An obligatory reply to PS chairman Fatos Nano pages 4–5

BY FERDINAND XHAFERRI Berisha’s political mosaic, especially during his activity in opposition, has consistently demonstrated an anti-Western line in his political positions. A few days ago, his anti-Western rhetoric was expanded by the assertion that foreign forces should not remain in Albania. If we also take into consideration the statements and epithets used for the OSCE, UNDP, ODIHR, UNMIK, etc., I believe there is no need to ask whether Berisha is anti-Western or not. What can genuinely be analyzed is how his anti-Western line should be classified: is it demagogic in nature, or is it a strategic determination? Berisha knows full well that openly taking the unvarnished position of opposing the West would leave him without even the closest supporters in his group. To neutralize the differences created by his anti-Western pronouncements, he often has to repeat slogans artificially, such as: Down with communism, for NATO, etc. This formula of neutralization can produce the intended effects to some extent only among a portion of his right-wing supporters, who still believe in his anti-communism. In other words, it gives him the opportunity, as a former communist, to remain for a little longer at the head of a right-wing formation. But those who have been involved in politics for longer have no difficulty at all in deciphering what formulations such as “foreign forces should not remain in Albania” mean. We all know that there are no Russian, Chinese, or Cuban forces in our country. The only forces stationed here are from NATO member countries (beside the vase, only FOR-t). This is precisely where all the political implications of Berisha’s position that foreign forces should leave Albania begin and end. From the above, it is not difficult to conclude that Berisha’s anti-Western line has nothing to do with political demagoguery. It is a clear strategic determination, stemming from his own formation or from that of those who give him his mandate.

Day at the Tirana rally: Berisha with the candidate for mayor, Besnik Mustafaj Photo: P. ILO

Albright’s envoy to the Balkans comes to Albania to guarantee the elections page 2

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