Alimucaj arrested
Following the lawsuit by the foreign company and the prosecutors’ request, the Court rules
Kosovo unites Albanians
Recent events in Kosovo would undoubtedly have an impact in Albania as well.
The state’s mechanisms are now in constant motion to deal with any kind of situation that may arise as a result of developments across the border. Thus, despite the difficult problems familiar to everyone, the Albanian state is taking all the necessary measures, anticipating everything. But what has drawn the attention of Albanian public opinion as a whole is the finding of common ground between opposing political forces in defense of the part of the nation living beyond the political borders.
First, after five months of boycott, the DP decided to return to parliament, even without waiting for the approval of the National Council. In other words, the DP took the step it had even disregarded the advice and suggestions of its great European friends to take. In this respect, Kosovo proved stronger even than Europe. The DP’s entry into parliament at this moment may be taken as the first example to show the world that Albanian politicians do not lack the ability to find ways to cooperate when national interests are at stake. Moreover, the main actors in Albanian politics, today in Skanderbeg Square—which until yesterday they used to hurl thunderbolts at one another—will stand side by side, this time to defend a common cause. Until yesterday, most of our politicians often repeated, “we will act as one nation,” but faced with an unprincipled, even filthy, political battle, few could believe in the sincerity and success of the slogan above.
But today, seeing the Socialists alongside the Democrats, both among Albanians—especially those across the border—and among external stakeholders, a hope is being kindled that a new spirit may henceforth blow through Albanian politics. And in this regard, it can be said that Kosovo has perhaps rendered Albania its greatest service. Nevertheless, one cannot help regretting all this lost time. Why should such a step have been taken only after Serbian tanks fired on the homes of Drenica’s villagers? Albania has had and still has vital problems which, in importance, are no less than the Kosovo issue, and whose resolution cannot be achieved without everyone’s participation. Certainly, the ill-fated year 1997 would not have been what it was either if Albanian politicians had found the strength then to stand beside one another, as they are today in Skanderbeg Square.
Kosovo, PS and PD together in the square
P. 3
Yesterday in Pristina, more than a thousand women and girls protested against Serbian violence. Photo: REUTERS
Nano, half-dictator
The Prime Minister loses his sense of humor when he drinks and finds it almost impossible to try to avoid criticizing his colleagues in public
Report from London on the President–Prime Minister conflict
“As for the short and increasingly plump Fino, his position as Nano’s deputy is guaranteed. There is some suspicion that he has become the chief guardian. There is some suspicion that he has become chiefly responsible for everything.” The text continues: “... helps his less fortunate colleagues with their considerable expenses. His official role has been limited to receiving local delegations and ... the Rinas report to accompany ... Nano on his many trips abroad.” P. 5
News on other pages
Secret session yesterday; Ceka and Brokaj before the MPs
Berisha enters Parliament P. 3
Demaci declares: Only the KLA can protect us
Attack in Kosovo: 20 killed P. 2
Orders from Tirana for the border areas
Open your homes to Kosovars P. 6
“He had revealed the secret” to “Koha Jonë”
Majko dismisses him P. 3
Ministry reorganization: government secretary wins
The tender officials P. 9
Kavajë, clandestine migrants recount their adventure
The Italians attacked us P. 10
Berat, new facts about the Bridge massacre
PD leaders implicated P. 11