The opposition insists on the departure of the Minister of Public Order. Majko refuses to dismiss him Minarolli: “We cannot accept the arrest of party members” Page 5

. Two days ago, the commander-in-chief of NATO forces, Klark, made the alarming public warning that “Kosovo is heading toward the start of a full-scale civil war within a few weeks.” Also, at the latest meeting of the Atlantic Council, attention was given to the fact that, despite the Holbruk-Millosheviç agreement, the possibility of a conflict breaking out in Kosovo, bloodier than that of last year, is rapidly drawing closer. Indeed, recent developments in Kosovo show that both sides are using the relative calm created thanks to the agreement reached three months ago to stock up on weapons in preparation for what may be a final reckoning, on an even greater scale. This has meant that the OSCE verifiers will not only be unable to carry out their mission, but will also feel endangered. The alarming situation in Kosovo is also what has set international diplomacy in motion, in an effort to prevent an unwanted outbreak of violence that nevertheless seems very close. Thus, while the head of the OSCE, with his visit to Tirana, begins tomorrow a tour of the capitals of the parties involved in the crisis, and while Solana visits NATO troops in Macedonia, Kristofer Hill is once again in Kosovo’s main city, after a brief pause for rest. Surely, the arrival in Tirana of such influential figures on the Kosovo political scene as Demaci and Qosja is also part of these efforts. Without questioning the value of suggestions from politicians in Tirana that “the Kosovo Albanians should speak with one voice,” it would have been good if, alongside this, Demaci, Qosja or someone else had also received advice and options from Tirana on how to stop the conflict, which is now imminent. On the other hand, Albania itself is unprepared to deal with the consequences of a conflict that, according to forecasts, is expected to be much more brutal. Last summer showed the inability of state institutions to cope with the influx of several thousand refugees. Since a “final reckoning” is being discussed, an armed Yugoslav action in the northeastern area to uncover the alleged KLA bases cannot be ruled out either. Given that the Albanian government still does not control this part of the country, it is difficult to foresee an improvement in the situation. Perhaps this was one of the reasons NATO troops preferred Macedonia rather than Albania. Albania must arm itself to face the national question. And arming means buying or receiving as gifts the latest weapons. Let us remember this now, before the war begins, even though no one wants Albania to be drawn into the carnage that is coming.

Late last night in Lezhë Large police forces from the Lezhë police station carried out checks last night at several locations where smuggling bases in the district were believed to be situated. Rapid-response units and members of the criminal police stopped and searched all vehicles at the entrance to Lezhë, at the port of Shëngjin, and on the Lezhë–Shkodër national road. Establishments believed to be possible hubs for the illegal possession of weapons were also subjected to police checks. The order from police station chief Paulin Sterkaj was unequivocal: “Use physical force against anyone caught wearing a mask or resisting the police with weapons.” The presence of police forces, police sources in Lezhë said, will continue over the coming days in Tale, Torovicë and Zadrimë, particularly to eliminate a gang operating in the area bordering Shkodër. Since last night, several people have been taken to the police station as a result of the checks in Lezhë, and more than 11 vehicles have been impounded. Police authority is growing, especially following recent criticism in the media and the firm order from the Minister of Public Order, Petro Koçi, that “anyone who does not comply with the laws and orders needed to guarantee public order will be dismissed.” Also yesterday, MPs Pema, Marku, Hasani and Lesi met with residents of the town of Shëngjin and the Mat Coast to hear their concerns regarding the police. There were problems related to road traffic, as the police presence was not sufficiently noticeable; residents in Shëngjin complained that the traffic police had not been seen for a month. In any case, last night the citizens witnessed the power of the state being brought to bear against society’s negative elements.