Bashkim Fino will head a new ministry. Meidani’s signature is awaited Page 3

After several months of warnings, discussions and speculation, culminating in café gossip, the first step is finally being taken to remove the first members of the “Nano 3” cabinet. The names of those who must leave their offices, cars with green license plates or mobile phones have now been singled out. Yes, judging solely by the names of the ministries or officeholders caught in the wave of dismissals, it is easy to conclude that these changes are cosmetic in nature. First of all, their ministries themselves—for example, Justice, Culture, Public Works, etc.—regardless of reality, have been considered unimportant, as having “no weight.” On the other hand, with perhaps one exception, their officeholders have remained in the shadows throughout these months of government, or have not been accused of violations or smuggling like some others, being mentioned only in connection with insignificant problems. Furthermore, no reason whatsoever has been made public for dismissing the first group of ministers; nothing has been said about their mistakes or faults, which should normally have preceded their dismissal. Thus, it is not known what has gone wrong in justice, culture or any other sector whose head is giving up their seat. Above all, the timing of the government changes and the way they are being carried out clearly indicate that they are being made for reasons other than “putting things right.” First, the government has long been obliged to explain to the public—above all to that part of it which has supported it all this time—the causes and reasons for the demonstrable failures and the deterioration of some performance indicators. As a result, the ranks of the disappointed and dissatisfied have grown considerably. In this way, a little cosmetic surgery in government calms this group of people. The same can be said of the PS’s own grassroots, or of some “well-known rebel” such as Dr. Dhimitër Agolli. Moreover, the departure of some ministers should also be seen as a move to tone down the opposition’s propaganda about forming a technical government. The fact that the government changes are circumstantial in nature is also evident from the fact that none of those released has any influence in their parties; consequently, their departure cannot be expected to trigger any serious reaction that might cause concern for the government leadership. In this way, the delicate balance keeping the governing coalition on its feet would also be preserved. In any case, the success of such manoeuvres is temporary.

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA THIS NOTE IS LEGAL TENDER FOR ALL DEBTS, PUBLIC AND PRIVATE B 83874372U Counterfeit dollars: American anti-crime experts arrive Financial scandal. The fraud scheme is uncovered

Democrats shed light on the mystery. “The party chairman signed off on the money. On 26 May ’96, astronomical sums for artists and party activists” The last black curtain at the PD is being torn down, concerning financial abuses and violations. In this affair, besides the former chairman and former secretary-general, former members of the old leadership of the Democratic Party are now said to have been involved as well. “Financial spending has been, and continues to be, under the authority and responsibility of the party leadership. The chief financial officer holds only the ‘keys to the straw.’” P. 5

April 2 postpones the legalization of the PKSH P. 5

Six Serbian helicopters provoke P. 7

Prosecutor’s investigator arrested P. 7

Dismissed police officers rebel P. 11

OUR TIME organizes two shows for Albanian emigrants in Greece. Some of the best Albanian singers and comedians will take part. Read pages 16–17 OUR TIME Organizes two shows for Albanian emigrants in Greece. Some of the best Albanian singers and comedians will take part Read pages 16–17