Nano, Milo, Islami, Koci, Ullajni, Solis ... among those receiving homes is also PD MP Leonard Demi P. 3

Clinton’s storm over Milošević, as the Serbs await a rain of bombs P. 7–8

The week’s scanner Fatos Nano’s lost American bets By Diplomaticus P. 9

“When you get tired of the newspaper, read me” P. 24

Politicians’ phones under surveillance Reliable sources report that the telephones of politicians and several members of the Albanian parliament have been placed under surveillance, including Gramoz Ruçi, Fatos Nano, Bashkim Fino, Kico Blushi, Vladimër Bejzo, Ramazan Hasanaj, Spartak Ngjela, Arben Malaj, Zef Bushati, Vasil Melo, Nikollë Lesi, Kristo Goxhi, Pëllumb Shullazi and Ilir Meta. Other names may also have been monitored without the Speaker of Parliament’s authorization. If this action is ultimately confirmed (something that is extremely difficult to state, since even in Gazidede’s time such a thing was denied), then Prime Minister Majko must be acknowledged as right in his calls for a shutdown. Naturally, in this case, circles within the Albanian Presidency are also implicated.

The State Audit report reveals a dramatic picture: 40,000 corrupt officials. THE STATE AUDIT REPORT REVEALS A DRAMATIC PICTURE: 40,000 CORRUPT OFFICIALS One-third of the Albanian administration has “got its hands dirty,” causing Albania damage amounting to 4.3 billion lekë P. 5

Special feature The story of the factory that produced brandy for the Political Bureau Bodyguards and senior communist officials guarded the oak vats where z-year-old wine was stored for their bosses P. 11

The scandals involving those in power over the smuggling of cigarettes, oil, coffee, etc., as well as the Socialists’ split on the eve of the Congress, have caused the pro-coalition electorate to lose confidence, and in this way the opposition is gaining ground. Although it is not yet credible, it is nevertheless racing toward power. Having changed his tactics (without abandoning the strategic aim of regaining power), Berisha is regrouping his forces to begin holding one rally after another. Tomorrow’s rally, announced for 17:00 by the pro-Berisha media, could also draw more than 80,000 participants, which would mean that the PD’s partner could bring down not only Majko’s government, but also lead the country toward early elections as the only political solution. The Socialists’ megalomania is striking: in a state of ecstasy, they declare, “As long as Berisha is in opposition, our hold on power is guaranteed...!” Berisha may naturally have a hard time, but when poverty, crime and insecurity increase, promised investments fail to arrive, and not a single job is created, it is no wonder that the people might vote differently from how they voted on 29 June. Let us not forget that elections in Albania have always resulted in either a Democratic or a Socialist majority! It is also reported that circles within the Coalition are interested in steering the country toward parliamentary elections, hoping that they might at least take votes from the PS for, say, PAD, PSD, PBDNJ or PA. But it should not be forgotten that in Albania people vote in blocs: either for the PS or for the PD. The others will not be lucky enough to get more votes just yet. Prm, this spring may bring us a scorching summer of rallies and a hot electoral autumn. And this is solely the fault of the Coalition government, not a result of Berisha’s merit.