Five killed and six injured in one day across Albania Sources at the Ministry of Public Order and SHIK report that a mini-uprising is being prepared for late August or early September, which will be crushed by force

The two leading protagonists of Albanian politics during these nine years of political pluralism, Fatos Nano and Sali Berisha, have for some time been at the center of a campaign which, on the face of it, gives the impression that it is concerned with their definitive elimination from Albanian politics. First of all, it must be understood that taking an ultimatum-like position to deny someone the right to compete in politics—including the right to aspire to lead a political force—is not democratic. This is most evident in the case of the former Socialist leader, certainly because he is not in Berisha’s position: Berisha continues to control developments in his party, while no serious challenger to dislodge him from the head of the DP is in sight. The truth is that if, at the moment, there are calls for Nano not to lead the PS, this does not mean that he has been deprived, once and for all, of such a legitimate right. The present circumstances, the period the country is going through, require that Nano, Berisha, and perhaps one or several other politicians not occupy positions from which they can set the tone for political developments in the country. This is because, now that the emergence of a confrontational spirit is the main problem, their presence—in other words, Nano’s presence—at the head of the parties has the opposite effect. At the very least, Nano or Berisha would inject their personal conflicts carried over from the past into the activities of their parties, giving them a general character; we already have relevant experience of this. Secondly, Nano’s taking a back seat at this moment would also serve the PS in another way. In such a case, the abilities of the new generation of Socialist politicians would be put to the test, succession would be encouraged by freeing the electorate from idolatry, and a modern image of the party would be created. The same can be said of the DP. In fact, the emergence of young politicians as leading figures in the PS would, in a way, encourage the same phenomenon in the DP, and vice versa. For example, Majko, Meta, and others taking the lead in the PS would prompt Berisha, who has been showing realism for several months, to hand the leadership of the DP—perhaps temporarily—to a new generation of politicians, while remaining in the role of their adviser. But, in the more or less distant future, new balances would emerge that could once again bring both Fatos Nano and Sali Berisha back onto the stage. Their experience, ideas, abilities, and qualities—sometimes opposing, but also complementing one another—would undoubtedly benefit their parties, enabling them to retain their undisputed role as protagonists in the country’s political life and on the international stage. Nevertheless, at this October’s Socialist Congress, it is Majko’s turn to be the number-one leader. Perhaps Pollo’s turn in the DP as well, since they have the support of their leadership. Later, much later, perhaps Nano and Berisha will return.

1.5 billion dollars expected to be invested in Albania According to highly reliable sources, the government of the Republic of Taiwan has allocated 300 million dollars to Kosovo, while other sources within Thaci’s government in Prishtina estimate the value of this financial aid, which is expected to proceed through official channels. It is also learned that China has openly protested the possibility of Taiwan declaring independence from China. Likewise, within a few days the Taiwanese prime minister may visit Shkup, the only state that has established diplomatic relations with Taiwan, which would automatically lead to a break in relations with China. A group of Taiwanese businesspeople have expressed a desire to come to Tirana to invest a sum of nearly 1.5 billion dollars over the next few years. Likewise, a group of Albanian MPs have received an invitation to visit Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, where they will be received by the country’s President, the prime minister, the speaker of parliament, and Taiwanese businesspeople. In connection with this visit, the chairman of the Albania-Taiwan Friendship Association, MP Nikollë Lesi, said, “We are in favor of relations with every country that observes the rules of democracy, so there is no reason for official China to be jealous of such a visit. We would also accept an invitation from China, if it invites us as MPs, but we can go to Taiwan with our own money.” Meanwhile, the director of Radio Tirana, Mr. Martin Leka, who was accepted as a member of the Albania-Taiwan Association yesterday, told “KJ” that “Taiwan is an example of a country that knows how to develop, even without China’s help.”

[No legible text in the photograph.]

pages 8–9 POLITICS Also? Perikli Teta: Al is preparing September 14 page 3 THE INTERVIEW The Greek Minister of Defense, ...

page 3

Greek Minister of Defense, Xonaxopuf-los: All Albanian emigrants working in Greece should be legalized page 6

Director General of Police, Myftar “Mali”: Criminal gangs will leave their bones in the streets page 13

Pegi in Elbasan, face-to-face with the “iron” Kosen commission for 7 hours page 11