The file-review commission approves the new directors Lists for the removal of half the police directors in the Prefectures are ready page 7

Aleksander Çipa Albanian politics seems to be showing the first signs of moving away from the fierce personal clashes between political leaders. During Prime Minister Meta’s latest departure for the OSCE summit in Istanbul, the opposition leader Berisha was invited—albeit in a threatening tone—to participate in the Anti-Corruption Commission. The Democratic Party leader’s swift refusal was followed by a renewed response from the Prime Minister in Istanbul: “The time when Berisha dictated things is over. He is being called upon to respect the laws and rules; otherwise, he risks being out of the game.” And after this tone, one of the most energetic figures in Albanian politics, Berisha, avoided his usual aggressive response as never before. Indeed, when asked publicly what he thought of Meta’s threat, Berisha, as he was leaving for France, demonstratively avoided answering, offering a deflecting greeting to supporters outside the party headquarters. Thus Berisha and Meta, as direct opponents in today’s political game, have provided the first instance of stepping back from the confrontation that fuels turmoil and irritates the country’s political life. Nevertheless, this assessment remains provisional: the Democratic Party leader did lower his tone the following day, going so far as to express acceptance of parliamentary dialogue in the fight against corruption. At the same time, however, he refused to take part in the Anti-Corruption Commission. His “reserve revolver” in the political game, although it no longer has the “dryness of gunpowder” it once had, leaves the Prime Minister’s condition in the game open. On the other hand, Socialist leader Nano, following the political move expressed through the Prime Minister’s invitation to include the opposition in a significant Commission, confines himself in his statement to the phrase: “In this game for dialogue and institutional cooperation.” In this picture, the voices articulated by today’s political leaders have finally found the warning tones of a new climate. In a position following the logic of “in the trenches,” this at last creates the impression of a new scene in the daily view of politics. Perhaps this is the epilogue to a new development on the stage that has been fraught until now. The first steps taken by the Prime Minister in his capacity as Number One administering executive power have been notable. Denouncing corruption through executive actions, and corruption within state machinery and buildings, is a gesture that leaves the impression—even if only a desired one—of a context coming from the opposition. With this move underway, the new Prime Minister is compelling it, and especially the Democratic Party leader, to move away from political shouting. Former US President Clinton’s statement, “I fully support the fight being waged against crime and corruption...,” addressed to Prime Minister Meta during their handshake in Istanbul, is, among other things, a moral “OK” for the executive. At the same time, it is public approval for the continuation of this emerging policy, which points toward the normalization of the changed political struggle in this country.

Page 2 Klinton in Istanbul yesterday with Prime Minister Meta

Prenjas, the wind tears roofs off houses The village of Lëpushë, 35 km from Prenjas, has almost ceased to exist. A violent windstorm accompanied by torrential rain has destroyed dozens of houses, killed hundreds of cattle and damaged hundreds of fruit trees. The enormous damage is beyond calculation, and the villagers’ ability to continue living there is in question; fortunately, they have escaped without any physical injuries. The entire disaster took place overnight, into yesterday morning, when the strong wind tore the roofs off houses and the torrential rain swept away everything in its path. This is why part of the [batëcëve?] has disappeared. page 9

The editorial office of “Koha Jonë” is looking to hire a female (or male) English-language translator. Applicants should preferably be graduates of the Faculty of English, and be up to 27 years old. Candidates who also know Italian will be given preference. Those interested should come to the offices of the newspaper “Koha Jonë” between 9:30 and 13:30, starting today. The pay is high. Candidates must present their diploma or proof of language proficiency.