The report by the Supreme State Audit on KESH exposes major abuses Those who were supposed to keep the lights on took the money pages 20–21

ALEKSANDËR ÇIPA The Alliance for the State is experiencing the crisis of the alliance for the Stability Pact. Official Albania still has no legitimized representative structure within the framework of the global initiative of the Stability Pact. This disagreement, which has led to institutional chaos in representation, is evident first and foremost among the Socialists themselves. If, for a moment, one considers the calendar of political moves and proposals put forward by Socialist leader Nano, and the efforts of Meta’s cabinet, one can see the absence of a coordinated strategy between the party’s representation and its practical presence in the Executive. While Socialist leader Nano has scheduled meetings in Podgorica, Bulgaria, and with representatives of the European Community, putting forward his ideas for the Pact’s strategy, Prime Minister Meta, on his Balkan itinerary, remains somewhat in a position of making suggestions and reconfirming positions, but not making firm declarations as head of the Executive, since there is still no legitimate representative body. The day before, the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee once again debated whether representation should be through the Executive or through structures proposed at cross-party round tables. Even the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at many meetings arranged by the international structures and organizations directing the Pact, has faced the dilemma of whom this right should be entrusted to. On the other hand, the very precedent of the proposals made by Socialist leader Nano for the Stability Pact Commission not being put to a vote because of abstentions within the Parliamentary Committee makes it quite clear that the “Alliance for the State” has been trapped in the absence of the alliance needed for the Pact. Meanwhile, in terms of national representation in the Balkans’ largest political initiative, Albanians once again remain faced with the test of “being unable to find common ground among themselves.” The opposition has compounded this institutional impotence with its boycott, which, absurdly, it has not accompanied on a single occasion with a possible alternative position. By contrast, our neighbors are gaining time through a pact among themselves, gaining the chance to direct and administer the resources of this Pact-action. Athens and Skopje have seized this opportunity to advance their interests by taking advantage of Tirana’s institutional delays. In fact, impressions from contacts in Balkan capitals are signals that the European Community is sending to ensure that the “song of Balkan delays and stagnation” does not continue any longer. The recent start of visits to Tirana by American officials makes clear the seriousness of the West as a whole about “treating the Albanian disease” of lost time in institutional presence and action in the Balkans.

Page 15 Joerg Hajder, chairman of the Freedom Party, the far right, and his deputy Suzan Riess-Passer before the meeting with Shusel

150 million lekë spilled from 5 tank cars It is not known who gave the order for the train to travel at night and enter the closed line, but what is known is that the Albanian oil company “ARMO”, which sells fuel at lower prices than importing companies, has lost 150 million lekë and 5 oil tank cars. This loss may force it not only to raise the price of oil, but also to postpone the privatization deadline and perhaps seek assistance to avoid bankruptcy. The police are investigating, but have still not found who gave the order to send the train toward its derailment, at the same spot where it also derailed three months ago and lost another large quantity of oil. page 9

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