Albania criticised by EU for lack of political dialogue

AUGUSTIN PALOKAJ

Albania's political institutions will be criticised by the European Commission on Tuesday (9 November), when the Balkan state's latest progress report is officially published.

The final recommendation of the draft report, seen by WAZ, is still missing and, according to diplomatic sources in Brussels, will be added just before the commission's final approval of the document.

Tirana: Albania's political institutions will be criticised by the European Commission

From the content of the opinion, however, things do not look good for Albania. Although eventual EU membership remains a "goal", it is clear that the commission will not be ready to suggest starting accession talks and even a recommendation to grant Albania candidate status is not yet assured.

The most problematic issue is the functioning of the country's democratic institutions.

"There is general consensus on the goal of EU membership," says the report. "Yet, effectiveness and stability of democratic institutions is not sufficiently achieved. Parliamentary institutions and procedures do not function properly. As a result parliament does not exercise effective oversight and control over the government and its scrutiny of legislative development is weak.".............................. see more;

http://waz.euobserver.com/887/31216

Greece and Albania, still without border in Ionian Sea

A foreign ministry spokesman on Thursday referred to the maritime and continental shelf delineation agreement between Greece and Albania, responding to a relevant question during a regular diplomatic press briefing.

Spokesman Grigoris Delavekouras said Athens' positions are clear-cut, where the Albanian government will have to restart procedures for ratification -- by the country's Parliament -- considering that a previous Albanian constitutional court ruling that has been issued.

"The agreement, which has been signed by both governments, meets the provisions of the (International) Law of the Sea Treaty and will benefit the two countries. The Albanian government acknowledges its usefulness and importance in allowing the two countries to proceed, even with the exploitation of natural resources detected in their sea zones," he pointed out, adding that such a development would have an important and positive impact on Albania's EU course.

Protest of Northern Epirots outside the Albanian embassy, in Athens

Two hundred young men from Northern Epirus, found yesterday afternoon in front of the Embassy of Albania in Athens

Beside them and other Greek associations, with a particular impression made by the organized presence of Cypriots of "RNC".

The Youth Northern Epirus, which organized the protest called for the holding of a fair trial, irrespective of nationality and language, for the unjust murder of Aristotle Gouma and exemplary punishment of the guilty and particularly condemn any extension to assimilate the Greek minority lands and properties in Northern Epirus.

The event was attended by members and staff of both the LAOS and the New Republic Party. After the protest, a group of several young came Kifissias Avenue, which he symbolically ruled for about ten minutes, singing the Greek national anthem.

Greek FM spokesman condemns incident at military cemetery in southern Albania

(ANA-MPA) -- A foreign ministry spokesman on Thursday condemned an incident in neighbouring Albania this past week that witnessed the burning of wreaths laid at a military cemetery in Bobostitsa where Greek servicemen who fell on the Albanian front during WWII are buried.

"This is an unacceptable incident, one that expresses circles that are unable to comprehend the new framework of relations between Greece and Albania, as well as the symbolism of the struggle against the Axis forces," spokesman Grigoris Delavekouras said during a regular press briefing.

Asked about a bilateral agreement on the upkeep of military cemeteries, the spokesman said both Athens and Tirana have expressed their satisfaction, with only the pact's implementation now pending.

The Greeks and the planned census in Albania

by Constantine Holeva In the first half of April 2011, the neighboring Albania will host the first-hopefully objective and democratic-census population. For the country itself that is important because the census is one of the conditions set by the institutions of E. Union to move closer to Albania's economic and political institutions of the EU.

The survey of minority ethnic and religious communities, the way will become and the presence or absence of protests from interested parties will provide a good sample of the intentions of Tirana to the respect of Human Rights. Let us not forget that the concepts of minority religious groups, etc. have a special charge in the neighboring country.

First, because the Communist government of Enver Hoxha and Ramiz Alia, of Albania, was proclaimed as the first completely atheistic country in the world. Priests imprisoned or executed, and Roman catholic Orthodox churches were converted into stables, and even mosques closed. Secondly, because Islam in Albania is divided into two large groups and will now look for the first time how many more:

The Sunnis (with Turkey homogenize) or Bektashi. Third, because even after the fall of communism in 1990-91, the Greek ethnic community who live mainly in Northern Epirus, suffered a political persecution, sometimes the hard way (trial of 6 members of OMONOIAS) and sometimes a mild but insidiously (decrees and judicial decisions adverse to the Greek property ownership).

On the basis of religious and ethnological map of Albania proper recording of communities and minority interest: In terms of religious factors, the Orthodox Church, the Vatican, and the Sunni community Bektasiki worldwide. In terms of states interested in Greece where Greeks, Skopje Slavophones few Christians in the region Prespa-them as "Macedonians minority" - Montenegro the Orthodox community of Skoder and lately the official interest for the Romanian Vlach-speaking Greeks, which characterizes Bucharest and Romanian...........................

more in Greek: www.nenanews.eu

Reflections in Skopje for the 'Albanian Natural Limits'

Reflections in Skopje for the 'Albanian Natural Limits'

"Strong was the reaction of the Macedonians of the Diaspora, who emphasized the announcement that the "Natural Albania" is a fascist and Nazi plan does not consolidate the Albanian but actually dissolves the existing Albania and divided into Muslim and Christian"

Promoting a new political movement to "Natural Albania", after the meeting of Albanian in Tirana, has turned the debate on this issue in Skopje.

A part of Skopje media that dealt with the matter described it as unrealistic threat the region of Macedonia. The same classification as "utopian project, rated informal sources of Skopje Foreign Ministry because of the pursuit of such a plan would first have to Albania to withdraw its membership in NATO and then to accept Ntanai design Kochi, for "natural" boundaries of Albania.

Strong was the reaction of the Macedonians of the Diaspora, who emphasized the announcement that the "Natural Albania" is a fascist and Nazi plan does not consolidate the Albanian but actually dissolves the existing Albania and divided into Muslim and Christian. Pavlo Trainof the 'democratic society' (LDM), one of the deputies of the ruling coalition in Macedonia, said that these projects should be considered seriously.

"Ideas for Great Albania should not be overlooked. As a country, we must be careful when you put such public theses, "said Trainof. Meanwhile, the media in Albania and Macedonia, said the creation of a new national movement that seeks the union of the Albanian element located in countries Balkans, writes today 'Bota Sot'.

However, none of the Albanian political leaders in Macedonia was not involved in the event of Tirana. The basic principles of movement that proposed by Koço Danaj which calls 'natural' unification of Albanian lands and living in a single state, the "Natural Albania" that will be pursued through democratic means ...

The issue of demarcation agreement between the maritime areas of Greece - Albania by the spokesman of Greek FM

In agreement delimiting the maritime zones between Greece and Albania, reported today by Foreign Ministry spokesman in response to the question raised by diplomatic editors.

The spokesman Gr.Delavekouras said that Greece's views are clear and that the Albanian government should complete the procedures ratification of the agreement, given the decision taken by the Constitutional Court.'

'The agreement was signed by the two governments meet the provisions of the Law of the Sea and for the benefit of both countries.

The Albanian government recognizes how beneficial and important, so both countries can move forward even exploit the natural wealth that exists in the maritime zones of both countries,''the spokesman noted, adding that such a development would and significant positive impact on Albania's path towards the EU

Albanian government adopts 2011 budget

04/11/2010

TIRANA, Albania -- The government adopted the 2011 budget Wednesday (November 3rd), the largest in the country's history. Road infrastructure will get the most capital investments, Prime Minister Sali Berisha said, adding that new salary and pension increases will be enforced next year, ranging between 5% and 10%. The majority has the votes needed to pass the bill in parliament, but it must first undergo discussion by parliamentary panels.

In other news Wednesday, Deputy Prime Minister Ilir Meta told members of his Socialist Movement for Integration that Albania has achieved a lot in 20 years. Speaking at an annual meeting with youth of the party, Meta said the country has changed from an exodus point to a country moving closer to European integration. Albania has also met European Commission conditions for visa liberalisation within a record period, Meta said.

Tadić apologizes during Vukovar, Croatia visit

4 November 2010, B92, Tanjug

VUKOVAR -- Serbian and Croatian presidents Boris Tadić and Ivo Josipović have placed wreaths for Croat victims in Ovčara, near Vukovar. Josipović and Tadić meet (Tanjug) The two are later expected to visit a memorial for Serb civilians killed in the town of Paulin Dvor. Both towns saw executions of prisoners and civilians during the war in 1991. "I am here to once again offer words of apology, to express regret and create a possibility for Serbs and Croats, Serbia and Croatia, to turn a new page of history," said Tadić at Ovčara. According to him, by admitting to crimes, apologizing and expressing regret, possibilities are created for reconciliation. "Everything that happened to Serbs and Croats in the twentieth century can be put in the book of the past, which in itself would be an act of writing a book of the future," Tadić said. .................. www.b92.com

ALBANIA

Paralysis halts progress

04.11.2010

There is a general feeling in Brussels that Albania belongs with the most troubled would-be members of the European Union, Kosovo and Bosnia, even though, unlike them, it has already submitted its membership application.

The application, made in April last year, was considered premature by European Commission officials and many member states, which tried to dissuade Prime Minister Sali Berisha from taking the step. It came two months before a parliamentary election and was seen as an attempt to boost the electoral chances of Berisha's Democratic Party. (The DP fell short of an absolute majority and entered a coalition with a smaller partner.)

Since the election, Albania's political troubles have deepened. The opposition has been demanding the re-opening of ballot boxes to verify alleged fraud; the government says that it cannot do so without breaking its electoral code. As a result of the stand-off, the Socialists boycotted parliament outright, then refused to participate in important votes, paralysing legislative work.

In July, the European Parliament called on the two sides to end the paralysis by setting up a parliamentary panel to look into the allegations of electoral fraud, but the two sides have not been able to agree the mandate of such a panel. As a result, the Commission's assessment next week will be negative, and it will not be able to recommend that Albania be made an official candidate or that accession talks begin.

“Political dialogue is confrontational and unconstructive, not least because of the political stalemate since the June 2009 elections,” the Commission says in its progress report, seen by European Voice. “This obstructs parliamentary work and prevents necessary policy reforms based on consensus, which are needed on the country's EU integration path.”

A Commission official said that the paralysis was a sign of Albania's lack of political maturity. The paralysis extends into society at large: a survey in October, conducted by the Open Society Foundation Albania, found an even split between respondents who thought that the opposition's demands were legitimate and those who did not.

Home-made problems

Albanian officials say that the Commission's position handed the Socialists a veto over the country's future. “It is short-sighted to punish the entire country for the failure of the opposition to engage in political dialogue,” a source said. “The EU should offer Albania candidacy but not the opening of [accession] talks – that would send the right signal.”

Albanian sources do, however, concede that, unlike the factors holding back Bosnia and Kosovo, Albania's problems are almost entirely home-made. One of them is corruption, which is significant despite recent improvements such as the complete digitalisation of public tenders.

In the past few months, Albania has met all EU conditions for the lifting of visa requirements, a major boost for the government. But while that will make it easier for Albanians to travel to Europe, it has not brought the country any closer to the EU. Even if the political paralysis can be overcome, Albania is very far from the EU.

ALBANIA

Paralysis halts progress

04.11.2010 / 05:52 CET

There is a general feeling in Brussels that Albania belongs with the most troubled would-be members of the European Union, Kosovo and Bosnia, even though, unlike them, it has already submitted its membership application.

The application, made in April last year, was considered premature by European Commission officials and many member states, which tried to dissuade Prime Minister Sali Berisha from taking the step. It came two months before a parliamentary election and was seen as an attempt to boost the electoral chances of Berisha's Democratic Party. (The DP fell short of an absolute majority and entered a coalition with a smaller partner.)

Since the election, Albania's political troubles have deepened. The opposition has been demanding the re-opening of ballot boxes to verify alleged fraud; the government says that it cannot do so without breaking its electoral code. As a result of the stand-off, the Socialists boycotted parliament outright, then refused to participate in important votes, paralysing legislative work.

In July, the European Parliament called on the two sides to end the paralysis by setting up a parliamentary panel to look into the allegations of electoral fraud, but the two sides have not been able to agree the mandate of such a panel. As a result, the Commission's assessment next week will be negative, and it will not be able to recommend that Albania be made an official candidate or that accession talks begin.

“Political dialogue is confrontational and unconstructive, not least because of the political stalemate since the June 2009 elections,” the Commission says in its progress report, seen by European Voice. “This obstructs parliamentary work and prevents necessary policy reforms based on consensus, which are needed on the country's EU integration path.”

A Commission official said that the paralysis was a sign of Albania's lack of political maturity. The paralysis extends into society at large: a survey in October, conducted by the Open Society Foundation Albania, found an even split between respondents who thought that the opposition's demands were legitimate and those who did not.

Home-made problems

Albanian officials say that the Commission's position handed the Socialists a veto over the country's future. “It is short-sighted to punish the entire country for the failure of the opposition to engage in political dialogue,” a source said. “The EU should offer Albania candidacy but not the opening of [accession] talks – that would send the right signal.”

Albanian sources do, however, concede that, unlike the factors holding back Bosnia and Kosovo, Albania's problems are almost entirely home-made. One of them is corruption, which is significant despite recent improvements such as the complete digitalisation of public tenders.

In the past few months, Albania has met all EU conditions for the lifting of visa requirements, a major boost for the government. But while that will make it easier for Albanians to travel to Europe, it has not brought the country any closer to the EU. Even if the political paralysis can be overcome, Albania is very far from the EU.

Kosovo welcomes Turkey mediation over Serbia ties

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said Turkey was ready assume a mediator role between Kosovo and Serbia if the two countries requested it.

"We are ready for mediation between Kosovo and Serbia if receive such an invitation. Because we want setting in this region based on peace, which is all we need," Erdogan told reporters in a joint press appearance with his Kosovo counterpart, Hashim Thaci, in Pristina.

Erdogan said that Turkey's relations with Serbia had recently seen a significant progress, and that the Serbian leadership had signaled an expectation for a Turkish mediation, coupled with a similar position from the Kosovar side as well.

"Turkey is ready to assume whatever role it is requested of to contribute to the peace process in the Balkans," Erdogan said.

Erdogan said Turkey was among the countries first to recognize Kosovo's independence, adding that Muslim countries seemed hesitant for recognition.

"Turkey is a member of the Organization of the Islamic Conference and Turkey's recognition of Kosovo's independence is a signal for other members of the organization. And the ruling by the European Court of Human Rights will pave the way for more positive developments," Erdogan said.

CALL FOR PROTEST AT FRONT OF THE ALBANIAN EMBASSY

The Youth Northern Epirus is organizing a protest rally Thursday, November 4, 2010. The merger will take place outside the Albanian embassy in street Ave Avenue, at 18:00.

The reason this initiative is the continuous violation of human rights of Greeks in Northern Epirus. The fixed policy of Albania shows that the aim is the uprooting of Northern from their ancestral homes. Every day in Northern Epirus violated every principle of law and protection of human rights.

The examples are numerous and show that Albania has consistently refused to implement a series of commitments under the Convention - A Framework signed for minorities.

TRACASA - OSCE, conduct the first registration and cadastral update Properties in 47 coastal areas of Albania

TRACASA Albania has signed the award of an international public project, organized by the OSCE (Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe) which is the first entry in the register of real estate, digitization, data conversion, maintenance and improvement of cadastre for inclusion in a Geographic Information System (GIS-GIS) of 47 priority coastal areas cadastral in that Balkan country.

This is the second project of its kind that the company deals in Albania Navarra, next to which is already running in 22 urban areas of that country. Albania has significant tourism potential in its coast (Adriatic and Ionian seas) requires an accurate and up to legally guarantee land and properties to promote investment.

TRACASA, which will collaborate with two local companies in this new contract, update the land, recognize the legal situation, digitized and transferred to a GIS (Geographic Information System) data obtained, review and improve the quality of the information, 47 coastal areas of Albania. The amount of the project is 732,832 euros. Albania was the last European country to abandon the tutelage of the former USSR.

The process of change towards a free market society underwent convulsive stages which resulted in conflicts in ownership of real estate. The new contract strengthens the internationalization of markets TRACASA non-Hispanics.

Registration project uncertainty

Communities of owners, who constitute the fundamental basis of the project, are concerned for their cooperation and the legal basis, in which the Spanish company in cooperation with the OSCE, will register property in Ionian coast, from Dukati until Ksamil.

Specifically the questions that make up the concerns, are:


1. Is there confidence that the Spanish company, by the Albanian authorities, will present original documents and not counterfeit? In this respect:

2. What document will be taken into account for registration:
A. with law 7501?
B. With documentation of old property ownership before 1942?

If the owners will contest the law 7501, what would be the way, operate the company, the registration of property?

Vangel Dule: Berisha Government, violates the rights of the Greek minority

The President' of HRUP, Vangel Dule has accused the government of violating the rights of the Greek minority in Albania.

At a press conference's head HRUP Dule said to have been unfairly left off the supporters of this political force, adding that they are violating the rights of citizens Dule presenting a list of persons in his left unfairly stressed that it is a violation of human rights that made the Greek minority.

This is the vision of integration Berisha" Dule said, adding that HURP will stand to protect all citizens who are unfairly dismissed.

Plans for 'Greater Albania' by 2015, South Serbia Leader Says

Plans are being drawn up for all Albanians in the Balkans to live in a "greater Albanian state" by 2015, Orhan Rexhepi, an ethnic Albanian official from south Serbia, told Balkan Insight.

Bojana Barlovac

"We [Albanians from south Serbia] are preparing to realise the idea of a greater Albania to be formed by 2013 or 2015 at the latest," Rexhepi, the vice president of the Presevo assembly, said on Tuesday. Talks on such a project were held over the weekend in Tirana, where the List for Natural Albania was presented for the first time. Rexhepi attended the meeting along with the mayor of Presevo, Ragmi Mustafa, and the leader of the Party for Democratic Progress, Jonuz Musliu.

"I was in Tirana over the weekend to support the project and announce that my party [Party for Democratic Progress, PDP] will become part of the List [For Natural Albania] and take part in the next elections in Presevo," Rexhepi said. The PDP is the largest and most influential ethnic Albanian party in south Serbia.

The List for Natural Albania includes the groups and individuals who support the idea of a "natural", or "greater" Albania of one state for all ethnic Albanians in the Balkans, which would include parts of the territories of Macedonia, Montenegro, Greece, and Serbia. According to the project, Albanians in these countries would hold a referendum to plead for the establishment of the state.

http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/greater-albania-to-be-formed-by-2013-south-serbia-leader-say

Security on the Region

Security on the Region

The submarine Papanikolis "the power of the Fleet

The submarine "Papanikolis" joined Tuesday to power the fleet during a special ceremony held in Kiel, Germany, attended by Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Dimitrios Elefsinioti.

The ceremony raising of the Greek flag and acceptance by the Navy were present, too, the ambassador Greece in the Federal Republic of Germany, Dimitrios Rallis, the Consul of Greece in Hamburg, Catherine Dimaki, the chairman of HDW, Andreas Burmester. Originally the "Papanikolis" was scheduled to join the fleet strength in late 2005.

The name "Papanikolis" has been on two other submarines of the Navy in the past. The first was a glorious underwater World War II, received in 1927 and mothballed in 1945 and the second was received in 1972 and mothballed in 1992. In Greek Shipyards Scaramanga made three other submarines of the program.

These are the submarines that carry the name PIPINOS, MATROZOS KATSONIS and in honor of heroes and battle of the Revolution of 1821.

OSCE will start the registration of property in Ionian coast

A Spanish company called by the OSCE, will perform the registration of property, but does not declare what the documentation will present owners.

"The conflict between the owners, can block the registration in that there is no consensus between the parties" The problem of ownership of the coastal area could get a final solution by the year 2011. Project registration of property in this area of southern Albania is acquired by a Spanish company, which will deliver in late 2011-s near the Albanian authorities, a documentary record database.

Sponsored by the OSCE, the process in question was warned several months ago by Foreign Minister of Greece, Dimitris Droutsas, who has expressed interest in this case directly to this state on this issue. While there are important ways of organizing and involvement in the registration of all property owned asset in this part of the country.

Thus, sources from the coast of Directors declared the newspaper "Shqip" that the process will be taken into account and consider not only agricultural land but also land, homes and buildings, with a word of all real estate in this area.

The Coastal Associations and The Himara Community, have formally requested the registration of land not under the law 7501 but returning properties by generations of the family. But according to sources, the Spanish company, will retire, if the documentation provided by the state, will be by sources of counterfeiting or will be contested by residents. For this reason, the population of those zones, ongoing protests by residents of Lukovo and Himare areas, is expected documentation valid for registration, to be inherited by properties of 1942.

Tirana, is ready the new parliament, for "Greater Albania"

The Opposition leader, Edi Rama supports the new parliament building, which apparently was designed by Prime Minister Berisha, as a symbol of "Greater Albania".

After much debate on both sides, opposition and the government is finally established with the approval of the political opposition, construction of new Albanian parliament, which is seen by international analysts as a symbol of unity among the Albanians in a state that will to realize the dream of Albanian nationalism; The Greater Albania.

With this diplomatic act, the Albanians would join their national aspirates by 2013, which claim that the "Great Powers, had taken arbitrary territories of Albanians, to neighbors wgich have provided a century ago, and this injustice, to be repaired now".

Sali Berisha.

The Premier Berisha, demands by this decision, to move you with deep political crisis that has included Albania, but throwing in international public affairs of building a new parliament, at the same time justify the aspirations of the Albanians to be ready to undertake initiatives for the unification of Albanians, having first, a new parliament as a symbol of national unity.

Edi Rama.

The Chairman of the opposition, Edi Rama, has approved in principle the construction of the new parliament, but said that residents of "this development, should be studied international expertise. In fact, Edi Rama, is exempt from the socialist party, every element of Hellenism who have been political intelligence of the Socialist Party in the last ten years, but after, arriving at the head of the party, Edi Rama, turned Socialist Party, as center of Albanian nationalist and opposition, losing recently, his constituency, in southern Albania.

Similar article by Greek press:
http://www.e-typos.com/content.aspx?cid=14473&catid=6

Picture: FOCUS News Agency

Bulgarian minister: We are satisfied with decision for Albanian census to provide field for free declaration of national identity

02 November 2010 FOCUS News Agency

Home / Bulgaria

Tirana. Recognition of Bulgarian national minority in Albania will depend on how many people will declare their Bulgarian national identity at the upcoming census in Albania in 2011.
“We are satisfied with the decision for the upcoming census in Albania to provide a field in which people will be given the freedom to declare their national identity. It will be almost the same in Bulgaria,” said Bulgarian Minister without portfolio in charge of the Bulgarian residents abroad Bozhidar Dimitrov after meeting Albania’s Deputy Foreign Minister Edit Harxhi, FOCUS News Agency reporter informs.
“As I say – let’s see the Bulgarians in Albania, who seem very numerous in front of my office and are now much more active in their demands, let’s see them. There are no obstacles. It is not like in other Balkan counties where there is a risk for Bulgarians to express their national identity,” Bozhidar Dimitrov remarked.

Koco Danaj in Skopje meetings for the Natural Albania

By 2013 to establish a new Albanian state. This argues Director of the Institute for Regional forecast from Tirana, Koco Danaj

The new state according to his words will cover all of Albania and Kosovo, but there will be parts of Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia and Greece, where Albanians live.

His idea Danaj introduced on the promotion of the political list "Natural Albania". Appreciated that the Albanians in those countries should go to referendum, which will declare the establishment of a large Albanian state.

The creation of a new state according to him should happen peacefully and through negotiations with neighboring countries. Its establishment would be contributed to stability and development in the Balkans. Also as said Danaj would solve the Albanian question.

Otherwise Koco Danaj argues that this idea has support among the international community and stressed that the formation of such a state leads to stability and prosperity in the region and resolving the Albanian question.

Otherwise, the Director of the Institute for Regional forecasts was formerly an adviser to three prime ministers of Albania. Reactions among Albanian parties in Macedonia about this:

"I would not say a straight position, but of course the current situation in the Balkans are clear, we have an independent Kosovo, the Ohrid Agreement in Macedonia and Albania in NATO, so that the Balkans is stable and expect to continue that." Said Tahir Hani from DUI.

From the New Democracy said that ethnic Albanians in Macedonia see their future in the European Macedonia and working towards achieving this vision.
"The future of the citizens of Macedonia to NATO and the EU, the EU where there are no borders, where are all integrated." Said Hoxha Arijanit from New Democracy.

The event of "Natural Albania", in Tirana, was attended by representatives of Germany, Denmark, Belgium and USA.

Koco Danaj,

He was born in Albania, but from 1990-1997 he lived in Switzerland.

After he came back to Albania he continues to work as independent political analyst.

In November 1999 he started working as Chief of Cabinet and Political Adviser to the Albanian Socialist Party Chairman, Mr. Fatos Nano. From September 2000 to February 2002 working as Political Adviser to the Prime Minister of Albania at the time, Mr. Ilir Meta. From February 2002 until July 2002 working as adviser to the Prime Minister of Albania, Mr. Pandeli Majko.September 2002 to September 2003 working as Advisor and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ilir Meta.

http://kocodanaj.blogspot.com/2010/06/lista-per-shqiperine-natyrale-u-shpall.html

Serbian media: Albanians talk about the Great Albania

Serbian media: Albanians talk about the Great Albania

The chairman of the Democratic Party of Albanians and the Mayor of Presevo, Ragkmi Mustafa, said Monday that the Albanian politicians representing the Western Balkans require a 'natural Albania "and the revision of the London Conference and the Congress of Berlin.

Mustafa took part in the meeting of the Albanian policies held yesterday in Tirana at the invitation of the political analyst, Koço Danaj.

As stated by the mayor of Presevo to agency Beta, «at the meeting attended by political representatives of Albanians from the Presevo, Bujanovac and the Mentventia, Western Macedonia, Kosovo and Albania, who have publicly sought to find a solution to the problems of Albanians living in different countries.

"Additionally, in Skopje yesterday's publication of 'In Press' reported the meeting, which enumerated the articles of this website, the past already, in April: How to become a Greater Albania . The publication of ' Inpress ', yesterday, stated that the' natural area of Albania "is today Albania, part of Northwestern Greece, part of Montenegro, Kosovo, the Western region of Macedonia and southern Serbia.

Giannoulias, Wilson Fight for Seats in Illinois & New York

Alexi Giannoulias heads for victory in Illinois senatorial race. Greek American Harry Wilson runs for N.Y. State Comptroller.

Boosted by the presence of President Barack Obama and other prominent Chicago politicians, including Mayor Richard Daley, U.S. Senator Richard Durbin and Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr., Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias makes his final push to win Obama’s old seat in the U.S. Senate. The race is tied, with polls showing Giannoulias’ opponent Mark Kirk with a slim 2 point advantage. But Giannoulias campaign hopes that Obama’s presence will encourage the Democratic voters – especially African Americans and Latinos – to vote on Tuesday.

US President Barack Obama shakes hands with Illinois Treasurer and candidate for the US Senate Alexi Giannoulias at an outdoor Democratic Party election rally near his home on the south side of Chicago, Illinois.

“Chicago, I need you to keep on fighting. Illinois, I need you to keep on believing,” Obama said to a huge crowd in the Midway Plaisance at the University of Chicago.

President Barack Obama tried Saturday night to encourage the voters in a hometown rally to overcome forecasts of a Republican wave of victories that would end the Democrats’ one-party control of Washington.

“If you’re willing to step up, if you’re willing to try … we will restore our economy. We will rebuild the middle class and we will reclaim the American dream for another generation and generations to come.”...www.greeknewsonline.com

Security on the Region,

Security on the Region,

The "Charles de Gaulle" (R91) arrives in Greece, before the meeting of G. Papandreou with Sarkozy

In the Aegean region and south of Crete is to call the end of next week's battle group's flagship vessel of the French Navy's nuclear-powered aircraft carrier "Charles de Gaulle" (R91).

The vessel sailed from the port of Toulon this morning and is directed primarily towards the Italian waters for exercises with the Italian Air Force and then will come to Greece.

However, the exercises so far have demonstrated the superiority of the combination F-16/Erieye, to the combination of Rafale / Hawkeye. In the vast majority of scenarios, Greek fighter excelled clearly broken ground to the French fighter. So the advent of "Charles de Gaulle" (R91) and its destiny, has taken the character of "revenge" for the French who, after the victories were katagagei against Fate of American aircraft carriers were equipped with F-14 years ago, got a good lesson from the Greeks pilots.

But in any case, the return of French aircraft carrier is primarily political importance: The Greek-lead relationship for four years "golden" period seems to be confirmed during the visit of Prime Minister George Papandreou in Paris and his meeting with Nicolas Sarkozy in des Champs-Elysées on 15 November. The "Charles de Gaulle" (R91), started for the Eastern Mediterranean two weeks ago, but a faulty safety valve in the reactor imposed his return to Toulon.

Russian contingent of Marines honors "October 28" in Spetsia, greek island

Russian contingent of Marines honors "October 28" in Spetsia, greek island

Russian Marines found on the island of Spetses, just the day of Greek national anniversary and participated with his band of the ship to celebrate the anniversary "YAMAL". The Russian ship was in Greece during the official visit to celebrate the anniversary of the battle of Navarino.

In during his return from mission, it made a stop at Spetses and celebrated with the residents on October 28. Russian soldiers applauded by the people especially when performed in prices at front of Bouboulinas monument located in the beach. marched with the students on the coastal road and the people saw that the long Greek-Russian friendship is always alive.

Burned wreaths in Bobostitcha

Burned wreaths in Bobostitcha

After the murder Aristotel Gouma, the event in Boboshtitsa is considered as the most dangerous incident between relations of Tirana and Athens

According to the Albanian media, unknown burned wreaths were deposited during the celebration of the anniversary of the monument in "Oxi Day" in Bobostitcha, Koritsa Region. The event took place just after the celebration ceremony.

The move came as the culmination of intense protests of Albanians led by history Prof. known as ultra Albanian nationalist Pellumb Xhufi, making this attack on their dead. They argue that the cemetery is only a Greek soldier, and that the rest are Albanians.

In addition, Omonia Organization, the Greek Represent in Kortsa Konsulate, Ikonomou and the Orthodox Church, has reacted for the vandal act against the Greek anniversary Day of "OXI". According to latest information, has no still any react by Albanian government, when the incident is passing by Albanian media as a "provocation of Greece to rebirth the Northern Epirus front line from Koritsa to Vlora".

For another Albanian ultra nationalist Sabri Godo, for the incident, must live Albanian Territory the Greek Consul in Koritsa Ikonomou, as the responsible to raise of the chauvinist northern Epirus rhetoric, against Albanian national interests.

Just yesterday after Greek Day OXI ceremony, the chairman of PDI Party, which represents the "Chameria community", Shpetim Idrizi, calls the albanian government to protest strongly for the is happening in Koritsa Region with Greek memorials.

video; http://www.balkanweb.com/videoAlbum/popup.php?vIDCategoria=48&IDVideo=7309&va_id_video=7309

video; http://www.balkanweb.com/videoAlbum/popup.php?vIDCategoria=42&IDVideo=7304&va_id_video=7304

video; http://www.shekulli.com.al/2010/11/01/varrezat-pasaportat-greke-bejne-memece-banoret-e-boboshtices.html

Picture: FOCUS News Agency

Bulgarian citizenship issuing for Bulgarians in Albania speeded up over the last year and a half

01 November 2010 | 09:39 | FOCUS News Agency

Durres. Bulgarian citizenship issuing procedure for people from the Bulgarian communities in Albania has been speeded up. Around 1,000 Bulgarians from Albania have obtained Bulgarian passports over the last years, FOCUS News Agency envoy to Albania reports.

At the meeting between Bulgarian minister without portfolio in charge of Bulgarian residents abroad, Bozhidar Dimitrov, and representatives of the Bulgarian communities in Elbasan and Durres, held in the city of Durrest, it was announced there are still some unsolved problems connected to delayed or lost records. Some people have waited for Bulgarian citizenship for four or five years.

With the adoption of the new Bulgarian Citizenship Act there is a one-year deadline within which the candidate should either obtain Bulgarian citizenship or get rejection on the application.
Some 1,326 applications for Bulgarian citizenship have been filed from 2001 until 2007, while 299 people have obtained Bulgarian passport.
Around three times more people have obtained Bulgarian passports after the procedure has been speeded up as of mid-2009, Minister Dimitrov said.

Picture: МС

Bulgarian minister without portfolio visits Albania

30 October 2010

Home / Southeast Europe and Balkans

Tirana. Bulgarian minister without portfolio Bozhidar Dimitrov has arrived on a visit to Albania.

The official part of the visit starts on Sunday, the minister’s office announced.
The minister is scheduled to meet with the Bulgarian community and Albanian Foreign Minister Edmond Haxhinasto, who is responsible also for the Albanian diaspora.

Apart from visiting capital Tirana, Minister Dimitrov is to go also to the town of Berat where he will honor the relics of the Old Bulgarian saints Angelariy, Sava and Gorazd, disciples of Saints Cyril and Methodius.

In the Bulgarian embassy in Albania the minister without portfolio will unveil an exhibition dedicated to the Old Bulgarian alphabet. The items on display have been given by the foundation ‘Bulgarian memory’ and will stay in Albania for a month.