'Terrorist' Planned Base in Kosovo

Pristina

Mitrovica

Kosovo Police’s anti-terrorism unit, under the supervision of a EULEX prosecutor, arrested a Kosovo Albanian male in Mitrovica on suspicion of terrorism.

Bajram Asllani, 29, a resident of Mitrovica, was charged in connection with a conspiracy that originated in US state of North Carolina.

Eight people have already been indicted as part of the investigation, including another Kosovo Albanian Hysen Sherifi, who is originally from Gjilan and was arrested last July.

Authorities say that Asllani asked Sherifi to raise money so he could buy land for a base in Kosovo to store ammunition and weapons for the purpose of terrorism.

The action on Thursday followed a request for extradition made by the USA to Kosovo.

The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina has charged the defendant with two counts: the provision of material support or resources to terrorists, support for terrorism and conspiracy to kill, kidnap, maim, or injure persons or damage property in a foreign country.

The order for the arrest and the house search were authorized by a EULEX pre-trial judge from the Mitrovica District Court.

STRATEGY MAKES A DIFFERENCE -- ONE BIG ONE!

Sic vis pacem, para bellum

Throughout human history leaders who kept their eye on narrow domestic expediencies, and failed to appreciate the proverbial "forest" whose trees one must look not separately but as a whole, have invariably faltered -- and, along with them, their nations have similarly stumbled and fell. At the root of this malaise lies, almost without fail, the absence of strategy.

More than a year ago we asked on this very page the question of What Happened to Greek strategy? The disheartening answer, which has not changed since, was that Greece has simply left strategy by the wayside. Greek leaders, motivated by partisan politics and domestic wranglings, have had little time for strategy. To put it plainly, strategic thinking does not inform Greek governments.

The Greek "intelligentsia" is similarly divorced from the subject of strategy. Greek "academics" throw the term about with abandon, but have little, if any, real connection to Strategic Studies. The net result is that Greece lacks a clear outline of where she should be headed and under what conditions. And it is reaffirmed daily that the Greek political class prefers cafeteria "estimates" over any serious assessment of the country's real capabilities and potential (which would inevitably expose many crippling flaws and discommode those who have made their life's sole mission to exploit political power as the means to personal fortune)........

more www.rieas.gr

New political battle after ICJ decision

Source: Beta

PRIŠTINA -- Priština daily Express writes that a new political battle will ensue after the International Court of Justice gives its opinion on Kosovo’s independence. The International Court of Justice in The Hague (FoNet archive) The daily writes that this will have consequences for both Belgrade and Priština. “Both sides will try to interpret the opinion to their advantage, and the winner will be the side that shows greater political power,” unnamed sources from Kosovo institutions told the daily. They also said that “partner countries” of Belgrade and Priština would also be involved in the process. Priština is announcing new recognitions after the ICJ’s decision is given and expects help in that process from countries that have recognized Kosovo’s independence. “One step which will be taken by the Kosovo institutions is that they will send demands for recognition to countries that have yet to do so. Along with the demands, they will be sending their interpretation of the court’s decision,” the source said. The daily states that experts of the International Crisis Group (ICG) believe that Priština and Belgrade will “begin talks from different positions” after the court decision. “Serbia will have to treat Kosovo as an equal side. Belgrade will try to talk about the possibility of discussing Kosovo’s status, while Priština will insist on talks that only include technical questions,” ICG analyst in Kosovo Naim Rashiti said. He said that Priština and Belgrade would not talk only about technical questions, because there is a possibility that there will be talks about some parts of the Ahtisaari proposal for Kosovo’s status. The ICJ’s opinion is expected unofficially some time in July.

A dangerous incident between local inhabitants and the hooligans come from TIRANA

more see: www.nenanews.eu

“Difference of opinions on NATO won’t hurt coalition”

19 June 2010 | 11:58 | Source: Večernje novosti

BELGRADE -- Daily Večernje novosti states that the ruling coalition is sure that differences in opinion regarding NATO will not cause a rift in the coalition. (Tanjug archive) The state policy regarding Serbia’s military neutrality is not expected to change, despite the initiative of G17 Plus and SPO for reevaluating the situation. While coalition members DS and SPS support remaining militarily neutral, G17 Plus and SPO believe that it would be better for Serbia to join the most power military alliance in the world, NATO. Serbian Renewal Movement (SPO) leader Vuk Drašković said that he does not believe that there will be new talks on Kosovo’s status after the opinion of the International Court of Justice on the legality of Kosovo’s unilaterally proclaimed independence is given, even though the leading parties and officials of the ruling coalition are hoping for that. Ruling coalition officials stated that it is normal to have differences in opinion within the coalition, and that they would not lead to problems. “We are just stating that military neutrality was proclaimed with one paragraph in the parliamentary resolution on Kosovo and that we did not ask of any country to recognize that neutrality. Euro-Atlantic integrations are essentially connected and Serbia needs to ask for a place in both the EU and NATO. Of course, the citizens would decide on it by way of a referendum,” sources from SPO told the daily.

Albania Leaders Exchange Barbs over Failed Talks

Tirana | 18 June 2010 |

Albania's assembly

Albania’s political leaders blamed each other on Thursday for the failure of EU-sponsored talks aimed at resolving the country's political crisis.

Speaking during the parliamentary session Prime Minister Sali Berisha accused the opposition Socialist Party of having a covert plan to boycott the upcoming 2011 local elections, rather than seek transparency over parliamentary elections held last June.

“Since the request was filed that was against the verdicts of the court I have had the conviction that it has the goal to boycott the local elections and do anything to stop Albania’s integration into the EU,” said Berisha.

Reacting to Berisha’s accusations, the head of the Socialist parliamentary group, Gramoz Ruci, said that the talks to resolve the crisis had failed because the ruling majority had not offered its consensus for a compromise.

“You don’t want to resolve this crisis,” he accused Berisha.

Top members of the European Parliament, who sponsored the talks, yesterday expressed regret that the two main political parties in Albania have been unable to solve their political stalemate, and warned that the country risks stalling its EU bid if it does not find a solution.

“We sincerely regret that the Albanian Government and the opposition could not overcome their differences and have therefore not yet been able to take further necessary steps towards meeting the country's European ambition,” MEPs Joseph Daul and Martin Schulz said in a joint statement.

Daul is the president of the centre-right EPP grouping, and Schulz is the president of the centre-left S&D grouping in the European Parliament.

The two men, on behalf of their political groups, initiated talks between Berisha and opposition leader Edi Rama to help the country find a solution to the political dispute between the two main parties following the Albanian general elections on June 28, 2009.

Berisha, who heads the ruling Democratic Party, and Socialist Party leader Rama have been locked in a standoff over the results of the June 28, 2009 parliamentary elections, which Berisha's party narrowly won.

The Socialists blame alleged electoral fraud by the government for their loss and have sought a recount of election ballots. The government has stubbornly refused the recount as unconstitutional, arguing that it is a decision for the courts to take.

Albania Court Overturns Ruling on Greek Mayor

Anyway the fascist Vlora`s Attorney, has forgotten to open an terrorist incurring against the Mayor of Himara and President of "Omonia" Vassilios Bollanos, for bombing house issue one month ago.

Tirana | 17 June 2010 |

Vassillios Bollanos
with V/US President Joe Biden

An appeals court in the city of Vlora has overturned a lower court ruling that sentenced an ethnic-Greek mayor to a six-month prison term for ordering the removal of road signs because they were not bilingual.

Mayor Vasil Bollano of the town of Himara on Albania’s southern coast ordered the removal of road signs in December 2007, arguing that the signs should also have been written in Greek, as he considers the area a Greek-minority zone.

Prosecutors filed charges against Bollano for abuse of power, arguing that his actions were illegal and that the removed signs cost Albanian taxpayers roughly €170,000. Bollano rejected the charges against him as politically motivated.

According to Albanian sources the Greek minority in Albania is estimated to be around three per cent of the country's total population, when the Greek Ethnic Organization "Omonia" said for 25 per cent of Albanian total population, which have old Greek origin.

Anyway the fascist Vlora`s Attorney, has forgotten to open an terrorist incurring against the Mayor of Himara and President of Omonia Vassilios Bollanos, for bombing house issue one month ago.

Sources from Vlora Region said that the Vlora Court and Prosecutor district continues to forget the Pyros Bollanos issue, killed tow years ago by a terrorist action in center of Himara town. According to information, the Vlora`s Court continues to have no transparency public information about the penal terrorist process.

EP Leaves Albania EU Fate to Country's Politicians

| 17 June 2010 |

European Parliament

Top members of the European Parliament have expressed regret that the two main political parties in Albania have been unable to solve their political stalemate, and have warned that the country risks stalling its EU bid if it does not find a solution.

“We sincerely regret that the Albanian Government and the opposition could not overcome their differences and have therefore not yet been able to take further necessary steps towards meeting the country's European ambition,” MEPs Joseph Daul and Martin Schulz said in a joint statement.

Daul is the president of the centre-right EPP grouping, and Schulz is the president of the centre-left S&D grouping in the European Parliament.

The two men, on behalf of their political groups, initiated talks between Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha and opposition leader Edi Rama to help the country find a solution to the political dispute between the two main parties following the Albanian general elections on June 28, 2009.

Berisha, who heads the ruling Democratic Party, and Socialist Party leader Rama have been locked in a standoff over the results of the June 28, 2009 parliamentary elections, which Berisha's party narrowly won.

The Socialists blame alleged electoral fraud by the government for their loss and have sought a recount of election ballots. The government has stubbornly refused the recount as unconstitutional, arguing that it is a decision for the courts to take.

http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/main/news/28819/

'We Albanians hate terror'

The six-month war between ethnic Albanians and Macedonian forces ended in 2001 with the signing of a cohabitation agreement. But the Albanian Liberation Army of Kosovo and Macedonia claims that the rights of ethnic Albanians are being ignored by the Macedonian authorities. In November 2007 Macedonian police launched an armed offensive on the Albanian village of Brodec. They were looking for terrorists. Local man Ziber Ziberi says that of the five villagers killed and 13 arrested, not one was a terrorist

• Guardian Weekly

An Albanian man sifts through the rubble of his house after the 2001 conflict. Photograph: Yannis Behrakis

At 6am our village, Brodec, was attacked without warning by Macedonian special police. First they shelled us from the surrounding hills, then they came in with helicopters and armed vehicles. The noise was unbearable. My wife, children, mother and mother-in-law ran to a small space under the stairs to hide.

They remained hidden there for several hours – the shelling lasted from early morning to 3pm. My son was ill at the time and he should have been taken to a doctor, but it was impossible to move from the shelter.

There are 300 children in the village; they were supposed to go to school that day, but instead they ran to hide in cellars. The shelling made holes in the walls of our houses, but it was our mosque that took most of the damage. You could literally see through it. The house of my immediate neighbour was burned to the ground by a fire that spread after a grenade hit. The flames were so big we couldn't put them out....................................

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/may/29/albania-macedonia

Albanians in Macedonia want Albanian citizenship

Albanians in Macedonia want from Tirana to require official to allow the benefit of all Albanians the Albanian citizenship across borders.

Such a plan is implemented by neighboring countries such as Macedonia, Bulgaria, Serbia and other former Yugoslav countries. Albanian political parties in Macedonia do not want to debate the issue, but they point out that the Albanian state itself should assess whether or not to create opportunity through constitutional road, all the Albanians wherever they are equipped with Albanian citizenship, regardless of they live in two states or more states, but the device with Albanian citizenship to become the model of dual citizenship that allowed by many states.


Lawyers do not exclude the possibility that Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha with the decree of President Bamir Topi fulfill their promise 90 years to when he claimed that every Albanian in the world is a citizen of Albania.

"It should be realized that, because we have the case of Macedonians, who everywhere possess the nationality of Macedonia. Especially such an option is used by the Albanians living on the border with Macedonia, which declared that they have Macedonian origin, the lawyer Numan Limani has stressed.

But sources closer to the government in Tirana has not ruled out the possibility that the Albanian government to consider such a plan for granting citizenships to all Albanian citizens outside the borders of the Albanian state.

The Law granting citizenship is a right that decreed by the President of Albania and that the right has the benefit of its foreign national that he has completed five years of regular residence in the territory of the Albanian state. In any provision of law amended in 1998, is not expected to benefit through ethnicity and provides that every Albanian has the right to possession of Albanian nationality.

Barack Obama and his family to spend their summer holiday in Greece

Athens. U.S. President Barack Obama will spend his summer holiday in Greece, together with his family, Greek newspaper Eleftherotypia reports. Obama will most probably spend his holiday on the Crete Island towards the end of June or beginning of July.

The newspaper points that the Illinois State Treasurer - Alexi Giannoulias who is of Greek origin has invited Obama to visit Chania, Crete, the birthplace of Giannoulias’ mother. Obama and his family will most probably stay in a yacht, together with Giannoulias.

Athens and Skopje are close to resolving the name dispute

Following the statements that Serbian President Boris Tadic has went from Athens to Skopje with the proposal for the name dispute – Republic of North Macedonia, instead of the FYROM abbreviation; information came from the Greek capital that Macedonia and Greece were close to resolving the name dispute with a proposed name Vardar Macedonia, Macedonian newspaper Utrinski Vesnik reads.

The information has not been confirmed by either side, which means that the two countries are “putting out feelers”. Utrinski Vesnik quotes an article in Greek newspaper Kathimerini, according to which, the two countries were very close to a solution, which will include the name of the longest river in Macedonia.

EU Concern Over Political Situation in Albania

| 15 June 2010 |

Luxembourg

EU foreign ministers have expressed their concern over the political situation in Albania, where the ruling and opposition parties have not yet found a solution to the political crisis that began almost one year ago.

“It is high time to find a solution to the current crisis on a basis which will stand the test of time,” the foreign ministers said in their conclusions following a meeting in Luxembourg.

They reiterated that it is the responsibility of both the opposition and the ruling party to find "solutions and
ways forward which will be required for the country on its EU path".

The Council welcomed the initiative of several MEPs to try to help Albanian leaders resolve the stalemate but regretted that “the facilitation initiative has not yet found sufficient support to enable the Albanian government and the opposition to overcome their differences”.

Albania has faced political deadlock since the country's June 2009 parliamentary elections. Prime Minister Sali Berisha from the ruling Democratic Party and opposition leader Edi Rama of the Socialists have been locked in a stalemate over the results of the elections, which Berisha's party narrowly won.

Berisha and Rama have so far failed to agree on the powers of a parliamentary commission set to investigate alleged irregularities in the parliamentary ballot held on June 28, 2009.

While the Socialists seek a recount of the ballots, claiming that the government’s alleged fraud was to blame for their electoral loss, the majority insists that the opposition has exhausted all legal means for a recount to take place.

Albania's main political parties met with EU representatives in Strasbourg at the end of May, but an agreement has still not been reached. The parliament has, however, largely returned to normal following the nomination by the Socialist opposition of a deputy speaker and committee members last week. The foreign ministers welcomed this development.

Wreck of WWII freighter believed found off Albania

By LLAZAR SEMINI (AP)

TIRANA, Albania — Using undersea scanning devices, archaeologists from the U.S. and Albania believe they have found the wreckage of an Italian ship that British forces torpedoed during World War II when Albania was occupied by Mussolini's Fascists.

The remnants — found just off Albania's coast last weekend — probably were part of the 8,000-ton Rosandra freighter, which was hit by a British submarine on June 14, 1943, the team said on Monday, the 67th anniversary of the sinking.

The vessel was located 260 feet (80 meters) beneath the surface of the Ionian Sea near Albania's Karaburun Peninsula, 90 miles (140 kilometers) southwest of Tirana, the capital, during a survey of the country's seabed that began four years ago.

Expedition coordinator Auron Tare of Albania said the size of the wreck, and sonar images of two holes apparently caused by torpedo explosions, matched information from Italian and British sources on the Rosandra.

"If the data coincide with the conclusions of the further study of that archaeological relic, then we may say the expedition has discovered the Italian Rosandra ship," Tare told The Associated Press.

Six people died in the attack on the Axis vessel, which was carrying 400 tons of food and military supplies to Italian occupation forces in neighboring Greece, but 173 were safely evacuated to land, 400 meters (yards) away.

A freighter converted to a refrigerated ship, the Rosandra had been headed from the Albanian port of Vlora — 70 miles from Italy — to Patras in Greece.

Albania was under Fascist Italian occupation from 1939 until September 1943, when Italy surrendered to Allied forces. During the Second World War, Italy lost about 90 percent of its merchant fleet.

Albanian archaeologists and the RPM Nautical Foundation of Key West, Florida, have found 18 wrecks from ancient, medieval and modern times in their survey off the Balkan country's coast.

"This important discovery once more shows the important relics hidden deep in Albanian waters," the expedition said in a statement.

It is creating an underwater cultural heritage map of the Albanian coastline with the aim of opening an underwater archaeological museum in Porto Palermo in what is regarded as Albania's Riviera, a 90-mile (140-kilometer) stretch of coastline from Vlora to Saranda.

On Monday, the expedition expanded its mission north to cover waters off neighboring Montenegro.

Albania's political deadlock

Dancing, but not moving, The Economist

A row over alleged election fraud has paralysed Albania

Jun 10th 2010 | Tirana and Shkoder

A time-waster in Tirana

A COMMUNIST-ERA Albanian song celebrated the country’s defiant dancing in the mouth of the wolf (western imperialism). Now Albanians are chuckling at headlines that have them dancing in the mouth of the crocodile (the European Union). On May 19th the heads of the two main blocks in the European Parliament summoned Sali Berisha, Albania’s prime minister, and Edi Rama, leader of the opposition Socialists, to Au Crocodile, a restaurant in Strasbourg, to settle their differences.

Albania has been paralysed since last June’s general election, which Mr Rama claims was stolen by Mr Berisha’s Democratic Party. In recent months the Socialists have boycotted parliament, held demonstrations and mounted hunger strikes. Mr Berisha says there is no proof of wrongdoing. However, an investigation into one ballot box found that most votes were from people who were abroad or who did not have an identity document allowing them to vote.

The invitation to Au Crocodile began with some boilerplate about the spirit of compromise being the European way of doing things. But then the European parliamentarians came brutally to the point. Albania has applied for EU candidacy. But the EU requires applicants to be well-functioning democracies. Unless Mr Rama and Mr Berisha resolve the issue, the MEPs said, they would recommend the suspension of Albania’s bid.

Albania will not be joining the EU soon. But the row could hinder its attempt to be granted visa-free travel within the Schengen area of 25 European countries. If a decision is put on ice because of the political gridlock, Albanians will be furious and Mr Berisha will heap the blame on Mr Rama. But Mr Rama says it is vital not to pretend all is well in Albania for the sake of expediency..............

http://www.economist.com/node/16335820?story_id=16335820

PM Papandreou meets Libyan leader Kadhafi

Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou on Wednesday held a two-hour meeting in Tripoloi, Libya, with Muammar Kadhafi, something unusual for the Libyan leader. As Papandreou told Greek reporters afterwards, the meeting had its political aspect as well as its emotional human dimension.

The Greek premier said that they had the opportunity of referring to the past, remembering the beginning of relations which is due to late Andreas Papandreou and Muammar Kadhafi, as well as the Libyan leader's surprise visit and that of late Fancois Mitterrand to Elounda in Crete where Andreas Papandreou had invited them.

As regards the political part, talks focused on issues concerning political developments in the wider region and on Libya's role in Africa, since Libya can constitute a gateway to the "black continent."

Also discussed were the Palestinian problem, the Cyprus issue combined with the efforts of Cyprus President Demetris Christofias, Greek-Turkish relations and the crisis surrounding the Gaza Strip and how ways can be found to promote humanitarian aid.

A strategic economic cooperation agreement between Greece and Libya was also signed on Wednesday afternoon.

Libyan Prime Minister Al-Baghdadi Ali al-Mahmoudi spoke of a historic day, while he said that the instruction given by Libyan leader Muamamar Kadhafi is for Libya's economic relations with Greece to develop in every way.

On his part, Greek Prime Minister Papandreou spoke of a clear message and the revival of an old relation between the two countries that had begun by late Andreas Papandreou and Muammar Kadhafi.

It was announced that the agreement is included in a memorandum that was signed on the part of Greece by Minister of State Haris Pamboukis and on the Libyan side by the Economy and Planning minister.

The main sectors included in the cooperation memorandum are telecommunications, transportation, energy, tourism, farm products, archaeology, the construction of infrastructure works, mainly port works, real estate, pharmaceutical industries, health and education.

Both sides set tight time limits for the implementation of the agreement and the first assessment of its implementation will take place in three months.

A special work group was also created that will monitor the course of the entire cooperation and for which the Libyan prime minister expressed his government's desire for it to turn from a strategic cooperation agreement into a partnership relation.

NATO ministers to discuss Kosovo mission

Source: B92

BRUSSELS -- Foreign ministers of NATO member states will discuss reduction of the mission in Kosovo and Metohija in Brussels today. They will discuss the possibility of reducing the number of KFOR troops in Kosovo from the current 10,000 to 5,000. The first step in transforming KFOR into a smaller and more mobile discouragement force has already been carried out successfully, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said at a news conference in Brussels, ahead of the ministerial meeting.

Tadić meets with Macedonian counterpart

10 June 2010 | 10:21 | Source: FoNet

SKOPJE -- President Boris Tadić and his Macedonian counterpart Gjorge Ivanov said that increasing the speed of the region’s European integration is a priority. Tadić, Ivanov meet in Skopje (Beta) They also said that this is a key condition for long-term stability and peace in the region. The meeting between Tadić and Ivanov in Skopje represents the continuation of political dialog on the highest level and personal relations between the two presidents, the joint statement claims. Several issues were discussed at the meeting, both of bilateral and regional interest. Tadić and Ivanov said that cooperation is intensifying in light of the coming June summit of the European Union Council of Ministers. They both said that they hope that European leaders will positively evaluate progress in implementing reforms and enable the countries of the region to speed up their integration agenda. Opinions were exchanged at the meeting regarding important regional issues for the preservation of stability in the region, according to the joint statement.

After The Gulf: Is Albania The Next Oil Frontier?

June 10, 2010

Marin KatusaBio
Marin Katusa is chief investment strategist for Casey Research's energy division.

After a troubled past, resource-rich Albania is trying to modernize itself into a good place to do business… and with astonishing success.

Over the years, we’ve visited Albania more times than we’d care to admit. Although it’s not a place we’d recommend for a family vacation, your investment dollars will find a happy home there. Unlike the rocky tale of Albania itself, the latest oil development stories are bound to have a much happier ending.

Albania, Diamond in the Rough?

Albania, about the size of Massachusetts, is surrounded by Montenegro, Kosovo, Macedonia, Greece, and the Adriatic Sea. It beats out only Moldova in gross domestic product (GDP) by population: at US$6,300 per person, it’s dwarfed by the likes of America (US$45,800 per person) and even financially buggered Greece (US$30,000).

A lack of consistent energy and transportation infrastructure is partly responsible for Albania’s sorry numbers. Areas outside capital Tirana and Durrës, a large port, still experience blackouts with fair regularity. Railways are limited, and while major cities are connected by highways, smaller roads can be relatively difficult to access and then to negotiate when you find them. The reasons the country is now having to play catch-up lie in 20th-century history.......

http://blogs.forbes.com/energysource/2010/06/10/after-the-gulf-is-albania-the-next-oil-frontier/

Albanian PM Promises to Raise Wages

Tirana | 10 June 2010 |

Sali Berisha

Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha declared on Wednesday that the government will raise salaries and pensions by July 1, based on what he called the excellent results of the economy in the first several months of 2010.

“This wage raise is against the trend of what all governments in Europe and perhaps the world are doing,” said Berisha during a cabinet meeting.

The Albanian premier explained that the decision was based on the growth of Albania’s exports and bank deposits in the first five months of 2010, and lashed out at the opposition for accusing the government of running the country into an economic crisis.

“The growth of ‘Made in Albania’ exports, a 14 per cent growth in bank deposits and 28 per cent more new businesses registered are data that rebuke all the dark and ill-willed propaganda made today against Albania’s economy,” Berisha said.

The announcement comes while institutions that monitor Albania’s economy, like the World Bank, are calling on the government to reduce the country's spiraling public debt, which has risen steeply in the last two years.

According to the Ministry of Finance, revenues from taxes and customs fees rose only by 3.9 per cent in the first four months of 2010. It is expected that the wage hike, which will likely be on the order of 10 to 12 per cent, will be financed by more debt or the sale of public assets.

Serious Turkish Provocation against Greek Navy

Serious Turkish Provocation against Greek Navy

A formation of 7 Turkish Air Force aircraft (4 F-16s and 3 F-4E Terminators) conducted a mock attack on the Hellenic Navy Frigate Salamis (F-455). The Turkish aircraft entered the Aegean between Chios and Lesbos Islands.

The formation entered an area in which the Greek Navy was conducting the “Kataigis” exercise. At one point 2 of the 3 F-4E lowered their altitude and conducted a mock strafing run against the Greek frigate.

The Greek Navy frigate locked onto the Turkish aircraft during this incident and subsequently the Turkish fighters left the area. The incident can be considered as very serious and could lead to serious accidents happening.

Basescu: Aromanians national minority in Albania. Kosovo did not know

During a visit to Albania, Romania's President Traian Basescu said for arumun minority should be given the status of a national minority. "They are citizens believe the Albanian state who have shown that they deserve this rating," Basescu said during a joint press conference with President Bamir Topi.


Romanian President has reiterated his position that the state will not recognize Kosovo's independence and noted that Romania does not respect the Kosovars but respect the international laws.

During his stay in Albania, Romanian President meet with Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Albania, Sali Berisha and Albania's Parliament Speaker Jozefina Topalli. Also in another meeting, he met with arumun community that lives in Albania.

ALBANIA: CHALLENGE TO ENTER EU STARTS WITH INFRASTRUCTURE

(ANSAmed) - VLORE - The path to bring Albania to Europe is still long, but many steps have been taken, and others will follow in the short-term, so that in a few years, Tirana can enter the EU through the front door. ''Albania is acting with diligence and determination,'' said Minister for Technological Innovation and Information Genc Pollo, one of the men who Premier Sali Berisha is relying on to bring the country towards the standards necessary to enter the EU, ''to create the conditions for EU membership.

Not the minimum conditions, but standards that are even better. We are working hard and we know that we will be able to succeed''. Minister Pollo acknowledged Italy's important role in this process, ''because our two countries have always been close to each other,'' almost underscoring that they also had a close relationship under the communist regime of Enver Hoxha, when Albania had almost no external contact.

The conditions are also associated with a strong push by the Albanian government for reforms, especially in the field of innovation technology, where they are making great progress........

http://www.ansamed.info/en/top/ME13.XAM14151.html

Albania to boost its contributions as NATO member

07/06/2010

TIRANA, Albania -- Membership to NATO means more defence spending, local media reported on Monday (June 7th).

To meet the criteria to join the Alliance, the government had to double defence spending, from about 9m euros in 2005 to about 19m euros in 2009.

The money reportedly was used to modernise the military infrastructure, pay army salaries and buy goods and services in the sector.

The bill is expected to rise over the next ten years: a study by the Institute for Economic and Legal Consultancy forecasts that Albania will invest about 3 billion euros in its defence sector by 2020.

“New Kosovo talks won’t jeopardize stability”

B92

BELGRADE -- Kosovo Ministry State Secretary Oliver Ivanović disagreed with statements made regarding Kosovo by the UK ambassador to Serbia Stephen Wordsworth. He does not agree with Wordsworth’s opinion that new Kosovo status talks would cause instability in the region and that relations between Serbia and Kosovo and Serbia’s EU integration are no longer separate issues. Ivanović said that the current unresolved status of Kosovo is what can lead to instability in Serbia, adding that this instability will last until the status issue is solved. He said that the world and Europe must realize that they cannot satisfy the Albanian side with accepting the unilateral secession of Kosovo, because it endangers the stability of Serbia. “The secession of Kosovo, the way that it has started, leads to extremist policies, we were able to see that in the past, and Europe has seen it as well. I think that in order for the Balkans to stabilize, Serbia must be stable, and it can only be stabilized with new negotiations that would lead to an acceptable solution,” Ivanović said. “Serbia finds itself in front of a great dilemma. It has taken a stance, through the words of its officials, it has said that if the question of choosing between Kosovo and EU is posed, Kosovo would be the priority. I think that at this moment, such a stance is problematic. We see that there was a large compromise made in Sarajevo, and we saw the foreign ministers of Serbia and Kosovo sit at the same table, without signs, however, but we can expect that the fight for having signs in front of them will be a part of the next phase. The most important event will occur in the coming months, which is the stance of the International Court of Justice, and I think that it will greatly influence and determine what will happen next,” political analyst Predrag Simić said. Simić added that the stances of the British ambassador are nothing new, since it was known earlier that the Kosovo question and Serbia’s EU integration are not separate issues and that they would be crossing paths sooner or later.

Greece, security news

Greece, security news

Defence Procurement Review: Improving Operational Availability instead of New Weapons Purchases

The improvement of the operational availability of existing weapons systems has become the primary goal for the Armed Forces, according to head of the General Defence Staff General Giagos. The poor economic outlook of the country means decisions on the procurement of new weapons have to be delayed or scrapped altogether. This can affect the purchase of new fighter aircraft, frigates and armoured fighting vehicles. The newly revised 5 year defence procurement plan worth €8.5 billion is expected to contain programmes which on the one hand will focus on the improvement of logistical support for the better utilisation and increased readiness of existing equipment. An example of the dire situation facing the Armed Forces is an article by the newspaper Revelations (Aποκαλύψεις) which reported on the danger that the Greek fleet of Leopard 2 tanks could become immobilised due to the lack of lubricants. The revelation came a few days after the signing of an agreement to procure the necessary ammunition for these tanks.

One the other hand the procurement plan must focus on the modernisation and upgrading of existing systems. The following are examples of the most urgent programmes for the various branches of the military:

1. The upgrading of the 19 older AH-64A+ attack helicopters of the Army to the same level as the newer 12 AH-64D models which were recently accepted into service.

2. The Mid-Life Upgrade of the 4 MEKO-200HN frigates of the Hydra class. Weapons improvements are to include the replacement of the Phalanx CIWS with RAM (Rolling Airframe Missiles) and the upgrading of the main 5” gun to the Mod4 standard. This upgrade is deemed important as a result of Turkish efforts to change the power balance in the Aegean.

3. The upgrade of the existing fleet of third generation fighter aircraft of the Air Force. The existing 20 Mirage 2000 EGM/BGM are to be brought to the -5Mk2 standard and the F-16C/D Block 30 and Block 50 aircraft are to be brought to the Block 52+/Advanced standard. The Air Force has 4 subtypes of F-16 aircraft in service with two different types of engines which places a heavy burden on support and training.

Special emphasis must be given to the quick acceptance of the new Type 214 submarines, the completion of the NH-90 tactical helicopter deliveries and the issuing of a new tender for Maritime Patrol Aircraft. This last programme has a bearing on the problematic issue of Search & Rescue areas and also of the Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

Source: Strategy-Geopolitics

Albania's Muslim community sues journalist who urged ban on Islam

The Associated Press

TIRANA, Albania (AP) — The main group representing Albania’s Muslim majority population says it is suing a journalist who suggested the government should ban their faith.

The Albanian Muslim Community says in a statement released Tuesday that Kastriot Myftaraj allegedly incited religious hatred with his writings in the small circulation, Tirana-based Sot (Today) daily newspaper.

Myftaraj published two articles last month claiming that “Islam harms Albanian national coherence.” He wrote that the best response was for the country to “outlaw the Muslim religion in Albania and close down all mosques.”

About two-thirds of Albania’s 3.2 million population is Muslim. Albanians were not allowed to practice any religion under Communist rule between 1967 and 1990.

Army chief, KFOR commander on security

Source: Beta

PRIŠTINA -- Serbian Army (VS) CoGS Lt. Gen. Miloje Miletić and the KFOR commander, Lt. Gen. Markus Bentler, met on Thursday in Priština. The meeting in Priština (Tanjug) Serbian Army (VS) CoGS Lt. Gen. Miloje Miletić and the KFOR commander, Lt. Gen. Markus Bentler, met on Thursday in Priština. The talks focused on issues of joint interest, such as fight against smuggling, security on the border line and problems of illegal crossing of the administrative line, KFOR said in a statement. “High-level meetings of this kind strengthen the relations and cooperation between KFOR and the Serbian Army to the benefit of all people living in the region. The talks contribute to the preservation of region's peace and stability, it was said in the statement,” adding that KFOR “regularly informs Kosovo institutions” on this process. In Belgrade, the Ministry of Defense said in a statement that the two generals discussed the overall state of security in Kosovo and Metohija, including attacks on mobile telephony transmitters and KFOR's obligations when it comes to protecting Serb religious and other heritage sites.

Thieves target historic 11th century monastery in south Albania

by Apostolos Papapostolou

Unknown suspects broke into a church at the Douviani Monastery compound in the Kato (Lower) Dropoli district of Gjirokastr prefecture in southern Albania and reportedly removed an old wooden cross, icons, as well as an old embroidered cloth considered of significant cultural and historical value.

Part of church’s iconostasis (the screen decorated with icons that divides the sanctuary from the nave of an Eastern Orthodox church) was also destroyed.

This was the fourth time the monastery has been targeted by thieves and vandals.
A second church in the same village was also broken into but nothing was removed.
The monastery is dated to the middle Byzantine Era, circa 1089.

EU ‘Deadline’ on Albania Political Crisis Expires

Tirana | 04 June 2010 |

The European Parliament building, Strasbourg, France. Photo by Davor Konjikusic

An unofficial deadline set in a meeting in Strasbourg for Albanian political leaders to resolve the country's political crisis expired on Thursday with no solution in sight. After meeting with EU representatives in Strasbourg two weeks ago, Albania's main political parties have failed to reach an agreement to overcome the political stalemate that has plagued the country for almost a year.

Prime Minister Sali Berisha from the ruling Democratic Party and opposition leader Edi Rama of the Socialists have been locked in a stalemate over the results of the June 28, 2009 parliamentary elections, which Berisha's party narrowly won.

Berisha and Rama continue to disagree on the powers and procedures that should be followed by the parliamentary commission charged with investigating alleged fraud in the elections.

Rama and Berisha met with representatives of the European Parliament in Strasbourg on May 20. EU Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fuele was also present for the talks.

A group of legal experts from Brussels visited Albania this week in an effort to find points that might bring the stances of the two Albanian political parties closer.

A new meeting sponsored by the European Parliament is expected to follow in the coming days. EU officials have previously warned that the country risks having its application for candidate status frozen unless a compromise to the crisis is reached.

Serb President opens business forum in Greece

B92

THESSALONIKI -- At the end of his three-day official visit to Greece, Serbian President Boris Tadić today opened a business forum. Tadić visits the Serb military cemetery in Thessaloniki (Tanjug) The event gathered leading businesspeople from Greece and Serbia in the Greek city of Thessaloniki. The Serbian market has huge development potential and the prosperity of the Western Balkans can hardly be imagined without Serbia having a crucial role in it, Tadić said. At the start of the forum Tadić underlined that Serbia offers the best business opportunities in the Balkans. Serbia is the geographic, business and intellectual center of this region, and as one of the signatories of the CEFTA agreement and similar agreements with Russia, Belarus and Turkey, it offers the chance of export to the market with over 800 million consumers, the Serbian president said. ... more see: http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2010&mm=06&dd=03&nav_id=67563

Albania: Police seize 1,5 tons of contraband coffee imported from Macedonia

The Albanian police have seized 1,5 tons of contraband coffee imported from Macedonia into Albania, albanian press writes.

The media in Tirana write that the smugglers transported the coffee in 63 sacks by a boat through the Lake Ohrid.

They were found close to the town of Lin near Pogradec, while they were unloading the contraband. One of the smugglers was found by the license plate of the truck that was waiting on the coast.

The police are searching for the others. They suppose Macedonian citizens are involved too.

Ashdown "Considered" for Top Balkans Job

| 02 June 2010 |

Paddy Ashdown

Paddy Ashdown, a British politician and former High Representative to Bosnia and Herzegovina, is reportedly being considered for a role as a European special envoy for the Balkans, while EU leaders have said that such a post is not currently under discussion.

British daily The Guardian cited senior sources in Brussels as saying that it was possible that Ashdown, the former leader of the Liberal Democrats, would be appointed to a new post in the region, the establishment of which is reportedly to be discussed at today's EU-Western Balkans summit in Sarajevo.

According to the report, Catherine Ashton, the EU's foreign and security policy chief, will discuss Ashdown's possible appointment at dinner in London on Thursday night with William Hague, the British foreign secretary.

Meanwhile Ashton told reporters before today's EU-Western Balkans summit in Sarajevo that the topic was not “anything I had serious discussions about”.

“It is not yet on my agenda,” she added. Her comments were echoed by Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt, who responded to the suggestion with “I do not think so…I do not see that”.

Hague’s office is headed by Arminka Helic, a Conservative party foreign policy analyst and a Bosnian Muslim who fled the country during the war, and who is a keen supporter of Ashdown, according to the British daily.

http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/main/news/28507/

EU Supports Entry of Balkan States Based on 'Merit'

By June Kellum

Bosnian minister of Foreign Affairs, Sven Alkalaj (L) and EU Secretary for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton (R) shake hands before the European Union-Balkans High Level Meeting in Sarajevo June 2. At the meeting the EU said it will welcome qualified Balka (Elvis Barukcic/AFP

In spite of concerns over enlargement in the wake of the Greek fiscal crisis, top European Union officials said they would extend EU membership to qualified Balkans countries.

The EU met with Balkans officials Wednesday for a one-day summit in Bosnia-Herzegovina capital, Sarajevo.

However, it appears that none of the applicant countries currently meet the required qualifications.

The EU stressed that each country would be evaluated based on "its own merits" and the countries will all have to make improvements to meet accession criteria, according to AFP.

Among the countries that emerged since the 1990 breakup of Yugoslavia, only Slovenia has EU membership. Croatia is currently in the membership negotiations process, while Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, and Albania are just beginning.

U.N. Security Council meets on Israeli raid

By the CNN Wire Staff

June 1, 2010 -- Updated 0323 GMT (1123 HKT)

Israeli troops storm Gaza flotilla

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• NEW: U.S. official says flotilla should have observed blockade
• U.N. Security Council holds emergency meeting on Israel's storming of Palestinian flotilla
• Turkish Foreign Minister accuses Israel of murder conducted by a state
• Israeli diplomat says flotilla was not a humanitarian mission, as portrayed in the media

New York (CNN) -- Israel faced condemnation and questions Monday at an emergency U.N. Security Council meeting called by Turkey on the Israeli military's storming of a six-ship flotilla of pro-Palestinian activists headed to Gaza with aid supplies.

At least nine activists died in clashes that injured seven Israeli soldiers. Israel contends the flotilla intended to break its blockade of Gaza, while Palestinian leaders and allies said Israel launched an unprovoked military assault on civilians.

"No state is above the law," Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said at the start of the meeting, adding that "Israel must be held accountable for its crimes."

Davutoglu called the Israeli assault "piracy" and "murder conducted by a state." Turkey helped arrange the flotilla bringing relief supplies such as medicines and building materials.

www.cnn.com

Greek-Israeli Military Manoeuvres Cancelled

Greek-Israeli Military Manoeuvres Cancelled

The Greek-Israeli Air Force Exercise “Minos 2010” was cancelled today on the orders of Greek PM Papandreou. The order comes as a result of Israel’s intervention in the “Gaza Flotilla” in which 19 people have reportedly been killed.

The military action by Israel is making headlines all over the world at the moment. Israel had warned that it would intervene and not allow the flotilla to reach Gaza.

The baffling part of this whole story is that the Greek side has been lured into this conflict by having people and ships join the Turkish NGO on their quest to do something which was sure to end in violence. The flotilla is widely seen as a political statement against Israel by Turkey. By cancelling the military exercise the government is taking a firm position against Israel and is effectively siding with Turkey on the issue. Why?

Alt.FM on occupation troops

Nicosia (ANA-MPA/A. Viketos) -- Greece's alternate foreign minister Dimitris Droutsas called on Turkish prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to fully withdraw the Turkish occupation troops from Cyprus and to return the occupied sector of Famagusta (Varosha) to its legal inhabitants, the Greek Cypriots, in an interview appearing in the Sunday edition of the Cypriot newspaper Fileleftheros ('Liberal').

Droutsas also urged Ankara to abandon its "double policy" of verbal assurances of volition for a Cyprus solution while at the same time promoting partitionistic policies.

The alternate foreign minister explained that such moves as troop withdrawal -- "and I do not mean semi-measures but a clear-cut decision for full withdrawal" -- and the return of Famagusta to its rightful inhabitants are "actions that Mr. Erdogan can make, thus proving that he is a leader who is truly changing the face of his country".

Droutsas further said that Greece's support of Turkey's EU course is neither "random support" nor provides a "blank check".

motre see: www.ana.gr

Socialist International calls for transparent elections in Albania

30/05/2010

TIRANA, Albania -- A parliamentary investigation must be conducted in Albania to pave the way for eventual EU integration, the world organisation, Socialist International (SI), said in Tirana.

SI Secretary-General Luis Ayala of Chile stressed that the ongoing political stalemate is the direct result of a lack of transparency during the June 2009 elections.

If these problems are not addressed, the country will face the same problem in the future, he added.

KFOR stops clashes in northern Kosovo

30 May 2010 | 09:55 -> 14:13 | Source: B92

KOSOVSKA MITROVICA -- Stones were being thrown between Serbs and Albanians across the bridge that separates northern and southern Kosovska Mitrovica. KPS, KFOR and EULEX forces in the region stopped the conflicts from escalating. There are no reports of injuries yet. The conflicts began at about 12:30 CET on the main bridge, where EULEX police are stationed. Before the incidents occurred, there were some 2,000 Albanians protesting the Serb elections in the north on the southern side of the bridge, calling for a “defense of Kosovo’s sovereignty.” The Albanians moved towards the bridge later, where local Serbs were gathering.

What Albania has in common with Thailand

The Albanian government is at a standstill as the EU tries to mediate between parties.

By Besar Likmeta — Special to GlobalPost

Published: May 28, 2010 06:54 ET

Tents are seen in front of Prime Minister Sali Berisha's office in Tirana on May 12, 2010. Blocking the main boulevard in front of Berisha's office, 22 lawmakers and about 200 supporters holed up in tents to stage a hunger strike against a vote they say was rigged. (Arben Celi/Reuters)

TIRANA, Albania — Earlier this month, European Union Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fuele canceled a trip to Algeria to dine with Albania’s Prime Minister Sali Berisha and Socialist Party leader Edi Rama at the posh Crocodile restaurant in Strasbourg.

But this was no social repast. Fuele hoped to talk down the two Albanian leaders from the war of words that has gridlocked the country since Berisha’s Democratic Party narrowly won parliamentary elections held on June 28, 2009.

Nearly a year after Albanians cast their ballots in the poll — considered a litmus test for the country’s fitness to continue the EU accession process — a wave of recent protests represent the latest escalation of a row that has poisoned the political climate.

http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/europe/100527/albania-opposition-protests

Local elections in northern Kosovo underway

KOSOVSKA MITROVICA -- Serbs are voting in local election in Kosovska Mitrovica and Novo Brdo on Sunday. Albanians in the southern part of Mitrovica have announced that they would protest the elections. There are 13 lists participating in Mitrovica and four in Novo Brdo. In central Serbia, displaced persons in Belgrade, Novi Sad, Kraljevo, Kragujevac and Niš would be able to vote as well. The Serbian government dissolved the local governments in Kosovska Mitrovica and Novo Brdo on December 24, 2009, and established a temporary administration in the municipalities. The polling stations will close at 20:00 CET. Protests by former KLA members and the Movement for Unity have been announced against the organization of elections by the Serbian government. President of the Serbian State Election Commission Veljko Odalović said that the protests aim to put pressure on the voters and international community in order to stop the voting. South Kosovska Mitrovica Municipal President Avdi Kastrati said that the elections in the northern part of the city are illegal. He said that the residents of the northern part of the city need to turn towards the future and prepare for the elections that would be organized by the Kosovo leadership in September. The NATO peacekeeping mission KFOR has stated that it would offer protection for all participators in peaceful protests, adding that it would take all necessary measures against any violent acts.

Russian citizens to travel to Albania without visas during the tourist season
Russians will be able to travel to Albania without visas as of Sunday, the Albanian Embassy in Moscow announced, cited by Interfax.

“According to the decision of the Government of the Republic of Albania in the term from May 30 to October 31, 2010 all Russian Federation citizens are allowed visa free stay on the country for tourist travel and private travel within 90 days”, a communication of the diplomatic mission says.