turned back by the Guardia di Finanza P. 13

The Prime Minister’s case file arrives at the Tirana Court P. 2

The 3-year deadline for abolishing the death penalty expires P. 3