Friday, October 22, 2010


Without future, the foreign policy of Athens, in North Epirus

SManalysis

Two months after the speech of Greek Prime Minister Papandreou, the Greek community property, has no progress to protect them. In Himare, the mafia is still in action, with the help of state authorities.

Frustration for getting Greek citizenship and pensions, they may force the Greeks in Northern Epirus, to be turned back from Greece, forever.

In 20 years after the collapse of the dictatorship in Albania, Greece is failing in its foreign policy, leaving orphans Greek homogeneous, in northern Epirus, and placing primary priorities, the interests of their businesses is disappearing at companies in Tirana.

Historically is inexcusable that, for the failure of national policies of Athens, after 20 years, hopelessness and fatigue, with hundreds of thousands epiriote omogjene from southern Albania, their return home, with a profoundly tragic despair, for the future.

The consequences of the economic crisis in Greece, is also opening in foreign policy, so that, northern epiriotes in the south of Albania, now, would be forced either to stay in Greece to obtain Greek citizenship and to sell all their possessions in Northen Epirus, or, to return with empty hands and no prospect in the country.

Based on what is happening in the Balkans and exclusively in Albania, Athens is bracing after its own interests, and considers relations Tirana, Athens, only a question of mutual friendship and economy. On the other hand Tirana, which is very active in its foreign policy, plays in two acts: first, that all proclaimed ethnic Albanians in Kosovo, FYROM and outside its territory, but creates conditions to be provided with Albanian citizenship , and also creates opportunities for expansion in the activity at real stats assets, especially in areas where they live predominantly Greek homogeneous in southern Albania.

Looking, Serbia, Bulgaria, Italy and Turkey in relations with Albania, they are very active and directly affect foreign policy of Tirana, of course to have their strategic interests particularly against Greece. Bulgaria is the EU that has distributed about 200 thousand Albanian Bulgarian passports, as well, Serbia has increased its influence for its minority in Albania, Italy, a strong competitive in Greece continues to support pro opinion historically Albanian Muslims and the influence extends its in Northern Epirus.

Instead, it is very interesting to note that Turkey, though no Turkish minority in Albania, exerts its influence through to islamic community and funding in the field of military cooperation, to cope with Greece in its northern part.

But remains intractable the total indifference of Athens foreign policy about the assimilation of northern epiriotes assets and properties in Southern Albania.

Two months after the speech of Greek Prime Minister Papandreou, the Greek community property, has no progress to protect they properties. In Himare, the mafia is still in action, with the full help of state authorities. Is very important to remember the battle to protect the properties of grandparents, from thousands of years in their land.

Some days ago, the Bishop of Konitsias Andreas, calls Athens to take in high consideration the critic situationof greeks in Northern epirus, He sasid that: "As when, however, the policy of our country will be amateur? The mistakes of the past, but the seriousness of the times, we must teach and raise the morale. Now, even the superpower across the Atlantic again shows "interesting" for the Balkans, we have increased the duty to remain vigilant on the ramparts of the debt against the brothers in Northern Epirus"

Mediterranean Climate Change conference opens in Athens

ANA-MPA/Prime Minister George Papandreou on Friday urged close cooperation among the countries of the Mediterranean to tackle the repercussions of climate change, stressing "this is the threat that unites us", opening a conference in the Athens coastal town of Vouliagmeni being held at the Greek premier's initiative and attended by regional leaders.

Opening the "Mediterranean Climate Change Initiative" (MCCI) conference, Papandreou stressed the significance of the high level of representation at the conference, noting in particular Turkish prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's attendance.

"The fact that Turkey is represented here at high level, by friend Recep Tayyip Erdogan, is proof that the two countries can put aside their differences in the face of the common threats," Papandreou said.

"Having learned the value of cooperation in difficult conditions, Greece and Turkey stand united on one of the most important issues, that of climate change," he added.

From within the "bad scenarios" for climate change appearing to be coming true in the southeastern Mediterranean with increasingly frequenter extreme weather phenomena and threats to the region's unique agricultural production, "which is a capital for its culture", an opportunity arises, Papandreou said, that of taking advantage of the cooperation among the regional countries "to develop a new growth model, making use of the region's resources, to create new green industries".

"Our cooperation becomes even more mandatory because globalisation, as it is developing, has created major inequalities, great instability, due to climate change, energy problems, dietary crises, a crisis in water management, but also due to economic clashes and recession," he said.

Later in the day, the leaders will sign a Declaration which, Papandreou stressed, "is not a declaration of intentions but a commitment that we will step up our cooperation on the Mediterranean, which is holding up to the changes but also utilises its rich resources".


Macedonian police say 2 detained after border firefight with Albanian hunters

SKOPJE, Macedonia — Macedonian police say the border patrol exchanged fire with a group of Albanian hunters who apparently strayed into the country.

Police say two Albanian men have been detained and no injuries were reported.

Police spokesman Stefan Dimoski said the incident occurred early Friday in a border area near the southern Lake Ohrid.

Dimoski tells The Associated Press that the patrol came under fire from a group of about ten Albanian hunters, and returned fire. He says two men with hunting rifles were detained, and the rest fled back into neighbouring Albania.

It was not immediately clear what triggered the gunfire.

Thursday, October 21, 2010


NATO chief meets PM, foreign minister

NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, currently on a visit to Athens, on Thursday had separate meetings with Prime Minister George Papandreou, Foreign Minister Dimitris Droutsas and Defence Minister Evangelos Venizelos within the framework of preparations for the alliance’s Summit Meeting in Lisbon on Nov. 19-20.

The upcoming Summit will adopt the alliance’s so-called New Strategic Concept and reach important decisions on future NATO actions in Afghanistan, the new command structure, the reform of the alliance’s structures, the so-called NATO partnership relations, missile defence and NATO’s cooperation with Russia and the EU.

After the meeting with the NATO head, Droutsas commented that the New Strategic Concept focuses on the modernization of the alliance to be able to fully meet current security challenges.”

He stated that “in general the plan meets our country’s demands mainly as regards the collective defence and the unanimity rule in decision making’. ,,,,,.............

www,ana,gr

Genoa hooligan denies ties with mafia

20 October 2010 | 14:54 | Source: Večernje novosti
BELGRADE -- Ivan Bogdanov told Belgrade daily Večernje Novosti that he did not know any gangsters and that he would be better off if he was tried in Italy.

Ivan Bogdanov
Ivan Bogdanov

“I didn’t take any money for what I did at the Luigi Ferraris Stadium. Especially not from some mobsters, drug-lords, as it is now speculated,” the leader of the Red Star FC supporter group told the daily in a statement from his Italian detention.

“I don’t know any of the people they are linking me to. I’ve never even met them. If they had paid me EUR 200,000 do you think I would have traveled by bus and slept in a shabby one-star hotel,” he added.

Bogdanov, nicknamed the Black Beast, was arrested last week in Genoa after causing unrest at a local stadium where Italy and Serbia were to play a EURO 2012 qualifier.

“I’m only a Red Star fan. Nobody’s ‘player’ and nobody’s puppet. I already said why I did all that and apologized for it,” he said.

“I had no idea that it would cause an international scandal and that I would be linked to mobsters and suspicious football managers. I repeat, that’s nonsense.”

The hooligan could stay in the Italian prison for quite some time. But he says that he prefers that over being deported to Serbia.

“I understand that the deal between the prosecution and defense will be hard to reach. In fact, it’s almost impossible,” Bogdanov stressed.

“I think that I would get a much lighter sentence in Italy than in Serbia and a fair trial I cannot hope for there, in Belgrade. Besides, prisons are much more comfortable here,” concluded Bogdanov.

The fanatical target of nationalists, against Archbishop of Albania

The Albanian Press into lot of articles, threaten to disrupt the good atmosphere in relations between Athens and Tirana, writes today, the Greek newspaper "To Bima"


Alarmed are orthodox community and leaders of international Christian organizations from attacks waged lately against the Archbishop of Albania Anastasios and prelates of the Church of Albania.


Many clerics are talking about trying to Mr. Anastasios, since the tragic events of Himara last August with the murder of Aristotel Goumas, and next to the Orthodox in the region.......


more see in Greek newspaper: www.tovima.gr/default.asp?pid=2&ct=32&artId=362032&dt=21/10/2010

similar analysis: http://smarkos.blogspot.com/2007/07/last-battle-of-albanian-nationalism.html

Turkey's reach in Kosovo

International Analyst Network

21 October 2010
By Ioannis Michaletos

The Turkish foreign policy over the last few years has witnessed a dramatic shift, that promotes its "Ottoman legacy" and especially in the Balkan region, where it already influences a considerable segment of the Muslim population. Moreover its increased cooperation with Syria and Iran, further highlights Turkish moves since there is always the likehood of an eventual clash between Turkish ambitions and the rest of the regional political actors that will most certainly have an impact on the Balkan political scene.

Turkey in Kosovo specifically forms a "soft power policy" aiming at promoting the Albanian ambitions, so as to have a strong base in a strategic point in the region. That obviously means, that any clash between Turkey and NATO for instance over the close relationships of Ankara with Teheran, will reflect in the Balkan affairs with possible upturns, even the probability of a conflict in an area full of ethnic animosities and vicious competition between various state interests.

An outline of the main Turkish initiatives and strong-points in Kosovo is presented below, by bearing in mind that developments in a distant field (Middle East) could have a direct consequence in the domestic Kosovo affairs within the short-term period......................................

http://europenews.dk/en/node/36578

Wednesday, October 20, 2010


Bishop Andreas of Konitsas; "As when, however, the policy of our country will be an amateur?"

Bishop Andras, strong critic against Athens

"The Greek state has shown once again the "love and interesting" to the troubled Epirus part, in Southern Albania: After, say, from the drafting of the OGA, which obligate residing in Greece, now manages a new blow against the Northern Epirus. Specifically, to get the Northern Epirus identity uniform should remain in Greece! "I don not understand the charge of the Foreign Ministry, that the measure would lead to the devastation of Northern Epirus?

Because if the Northern Epiriotes, come to live in Greece is patently clear, that Northern Epirus is gone" declared Bishop Andreas. We do not want and can not believe. If, nevertheless, however, is in their plans, the desolation of part of Epirus and consequently, the "closure" as best of the northern issue, then we are sorry and we regret very much, and strongly protest, because with such petty and with stupid tactics, does not address the national issues.


As when, however, the policy of our country will be amateur? The mistakes of the past, but the seriousness of the times, we must teach and raise the morale. Now, even the superpower across the Atlantic again shows "interesting" for the Balkans, we have increased the duty to remain vigilant on the ramparts of the debt against the brothers in Northern Epirus, said the Bishop of Konitsas, Andrea.

www.nenanews.eu

"Dialogue on some issues can start now"

20 October 2010 | 16:27 | Source: B92, Beta
BELGRADE -- When it comes to some issues, the planned dialogue between Belgrade and Priština can start immediately, says Boris Tadić.

Boris Tadić (Beta)
Boris Tadić (Beta)

The Serbian president made the statement in Wednesday in Belgrade after welcoming his Macedonian counterpart Georgi Ivanov.

They told reporters that the two countries will assist one another in their respective EU membership bids, and solve all open issues in the spirit of friendship.

Even though there is no agreement on Kosovo - recognized by Macedonia - Belgrade and Skopje wish to be an example of good regional cooperation, journalists heard.

Tadić also noted that he was worried that the Kosovo Albanian side was seeking a postponement of the dialogue, saying that on issues such as the missing persons, the talks could begin immediately, as, according to him, this "has nothing to do with political parties and politics".

"Difficult issues," said the Serbian president, "could be left for later."

Tadić also said that Serbia has not, and will not recognize the Kosovo Albanian UDI, and that Belgrade remains committed to a diplomatic solution.

UEFA president visits Albania

Published: Wednesday 20 October 2010, 10.03CET
UEFA president Michel Platini attended the Football Association of Albania's 80th anniversary celebrations while also meeting the Albanian president and prime minister in Tirana.
UEFA president visits Albania
FShF president Armand Duka, Albania's president Bamir Topi and UEFA president Michel Platini ©LSA
Published: Wednesday 20 October 2010, 10.03CET

UEFA president visits Albania

UEFA president Michel Platini attended the Football Association of Albania's 80th anniversary celebrations while also meeting the Albanian president and prime minister in Tirana.

UEFA president Michel Platini has visited Albania to take part in celebrations to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Football Association of Albania (FShF). During his visit, Mr Platini held talks with the country's president Bamir Topi and prime minister Sali Berisha.

Mr Platini participated in the official inauguration of the Skender Halili centre, a Tirana training facility with artificial turf that has been installed with the help of the UEFA HatTrick assistance programme on behalf of its 53 member national associations.

"I am happy to be in Albania again, and help the improvement and progress of youth soccer, which is a very important project for UEFA," said Mr Platini, who also thanked the Tirana authorities for their support on the scheme.

Mr Platini was visiting Albania for the second time as UEFA president. Discussions with the country's prime minister Sali Berisha focused on the future construction of a new stadium to host top-level matches. "Its construction will contribute to the Albanian state, UEFA and the FShF," said Mr Berisha.

The UEFA president stressed the importance of the close relationship between UEFA and the FShF. "Very soon Albania will have a new stadium," he said. "UEFA and the FShF will fully support the project."

After the meeting with Mr Berisha, Mr Platini attended the celebrations to mark the 80th birthday of the Albanian FA. During the celebrations, the association's president, Armand Duka, expressed his gratitude to UEFA. "I would like personally to thank Mr Platini, for his visit and for his support in helping to improve soccer in Albania."

The president of Albania, Bamir Topi, held fruitful talks with Mr Platini at the Palace of Brigades in Tirana, and bestowed upon the UEFA president the Order of Mother Teresa, as his visit coincided with the country's National Day of Mother Teresa. Mr Topi also presented Mr Duka with a special award during the FShF anniversary celebrations.

The official ceremony took place in a festive atmosphere in the presence of prominent Albanian and European sporting personalities, including UEFA vice-president Ángel María Villar Llona and presidents of various associations from all four corners of the continent.

During the festivities, president Topi praised the continuous support of UEFA for the development of Albanian football. Both Mr Platini and Mr Duka took the opportunity to voice their gratitude for the president's backing for football in Albania.

Visa Haggling Continues for Albania, Bosnia

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cpchen/3127010223/sizes/l/Media in Bosnia are reporting that visa requirements for Albania and Bosnia-Herzegovina will be officially lifted at the EU interior ministers meetings scheduled for 8-9 November, in order be put into effect by the end of this year. The media cited Western diplomatic sources ensuring that a positive decision will be passed, but would include some additional requirements by certain EU countries, those details to this end were vague.

In September, the European Commission is assessment of the two countries’ readiness for visa liberalization to EU member states and the European Parliament. In that assessment, the EC said that both Albania and Bosnia-Herzegovina had met the remaining conditions for lifting visa requirements. The EC then presented to the European Parliament and Council of Ministers a working document, stating that the two countries had taken all measures necessary to meet the outstanding issues from the Road Map. Earlier this month, the European Parliament approved visa liberalization for Bosnia and Albania, with 538 votes in favor and 47 against.

Still, there are some European countries that remain opposed to the move, saying that the Western European nations will have to deal with the immigration and security issues resulting from the lifting of visa barriers for citizens of the Western Balkans.

It now looks as though Germany, Denmark, and Belgium will side with the France in opposition to granting Albania and Bosnia-Herzegovina visa liberalization. In fact, these are the countries that have been most affected by the first round of Western Balkan visa liberalization. Since Serbia, Montenegro, and Macedonia were granted a visa-free regime last year, France, Germany, Denmark, and Belgium have seen increased cases of asylum seekers.

Several EU countries have complained about the jump in the number of asylum seekers, which have primarily been ethnic Albanians and Roma from Serbia and Macedonia. Belgium and Sweden have reported a sharp rise in asylum seekers from Macedonia and Serbia through several tour agencies offering asylum in EU countries. Norway deported more than 250 asylum seekers from Serbia since visa-free travel was put into force last December.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

EU's Rompuy starts Balkan tour

19 October 2010 | 12:32 | Source: Beta
PODGORICA -- President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy has arrived on an official visit to Montenegro.

After Montenegro, he will travel to Bosnia, Macedonia and Albania.

According to reports, Rompuy's message will be that the EU is open for enlargement to the Western Balkans, but that it does not wish to import Balkan conflicts.

He is also expected to call for stronger regional cooperation.

In Sarajevo, Rompuy will meet with members of Bosnia's presidency and High International Representative Valentin Inzko.

Ahead of the tour, Rompuy said that much remains to be done and urged intensive reforms in the area of human rights, and for continued fight against corruption and organized crime.

Rompuy also stressed that cooperation with the Hague Tribunal needs to be finalized in order to end a painful historic conflict.

Monday, October 18, 2010


Mero Base: Berisha links with Islamics

Abdul Latif Saleh, his sponsor Democratic Party of Salki Berisha

The selected person of "Allah" in Tirana, friend of Sali Berisha. The meeting in Istanbul with close Arab friend of the Albanian president, who will help to raise the press plunged into crisis.

Strange that there were links between DP officials and representatives of Islamic world came to Albania in the early 90s and who were later accused by the Americans as financiers of terrorism.

The case of Abdul Latif Saleh and justification to make his device Berisha`s Albanian twice passport.

see more in Albania media: www.shekuli.com.al