The former Deputy Foreign Minister sharply attacks the leader of the Socialist Party and the head of diplomacy: “Paskal Milo bears a high political cost” “The delegates’ votes were cast for reforms, not backroom manoeuvres” The former Deputy Foreign Minister sharply attacks the leader of the Socialist Party and the head of diplomacy: “Paskal Milo bears a high political cost” Ben Blushi: Nano has betrayed the congress “The delegates’ votes were cast for reforms, not backroom manoeuvres” page 2

Foreign policy during these three years in power of the left-wing coalition has been one of the most inefficient sectors in the entire government. A lack of achievements in their work. Milo and other officials have not seen it as…

Foreign policy during these three years in power of the left-wing coalition has been one of the most inefficient sectors across all governments. most inefficient sectors across all governments. In the absence no qualms about taking credit for the contributions of others, as has happened and continues to happen in the case of Kosovo. But despite this, Albanians find it difficult to swallow Albania’s abrupt abandonment by NATO forces as soon as the campaign against Millosheviç ended; the cancellations of visits by senior American officials; and, above all, Albania being left at the back of the queue when it comes to the integration process and the provision of aid. Without overlooking the negative influence of the spontaneity and clientelism that characterize Albanian diplomacy, a considerable share of responsibility also falls on most of the people tasked with the difficult job of defending Albania’s interests in international institutions and in various countries around the world. Thus, for example, if Albania is left with only crumbs from various projects, as has happened at least so far with the Stability Pact, this has also been a consequence of the non-existent work of Albanian ambassadors in the countries and organizations concerned. Besides the chaos caused by directives from Tirana regarding alternating “freezes and unfreezes,” it must be acknowledged that almost all Albanian ambassadors are not only unprofessional, but are also connected to politics solely through membership in some political party. The truth is that, with very rare exceptions, Albanian ambassadors have negligible influence in the political circles of the countries to which they are accredited. And this is reflected above all in the positions and policies those countries adopt toward Albania. Specifically, if the Albanian ambassador in Rome were up to the demands of the job, it is unlikely that the Italian Opposition would insist on blocking Italian contributions to Albania; likewise, the Greeks might be more sympathetic toward Albanian emigrants if the principal representative of the Albanian State in Athens were respected by the Greek political class. The Albanian public has long noticed that, despite several flagrant failures, no ambassador is known to have been held responsible and consequently dismissed. This is perhaps also because of the clan and nepotistic connections through which they have been rewarded with ambassadorial appointments. This also explains why, alongside their record and general interests in defending the interests of the State and the Nation, what stands out is their dexterity in lining their pockets by engaging in illegal affairs. If the Albanian Government, headed by Mr Meta, hopes to place Albania in the role of a serious partner in the world, especially as a regional actor, this cannot be done without a serious review and an across-the-board purge of the Albanian diplomatic corps.

The military judges signed off on the early release from prison of a rapist sentenced to 14 years in prison

The chairman of the SP, Fatos Nano, and former Deputy Foreign Minister Ben Blushi

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