The US Secretary of State and the entire US administration angered by events in Kosovo “Extremist forces in Kosovo are fomenting unrest in southern Serbia” — page 15 The US Secretary of State and the entire US administration angered by events in Kosovo Albright: Albanians are losing our support “Extremist forces in Kosovo are fomenting unrest in southern Serbia” — page 15

By FERDINAND XHAFERRI The NATO air campaign, together with the damage it inflicted on Milosheviç to the point of forcing him to surrender, was accompanied and followed by an assessment of Albanians in the eyes of international public opinion that was more than admirable. The crisis in Kosovo has passed its peak, and it is clear that its associated effects have declined considerably. It is just as clear that the USA and the EU are steadily committed to building lasting stability in the region. Albania’s political class, although representing a small country, can play a relatively large role in facilitating the achievement of Western objectives for the region’s democratic and economic recovery. Put more simply, what is being asked of us can be set out as follows: First, in Kosovo, Albanians are asked to help lower the temperature of tensions, and to show that we know how to hold elections and build local administration. Second, in Albania, the reign of the mafia and corruption must come to an end, and it must be shown that there is also a state. Third, the government must manage priorities to an acceptably professional standard, so that it can competently seek at the Pact’s tables those projects that would be of greatest benefit to Albania. Motivated by the concern and the desire that the considerations above take steps forward toward a solution, I think we should look at why they have found it difficult to make progress so far. Naturally, it must be acknowledged that there have been and are politicians, on both sides of the border, who, in the name of “patriotism” or hiding behind it, have sought to implement a strategy serving only their sick egotism, in order to become a force by wielding the threat of destabilization. It is also known that there are politicians publicly accused of links to political or economic crime, or both. But in contrast to them, everyone now acknowledges that a new generation has emerged and become established, grounding its political conduct in the values and orientations of the West. A careful look at the phenomena we have left behind leads us to the conclusion that the transition in Albania seems to have experienced negative phenomena more intensely and for longer, for a reason I consider paramount. The progressive political class has lacked cooperation. Under pressure from an environment created by individuals who can survive only under conditions of tension-driven politics, responsible politicians have failed to adopt the most normal Western vision: cooperation on fundamental challenges. Among other things, this has contributed significantly to the kind of transition we are experiencing, which, unless we change, will continue to drag us along. Kosovo risks entering the same spiral if it does not learn from our mistakes. This world, changing so quickly, demands that we become allies of the integrative current, which is founded on cooperation and the rejection of policies and politicians that build walls.

It was assisted by the PMU agency attached to the Ministry of Public Works. Korçë Municipality complains to the Prime Minister’s Office — page 5 Alarm raised by study specialists in Korçë: Why was the project’s purpose changed? It was assisted by the PMU agency attached to the Ministry of Public Works. Korçë Municipality complains to the Prime Minister’s Office — page 5

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