The capital’s gang boss knows the methods used to treat the Elbasan police chief. Traffic police had issued him a pass allowing him to drive against the flow of traffic The capital’s gang boss knows the methods used to treat the Elbasan police chief Traffic police had issued him a pass allowing him to drive against the flow of traffic page 7

Yesterday, through the new president of the European Commission, Romano Prodi, the people of the Balkans received bitter news. Europe will not open its doors to them for at least another 25 years. Besides other factors, such as economic ones, which are also characteristic of the other former communist countries of the East, the people of the Balkans also suffer the consequences of their relations with one another—relations that are not particularly friendly. In this regard, the head of the European Commission, about whom our Foreign Minister said, “As our friend, he will not leave us outside Europe,” was categorical, saying: “The inhabitants of the Balkans must first resolve their conflicts with one another before seeking to join the EU.” Faced with such a prospect, in which Europe is more a mirage than a tangible reality, if things continue to develop as they have until now, the gap between Europe and the Balkans will widen further, which, logically, would make the Balkan countries’ accession to Europe even more distant. In the face of this reality, the foreign policy of these countries, protagonists in the continent’s recent conflicts, must undergo radical changes. The conditions set by the EU for opening Europe’s doors to the people of the Balkans require them, before knocking on the doors of the EU and other institutions, to begin without delay the difficult process of normalizing relations among themselves, so as to pave the way for peaceful coexistence and increasingly close cooperation in every field. Positive developments in this direction would banish the old ghosts of nationalism, which foreign politicians of ethnic character, as well as that sick political class, have used as their “battle horse.” Such tendencies require the foreign policies of the Balkan countries to make relations with their neighbors their main priority, even if, temporarily, relations with other countries take second place. This perspective should also inform how we now view the Crete meeting, denounced by various circles as an “act of treason.” Moreover, bearing in mind that Albania, for well-known historical reasons, has perhaps been the country with the most problems with its neighbors, it should lead the processes outlined above in order to dispel every prejudice or speculation by anti-Albanian circles. On the other hand, Balkan politicians—and Albanian politicians too. On the other hand, Balkan politicians—and Albanian politicians too. On the other hand, Balkan politicians, Albanian politicians included, must bear in mind that anyone who fails to keep pace with others in the regional integration processes that will begin very soon risks being abandoned by the West for good and left isolated. In any case, if the people of the Balkans would “the powder keg” become an oasis of peace and prosperity. And then Europe will be interested in having the Balkans as a member of its family.

Beratasi Kliton Bozgo, captain of Slovenia’s champions Maribor, a protagonist in the match in Kievt REUTERS

The Prime Minister in Tropojë, Nano in Fier; the campaign heats up 14 September looks set to be Majko’s strongest weapon in the campaign within the PS against Nano. Yesterday in Tropojë he once again blamed his predecessor for leaving office. “A man must die to preserve the dignity of the institution and the dignity of the voters,” Majko declared, referring to Nano’s failure to do so. Meanwhile, the former prime minister explained yesterday in Fier the events of a year ago, taking responsibility on behalf of the socialists for everything that had happened from then until yesterday. Petro Koçi publicly declared his support for Nano’s candidacy. Pages 2–3

page 21