Rexhep Qosja: “Justice without force behind it is not easily achieved” — Page 3 Rexhep Qosja: “Justice without force behind it is not easily achieved” Page 3

BY BLENDI FEVZIU The Majko–Berisha meeting seems to have dampened the emotionally charged political developments in Tirana at the beginning of the year. Naturally, even the most optimistic analyst can easily understand that this calm will not last long. But the most likely scenario is that, in the coming days, developments will shift from the clash between the governing majority and the opposition to the camp of the PS itself. The forthcoming conference of the country’s largest party will be the event that may also steer further political developments in the country. In other words, the Majko Government, the improvement of the political situation, or even early elections will depend, one way or another, on the outcome of the PS conference. The signs have already been clear in the daily press, and the newspaper “Koha Jonë” commented on this yesterday. It is no longer a secret that there are undoubtedly several factions within the PS, but the biggest clash will be between Nano and the new leaders of the executive. Following the Majko–Berisha meeting, the political standing and profile of Majko and Meta have risen. This is obvious, and nowhere is it reflected better than in the subsequent conduct of the two figures leading the state. But if, on the basis of this new status, Majko, Meta, or both together seek to take Nano’s place in the party, the situation becomes complicated. First, bringing Nano down, despite his moral crisis, will not be easy at all. Albanians have, without a doubt, offered plenty of similar examples in which a clash between a party leader and his challengers has always ended with the leader victorious. Second, the balance of power in the party could be overturned, and in that case Nano’s opponents would prove their point while the executive, too, would suffer a frontal blow. In other words, it would lose its moral mandate to govern, and the PS itself would have to call early elections. Third, if Nano is brought down, problems will arise again. Nano’s removal will consume not only strength and energy; the idea that, after this, Majko or Meta will emerge more consolidated is merely an illusion. To get the government back on its feet, the PS would be forced to enter new elections. This analysis makes the socialists’ conference even harder to predict, and makes Albania’s political future even grayer.

How dollars are stolen from people who want to learn a foreign language The current legal framework encourages abuses. There is neither a Cambridge nor an Oxford in Albania Foreign-language courses: the new pyramid schemes targeting Albanians. Whether paid for in lekë or dollars, private teachers or the centers organizing these courses are free to take money from their students without worrying about whether they provide what they advertise. Meanwhile, parents who have paid dearly for their children’s English or German lessons have nowhere to complain when, at the end of a course lasting several months, their children have not even acquired basic knowledge. Page 15

The problem of speedboats will soon be before parliament The much-discussed problem of Albanian migrants heading for the Italian coast has prompted the Minister of Public Order, Petro Koçi, in addition to his practical efforts, to draft a modern and precise bill. The bill concerns a number of parameters for watercraft, such as speed, engine power, number of people, parking arrangements, lighting, etc. If approved, these would require every licensed person to comply with the law’s requirements, which can now be called the “Koçi” law. The bill, which requires extensive information to obtain a license, was also supported yesterday by the Italian opposition, Berisha’s guest. So, according to Democratic MP Vejsiu’s reasoning, the Albanian opposition should also support the “Koçi” bill, even though it is calling for his resignation. The bill, which could save people’s lives, awaits approval by the MPs, who will pass it urgently on Wednesday, naturally with a degree of acceptable opposition. I.M

Serbian tanks yesterday on the streets of Kosovo Photo REUTERS

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