"I do not rule out a possible alliance with a PD cleansed of its compromised elements" - exclusive interview with Mr. Vojeslav Koštunica by "Zëri i popullit" journalist Ilir Hoxholli POLITICAL ALLIANCES ARE EVIDENCE OF DEMOCRATIC CULTURE "I do not rule out a possible alliance with a PD cleansed of its compromised elements" -exclusive interview with Mr. Vojeslav Koštunica by jour- nalist of "Zëri i popullit" Ilir Hoxholli- After the transformation of party competition into confrontation and aggressiveness, especially after the election campaign, the PS is raising a question that, in our opinion, is essential for the very course of the democratic process and, in particular, for the parliamentary elections. Is there or is there not an opposition in Albania, as long as only two concepts for political parties are being used? When speaking of the opposition in particular, is one referring to an opposition to the government or to the state? Does the opposition have allies? Are we, in addition to being such, also in opposition to legality, even to criminality in part of it? These questions may seem strange, but not in the circumstances of post-1992 Albania, where anti-opposition still prevails. Here, what is called the opposition is that part of Albanian society that does not accept Berisha’s anti-democratic rule, that is, not as a democratic phenomenon, but as a political list. This mentality corresponds to the current level of democratic development in Albania, but also to the intellectual level of the government. We addressed this question and several others like it to Mr. Vojeslav Koštunica, chairman of the Democratic Party of Serbia. Koštunica, what does a strong opposition mean for the parliamentary or governing majority? What does a decentralized and unarticulated opposition mean? Could its value, according to this scheme, fall in such a way as to amount to the notion of anti-state? If the question is such, I can say that it is directed to the wrong address. In all democratic societies there exists, and is necessary, a certain dualism between power and opposition. The opposition corrects the government, but not the state. It may be very critical of the government, but never of the state. I think such a political phenomenon is also necessary in a society that is not yet fully developed from the democratic point of view, as is the case with ours. In Albania, the question of alliances and opposition cooperation is widely discussed. Do you think political alliances are a sign of democratic maturity? Political alliances are evidence of democratic culture. They imply the acceptance of real pluralism and of the other side’s right to exist politically. In countries where democracy is still fragile, the ability to cooperate is even more necessary. Would you rule out the possibility of rapprochement with uncompromised right-wing forces? I do not rule out a possible alliance with a PD cleansed of its compromised elements. (continued on page 3)

- In Tirana, Parliament is expected to be bypassed in the approval of the constitution-law; Berisha and the PD no longer have votes, nor satrap parties - Will Selami also be lynched like the "other Jagos" - In Tirana, Parliament is expected to be bypassed in the approval of the constitution-law; Berisha and the PD no longer have votes, nor satrap parties - The press conference promised by President Sali Berisha, after the failure of the parliamentary session two days earlier, which did not take place due to a lack of quorum and which, according to parliamentary practice, would have been postponed by two days (today), was unexpectedly canceled yesterday. In the official announcement, the public was informed only that President Berisha had to deal with other matters. In reality, yesterday the full attention of the state, the police and every PD office was focused on today. Today, at 10 o’clock, Parliament was expected to meet to approve the constitution-law. But although everything seemed under control, the crisis within the PD had entered a new and unpredictable phase. After failing, through blackmail, to force the former Speaker of the Assembly and at the same time deputy chairman of the PD, Eduard Selami, to resign also from the post of party chairman, Sali Berisha moved on to other actions. In Tirana, there was much talk of direct political and police pressure, of moves by MPs, of attempts to get the majority to gather at any cost. Nevertheless, yesterday’s developments showed that the problem was not only procedural, but deeply political. Sources close to the Assembly made known that the absences in the chamber and the hesitation of some deputies are linked to the open conflict between Berisha and Selami. For the first time, inside the PD there is talk not only of silent disagreements, but of a split that is becoming public. This split has taken the form of a battle for leadership of the party and for control of the institutions. In these circumstances, the question being asked is: will Selami also be lynched like the "other Jagos"? If so, it means that the internal battle in the PD can no longer be reversed. And if not, then for the first time it is becoming clear that within the majority there is a limit beyond which even the presidential order is no longer enough. (continued on page 3)

Korçë The dead body of a 60-year-old man M. M. Quiet. That is what the residents of the neighborhood where the deceased had lived are saying, since Monday when his relatives found him lifeless. He was a man around 60 years old, well known in the area, but the circumstances of his death remain unclear. According to initial information, his body was taken to the morgue for examination, while the police began an investigation to determine the cause of death. (continued on page 3)

Today the University of Tetovë will begin The Macedonian press reported that the Macedonian Minister of Education, Sofjan Aliti, declared that the University of Tetovë will begin work today. The university, which will have four faculties, will operate despite the objections of the Macedonian authorities and the many political debates that have accompanied its opening. (continued on page 3)

Vlorë Active action by the Socialist Party In the area of campaign activities and propaganda, meetings have been held with party structures and supporters in several parts of the city. These meetings addressed issues of organization, the expansion of political influence, and mobilization to deal with the social situation. (continued on page 11)

Selected from Midita Director Pali violates the law and history Following the debate on the school administration and the clashes with teachers, the article raises direct accusations against Director Pali for violating the law, arbitrariness and mismanagement. The article also links this behavior to the distortion of historical memory and to the way educational institutions are used for narrow interests. (continued on page 3)

PS LEADERS LUL- L THE FAMILIES AFFECTED IN BERAT Yesterday members of the executive committee of the Socialist Party, Luan Hajdaraga and MP Artur A[g]o[?], held a meeting with residents of the "Kala" and "Mangalem" neighborhoods in Berat, who have suffered considerable damage from the heavy rainfall. The chairman of the Berat Municipal Council, B. H[?], made known that so far 61 buildings have been destroyed and another 36 are at risk. The "Velabisht" bridge, the protective wall in the "Mangalem" neighborhood, and the cultural palace have been damaged. In these neighborhoods 273 families have been sheltered, 194 of which need food supplies. Meanwhile, in the Kuçovë district there have also been house collapses due to the rainfall. The Berat region has declared a state of disaster.

Political division within the PD

NO COMMENT Today, 9 and 5, the "Jagos" about whom "R.D." writes today were found inside the gyms in Berat. OUR COMPANIONS ARE NOT UNDER- VENTURERS. BUT THEY FIND THEM THEM- SELVES BECAUSE THE MEN HAVE ALREADY KILLED ENOUGH, REGARDLESS OF WHOM YOU YOURSELF HAVE STRUCK, WHY AREN'T YOU.

Shkoder free market