After 29 May, MPs Berisha, Pollo, Gjana, Dajçi, Memia, Meksi, etc. will lose their mandates. Shehu, Xhaferri, Demi, Topalli, Arbnori, etc. will benefit. P. 4–5

The latest meeting of the DP National Council, held two days ago, dispelled any illusion of a swift return of the DP to Parliament. In this way, the Democratic leader, Berisha, managed without much difficulty to silence the few “rebel voices” calling for the return of the largest opposition party to Parliament. Berisha certainly has his own reasons for wanting to keep the party out of Parliament, whether personal or part of his strategy to return to power. But judging by the reactions of certain circles within the governing coalition, one can conclude that they may be even more interested than Berisha, or others, in keeping the DP from crossing the threshold of Parliament. The truth is that whenever the DP is about to make a decision aimed at easing tensions, or when one of its initiatives in this direction appears on the horizon, someone in government makes sure it is attacked in one way or another. In fact, despite appearances and speeches about cooperation, co-governance, etc., with the opposition, at crucial moments—when the hoped-for turning point was expected—individuals or groups within the government, through provocative statements and actions directed at the DP, have kept it from emerging from its bunker. This is what happened in August last year with the arrest of the “six,” when a party roundtable had been scheduled and a Nano-Berisha meeting was also expected. The same is happening now: while the public was awaiting the DP’s decision on its position toward Parliament, an announcement was published about the resumption of the “14 September” trial, in which the accused include militants as well as well-known DP figures. These circles in the governing coalition are interested in keeping the DP out of Parliament, first and foremost so as not to have “thorns in their side,” their aim being to govern without an opposition. The legal institutions have been set in motion, and prosecutions are being pursued with great zeal against the opposition’s voice denouncing violations and abuses by those in power, rather than against those responsible. Without an opposition, every minister can “give” more easily, since even the “opposition members” within the majority are drowned out by party discipline (!).

In the Dukagjin area, the KLA on the offensive to protect Kosovo’s civilian population P. 2

Nano to the PS parliamentary group: Kastriot Islami’s activities must be investigated P. 3

Branho, Chairman of the Mandates Committee: DP MPs must return the 200 million lekë for the roads P. 4

A tractor carrying Kosovars overturns into a stream; dozens end up in hospital P. 7

Albania wins lawsuit in London: escapes the $3.5 million penalty sought by a Greek company P. 19

The bandit released the family, but has not surrendered himself Kukës, after 12 hours of fighting, police use tear gas

Football: Today in Kavajë Today at 14:30, at the “Besa” stadium in Kavajë, a match will be played between the two second-division teams, Besëlidhja of Lezhë and Shqiponja of Gjirokastër, who are competing for promotion to the first division. Given their good physical, technical and tactical condition, the Lezhë team are thought likely to win this important match. The winner of this match will play the winner of the other match taking place today in Elbasan between Albpetrol of Patos and Naftëtari of Kuçovë. The grand final will be held on Sunday, 9 May, at Tirana’s “Selman Stërmasi” stadium.

P. 30–31

Tomorrow: Musical evening Tomorrow at 19:00, a musical evening entitled “Freedom for Kosovo ...” will be held in the hall of the Opera and Ballet Theatre. Tomorrow at 19:00, a musical evening entitled “Freedom for Kosovo ...” will be held in the hall of the Opera and Ballet Theatre, organized by Keti Qosja, Anita Tartari (Merited Artist) and the RTVSH Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Jetmir Barbulushi. Poems by: Dritëro Agolli, Ali Podrimja, Xhevahir Spahiu Recitations by: Reshat Arbana (People’s Artist) and Kastriot Çaushti. Artistic director: Zhаni Çiko Organizer: Bardhyl Kurmaku Sponsor: “Koha Jonë” newspaper