Scandalous bluff. The Albanian state must pay more than 7 million dollars ON PAGE 3

INSTAT – Business is deteriorating; where there was prosperity, there is now ruin ON PAGE 5

Shkodër, who took the creditors’ money ON PAGE 6

By Bardhyl LONDO After the farce of 29 June last year, it was expected that 21 June this year would offer at least some hope that the situation in Albania had moved forward a little, that elections could be organized in this country—even if not free and fair, at least without threats and fear. But, unfortunately, the picture is bleak. The “civic spirit” in elections, which is so often called for, is missing first and foremost from the government—this government of its own. While many may turn a blind eye to the quarrels or the partisan fervor of various activists, no one can accept the government’s intolerance and threats. The words of the Albanian prime minister at the rally broadcast on Albanian TV as his final appeal to voters at the close of the election campaign were shocking. Albanians, by now accustomed to all sorts of bizarre things and blunders, this time heard the prime minister promise the electorate prison for the opposition. Indeed, this was no promise; it was an open threat. In the name of a certain “truth,” in the name of the electorate’s “desire,” he even authoritatively threatened part of it over delays in imprisoning the opposition. The Albanian prime minister thus became the mouthpiece of hotheads who will never accept coexistence. The Albanian prime minister appeared in the role of prosecutor. Inadvertently, he revealed his true mentality and that of his government, according to which justice is entirely dependent on the government. The Albanian prime minister himself raised the curtain on a scene for which the opposition has long presented facts and expressed concerns: in Albania there is no justice, only government. Moreover, the prime minister forgot that he was speaking not as head of government, but as leader of a particular party. Thus, anyone reaches a bitter but nonetheless true conclusion: justice in Albania has a partisan color—that of the largest party in power. The bluff from all sides is shocking. The prime minister and party chairman...

Pollo: The anti-rallies are the Socialists’ pathetic strategy, exposed as far back as ’91

Kosovo at the center of talks between the DP leader and leading French political figures ON PAGE 3 Berisha received Kosovo Prime Minister Bujar Bukoshi

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Representative of the European Democratic Union in Tirana Austrian MP Wolfgang Grosruk will go to Vlorë and Roskovec to observe the elections Representative of the European Democratic Union in Tirana EDU reaffirms its support for the DP Austrian MP Wolfgang Grosruk will go to Vlorë and Roskovec to observe the elections The European Democratic Union has expressed its support for the Democratic Party and wished it victory in the partial local elections being held today in several municipalities and communes in Albania. Its representative, Austrian MP Wolfgang Grosruk, arrived in Tirana yesterday to once again express the commitment of the EDU and the Austrian People’s Party, their support for Albania’s Democrats, and their attention to political developments in Albania. Mr. Grosruk will stay in Albania for a few days, until he learns the results of the partial local elections. Meanwhile, he has decided to join the observers in Vlorë and Roskovec today, where, according to reports, the Socialists are responsible for major manipulation. Mr. Grosruk’s arrival in a dual capacity is further proof of the support enjoyed by the Democratic Party within European institutions and an expression of the interest with which Europe is following political developments in Albania.

DP Chairman Berisha received Kosovo Prime Minister Bujar Bukoshi in a meeting yesterday. They discussed at length the situation in Kosovo and the results of Berisha’s visit to France. The interlocutors assessed the results of Mr. Berisha’s meetings with leading French figures and France’s determination to engage in stopping the war in Kosovo. At the meeting, both sides considered NATO intervention in Kosovo urgently important in order to make a political resolution of the conflict in Kosovo possible. They also expressed their commitment to cooperation among all Albanian parties, respect for the political mandate of Kosovo’s elected leadership, and coordination with international actors to stop the war and find a political solution to the issue.

The State Department advises its citizens not to travel to Albania Two days ago, the State Department advised American citizens not to travel to Albania. The reason for this unexpected advisory is the grave state of public order and the insecurity of Albania’s borders. It appears that in one year the Nano government has made no progress in personal security, and even less so during these days of crisis in Kosovo, when the government’s control and credibility have declined further. By now, not only for Albanians but also for citizens of countries friendly to Albania, the Nano government is not a factor that ensures security in the country, but only a cause of destabilization and violence. The advice for Americans issued two days ago has been voiced in other forms by public opinion before all Albanians. Not only them, but also those who live permanently in Albania are unsafe under the criminal regime that has usurped the institutions of the Albanian state.

Interview with Gjon Lekë Bucaj, vice-president of “Vatra” and member of the Board of the Albanian-American Civic League: Kosovo’s independence means peace for the Balkans Employment officials confirm the testimony: “We deal with policies, while I asked Fatos Nano for the program to create 200,000 jobs” Albanians, slaves to promises and unemployed ON PAGE 4 ON PAGE 5

Today, the “coalition for smuggling” is headed for defeat. The Democrats will know how to defend their votes. In the 14 municipalities and communes, people will vote blue

Holland, goals galore and spectacle -Croatia-Japan 1:0. The Croatians qualify; the samurai leave -Mexico-Belgium 2:2. The draw satisfies no one -Holland-South Korea 5:0. A goal fest and a spectacle -The Germans are more determined than ever before their match against Yugoslavia -Vogts: “It is decisive.” Mateus: “We have come early so we can leave late.” Zige: “This will be our World Cup” -Haxhi wants the real Morocco. “Against Brazil we were arrogant” -The hot days of the World Cup. Analysis -Brazil risks losing its midfielder. Interview with Leonardo -4,000 special forces and 4,300 journalists for the Iran-USA match -Coaches who stay on, and Nigeria’s “eternal” Milutinoviç SPECIAL COVERAGE ON PAGES 10-11