The minister, taking advantage of the good reputation he earned during his first months in office, has appointed his nephews, cousins and friends to key positions at all the points where smuggling takes place . Minister Poçi’s Mafia in the police and customs The minister’s maternal uncle’s son, Arben Kokomani, director of Rinas Customs; his sister Teuta Poçi, supervisor at Rinas Customs; Ylli Spaho, a close friend of Poçi, airport director; his cousin Sokol Çela, director of Korçë Police; Fadijev Kërpaçi, head of the Kavajë police station, etc. page 2

The exemplary commitment to the fight against crime, which was borne out by a marked decline in crime and the elimination of around 40 gangs, meant that the Minister of Public Order, Spartak Poçi, was rightly regarded as the most successful minister in the Majko and Meta governments. Minister Poçi’s achievements stood out even more against the failures of his predecessors in their efforts to “rein in” the so-called “tough guys.” Such a reality could hardly fail to excite the political circles of countries interested in a peaceful and stable Albania. This was also why the Albanian Minister of Public Order received comprehensive support from the international community. Every senior Western official who came to Albania sang Poçi’s praises, singling him out from the other ministers. In this way, anyone could rightly have thought that all this would serve to encourage the Minister of Public Order to step up his efforts, increasing the chances of a definitive triumph over crime. But developments in recent months show that the comprehensive support he has received has not had that effect on Mr. Poçi. It seems that the kind words and positive assessments directed at him have convinced the minister that he is “irreplaceable” at the head of Public Order and that, for this reason, he has the right to do whatever he wants, without paying heed to anyone. Poçi used the reputation he had built up during his first period as Minister of Public Order to create privileges for himself, his relatives and his friends. Thus, almost all the recent changes in the Public Order structures, or those connected to them, have been characterized by the removal of the “disobedient” and their replacement with people close to Minister Poçi or placed there to serve him faithfully in carrying out his dubious business dealings. This is why, during this period, we have seen mafioso elements and people convicted under the law appointed to the Public Order structures. The consequences of this course pursued by Minister Poçi are reflected in the rampant rise in crime over the last three months, approaching the levels of 1997; moreover, in the period from January 2 to April 20, 2000, there were 34 people killed. Across the Republic, the number is higher still, marking a major increase in crime. Meanwhile, the overstepping of their authority by the people close to the minister and appointed as his “iron men” has at the same time unleashed a precedent of state violence against the means of recourse. This precedent goes as far as trampling on and primitively treating the law and human rights.

By Alfred Peza The road to restoring order in Albania resembles Odysseus’s sea voyage toward Ithaca after his return from the Trojan War. A frightening adventure of fighting the beasts of crime and treachery within the crew. And Spartak Poçi, who has been playing Odysseus for nearly a year, must above all resist the temptation of the sirens. A temptation born of intoxication with temporary success, the benefits of Balkan power, or the rocks of submission. For several days now, alongside roads, water and electricity, the arrows of criticism in the media have been directed at the “Hero of the War against the Gangs.” Spartak Poçi is no longer the newspapers’ darling. Moreover, he has now also incurred resentment among some Socialists. (continued on page 3)

“PARTIZANI” FOOTBALL CLUB Tirana, 25.04.2000 ALBANIAN FOOTBALL FEDERATION TIRANA. To: We have submitted numerous requests to you at your address, to which we have received no response to date. Such indifference, which has occurred on several occasions, has also caused and imposed these [unclear] severe restrictions on our team’s situation, which has undertaken several [unclear] changes in sporting results. Nevertheless, in this situation and in this state of alarm, I am responsible for respecting the game of football, but in recent weeks we have observed that you have left us in peace beneath our scandals [unclear]; it was an obstacle with the shameful structure that causes disqualifications and harm by your officials. Therefore, we have decided that until this problem, concerning the requests we have submitted, is resolved, we will not continue to play any matches in the football championship. FOR THE BOARD OF THE “PARTIZANI” FOOTBALL CLUB SECRETARY NEPTUN BAJKO PRESIDENT ALBERT XHANI