The PS leader returns to the “Rruga e Kombit,” meeting with party structures ahead of the leadership vote. Two days before the Assembly, the Socialist leader speaks to the grassroots in Kukës and Lezhë. “Now cooperation between opponents and socialists for electoral victory” The PS leader returns to the “Rruga e Kombit,” meeting with party structures ahead of the leadership vote RAMA ASKS FOR FORGIVENESS New course: “The mistakes belong to the PS, not Saliu” Two days before the Assembly, the Socialist leader speaks to the grassroots in Kukës and Lezhë. “Now cooperation between opponents and socialists for electoral victory” The news Socialist leader Rama, in the meetings held in the two northern cities, Kukës and Lezhë, asked that socialists be united and put aside their quarrels. He stated that the PS’s greatest opponent is the PS itself, not Sali Berisha. ■■■ TIRANE JAKIN MARENA The Socialist leader, Edi Rama, two days before the meeting of the National Assembly, which will elect the PS leadership and the party secretariat, traveled to the districts of Kukës and Lezhë where he met with party structures. Since in the district of Lezhë there have historically been clashes within the local structures, as well as hurt feelings and misunderstandings, the PS chairman called for the unity of all actors and factors in this district and also conveyed discussions about the party program, so that it can be detailed to ensure victory in the 2013 elections. Thus, in concrete terms, Chairman Rama, in the two northern districts, called for rumors, misunderstandings and grievances to be set aside and for everyone to organize for victory in 2013, being only supportive and united with one another in order to present citizens with the alternative of development. In the photo: Edi Rama speaking before Socialist Party activists Kiosks for New Year Page 6 Basha’s brother-in-law, taken to court by the PS BY BESMIRA MUÇAJ Since for him the main enemy of the PS is the Socialist Party itself and not Sali Berisha, a matter of a normal political opponent. During the meeting with PS structures in the district of Lezhë, referring to the big victory in the Municipality of Laç, the Socialist leader Rama said that “the victory in Laç has created the example that if the PS maximizes its forces it wins in... continues on page 7 In the photo: Edi Rama speaking before Socialist Party activists

BY ILVA TARE The charming arrogant Campbell It has often happened that I think life is amusing when it puts us to the test in different ways and at different times. When I finished my turn in London’s bookstore queue in 2008 to secure an autograph for Alastair Campbell’s diary, the master of PR, I remember thinking to myself that if I were in Tirana I would have asked him for a television interview. That day I only received the classic message “For Ilva” in red ink from Campbell, indifferent and somewhat tired from the dozens of people in line waiting to sign the newly bought book. For those curious enough to see the dedication, they should tune in to Friday’s program at 9:00 p.m. on Ora News... Time passed and I returned to Tirana, which has the magical ability to push any passion or idea beyond the framework into which the pressure of routine has placed society. But the curiosity to follow Campbell’s mocking pen on his blog, on Twitter, resisted time and the capital of vanity. In October, Tony Blair’s strategist and communications expert, who has been universally baptized as the king of spin, was invited to Tirana for a seminar dedicated to company-public relations in the new era of technological development. Or, as Campbell puts it, in times when the news starts being commented on in online blogs before it happens. He came over to introduce himself, saying that I was the journalist who would interview him the next morning before he flew back to London, and to tell me that the last time we had met was in one of the lecture halls of the London School of Economics... continues on page 13

CEREMONY Mourning day on Saturday, researcher Artan Lame: These are the prime minister’s absurdities, I won’t deal with them ESMERALDA KETA ARBEN RROZHANI The royal family in Albania has opened its doors to receive everyone who wishes to offer condolences to Prince Leka II for the loss of his father. Tearful and accompanied by his fiancée Elia Zaharia, he said... continues on pages 2-5

Page 8 “Miri i Xhikes”, investigation reopened; only Lavdërim Tufa convicted Page 10

Page 9 Assets of former union leader Valer Xheka seized Page 14

The artist’s revolt BY ADMIRINA PEÇI A baritone against TOB: The abuses of Zhani Ciko Pages 12-13

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