Every two months, the OSCE ambassador will call the Albanian prime minister to account Page 3

BY MARTIN LEKA The International Conference that concluded yesterday in Tirana will be interpreted in different ways today by institutions and political forces. As an international-scale conference, and given that political forces in Albania routinely try to secure whatever benefits they can from such events, extreme assessments of it will be inevitable. According to the analysis of the apolitical camp, the conference may well be called a “failure of the government.” From the latter’s side, assessments such as “a great victory” will probably not be lacking. Despite these expected reactions, this international conference is positive, first and foremost for Albanians, who at least do not feel abandoned by the international community. Furthermore, if we were to grade it, it would simply be a PLUS for the Albanian government. This is a positive boost for the current government, which expects to receive the desired grade in the middle of next year from these very same participants. In assessing international support for Albania, it should be emphasized that the cost of reaching yesterday’s outcome has been high. Postponed several times, the conference had “waited” for events to unfold in Albania that were regarded as particularly important. The largest opposition party and several minor parties have boycotted parliament; the gulf in cooperation between the government and part of the opposition has widened; MP Hajdari has been murdered and the perpetrators have not been found; there has been a massive institutional escalation regarded as an attempted coup; Prime Minister Nano resigned two days after receiving a vote of confidence from his party, for reasons that nobody can …; and, most recently, the Constitution of the Republic of Albania was approved in parliament with more than … thirds of the MPs, while a popular referendum was announced. Part of the opposition, led by the DP, has called on its supporters … to vote to “stay at home.” Yesterday’s conference called on the government to continue the generation of reforms. As for the opposition, [the text is unclear] reforms. As for the opposition, [the text is unclear] “the thing that will wash … the constitution” will be filled.

Decision issued in absentia He will be prosecuted over the events of 14 September, although he has left the country Decision issued in absentia Arrest warrant issued for Izet Haxhia, Berisha’s bodyguard He will be prosecuted over the events of 14 September, although he has left the country Page 8 The 14 September uprising claims more “heads.” Mr Haxhia and Kliton Dobrani are the latest two people for whom the General Prosecutor’s Office has issued arrest warrants in absentia, on the sweeping charge of “participation in the armed uprising.” Yesterday, the Court of First Instance upheld the case prosecutor’s request concerning both suspects, ordering their indefinite detention in absentia. A prosecutor said yesterday that it is now up to the Ministry of the Interior and its agencies to organize operations through the district police directorates that will lead to their arrest.

Television debate Klosi dismisses deputy director of Albanian Radio and Television Zana Çela appointed in place of Gjoka Page 25

Majko memorandum The situation we inherited is unsatisfactory Results from the anti-smuggling operation will soon become evident Page 5

Bankers’ fraud BKT scandal starts in the USA Loan from the Paris family with an American firm Page 9

The 105-year-old history [?] Submarines, a birthday in the graveyard After Corfu and the Russians comes the ruin Page [?]

A Guard soldier yesterday in Skënderbej Square, guarding the Donors’ Conference

The Tirana meeting concludes; another Donors’ Conference in 1999 / “Friends…” keep the government under scrutiny