One of the five “Asian Dragons” wants to take responsibility for Albania’s infrastructure Prime Minister Majko may agree. Meidani’s hesitation over antagonizing Beijing is unfounded. After all: What has China done for Tirana and Kosovo? Nothing; in fact, it supported Belgrade. page 3

What stands out on the political scene in recent days is the total silence of the largest party in the governing coalition. Not only are activities by central and local forums absent, but the party’s leading figures are nowhere to be seen reacting either. Even an activity such as Nano’s campaign, since it did not comply with the rules of the party statutes, has been suspended, and the former leader seems to have been eagerly awaiting such a decision by the leadership so he could begin his vacation. Moreover, given that its congress—the most important in its eight-year history, perhaps—is to be held in less than two months, the current pause in the SP’s bodies gives the impression of a deathly silence. Nothing has yet been decided about the platform expected to be presented at the congress. The last meeting of the KPD yielded nothing definite on this point. Specifically, judging from the statements of the socialist members of this forum who attended that meeting, it is impossible to tell what position was taken on the congress platform. Some say it was not accepted, others that it received support, while still others say it was not discussed at all. When such a chaotic situation prevails within the leading forums themselves, it is easy to imagine what is happening at the grassroots regarding preparations for the congress. The situation would be different if everything had been prepared behind the scenes and the proceedings in the second week of October were to be merely a farce in which everyone plays a role assigned long ago. Then the “quarrels” between Nano, Majko, Meta, etc., would be nothing but a commotion intended to distract ordinary Socialists. On the other hand, circles close to the Socialists, as well as some government sources, are warning of a period of unrest in three or four weeks; there is even talk of another 14 September. But in that case, why isn’t the SP mobilizing its grassroots and central structures to head off trouble? It is possible that something has fractured in the relationship between the grassroots and the center of the SP. The “split” at the top of the party has undoubtedly spread downward as well, where supporters of the party leaders are contributing to the progressive deepening of this “rift.” Among other things, if a debate takes place at the grassroots, ordinary Socialists may publicly lay their cards on the table before their leaders, which would have serious consequences. Perhaps this is also the main reason for the Socialist slumber, while the DP’s mechanisms are in full motion.

14 September 1998 in front of the Prime Minister’s Office photo REUTERS 14 September 1998 in front of the Prime Minister’s Office — photo REUTERS

Congress approaching, SP on vacation, DP busy page 3

Scientists denounce: What is this discrimination against us? pages 16–17

Three teenagers arrested for robbing and killing an emigrant page 7

The two-year term of the law expires. Weapons are being sold again page 4