Saturday, January 7, 2012

Turkey Warns May Withdraw Forces from Bosnia Over Cyprus EU Presidency

Turkey has warned that it may withdraw part or all of its forces from Bosnia as Cyprus undertakes some of the duties of Denmark’s EU presidency, including the EU Security and Defense Policy, said Turkish-Cypriot officials.
Denmark, the current EU presidency, does not participate in the European Defence Agency (EDA), and has appointed Cyprus to preside over this aspect as of the beginning of the year.
The row now threatens to escalate over Turkey’s continuing refusal to recognise the Republic of Cyprus as the island’s official government. Ankara has already said it will freeze relations with the EU during Cyprus’ presidency.
According to the ‘TRNC’s’ statement, the scope of the government’s authority will include EU peace-keeping forces in Bosnia, where Turkey also has troops stationed after NATO’s intervention in the 1990′s.
“Turkey is now considering to withdraw its military force from the region or to keep the number to minimum,” say ‘TRNC’ officials.
There has been no immediate response from the government, which is set to take over the EU presidency in the second half of 2012.

Friday, January 6, 2012

2 years in prison and 1 million ALL fine for Ilir Meta


2 years in prison and 1 million ALL fine for Meta
The Prosecution asked to the court 2 years to prison for the former Deputy Prime Minister, Ilir Meta, and a 1 million ALL fine over active corruption charges, based on the evidence provided by the video registration that apparently shows Meta trying to corrupt the former Minister of Economy, Dritan Prifti.

The Prosecution considers Prifti’s testimony as reliable.

The video that was recorded by the former Minister of Economy was broadcasted on Top Channel’s programs “Fiks Fare” and “Top Story”. The General Prosecution seized the materials and filed the former Minister’s declaration, in which he atestified that the leader of the Socialist Movement for Integration had tried to corrupt him for a Hydro Power plant concession and not only.

The trial for this case is about to end.



Fatos Lubonja: "I do not feel anything for the Albanian national anthem"

Lubonja: The "Red and Black Alliance, has the goals only for politics under the nationalism sllogans, attaking Greece and Serbia for politic electorate in future"

Fatos Lubonja, as has been in the show, the TV "Klan" "Opinion", where topics for discussion was "Are Albanians patriots today?", Has issued several statements that exceed the critical attitude towards nationalism. Thus, he claimed that feels nothing when he hears the Albanian national anthem.

"I'm not patriotic, not nationalist. Even when I hear the anthem, not stand or walk and that strikes me. Even all the anthems of other countries are based on ideologies that do crimes and kill people under the calls of nationalism. Just did Stalin, Hitler and Enver Hoxha, "said Lubonja.

Further, as stated the other times, Lubonja has shown disdain toward the figure of Scanderbeg, and said that is primary to be an honest citizen, that works well, and a aktivst of human rights.
Lubonja said aslso in his opponion that The "Red and Black Alliance, has the goals only for politics under the nationalism sllogans, attaking Greece and Serbia for politic electorate in future"
Epiphany in Saranda

The weather did not stop hundreds of believers from the city and the outskirts of Saranda, to participate in the Divine Liturgy and Blessing of the Waters, the church where St. Haralambos officiated by Metropolitan Demetrios Gjirokaster.

 
In terms of the formal ritual of the blessing and procession to the sea is a few meters from the church attended by the mayor Mr Stefan Tzipa
, the Consul General of Gjirokaster Mr. Nicholas Kotrokois  , the General Chair of Omonia Vassilis Bolanos, chairman of EEMM-MEGA Christos Kitsos, MP DK Mr. Kostas Barkas,
 
Many young people honored custom and fell into the icy waters of January to catch the cross.

Self-Determination activists protest against Tadić's visit

PRIŠTINA -- Kosovo police have arrested six Self-Determination Movement members who tried to prevent Serbian President Boris Tadić from entering Kosovo.
Boris Tadić (Tanjug, file)
Boris Tadić (Tanjug, file)
The arrested men blocked the Merdare-Priština road.
Self-Determination Movement Spokesman Erzen Vraniqi said that the activist had blocked the road in order to prevent the visit of the Serbian president, Russian Ambassador Aleksandr Konuzin and Belarusian Ambassador Vladimir Chushev and that they had been arrested by the police.

Self-Determination Movement’s Dardan Muliqaj said that the Kosovo authorities had put themselves in Tadić’s service.

According to him, dozens of Self-Determination Movement members are taking part in the protest and are trying to block roads in several locations.

Several hundred Self-Determination Movement members blocked around 12:30 CET downtown Dečani in protest over Tadić’s arrival to the Visoki Dečani monastery.

They prevented the passage of a bus carrying believers from Đakovica, who were on their way back home after a visit to the monastery, as well as a vehicle carrying the Russian and Belarusian ambassadors, who accompanied by Bishop Jovan then went in the direction of the Peć Patriarchate.

Before this the Self-Determination Movement activists allowed Bishop Teodosije to pass.

After the one-hour blockade the protestors stepped aside, and strong forces of the Kosovo Police Service (KPS) have been deployed around the Dečani monastery.

Tadić is expected to arrive to Visoki Dečani later in the afternoon.

Earlier today, members of the Self-Determination Movement blocked for about half an hour another bus carrying Serb believers. The protesters forced the driver to remove the Serbian license plates from the bus and sprayed KLA (Kosovo Liberation Army) on it.

After the intervention of the Kosovo police and the special unit ROSU, the bus drove off to the monastery.

Kosovo police Spokesman Baki Kelani said that police had detained eight persons at the Priština-Podujevo road and that they were released after questioning.

Kosovo Deputy Prime Minister Hajredin Kuci said on Thursday that the Kosovo government had given its consent for the Serbian president’s visit for Christmas and stressed that the visit was of “religious nature”.

SManalysis News

 

Mitrovica referendum???... next Himara (?) The region wants to returne back of its 26 Centuries of the Gloriosly indipendence 

New edition of Wikipedia, "The Himara revolt of 1912"

Before of the proclamationj of The Autonomy of Albania on November 28, 1912, Himara People, under Comandant Spyros SpyrosMilos  (Vlore - Sarande) has opposed the decision of Great Powers to include Himara Region, inside the new Albanian State

 

Wikipedia    ... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Himara_revolt_of_1912

Himara revolt of 1912

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Himara revolt
Part of the First Balkan War
Himarra 1912 .jpg
Spyromilios in the entrance of the Himarë castle
Date November 18 [O.S. November 5] 1912
Location Himarë
Result Greek victory
Belligerents
Greece Greece  Ottoman Empire
Commanders and leaders
Spyros Spyromilios
The Himara revolt (Greek: Εξέγερση της Χειμάρρας), was a Greek uprising during the First Balkan War that took place in the region of Himara (Himarë, today southern Albania), on November 18 [O.S. November 5] 1912. It successfully overthrew the Ottoman forces of the region, thus securing the coastal area between Sarandë and Vlorë for the Hellenic Army.

Contents

 [hide

[edit] Background

During the First Balkan War, the Epirus front was of secondary importance for Greece after the Macedonian front. A small unit that consisted of local Epirote volunteers was stationed in the nearby island of Corfu under the command of Major Spyros Spyromilios,[1] who was a native of Himarë.[2] This unit was later reinforced by 200 Cretan volunteers sent by General Konstantinos Sapountzakis, commander of the Greek army in Epirus front.[1]

[edit] Conflict

On November 18, 1912, the local population rose in revolt, while Spyromilios and his group landed in the region and quickly secured the coastal area between Sarandë and Vlorë without facing significant resistance.[3] After the successful uprising Spyromilios suggested to the Greek Prime Minister Eleftherios Venizelos that the coastal city of Vlorë should come under Greek control but he responded negatively in fear that this might trigger Italian military intervention.[3] After the Albanian Declaration of Independence in Vlorë, on November 28, Himarë was constantly attacked by Albanian units without success and the area remained under Greek control until the end of the Balkan Wars.[1]

[edit] Aftermath

Under the terms of the Protocol of Florence, signed on December 17, 1913, the region of Northern Epirus, in which Himarë was part was awarded to Albania. This decision triggered a series of events that lead to the proclamation of the Autonomous Republic of Northern Epirus in Gjirokastër by the local Greek population.[4]

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Skopje, Spahiu "Personality of the Year"



Macedonia, Spahiu Personality of the Year
Kreshnik Spahiu has been chosen Personality of the Year in Skopje Macedonia. This recognition for the leader of the Red and Black Alliance leader was made by the Albanian media in Macedonia, who say that 2011 was the year of the Albanians.

The motivation says that the Red and Black Alliance chose the representation of the Albanian media, and that Spahiu is contributing and renewed the hopes for the unification of the Albanian political factor.

The Red and Black Alliance leader was also one of the candidates for Personality of the Year 2011 poll that was organized by Top Channel, but he lost with a razor sharp difference to the Self-Determination Movement, Albin Kurti.

“U.S. troops won’t leave Kosovo in 2012”

PRIŠTINA -- U.S. KFOR troops Commander Colonel Jeffrey Liethen has stated that the U.S. troops will not withdraw from Kosovo in 2012.
(FoNet, file)
(FoNet, file)
He told Uroševac-based TV Tema that the current U.S. contingent would remain in Kosovo until September 2012 and that a new contingent would replace the current troops and remain in Kosovo until June 2013.
“This is what I know for sure,” Liethen stressed.

He said that it was natural that the U.S. troops would leave Kosovo at some point and that he understood that Kosovo citizens were upset because their hopes were tied to the U.S.

Commenting on the claims that the number of U.S. troops coming from Turkey to Kosovo was increasing, the U.S. commander stressed that this was not true.

“The people who will take over the responsibility from me are from South Carolina and they will be the 16th contingent of the U.S. KFOR in Kosovo,” Liethen said.

There are currently 1,447 U.S. soldiers in Kosovo. They are stationed in Camp Bondsteel and Camp Nothing Hill near Leposavić.

Media have been reporting that the U.S. troops will withdraw from Kosovo and that it is possible that Turkish soldiers would replace them at Camp Bondsteel.

Deputy PM: Kosovo issue must be solved as soon as possible

BELGRADE -- Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Ivica Dačić stated Thursday that the Kosovo issue had to be resolved as soon as possible.
Ivica Dačić (Tanjug, file)
Ivica Dačić (Tanjug, file)
He explained that the outcome of the crisis would otherwise be unfavorable for everybody involved.
“If the international community, Priština and Belgrade continue to turn the blind eye, I believe that the crisis will last for a long time and end unfavorably for everybody involved,” the prime minister told Tanjug.

He explained that according to a possible bad scenario Europe would constantly be unstable, Albanians would not accomplish their goal, and Serbia would also be at a loss as Serbs may get expelled from northern Kosovo and the enclaves.

Therefore, an agreement should be reached in the interest of both Serbs and Albanians, Dačić believes, adding that this would be a compromise in which all sides would get “a bit of what they did not want”.

Seeing the Kosovo problem as a territorial conflict, he remains certain that the solution lies in a just partition or correction of the administrative line or borders.

The Socialist Party of Serbia (SPS) leader recalled that he had been claiming since 2006 that no government in the history of Serbia was more responsible for the situation in Kosovo than Albanian separatism, nationalism and terrorism.

“Why? It is because this was the main goal of Kosovo Albanians. Since the League of Prizren, and even before that, the sole goal of Albanians was creation of an Albanian state since they never accepted Serbia as their country. Therefore, it is very difficult to say what will be the final epilogue of the Kosovo story. This problem has been unsolved for centuries, and no one can claim to have the best possible solution,” the deputy prime minister noted.

However, he is worried about the “traditional Serbian disunity”, which could be fatal if the Belgrade authorities or any other representative of the Serbian people living in Kosovo, other parts of Serbia or even outside Serbia had different positions and stressed that the Republic of Serb Krajina was a fine example of that.

He advised the northern Kosovo Serbs to coordinate all of their moves regarding important issues, such as holding of the referendum, with Belgrade so the entire situation would not end up being detrimental to the Serbian national and state interests.

Dačić said he advocated a wise policy that would protect the Serbs in Kosovo.

He believes that conflicting positions on the barricades, attitude toward EULEX and KFOR, the dialogue with Priština and the referendum are in a way a reflection of an inter-party struggle.

“Serbia and Serbs should lead a state-building policy. Each move needs to be measured with the goal you want to achieve. Nobody is talking about whether Serbs have the right or not here, this is only about what the purpose is and what one wants to achieve. If one wants to show that Serbs do not accept the Priština authority, I think it's clear to everyone today, even to (Kosovo Prime Minister) Hashim Thaci,“ the deputy prime minister concluded.

 

Kosovo Rejects Serb Referendum Plans

Kosovo's government in Pristina has rejected plans for a Kosovo Serb referendum in the north, calling the vote "illegal".
Fatmir Aliu
BIRN
Pristina
Arber Vllahiu, the political advisor to Kosovo President Atifete Jahjaga, told Balkan Insight on Thursday that the planned vote, which will ask Kosovo Serbs if they wish to accept Pristina-based institutions, is considered illegal by Kosovo's authorities.

“No one in Kosovo, no municipality, group of municipalities or any ethnic, religious or political group, can organise a referendum to declare whether or not it recognises the state of Kosovo, or to declare whether or not it accepts the authority of Kosovo’s institutions in a specific part of its territory,” Vllahiu said.

Four municipalities in the volatile north, where most Kosovo Serbs live, are planning to hold the referendum on February 15.

The announcement of the scheduled vote comes after several months of tension in the north.

Serbs in northern Kosovo have been blocking roads since the summer in protest against attempts by the ethnic Albanian-led government in Pristina to take control of border crossings with Serbia. Clashes over the barricades in July left dozens of NATO peacekeepers and protesters injured.

Northern Kosovo leaders, however, have not received the backing of the government in Belgrade for the planned ballot. Serbian President Boris Tadic said that the vote would only deepen the current crisis and cannot contribute to dialogue in search of a solution to the Kosovo issue.

Tadic added that the referendum was unnecessary as "everybody in the world knows" that the Serbs in the north of Kosovo do not want Kosovo institutions.

Kosovo is built on the principle of the citizen, presidential advisor Vllahiu explained, and is not a “composition of different ethnic groups or communities which can, through such ballots, express themselves on the sovereignty of a state and whether or not they wish to live inside the country’s borders.”

Tadić to spend Christmas in Kosovo

BELGRADE -- Serbian President Boris Tadić has sent a message to the Serbian Orthodox Church and all believers who celebrate Christmas according to the Julian calendar.
Boris Tadić (Tanjug, file)
Boris Tadić (Tanjug, file)
“I wish you a merry Christmas and I wish you to spend it in good health and prosperity and in the spirit of tolerance, understanding and peace. May you celebrate the day of Christ's birth joyously with your families and friends! Peace from god, Christ is born!” the president said in the message.
Tadić will spend Christmas in Kosovo, the president's office has confirmed.

On Christmas Eve, January 6, Tadić will visit Visoki Dečani monastery where he will attend a service on Christmas Day, January 7.

The Serbian president spent Christmas in Dečani last year as well.

Serbia's majority Orthodox Christians mark the holiday according to the Julian calendar.
No comment! the Albanian press refering to the Himara Municipality, wants to claim the Olimpyc Shapinonship Pyrros Dimas as albanian nationality.

 
Pyrros Dimas "The Lion of Himara"

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Greece Will Follow EU’s Decision on Iran Oil Embargo

Greece΄s government would not stand in the way of a European Union embargo on Iranian crude exports, a government official said Wednesday.
Greece had been the only country openly opposed to the oil embargo proposal, which France put forward last month. However, diplomats say a number of other countries are cautious about any quick move to ban Iranian oil imports, fearing the measure could increase oil prices and lack bite.

The oil embargo was proposed as part of fresh EU sanctions on Iran aimed at “severely affecting” Iran΄s financial, energy and transport sectors.
The EU has ratcheted up sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program in recent months, especially after the nuclear watchdog the International Atomic Energy Agency said Tehran still seemed to be working on developing a nuclear weapon.
Albanian media: Greece opened a tender for oil research in "Albania"

In our country (Albania) on the disputed issue by all segments of society is the issue of maritime borders between Albania and Greece, though this fact has not stopped Greece today to announce a tender for oil in our country's maritime borders .

In the official website of the Greek Ministry of Energy, Environment and Climate Change, is published today formally invited to bid for all foreign companies wanting to do research for fuels like crude oil or natural gas research at three points, among them that near the sea border with Albania.

According to the Greek media communication to give six months to July 2012 deadline to accept bids with all documentation required by all companies interested in this tender. Research will take place in Ioannina, in the border areas with Albania, the Gulf of Patra and Katakolon.

Competition will be held on July 2, 2012. According to the ministry this six month period is sufficient to international companies to prepare their bids.

While our country is laid down by the Constitutional Court agreement maritime boundary between Albania and Greece, the agreement prepared by the Foreign Ministries of both countries governments adopted in Parliament.


www.shekulli.com.al 
www.shqiptarja.com
Albanian Opposition leader Edi Rama: We propose national renaissance
04/01/2012


Rama: We propose national renaissance
The Opposition leader, Edi Rama, addressed the first social network message for this year to the Albanian economic crisis.

After the declarations of PM Sali Berisha about the economic growth during his mandate, and that Albania is far from the similar crisis that have struck the other countries, Rama declared that the government is proposing to the Albanians to be happier, because there is no economic crisis, no unemployment, no injustice, but only great world achievements.

Same as in the last year, when the opposition launched the economic program for coming out of the crisis, Rama reiterated the Socialist alternative, so that the crisis doesn’t go deeper.

“We propose a new Albanian renaissance, a rebirth, so that we can live behind the old habit of lies, so that we can recover the Abanian economy and the state”, Rama declared.

Albanian Government approves loan with Abu Dhabi Fund for Development on Tirana–Elbasan Highway
 
The Council of Ministers approved today the draft law, “On ratification of loan agreement between the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania and Abu Dhabi Fund for Development on financing Tirana–Elbasan Highway project.”
The construction of the new Tirana–Elbasan Highway is the government of Albania priority and it will get financed mainly by foreign donors among which the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development will provide an amount of 50 million USD.
The construction of Tirana–Elbasan Highway targets to efficiently increase the economic and social development in the regions of central and southern Albania and further on all the southeastern areas of the country. The road targets to improve and make easier the movement of the vehicles and especially the heavy traffic along Tirana–Elbasan road segment. It is part of the Southern Axis and meets the requirements of the traffic along this road axis and is in compliance with the requirements of the National Strategy for Development and Integration.
R&B Alliance: "Kosovo- Albania, one nation, one football championship"
04/01/2012
After economic "liberalisation" agreement and the unification of the Educational System, Kosovo - Albania, now the union of Fotball Chapionship.


One nation, one football championship
On the 100th anniversary of independence, the Red and Black Alliance has undertaken a new initiative, this time in sport, called “One nation, one football hampionship”.

This initiative aims to unite the championships of Kosovo and Albania. According to the RBA, the first step is to create a unique Assembly of both federations, which must come together with a joint agreement and strategy.

“The agreement and the strategy must aim to achieve this unification within the 100th anniversary of independence, including a joint competition of the football representatives in all Albanian and Kosovo cities; to open the negotiations with all international institutions, such as UEFA and FIFA, for making this objective official. The goal is to make a common standard in all sportive categories, in Kosovo and Albania, as a unique body; with seminaries, conferences, consult tables, discussion with local and foreign experts for realizing an institutional and transparent debate with all football clubs in Albania, Kosovo and their Presidents, the shareholders, the fans, and the realization of the wide and all inclusive decision making”, declared the executive director of the Alliance, Redi Rama.

This proposition was sent to the Football Federation of Albania and Kosovo, and also to the international football authorities. But the Kosovo Federation has not been recognized by UEFA and FIFA, and this has penalized the Kosovo football clubs in the international activities.

In these conditions, how possible is the unification of the championships and federations? According to the football specialists, this can be allowed by UEFA for as long that the Kosovo clubs play in the Albanian championship, which will be the official trademark of this sportive activity.
You are here: TransConflict » News Archive » Turkey – a welcome return to the Balkans?

Turkey – a welcome return to the Balkans?

Though Turkey – which is seeking to re-build its once flourishing Ottoman-era ties with most Balkan states – is increasingly portrayed as a reliable business partner, rather then an aggressive and neo-imperialist player, further steps are required to ease anxiety towards its policies.
By Gergely Nagy
“The next century will be a Turkish century” – claimed Turgut Ozal, then president of Turkey in 1992. The much-loved Turkish politician either had an extraordinary sense for foreign policy, or perhaps it was just enthusiasm that lead him to say this. Nonetheless, Ozal quite accurately predicted Turkey’s international rise at the beginning of the twenty-first century. Ahmet Davutoglu, the current Turkish foreign minister, reiterated a similar vision in 2009 in Sarajevo, when he stated that “the Ottoman centuries of the Balkans were success stories. Now we have to reinvent this”. Davutoglu’s words highlight a slightly different, yet more pronounced view on Turkey’s reinvented and reformulated foreign policy. The “visionary” Turkish FM aims high. This reinvention, however, does not come as a surprise, with the current Turkish government – particularly since the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) came to power in 2002 – systematically building a new foreign policy for almost a decade.
This new foreign policy builds upon several previously non-existent elements – also present in Turkey’s approach to the Balkans – and consists of various concepts defined by Turkish politicians, including a “zero problems” policy, rhythmic diplomacy and multidimensionality. There is also an emphasis on the positive aspects of Ottoman heritage and Turkey’s geopolitical importance, using Turkish soft power capabilities to establish peace and prosperity in neighbouring regions and creating win-win situations. Aside from actively and successfully engaging in international organisations, such as the Organisation of The Islamic Conference (OIC) and the United Nations (UN) Security Council, Turkey has also promoted its “conservative democracy” as a model for transforming Arab societies throughout the Middle East.
Ahmet Davutoglu has been the engine behind Turkey’s foreign policy (Wikimedia Commons:/Kathrin Möbius)
Critics say that all these elements add up to neo-Ottomanism – a highly-disputed term which claims that Turkey has disregarded its Western values, is turning away from the West and seeking alternative channels of support for its political and diplomatic actions. The emphasis on neo-Ottomanism’s Middle East and, disputedly, Islamic policies, is used to fuel debate about Turkey’s Westernness and Islamic values. The current AK Party government is certainly more appealing to religious crowds, with the majority of its female members wearing head-scarves – a divisive issues in itself – but this does not mean that Turkey is turning its back on the West..............................................more see:
http://www.transconflict.com/2012/01/turkey-a-welcome-return-to-the-balkans-031/

Referendum not in Serbia’s interest, minister says

BELGRADE -- Serbia’s Minister for Kosovo Goran Bogdanović said on Wednesday that a possible referendum in northern Kosovo would not be in the interest of the state.
Goran Bogdanović (Beta, file)
Goran Bogdanović (Beta, file)
He added that it could additionally complicate the situation in that part of the province.
Bogdanović said in a statement for Tanjug that he was rather apprehensive that by taking these moves, the citizens from northern Kosovo were coming into conflict with their own state, since the holding of such a referendum was not in the state's interest at the moment.

“If you know in advance what would be the answer to the question (as to whether Serbs in northern Kosovo accept Kosovo's institutions), then I am of the opinion that you should not be wasting your time and energy on a referendum. Such moves could provoke a reaction from the international community and Albanians,” Bogdanović warned.

“If anyone wanted Kosovo's institutions, we would not have set up roadblocks in July 2011 so as to prevent Priština from establishing its own institutions,” said the minister.

He said that the referendum was evidently in the interest of certain political parties in Belgrade which wanted to complicate the situation in the country even further.

Commenting on the fact that local representatives of the Democratic Party (DS) failed to appear at today's meeting in Leposavić, Bogdanović said that the DS representatives did not want to take part in politicking, in somebody's game aimed at making the situation even worse.

“Our stand is clear. We will fight for our interests throughout Kosovo and Metohija by peaceful means, through dialogue,” he stressed.


The Himara Community and Diaspora, is waiting for more public information and  transparency, about the meeting postponed to the January 2012 days, of Goro - Dhimojani, with PM Sali Berisha.
 
For years, political leaders of the Himara Municipality, have not enough transparence, to make in public oficialy their meetings in Capital Tirana with representatives of the Albanian state, including President and Prime Minister, showing , the shadow take decisions, in behalf of, the Himara Region.

In addition, this level meetings should be made ​​public at press conferences, as well as by the Albanian government, local authorities and the Himara Municipality. Do not remember the fact that George Goro, is member of the Socialist Party in Oppoissition with Government, at the last administrative elections.

This has all happened before, even with Omonia president and former chairman of the Himara Municipality, Vasil Bolanos, in the past, where obviously, the close relations which Prime Minister Sali Berisha, overcome "the moral sentiments, with hem."

We are in the investigation of the meetings and will help you, to inform about everything, that need for our community in Albania, Greece and particularly in USA.


Archive: December 2011,
Mysterious meetings: Goro - Dhimojani called in Tirana

Geeorge Goro and Anesti Dhimojani, "a special" meeting with Prime Minister Sali Berisha

For several days, Prime Minister of Albania Sali Berisha, has requested a meeting with  two Heads of Himara Municipality, George Goro, and Vlora District Council, Anesti Dhimojani.

The news made ​​public by certain sources within the Prime Ministry, in which will be discussed by the Government approval, in the nearest meeting of the Council of Territorial Adjustment, of the Master Development Plain of the Municipality of Himara.

Himara Diaspora Community, and Civil Society, have opposed this plan, before the Albanian state, does not return the properties and lands, families, communities and the Orthodox Church in Himara Region.

Northern Kosovo municipality to decide on referendum

LEPOSAVIĆ -- Leposavić municipal assembly session will be held on Wednesday to discuss a referendum on the Priština institutions in northern Kosovo.
Leposavić Municipal Assembly Speaker Slavko Stevanović has stated that the session is scheduled to begin at 10:00 CET.
The other three northern Kosovo municipalities, Kosovska Mitrovica, Zvečan and Zubin Potok, have decided to hold the referendum on February 14-15.

Leposavić Mayor Branko Ninić said earlier that he believed that the referendum was “unnecessary at the moment because the state of Serbia has not recognized the Kosovo institutions” and that it was redundant for the municipalities to decide whether they recognize the Priština institutions or not.

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Old Albanian passports out of circulatio by March
03/01/2012

 

Old passports out of circilation by March
In the Spring of 2012, all old non-biometric passports will get out of circulation. This was confirmed by the Deputy Interior Minister, Ferdinand Poni.

Speaking about the process of distrubuting the new international document to the population, Poni declared that 2.2 million Albanians have received the bimetric passports so far, but he didn’t mention if there will be any refund for those who received the passports until March 2009, when the biometric passports’ distribution started. Non official sources from the Interior Ministry say that there will be no refund.

Most of the Albanians received what were then called “the new passports” from 2000 and after. Some hundreds thousands still have the old non-biometric passports that used to be valuable from 5 to 8 years, and who have paid 5.000 ALL for the documentation.

The citizens who have received a non-biometric passport in 2009, for a 10 year expiration period, without being told that the new biometric passports would be distributed only a few weeks later, think that this movement is very unjust.

Some of them believe that the best way would be that of having their old passport expire in the normal date, rather than having it devaluated unilaterally by the government.

The passport is the only document for traveling outside the territory of Albania. It verifies the Albanian citizenship to the holder. Until January 2009, the only identification document that was released by the Service Office of the Registrar, was a certification with a photograph.

The application process for biometric passports started on March 2009. The new biometric passport is based on the laser carving technology.
 
 

Roussen class fast attack missile craft P-70 Grigoropoulos

January 2 2012, 9:53 AM 


Elefsis Industrial Enterprises SA has been awarded the contract for the supply of three Super Vita 62m fast attack missile craft for the Hellenic Navy. The ships, called the 'Roussen Class', are being constructed at the Elefsis yard near Athens. Vosper Thornycroft provides design, construction support, ship's equipment and logistic support services to Elefsis. The initial requirement is for three fast attack craft and part of the agreement includes provision of two ex-Royal Navy Hunt Class mine countermeasure vessels.

The fast attack craft has a displacement of 580t fully loaded. The first ship, HS Roussen (P67), was launched in November 2002 and was commissioned in December 2005.

The second, HS Daniolos (P68) was launched in July 2003 and commissioned in February 2006. The third, HS Kristallidis (P69), was launched in April 2004 and commissioned in May 2006.

In September 2003, a contract was awarded for a further two ships, HS Grigoropoulos and HS Ritsos, to be built by Elefsis. HS Ritsos was launched in October 2006. Both vessels were commissioned in 2007. A contract from the Hellenic Navy for an additional two vessels, to bring the total to seven, was placed in September 2008. 





The main armament of the ships are eight Exocet MM40 Block II/III anti-ship missiles with a range of 180 km. They are complemented by an Otobreda 76 mm naval gun in the bow and two smaller 30mm cannons as secondary weapons. located on the ships' superstructure. The vessel's primary anti-air and anti-missile weapon is the RIM-116 RAM missile system which comprises an onboard Mk-49 launcher with 21 missiles, as well as the DR300 and AR900 electronic support measures systems and the SRBOC decoy launcher.

The sensor suite responsible for the timely identification and homing of surface and air targets includes the MW08 3D G-band surveillance radar, the Mirador electro-optical target tracker and the Scout MkII low probability of intercept radar which is being controlled by the TACTICOS combat management system.

http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/hellenic/

U.S. plan, the withdrawal from Kosovo, Albanian analysts oppose


PRISTINA, Government of the United States of America has decided to withdraw militarily from the Republic of Kosovo, but bad news was expected by some analysts and diplomats Albanian Americans who alert to possible uncertainties in Kosovo.

Officially, Washington says it has determined that for the year that has just entered to execute the budget cuts in the Defense Department and this will include the closure of several U.S. military bases in the U.S. and abroad and among them, Kosovo, NOA agency reports.

Given this fact, the president of the Albanian American Civic League, Joe DioGuardi, Balkan Affairs Adviser, Shirley Cloyes DioGuardi, and some members of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of the AACL, these days are met with Congressman Buck McKeon (R-CA) in Manhattan....

more: www.balkanweb.com
Approval for Russian exercises within the Athens FIR

January 3, 2012 | Filed under: Featured News,Geopolitics
Athens approved Russia’s request for aeronautical exercises within the Athens FIR. The demand for the exercises was asked because the Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov and its escort ships approach Eastern Mediterranean.

The exercise might take place on Tuesday 80-90 miles southwest of Pylos, in the Ionian Sea. Alternative dates are – under Russian request – the 5th and 6th of January.


The Russian naval force is expected anytime now to reach the area of the Athens FIR. The aircraft carrier entered some days ago the Mediterranean through Gibraltar and heads off Syria.