Fatmir Kajolli, the close friend of Environment Minister Fatmir Mediu, is arrested in Fier. It was an arrest warrant that arrived from Italy that put businessman Kajolli in handcuffs. He has been sentenced by two rulings to 40 years in prison on charges of drug trafficking and participation in a criminal organization. FIER Elton Qyno The Albanian authorities have detained Fatmir Kajolli, a businessman from Fier, known as Fatmir Mediu’s closest associate since 1990. Kajolli, a businessman active in construction, fishing? and road building, is... continues on page 12

Comment BY PREÇ ZOGAJ What is happening with the opposition? There is tension in the opposition coalition. The obvious cause is the failure to change the electoral system. The small parties are demanding the introduction of a national proportional system for a number of MPs. They believe that in this way they will be able to be represented in the Assembly without having to ask for help. Despite being underdeveloped, and therefore to a certain extent laden with illusions, this demand is right. Albania has a suitable and unfair electoral system that must definitely be changed. The sooner, the better. But can this be a justified reason for cooling off and splitting apart between the parties that have formed the opposition for several years, under difficult conditions, even facing the bullets of Berisha’s regime? Absolutely not. There are many reasons why parties move closer together or drift apart. Splitting over the system in today’s circumstances is a weak reason, one that cannot withstand sound judgment. If the Socialist Party were against changing the system, it would make some sense for its allies, or some of them, to start looking for “other solutions” outside this coalition. But the Socialist Party has publicly declared that it is in favor of a correct national proportional system. Statements are the only means that show the will of the parties when something has to be done that necessarily requires two sides. On the other hand, Berisha continues to remain hermetically closed on the issue of the system and is rubbing his hands at the quarrels behind closed doors. In the legal sense, he is harming the third parties. But politically, he is playing his own game. Some confidential polls show that the national proportional system would favor the two parties that Berisha has... continues on page 7

CHANGES IN THE TEXT Igli Totozani: Here is the new anthem The People’s Advocate explains gender equality in the National Anthem TIRANA The press office of the People’s Advocate tried yesterday to clarify the statement made by Mr. Igli Totozani four days earlier in a television program, where he raised the idea of changing the National Anthem of Albania. Responding to what the People’s Advocate would watch for the centenary celebrations, Totozani replied that: “Perhaps it is the right moment, in the name of equality... continues on page 14

OFFER ▶ Pages 2-3 PD: We are open to Milo and Ndoka

MALLIAS’ ARTICLE ▶ Page 8 Greek ambassador responds to Pandeli Majko

HISTORY ▶ Page 9 Berisha, how he boycotted Erdogan in 2005

BIG BROTHER ▶ Page 18 Julinda: Men are more combative than women

Environment Minister, Fatmir Mediu (below) Facsimile of the ministry’s online page where Muharrem Kajolli, Fatmir’s brother, is the minister’s adviser

MUSLIMS ▶ Pages 10-11 Do not publish the “satanic verses,” there will be extremism

INTERVIEW ▶ Pages 4-7 Subashi: “Seseri” not at the Constitutional Court PD and PS, mutual accusations over the MP mandate

WITHERS ▶ Page 7 “Democracy in Albania is worrying”