“Nano has exceeded my authority” — Page 3 “Nano has exceeded my authority” Page 3

BY BLENDI FEVZU A tense cabinet meeting yesterday failed to resolve the problems provoked over the past two weeks. In a tense situation, some of the main ministers vented their anger not only at the opposition, but also at the coalition’s structures, which, instead of trying to consolidate the government, are dismantling it every day. The finale of all this appears to have been the resignation of the Minister of Finance and the threat by two other ministers that they will soon take similar action. Nevertheless, despite yesterday’s meeting and the enigmatic decisions made there, the situation looks anything but rosy, as even an untrained eye can see. Albania is in a chaotic situation, and this is a direct consequence of the mistaken decision to arrest three former Democratic Party officials and three former military officers. The decision, made recklessly and without justification within the charges, has turned Albania from a somewhat calm country, unquestionably in favor of the governing coalition, into a minefield where not only individuals and parties may be sacrificed, but the share held by the Socialist Party may also be reduced. Anyone can observe—and have the courage to say—that following the arrest of the six and the protests that followed, public order in the country has suffered a significant blow. The events in Lazarat, Shkodër, Lezhë, Kavajë, etc., lead to the conclusion that the stabilization of public order depends heavily on the political situation, or is a derivative of it. The public administration has also suffered significant blows, above all the structures that generate revenue. Customs revenues have fallen over the past two weeks, while smuggling appears to have increased. As if to take all this to its conclusion, the opposition’s repeated criticisms are also being taken up by other leaders of coalition parties. Majko and Gjinushi have issued an ultimatum to Teta, while Ceka, Zogaj, Manja and other MPs have spoken out over Jolo and the other coalition MPs. It seems that the coalition is no longer functioning, since important figures in it, instead of communicating with one another, pose in front of journalists’ microphones and wage war on their colleagues. In such a chaotic situation, patching things up with people or auxiliary structures will yield no positive results. Albania needs a political solution on two fronts: stabilizing a dialogue between the government and the opposition, and reshaping the governing coalition. We are at a crossroads where firm decisions are imperative, and no one should be afraid to make them.

The opposition returns to the table for the fundamental law — Page 4 The opposition returns to the table for the fundamental law DP: Roundtable on the constitution Page 4

Alarm at the ministry, dozens of officers prefer emigration — Page 7 Alarm at the ministry, dozens of officers prefer emigration Mass departures from the police Page 7

At last, the meeting of the Governing Coun-

“The proceedings should be postponed until the political situation is calmer.” Experts support the proposal; the EC opposes it. Politics far from justice Arben Malaj The Prime Minister announces to the group the initiative for reconciliation with the opposition The head of the majority and Prime Minister Fatos Nano has taken the initiative to freeze the proceedings against six former DP officials, arrested in connection with last year’s events. At a meeting of the PS parliamentary group, attended by the Prime Minister together with the Socialist ministers, he proposed freezing the proceedings until a time when the political situation is calmer. Page 2

F 7 At last, the meeting of the RTV Governing Council will be held today in one of RTVSH’s offices. The Director General, Klosi, has called for the dismissal of the TV director, Mr. Eduart Mazi. Meanwhile, in order to secure the votes needed to dismiss Mazi, Klosi’s people have approached several members of the Governing Council individually, promising them: “Vote against Mazi and Klosi will appoint you director afterward, but don’t tell anyone.” Thus, at least four members of the Governing Council are already poised to become TV director, but none of them will ultimately be on the list for the post, since the candidates to be proposed if Mazi is dismissed are Blendi Gonxhe or Gëzim Podgonica, the latter, as always, accompanied by Musa Ulqini, chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Mass Media. Naturally, the “Klosi report” scheme does not seem to be what is really going on; other lobbying interests are at play here over the TV director’s post. Director Mazi may have made mistakes, but at least he has led an institution that has undergone changes and become acceptable to everyone. He may have made mistakes too, but at least he is a professional—not like Director General Ardian Klosi, who, although a well-known intellectual, knows nothing about RTV’s operations. So today the lobbies will fight to remove one director and install another, a member of certain lobbies or a puppet. We shall see what happens, although four members have already been lined up for the TV directorship. Someone else is waiting today at the “Pergola” café to take up the new position, with a wad of dollars in his pocket. The response today of Aleksander Frangaj, Lubonja, Bushka and Martin Leka, both members of the Governing Council, is eagerly awaited, while Nikollë Lesi, secretary of the Parliamentary Committee, said, “I will definitely attend the meeting, since RTV is legally answerable to parliament.” Irresponsibility remains Ylli Pango’s defining trait. A.VELA

Finances shaken / The minister disagrees with the dismissal of directors Ahmetaj and Bleta