THE CARDS ARE ON THE TABLE. Half of the current government members are in the new faction of the SP Newly appointed figures are also on the list. At their head is a major surprise name. Page 3 THE CARDS ARE ON THE TABLE. Half of the current government members are in the new faction of the SP Ministers against Nano Newly appointed figures are also on the list. At their head is a major surprise name. Page 3

More than the failure to honor the contract made with Albanians before 29 June, the danger to Prime Minister Nano seems to be coming from a direction he may never have imagined. Unexpectedly, the Socialist leader, whose authority within his party had been considered unquestionable, now finds himself surrounded by opponents from every direction. First, a front of party militants formed against him, disappointed by the leader’s treatment of them after taking power. Then, by trying to steer the party away from its position as a force defending the underprivileged, and imposing as a “bible” the right-wing program of the government he leads, Nano created a deep rift with the party base as well—perhaps the group most affected by the government’s economic policies. The way Nano acted in the party’s important forums to impose his views clearly showed that he was aware that the support of the base had shifted in favor of his opponents. In this case, the “modern” prime minister underestimated the influence of traditionalist attitudes in politics as well. Moreover, the changes in the government, instead of strengthening his position, seem to have had the opposite effect. While the departure of some allied ministers was expected—names often mentioned for failure and incompetence, or for involvement in smuggling and other abuses—well-known SP figures, some of them highly regarded, were dismissed quite unexpectedly and without any convincing justification. With this, the Socialist leader increased the ranks of his opponents. In fact, some of those dismissed, once his ardent supporters, have now become fierce opponents. Perhaps thinking he could neutralize the camp of his long-standing opponents in the SP, Nano also replaced in the current cabinet some of the so-called “anti-Macoinist” figures. But it is hardly surprising if, at a crucial moment, they turn their weapons against him again by reuniting with their old friends. Moreover, the creation of such a broad “anti-Nano” front within his own ranks could have serious consequences, bearing in mind that the SP is on the eve of its party-election campaign. In this situation he feels far more threatened than by Berisha’s political battle, which, until recently, has helped him more than it has harmed him. GAVROSH LEVONJA

The building housing the editorial offices of the newspaper “Koha Jonë,” yesterday, 2 March 1997

Six senior police officials are being moved List of changes: Sokol Bare and Hasan Ahmetaj leave. Ilir Çano becomes Deputy Minister, Fadil Canaj Director of Public Order, and Arben Ujka head of Tirana . Department directors, senior chiefs, and even the director of the Tirana police will leave their posts. Some are being promoted to other ministry offices, while it is not yet known where the others will end up. The most talked-about move of recent weeks has still not been announced. Although Sokol Bare’s departure from the post of Director General of Police has been confirmed, it is not yet known who will replace him. Page 6

Invitation for Nano to Oslo; procedures begin Socialists in the International Page 5 A two-chamber parliament. Imami against Majko The Constitution: coalition split Page 5 Within a month, government members will have to show their pockets State Audit Office investigates ministers Page 3 He was demanding 1.5 million lekë. Rapes in a sacred place OSCE official taken hostage Page 7 Prosecutor’s Office seeks detention without time limit Alimuçaj in the Court of Appeal today Page 7 Mother reports her 20-year-old brother-in-law Sex with underage niece Page 9 At Kakavijë, 400 have been detained in four months Border: 70 more Kurds caught Page 11