Meta: If he touches the institutions, Berisha will get his answer right between the eyes pages 2, 3, 7

BY FERDINAND XHAFERRI DP MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT The elections are nearing the finish line, accompanied by a tension that should not have arisen and has no reason to be present in a local-government campaign. Although Albanian voters will elect only local chief administrators in these elections, the international community’s attention is of exceptional importance. This interest, expressed with intensity by the OSCE and the diplomatic corps operating in Albania, reached its high points with statements by the State Department and the European Parliament. The international community’s positions make it quite clear that the importance of these elections does not lie in the parties’ respective percentages, but in the democratic quality they will demonstrate. Thus, until just a few days ago, the focus was naturally on the percentages, given the undisputed necessity for Albania to take steps forward on the possible path toward consolidating democracy. But the result of the elections in Serbia, which declared Milošević politically defeated through the vote as well, should make the entire Albanian political class cautious during this election season. More specifically, Milošević is exhausting himself trying to steer Serbia toward a runoff on 8 October, and the last card he can play to prolong his certain failure is to postpone the decision. In other words, to put it more clearly, he would like to destabilize Albania. Developments over the past few days have shown that the Socialists and Democrats on the ground have no tension between them. Likewise, the candidates, in televised debates, have shown great goodwill toward one another, displaying no differences even from their counterparts competing in Western countries. We have all seen that the only ones who have tried to foster a spirit of conflict have been Nano and Berisha. So far, on quite a few occasions, they have accused one another of pursuing a policy that serves Milošević. These elections are a final test to see whether Milošević has, or does not have, his servants in Tirana. We hope and wish that he does not, and both Nano and Berisha should come to their senses and avoid taking on this label.

Photos: Nano, Ilir Meta and Edi Rama yesterday at the SP rally in “Skënderbej” Square, 12⁰⁰. Photos: P.ILO

Sali Berisha and Besnik Mustafaj last night at the DP rally in “Skënderbej” Square, 18⁰⁰