Strong arm-twisting by prosecution representatives against the new government Ilir Meta: “We will treat the putschists as putschists” Strong arm-twisting by prosecution representatives against the new government The institutional coup against the prime minister Ilir Meta: “We will treat the putschists as putschists” page 3

By Gavrosh Levonja Bearing in mind the reasons that led to the conception of the Stability Pact, the way it is being implemented, and the area it will encompass, there is no doubt that the Albanian factor is of primary importance. At best, it can demonstrate its real value as a positive and indispensable element in carrying out the international community’s projects for the region. However, everything in this respect will remain within the bounds of wishful thinking and utopia if the Albanian factor lacks the ability to cooperate, directing all its energies along the paths desired by Westerners. This seems to have prompted Socialist leader Nano to initiate the institutionalization of regular contacts with politicians from Kosovo and Macedonia. In fact, the need for “a common language” among Albanians has often been discussed, but this was usually linked to resolving the national question, with the option of bringing all Albanians together in a single state also being considered. Today, however, given the direction of developments in Europe in recent years and their impact on the Balkans, the need to find a “common language” is linked to modern notions expressed through terms such as “Europeanization,” “democratization,” “coexistence,” and so on. Indeed, if we were to return to resolving the Albanian national question, taking into account the image, “democratization,” “coexistence,” and national issues, the ideal solution would be found precisely within the framework of the integration and democratic processes whose prospects in our region are imminent. Perhaps this is what opposition leader Berisha had in mind in connection with the idea of a federation or confederation that would include all Albanians. Under these circumstances, contacts among representatives of the Albanian world, undoubtedly including the people who conduct politics in the territories where Albanians live, should become more frequent. This would enable them to share new ideas and messages of emancipation, which, among other things, would free the nations that have lived and continue to live alongside Albanians from the fear and anxiety of a “Greater Albania” coming into being. On the other hand, when discussing the future of the region, the notion of coexistence must clearly take precedence over the notion of coexistence among the Albanian factor. Only by showing that they are willing to live in harmony with others as well will Albanians, freed from complexes and nationalist ghosts associated with the past, become a kind of linchpin in achieving the objectives of the Stability Pact.

Holiday special, pages 15–17

The Ministry of Public Order drafts a strict bill Strict laws on drug trafficking in Albania. A new draft has been prepared by specialists at the Ministry of Public Order, aiming to curb narcotics trafficking. According to the bill, which is now being discussed in several ministries and at the prosecutor’s office, if a citizen of the state is involved in trafficking, they receive a fixed sentence of 25 years in prison. Strict measures are also envisaged for venues where drugs are distributed or which serve as bases for drug users. For them, the bill, which is expected to become a [sic] base to become a, provides for strict financial penalties. If a drug dealer is caught at a venue, the owner is fined, the venue is seized, or its operating license is revoked. Also, if drug users are caught in a state institution, that institution is closed. Changes have also been made to the organization of operations against the cultivation of narcotic plants. The harvesting of cannabis in Albanian growers’ fields will no longer be handled by the police, but by the army, since it has more equipment at its disposal. pages 8–9

- page 21 -