The open conflict between the chairman of the PS and that of the PSD reaches its peak yesterday with Nano’s statement that “the PSD’s parliamentary and diplomatic season ends after 1 October”

Give up a little sovereignty, in order to enter Europe Geert AHRENS Head of the OSCE Presence Europeans are not yet ready enough to become part of the Albanian nation-state, so they demonstrate that the taken route is the preferred one. The opposition and senior government officials have declared that the 1 October referendum is one of the development priorities being pursued by the country. It is not accidentally formulated in such a conformist way as a request for the benefit of foreign aid. The opposition and members of the socialist movement are mostly determined to lead the country into the EU and even into NATO, while government officials drag their feet even more. This has aroused great interest among the majority, especially among the young. The precondition of Europe is that the structures of the institutions of NATO and the EU must be completely changed. It will not be achieved by a country like this except through great sacrifices and in extremely difficult conditions. This would be a very heavy burden for a nation such as the Albanians. Albania was at the doorstep of one of the continent’s largest and most powerful members. There is nothing surprising in the fact that many people are concerned and protest against a possible transfer of sovereignty. A nation with such a memory of the past, an Albania that has only just won its independence, certainly feels a certain unease in the face of any restriction of its autonomy by the international community. What does the loss of autonomy mean? Let us call this “sharing sovereignty.” It usually involves dispersing influence over important matters to other countries. It may be important to downplay this by saying it is only a loss of the right of veto. This may be as symbolic as it is tangible, but in any case it implies giving up part of the freedom to decide for oneself. For small countries, this is often seen as a high price. In an open society, this issue cannot be avoided. States that seek to become part of European bodies must accept common rules. This is not about a national loss, but about a way to share responsibilities and gain security, development, and representation in a wider political space. (continued on page 6)

American aid, with the accession of Albanian parties Page 23

With a knife, the man killed his wife in bed after midnight With a knife, the man killed his wife in bed after midnight Page 3

HARRI LENA sh.p.k. GJIROKASTER ZAGORI Brings mineral water Fill in the guarantee Drink so as not to Tel/Fax 026 3612

Festonj and Besarta, two angels swallowed by the sea page 11

Enjoy fantastic beer