Nano entrusts him with the protocol, staff and administration of the Government Page 3

. Nano seems to have decided to leave his opponents in the SP neither room nor time, since he sees them as the greatest danger, as the situation within the opposition continues to stabilize slowly. A little more than 24 hours after Pëllumbi, one of the socialist leader’s strongest critics, floated the idea that the party needed a faction, Nano somewhat unexpectedly served up an “alloy” that until recently would have been unimaginable: Majko-Meta-Blushi, as a faction which, according to official reports, symbolizes the “new wing in the party.” Given the recent history of the Albanian socialists, it seems somewhat surprising that this trio has found common ground to speak with one voice in the SP, considering the ongoing disagreements in the Meta-Majko relationship, with the two having consistently been on opposite sides during battles within the SP. It is enough to mention in this regard their opposing positions on the motion. But such haste in putting the “group of young people” on the scene makes one think that this is an attempt by Nano to torpedo, at the embryonic stage, his opponents’ plans to challenge him by creating factions. At least, with the creation of the “youth wing,” which would certainly be labelled as representing a “modern,” “pro-Western” spirit, factions that might have Pëllumbi, Brokaj, Agolli or someone else as their inspiration would be more likely to represent the “old wing,” which in a way implies links with the socialists’ predecessors. At the same time, with Meta in the “youth faction”—until recently known as Nano’s principal opponent—there is a good chance that some confusion will arise in the camp of his rivals, something that has in fact already begun with Hajdaraga, Angjeli or some other “anti-motion” figure receiving a ministerial portfolio. But this “game with factions” may also be a continuation of the series of government reshuffles, aimed at diverting public attention from the problems awaiting solutions. At least so far, there is no sign of any hope that even some of the promises made a year ago will be fulfilled. For this reason, Nano is interested in keeping public attention away from these problems that concern Albanians. Thus, after the “government changes” card has been played out, attention seems to be being diverted to “developments” within the SP. In this way, at least for a while longer, people will not think to hold the new government team to account.

PD opens the Black File Only PAD in favor. The others against Factions outside the parties PD opens the Black File P. 3 Only PAD in favor. The others against Factions outside the parties P. 4 The Alimucaj file in court.

Serbian volunteers patrolling the border with Albania Photo REUTERS Serbian volunteers patrolling the border with Albania. Photo REUTERS

The socialist Secretary General is unaware of the official report. This type of grouping is not provided for in the statute Nano gives his approval to the new wing in the SP “Pandeli Majko, Ben Blushi and Ilir Meta have formed a wing within the Socialist Party.” The news, reported late yesterday evening by the official news agency ATSH, cites an unidentified source in the SP’s senior forums. It does not clarify the purpose of creating the new wing, whether this is allowed under the SP statute, what its aim is, and so on. The same ATSH source says that Prime Minister Nano, who is also the leader of the socialists, is aware of the creation of this wing.

Page 4 The Alimucaj file in court. He slanders Malaj Five new pyramid schemes uncovered Page 7 He was returning home. The killers identified Assassination attempt on the criminal police officer Page 10 It was going to Greece. Forty passengers are robbed of 3 million drachmas Masked men rob the Athens bus Page 6 Thousands of pupils leave their school desks for the cows Illiteracy returns Page 9 Secret operation by the people who left the handcuffs in Tirana Fugitive from court apprehended Page 6