Our leaders suffer from the severe syndrome of communism Page 16

BY ENTON ABILEKAJ When Bashkim Fino came a year ago from the periphery to the center of Albanian politics, he seemed like a bud on the red socialist rose, about to burst into bloom amid gunpowder and, consequently, to wither early. Nobody saw him as a long-lasting leader, much less one who would blossom into a position of pre-potency. But precisely the day before yesterday, before even celebrating the anniversary of his name becoming a national one, stung by an article in a foreign newsletter, he displayed the turns of the overbearing man toward his fellow countrymen—specifically by mocking the suffering endured under the communist dictatorship by idealistic and nonconformist people. The article in “Eastern Europe Newsletter,” which accused the government, was accompanied by an editorial in “KJ” that hoped the accused would find a democratic way to respond, not only to the London newsletter’s accusations, but also to the other accusations that have been made. Instead, however, the government responded with hostility and did not clarify a single detail of the accusations. Fino would undoubtedly never have thought of doing such a thing if he had not been criticized by Lubonja, but he would not have done it either if he had not felt the euphoria of an amateur politician over power. This euphoria, which seized the Democratic Party’s rulers 5–6 years ago, was followed by hostility toward all opposing thought, by the complete polarization of politics and, consequently, by the destruction of Albania. The same euphoria is now spreading through the offices of the new government, heralding a return to madness. So far, the new government has accepted none of the opposing views put forward by constructive people; but the day before yesterday, a government figure warned that indifference was ending and a war with opponents was beginning. This is where the danger begins. The government’s indifference up to now was considered positive only because it was compared with the hostile stance of its predecessors. Different opinions and proposals were put forward in the press, awaited the government’s support, and then sank back into oblivion. Those in power made no threats, but at least they did not get angry. Yet precisely the day before yesterday, the danger appeared through the mouth of the man who, a year ago, had offered himself as a Reconciler. The man who came into politics out of thin air publicly told the man who came to journalism along the earth’s most torturous road to be silent. This was the first time and therefore the most difficult. Now no government official will find it difficult to demand that the press shut up. This is where the danger begins.

Yesterday in London, the Contact Group: Embargo against Serbia 10 Days for Slobo Russia accuses the Albanian government. The other states decide: a total ban on arms, money and visas for the Serbs Europe sets conditions for Yugoslavia. “If Serbian forces do not withdraw from areas in Kosovo inhabited by Albanians and the bloody operations do not stop, then all Yugoslavia’s funds outside its borders will be frozen. The possibility of reviewing all loans previously approved for its benefit was also envisaged. The sanctions were approved yesterday in London. P. 5 Albanian soldiers during an exercise in the Kukës Division Photo REUTERS

The DP National Council meets In Parliament after 5 months P. 2 New Prime Minister’s Office regulations approved No entry into the government P. 3 Explosive planted at VEVE: lines of inquiry identified Terrorism and rivalry P. 7 Prefecture police under investigation How the Prefect was taken hostage P. 6 Corruption charges against Fier officials The tenders that rob the state P. 9 For and against Enver’s party Opposition: No to the communists P. 4 Shkodër: February unrest was not prevented SHIK personnel suspended P. 10