Where did the money that thousands of Albanians paid into VEFA go? Here is the list of expenses More than 85,000 creditors’ contracts in the investigators’ hands. Page 7 Where did the money that thousands of Albanians paid into VEFA go? Here is the list of expenses Millions for Vebiu’s dogs More than 85,000 creditors’ contracts in the investigators’ hands Page 7

BY ANDI BEJTJA Milosevic met Rugova yesterday for the first time in the history of Yugoslavia, marking a thaw, but the gap separating the two sides is still wide. The meeting was more symbolic than anything else. Milosevic, serious as always, spoke at length in generalities, about a peaceful solution, humane rights and human rights, showing that, more than a dictator or butcher of the Balkans, he is an excellent pragmatist. Rugova, delighted by the fact that he could finally shake the head of state’s hand, mostly smiled, forgetting that he had hung the suit of the President of Kosovo on the door of the Yugoslav leader before entering the meeting. The result was: weekly meetings until a long-term solution for Kosovo is reached. From an individual perspective, prolonging the talks is in the interests of both leaders. Milosevic continues to hold the keys to the Balkans, while Rugova remains the leader of the Albanians, despite his position slipping in Kosovo. But while Rugova was in Belgrade, another five Albanians were killed by Serbian forces, reminding us that institutions on the ground are different from those in government buildings. Rugova has some control in urban areas, but in rural areas his reputation is increasingly declining. What will happen in Kosovo will depend first and foremost on these areas and on the Contact Group’s future position. American diplomatic sources have stated that if Milosevic engages in open and effective dialogue with Rugova, some of the sanctions could be lifted, particularly the ban on foreign investment in Serbia. This would be a major victory for the Yugoslav leader, who cannot rebuild the remaining Yugoslavia without these investments. No one can say how seriously Milosevic has taken these talks or how willing he will be to pursue an open and constructive dialogue, but if sanctions are lifted without his achieving concrete results with the Albanian side, the international community and the Albanians will feel betrayed. Meanwhile, if Rugova is to stick to the phrase he holds so dear, “politics is the art of the possible,” he will have to abandon Kosovo’s independence and, at most, seek a Third Republic within the Federation—a solution acceptable to all sides. There is no room for euphoria, just as there is no room for success—or for pessimism. The fact that Milosevic accepted a mediation initiative by the two American envoys and not by Gonzales shows that America, once again, as in the case of Bosnia, will solve the problems of the European home. But at the same time, it should not be forgotten that, as in Bosnia, when America provides a solution, it always does so a few months before the election in the White House is over. The door to…

Page 2 Yesterday, Milosevic and Rugova shake hands Photo: REUTERS

Gjirokastër: high-voltage line blown up A terrorist network in the South Police: We are dealing with an organized group that has political aims and seeks to destabilize the country Gjirokastra, the main city of the southern region, once again echoed with gunfire and explosions late on the second-to-last day, sounds which for more than nine months during the previous year had become part of the city’s atmosphere. Following the attack on police forces late yesterday, and earlier, at around 2:00 a.m., two explosions occurred ten minutes apart at two bridges carrying the national road, in the villages of Drevenica and Goraxhi in Lower Dropull, respectively. Page 11

Çano, Tetës’ deputy, Boçka, number 2 at Defence Nano 4: changes again Page 3 Local elections, PBDNJ accuses the Socialists PS is committing fraud Page 5 OSCE Ambassador in Tirana on opposition participation Constitution: PD excludes itself Page 4 Declaration of assets begins for the Prime Minister’s Office staff Nano’s subordinates show their pockets Page 3 Had ambushed them in Dajt, opened fire on police officers Police kill 27-year-old Page 6 Montenegro—Police, violence against neighbouring travellers 1,000 Albanians turned back Page 13 Greece—Anti-drug unit operation, seven detained Albanian gang caught Page 9