After the Constitution is approved, criticism of the Socialist Party leader begins within the party The majority blames the former prime minister: “He resorted to blackmail” Pages 3–5

BY BLENDI FEVZIU Most of Balkan politics was taken by surprise on Sunday evening by the results of the vote in Macedonia. Prime Minister Cervenkoësk[i?]’s party lost after the first round, and the provisional results point to a possible victory for the opposition VMRO. From Sunday’s figures, it is difficult to construct an accurate picture of Macedonian politics for the next four years, but one thing is already evident: the opposition, which four years ago seemed to cease to exist after the constitution of the parliament elected in the parliamentary elections won by the socialists, is preparing to take the reins of the country. The Macedonian political scene will undergo significant changes as a result, and the Albanians will be among the most important elements in any new arrangement. The agreement between Abdurrahman Halili’s Party for Democratic Prosperity and Arbër Xhaferi’s Democratic Party has brought a significant correction in the representation of Albanians in parliament. From the 18 seats they held in the previous elections, the number is expected to rise to 22–26. If the second-round results match the forecasts, the Albanians will be an indispensable force in forming the governing coalition in Macedonia. In other words, they will be the fundamental factor in Macedonia’s political stability. The reshaping of the Macedonian political scene will undoubtedly bring changes to politics throughout the region. This change will be evident first in relations with Albania and Serbia. It should not be forgotten that Albania and Belgrade have so far been governed by left-wing parties with the same origins and ideological foundation. The arrival at the head of the government in Skopje of a nationalist force such as VMRO, and the strengthening of the Albanians in parliament and government, will undoubtedly bring a change in policy between the two countries. On the other hand, the full cycle of this change will be completed by Gligorov’s imminent departure from the presidency and his possible replacement by one of Milošević’s greatest political enemies, Tupurkovski. Ilja’s and Cervenovsk[i?]’s rise will undoubtedly also be reflected in Albanian-Macedonian relations. It is fair to say that Nano and Cervenovska have had friendly relations, and these have affected the overall situation. But it must be pointed out that relations between the two countries have been dictated more by US geopolitics than by their own will; in this context, future developments should be viewed as inseparable from American interests in the region, and especially in Macedonia. The latest Macedonian elections have brought a new picture, and in this picture, Albanians are no longer just a few decorative brushstrokes.

TIRANA—President Rexhep Meidani announced yesterday the referendum on the approval of the Constitution, immediately after the draft was approved in parliament. After parliament approved his proposal to submit the draft to the electorate for a vote, the President of the Republic set 22 November as the date for holding the referendum. Meidani issued the decree on the basis of the constitutional provisions, the law on referendums—which states that a referendum must be called within 45 days of parliamentary approval—and yesterday’s decision of the People’s Assembly to hold this process. Thus, as promised, all the predetermined deadlines for the procedures to approve the Constitution will be observed. On 28 November, Albania’s national day, the President will sign the new Constitution. The 22 November referendum is the second in the space of four years aimed at giving the country a constitution. The draft put to a referendum in 1994, when the Democratic Party was in government, was rejected. After the date was announced, all the parties will begin campaigning for the referendum. The government has meanwhile made several decisions regarding preparations for the referendum. K. K.

A German policewoman checking Albanian refugees at the Czech-German border yesterday in Zittau Photo REUTERS A German policewoman checking Albanian refugees at the Czech-German border yesterday in Zittau. Photo REUTERS

Voting roof Gado-Imami, the end of the ordeal The co-chairs of the Constitution have completed their mission page 7

RTSH Council Fighting at the heart of television Executives leave; the festival is not discussed page 25

Champions League Ajax defeated, late triumph for Bayern Real thrash the Austrians, Juve draw page 21