Albanian intellectuals condemn the barbaric killings of their colleagues in Kosovo ON PAGE 8

Local government makes every effort to cope with the influx ON PAGE 6

Minarolli speaks about the war headquarters set up at the DP ON PAGE 2

Milošević headed for the Hague Tribunal. Prishtina faces the threat of a massacre; thousands of Albanians are in the grip of the Serbian terrorist army ON PAGE 4

Any proposal envisaging the partition of Kosovo or any status other than independence will be unacceptable to Albanians Pollo: The government is merely an aid commissioner. Tirana's role cannot be reduced solely to solving the humanitarian problem ON PAGE 2

By Sami NEZA Yesterday, the opposition warned the Albanian government about an inexcusable oversight, which is now coming to light at the very last moment in its handling of the Kosovo problem. The issue was the representation of the entire Albanian state apparatus in resolving and coping with the humanitarian catastrophe, while what is an issue for Albanians—the resolution of the Kosovo problem—has been neglected. Such thoughtlessness was also displayed yesterday by Foreign Minister Milo, who, speaking about diplomatic activity in recent days, said that Tirana's diplomacy had focused entirely on securing humanitarian aid for arrivals from Kosovo. Transferring the problem from Prishtina to Tirana, or from Prizren to Kukës, is a sabotage of the Kosovo issue and shows the instability of Albanian diplomacy itself in dealing with Kosovo's tragedy. Tirana's avoidance, or self-exclusion, from this problem will have serious consequences, as will the lack of management of foreign policy and the failure, some time ago, to cooperate and engage with Kosovo's important political actors, whether through dialogue or on an ideological basis. Kosovo's tragedy requires a much more comprehensive response than telephone calls to Italy, Turkey and Greece to bring aid. In situations like this, the Western world and developed countries have always been responsive, intervening with infrastructure that has proved effective. In any case, the problem at hand is very serious, and more technical instruments are needed to solve it. The major problem is Kosovo as it is now: Prishtina in flames, surrounded by Arkan's gangs, with thousands of Albanians trapped inside; Gjakova burned, Peja burned, Prizren burned; thousands held hostage in towns occupied by Milošević; Kosovo's future and the eastern wars being played out with it. While NATO, President Clinton, Prime Minister Blair, Chancellor Schröder, the State Department, the Pentagon, and the defense ministries in London and Bonn are keeping the public informed about their policy strategy toward Kosovo, there is an extraordinary silence in Tirana. Repeated broadcasts on private television channels and in the daily newspapers have become the only point of reference. After several days of the Olympic silence of the Megjistri, there was also the silence of the Foreign Minister, the silence of Parliament, and the silence of almost all state structures connected with the country's foreign policy. The Albanian opposition is calling for NATO forces to enter Kosovo, while no such signal is coming from the government—or it comes late and is not accompanied by persistence. Even before they arrived, Kosovo's independence was being called for in Vienna by Tirana's ambassador, Petriç. Kosovo's status is being commented on internationally rather than explained, as if Kosovo were in Brussels or somewhere else, about 200 kilometers from Albania's border. The state's failure to respond to the negative reactions of some countries regarding NATO's attacks is open sabotage. It has always been the responsibility of the Albanian Foreign Ministry, Milo, President Medani or Prime Minister Majko to speak out against Russia's political spectacle over the bombing of Kosovo. Some supporters of Milošević have appeared in Tirana to speak against NATO's attacks, while there has been silence—no prevention, no response, and no condemnation of the NATO attacks. The Albanian government and its other state bodies must be aware that what is happening in Kosovo is an explosion taking place in our own country. In recent days, Albanians in Albania, in Tirana, have seen that they cannot stand apart from the whole Albanian nation and Kosovo; they have watched the entire Albanian nation suffer. Prishtina has become a camp, while all of Kosovo is in flames. There is no longer any way to raise accusations again, while Ahmeti and Krivova have been wounded. Tirana is now a center, but it has shown no humanity toward the people of Kosovo, for God's sake. Yet official Tirana is far too late in correcting its role. Its daily oversights have sunk it into a situation that befits neither the martyr nor Petrita, and certainly not the government—not to mention the government of Albanians in the Balkans.

The DP chairman in Kukës together with the leaders of “Union for Democracy” Berisha and young people in Kukës meeting those expelled from Kosovo

The first arrivals reach Durrës, Kavajë, Lushnje, Vlorë, Fier, etc. Albania is on its feet to welcome those driven out, bloodied by Serbian genocide ON PAGE 6

Greeting message from DP Chairman Sali Berisha ON PAGE 4

The International Helsinki Federation condemns genocide and ethnic cleansing in Kosovo ON PAGE 4

Epidemics and food shortages may threaten the lives of those who have arrived and are housed in the “Asllan Rusi” sports hall Not a single deputy or minister, with their million-lekë salaries, has yet shown up at the premises where the Albanians of Kosovo are staying to express in practice the solidarity that we never forget to proclaim in words on television stations ON PAGE 5

Koçi arrests the leader of the students' hunger strike Petro Koçi's police arrest the leader of the hunger strike and one of the students' main negotiators with the government on student demands. He continues to be held illegally at the police station. Jaku was arrested by the police in Student City. Yesterday, through a protest, the Albanian Student Council reported the arbitrary arrest by the police in “Student” City of one of the students' representatives, Besnik Jaku. The Council recalls that “student Besnik Jaku was one of the co-leaders of the students' hunger strike in December ’98, and was also the signatory of the legal pact with the Government on behalf of the students.” With this act, the government once again demonstrates that it has no intention whatsoever of meeting the students' demands as it committed to in the Legal Pact, and continues with its arrogant and repressive strategy toward the students. Student Besnik Jaku is being held arbitrarily at Police Station No. 1. The Albanian Student Council demands the immediate release of Mr. Jaku, concludes the Council's protest, signed by the Chairman of the A.S.C., Arian Saliaj. L.M.

Primakov's mission in Belgrade fails. NATO rejects Milošević's proposal. The US increases its bomber aircraft

If you wish to make inquiries about children expelled from Kosovo, you can deposit your contribution into account number 342200/00/0376 at “Dardania Bank,” in the name of the “Association: ‘Children of Kosovo, our children.’”

To help those expelled from Kosovo, the newspaper “Rilindja Demokratike” is making its pages available free of charge for various notices, such as requests and offers of accommodation, messages from arrivals from Kosovo to other members of their families, etc. You are welcome to visit the editorial office or contact us by calling the numbers provided: 303 29 and 323 55. THE EDITORIAL OFFICE