Bujar Bukoshi spoke yesterday once again as Prime Minister of Kosovo, while Thaçi, by telephone through the state television screen, called for “the unification of all Albanian political and military forces in the face of Serbian aggression.”
The Albanian government and institutions declared that they recognize Alush Thaci as head of the government of the Albanians of Kosovo, while the opposition continues to await Bukoshi as their representative. Albania is struggling to reconcile the “two governments.” P. 7
MPs TO THE GOVERNMENT: WHERE IS THE AID GOING?
Kosovars cost 2.5 million dollars a day
. MPs TO THE GOVERNMENT: WHERE IS THE AID GOING? Commission report: In 10 years, only 3 are eating. P. 5
European Union: Albania needs 200 million dollars a month for the Kosovars. P. 23
Albania makes a “plea”: Admit us to the EU quickly. Europe: We cannot rush. P. 8
The EC summons the presidents: Meidani and Gligorov face to face in Strasbourg. P. 8
Vlorë: Masked gang attacks hospital to steal money for staff wages. P. 20
Sport: National team coach Hafizi: I’m afraid we won’t play in Albania anymore. P. 27
A UCK recruit yesterday in the city of Durrës, having just arrived from the USA. Photo REUTERS
The Public Order Minister signs at night. Vlorë police chief dismissed
Sokol Koçiu is suspended from duty
. The Public Order Minister signs at night. Vlorë police chief dismissed.
A bolt from the blue from the Ministry of Public Order. Late last night, the Director of Police for Vlorë Prefecture, Sokol Koçiu, was suspended from duty. The much-talked-about police chief, who clashed with the speedboat operators, must now leave Vlorë. The reason for this suspension is not yet known, but according to a statement from the Ministry of Public Order, he was suspended simply for a breach of work discipline. In fact, after the events last October, when the Vlorë police chief was taken hostage by a group of speedboat operators (and was later released in exchange for the release of the speedboats), there had been talk of Koçiu being removed from his post. But this has not happened until now. Instead, the suspension of the chief of police in the coastal city has been announced. Late yesterday, however, when Koçiu’s mobile phone was unavailable, the people at the Vlorë police station were still unaware that they had been left without a “head.” Nevertheless, the unexpected decision by Minister Petro Koçi remains a mystery. Commissioner Koçiu had vowed to stop the speedboats, but after his first battle with the speedboat operators, which he lost badly, events took a different turn, and the “speedboat” issue is no longer on the agenda.
