At the time when KESH secured the money from the Minister of Finance, water levels at the Fierza hydroelectric power plant had begun to fall KESH was not granted the loan in time to buy a transformer, causing Albania a loss of 1.4 billion new lek in electricity

By MARTIN LEKA Even the most naive Albanian finally understands that in [text continues outside the frame]

The newspaper’s editorial office

naive Albanian finally understands that the interests of European and American democracy in Albania are not simply political interests, simply economic interests, or simply geostrategic interests. All of these can be clearly and simply summed up: Western policy is interested in and supports the establishment of Democracy and the Rule of Law in Albania. It would be paranoid to think or to send crowds out to shout for Bush or Al Gore, Chirac or Jospin, D’Alema or Berlusconi; this has not been commonplace in the recent periodic rallies of the Albanian opposition. American and European interests in Albania are not connected merely to our country. They are in harmony with our country’s geopolitical role and position, especially if we take into account the historical factor of the settlement of Albanians in neighboring countries, where Kosovo—and, consequently, its future status—undoubtedly plays a considerable role in this factor of international interest. But for international policy, while all the rapid developments that have taken place in Kosovo over the last two years have touched on a clear reality for its future, dilemmas continue to exist regarding Albania which, unfortunately, have nothing at all in common with this country’s connection to the Albanians. The elections in Kosovo showed a high level of political maturity compared with Albania. While in Kosovo votes are cast, accepted, won and lost, here only “victories” occur. The opposition in Albania challenges everything without pause and is inclined toward violence, which is a concern not only for peaceful Albanians but also for the international community. This is precisely why, in a statement issued from Washington, Clinton and Chirac, the two leading figures of American and European politics, have expressed concern over the rising political tension in Albania, while at the same time supporting the Albanian government of Prime Minister Meta in upholding the Rule of Law. The diplomatic message is now clear to both the opposition and the government: Sali Berisha and his supporters must renounce political violence; while Meta and his governing administration at every level must enforce the law. This is no longer merely moral advice to the government, but an open call to continue the attack against those acting against the State, in order to convince the world that this is a country where the State has begun to function—which also means the economy, politics, and guarantees for the future.

Page 3 From left: Prodi, President of the European Commission; Chirac, current President of the EU; and Clinton, President of the USA REUTERS

Why is ‘N’ being editorial office of the newspaper “Koha Jonë” has received reports that some newspaper vendors are speculating on the price of the newspaper, selling it to readers for 50 lekë, even though its price has been 40 lekë. The editorial office asks readers to inform us which newspaper vendor or sales agency is acting speculatively, so that we can terminate its contract immediately.