Zani learns the news in his cell. The trial scheduled for tomorrow is postponed Late last night, two masked men slaughtered Zani’s second brother in a bar. Tension in the coastal city continues to rise. Special forces arrive from Tirana page 9

After much debate in the pro-government, independent and opposition media, yesterday at midday, at 14:23, Prime Minister Ilir Meta and SP chairman Fatos Nano met. Mutual understanding characterized their conversation, dismissing the speculation of some in Albanian politics who were interested in a duel between them. Perhaps the intervention of OSCE ambassador Ahren or of the US ambassador in Tirana, Limprecht, brought the two current powerful figures of the SP to sit at the same table, something that had not happened for two weeks. Although some party members in the SP and some ministers in the Meta cabinet have been, and remain, interested in letting the Nano-Meta misunderstanding continue for a long time, giving them free rein for their wheeling and dealing in a chaotic situation that could engulf the SP and the Government. It was precisely this group within the SP that wanted this clash, but Nano and Meta’s wisdom has defied all the predictions of the “Fidel” club. Not only did they meet publicly yesterday, but they also discussed the local elections, improving discipline in the state administration, the responsibility some ministers must take for implementing Ilir Meta’s program and orders, removing incapable and mediocre party members from SP structures, the support all SP structures should give the Government, and so on and so forth. Perhaps the lack of communication, caused by mutual pressure, allowed sycophants and careerists to come between them, hoping to secure future armchairs through a duel between the two. As for the “Blushi” issue, it is not known what they discussed; the coming days will therefore have to clarify any more concrete idea concerning the former Deputy Foreign Minister, dismissed over the “Olldaj” affair. Judging by their friendly meeting, which surprised journalists, a new phase of cooperation between them is beginning, to complete the mandate given by the vote of 29 June 1997 and to renew that mandate through 2005. Nevertheless, this should not be taken to mean that Nano and Meta held identical views on particular issues. It is precisely their diversity of ideas that makes everything complementary between Nano and Meta and led them to arrange another meeting within the week, this time over a working dinner after Friday, when the SP leadership will convene—a body that now meets only for acceptable formalities. Nano’s diplomacy, combined with Meta’s power and determination, could lead the socialists to victory in the local elections and then in the parliamentary elections. Naturally, the Prime Minister intends to make some ministerial changes at the right time and moment, but not at all under pressure from political clans. In any case, the duel was sidestepped, leaving Berisha, who had so eagerly hoped for conflict in the SP, and several small parties with egg on their faces; these parties live in the SP’s shadow or cling on by taking advantage of quarrels within the socialist camp.

Destroyed roads and Minister Shuli PROMISES JUSTIFICATIONS Politics / Controversies erupt even among the PD reformers Tritan Shehu accuses Genc Pollo: “He’s just like Berisha” page 2