Political threat against the man who has sought to find consensus among Albanian parties “Withdraw from the constitution, or you will not leave Albania alive” (Page 3) “Withdraw from the constitution, or you will not leave Albania alive” Page 3

Young man handcuffed outside the Democratic Party headquarters Hours of tension yesterday at midday in Tirana Page 2 Dozens of special-unit forces were mobilized yesterday at midday, when they arrested a person, Ukë Çeça, outside the PD headquarters. Police said they had information that on referendum day he was among those who might cause unrest. Dozens of police officers wearing hoods surrounded and searched all the establishments located in the square in front of the Democratic Party.

“KOHA” radio poll of 168 callers Yesterday the private radio station “KOHA” conducted a live poll with callers from the cities of Tirana, Vorë, Elbasan, Durrës, Kavajë, Fushë-Krujë, Lushnjë, Fier, Berat, Skrapar, Peqin, Patos and Vlorë (the areas receiving the “KOHA” radio signal). They called during a programme from 15:30 to 17:00, in which the question put to callers, whose calls were recorded and broadcast live, was: “Who is voting against or for the Constitution?” Of the 168 “KOHA” callers, 68 … said they were against the Constitution, while another 100 were in favor of its adoption. Thus, according to a poll that was live in any case, 54% are going to vote for the Constitution on Sunday, while 46% will vote against it. Naturally, this is a partial poll, which will continue today and tomorrow on the “KOHA” radio waves, from 16:00 until …

BY EDI RAMA The moving scenes from Wednesday afternoon’s show at the “Qemal Stafa” National Stadium are still alive in me: the fantastic setting of the “karshiçe” engulfed by waves of red-and-black flags, the echo of the anthem sung in unison by the eleven actors on the green stage and the human sea of spectators all around; the continual cries of “Albania! Albania!”; the chances created and then missed by our National Team to score; the moments of anxiety provoked by our serious opponents; and, above all, that truly moving moment when thousands upon thousands of Albanians present warmly applauded the players gathered in the middle of the field after the final whistle. It is neither my place nor my intention to talk here about what happened during the ninety minutes of battle; that is a matter for specialists or fans who consider themselves specialists. It comes naturally to me to speak precisely about that final moment, when, all on our feet, we applauded with hands blazing from clapping the eleven feet that had tirelessly sought a victory that never came—or, better still, that came in a different way: not in the points table, but in the curriculum of our sporting culture. I can still see the astonished face of the international observer, who, together with me, was among the last to leave the grandstand, wanting, like me, to watch to the end the admirable sporting spectacle of the “karshiçe”, the human sea which, as it slowly dissolved through the exit gates, left behind a shadow of sporting and civic dignity. It was almost difficult for the veteran UEFA expert to believe that everything had gone wonderfully. And where? Right in the heart of a country in turmoil which, for seven hundred-odd days, had not organized an international match because of the lack of security. And when I noticed in the final programme a … once again disturb the sleep of Albanians and leave them … in support of the convoluted and democratic affairs, Albanian-style! (Continued on page 5)

IDC Internationale Démocrate Chrétienne Internacional Demócrata Cristiana Christian Democrat International … political parties and agree on a text which could be the solid basis for the … Albanians in the years to come. I am convinced that the text … Mr. BERISHA was not invited to attend the … in a few days time very clearly encompasses … attitude of its leadership … I am not, neither is the CDI, ready or willing … criticism against the text of the … unfortunate and unwanted … the text of the … unfortunate and unwanted turn of events, only due to his participation in the meetings held just before ours. As President of the CDI I openly refused to give him the floor when he intended to speak on the Albanian Resolution. Now … I ask him and his followers to respect the truth, to cease the gross distortions and manipulations in which once again he has … and build, together with all of his countrymen, a peaceful and prosperous Albania. Something which, for the time being, little if anything is owed to Mr. BERISHA. … unfortunate and unwanted turn of … meetings held just before ours. As President … the … to cease the … and manipulations in which once again he has dedicated himself and to try to … if anything is owed to Mr. BERISHA. Facsimile of the letter from Javier Ruperez, President of the Christian Democrat International, which refutes Berisha’s deception

On 25 December, hundreds of Albanians and foreigners, 24 hours for Kosovo Tirana concert Page 32