The PS parliamentary group once again exposes the conflict between factions. Majko and Meta under fire Bufi, Koçi and Angjeli urgently summoned to parliament Page 3

BY ENTON ABILEKAJ It had been heard and understood, but Albanian politicians had never themselves stated that the KLA was commanded from Tirana. As of yesterday, it is no longer a spontaneous movement, or one commanded from Pristina and guided by Demaçi, but a carefully planned movement, with its bases in the only Albanian state and a clear long-term goal: the complete independence of Kosovo. All of this was declared unintentionally yesterday by Foreign Minister Paskal Milo and by all the Albanian authorities, who, fearing the anger of the great powers, secured the KLA’s entry into the Rambouillet castle. And Demaçi was sidelined. Even if he wishes to be the KLA’s voice at the French negotiating table, no one will listen to what he says, so the KLA needs to find another political representative. Perhaps it could be Krasniqi, who is its voice. But if it is not him, then the Kosovo Army can just as well find its representative in Tirana, which openly showed yesterday that it is the brain behind the Albanian movement. Yesterday’s exposure is both good and bad. The now-revealed fact that Tirana is the epicenter of the Albanian movement turns Albania into an important factor in developments in the Balkans, but at the same time ensures that the entire Albanian movement will be under the control of the chancelleries in Tirana and their allies. It is precisely the fear that the KLA might not be controlled that dampened the great powers’ enthusiasm. With the guarantee Albania gave yesterday, hopes immediately rose, along with warnings of NATO intervention. After yesterday’s exposure, these warnings were entirely cautious. But the risk of losing control over the KLA is ever-present and an even greater concern for Albanian politics. At this point, the great powers’ leverage over the Albanian question is lost. It is precisely because of Tirana’s ties to the KLA that a Serbian attack could also be launched; such an attack has been repeatedly threatened. This is the most difficult moment, when the balance is on a knife’s edge. Foreign policy is Albania’s priority, now exposed as having Kosovo-related influence over all the actors in Kosovo. Albania’s history will change within weeks. For better or for worse...

The Netherlands: Albanians hold a banner reading “Free Kosovo” during a protest. Photo: REUTERS

Ministries dispute the facts. Fear of investors leaving “takes over” the executive What are the factors that determine whether they come or stay away Page 9 At a time when the threat of war is very close, even the few investors who remain seem to be packing their bags. Following two upheavals—the crisis of March 1997 and the events of 14 September last year—foreign investors’ uncertainty has gradually increased. This is also shown by the fact that, despite the Albanian governments’ endless pledges of security, public order and stability, nothing seems to reassure them anymore.

Today outside Arapi’s office Dissatisfied with the government’s stance and its withdrawal, and with the fact that money is being withdrawn every day from “VEFA”’s bank accounts, the creditors have begun gathering to protest so they can get the share that remains, since it is being stolen every day. It is reported that “Silva” and “VEFA” have requested that the criminal proceedings against them be dropped and that the creditors’ money be returned in full within two years. Nevertheless, the first protests begin today.