The Minister of Public Order is forced to make merely formal changes in the police ON PAGE 4

The prosecution presents photographs unrelated to the accusations ON PAGE 4

“New York Times”: Serious accusations against Hashim Thaçi, Azem Syla and Xhavit Haliti. They executed Ahmet Krasniqi, Ali Ukaj and many others The State Department does not deny the accusations made by the “New York Times” ON PAGE 3 Former KLA officials have said that the assassination campaign is being conducted in close cooperation with the Tirana government, which has often made secret police agents available to KLA commanders. Mr. Thaçi’s close relations with the Tirana government, known for corruption and, according to foreign diplomats, linked to drug trafficking, are one of the reasons for the disillusionment of many former KLA fighters who were interviewed in Germany, Switzerland and Albania. A leading journalist at one of the world’s most prestigious newspapers, the “New York Times,” yesterday accused the KLA’s political director, Hashim Thaçi, and several of his subordinates in the so-called provisional government of Kosovo of murdering and executing Albanian commanders and officials over the past two years. The article, bearing the name of the well-known journalist Chris Hedges, implicates Hashim Thaçi, Azem Syla and Xhavit Haliti in the killing of Ahmet Krasniqi, former Minister of Defense of the Republic of Kosovo; in the massacre of journalists, including Ukaj and Ali Ukaj; and in the execution of several chiefs and commanders of the Kosovo Liberation Army. A summary of the “New York Times” article was broadcast yesterday afternoon on the “Voice of America” radio, which is affiliated with the U.S. State Department.

Ambassador Frowik: efforts have begun to overcome the consequences of the past two years During my meetings in Berlin, he made it clear to me that he expected progress on the Hajdari case. I think there really should be more progress on this case than there has been so far. Regarding the Hajdari case, the American embassy is prepared to take concrete steps. ON PAGE 3

Rugova: Let us build democratic institutions in Kosovo, in order to proceed securely toward self-determination The chairman of the DP and the President of Kosovo speak in Crans Montana The chairman of the Democratic Party, Sali Berisha, has always supported NATO and democratic convictions over those of Milošević, and called for justice to be finally established in Kosovo. Speaking at yesterday’s plenary session of the Crans Montana Forum, Berisha once again praised NATO’s role as historic, and that of the United States in particular, for what they did for Kosovo. He stressed that President Clinton, Prime Minister Blair and the other leaders of the Atlantic Alliance countries, together with General Clark, showed the value the democratic West placed on Kosovo. According to him, after everything that happened in Kosovo, Serbia has fundamentally lost its claim to have Kosovo as part of it, and the issue must now be decided by the free vote of the Albanians. Berisha said that support for and the conclusion of this war require justice to be established in Kosovo and a secure path toward independence to be set out. On the crimes and massacres against Albanians, Berisha said that “Milošević cannot be considered the sole obstacle to the killings, crimes and ethnic cleansing carried out after the execution of the infamous ‘Horseshoe’ operation in Kosovo.” He added that if lasting peace is sought in the Balkans, Serbia must assume all the responsibilities of an independent state, with independence being determined. The chairman of the Democratic Party said that establishing standards in Kosovo will now require a factor of stability in the Balkans, while any possible political changes in Montenegro should be determined by a popular referendum, the only democratic way to resolve the disputes that are growing there. According to Berisha, an international protectorate in Kosovo is a very positive solution for the political and social transition toward its independence, which is inevitable. The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Ibrahim Rugova, also spoke at the Crans Montana Forum. He underlined the great importance of rebuilding democratic institutions for his country, which are an important key to reconstruction, and once again reiterated his well-known idea that reconciliation is a matter of self-determination and decision-making for Kosovo. As he said, few people can have a strong and secure decision on Kosovo’s independence. Jean-Pierre Kouchner, President Rugova, who was on a visit, [text unclear] self-determination in the country rather than recognition of the rebuilding of democratic institutions. He stressed the importance and once again reiterated his well-known idea that reconciliation is a matter of the country’s self-determination. Thus, Kosovo’s independence remains [text unclear], which also [text unclear] Kosovo’s aspirations.

Hashim Thaçi with his associates

Ahmet Krasniqi

Sali Ceku

Today, 287 days since the murder of the December Leader Every day that passes since the murder of Azem Hajdari, the symbol of democracy and pluralism, proves the involvement of Fatos Nano’s government and its successor in the serious crime and murder of the December Leader. The government of this community [unclear] a free and insecure life for Albanians. The good government speaks, and the Director, show Albanians that it lies and is incapable of solving the murder. This is a government that will not stand on the side of the killers, who were organized to take revenge from power. Democracy and all those who wish to defend Azem Hajdari cannot remain [unclear]. The government will come out openly and will be able to prove the crime, while also publicly declaring that it will not allow Azem Hajdari’s killer [text incomplete].

The government steals in plain sight: the fund allocated to the District Council and the ten municipalities is only 190,000 new lekë, while the amount for the socialist prefecture administration’s services is around 9 million ON PAGE 4

Roshi and Gjeçi confirm: We have asked NATO for five bulldozers Kiosk owners will go on hunger strike. Today, the documentation for all the kiosks in the park will be discussed at the construction police directorate. ON PAGE 5

Unionists refuse to sign the agreement with the government “Only after the mine is put back into operation will we discuss things with the government” ON PAGE 5

State Audit: a torrent of accusations against the Refugee Office and the prefectures The most frequently cited for misuse of aid are the Refugee Office, the Ministry of Culture, the prefectures of Shkodër and Dibër, the Vlora Public Health Directorate, etc. ON PAGE 5

Year IX of publication No. 149 (2268) SATURDAY 26 JUNE 1999 Price: 20 lekë 1,000 lireta 250 drachmas

On Monday, 28.06.1999, at 11:00, a meeting of the National Council of the Democratic Party will be held. Members of the National Council and Members of Parliament are invited to attend.

301 million 27 JUNE