BY FRROK ÇUPI The closest image of the Balkan peoples, whoever they may be (with perhaps an exception for Greece), is this: Some old imperial or communist cities, as big as mountains and as hollow as dinosaurs, through which move the smallest creatures called human beings. In addition to these emptied-out giants, where people look miserable, there are some new cities in the style of Bombay, full of pools of dirty water, mud, tin and plastic. In both the first type of city and the second, ‘urban’ type, the Balkan peoples seem to move in exactly the same way, up and down, doing their most preferred ‘work’. They have turned into nothing but traders. We sell... we sell... we sell. ‘Hey, come here, we Balkan peoples sell... war.’ That is what the Balkans seem to be shouting in every corner of the cities and in the hidden recesses of the Western world’s brain, carrying the only commodity they have to sell. (Continued on page 4)

BY BLENDI FEVZI Majko landed in Italy two days ago for the third time. His earlier statement that Rome is a privileged strategic partner apparently did not need a more dignified defense. And, surprisingly, the visit that posed the greatest difficulties in the prime-ministerial protocol passed with fewer problems than expected. Majko landed in Italy at a moment that was not at all favorable to him. A series of murders in Milan, attributed to the Albanian mafia there, has created an atmosphere of tension and resentment. This time, not only the media but also the political establishment has joined the chorus of extremists who see clandestine immigration, and Albanian immigration in general, as the source of their misfortunes. This undesirable and hostile atmosphere was expected to accompany the entire visit of the Albanian delegation, and even threaten the hitherto good relations between the two countries. But just when it was expected that official Rome would bare its teeth and demand tougher measures from Albania to stop clandestine migrants, the situation changed. Majko arrived at Rome airport carrying the law on the seizure of speedboats, and this was used as evidence of the Albanian Government’s good intentions. He asked for Italian help in implementing the law and, without having to apologize for criminality as in Greece, brought this difficult chapter to a close at negligible cost. But the trump card in Majko’s hand this time was neither his young age nor Italy’s decision to support Albania at any cost. In his file, Majko had the public statement by the Yugoslav Foreign Minister and his serious threat of a possible war. With the bearing of a 30-year-old Prime Minister whose country is threatened by the flames of war, Majko responded just as forcefully. He declared that Albania was determined to defend its territory and did not forget to tell Rome that an attack on Albania would mean “Pulling the pin on the bomb called the Balkans.” Apart from the cost Europe would face in such a case, he reminded D’Alema that several hundred thousand Albanian refugees would, in that event, add to the already problematic contingents in Italy. Majko thus got through the serious situation created by Albanian criminality by shifting the conversation to areas where Albania has a clear advantage.

Yesterday, 45 Kosovars from the village of Raçak were found killed by Serbian forces in a single day Photo REUTERS Yesterday, 45 Kosovars from the village of Raçak were found killed by Serbian forces in a single day. Photo REUTERS

As a result of newspapers being read without permission, circulation has fallen considerably Press publishers: We will no longer let them steal our work Page 32 It has apparently been very easy to run a private radio station or television channel using news. The owners of the new electronic media have found a solution which, despite the technology involved, is typical of many other things happening in the country these days: living off someone else. There was no reason for the electronic media not to do it too, since it is also very easy in practice.

POLICE Law and order, still a thorn in the government’s side Koçi wants the reform to continue page 3

Culture From Kevin Kostner to Lady Diana When artists fall in love, they lose their minds page 26

Sport - Football Teuta and Vllaznia qualify in a goal-filled round Shqiponja from the second division into the quarter-finals page 21

DP: If he asks us to return to parliament, we will consider it “A statement that should be taken into consideration” was the response from the Democratic Party to Berlusconi’s request that the DP enter parliament. However, the Democrats seem to have their doubts about Berlusconi’s statement. According to Ylli Vejsiu, this information was made public only by what he calls the left-wing media and the Albanian Prime Minister’s Office. “Usually, foreign parties, both left-wing and right-wing, have made this request, and that is nothing to be surprised about. Page 7