The national issue and the desire for stability bring Majko together with Berisha Page 3

BY BLENDI FEVZIU Prime Minister Majko and DP leader Berisha shook hands and smiled at each other precisely when it was least expected. The two most important figures in Albanian politics, accompanied by their deputies, broke the ice that had formed between the government and the opposition since 9 March of last year, in one of the rooms of the Rogner Hotel. The meeting, which at first glance was arranged and prepared in less than three hours, following a visit by two representatives of the December ’90 association to the government offices, had a longer prologue. The intensification of the students’ strike and the inability to manage it, even by the DP itself, prompted some foreign diplomats in Tirana to become active. A series of phone calls came into Berisha’s and Majko’s offices, until the latter was convinced that the person most interested in the students’ making a dignified withdrawal from the strike was Berisha himself. In any case, beyond the backstage preparations and whatever was discussed at the year’s most important political meeting, what matters most is the symbolism of Majko and Berisha sitting at the same table. Berisha has stated that Majko and Meta are two representatives of the SP. In doing so, he has cast the meeting as one between the SP and DP, rather than one between the Prime Minister and the opposition. After yesterday’s act, Majko assumed the role of the government’s number one, overshadowing the SP chairman, Nano, who is still capable of playing a leadership role in the SP. Secondly, Nano’s inability to accomplish what Majko did may be viewed in diplomatic circles as Nano’s own inability to establish dialogue with the opposition, and once again leaves the ball in Berisha’s court, as he claims that it was precisely Nano who broke off cooperation. According to him, cooperation is easily possible with the SP’s new leaders. Thirdly, the meeting between the de facto leader of the SP and the DP leader, on an important political issue such as the students’ strike, without the presence of the other coalition partners or the right-wing opposition, was the clearest declaration that these others’ role is not only that of vassals but also decorative. Responsibility lay solely and primarily with the DP and SP. They have decided to take an unexpected step. They have sat down to resolve their problems, thereby defining Albanian politics entirely and sending the message that this country needs responsibility. The responsibility for establishing it lies with the two of them, even though they did not discuss this specifically. Perhaps it is neither Berisha nor Majko. Therefore, if the country’s stability and the national issue

Four “sniper rifles” with a lethal range of up to 15 kilometers The rifles with scopes were American-made, from 1998 Page 4 The mysteries surrounding the weapons seized as contraband at Rinas have been revealed. Semiautomatic, 12.7 mm caliber, American-made in 1998, with a range of 15 kilometers and silencer-equipped firing: these are the technical specifications of the four firearms detained by customs a month ago at Albania’s only international airport. Meanwhile, the figures 00 stamped on the firing triggers indicate that they have not been fired; forensic experts themselves have been unable to fire them either.

After the woman from Peqin, a woman in the US sets a world record A 27-year-old woman gave birth to eight babies at once, a rare occurrence in the world; they are boys and girls, doctors announced on Sunday. Six girls and two boys, weighing 311–708 grams, were listed in critical condition and placed in incubators at the Texas Children’s Hospital (USA). “It would be a miracle if all the babies survive,” said obstetrician Brian Kirshon, one of the three doctors who assisted with the births. One of the girls among the eight was delivered by Caesarean section 10 weeks prematurely. But the delivery was postponed, and the other seven were delivered by Caesarean section 10 weeks prematurely on Sunday, Kirshon added. The babies’ mother, Nekem Cuku, had been receiving treatment to induce labor and had been hospitalized since October. “She was an exemplary patient and was willing not to eat, just to create even a little room for the babies to grow.” The doctor said the patient is in good condition. The octuplets are her and her husband Ike’s first children. They are immigrants from Nigeria and now live in Houston. The couple had been trying to have children for some time, and earlier this year Chukwu underwent an unsuccessful operation. All eight babies were born at St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital and were then transferred to Texas Children’s Hospital. The octuplets broke the previous record of septuplets born on 19 November 1997 in Iowa.

Before yesterday’s meeting at the Rogner Hotel between Majko and Berisha Photo: GENT SHKULLAKU Before yesterday’s meeting at the Rogner Hotel between Majko and Berisha. Photo: GENT SHKULLAKU

The Majko-Meta duo challenges the old politics pursued until now and extends a hand of friendship to the opposition

Majko—coordination Order to suspend Bare The order for his dismissal is ready Page 2