Tension and gunfire; other DP deputies also arrive. Page 2 Hundreds of police officers block the DP deputy and more than 30 armed men in Milot Tension and gunfire; other DP deputies also arrive Page 2

BY ANDI BEJTJA President Mejdani’s visit to Turkey, where two bilateral agreements were signed, was more an attempt by the Albanian Presidency to “coddle the Balkan tiger,” following several openly made overtures by the Albanian government toward Greece, whose relations with the Turkish state remain strained. But Turkey has made it clear that it will not change its policy toward Albania, regardless of Tirana’s relations. As always, a visit to Turkey by a senior Albanian official cannot help but be successful. Turkey forgives Albania part of its debt to the Turkish Bank, expresses its support for Corridor 8, and showed its willingness to rebuild the Pash Alimani base in the south of the country—a willingness that cannot go unnoticed in Athens. The Turkish President also expressed understanding of Albanian foreign policy and the issue of Kosovo, toward which Turkey, owing to historic Albanian-Turkish ties, is one of its strongest partners. Meanwhile, President Mejdani asked for the maximum possible. He offered the Turkish side the opportunity to help finance specific sections of the East-West highway. On the surface, and officially, everything looks good. But some of the Turkish press and other senior officials have expressed dissatisfaction with Albania’s rapid and substantial rapprochement with Greece, voicing surprise while also remembering to emphasize that “Greece is the last country that could wish for Albania’s reconstruction.” Greece remains a sensitive issue for Turkey, and Albania must be careful in its policy so as not to provoke either side’s jealousy; but the policy of keeping one’s legs spread also has its risks. It seems the Albanian Presidency is trying to be warmer toward Turkey, while the Prime Minister’s Office is doing more or less the same with Greece. This whole policy, even if unconsidered or uncoordinated, appears to be effective. The “corridor war” in the Balkans between Turkey and Greece will soon make itself felt on Albanian territory too. Greece is doing everything it can not to fall behind Corridor 8, with another corridor that will run from the south of Albania to its north, as far as Serbia. Albania has no choice but to remain open to both axes and make offers to both sides to finance specific sections. Nevertheless, Tirana’s official role as the “political head” can be played only in theory. In practice, historic bilateral alliances remain alliances, and they automatically influence states’ policies. Against this whole backdrop, even though two of Nano’s ministers also took part in Mejdani’s visit to Turkey, the question still hangs in the air: Is there a common policy, well coordinated between the Presidency and the Prime Minister’s Office? Time will tell, but it must be said that the President wants to “coddle” Turkey when it is necessary.

Azem Hajdari in one of his many clashes with the police Photo: ARMANDO BABANI Azem Hajdari in one of his many clashes with the police. Photo: ARMANDO BABANI

300 million lekë disappear; the bank director is also in custody. RENEA forces arrive at the scene Masked raid at midnight. Five people arrested The bank in Tropojë has been robbed. Around 300 million lekë have ended up in the hands of masked men after a spectacular theft. The only witness to the robbery was the guard, who had been tied up with a rope. Yesterday, sources at the Ministry of the Interior confirmed the arrest of five people suspected of stealing this amount. The bank director has also been taken into custody, suspected of being an accomplice in the robbery. P. 2

Anti-VEFA trial begins P. 7 Returning from duty, they ended up at the police station Police detain three journalists P. 4 The Prime Minister’s adviser declares the end of the pyramid schemes Pashko: There is no money for creditors P. 19 Customs post abandoned for 12 hours; customs officers disappear 30 tons of cigarettes seized P. 19 Valentine’s Day in Tirana, the story of the year A couple in love for 24 hours P. 6 A report, with people who fly on the ground Eagles on guard over people P. 16

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