The President and the chief prosecutor talk with Ambassador Everts / Kreshnik Lusha is released

BY GAVROSH LEVONJA Justice will once again submit to politics. Today the PS parliamentary group and the government will discuss the institutionalization of reconciliation, with the release of the six detainees possibly serving as a first step. From the moment news became public that six former officials and military officers from the period of PD governance had been arrested, difficult days for those in power were foreseen. At a time when the country urgently needs calm and order, their arrest, given the effect it would have, was like a bolt from the blue. There was no doubt that, by giving such a step by the justice authorities political overtones, the PD would seize the opportunity to return to street politics more than ever. In this way, the arrest of the PD “exes” would further heighten the political climate in the country, and would also hinder several positive steps taken by the PD, such as its engagement in the constitution process and the gathering of party leaders around one table, first and foremost the Socialist and Democratic leaders. Given the delicate situation in the country, it was clear that, in the end, there would once again be a move toward a conflict between justice and political power. Under normal circumstances, the affair of the “six” would be a good opportunity for justice to show that it had finally been freed from the shackles of politics by proceeding according to the law in this matter. But, on the other hand, the further deterioration of the situation in the country, not to mention the tendency to politicize it, would inevitably lead to political pressure on the justice system to release the “accused VIPs.” However, while such a move would once again brand the judiciary as a “slave of political power,” it would also serve as an argument for the opposition’s accusations that the arrests, too, “were ordered from above.” In this way, those in power would find themselves faced with two alternatives: either to leave justice free to act, and then bear the familiar consequences of fierce conflicts, or to intervene and make it back down, showing that it is unable to challenge politics. The signs indicate that the second alternative is being pursued. The first signals came in Nano’s speech at the ceremony commemorating Mother Teresa, followed by Daan Everts’s meetings with President Meidani and chief prosecutor Rakipi, after which “important steps” were announced. Also, last night the prime minister’s spokesperson announced important meetings of the government and the Socialist parliamentary group, where, according to him, the way is expected to be paved for the institutionalization of national reconciliation. If such a step bears fruit, then it can be said that the submission of justice is also justifiable, if not obligatory.

Dozens of girls arrive in Rinas every day. But then they leave again Page 2 Kosovar refugees who arrived in Albania Photo REUTERS

The police are unable to prevent their return to the pavements of the West Albanian prostitute(s) under threat from the Italian police. Every day at Rinas airport, dozens of Albanian women who engage in prostitution on the streets of Italian cities return from Italy. Caught by the Italian police, as they were at prostitution bases wearing their characteristic outfits, the young Albanian women descend the aircraft stairs and hurry to get into the private vehicles waiting for them not far from the entrance to Rinas.

Nano: “I don’t want political trials” Pages 2–3

After every rally, the police perform their ritual PD, a mountain of complaints P. 3 Prosecutors reveal the military plans for March 20 files with orders P. 3 Gunfire in the street, two victims Bullet terror in Vlora P. 10 Alimucaj’s lawyers: Reduction in the value of the assets VEFA assets being given away P. 7 The chairman of PBDNJ criticizes the coalition cabinet Melo: The government is to blame P. 4 Parliament approves an ad hoc commission for the projects The government is being monitored over Kosovo P. 5 American diplomats hold talks with Millosheviç Doll and Shatuk in Belgrade P. 6