Albanian historian crazy: "Janullatos, is a Greek chauvinis"

Christo Frasheri being used by Albanian nationalists, to create the opinion of spiritual leader, Archbishop Janullatos departure, namely in the process of Counting Population in Albania

Nationalism in extreme, with clear expansionary, but still powerful eruption in Albania, against any Greek element. In the center of this debate remain as always Himara and Archbishop Janullatos.

Today's edition of "Gazeta Shqiptare", qualifies Archbishop Janullatos with offensive words referring to the retired historian Kristo Frasheri; "Janullatos a Greek chauvinist who is working for Northern Epirus.

"In the case of shocking fact ofezes for Archbishop Janullatos, not only but also for all Orthodox believers, lies the most important geopolitical fact that Tirana will develop, the Count Population in the first six months, next year, being accompanied simultaneously with a fierce campaign against any kind of nationalist element including the Greek Orthodox Church spiritual leader, Archbishop Janullatos.

It remains to be seen by diplomats, security european and NATO offices, to what extent the statements of Greek Prime Minister Papandreou, stand in relation to the powerful eruption of Albanian nationalism, the Greek community, the Orthodox Church and Archbishop Janullatos.

See also International analisy

ALBANIAN NATIONALISM AGAINST THE ORTHODOX ARCHBISHOP


THE LAST BATTLE OF THE ALBANIAN NATIONALISM AGAINST THE ORTHODOX ARCHBISHOP ANASTASIOS JANULATOS

Copyright: SManalysis on line (http://www.rieas.gr/)

In January 1991, the Patriarchate of Constantinople appointed the then Bishop Anastasios to enter Albania as the “Patriarchal Exarches" with the mandate to unite the Albanian Orthodox people irrespectively of their ethnic origin and re- establish the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania.

The Orthodox Church in Albania had been decimated after forty years of the most severe persecution. Before the overthrow of the Communist yoke, the numbers of the Orthodox clergy had diminished from 440 in the 1940’s to just 22 in 1990. Once again, the opportunity to revive a Church that was tittering on the brink of collapse was confronted by the Bishop Anastasios......

more see: http://www.rieas.gr/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=289&catid=17&Itemid=74

Ο ΑΛΒΑΝΙΚΟΣ ΕΘΝΙΚΙΣΜΟΣ ΚΑΙ Ο ΝΕΟΟΘΩΜΑΝΙΣΜΟΣ ΑΠΛΩΝΟΝΤΑΙ ΣΤΑ ΒΑΛΚΑΝΙΑ

The Albanian nationalism and new othomans, spread in the Balkans

by Christos Kapoutsis

The political instability due to ethnic heterogeneity of the populations of the States, is the key feature of the Balkan peninsula. The Balkans are at a dangerous transition. However, the geostrategic value of the Balkans remains very high, mainly because it is a hub of transport energy (oil and gas) from the Caucasus and Central Asia to Western Europe.

Precisely because of the interrelated strategic interests of powerful states (USA, Russia, EU, Turkey) and to ensure influence in the new Balkan reality, for ethnic minorities passions and religious of the people of the Balkans, is dangerous resurgence.

The murder in North Epirus of Greek nationality boy, Aristotle Goumas, 37 years, from Albanian nationalists, not a single unfortunate incident, as presented by almost all Albanian and unfortunately some Greek media.

It is an expression of an escalating aggression against the Greek minority in Albania, the growing Albanian nationalism and irredentism. The aim of the extremist and nationalist circles in Albania is to frighten the Greeks of Northern Epirus, which brought tremendous pressure to abandon their belongings and leave the area.

It is ongoing project of dehellenization of Northern Epirus, through seizure of property of Greeks living in southern Albania and relocate there, indigenous Albanians from northern Albania. Towards the demographic alteration of Greek villages and towns and the disappearance of the Greek cultural heritage of Northern Epirus .

The Greek Government should move immediately and seek support from international organizations such as the Albanian Government to protect rather than pandering phenomena usurpation of property of the Greeks of Northern Epirus. The situation in Northern Epirus gets more alarming proportions, and relations between Greece and Albania, are threatened by a new crisis because of the activity of Albanian nationalists.

However, the rise of Albanian nationalism and expansionist, threatening not only the bilateral Greek-Albanian relations, but becoming a major threat to security and stability in the Balkans. And the identification of this risk is the strong 'paper' of Greek diplomacy, which should be utilized accordingly, especially in the Euro-Atlantic security institutions (NATO, EU)....

more in Greek: http://nepirusonline.blogspot.com/2010/10/blog-post_1984.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Ο ΑΛΒΑΝΙΚΟΣ ΕΘΝΙΚΙΣΜΟΣ ΚΑΙ Ο ΝΕΟΟΘΩΜΑΝΙΣΜΟΣ ΑΠΛΩΝΟΝΤΑΙ ΣΤΑ ΒΑΛΚΑΝΙΑ

Η πολιτική αστάθεια, λόγω της εθνοτικής ανομοιογένειας των πληθυσμών των Κρατών, είναι το βασικό χαρακτηριστικό της Βαλκανικής χερσονήσου.

του ΧΡΗΣΤΟΥ ΚΑΠΟΥΤΣΗ

Τα Βαλκάνια βρίσκονται σε μια επικίνδυνη μεταβατική περίοδο. Ωστόσο, η γεωστρατηγική αξία της Βαλκανικής παραμένει ιδιαίτερα υψηλή, κυρίως επειδή αποτελεί διαμετακομιστικό κόμβο μεταφοράς ενέργειας (πετρέλαιο και φυσικό αέριο) από τον Καύκασο και την Κεντρική Ασία στη Δυτική Ευρώπη. Ακριβώς λόγω των διαπλεκόμενων στρατηγικών συμφερόντων ισχυρών κρατών (ΗΠΑ, Ρωσία, Ε.Ε., Τουρκία) και προκειμένου να εξασφαλίσουν επιρροή στη νέα Βαλκανική πραγματικότητα, τα εθνομειονοτικά πάθη και η θρησκευτική μισαλλοδοξία των κατοίκων της Βαλκανικής, αναζωπυρώνονται επικίνδυνα.

Διαβάστε περισσότερα εδώ »» North Epirus Online-Νέα Βορείου Ηπείρου: Ο ΑΛΒΑΝΙΚΟΣ ΕΘΝΙΚΙΣΜΟΣ ΚΑΙ Ο ΝΕΟΟΘΩΜΑΝΙΣΜΟΣ ΑΠΛΩΝΟΝΤΑΙ ΣΤΑ ΒΑΛΚΑΝΙΑ.................

Kosovo Muslims protest headscarf ban

Oct, 08, 2010 Associated Press

PRISTINA, Kosovo -- Hundreds of Kosovo Muslims demanded from the government to reverse its decision to ban use of Muslim headscarf in schools.

The protesters gathered Friday outside the government building in the capital carrying placards reading "Stop Discrimination" and "Unveil the mind, not the head."

While Kosovo's constitution guarantees religious freedom, education authorities have banned the display of religious symbols _ including the wearing of headscarfs _ in schools.

Most recently, a 16-year old girl was suspended from high school for wearing a headscarf.

Some 90 percent of Kosovo's 2 million people are ethnic Albanian Muslims, majority of whom are secular.

http://www.mesazhi.com/galeria/68

The Greek red line, Kosovo

Greek PM: No change in position on Kosovo

ΑΝΑ-ΜPA/Greece's position on Kosovo has not changed, prime minister George Papandreou said Tuesday night in an interview with B59 radio station in Belgrade during a lighting visit, where he addressed a conference on "Serbia on the Road to Europe" that marked the 10th anniversary of the popular revolt that led to the toppling of the Milosevic regime.

Asked if Greece intends to alter its stance on the Kosovo issue, Papandreou replied: "We have a very close contact with President (of Serbia, Boris) Tadic. We are also in constant contact with the prime minister of Kosovo Hashim Thaci. I speak personally with him. We want to help the dialogue, and so long as we maintain that role, our position remains firm, which allows us to be useful and facilitate the dialogue."

To another question, Papandreou categorically stressed that "no, there is no" recognition of Kosovo.

Asked about Serbia's European prospect Papandreou reiterated that Serbia's future lies in the European Union.

After the last EURO enlargement with 10 new member states, which included Romania and Bulgaria, the pace slowed down, Papandreou said, "but now we are continuing".

Papandreou said an effort was being made to advance the Greek "Agenda 2014" initiative, with 2014 as a symbolic year but also a feasible date for the accession of some countries to the EU.

Serbia is moving ahead, but a new era is also coming in Europe, the Greek premier added.

Note: Sources from Albanian Media ("Standard" Newspaper, 2009 edition), referring the Kosovo recognition by Athens, as an intern issue regarding the national interest of Greece, continues to be conditioned for the Autonomy of Northern Epirus, for the full rights of the Greek Community in Southern Albania.

Kosovo isolated after vote on Albania and Bosnia visas

Senior EU officials questioned by EUobserver do not believe that any of the non-recognisers - Cyprus, Greece, Romania, Slovakia and Spain - will change their mind in the coming years.

ANDREW RETTMAN

EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - MEPs have put the spotlight on Kosovo being left behind in terms of EU integration after waving through plans for visa-free travel for Albania and Bosnia on top of Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia.

The EU parliament on Thursday (7 October) passed by 538 votes to 47 a motion to let Albanians and Bosnians enter the vast majority of the EU without visas by the end of the year. The nay-sayers came mostly from British, French and Italian members in the eurosceptic EFD group. Almost half of the British-and-Polish-dominated anti-federalist ECR group abstained.

Kosovo declared independence in 2008. But five EU countries are blocking its progress in terms of EU visa-free travel and accession (Photo: Swifty)

Member sates are expected to rubber stamp the measure in November despite reported opposition from France. The new freedoms will only apply to biometric passport holders and will not cover Ireland and the UK.

Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia already made the EU visa-free list last December. The opening-up saw an initial surge of Macedonian and Serbian asylum-seekers to Belgium.

Several MEPs on Thursday noted that Kosovo is now the only part of the Western Balkans without any prospect of visa-free travel to the EU. Tanja Fanon, a centre-left Slovenian deputy who shepherded the visa bill through the EU assembly, blamed the situation on "the split between member states over recognition of its independence."................

http://euobserver.com/9/30991

A BALKAN BLOWBACK: SAUDI RADICALIZATION IN BOSNIA AND BEYOND

Aya Burweila (RIEAS Senior Analyst) Copyright: www.rieas.gr On October 1, 2006, on occasion of Eid Al-Adha, the leader of the Bosnia’s Islamic community, Mustafa Ceric had the following recommendations for the European Union: “Europe has no choice but to begin the process of institutionalizing Islam…to integrate into European society as dedicated Muslims and good citizens of the European Union, Europe must open itself to Muslims and look beyond the fear-provoking image’ to see the ‘spiritual and cultural face of Islam.’ In Bosnia itself however, the increasing presence of pockets of Islamic radicalism has caused Bosnians themselves to be concerned with the intimidating yet informal ‘institutionalization’ of Wahabi Islam. According to Christopher Deliso, author of the seminal The Coming Balkan Caliphate: The Threat of Radical Islam to Europe and the West, ‘By the mid 2005, Bosnia’s strategic value to major international terrorist groups was no longer merely as a logistical base and terrorist transfer zone. Bosnia had instead become both a staging post for terrorist attacks in Europe and a target for attacks itself.’ Indeed, the train bombings in Madrid deeply implicated Bosnia, with the Spanish investigators mentioning Bosnia no less than 300 times in their indictment. more see...www.rieas.gr

MILITARY NEWS ON THE REGION

Greek Gov't on armaments

ANA-MPA/Government spokesman Giorgos Petalotis stated on Wednesday that "it would be advisable not to confuse the comments made by (Alternate Greek DM Panos) Beglitis with those made by (Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip) Erdogan."

Petalotis spoke in response to a question by a reporter as regards an earlier statement by the Greek minister that "fortunes were made illegally from armaments transactions" and another statement by Erdogan, according to which "armaments were at the core of the Greek economic crisis."

The spokesman stated that Beglitis voiced the government's determination to put an end to questionable practices as regards armaments, adding that objectivity and transparency in armaments transactions is guaranteed.

Metropolitan of Berat in the inauguration of Irinej: Kosovo, Jerusalem

TIRANE-The Serbian daily Blic published statements of several bishops from different countries of the world who participated in the inauguration of the Serbian Patriarch in Pec.

Even the Metropolitan of Berat, Vlora, and all Southern Albania, Ignatius expressed concerned about the situation in Kosovo, not reluctant to call the new state, Serbia's Jerusalem.

"Now I see the situation in Kosovo. If I feel anxious. We Orthodox Albanians, have fueled feelings in common with the people and the Serbian church bombing, here and now in Kosovo. But at the same time I feel a great joy and pleasure here in Patriarchy and Kosovo. This is good for the Serbs and their church, and I know I feel your Jerusalem, "said Metropolitan Ignatius.

The Inauguration of the Serbian Patriarch Irinej gathered in the Patriarchate of Pec 40 senior representatives of all local Orthodox churches and some 30 senior representatives of other churches and traditional religious communities.

EP Backs No EU Visas for Bosnia, Albania

October 7, 2010, Thursday

Kosovo will soon be the only European state west of the Black Sea whose citizens will need visas for EU travel as the European Parliament back visa-free travel for the citizens of Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

On Thursday, the EP supported the motion with 538 votes in favor, and 47 against, while 41 MEPs abstained. The visa-free travel for Bosnians and Albanians still have to be approved by the Council of the EU Interior Ministers next month.

Thus, as of 2011, the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Albania will be able to travel with no visas to the EU.

In November 2009, the EU abolished the visa requirements for other Western Balkan states – Serbia, Macedonia, and Montenegro. Back then Albania and Bosnia were deemed "not ready".

Kosovo remains the only country in the Western Balkans, whose citizens will need visas to travel to EU countries.

The MEPs have expressed their regret that Kosovo is excluded from the process of visa regime liberalization, and is not even expected to be included in it any time soon.

This stems from the fact that only 22 of the 27 EU member states have recognized the independence of the former Serbian province.

Greek and Israeli special forces exercises in Ionian Sea with AH-64D Apache!

Greek and Israeli special forces exercises in Ionian Sea with AH-64D Apache!

Large air refueling exercises by Israeli fighters and the Turkish Air Force in the Athens FIR starting the day after tomorrow until October 21, with the Israelis to "land" in Andravida synaskisi for the Air Force (10-14/10) to scenario research -Rescue battle with the participation of special forces units.

The very striking feature of such sources report that Defence will be the participation of Israeli attack helicopters AH-64D Apache, and Greek "A". It is the first time that Israeli Apache will participate in exercises with Greek forces. Overall the exercise by the Israelis bring 4 attack helicopters AH-64 Apache (plus a spare) and 4 UH-60 (plus a spare).

On the Greek side will be 2 Apache, two Super Puma AS-332 and six fighters (F-16 or F-4). The exercise will be conducted in phases while the Israeli helicopters will go through the following areas before reaching Andravida: Crete, Kythira, Kalamata, and Northern Ionian Sea. The Israeli Air Force will perform a staged air refueling exercises will begin Sunday, October 10 and will culminate on October 21.

The scenarios are mixed with refueling aircraft and helicopters. Related NOTAM (A1824/10) issued by the CAA. Will be available at least three aircraft of the Israeli Air Force tanker and brought both F-15, and F-16, but and helicopters (UH-60).

Presumably the Israeli exercise to take part and Greek fighter jets. The first will include the Israeli helicopters will go to Andravida for research and combat rescue (CSAR) to the Air Force, as first written in defencenet.gr. Less 10 and October 11, transition arm Israeli helicopters would refuel from KC-130 aircraft.

Greek PM: Serbia's future is in EU

7 October 2010 | 09:46 | Source: Beta

BELGRADE -- Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou said in Belgrade that Serbia's future is in the EU and that Serbia needs to become a member as soon as possible. George Papandreou, Mirko Cvetković in Belgrade on Tuesday (Beta) At the end of an event called Serbia on the Road to Europe - 10 Years Later, Papandreou said that in 2000, the people of Serbia chose democracy, in a peaceful way. "For this, we are proud of your contribution," Papandreou said, commending Oct. 5 uprising leaders and later prime ministers Vojislav Koštunica, Zoran Đinđić and Boris Tadić on their roles after Oct. 5. He recalled a pledge that he made to late Premier Đinđić at his funeral in March 2003 -- that Serbia would join the EU. He reiterated his commitment to helping Serbia gain EU membership again on Oct. 5. In addition to Serbian government representatives, NGO and EU representatives in Belgrade, the event was attended by European Parliament officials Eduard Kukan and Jelko Kacin, Slovakian Foreign Minister Mikulas Dzurinda and others.

Albania sends mine-clearers to BiH

05/10/2010

TIRANA, Albania -- A contingent of ten Albanian soldiers trained as mine-clearers headed to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) on Monday (October 4th), to help locate and destroy remaining ordnance from the 1990s conflict.

"You are part of the 6th contingent that will help, as a NATO member, a friendly country that cannot walk safe on its land," Deputy Defence Minister Arjan Starova said at the departure ceremony.

The first Albanian contingent within the ALTHEA mission in BiH started operating in April 2008, 12 years after the first Albanian troops were sent to the country.

Albanian opposition SP (Greek nationality) lawmaker leaves party

04/10/2010

TIRANA, Albania -- Opposition Socialist Party (SP) lawmaker with Greek origin Vangjel Tavo, announced on Sunday (October 3rd) that he is leaving the party, citing "lack of democracy".

He says thousands of other socialist supporters are disappointed and feel they are not part of the political organization due to the lack of transparency in decision-making, organizing structure and internal democracy.

Tavo did not reveal whether he will join another political party or work as an independent member of parliament. The SP numbers in the 140-seated parliament have now dropped to 65.

Is not sure the politic stability of nearby future of Greek member represent inside Albanian opposite, but Tavo has declared no his self be part of Albanian majority.

US congressmen support FYROM's NATO bid

AP

SKOPJE, -- Several US congressmen have sent a letter to President Barack Obama in support of FYROM's NATO bid, local media reported on Saturday (October 2nd). In the letter, the 19 Congress members say that the United States should encourage members of the Alliance to offer a membership invitation to the country at the upcoming November summit in Lisbon. They also say that FYROM's NATO membership should not be linked to the final outcome of the long-standing name dispute between Skopje and Athens.

"FYROM's future in Euro-Atlantic institutions, as well as the security and stability of Southeast Europe, must no longer be negatively affected by bilateral issues with Greece," the letter reads. It was sent to the president ahead of FYROM Defence Minister Zoran Konjanovski's visit to the United States next week. Copies also went to Vice-President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Defence Secretary Robert Gates.

Official: No separatism in Vojvodina

3 October 2010 | 16:19 | Source: Beta

NOVI SAD -- Prime Minister of Vojvodina Bojan Pajtić believes the speculations about the "separatism" in Vojvodina are "utter nonsense." Bojan Pajtić "To mention the secession of Vojvodina would be no different than to claim there is an increasing separatism in Šumadija, which is utter nonsense," Pajtić said. According to him, such a scenario is not realistic, nor does any political group in the province uphold such a concept. However, the issue is still being used to “produce fear” in other parts of Serbia. "Intentionally or unintentionally, citizens are not sufficiently explained that whenever there is a tendency of a region to secede from the mother country, whether in Scotland, the Basque region or South Ossetia, these request are ethnically motivated," Pajtić said. He said that some politicians manipulated the emotions of citizens and “abuse the fact the people are sensitive to the disintegration of the state, since they have witnessed a lot in the past two decades - the bloody disintegration of Yugoslavia, Montenegrin departure, the unilateral secession of Kosovo.” Pajtić expressed satisfaction with the process of transferring authority from the state to the province and said that to date Vojvodina acquired over two thirds of its competencies, as stipulated by the new Statute of the Province and the transfer of authority. He assessed that failure to restitute the property to Vojvodina and local governments was a serious one, adding that the law on public property would enter the agenda of the autumn session of the National Assembly. Pajtić said that Vojvodina would open its representation office in Brussels in 2012, or alternatively when Serbia got the status of EU candidate.