PM Papandreou in New York, meeting with Cinton, Dukakis and Tenet

Prime Minister George Papandreou will be in New York on Saturday to attend the UN General Assembly meeting and a meeting on the "Millennium Development Goals".

The premier will have a number of diplomatic contacts at State Departament, Senate and Congress, as well as meetings with leading Greek-American figures, including Former President Bill Clinton, Former President Candidate Michail Dukakis and Former CIA Director George Tenet, the head of Orthodox Church Demetrios, the Greek Hellenic National Council and Represent of Pan Epirotean Federation.

Also Papandreou will meet with the President Obama and V/President Joe Biden.

Radical Islam on rise in Balkans

By KONSTANTIN TESTORIDES

The Associated Press
Saturday, September 18, 2010; 1:37 PM

SKOPJE, Macedonia -- An online music video praising Osama bin Laden has driven home a troubling new reality: A radical brand of Islam embraced by al-Qaida and the Taliban is gaining a foothold in the Balkans.

"Oh Osama, annihilate the American army. Oh Osama, raise the Muslims' honor," a group of Macedonian men sing in Albanian, in video posted on YouTube last year and picked up by Macedonian media this August. "In September 2001 you conquered a power. We all pray for you."

Although most of Macedonia's ethnic Albanian minority are Muslims, they have generally been secular. But experts are now seeing an increasing radicalization in pockets of the country's Islamic community, particularly after armed groups from the ethnic Albanian minority, which forms a quarter of the population of 2.1 million, fought a brief war against Macedonian government forces in 2001.

It's a trend seen across the Balkans and has raised concerns that the region, which includes new European Union member Bulgaria, could become a breeding ground for terrorists with easy access to Western Europe. Many fear that radicalized European Muslims with EU passports could slip across borders and blend into society. .............more see............

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/18/AR2010091801831.html

GREEK AMERICAN NEWS AGENCY

http://www.greekamericannewsagency.com/main/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9060:2010-09-18-12-29-09&catid=2:2010-01-19-17-32-28&Itemid=4

Zepos in Tirana met with PM Berisha

Greek official in Tirana for Himara`s case and water pact

TIRANA, Himara incident and naval agreement were the main topics of conversation that the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece, Yannis, Alexios Zepos holds official meetings with Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha and Foreign Minister appointed Edmond Haxhinasto.

This is the media version of the Office of the Prime Minister Berisha, while the Greek side has not expressed any information about this meeting.

http://www.keshilliministrave.al/?fq=brenda&m=news&lid=13708

The Frigate "Aegean 460" of Hellenic Navy, will observe Memorial ceremony

Himara, Latest News


According to latest news, a Greek frigate located in north of Corfu will monitor any incident that may occur in Himara, on the occasion of the commemoration, the murder of Aristotle Goumas.

According Defense sources, The Frigates "Aegean 460" equipped with a helicopter and special forces squad, will monitor together with NATO, any purposeful movement of Albanian paramilitaries, who want to increase the wave of incidents on the Greek population in Southern Albania and specifically in the region of Himara.

The Albanian media reported that in Himare will come, thousands of citizens from Northern Epirus accompanied by a group of Greek politicians and high ranking, and for this purpose, "the Albanian police, has raised a series of measures."

In almost all political rallies held in Himare, the Paramilitaries Albanian nationalists, have used violence to terrorize the local population and this fact, it appears that the measures are taken by the Greek side in cooperation with NATO.

NATO has delegated the air space of Albania, to be protected under Greek and Italian, F-16 contigent air forces, since Albania joint NATO Alliance.

Gumas death, a commemorative ceremony on Sunday September 19,

HIMARA. ceremony marked the 40th day of the death of the young Aristotelis Goumsa, who tragically death on August 12, 2010. In Himara, has announced a peaceful great protest march to the place where the young man found death, from a serious collision which caused massive protests both in Himara and Athens.

Unfinished mission of U.S. Ambassador in Albania

SManalysis, special edition

Photo: John Withers (http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/biog/91729.htm)

Former Ambassador of US, in Tirana, John. Withers, was the only representative of USA, those 20 years in Albania, that during the years of his career in Tirana, he never has spoken about Himara, nor for the rights of property, and everything else related to community rights including ethnic discrimination, the violence used often during political and local elections ecct. Even though thousands of American citizens originally from Northern Epirus and Himara, have systematically raised voice at the U.S. Department and Congress, with the aim to interfere at the Albanian authorities, to stop the attacks of Albanian nationalist, to the Region of Himara. Also he has not even spoken to Ethnic Greek minority rights and is often avoided public debate on this issue. The Ambassador Withers, more recently has been concerned about Gay rights in Albania, which has conveyed the Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, while the top leader of Greek Ethnic Minority and Himara, Vassilios Bollano, has been systematically targeted by Albanian nationalism, as well as state institutions, including courts and prosecutors. Do you know these facts, the Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Member of Foreign Relations of US Congress?

SM


Facts:


Photo: Lambros Papantoniou (right) with Condoleezza Rice

US State Dept Daily Press Briefing

Gordon Duguid

Acting Deputy Department Spokesman
Daily Press Briefing

February 18, 2009

Yes, Mr. Lambros.
QUESTION: On Albania, the World Bank acknowledged yesterday serious errors by the Albanian Government against a Greek village in northern Epirus and presented an action plan for addressing this issue to a panel. I am wondering what is the U.S. position, since the European Union is involved, too.
MR. DUGUID: I would refer you to the World Bank for their action, and I believe that the – this matter is before the courts in Albania, so that would be – those would be the proper places to go for an opinion on this. It’s a court matter. The World Bank, I understand from press reports, has launched its own investigation. They would have many more details than I would be able to give you.
QUESTION: One more question. Any response by Mark Toner to my pending question of last week on the Sali Berisha supreme court in Albania regarding the sentence of five Greeks in Himara of northern Epirus for political reasons 25 years in prison who simply raised a Greek flag?
MR. DUGUID: I believe that the matter is a court matter for the Albanians, and they do have an independent judiciary that has worked through this.
QUESTION: Thank you.

http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/dpb/2009/02/117508.htm


State Departament: Importance of Minority Rights and Religious Freedom in Albania (Northern Epirus)

Daily Press BriefingTom Casey, Deputy SpokesmanWashington, DCDecember 18, 2007

Mr. Lambros Papantoniou?

Q: On Albania, Mr. Casey, what is the U.S. policy vis-a-vis to the Greek minority of Northern Epirus in Albania, since in the most recent days the entire Himare area is under attack by Albanian mob,destroying 35 Greek churches and terrorizing the Greeks?

MR. CASEY: Mr. Lambros, I don't have anything new to offer you in terms of the issues related to the territorial integrity of any ofthe countries in the region.

Certainly we believe it's important for all the countries in the Balkans to ensure protection of minority rights and religious freedoms. That's a general principle that we certainly adhere to and promote. I don't have anything specific for you, though, on any of these individual incidents.

Q: One more, on Kosovo. Tomorrow is the discussion at the
U.N. on the final status of Kosovo, and I'm wondering, Mr. Casey, if you'd care to make any statement.

MR. CASEY: Well, Mr. Lambros, you know our position on Kosovo, and I fully expect that you will hear that from Ambassador Khalilzad and other officials there. Certainly we all believe that the time has come to deal with the final status of Kosovo. And as you know, we strongly believe that the way forward lies with implementation of the basic outlines of the Ahtisaari plan, including, in the short term,supervised independence for Kosovo.

http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/dpb/2007/dec/97782.htm

Saturday, 21 March 2009, 1:17 pm
Press Release: US State Department

Daily Press Briefing - March 19

Robert Wood

Acting Department Spokesman
Daily Press Briefing

March 19, 2009

Photo: US V/President Joe Biden

with Mayor of Himara Vassilios Bollano

QUESTION: On Northern Epirus, Mr. Wood, mayor of Himara Vasilis Bolanos in Northern Epirus is under constant attack by the Albanian Government of Sali Berisha. Without any excuse, Mrs. – Mr. Bolanos is goin

g to prison for clearly political reasons. I know that Secretary Hillary Clinton has different opinions in respect of the Albanian courts. Once again,

I’ll ask the government – U.S. Government right now in order to stop this unpopular Albanian political plan?

MR. WOOD: I’m not aware of this issue, Mr. Lambros. I’m sorry.

QUESTION: But can you take this question? Because it’s important.

MR. WOOD: I’m not sure it’s – what’s the question?

QUESTION: The question is that the mayor of Himara is going to prison for political reasons. I would like you to get involved to stop this movement.

MR. WOOD: I’m not going to take this. This is not a question you’re asking. You’re making a request. And I’m –

QUESTION: No, the question is that he’s going to prison for political reasons alread

y.

MR. WOOD: Are you asking or telling me? I’m not quite sure here.

QUESTION: The question is he’s going to prison for political reasons. It is being done by a court. And I would like you to get involved.

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0903/S00401.htm

US State Dept Daily Press Briefing: 27 Sep 2007

Friday, 28 September 2007, 10:48 am
Press Release: US State Department

Daily Press Briefing
Tom Casey, Deputy Spokesman
Washington, DC
September 27, 2007

MR. CASEY: Mr. Lambros.

QUESTION: On Albania.

MR. CASEY: On Albania. Okay.

QUESTION: Albania's intentions today in Northern Epirus, the Albanian tribunals co

ntinue to give land and properties to Albanians (inaudible) the Greek mi

nority. And a lot of protests have taken place today in the Greek town of Himara (ph). Since the Albanian Government, Mr. Casey, started a new (inaudible) campaign against the Greeks in Northern Epirus, I'm wondering if you have any comment, in the framework of human rights, for who is the U.S. Government is very concerned.

MR. CASEY: Mr. Lambros, I'm not familiar with the specific incident you're referring to. What I would say is, of course, in any actions that the Government of Albania takes or any government takes, we would expect that those actions would follow the laws of that country, follow established norms and procedures and certainly be in accordance with the constitution.

I haven't read the Albanian constitution recently. But as I recall, it does provide a general and good guarantee for basic human rights.

QUESTION: (Inaudible) another question. So it is a matter of our relation of human rights and that's why I'm asking you.

MR. CASEY: Well, again, Mr. Lambros, if your question concerns decisions rendered over the distribution of property in towns in Albania, I don't have anything specific for you on that. But what I would tell you is we would expect that any decisions made, whether by an executive body or by a court system, would follow the rule of law and the established laws of the country.

QUESTION: Thank you, (inaudible) to that specifically, but --

MR. CASEY: If you want, Mr. Lambros, I'm sure our friends in the European Bureau could answer you about that or perhaps the Embassy as well. But I think I would leave it to the Albanian Government to describe their actions. If there was anything -- there are any concerns that are raised by that I'm sure you'll hear from our folks in the appropriate time.

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0709/S00730.htm


Daily Press Briefing
Tom Casey, Deputy Spokesman
Washington, DCJanuary 11, 2008


KOSOVO AND NORTHERN EPIRUS ISSUES....


Tom Casey...Okay, Mr. Lambros. We're back to you.

Question: On Kosovo, Mr. Casey, according to The New York Times and to International Herald Tribune, the U.S. government is going to recognize the illegal entity of Kosovo immediately after the elections
in Serbia.

MR. CASEY: (Laughs.)

Question: And I'm wondering why. Under which legal basis?

MR. CASEY: Mr. Lambros, first of all, the United States position
with respect to Kosovo remains clear and consistent. You've heard it
from us before. We believe that, in keeping with U.N. Resolution
1244, it's time to resolve Kosovo's final status. That, for us and
for the broad cross-section of the international community, means
proceeding with implementation of the Ahtisaari plan, and that's what
we'll be working for in the coming days and weeks.

QUESTION: A follow-up. If the Greeks of Northern Epirus in Albania
will elect their own prime minister, like the Kosovar Albanians in
Serbia, I'm wondering, Mr. Casey, if Undersecretary Nicholas Burns,
with the same token, will congratulate such a Greek prime minister as
he did yesterday for Hashim Thaqi?

MR. CASEY: Oh, Mr. Lambros, what an unfair question! Mr.
Lambros, as you know and as everyone well knows, Kosovo is a very
unique situation, and it -- (audio break) -- and settlements are not a
precedent for any other region.And as you know, that's long been a consistent part of U.S. policy.

more: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/dpb/2008/jan/99231.htm

Daily Press BriefingRobert Wood, Deputy
Spokesman Washington,DC
October 23, 2008INDEX:

Mr. Lambros.

QUESTION: On Albania. Mr. Wood, in response to my yesterday question regarding property rights of the Greeks in Northern Epirus, I got the following message over the phone from the Department of State: “This is a matter between the Government of Albania and people with interest in pursuing these claims. For information on this, Mr. Lambros, we will refer you direct to the Governm ent of Albania.” I’m wondering why you are not involved in the framework of property and human rights for which the U.S. Government is very concerned, preparing, actually, an annual report.

MR. WOOD: Mr. Lambros, again, as the press guidance mentioned, this is a government between – this is an issue between the Government of Albania and those who have an interest or claims to this issue. I don’t have anything more on it for you.

QUESTION: A follow-up?
MR. WOOD: Sure.

QUESTION: I'm wondering why it's so difficult to discuss the matter
With Sali Berisha government, who is not another Emver Hotza to begin with and is not acting under Hitler, Mussolini or Mao Tse-tung but he is an elected democratic leader, very loyal to President Bush.?

MR. WOOD: I don’t have anything further for you on it, Lambros. Sorry.

.State Dept Daily Press Briefing

Sean McCormack, Spokesman
Washington, DC
March 8, 2007

MR. MCCORMACK: ...Lambros.

QUESTION: On Northern Epirus issue in Albania. Mr. McCormack, regarding my pending questions I raised March 7th for the Greeks of Northern Epirus and Albania when Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice presented to us the Annual Report on Human Rights, I got yesterday the formal answers from your press officer Kurtis Cooper: "There are no reliable statistics on the exact population of the Greeks minority in Albania. The last census was taken in 2001. However, Greeks are the largest national minority. Estimates range from 3 to 10 percent, depending on the source. In general, the Albanian Government is allowing the Greek language scho ols to be open. The Albanian Government granted an operating license to two schools outside the "Greek zone," one in Korca and one in Himare. During a September visit by the Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha to Greece, the Albanian Government agreed to cooperate in the building of a Greek-language university in Gjirokaster to be refunded -- to be funded by th e Greek Government."

MR. MCCORMACK: Are you going to wrap this up here?

QUESTION: And in conclusion, "In addition several members of the Greek minority serve on both that 140-seat people's assembly and the executive branch in ministerial and subministerial positions." Do you agree with this response?

MR. MCCORMACK: Kurtis -- (laughter) -- Kurtis is -- as opposed to the unreliability of the statistics that you're asking about, Kurtis Cooper is very reliable and that's a good answer and that is the State Department's answer for you, Lambros.

QUESTION: But the response, however, about the size of the Greek minority in Albania, Mr. McCormack, stated there's "no reliable statistics" about its size, that the la st census was taken in 2001, according to the statement.

MR. MCCORMACK: Right, right.

QUESTION: I must note that the absence of reliable statistics in the results of the Albanians Government decision to exclude ethnic identity from the census questionnaire, is there any thought given by the Department of State to request that such a choice be allowed in the next Albanian census?

MR. MCCORMACK: I'm not aware of any move in that regard, but we'll have Kurtis get back to you with an answer to that question. (Laughter.) It's proven reliable in the pa st.

Daily Press Briefing

Tom Casey, Deputy Spokesman
Washington, DC
April 14, 2008

INDEX:

Mr. Lambros.

QUESTION: Yes. Mr. Casey, on northern Epirus, last week, the Albanian attacks against the Greeks in Himara of northern Epirus have been escalated in violation of the most basic human rights and the mayor of the city Vasil Bolano protested. I’m wondering if the U.S. Government’s concerned.

MR. CASEY: Mr. Lambros, certainly, we would like to see any incidents or any concerns that people ha

ve resolved peacefully, but I’d refer you to the Albanian Government in terms of the specifics of this internal issue here. Certainly, we would hope that whatever differences might exist, they could be resolved peacefully and w

ithout resort to violence by either party.

QUESTION: But it’s a matter of violation of human rights. Why I have to address my question to the Alban

ian Government? Otherwise, what is the purpose to prepare the annual report on human rights globally?

MR. CASEY: Mr. Lambros, you can certainly look at our annual report on human rights and see what it might say about the situation there. All I’m simply saying is Albania is a sovereign country. It’s soon to be a member of NATO. And I would fully expect that the Albanian Government could provide you with a clear response as to how they intend to resolve what appears to me and sounds to me to be like a fairly localized matter.

QUESTION: Do you know how large is the size of the Greeks in northern Epirus?

MR. CASEY: Nope.

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2008/04/mil-080414-stateb01.htm

Daily Press Briefing

Robert Wood
Acting Department Spokesman
Daily Press Briefing
March 19, 2009

QUESTION: On Northern Epirus, Mr. Wood, mayor of Himara Vasilis Bolanos in Northern Epirus is under constant attack by the Albanian Government of Sali Berisha. Without any excuse, Mrs. – Mr. Bolanos is going to prison for clearly political reasons. I know that Secretary Hillary Clinton has different opinions in respect of the Albanian courts. Once again, I’ll ask the government – U.S. Government right now in order to stop this unpopular Albanian political plan?
MR. WOOD: I’m not aware of this issue, Mr. Lambros. I’m sorry.
QUESTION: But can you take this question? Because it’s important.
MR. WOOD: I’m not sure it’s – what’s the question?
QUESTION: The question is that the mayor of Himara is going to prison for political reasons. I would like you to get involved to stop this movement.
MR. WOOD: I’m not going to take this. This is not a question you’re asking. You’re making a request. And I’m –
QUESTION: No, the question is that he’s going to prison for political reasons already.
MR. WOOD: Are you asking or telling me? I’m not quite sure here.
QUESTION: The question is he’s going to prison for political reasons. It is being done by a court. And I would like you to get involved.

Daily Press Briefing Gonzalo R. Gallegos, Director,
Office of Press Relations Washington, DC June 16, 2008 .......

Photo: Letter of R. Congressman Billirakis to Secretary Rice

Yes, Mr. Lambros.

QUESTION: On Northern Epirus. Congressman Gus Bilirakis has written Secretary Rice about continuing Albanian treatment against the Greeks in Northern Epirus and urging the

Administration to press Tirana to respect the basic rights they are entitled under international agreements. I’m wondering if Secretary Rice is concerned about that since Sali Berisha Government most recently systematically attacks the Greeks in Himara of Northern Epirus?

MR. GALLEGOS: Well, I think in terms of communications, congressional communications, I’m sure that we – I haven’t seen whether or not we have receiv ed that or not. But I can assure you that it will be appropriately addressed and an appropriate response will be given.

more:

http://video.state.gov

/?fr_story=c550409074846a87983bf18e7a22f12164a0b4ae

U.S. envoy to Albania linked to cover-up of Afghan arms deal

By Eric Schmitt
Published: June 24, 2008

WASHINGTON: A U.S. ambassador helped cover up the illegal Chinese origins of ammunition the Pentagon bought to supply Afghan security forces, according to testimony gathered by congressional investigators.
A military attaché has told the investigators that the U.S. ambassador to Albania endorsed a plan by the Albanian defense minister to hide several boxes of Chinese ammunition from a visiting reporter.

more:http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/06/24/europe/arms.php

ALBANIAN AMMUNITION SCANDAL

Daily Press BriefingTom Casey,

Deputy SpokesmanWashington,

DCJune 24, 2008

Yeah, Mr. Lambros, go ahead.

QUESTION: Why your Ambassador to Albania then endorse a plan by the Albanian Minister of Defense to hide several boxes of Chinese ammunition?

MR. CASEY: Mr. Lambros, I believe that we have just gone through saying that we have no reason to believe that that, in fact, occurred and that we are going to ensure that there is a transparent investigation by our IG to verify the facts and make sure that both Ambassador Withers, as well as Chairman Waxman, have a full and complete review done of this matter, so that there will be no questions about it. But certainly, I have no reason to believe that that, in fact, occurred.

more: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/dpb/2008/jun/106226.htm

Albanian Muslim Leader Sacks Critics

Tirana | 18 September 2010 |

Muslims praying in Albania’s capital, Tirana.

A group of Albanian Muslim community leaders who tried to dismiss Selim Muca, the head of the Albania Muslim Community, have themselves been sacked.

The Mufti of Tirana Ilir Vokshi, the General Secretary of the Council of the Muslim Community Betim Truci and the Mufti of Kukes, Ali Hallaci, were dropped from their posts in the organisation on Thursday for trying to fire Muca by “illegally slandering his name.”

Selim Muca

Vokshi, Truci and Hallaci had tried to vote Muca out of office a day earlier on grounds he was not properly managing the organisation’s affairs and was creating schisms in the Islamic community.

But, in his dismissal of them, Muca said in a statement on Thursday the attempts to dismiss him were "illegal and against the statute” of the organisation.

“These individuals have no competence for this kind of decision making,” Muca said.

First selected as head of the Muslim Community of Albania in 2004, Muca was re-elected in 2009 in a contested election, which was challenged in court by a group of imams.

Following a short trial the court ruled in favour of Muca, while the imams went on to create a splinter organisation.

Unofficial statistics suggest about 70 per cent of Albanians are culturally Muslim - mainly Sunni, with a significant number following the Bektashi order. About 20 per cent are Christian Orthodox and 10 per cent Catholics.

The last census to include any religious denomination was carried out in 1946.

In 1967, Stalinist dictator Enver Hoxha declared the country to be the first atheist nation in the world.

According to the 2007 Religious Freedom Report by the US State Department, less than 40 per cent of all Albanians are currently actively religious, and intermarriage between different groups is common.

NATO on withdrawal from Kosovo

17 September 2010 | 11:45 | Source: Tanjug

BRUSSELS -- NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen has called on the member states of NATO not to withdraw their troops from Kosovo unilaterally. He spoke in favor of a joint decision on the troop reduction. Some NATO countries, primarily the Czech Republic and France are considering a complete or partial withdrawal of their troops from Kosovo due to the additional engagement in the international troops in Afghanistan and reduction of military budget due to the economic crisis. Rasmussen appealed in Brussels on Thursday not to make such moves unilaterally but to wait until an agreement is reached and a joint decision made, radio Deutsche Welle reported. Rasmussen underscored that there will be no withdrawal from Kosovo that would jeopardize the security situation. The number of KFOR troops in Kosovo and Metohija was reduced from 15,000 to 10,000 this year. According to some plans, their number should be reduced down to 5,700 troops in the next phase.

Greek-Israeli joint air exercise on Ionian Sea

Greek-Israeli joint exercise is planned in early November (with reservations because of the elections, however, before December) with the participation of Israeli helicopters and special forces of the Air Force and Army, according to information defencenet.gr. More specifically the focus of the exercise is to be the Andravida air base and the region of the Ionian Sea, in which the Greek air forces with Israeli forces. The purpose of the exercise scenarios will be search and rescue combat (CSAR). The Israelis give special importance to this exercise as an estimated critical when rescue crews Israeli aircraft might take part in an attack on Iran........... more: www.defence.net

ALBANIA, LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

Berisha: Greece can not, to block the integration of Albania in the European Union

"There is no problem for the Greeks of Albania about properties, is contrary, we are creating with standards laws of ownership"

Prime Minister of Albania, asking by the "Top Channel TV", during a visit in Brussels, about Papandreou's statements, for a block of Albania on the pway to integration in the European Union, he stated that: "Greece is not likely to block the integration of Albania in the European Union, as we are in a good way, based on the Thessaloniki Summit Criteria, in 2004.

Furthermore, he continued that "In Himara, there has a Bilingual community and we all know this but there are no problems or robbery f properties, because our legislation is approaching under european standards for property.

Then the journalist asked Mr. Berisha that "Greece has blocked Macedonia and the same can also create problems with Albania, he said: "I do not believe the raise up to this point".

A few days ago Papandreou met with Greek represents in Albania. The issues discussed included those relating to property rights, teachers for ethnic Greek schools, cultural rights of the ethnic Greek minority, the ability to carry out infrastructure projects in the regions with sizeable ethnic Greek populations as well as Athens' systematic support for Albania's European perspective.

http://www.top-channel.tv/artikull.php?id=192492&ref=fp

EC on Bosnia, Albania visas

16 September 2010 | 10:27 | Source: Tanjug

BRUSSELS -- The European Commission (EC) has concluded that there are conditions to abolish the visa regime with Bosnia-Herzegovina and Albania. This could take place as of December, Germany's media house Deutsche Welle reports. The EC has presented to the European Parliament (EP) and Council of Ministers a working document which reads that Bosnia and Albania had taken all measures necessary to meet all of the outstanding issues from the Road Map for the two West-Balkan countries. The process of visa liberalization in European institutions is expected to get completed in the next two months, Deutsche Welle reports.

Greek Minority in Albania: Greek PM meets with Albanian politicians

An ethnic Greek member of the Albanian parliament met with Prime Minister George Papandreou to discuss the situation of the Greek minority in Albania, including topics like property and language rights.

Below is an article published by ANA-MPA:

Prime Minister George Papandreou met on Tuesday [14 September 2010] with the mayor of the Albanian coastal town of Himare, Vassilis Bollano, as well as the president of the country's Unity for Human Rights Party, Vangelis Dule, an ethnic Greek MP in the Albanian parliament.

After the meeting, Dule said the talks focused on all issues affecting the ethnic Greek minority in Albania, including a fatal hit-and-run incident involving an ethnic Greek shop owner in Himare last month, which Dule described as "motivated by ethnic hatred".

The issues discussed included those relating to property rights, teachers for ethnic Greek schools, cultural rights of the ethnic Greek minority, the ability to carry out infrastructure projects in the regions with sizeable ethnic Greek populations as well as Athens' systematic support for Albania's European perspective.

Dule told reporters that the delegation was concluding a round of contacts in Athens in the hope that, as until today, there will continue to be cooperation for the benefit of the members of the ethnic Greek minority, both those living in Greece and those remaining in their ancestral homes in southern Albania.

Immediately after their meeting with the premier, the delegation met Foreign Minister Dimitris Droutsas at the foreign ministry for further talks. (ANA-MPA)

Droutsas stressed that the Greek government has categorically condemned the murder of Aristotelis Goumas in Himare, and that "it is the obligation of the Greek government to stand at the side of the Greek minority, it is doing this and will continue to do this."

Earlier, Bollano -- who also serves as president of the Omonia organisation -- and Dule met with Parliament President Filippos Petsalnikos and New Democracy vice-president Dimitris Avramopoulos.

In talks with the delegation, Avramopoulos assured them of the support of ND and party leader Antonis Samaras, pointing to the party's immediate response after the murder of Goumas in August and its support of the minority's claims within the framework of Tirana's obligations vis-à-vis the EU.

Self-Determination calls for union with Albania

15 September 2010 | 14:13 | Source: Tanjug

PRIŠTINA -- Leader of the Self-Determination movement Albin Kurti has stated that the Kosovo authorities should turn to Albania to negotiating a union with that country. Kurti visited Klina, central Kosovo, to begin a campaign against dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia. He criticized the authorities, saying they want to discuss a division of Kosovo with Serbia instead of a union with Albania. Kurti formed a Self-Determination council in Klina on Tuesday, which is meant to help turn the public opinion against the negotiations with Belgrade. According to him, there is no need for talks with Serbia because it does not recognize Kosovo's independence and should ask for forgiveness for the genocide committed against the Albanian people. The negotiations with Serbia are meant to fulfill the six-point plan by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, Kurti stated

PM George Papandreou and FM Droutsas receive ethnic Greek political delegation from Albania

(ANA-MPA) -- Prime Minister George Papandreou met on Tuesday with the mayor of the Albanian coastal town of Himare, Vassilis Bollano, as well as the president of the country's Unity for Human Rights Party, Vangelis Dule, an ethnic Greek MP in the Albanian parliament.

After the meeting, Dule said the talks focused on all issues affecting the ethnic Greek minority in Albania, including a fatal hit-and-run incident involving an ethnic Greek shop owner in Himare last month, which Dule described as "motivated by ethnic hatred".

The issues discussed included those relating to property rights, teachers for ethnic Greek schools, cultural rights of the ethnic Greek minority, the ability to carry out infrastructure projects in the regions with sizeable ethnic Greek populations as well as Athens' systematic support for Albania's European perspective.

Dule told reporters that the delegation was concluding a round of contacts in Athens in the hope that, as until today, there will continue to be cooperation for the benefit of the members of the ethnic Greek minority, both those living in Greece and those remaining in their ancestral homes in southern Albania.

Immediately after their meeting with the premier, the delegation met Foreign Minister Dimitris Droutsas at the foreign ministry for further talks. (ANA-MPA)

Droutsas stressed that the Greek government has categorically condemned the murder of Aristotelis Goumas in Himare, and that "it is the obligation of the Greek government to stand at the side of the Greek minority, it is doing this and will continue to do this."

Earlier, Bollano -- who also serves as president of the Omonia organisation -- and Dule met with Parliament President Filippos Petsalnikos and New Democracy vice-president Dimitris Avramopoulos.

In talks with the delegation, Avramopoulos assured them of the support of ND and party leader Antonis Samaras, pointing to the party's immediate response after the murder of Goumas in August and its support of the minority's claims within the framework of Tirana's obligations vis-?-vis the EU.

Sacked Albanian Minister ‘Faced Death Threats’

Tirana | 14 September 2010 |

Dritan Prifti

Dritan Prifti, Albania's recently dismissed Minister of the Economy, has claimed he and his family faced death threats during his time in office.

Prifti said on Tuesday, a day after being dismissed amid a government reshuffle by the country's junior government partner: “I have been under intense pressure, including threats against me and my family, which I have denounced and expect a reaction from prosecutors.

"Despite my devotion and sacrifices, I have been always under political attack because I never became a tool for anybody," he said.

Prifti, the deputy head of the government coalition partner the Socialist Movement for Integration, LSI, and one of its four elected MPs in parliament, did not elaborate on who made the alleged threats.

The head of the LSI, Ilir Meta, is to leave his post as Minister of Foreign Affairs to replace Prifti.

Meta will be replaced by Edmond Haxhisanto, the current deputy transportation minister.

Petrit Vasili will continue to head the Ministry of Health.

Reactions of the Greek press for the US Newspaper "The Washington Times"

Reactions of the Greek press for the US Newspaper "The Washington Times"

“Καταπιεσμένη αλβανική μειονότητα” στην Ελλάδα ανακάλυψαν από το πουθενά οι "φίλοι" και "σύμμαχοι" Αμερικανοί

Provocation against Athens is yesterday's story of the American newspaper The Washington Times, entitled "Leader concerned by Albanian nationalism", which refers to the statement by Prime Minister Papandreou in Thessaloniki on the occasion of the murder of A. Goumas member of the Greek minority Albania on 13 August in torrents.

G. Papandreou said that he worried about the resurgence of nationalism (which in the Balkan region is a cause for serious, problems) by groups of extremists that are directed against the Greek minority in Albania. Estimated to reside in Albania from 40 to 100 000 Greeks, who complain of discrimination and intimidation by ethnic Albanians, while in Greece there are 500,000 Albanian immigrants, who also complained about discrimination against them (!!!!!!! ).

At this point the newspaper that often reflects the trends of a certain portion of Staiit Department and the Pentagon, aligns the Albanian immigrants in Greece when Greece held, offering them employment and welfare services, often free, with an international agreement approved by the National Greek Minority Albania.

Once the Greek Ethnic Minority in Northern Epirus is trying to keep a regime of violence and terrorism "allies" in other parts of the U.S. government with the mouthpiece of trying to create new tensions and new Kosovo from nowhere.

Of course so far no official reaction has been pro-American government of George Papanadreou.

Controversial Property Bill Returns to Albanian Parliament

Tirana | 14 September 2010 |

Albania parliament

A controversial property rights bill previously vetoed by Albania's President as being 'unconstitutional' has been returned by the ruling Democratic Party, PD, for a vote in parliament.

The draft-law aims to provide a legal framework for the Assets Restitutions and Compensation Agency, AKKP, which returns property confiscated by the former communist regime to its former owners.

The parliamentary commission on Legal Issues and the Public Administration voted on Monday to return the bill, which is also contested by interest groups, to the assembly floor without any changes in its content.

Observers said parliament would probably vote on it on Thursday..............

http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/main/news/30486/

PRESS RELEASE - The Greek Parliament

Meeting of the President's House with representatives of the ethnic Greek minority in Albania.

Athens, September 14, 2010

House President Mr. Philip Petsalnikos met today with the chairmen of the represents "Omonia" and "Human Rights Association" in Albania, Mr V. Bolanos and V. Doules.

Welcoming the speakers, Mr. Petsalnikos expressed regret and revulsion at the murder of Aristotle Goose.

Mr. Petsalnikos underlined the interest of the Greek Parliament to monitor the issues of ethnic Greek minority in Albania and stressed the need to understand the political leadership and society in the neighboring country that we must eradicate all expressions of intolerance and fanaticism that can affect negative relations between the two countries and the European course of Albania.

The Speaker stated that the Greek ethnic minority in each case must remain united in seeking to enforce the just demands it.

Tirana is preparing the National Anniversary Day, and liberalization of visa

According to the latest information, Tirana, is preparing the Albanian national holiday on 28 November, while also joining a firm decision that could be taken by the European Union, the "visa liberalization".

This anniversary is likely to give a personal success of Prime Minister Sali Berisha, not for the fact the 98th anniversary of Albania's declaration of independence, but the final process of visa liberalization, an electoral promise .

It is believed that the National Day will be organized throughout Albania , Kosovo and FYROM by organizing concerts for the night.

However, internal sources say that the visa liberalization continues to be a problem of great concern for the European Community, as Albania has not fulfilled obligations relating to a series of affairs, including those of human rights.

Bollanos and Doules in Athens for talks

The President of Omonia Vassilios Bollanos and Chairman of HRUP Party Evangelos Doules, will visit Athens, for the last developments in Southern Albania.

At 14:00 on Tuesday, 14 September 2010, Foreign Minister Dimitris Droutsas will receive the President of Omonoia and Mayor of Himara, Mr. Vasilis Bolanos, and the President of the Union of Human Rights Party, Mr. Vangelis Doules, at the Foreign Ministry.

The National Council on Foreign Policy with convene at the Foreign Ministry at 17:30 on Tuesday, 14 September 2010, under the chairmanship of Foreign Minister Dimitris Droutsas.

Items on the agenda include developments in the region, with emphasis on the Western Balkans, the Middle East, relations with Turkey, and the Cyprus issue.

Reactions in Tirana, for the declaration of PM Papandreou

In Tirana, have erupted in different reactions, on behalf of Albanian nationalism. With the exception of Foreign Minister Ilir Meta, all other politicians declare that Papandreou has violated the integrity of Albania, after intervenes in internal affairs of Albania.


Ilir Meta: The Relations Albania - Greece are excellent and will remain such also in the future. We are determined to fight every extremist element, which seeking to derail, the harmony between the two countries. We think that the case in Himara is isolated and has no impact on our relationship"

Besnik Mustafaj former Foreign Minister, "The Intervention of George Papandreou threatened by membership of Albania to European Unions, constitutes a flagrant violation of internal affairs of Albania. Does not depend by Geoge Papandreou the Albania's membership to the European Union. the Himara process, is in Court and as such we should expect that we deal with ethnic killings or not."

Sabri Godo: "The Albanian government should send a note to Greece to protest for Prime Minister Papandreou declarate, who interferes into internal affairs of Albania, considering Himara, stated that inside the minority area. This is a dangerous precedent showing us all that the albania's future to European cours, depends from Greece.

Pellumb Xhufi: "It is unacceptable that after a month, Greek Prime Minister Papandreou, remembers to declare for Himara case, making threats that neither the time since the time of the Greek nationalist Elefteros Venizellos, not been made for Albania's integration in the European Union. The murder of an Albanian citizen in Himare, is not a matter for Greece since such incidents often happens in Albania
even against the Albanians in Greece".

Albanian prime minister agrees to replace Economy Minister Prifti

By The Associated Press

TIRANA, Albania — Albania's prime minister says he has agreed to replace Economy Minister Dritan Prifti, who has been accused by the opposition of corruption.

Sali Berisha's Monday decision comes after a request from a junior partner in his governing coalition, the Socialist Party for Integration, to replace Prifti with its leader, current Foreign Minister Ilir Meta.

The party said the switch was not prompted by opposition claims that Prifti enriched himself through allegedly illicit share deals, but to improve government efficiency.

Under the coalition deal with Berisha's Democrats, the Socialist Party for Integration controls the economy, foreign affairs and health portfolios. It has proposed a new foreign minister to replace Meta.

Strategic & Geopolitics

"DefenceNet" Monthly

Turkish Naval Base will build in Albania? The new geopolitical menace for Greek National Interest comes from Northern Ionian Sea, Southern Albania, where lives a large old Greek population. The new Strategic Plain of Greek Defense Forces to build a new Naval Base in Ionian Sea!

www.defenceNet.gr

The World Press about Papandreou`s declaration to Albania

Leader concerned by Albanian nationalism

ATHENS | Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou warned on Sunday of rising nationalism in Albania, after the murder of a member of the country's ethnic Greek minority last month.

"The rise of nationalism among extremist groups, which target the Greek minority, is a very serious matter," Mr. Papandreou said during a news conference in the northern city of Thessaloniki.

"Nationalism does not help the Balkans, it always causes big problems," he said.

Albanian authorities have arrested seven people after the Aug. 13 murder of Aristotelis Goumas in the southern town of Himara.

Depending on sources, there are between 40,000 and 100,000 ethnic Greeks living in Albania, who often complain about discrimination and intimidation.

In turn, authorities in Tirana say Albanian emigrants — estimated at more 500,000 — face discrimination in Greece.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/sep/12/briefly-743131842/print/

George Papandreou: "The Incident in Himara, has politic support"

Strong declaration of Greek PM to Tirana, on the occasion of the recent murder of Aristotel Gumas in Himara

"We think that these incidents are not coincidental. Unfortunately, we see a similar escalation of nationalism seems to the extreme groups, but unfortunately seems to have political background. Who are targeting the Greek minority in Albania, with, of course, tragic incident of murder of Aristotel Goumas, and other acts which show a hostile attitude."

"For us it is a very serious issue. It is first and foremost a serious issue in our bilateral relations, which we want to support positive. It is a serious issue for Albania's European course. Because nationalism does not help in Balkans, helping to neighboring countries. And I would like to send the message to the Albanian side that nationalism has always, always create huge problems, not only between countries but also among citizens." he said.

Although Papandreou has not clearly said, he has hinted that Greece can obscure the process of European integration of Albania, concerning the issue of the Greek minority rights, such as initially, the visa liberalization process.

Clashes in K. Mitrovica after basketball match

12 September 2010 | 10:33 | Source: Beta, Tanjug

KOSOVSKA MITROVICA -- Four people were injured in a clash between Serbs and Albanians in Kosovska Mitrovica. The fight broke out on the main bridge separating the north and south side of Kosovska Mitrovica immediately after Serbia’s loss to Turkey in the semifinals of the FIBA World Championship tournament. A large group of Albanians crossed the bridge to celebrate Turkey’s victory over Serbia. Serbs watching the match in a nearby café threw rocks at the Kosovo Albanians after which the Albanians returned to their side of the bridge. After the conflict, about one hundred people gathered on the Serb side of the bridge. There was also a large group on the other side, and the bridge was then closed off by police cars in order to avoid further clashes. The Beta news agency reported that gunfire was heard coming from the south side of the bridge.

Berisha gives Italy, Sazan and Karaburun

"The decision to declare" National Park "Natural Sea ecosystem near Karaburun Peninsula and the island of Sazan"

With this decision the owner or any other authority except concessions Turkish military naval base in Orikus and Italian investments will not be allowed to perform the activity.

This decision is seen as concessions to fascist Italy, during the invasion of Albania in World War II.