Successful operation completed after 45 minutes. Page 32

BY GAVROSH LEVONJA There are signs indicating that the activity of American diplomacy concerning the search for a solution to the crisis in Kosovo is expected to intensify in the coming days. Indeed, it would not be surprising if we were to witness some spectacular development after the end of the mission of American envoy Hill in Belgrade and Prishtina. Despite the still unsatisfactory level, it cannot be denied that after the Holbrooke-Milošević agreement, even a cursory glance shows that something has changed. Specifically, the fighting that until a few months ago was taking place across a large part of Kosovo’s territory—including [text unclear]—has begun to shift to the political arena. While sustained international pressure and the weight of sanctions have had an effect on the Serbian authorities, it has become clear to UÇK leaders that by favoring the option of war they would lose support from abroad, first and foremost from the US. Under these circumstances, neither the Albanians nor the Serbian authorities are in their former positions, having given up some of their initial options. On the one hand, the draft proposal presented by Belgrade, although intended to address the problem “within the framework of Serbia,” contained some positive elements. Without a doubt, the greatest surprise in this respect was the statement by Adem Demaçi, the UÇK’s political representative, who finally accepted an interim solution, different from independence, for which its fighters had been forced to take up arms. However, the parties’ commitment to the peace process, albeit minimal, has borne some fruit. Specifically, faced with the difficulties of both sides, the Americans have not failed to make changes to their plan, presented about a month ago. And the Americans, as protagonists in the pacification of the Balkans, cannot fail to take advantage of such a situation so that things can begin moving faster. But the main point, as recent experience has also shown, is that when diplomacy and political action in general are held back, as happens, people take up arms. Indeed, there is no shortage of talk about the possibility of fighting resuming with the arrival of spring. Precisely to avert such an outcome, which would take everything back to square one, the Americans, in this race against time, will play all their cards to find a solution, even if only a temporary one, and, naturally, not a perfect one.

“Take the issue up with the government or face a motion of no confidence” Page 3 The homeless MPs rebel. Yesterday, the debate over housing for MPs who still live in dormitory rooms or rented homes returned to Parliament once again. The language was strong, and it was announced that they would even seek a motion of no confidence against the Parliamentary Bureau if the matter was not resolved. Gjinushi took this seriously, but it is ruled out that he will be forced to leave his seat with the majority of Socialist votes.

Firefighters after the fire at the Coca-Cola factory yesterday in Tirana. Photo: GENT SHKULLAKU

“Attempts to impose oneself by force of arms have failed” Page 8

“They had come with a fixed opinion and position” Page 4

Minister: We will prosper from the border page 5