Everts: “With the Majko government, we will discuss public order, the constitution, corruption, refugees” Page 3

BY GAYROSH LEVONJA After a period characterized by serious warnings to Belgrade about a NATO military action, the international community, led first and foremost by the USA, sent several signals of retreat in recent days. First, members of the US Senate Armed Services Committee put forward the idea that air strikes alone, without being accompanied by the deployment of ground troops, would be insufficient to resolve the crisis in Kosovo. This was followed by criticism over the “lack of a clear vision for Kosovo or the lack of strong support from the allies.” There were even claims that “an air strike would favor the KLA.” Two days ago, Lamberto Dini said that “NATO’s preparations should serve only as a warning to Milošević.” Also significant in this regard is the news that US Secretary of Defense Kohen will not attend tomorrow’s Brussels meeting on Kosovo, where the plan to strike Serbian targets will be discussed. Various experts explain this recent “braking” as a consequence of several steps by Milošević, who, as in the case of Bosnia, reacts at the last moment, when the noose tightens around his neck. While he has begun withdrawing special troops from Kosovo, yesterday he agreed to allow OSCE observers to visit Kosovo. Nevertheless, the fact that the US administration took a hasty step should not be underestimated, also because of the possible effects on the 3 November congressional elections. But the main point is that US policy on Kosovo has always sought to give priority to diplomatic solutions. In fact, the US position on the Kosovo crisis has been characterized by continual shifts, usually targeting the side that has gained a certain ascendancy on the ground. Thus, initially, Belgrade, by calling the KLA “terrorist,” would spur Milošević to attack. Immediately afterward, the Americans would change their position, setting their Russians against Milošević; and when the KLA emerged as the main Albanian actor, Washington’s silence would operationally favor the Serbs. Throughout all this, it has not been difficult to understand that the purpose of such moves is, above all, to create suitable conditions for talks, making it clear that nobody will benefit from the use of violence. The fact is that implementing such a policy has weakened the actors who advocate a solution by force, while favoring those forces that support dialogue.

Deputy Prime Minister Meta, Prime Minister Majko and Interior Minister Koçi voting “Yes” in parliament yesterday Photo: GENT SHKULLAKU

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The draft of the fundamental law in parliament Constitution headed for 28 November Meidani and Majko at the session; the DP is absent again Page 7

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