After the media uproar, the head of the Elbasan police, appearing on a private station, makes accusations against people around Poçi and the minister himself The widespread rumors that “the Americans are pushing for Poçi” are the product of the smoke screen created by the minister himself. The USA supports only legitimate institutions, not individuals After the media uproar, the head of the Elbasan police, appearing on a private station, makes accusations against people around Poçi and the minister himself Koseni accuses Interior Minister Poçi of trafficking The widespread rumors that “the Americans are pushing for Poçi” are the product of the smoke screen created by the minister himself. The USA supports only legitimate institutions, not individuals page 9

By Frrok Çupi Once again, the time has come to note that Albania must take the place that is its due among its peers. The Balkans, an old arena of change, are once again being reshaped. Analysts predict a happy Balkan ending, when the neighbors will have forgotten the wars and almost forgotten the borders between them. But for now, this is where we are, at the very beginning of the reshaping. The opening of democratic processes in Serbia has paved the way for a broad and dynamic global movement concerning the Balkans. Albanian diplomacy must be working to assess the political maps of the Balkans if it seriously seeks its “seat” in the European “theatre.” Otherwise, relying on old maps, we may lose our way, or at least suffer long delays. What, in part, is the new map? Serbia now has a different presence in the eyes of Western politics. A few days ago, the United Nations opened its doors to Yugoslavia and invited it to take its seat among its members. The OSCE did the same. The Stability Pact, like a good guardian of the Balkans, has included Yugoslavia—the “accursed” one, which through its own faults caused the Pact to be created—among the “favored” in the same row. In two days, the new President of Yugoslavia will visit the Council of Europe. “The culprit in Bosnia and Kosovo,” as we might call Yugoslavia, yesterday sought to rebuild diplomatic relations with Bosnia and Albania. (Continued on page 3)

The FIFA delegation, comprising President Blater and Special Adviser Platini, thrills Tirana Blater, the 1-million cheque The FIFA President expresses gratitude for the fact that football has survived despite economic hardship page 24