Greece intelligence on alert for traveling Islamist militants

By Anthee Carassava

Islamic StateEuropean UnionEspionage and IntelligenceGreece

Greece intelligence on 'heightened state of vigilance' in search for suspected Islamist militants

Greek surveillance alert comes amid concern that Islamist State fighters might hit back for U.S. airstrikes

Greece’s National Intelligence Service said Tuesday that it was at “a heightened state of vigilance” for suspected militants, keeping close tabs on radical Muslims, and had detected at least six foreign fighters with the terrorist group Islamic State transiting through the country in recent months.
The surveillance operation comes amid concern that the militant group, formerly known as  Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, or ISIS, will retaliate for increased U.S airstrikes in Iraq and possible strikes in Syria.

Much of this has nothing to do with ideology. Rather, money. All authorities have to do to track ISIS' foreign recruits is to follow the money trail. - Jeta Xharra, director of the Balkan Investigative Network in Pristina, Kosovo

“The threat level originating from Greece is very low because there are no verified indications of either dormant or active ISIS cells or splinter groups” within the country, a senior intelligence official said. “We are, however, at a heightened state of vigilance now, exchanging intelligence from the United States, Britain, France and others.”
The official, who requested anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the topic, did not elaborate. Nor did he say whether Greece had issued international arrest warrants for Islamist militants in a bid to block the spillover of extremist violence from the Middle East.

Experts say that Greece, wedged between the West and the realm of Islam, could become a conduit for radicals traveling elsewhere in Europe.
In recent months, Greek intelligence has detected six Islamic State recruits traveling through the country, including a 23-year-old French national carrying a memory stick with instructions for making bombs.
The instructions carried by the Algerian-born Frenchman bore the slogan “in the name of God,” according to Proto Thema, a leading Greek newspaper. His childhood friend, a Tunisian Frenchman who worked as a cook in upscale restaurants in Cannes before being recruited by Islamic State two years ago, was spotted by Greek authorities weeks later, reportedly returning from training in Syria.

Related story: Obama applauds Iraqi leader's unity goals as key to beating militants

Paul Richter, W.J. Hennigan, Lisa Mascaro

“We couldn’t arrest them because there were no legal and legitimate grounds to do so,” the intelligence officer said. “We tipped off other agencies, instead, on their movements.”
In another case, Greek authorities arrested a 43-year-old Frenchman of Russian descent for trying to drive a truck carrying weapons bound for Syria through a border crossing into Turkey.
Neither the intelligence officer nor other officials contacted Tuesday disclosed details of that arrest. They did not discount the possibility, however, of extraditing the man.
“Appropriate procedures are being followed,” the intelligence officer said.

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Alarm over Islamic State and its potential appeal to some Muslims emerged after a May attack on a Jewish museum in Brussels. Four people were killed in that attack; a Muslim Frenchman who had fought in Syria is being held.
Inundated by an influx of illegal migrants, cash-strapped Greece has been asking the European Union for more money and muscle to help push back tides of refugees -- and potentially Islamist militants -- sneaking in and out of the country.
Since the start of the year, Greece has deported more than 300 Syrians and Iraqis suspected of terrorism-related activities. What’s more, with Greece neighboring Albania, the biggest source of Islamic State recruits in the Balkans, investigators warn that the passage of militants through this country could increase.
About 300 Albanian fighters have joined Islamic State and the militant group Al Nusra Front, which is also fighting in Syria, according to the International Center for the Study of Radicalization and Political Violence, a think tank based at London’s King College. Forty of them were arrested and tried last month in Kosovo, among the poorest states in the Balkans.
“More than half of them were released because they had no idea what they were getting into,” said Jeta Xharra, director of the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network in Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. “Many new recruits do not know either. They are just replying to Internet ads that are pouring in from Turkey, promising money in exchange for a year of adventure, like a gap year after college.”
With unemployment and poverty gripping much of the Balkans, Xharra warned that destitute Muslims from Albania to the Turkish speaking areas of northern Greece could fall prey to the incitement of Islamist militants.
“Much of this has nothing to do with ideology,” said Xharra. “ Rather, money. All authorities have to do to track ISIS’ foreign recruits is to follow the money trail.”
Carassava is a special correspondent.

 

Bank of Albania says monetary market stable

Sep 11,2014

TIRANA, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Bank of Albania said Wednesday the monetary market is stable in the country.
The developments in the Albanian monetary market, in currency exchange and in the inter-banking one present themselves stable regarding the volume of activities and volatility, in accordance with their season furthering progress and historical trends, said the bank.
According to Albanian Telegraphic Agency, Bank of Albania Supervisory Council held a meeting on Wednesday to follow closely and continuously the developments in market and financial institutions, the activities of Bank of Albania.
Operative figures from banking sector, show a normal progress of deposits level and a stable situation regarding on-going activities.
The Council was briefed on the taken measures progress and appreciates Bank of Albania's direction efforts to normalize the situation. In this context, the Council highlighted the praising and full support for the central monetary institution's personnel work.
It states that law sanctioning are coherent and proper regarding the Bank of Albania furthering of activities even in this very particular situation.

Ukraine, US to conduct joint military drills in Black Sea

Published time: September 07, 2014 02:08
Edited time: September 07, 2014 16:28

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The U.S. Navy Warship USS Taylor enters the Ukrainian Black Sea port of Odessa during the Sea Breeze-2010 NATO military exercises (Reuters / Yevgeny Volokin)

The Ukrainian and US navies will take part in a joint exercise called “Sea Breeze 2014” on September 8-10 in the northwestern part of the Black Sea, Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense said.
READ MORE: ‘Promoting peace and stability’: NATO warships enter Black Sea
Around 280 US servicemen will participate in the drills, according to a statement by US European Command spokesman Navy Capt. Greg Hicks, director of Communication and Engagement.
The exercises will include representatives from five countries – including Georgia, Romania and Turkey – as well as the Standing NATO Maritime Group TWO Task Unit 02 (including Canadian, Spanish, and Romanian ships).

The Canadian frigate HMCS Toronto (Reuters / Paul Darrow)

The planned military exercises are said to be focused on how interdiction operations could enhance maritime security.
Also, the US – along with France, Italy, Poland and Norway – will supply modern weapons to Ukraine, according to President Petro Poroshenko’s aide, Yury Lutsenko. The agreements were reached at the NATO summit in Wales, he wrote on Sunday on Facebook. The West will also send military advisers to Ukraine, he added.
However, Norway later denied the report saying it has no plans to send arms or military hardware to Ukraine, the Royal Defense Ministry’s spokesman, Lars Gjemble, told Itar-Tass.
“We are now trying to find out why such information was distributed,” he said. Gjemble said that two General Staff officers will represent Copenhagen at military drills that are planned to be held in Ukraine. But there is nothing new about it as Norway has been taking part in such exercises for years, the spokesperson added.
Shortly after, the US, Italy, and Poland also refuted the report.
Washington has not made an offer of "lethal assistance" to Ukraine, a senior US official told Reuters on Sunday.
An Italian defense ministry official also called the news “incorrect.”
“Italy, along with other EU and NATO countries, is preparing a package of non-lethal military aid such as bullet-proof vests and helmets for Ukraine,” the official said.
Meanwhile, NATO is in the midst of its seven-day military exercises in Latvia. The organization says the drills are aimed at showing its commitment to Baltic member states in the face of an “assertive” Russia.
READ MORE: NATO stages massive military drills in Latvia (PHOTOS)
Exercise Steadfast Javelin 2 kicked off on September 2. It simulates the deployment of NATO soldiers and equipment during a crisis situation. A total of around 2,000 soldiers from nine different countries are taking part in the maneuvers, which will carry on until Monday.
The exercises in Latvia will be followed by other drills in Germany, Norway, Ukraine, and Poland later this autumn.

A crew prepares for the departure of Ukrainian naval landing vessel "Konstantin Olshansky" (Reuters)

Moreover, following the NATO summit in Wales, a plan to create a new rapid reaction force in Eastern Europe was announced, likely numbering at least 4,000 and ready to be deployed within 48 hours.
The Baltic states and Romania have already offered to host the force.

Scottish independence: Turn off, tune in, drop out?

Currently a Research Associate at the INSYTE Group, Dr. Roslyn Fuller has previously lectured at Trinity College and the National University of Ireland. She tweets at @roslynfuller

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Published time: September 09, 2014 12:21

Opposing supporters wait for the leader of Britain's opposition Labour Party, Ed Miliband, during a campaign visit, ahead of the forthcoming Scottish vote for independence from the United Kingdom, in East Kilbride, Scotland September 4, 2014. (Reuters/Russell Cheyne)

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With less than two weeks to go to a Scottish referendum on independence from the United Kingdom, the number of voters indicating that they will vote ‘yes’ to independence has surged ahead for the first time, with 51% for as compared to 49% against.
With less than two weeks to go to a Scottish referendum on independence from the United Kingdom, the number of voters indicating that they will vote ‘yes’ to independence has surged ahead for the first time, with 51 percent for as compared to 49 percent against.
Whatever the margin of error might be, the upshot is that more Scots than anyone previously thought are seriously contemplating separation from the United Kingdom.
Unsurprisingly, the fact that this referendum definitely has a realistic chance of passing has led to a lot of speculation about what would be “the better deal” for the Scottish people. The Scottish financial industry, North Sea oil and the cost of services like healthcare and third-level education have all come under scrutiny, not to mention the future of Scottish trade links with Europe and the UK under an as-yet-unspecified currency. Even Yes Scotland’s website focuses on the economics, claiming that a yes vote will “unleash” Scotland’s economic potential. The message would seem to be that the Scots should do the math and figure out where they are going to get a sweeter deal, in the UK or outside of it.

Opposing supporters for the Yes (L) and No campaigns, argue in Edinburgh, Scotland September 8, 2014.(Reuters/Russell Cheyne)

Which is quite ironic, because it’s basic game theory that the person who gets the best deal is always the person who is generally “in” but occasionally threatens to get “out.”
Studies conducted at the UN General Assembly show that developing nations who often vote with Western countries but occasionally vote against them receive the best foreign aid packages – better than countries who consistently vote against foreign aid donors, but also better than countries who always vote with them.
So from a purely materialistic point of view, the best outcome for Scotland is an “almost yes.” In fact, the current “almost yes” state of affairs is already paying dividends with alarmed British politicians promising to give Scotland greater autonomy over taxes (meaning it could potentially undercut other regions of the UK on top tax rates), the moment they vote “no.” Clearly, there are some big questions about Scotland’s economic future riding on this referendum.
In fact, there are generally big questions about just what this referendum is about.
While the “yes” side has campaigned on an anti-nuclear, anti-imperialist and socially inclusive platform focusing on green energy, it also apparently wants to keep Queen Elizabeth II as head of state (nothing, apparently, says “freedom and equality” like a hereditary foreign monarch technically running your country), stay in NATO (known to have a nuke or two lying about), stay in the EU (where judges estimate that about 95 percent of all national laws now originate), is advised on economic affairs by billionaire James McColl, who has been known to complain that Scotland just doesn’t offer the same attractions, as say Canada or China where his businesses don’t have to do pesky things like pay tax, and wants to fund its social equality programs with oil revenues (not the most uncompromising eco-warrior message I have ever heard).
So Scotland, I see your plan to stand up to the raving imperialists by laundering their tax dollars and wailing a thoughtful ballad or two about the empty materialism of corporate accountancy in your off hours, but I have news for you: Ireland got there first. That niche is filled, my friend.
So with the economics and politics of the situation failing to deliver what one would normally consider clear-cut alternatives, why are so many Scottish people leaning “yes”?

Cakes are seen at a tea-party organised by members of the group 'English Scots for YES' near Berwick-upon-Tweed on the border between England and Scotland September 7, 2014. (Reuters/Russell Cheyne)

It is, I would say, a sign of the general malaise of a bankrupt political system where most people – not just Scots – simply want out. Or maybe in. Or somewhere other than the place they are currently at. Somewhere where it feels like they aren’t just swimming in treacle in an endless circle of doom. Somewhere they might actually be able to affect their own life, just a little bit (and as long as Scotland stays in NATO and the EU, I guarantee you, it will be “a little bit”).
According to the deputy leader of the Scottish National Party, Nicola Sturgeon, every single person in Scotland could vote Labour and still end up living under David Cameron’s Conservative government. This is entirely correct, because Scotland simply doesn’t have enough seats in parliament to sway an election. In the last national election Scotland did vote overwhelmingly Labour and did end up living under a Conservative government, so it is unsurprising that they are beginning to wonder why they bother going to the polls.
But did you know that much of the UK could vote Labour or Conservative and still end up with the opposite party in government, because of the possibility of a manufactured majority? A manufactured majority means that the party that got the most votes actually forms the opposition. This is possible, and even prevalent in first-past-the-post systems like the UK, because the political system rewards parties that win seats, instead of those that win votes. Manufactured majorities occurred in three of the last 15 British elections (so one-fifth of the time). The rest of the time (all the rest of the time), British people live under a relative majority government, which means that most British citizens vote for a party other than the winning party, but the winning party still wins more votes than any other single party. Tony Blair’s New Labour, for example, generally received around 40 percent of the vote, but managed to get over 60 percent of parliamentary seats. What this means is that whatever government you live under, chances are you voted for someone else. It’s no wonder people tend to feel a bit disgruntled.

'No Thanks' badges are displayed during campaigning by Alistair Darling, the leader of the campaign to keep Scotland part of the United Kingdom, in Edinburgh, Scotland September 8, 2014. (Reuters/Russell Cheyne)

And that is before you factor in that even if your vote and MP temporarily match up, chances are you won’t have much in common with them. In 2005, out of 561 seats in the UK House of Commons, 72 were held by either barristers or solicitors, 44 by professors or lecturers and 87 by politicians or political organizers. In addition, over 33 percent of MPs attended a fee-paying school, while the national average of children attending such schools is 8 percent. Seventy-five percent of MPs held a university degree, with 25 percent of them graduating from just two universities: Oxford and Cambridge. It’s hard to see the link between these “representatives” and their constituents, and it all adds up to those constituents not so much being violently oppressed as just ignored; consistently pacified with cheap gestures and easy platitudes from a political class so focused on winning election that it has little time left over to even try to comprehend the priorities of ordinary voters who live under a set of conditions that they themselves have never experienced.
It’s not just Scottish people who don’t have a real stake in our democracies – everyone in Britain lives under a politics that rarely reflects true majority preferences and which uncompromisingly gives those with the most money the most say. Scottish people are fortunate enough to have a national identity that allows them to give expression to their disenfranchisement in rather a constructive way.
And perhaps the fact that modern politics sweeps the inconvenient under the rug with the illusion of representation instead of confronting it head-on like a proper feudal lord is why the Scottish referendum feels less like freedom’s last stand and more like a quest to sit down with a cup of herbal tea and “find” oneself. Like the California hippies, Scotland might not have a crystal-clear idea of where it’s going – just that it isn’t there yet. Time to turn off, tune in, drop out and see what happens next.

Once Illegal, Christianity Now Spreading in Albania

 Deborah Hamilton

An unlikely mission field has emerged in the former atheist nation of Albania.

An unlikely mission field has emerged in the former atheist nation of Albania. For nearly 25 years, from 1967 to 1990, all religious observations throughout the nation were prohibited, and all churches and mosques were closed. But today, The Tide global radio ministry is expanding its programs into Albania to reach people with the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.
"Having just returned from Albania, we were truly inspired by Christians in that nation to help them spread the life-changing news of Jesus Christ throughout their once-atheist country," said The Tide Director Don Shenk. "One former atheist, now a first-generation Christian, told us, 'No matter how many times I said no to the Lord, when I finally turned to Jesus, He said yes to me.' This one story reflects God's saving grace and the way He has used The Tide over the past 68 years. Stories like this motivate us to press on to reach as many people as we can with the hope that is Jesus."
One of Europe's poorest nations, Albania has a population of just over 3 million, with more than 55 percent being Muslim, 10 percent Roman Catholic, approximately 7 percent Orthodox, 2.5 percent atheist, and more than 20 percent either another religion or unspecified.
Earlier this summer, Pope Francis announced that his first international trip in Europe would be to Albania, reflecting the openness of that nation to the message of Jesus. His one-day visit is scheduled for Sept. 21.
"It's all too easy to look at a nation like Albania and feel that Christians are few in comparison to the overall population," Shenk said. "But instead, we should see an incredible mission field of souls, ripe for harvest, waiting only for someone to tell them about Jesus. As Romans 10 tells us, 'how can they believe without hearing, and how can they hear without someone telling them?' We are encouraged by this open door God has provided to share the gospel with the people of Albania."

West should stop dragging Ukraine into NATO – Gorbachev

Published time: September 05, 2014 12:37

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First president of the USSR Mikhail Gorbachev (RIA Novosti/Alexander Vilf)

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Ex-Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev has again blamed the ongoing turmoil in Ukraine on the hasty and thoughtless breakup of the USSR. He noted that a peaceful outcome could only be reached through resumed dialogue between Russia and the US.
The former Soviet leader expressed these opinions in the afterword to his latest book of memoirs called “After the Kremlin” - soon to be released. The afterword was published before the book by the Novaya Gazeta newspaper.
Gorbachev writes that in his view the Ukrainian conflict can only be settled through dialogue, both inside the country and at an international level. He points out that leading nations were largely to blame for the current dire situation, as from the very beginning they were testing Ukraine’s integrity. EU countries, and first of all Germany and France, have already understood this and are taking steps to de-escalate the crisis, which is a good thing, the ex-president says.
Gorbachev also emphasized that good relations with Russia must become a priority in Ukraine’s foreign policy and this should also be understood and accepted by Western nations. Leaders of these nations should stop dragging Ukraine into NATO because these attempts would result in nothing but strife between Ukraine and Russia.
However, according to Gorbachev the main role in the settlement must be played jointly by Russia and the United States. These nations stand out because they are permanent members of the UN Security Council and can wield significant influence on the organization. The jointly prepared resolution could become a powerful factor with the potential to reverse the negative course of events.
Further development could be a broad dialogue between all Ukraine’s actors, with the ultimate objective of saving the country and reaching national accord. This will be very difficult after all the accusations, the enmity and the bloodshed, but there is no other way, Gorbachev wrote.
The ex-president again repeated his opinion that the roots of the current turmoil lie in the hasty breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991. He added that back then the Ukrainian authorities sabotaged the process of the peaceful transformation of the USSR, despite Gorbachev’s best efforts.
“They did not listen to my suggestions and warnings. They forgot that relations between peoples always require extreme caution and attention to the consequences of every step. Some people might say that this is a thing of the past. But the past is connected with the present by many threads and it again and again reminds us of politicians’ mistakes,” the ex-Soviet leader writes in his book.
In March this year, Gorbachev wrote about the Ukrainian turmoil on his website and called for mass media to stop adding to the tension in order to prevent what he called “a tragic schism between two brotherly nations.” At the same time, Gorbachev stated that he would prefer not to get personally involved in any talks and diplomatic contact.
On Friday, the two parts of the Ukrainian conflict – the Kiev government and the self-defense forces of the eastern regions started peace talks in the Belarus capital of Minsk, with the participation of Russia and the OSCE. Before the start, all sides expressed the hope of reaching a peaceful settlement to the crisis, which involves a ceasefire and exchange of prisoners.

Greece due to secure EC job it targeted


 
Greece is confident that its representative on the new European Commission, Dimitris Avramopoulos, will take over a newly created post that will include the immigration, human rights and interior portfolios.

The new president of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, is due to announce the new lineup this week after naming the 27 commissioners, including the minimum of nine women that he wanted, on Friday. Avramopoulos met Juncker on Wednesday in Brussels and Kathimerini understands that it was agreed at the meeting that the outgoing Greek defense minister would take over the amalgamated portfolio.

Athens is very pleased by this development as it is keen to see the European Union revise the Dublin II Regulation, which requires asylum applications to be examined by the country where the applicants entered the EU. Greece feels this places an unfair burden on southern European countries. The government also wants Brussels to step up its efforts to deal with irregular immigration.

The only job announced so far, that of EU diplomatic chief, went to Italian Foreign Minister Federica Mogherini. Former French Finance Minister Pierre Moscovici and Finland’s ex-Premier Jyrki Katainen are favorites for the post of economic affairs commissioner.

Juncker’s team includes four former heads of government in addition to himself: Katainen, former Estonian Premier Andrus Ansip, ex-Lithuanian Premier Valdis Dombrovskis and one-time Slovenian PM Alenka Bratusek.

There are also 13 ministers or former ministers and six European commissioners from the outgoing setup. Juncker’s appointments will also have to be approved by the European Parliament next month.

"Recognition of Kosovo not subject of talks"

Source: Beta, Tanjug

BELGRADE -- Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ivica Dačić has said that Belgrade and Priština are not conducting negotiations on a recognition of Kosovo and Metohija.

(Tanjug, file)

He pointed out that "such a possibility has not even been hinted at, in any way."
"We have made it clear that the dialogue is status-neutral, and we have not made it known with any act nor have we taken any formal action that would lead to a recognition of independence," Dačić said.

Noting that Kosovo Foreign Minister Enver Hoxhaj both in Berlin and during a recent meeting of the UN Security Council in New York spoke about "signing of a peace agreement, recognition of Kosovo's independence and its membership in various international organizations," Dačić said that these statements were "an attempt to abuse the good will of Belgrade."

He expressed hope that Serbia will open chapters 32 and 35 in its negotiations on EU membership by the end of the year, while chapters 23 and 24 are planned for the spring.

Germany, according to him, wanted those opened first, "but there is hope that this position could be changed."

Dačić pointed out that Serbia "should not pay the price because of the instability in Priština," where a government has not been formed yet, which delayed the continuation of the dialogue, and recalled that the previous Serbian government took part in the talks even during its caretaker mandate.

Informal discussions are in progress in Brussels on chapter 35 today, and although the chapter marked as "miscellaneous" it generally refers to normalization of relations between Belgrade and Priština.

Previously, a regular meeting of delegations produced an agreement on administrative crossings between Kosovo and central Serbia.

Dačić also said on Friday said that a meeting of Balkan ministers of economy and foreign affairs with EU representatives should be held in October in Belgrade.

He said that representatives of Priština authorities would take part in accordance with the manner agreed previously - referring to the asymmetrical representation of Kosovo not as a state, "but with an asterisk and a footnote" next to its name.

Speaking about the report of American prosecutor Clint Williamson on the trafficking in human organs of kidnapped Serbs in Kosovo, Dačić said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia welcomed it.

"An objective report of the prosecutor gives us reason to believe that an investigation into the murders and organ trafficking will not be stopped. We hope that the report will contribute to serious crimes being transferred from political to the legal arena, and that there will be no delays in establishing of a tribunal, which will deal with the statements from the report and raise indictments based on those," said Dačić.

Candidacy

Ivica Dačić said on Friday that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs received former president of the UN General Assembly and former Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremić to discuss his candidacy for secretary-general of the organization.

Dačić said that Jeremić had expressed his willingness to accept the nomination, but that the government had still not discussed the issue.

This means that Serbia is still not officially participating in the bid for the position of UN secretary-general, Dačić said at a regular monthly press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He pointed out that many other countries had still not put forward their candidates, as the election for the successor to Ban Ki-moon was due to take place in a year and a half from now.

Tirana prepares for the visit of Pope Francis on September 21.

World Bulletin / News Desk

Albania is in hectic preparation for the visit of Pope Francis to its capital, Tirana, on September 21.

The Culture Ministry announced that work had begun for the restoration of the Mother Teresa Square where Pope Francis will hold a mass on the day of his visit.

The ministry listed the removal of the fountain on the square and the cleanup of the neighborhood among the first tasks to handle.

Earlier, Pope Francis said that his visit to Albania would be an opportunity to express his support to the country.

He said his brief visit to the country which had long suffered consequences of the problems of the past, would be an opportunity to encourage its people.

Fifteen percent of Albania's population are Catholic, while another 15 percent are Orthodox and more than 60 percent Muslim.

Albanian authorities arrest central bank governor

Arrest linked to alleged theft of 713m leks ($6.6 m) from a reserve storage building

    AP


Tirana, Albania: Prosecutors in Albania says that central bank governor Ardian Fullani has been arrested for alleged abuse of office in connection with a multimillion dollar theft from the bank’s reserves.

Albi Serani, spokesman for the Prosecutor-General’s office, says the Bank of Albania chief was taken into police custody following a court order late Friday. Serani said the arrest is linked to the alleged theft of 713 million leks (Dh24.29 million, 5 million euros, $6.6 million) from a reserve storage building which was discovered in July, but provided no further details.

The money was allegedly stolen over the past four years, and Albanian authorities have already arrested 16 central bank employees in the case.

Fullani, 59, was appointed governor in 2004, and is serving his second seven-year term.

Greek PM expresses his concerns to Rama about the “nationalist Tcham trumpeting”


By Albanian Correspondent  /   05/09/2014  /

Tirana, September 5, 2014/ Independent Balkan News Agency

Prime Minister Edi Rama met in Wales with the Prime Minister of Greece, Antonis Samaras, upon the request of the latter. The meeting has been held in the framework of the NATO summit, which started on Thursday in Wales (Great Britain). Delegations of both countries are participating in the NATO summit.

Prime minister Samaras was accompanied in this meeting by the foreign Minister, Evangelos Venizelos and the Defense minister, Dimitris Avramopoulos. Meanwhile, Rama was accompanied by the Foreign minister, Ditmir Buashti and the Prime Minister’s advisor, Endri Fuga.

The Prime Minister’s office officially informs that the meeting discussed respective issues that relate to the relations between the two countries, underlining the readiness to further develop them.

The meetings has also discussed the administrative territorial reform, which was not accepted by the Greek minority and  PBDNJ, which defends its rights, although his party is part of the governing coalition.

Samaras has demanded the personal intervention of Mr. Rama “to address issues that emerged in Himara following the administrative reform” and also address “the nationalist Tcham trumpeting”. This request comes a few days after PDIU (Party for Justice, Integration and Unity), which defends the rights of the Tcham community, has approached the majority, as it’s expected to leave the opposition front.

The Greek Prime Minister said in the meeting with Rama, that respect toward human rights is part of the process of EU accession.

The second issue relates to the abrogated pact for the sea border. Prime Minister Samaras has expressed the stand of the Greek side that this issue must be solved based on international law.

On his part, Mr. Rama has declared that he’s aware of “the sensitivity of the Greek Prime Minister on the issue of the minority”. Rama said that “he personally guarantees the respect of human rights”. Mr. Rama also told to his Greek counterpart that “there has never existed any intention to harm the Greek minority”.

Rama emphasized the will of the Albanian government to offer a new dynamic to the bilateral cooperation in the spirit of partnership and good neighboring relations and in the framework of regional incentives, in line with the new reality in the region.

In this meeting, the Albanian Prime Minister referred to the dangers coming from the outbreak of religious fundamentalism in the region. He also underlined the cooperation between the two police forces in tackling crime. /ibna/
- See more at: http://www.balkaneu.com/greek-pm-expresses-concerns-rama-nationalist-tcham-trumpeting/#sthash.5ef7KoOK.dpuf

Jihadist bought Italian visas in Kosovo
30/08/2014


Jihadist bought Italian visas in Kosovo The visa scandal at the Italian embassy in Prishtina, which has involved the son of the former Kosovo President Rugova, Uke Rugova, has taken bigger proportions beyond the Adriatic, by putting in motion the police forces.

Italian media report that three  jihadist have bought visa for 3500 Euros and entered Italy normally.

It seems unbelievable, but it is true. Italian police are working to find these persons in their country.

One of them has been reported dead in an explosion in Iraq, while there is no sign for the two others, according to Italian media.

The investigation started from the Kosovo Eulex and was continued by the Rome Prosecutin, which, according to the Italian media, was held secret because it involved several officials.

This includes the former Italian ambassador in Prishtina, who has not resulted under investigation so far, but was fired right after the scandal.

Italian authorities are working to find traces of the jihadists, whose whereabouts remain unknown

DP will boycott the Parliament again
30/08/2014

DP will boycott the Parliament again
The biggest opposition party will be absent this Monday in Parliament, with the start of the new session.

The seats of the Democratic Party will be empty, a stance warned by the DP leader a few days ago.

"There is a decision taken by the DP in July 10th, after a physical attack against the opposition, an act for which the DP accused Prime Minister Rama of trying to intimidate the opposition", Basha declared.

The other decision will not change the first one. The same forces say for Top Channel that the opposition thinks that the Prime Minister's behavior with the opposition and independent institutions has not changed.

The opposition's absence in Parliament seems to be no surprise for the Prime Minister, who gave his version of why they were boycotting.

"There are no efforts to intimidate the opposition. The opposition has started a self-humiliating process, a self-victimization process, because they don't have a strategy, a platform or a project. The opposition has a problem and that problem is not us", Rama declared,

Not having enough votes to go against the majority, and having a Prime Minister who has claimed to not
"turn into the nanny of the opposition" by inviting them in Parliament or to be part of the local elections, the DP seems to be expecting a difficult political season.

Greek lawmaker gets jail leave for city seat

Associated Press By DEREK GATOPOULOS and PETROS GIANNAKOURIS
3 hours ago
 Parliament member Ilias Kasidiaris, second left, participates in a swearing in ceremony in Athens, on Friday, Aug 29, 2014. Jailed spokesman of Greece’s extreme right Golden Party Kasidiaris has been granted a brief leave from prison to take up his seat on Athens’ new city council, after the party won 16 percent of the capital’s vote in May municipal elections. Golden Dawn, an ultranationalist party of Neo-Nazi origins, has seen its support soar during Greece’s financial crisis. Nine of its 18 lawmakers are currently in prison, awaiting trial for alleged criminal activity. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)

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ATHENS, Greece (AP) — The jailed spokesman of Greece's extreme right Golden Party was been granted a brief leave from prison on Friday to take up his seat on Athens' new city council, after the party won 16 percent of the capital's vote capital in May municipal elections.

Parliament member Ilias Kasidiaris, who was jailed last month on illegal firearms charges, ran as a candidate for Athens mayor in the May 18-25 poll.

Police escorted the 33-year-old Kasidiaris on Friday to a municipal amphitheater where center-left Mayor Giorgos Kaminis was sworn in for a second five-year term.

Golden Dawn supporters gathered outside, briefly challenging a police cordon and chanting "Greece belongs to Greeks," while party opponents also held separate demonstration that ended peacefully.

Golden Dawn, an ultranationalist party of neo-Nazi origins, has seen its support soar during Greece's financial crisis. Nine of its 18 lawmakers are in prison, awaiting trial for alleged criminal activity.

"We wanted to put the thieves in jail, but they got to us first. It doesn't matter though, because Greece always wins in the end," Kasidiaris said while being escorted into the building by plainclothes police officers, who flanked him throughout the swearing-in ceremony.

Left-wing city council member Petros Constantinou said authorities shouldn't have granted Kasidiaris prison leave.

"I will fight for a city of democracy, freedom and solidarity, without neo-Nazis and racism," he said.

Rival protests by supporters and opponents of Golden Dawn have been held in other parts of the country this week as other municipal councils were sworn in.

In Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest city, re-elected Mayor Yiannis Boutaris attended the city ceremony Thursday with a copy of a Nazi badge used to identify Jews pinned to his jacket, in an apparent protest against Golden Dawn members elected to his council.

42-year-old builder executed with explosive in Vlora


28/08/2014

42-year-old builder executed with explosive A 42-year-old builder from Vlore, Isuf Bajrami, died today after a bomb was placed under his car, and a 19-year-old girl who was in the car with him is hospitalized in critical conditions.

The vehicle exploded this morning at 07:14, went in flames and kept moving for some meters until it crashed against the wall of a house.

Passerby citizens were able to remove the girl, severely burned, while the driver remained inside.

The explosive was placed under the driver’s seat, and the blast has even damaged the windows of nearby buildings.

The victim had already escaped a bomb murder attempt. Police suspects that this is retaliation, since exactly one year ago, his brother was victim of a similar murder attempt at the same place. His 40-year-old brother escaped with a few bruises, because the explosive was placed at the vehicle’s motor and he was already outside the car when it went off.

“The president cannot have 24 heads of communes from the Democratic Party and tell them what documents they should prepare for the Constitutional Court”, Fino declared.

The majority did the same thing at the Commission of Security, in which they rejected the law that returned the Police Law. These decisions will be finalized this Monday.

All Presidential decrees rejected
29/08/2014

All Presidential decrees rejected Both the rejection of all Presidential decrees and the boycott of the opposition were no surprise at the Commission of Laws.

What attracted attention was the preparation of the majority MPs to argue that their stance was based only on the Constitution and regulation, and that it was not political, since the opposition accused the decision of anti-constitutional. This claim was rejected by the Chairman of the Commission of Laws.

“Article 32 says it very clear. The permanent commissions meet even before the session”, Xhafaj declared.

The majroity says that this means that the rejection of the President’s decrees is valid, and to show that this is not a political stance, they argued that the President has not found any constitutional problem for returning the laws.

Socialist Party MP, Armand Subashi: “The President’s reasons for rejecting the laws do not stand”.

The Chairman of the Commission of Laws compared two different stances held by the Prseident, one that finds anti-constitutional his legal obligation to appoint the vice chairman of the High Council of Justice, and one of the members elected by the Parliament.

Xhafaj referred to a declaration of the President, two years ago, mentioned on Top Channel’s program “Top Story”.

“The tradition has always been that the vice chairman of institutions should come from the Parliament, for balance. In 2012 the President shared the same opinion with what we are doing today with the law, and which is the real constitutional spirit”, Xhafaj declared.

One of the rejected decrees was the one that required a review of the territorial reform, an occasion for the former Chairman of the Commission, Bashkim Fino, to make an open accusation against the President.

“The president cannot have 24 heads of communes from the Democratic Party and tell them what documents they should prepare for the Constitutional Court”, Fino declared.

The majority did the same thing at the Commission of Security, in which they rejected the law that returned the Police Law. These decisions will be finalized this Monday.

Albania offers weapons for Kurds in Iraq


Albania offers weapons for Kurds in Iraq Seven Western Governments and Albania have promised to provide weapons and ammunition for the Kurdish forces that are fighting against the ISIS militants in Iraq.

The news was made public by the Pentagon Chief, Chuck Hagel, who said that these countries are working in parallel with the USA.

Albania, Canada, Croatia, Denmark, Italy, France and Great Britain are giving their maximal efforts for helping the Kurdish forces.

The supplies include ammunition for light weapons, since the Kurdish forces have demanded more weapons for facing the attacks of the jihadists.

The Spokesperson for the Pentagon, John Kirby, told journalists that Albania and Britain have started preparing supplies for the Kurdish people in Iraq.

Army Helicopter blocked in Dukagjin, Northern Albania


Helicopter blocked in Dukagjin A police helicopter has been blocked on the ground in the Megulla village, Pult commune, Dukagjin district.

The helicopter was shot during the second day of the anti-cannabis operation, and the pilot was able to land it on the ground. Now it is being guarded by the Special Forces, until it will be removed.

After removing 90.000 plants of cannabis in Pult, the police has moved to the Temal commune, a very deep mountainous area.

Police has also seized automatic weapons and ammunition in the Brucaj village of the same commune, together with 5 kilograms of marijuana.

The authorities arrested Leke Thani, resident of the Plan village in the Pult commune. He is suspected of having shot the police helicopter on 22 August 2014, and of cultivating the parcels.

Cannabis plantations destroyed in Gjirokaster

The Gjirokaster police has destroyed 300 plants of cannabis in the Kraha village, Tepelena, and arrested four people as cultivators.

Three citizens are being prosecuted for opposing the police during the operation, Demo Shehu, Faik Qata and Hasan Ajdini, and after police found cannabis inside their vegetable plantations.

Three women of this village are also being prosecuted for trying to stop the police from making the arrest.

The Lezhe police is looking for citizen Nikolle Uksani, after finding 167 plants of cannabis at his property.

Summit for Balkan in Berlin
28/08/2014
 
Summit for Balkan in Berlin All countries of the region gathered today in Berlin to establish a new milestone regarding their relations with the EU.

Our reporter in Berlin, Muhamed Veliu, says that this new and important chapter has been organized through the Balkan Conference under the care of the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel.

The Conference will have economic and diplomatic discussions and a meeting of Merkel with the seven Prime Ministers of Western Balkans.

The EU president, Manuel Barroso, is also part of the meeting between Merkel and Western Balkan Prime Ministers.

Merkel has underlined the need to intensify the cooperation between the EU and the region.

“There are many things that can be done together. For this we need to intensify the relations between our countries”, Merkel declared, valuing the fact that Balkan lives in peace today, after the wars of the past.

There will be a press release with 18 points after the meeting, held by the Chancellor, President Barroso and Prime Minister Rama.

This important event started with the meeting of Economic Development ministers and representatives of the EU, for seeing the opportunity of advancing the infrastructure projects, the most important of which is the Blue Corridor that starts in Croatia and ends in Greece, including the projects in energy and railway transportation.

Before the meeting of the Foreign Ministers, the Chief of German Diploamcy, Steinmeier, declared that “this conference underlines the fact that Germany is being involved with higher dedication for the entire region. It proves our confirmation for the European perspective and that of all Western Balkan countries.

PHOTO OF THE DAY

HIMARA COMMUNITY HOLD ANNUAL MEETING IN HIMARA REGION

Stopping illegal constructions
26/08/2014
 
Stopping illegal constructions The Interior Minister, Saimir Tahiri, declared that anyone who builds illegally and every company that offers services to them will be criminally prosecuted.

The Interior Minister appealed builders, workers and transporters that if they will offer their services to an illegal building, they will face legal consequences.

The State Police will investigate the assets of illegl buildrs. “The Police will administer all construction permits given by local governments and all legalization practices. Every construction will go under the police inspection, and any illegal activity will be prosecuted, and the assets of the builders will be audited”, Tahiri underlined.

Tahiri appeals citizens to call 129 for any illegal construction.

DP: Government is allowing environmental destruction
 
“The Prime Minister declared yesterday that crime against environment is like a murder. We are reporting today a murder 100 meters from the Prime Minister’s house”.

The DP has vowed to report what they call cases of giving selective construction permits to people close with the government. According to the Democratic Party, this is the case of a construction in Surrel, Dajti commune.

“This construction is being made by the closest person to the Minister, Erion Veliaj, 100 meters from the new house of the Prime Minister. These hills had trees three months ago, but now they have another look”, declared Ervin Salianji, coordinator for legal assistance at the DP.

The DP reported as propaganda the public determination of Prime Minister Rama to not allow illegal constructions.

“The residents have complained and have found a deaf ear. The DP will report ths selective demolition of buildings, and every construction made with the blessing and protection of the Prime Minister. This is the Rama standard”, he declared.

Himarioton Lobby, a special interest in the State Department 

Continue the efforts of Himarioton Lobby of USA, for the territorial reform in Albania 

Himara - Lukovo and Provincial Autonomy, is in the right track



State Department Meeting 8.22.2014

A new chapter has begun in HSA's efforts on behalf of the Himarra community in both the United States and Albania, as it meets with Stephen Banks, Deputy Director, Office of South Central Europe, and Benjamin Rinaker, Albania Desk Officer, to discuss the recent Albanian territorial reform draft-law. Working with Andy Manatos of the public policy firm Manatos and Manatos, HSA was able to present to the Department of State a fresh perspective as to some of the underlying issues behind the Albanian government's drive for inclusion of Vranisht in a territorial alignment with Himarra and Lukovo.

The Himarrioton Society of America remains firm in its oppostion to the current draft-law map, and encourages the Albanian government to take progressive steps in line with international norms, including the European Charter of Local Autonomy, and return for vote a territorial map that respects the will of its citizens, including the the will of the citizens of Himarra. HSA supports Himarra and Lukovo as the only alignment which respects the rights of the local populace. The Department of State was receptive to the information provided, and additional discussions concerned Himarra's land and property issues.

Defense Minister: Greece and US Have Strategic Defense Cooperation

Avramopoulos_HagelDefense cooperation between the United States and Greece has a strategic and essential character, Defense Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos said after a meeting with his American counterpart Chuck Hagel.

“We had the opportunity, along with my American counterpart, to confirm once again the really excellent level of the Greek-American defense cooperation. Today, we essentially proceeded to the finalization of critical issues referring to the road map of the American defense cooperation with our country and give solutions to outstanding issues,” Avramopoulos stressed after the meeting.



The Greek Defense Minister underlined that this was his third visit to the Pentagon and Washington during his two terms in the Ministry.

Avramopoulos said that they discussed “the burning geopolitical issues of our region, the geostrategic role of Greece as a country of stability and security in the wider region, as well as the role Greece can undertake in the name of international law.”

Both officials agreed that “today, more than ever, the defense cooperation between the United States and Greece has a strategic and substantial character. We will have the opportunity to discuss these issues again, on a multilateral level, within the framework of the NATO meeting in Wales, in early September.”

According to Avramopoulos, Greece is gradually exiting from the crisis and becomes, once again, a major pillar of stability in a region that has passed the threshold of the most crucial phase of its modern history. “The Greek government is giving a daily struggle to overcome the crisis so that a promising horizon will open for the Greek people and the country,” he concluded.

- See more at: http://usa.greekreporter.com/2014/08/22/defense-minister-greece-and-us-have-strategic-defense-cooperation/#sthash.wCHEt24n.dpuf

Government suspends local government construction permits 
22/08/2014


The government has suspended all construction permits until 2015, when the new territorial division enters in effect.

Prime Minister Edi Rama declared from the National Council of Territory that this decision aims to stop the destruction of the territory, as result of barbarian permits that are given by the local government.

“This brings the necessity to suspend all permits approved by the National Council of Territory, in order to protect the national and public interest bfore the private interests that have caused all kind of damages, without taking anything in consideration, for the darkest of reasons. We will suspend all new development permits from all local authorities until after the elections of 2015”, Rama declared.

Prime Minister Rama said that to not stop the country’s progress during this time, the local government may give permits only for constructions that increase tourism, agriculture and the production industry.

To stop any speculation, the approval will be made by the National Council of Territory. Every permit will be considered as invalid and will be prosecuted.

Rama said that the government is determined to end the environmental massacre by punishing any abuser.

“We will not have situations when the inspector comes, demolishes the illegal construction, and after he goes away the construction continues. For these cases, there is only one end: the prison cell”, Rama declared.

Magnitude 5.1 earthquake rocks holidaymakers in Halkidiki, Greece

Magnitude 5.1 earthquake rocks holidaymakers in Halkidiki, Greece
A magnitude 5.1 earthquake rocked the area of Halkidiki, near Thessaloniki, Greece at 04:27:54.70 UTC and 7.27 a.m. local time on Friday. The epicenter was located in the undersea region west of the Athos peninsula, 110 km east-southeast of Thessaloniki.

Five minutes earlier, a magnitude 4.1 tremor was felt, whereas more post-seismic activity was felt at 7.33 a.m.

No damages or injuries have been reported with scientists stating that the quake was superficial with a focal depth of 24 km.

Nonetheless, seismologists warn the locals to expect aftershocks. These can be less violent but strong enough to do additional damage to weakened structures in the first hours, days, weeks or even months after the quake. They warn people in the zone to look for and extinguish small fires that are a common hazard after an earthquake and warn of care when driving as well as to anticipate traffic light outages.
Копирано от standartnews.com

President Nishani returns the territorial reform
22/08/2014
 
Nishani returns the territorial reform As expected, the Albanian President, Bujar Nishani, did not approve the territorial reform. The President returned it for a review in Parliament and gave three arguments.

The first argument says that the Parliament did not consult the local unit leaders, saying that this has been verified by the letters received from them.

“I come to this conclusion after a widely discussed analyze with local government leaders, with whom we share the same opinion that this law was not transparent”, Nishani declared.

The second argument is decentralization. This was a condition set by the DP to become part of the reform, and the president mentions it in another way:

“The lower the number of local units, the bigger they become and the more are damaged the power decentralization principles, which are sanctioned by Article 13 fo the Albanian Constitution”, Nishani says.

In the third argument, the President says that the territorial reform was preceded by the amends of two other laws, such as the law for the organization and functionality of the local government. But the President sees as even more important reforming the electoral law, which has not been mentioned by the political factor.

The president says that the territorial reform should have been made together with the Electoral Code amends, which is is imperative, according to Nishani, before the local elections

Presidents signals to not decree territorial reform
20/08/2014
 
Presidents signals to not decree territorial reform Same as many other important laws approved by the majority, the territorial reform has also been rejected by the President, or at least that is what has been signaled.

The President met with representatives of the Association of Communes, who opposed the new division.

The President’s announcement says that he supports the government’s initiative for the reform, but the chairman of the commission for this reform should respect the national interests, the interests of the Albanian people, and it should be based on the Constitution and laws of our country.

Saying that the reform charges with historic responsibility those who decided for it, the President declared that he has received dozens of letters and petitions from citizens who complain about the process.

The President guarantees all institutions he leads that he will serve as a powerful voice for transmitting what he called “public interests and problems of citizens”, adding that there is the need for creating a consolidated image of the Albanian state.

The announcement says that this guarantee of the President has been made clear to the representatives of the communes that are against this variant of the reform. They trust that the President will not be the only legal method to stop it, but they might even send it at the Constitutional Court.

“I hope for a just and righteous evaluation of this issue by the President, but I still think that the Parliament will take it seriously. If this will not happen, we will address the issue at the Association of Communes and other options. I believe that the Constitutional Court and the President’s decree are healthy for the construction process of a democratic state, and the intervention of the constitutional institutions for improving the situation is important and necessary”, says Agron Haxhimali, Director of the Association of Communes.

The consultative meeting with the President, according to the representative of the Commune Associations, has been summoned after a high number of complaints were sent by the Heads of Communes and Councils.

Rama: We will revote returned laws 
21/08/2014

Rama: We will revote returned laws For the first time, the Albanian Prime Minister, Edi Rama, spoke publicly in front of the media about the Bank of Albania scandal.

The Prime Minister explained his silence, saying that the Central Bank of Albania is an independent institution. He also answered why didn’t request the resignation of governor Adrian Fullani.

“As a Prime Minister, I cannot request the resignation of an independent institution, but this is a challenge for the Parliament and our government, which we will realize. We are following the developments daily, and on this case we can only hit the target fully by not entering a political war with the Bank. Similar experiences of other countries have shown that this is counterproductive for the society. Your concern and that of the civil society is right, created by a very serious event that needs maximal attention and determination”, Rama declared.

The Prime Minister has answered for more than two hours to the media and the public through the social network.

“It is wrong thinking that the government is the first one to talk. The government must be the last one to say something, because if we speak first we might cause even bigger troubles”, the Prime Minister declared.

When asked about the returned important laws by President Nishani, the PM said that his decision was a transmission of the stance held by the DP.

“The President has the right to return the laws, but it will be also returned, because Albania has no time to lose with the arguments of the DP that are said by the President”, Rama declared.

After the President want to return the Territorial Reform law, the Prime Minister declared that they will vote it again so that the local elections of the Spring 2015 have this new territorial division.

Pollo: Rama didn’t answer to the questions

The opposition reacted after this conference, saying that the Prime Minister didn’t answer to the real concerns raised by the opposition, from the inclusion of incriminated MPs in Parliament and to the request for inspecting the cell phones of the Albanian citizens.

“He didn’t explain why no legalizations were made for free, why medicine is even more expensive, and why the public order indicators have deteriorated. Thousands of jobs were lost due to the new taxes imposed by the government. He didn’t explain why he praises the employment offices when everyone gets employed through his own office. He didn’t answer why the public administration has people who have been involved in traffics and even in kidnapping children”, Pollo declared.

Berlin conference "meant to show Germany's dominance"

SOURCE: TANJUG

BANJA LUKA -- A conference dedicated to the Western Balkans, scheduled for August 28 in Berlin, is meant to show the dominance of Germany in this region, says Milorad Dodik.

"Those from Bosnia-Herzegovina who will go to the conference are not the people who make decisions, so any possible decisions and conclusions, whatever they agree on, will be short-lived," the president of Bosnia's Serb entity, the RS, told the public broadcaster RTRS.

Dodik added that the RS is ready to comply with European standards, but not to to sacrifice its own interests.

Cooperation with Germany is welcome, but, according to Dodik, "that does not mean we should be guinea pigs."

According to announcements, the situation in Bosnia-Herzegovina will be the central theme of the conference.

Former High Representative in Bosnia Wolfgang Petritsch was recently quoted as saying that "German Chancellor Angela Merkel will send important messages during the gathering, that could be part of Berlin's new plan for stabilizing that part of the continent."

"I expect some very strong messages from Merkel, like those given to Croatia before it joined the European Union, when then Prime Minister (Ivo) Sanader had to go," Petritsch told the Sarajevo-based Dnevni Avaz daily.

According to him, Bosnia had become "a ground through which Russian President Vladimir Putin is trying to weaken the influence of the EU."

"Putin also acts in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and via the Serb Republic (RS), using the simple logic that if he cannot influence the whole of Bosnia-Herzegovina, then he will at least make life miserable for the EU by manipulating the RS, with the support of provincial leader Dodik," the Austrian diplomat was quoted as saying.

Albania to help arm Iraq against Islamic State

21 August 2014

Under a decision taken on the August 15 and published in the official gazette on Tuesday, Tirana will transfer 22 million rounds of AK-47 7.62 millimeter bullets, 15,000 hand grenades and 32,000 artillery shells of different calibers to Iraq.

Tirana also announced that it is donating 10,000 model-56 Kalashnikov automatic rifles to Afghanistan.

The donations are part of an international drive to help the embattled Iraq government curb the Sunni militants of Islamic State, formerly known as ISIS or ISIL, which has seized large parts of Iraq and Syria and committed numerous atrocities - the latest being the beheading of a captured US journalist, James Foley.

On Tuesday the militant organization published a video purportedly showing the beheading of Foley by a masked militant speaking with a British accent, sparking outrage across the world and a drive by US and UK inteligence to identify the killer.

In a statement, US President Barack Obama said the world was appalled by Foley’s brutal murder. Islamic State has “rampaged across cities and villages - killing innocent, unarmed civilians in cowardly acts of violence,” Obama said. “They abduct women and children, and subject them to torture and rape and slavery,” he added.

Obama called on governments and peoples across the Middle East to "extract this cancer, so that it does not spread".

The involvement of a militant from Britain prompted British Prime Minister David Cameron to terminate his summer holiday and return to London, partly to discuss the threat posed to Britain by jihadists returning to Europe from the war zone.

By Gjergj Erebara

21 August 2014

Balkan Insight

Pope: We’re in World War III

Pope: We’re in World War III Pope Francis condemned the wars that have included various countries of the world, which, according to him, have reached a frightening level of cruelty by not saving innocent civilians, women and children.

“Torture has turned into a common instrument. These are the fruits of war, because we are in war here. This is the World War III, just fragmentized”, the Pope declared.

When asked about the relations with Beijing in the moment when his airplane was going through China, the Pope declared: “If I want to go to China? Certainly. Even tomorrow”.

The Holy Father then focused on the situation in the Iranian Kurdistan, where he sent his delegate, Cardinal Filoni. “I am ready to go to Kurdistan. There is a chance for this”, the Pope declared.

On his last day of visit in South Korea, Pope Frances gave a message for peace in the Korean peninsula.

“People should reject the mentality of suspect and confrontation, and find new ways for restoring peace”. Today mass is a prayer for reconciliation in the big Korean family. Jesus tells us in the Gospel how our prayer becomes more powerful when more people join. How powerful can this prayer be when the entire people desires something strongly”, the Pope declared.

Kokedhima's representative arrested

Kokedhima's representative arrested The Interior Ministry announced the arrest of Agron Cane in Saranda, after being accused of demanding sexual favors in exchange of a job.

“The Saranda Police has been notified by journalist Artur Cani about materials that show the involvement of Agron Cane in this activity. The Police structures have started moving right after taking the report from the citizen. The Interior Minister has spoken with journalist Artur Cani and asked the materials for documenting the act and bringing the author to justice”, declared Florion Serjani, Adviser at the Interior Ministry.

Serjani criticized the stances of the opposition: “Unfortunately, the opposition is once again abusing with the victim and tries to politicize through slander an event that has been presented by the Ministry of Interior through facts. To show the difference with them, we remind you that yesterday, a government official was caught with sexual abuses and was released by the court and even fined the TV station that made the report, and he returned as Director of another institution. Today it is different”, Seriani declared.

The materials have been published on the internet and shows the secretary of the Socialist MP speaking with a mother of four, and asking her sexual favors for her 14-year-old daughter.

The widowed mother had asked for a job and that’s when the secretary of the Socialist MP showed his sexual intentions about her daughter.

During the recording, the man also promises a long-term care for her daughter, saying that he may be elected Mayor of Saranda in the next elections.

Kokedhima’s office reacted by condemning the ugly action, and specified that Cane had never been a secretary for the employment office.

The Democratic Party commented this event through MP Arben Ristani:

“The entire government structure is trying to manipulate the circumstances of what happened. Kokedhima is involved himself in this story, because he has tried to personally meet the victim through his people. The woman and her daughter are constantly being threatened on the phone. We appeal the police to take the victims under protection”, Ristani declared.

Cotric: Serbs in Albania face extinction 



BELGRADE – Serbs in Albania are one of Europe’s most endangered minority communities as they have no recognised status of a national minority or the right to receive institutional education and information in their native tongue, and face assimilation and complete extinction as a result, Serbian Renewal Movement MP Aleksandar Cotric warned on Sunday.

Cotric, who is also a member of the Serbian parliamentary committee on the diaspora and Serbs in the region, said that, despite being an autochthonous nation that has lived there for centuries, Albania’s 30,000 ethnic Serbs have no right to minority representation in parliament, or an educational institution or a media outlet in their native tongue. “Serbs, as well as other minorities (Greeks, Macedonians, Vlahs), cannot declare their ethnic and religious affiliation in censuses and, due to administrative complications and high costs of the procedure – which exceed EUR 1000 – they are practically unable to reclaim their original names, Albanised by force during Enver Hoxha’s rule,” Cotric noted.

In bilateral meetings with the Tirana authorities, as well as before international organisations – the United Nations, the OSCE and the European Union – the Serbian government must, as soon as possible, raise the issue of protecting the rights of Serbs in Albania, Cotric also said. Before international and European organisations, the government must point to a gross violation of the Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, ratified by the Albanian parliament a decade ago, the press office of the Serbian Renewal Movement quoted Cotric as saying.