Head of Eurocustoms: I will leave; it is impossible to work with this minister Serious accusations against the Finance Minister: He has occupied Albanian customs page 7

The lack of responsibility and the contemptuous disregard with which the authorities dealt with the conflict between the TOB artists and their director led to an unwanted, and even dangerous, escalation of this conflict. What until recently was simply a “clash” within the walls of an institution can now be said to be rapidly turning into a conflict between the large family of artists and those in power. Thus, the pathological insistence of a director and those who appointed her on not “giving in,” like Berisha’s “stubbornness” three years ago, risks plunging the country into unrest. Despite the smaller scale, the situation that has arisen recalls the initial phase of what became known as the “pyramid-scheme revolt,” which, as is well known, led to Berisha’s downfall and the destruction of state institutions. It is true that, for now, we are dealing with a limited protest, but there is every likelihood that in the not-too-distant future the government will face a chain reaction of protests in other sectors and cities. The worsening economic situation as a result of the government’s fiscal policies, the usual problems with electricity and water, now close to being blamed, and the repeated emergence of corruption scandals involving the highest-ranking officials, all of which intensify public discontent, create the conditions for similar protests to flare up everywhere. News is coming from Shkodra warning of a strike by healthcare workers, whose example may be followed by others. The revival of Omonia’s demands, including the old demand for “Greek schools throughout Albania,” is not without significance either. The authorities themselves are evidently aware of the danger that the protests may spread. The lights in their offices, which remain on late into the night; the prime minister’s long meeting with the head of the secret service; and the appearance of special forces in Skanderbeg Square are evidence of the concern that is growing ever greater at the highest levels of power. At the point the conflict has reached, the government is in a critical position. If it does not take a step back, the conflict will deepen. But, on the other hand, a victory for the striking musicians would serve as an example for dissatisfied workers in other sectors to pursue their demands through hunger strikes. Finally, it would be wrong to leave another fact unmentioned. The danger of unrest is hanging over our country precisely at a moment when a conflict is expected to erupt in Montenegro between the “Milošević supporters” and the “pro-Westerners.” It is known that the events of 14 September 1998 preceded the war in Kosovo, while the events of March this year—and those before them—coincide with the Serbian opposition demonstrations in Belgrade, not to go even further back.

14 September 1998. The insurgents’ attack on the Prime Minister’s Office

Klosi warns Meta of a new 14 September — Page 9 SHISH: Albania on the brink of unrest After the demonstrations in Tirana, more are expected in Shkodra and other cities. Police are ordered to intervene using all means permitted by law