Minarolli: “We cannot accept the arrest of party members” The opposition insists on the dismissal of the Minister of the Interior. Majko refuses to approve the removal Page 5

Two days earlier, the Supreme Commander of NATO Forces in Europe, the American General Wesley Clark, said he was enthusiastic about the final British commitment that “Kosovo is increasingly preparing for a military confrontation with Serbia and the Albanians must do the same.” Not only is this in fact happening, but this is also what is being officially stated on both sides of the border. The situation in Kosovo has reached a highly critical point, and in these circumstances even if the Albanians were to force the Serbian side off the battlefield, the Serbs are capable of carrying out major reprisals or even igniting the situation beyond and near the Albanian border. Kadare said on the West-Si program that there is evidence that camps are being built in northern Albania to receive military personnel. But on the other hand Kosovo is a reality and, most likely, that is what will happen. Specialists believe that the situation could become such by the eve of next spring. Leaving no doubt about the official viewpoint, newspapers in recent days have written about evidence of troop movements and preparations in Kosovo and Albania. Aware of the difficult position our country is in, because the situation could take on unpredictable dimensions, Albanian political circles have begun speaking about possible mobilizations and the need for a clear state stance. Against this backdrop, warnings from various international circles and public statements about “readiness” and “confrontation” make the political and military climate in the region even more serious.

Major police operation Large coordinated police forces around the Zadrima area arrived, set up strong checkpoints[?] at several intersections, surrounded and inspected all roads. The police operation took place in several villages of Lezhë, mainly in the area of Kallmet and the Manati Gorge[?], while reports circulated about the presence of several suspected individuals. Other police sources from Lezhë, cited as “independent” and linked to the local police, explained that the operation also began after the killing of policemen in the area. Police sources from Lezhë revealed that the 16 suspects[?] were arrested and questioned[?] during the evening, especially for disturbing public order and for police verification. It was reported that another 40 people were also subjected to police verification. It was stated that the police decided to increase controls to prevent the infiltration of armed elements into certain areas. It is emphasized that the operation was not intended to detain political figures, but to check individuals who might have links to recent events. The operation was regarded as one of the largest police interventions in the Lezhë area in recent months.

Radio “KOHA” IN MAMINAS FM 98.1 MHZ is heard in Tiranë, Durrës, Krujë, Fushë Krujë, Kavajë, Lushnjë, Fier, Peqin, Kuçovë, Berat IN KAMAN[?] FM 102.3 MHZ is heard in Mamurras, Thumanë, Laç, Milot, Rubik, Lezhë, Shëngjin and Shkodër (partly) TV KOHA IN MAMINAS 59 UHF is heard in Tiranë, Durrës, Kavajë, Lushnjë, Fier, Kuçovë, Peqin, Pustë-Rrogozhinë[?], Rubik, Lezhë, Shëngjin and Shkodër (partly) TV KOHA