Saturday, January 22, 2011

Arrests, strong rhetoric in Albania despite calls for compromise

By the CNN Wire Staff
January 23, 2011 -- Updated 0210 GMT (1010 HKT)
Relatives grieve over the body of Herukan Deda, 40, in Laknas on Saturday a day after a deadly riot that killed Deda and two others.
Relatives grieve over the body of Herukan Deda, 40, in Laknas on Saturday a day after a deadly riot that killed Deda and two others.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • Police arrest 113 people after Friday's violent demonstration in Tirana, a spokeswoman says
  • Albania's PM has accused the Socialist Party head of targeting him and fomenting violence
  • The opposition blames the government and says the PM's party rigged the last election
  • The U.S. ambassador retirates calls for compromise to resolve the political stalemate

(CNN) -- Despite international calls for calm and negotiations, Albania's ruling government continued Saturday to levy sharply-worded rhetoric against its opposition and arrested 113 people following a massive Friday protest that turned violent, state-run media reported.

Those arrested were charged with confronting riot police and destroying property during Friday's demonstration in Tirana, a city police spokeswoman told reporters, according to the state-run ATA news agency.

Three protesters were killed -- all shot at close range, according to Tirana Military Hospital emergency chief Sami Koceku.

The clashes left at least 35 civilians and 27 police hurt, the state-run TVSH network reported.

"Yesterday was a terrible day for Albania," U.S. Ambassador Alexander Arvizu said Saturday. "There were no winners. There were only losers."

Gallery: Albania protesters clash with police
Albanian anti-govt. protest turns deadly
RELATED TOPICS

The opposition Socialist Party claimed, on its website, that around 250,000 people had gathered outside Prime Minister Sali Berisha's office to implore him to resign. Some protesters threw stones and Molotov cocktails at the more than 1,000 police at the scene, who used water cannon to disperse the crowd.

The Socialist Party blamed police for provoking protesters by using the water tanks and tear gas. But on Saturday, Berisha again accused his rival Edi Rama, Tirana's mayor and the Socialist Party head, of spearheading the violence.

He claimed that demonstrators were trying to takeover the prime minister's office, parliament and cabinet ministries.

"Those behind the putsch and bandits will receive the deserved punishment," he told reporters, according to ATA. "No force in this world can take over the democratic institutions of Albania, a NATO member country."

Earlier this month, in an interview quoted in a Socialist Party newsletter, Rama reiterated long-standing claims that Berisha's ruling Democratic Party had rigged the June 2009 election.

"Are there any Albanians who have not yet understood that (Berisha) stole the elections in order to rob Albania?" he said.

The country's supreme court determined that the elections were valid, and the ballots were burned by the Central Election Commission.

The Socialist Party boycotted Albania's parliament between September 2009 and February 2010, according to the U.S. State Department. Reconciliation efforts since then have been unsuccessful, with opposition parties continuing to push hard against the Democrats in alleging corruption.

The tensions escalated in the past two weeks, after a former government minister sent the media a secret recording that allegedly documented an illicit back-room deal.

In addition to the increasingly pointed, accusatory barbs between Rama and Berisha, personal slurs marred a parliamentary session this week meant to settle governmental changes following the resignation of a minister central to that video.

On Friday, Berisha vowed that there would "be no early elections" and that "general elections will be held in 2013," a rebuttal to a proposal being pushed by the opposition

Such entrenched stances, the strong language and Friday's violence came as diplomats outside Albania continued to push for a peaceful solution to a southern European nation's stalemate. Rama, then the nation's president, was the focus of the last such severe unrest in 1997, when angry mobs protested voting irregularities and government-backed Ponzi schemes that plunged Albania into near anarchy.

Albania's current president, Bamir Topi, met Saturday with prominent U.S., U.K. and European diplomats. A day earlier, he'd urged all parties to resume talks soon and not to reopen old wounds.

"We have repeatedly urged Albania's political leaders to search for compromise," said Arvizu, one of those who met with Topi. "When one side -- or both -- insists on maximalist positions that it knows the other side cannot accept, I'm sorry, that's not compromise. Resolving political differences through street battles is also not compromise, and does not reflect the democratic aspirations of Albanians."

"It's time to desist from further provocations," he added. "It's time to stop the mutual recriminations and name-calling."

Those remarks echoed similar ones the previous day from the European Union, which has been considering adding Albania as a member. On Saturday, a key member of the EU's parliament said the recent escalation of tensions could hinder that development.

"I hope that, in this critical moment, the politicians will show maturity and will engage ... in finding a compromise solution," said Eduard Kukan of Slovakia.

International Community Expresses Concern Over Deadly Protests in Albania

Opposition protesters throw stones at police after a pro-opposition rally in Tirana, Albania, 21 Jan 2011
Photo: AP

Opposition protesters throw stones at police after a pro-opposition rally in Tirana, Albania, 21 Jan 2011

The United States and the European Union are among those appealing for calm in Albania, after at least three people were killed and dozens were injured in anti-government protests in the capital Tirana. Albania's Prime Minister Sali Berisha says he will not allow a similar overthrow of his government as in Tunisia, but the opposition has vowed more demonstrations.

The Tirana diplomatic missions of the European Union, United States and Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe say in a joint statement that they deeply regret the casualties in Friday's anti-government protests.

They also call for a compromise. That seems difficult.

Supporters of the opposition Socialists accuse the government of financial wrong doing and vote rigging during the 2009 elections. Tensions further increased this week when the country's deputy prime minister, Ilir Meta, resigned amid an alleged corruption scandal.

Albania's Prime Minister Sali Berisha has accused his opponents of attempting a "Tunisia-style uprising," a reference to the bloody overthrow of Tunisia's president in which scores were killed.

Mr. Berisha says Albania will not pass into a similar "state of emergency." He has told Albanians in televised remarks that "scenarios of violence will not be tolerated."

But those watching the recent demonstrations have already described them as the worst violence to erupt in the volatile Balkan nation in over a decade.

Video footage of Friday's protest shows that shots are fired as security forces try to push back an estimated 20,000 demonstrators.

Protesters shout words such as "get out, get out" as they gather outside Conservative Prime Minister Berisha's office in the capital. Other protesters carry red-and-black Albanian flags.

A tense calm has returned to the streets of Tirana. But the leader of the Socialist Party, Tirana Mayor Edi Rama, says the opposition will hold more demonstrations after observing a day of mourning for those who died.

Rama has made clear he does not want to wait till the scheduled elections in 2013. He says the opposition will not tolerate what he calls "an intolerable regime" of thieves ruling Europe's poorest nation.

The stand-off has underscored international concerns over the country's democratic credentials. The European Union already rejected Albania's application to become an official candidate to join the organization, saying it should first fight corruption and establish a functioning democracy.

http://www.voanews.com/english/news/International-Concern-Over-Deadly-Protests-in-Albania---114418539.html


Athens, must follow in alert, the political crises in Albania

Many Northern epiriotes, Greek citizens and their properties, might become victims of vandals which may cause a deterioration of the security situation in Albania

SManalysis

The Extreme polarization in the political crisis in Albania, can cause deterioration even threats to hundreds of thousands of Northern epiriotes, Greek citizens and their properties, if Athens diplomacy will not be ready, to would take measures in time and in the right moment.


The situation according to international analysts, deteriorates rapidly and the crisis is like similar 1997-1998, when the international community, proved too slow, to curb an escalation of the country to destabilize devastation due by pyramid schemes.
Today, even Albania is a member of NATO, the country, paradoxically may be precedent for out of control, as long as the government Berisha and the opposition Socialists, are entering a dangerous conflict that can pass from the territorial political or ethnic dangerous consequences.

Today, the Albanian police, not implemented the orders of the prosecutor general, for arrest of the commanders of Guard of the Republic, as the cause of killing three protesters. The general Attorney, accused the police state, that is conducting a dangerous "game" , and just this time, the Prime Minister Berisha, rewarded with salary the Guard soldiers who "defended the Building of Prime Minister" and killed three innocent protesters.

Crisis escalates in Albania after protest deaths

TIRANA, Albania (AP) — A political crisis escalated in Albania on Saturday as the government and the opposition traded blame for the deaths of three protests during a violent demonstration against an administration accused of deeply rooted corruption.

The Prosecutor General's office said arrest warrants had been issued for six officers of the National Guard, army troops under Interior Ministry command who guard government institutions and senior officials.

Tensions have been mounting for months between Albania's conservative government and the main opposition Socialist Party. They rose sharply last week when Deputy Prime Minister Ilir Meta resigned after a private TV station aired a video that it said showed him asking a colleague to influence the awarding of a contract to build a power station.

On Friday night, protesters overturned and burned police vehicles Friday night and clashed with officers who fought them off with tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannon. Two men were fatally shot in the chest and another died of a wound to the head.

The United States and the European Union have both appealed for calm.

Prime Minister Sali Berisha said at a press conference the men had been killed by "bandits" within the protesters and accused the leader of the main opposition Socialist Party of attempting a coup.

"I am here today to tell that you were the one who organized the anti-constitutional putsch ... for which you will have to face the consequences of the law," Berisha said.

He charged that the demonstrators included "gangs of criminals, bandits, traffickers and terrorists" trying to overthrow the government with a "Tunisian-style" demonstration — referring to the rioting that drove out Tunisia's president this month.

Socialist Party leader Edi Rama accused Berisha of being the "political orchestrator" of the deaths and he called for the arrest of Interior Minister Lulzim Basha.

In addition to fueling outrage over corruption, the Socialists have accused Berisha's Democratic Party of rigging Albania's 2009 election, in which it was declared the winner by a narrow margin. The next election is scheduled in 2013, but the opposition has been calling for months for new polls to be held sooner.

The demonstration in the center of Albania's capital, Tirana, began with about 20,000 people, but organizers claimed it swelled to up to 300,000. Police did not give any figures. The protest quickly turned violent, with people pelting police with banners, umbrellas, eggs and stones.

Police said 113 people were arrested on charges of violence against police and for destroying their vehicles.

The Socialists vowed to continue the anti-government protests, but said they would not hold any demonstrations on Saturday, when the three people killed were to be buried.

Scores of people led by Socialist leaders laid flowers and lit candleswhere two people were killed.

Albania is one of Europe's poorest countries. For nearly 50 years, the mountainous country of 3.2 million people was ruled by xenophobic Communists who banned contact with the outside world. That regime was toppled in a student-led revolt in 1990.

The nation descended into chaos seven years later following the collapse of popular investment schemes, requiring an international military mission to restore order.

Albania is now a NATO member and seeks to join the 27-nation EU, but corruption is widespread and unemployment is high.


"CORRIERE DELLA SERA"

TENSIONS STILL LIVE IN TIRANA OVER AFTER THE SHOW IN THE BLOOD


Albania is on the brink of civil war


The opposition challenge Berisha: "We will return to the streets."
EU: 'Stop the violence'


It is still high voltage in the Albanian capital Tirana, where three people were killed Friday in shots of gunfire during an opposition rally degenerated into violent clashes with security forces. Dramatic improvements in the political crisis in Albania that lives a year. Three protesters are dead on arrival at the hospital, centered by bullets. The three victims were "killed at point blank range with small arms, with guns. And the police do not possess such weapons", assured the Prime Minister of Albania, Sali Berisha, during a press conference. "All responsibility for these incidents and the victims must be directly attributed to the organizers of this event," he added. The Socialist opposition leader, Edi Rama, accused by police of having his shot at the demonstrators, "killing three innocent people." BERISHA, Attacks Socialists - Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha pointed the finger at the Albanian opposition, accusing it of groped "a violent coup d'état with a scenario in Tunisia."

According to Berisha, who spoke at a press conference during the night, the opposition Socialist leader Edi Rama, mayor of the capital and would have "wanted to mount a violent coup, imagining a scenario for Albania to Tunisia." "He and those carcasses of Ben Ali's Albanians have imagined for you, the citizens of Albania, a Tunisian scenario," Berisha added.
The bloody day began with a demonstration called by the opposition Socialists to demand the resignation of the center-right government led by Berisha, and new elections. Rama has strongly rejected any accusation of attempted coup, "There is no parallel with Tunisia," he said, Berisha invited to a "political solution to the situation." The crises - This is the first time an opposition procession gives rise to such violence, with victims, who lives since the beginning of the political crisis in Albania.

The opposition led by Rama has never recognized the results of the elections in June 2009, accusing the power to fraud. The opposition refuses to take an active role in parliament and announced a recount of the vote, request that the Berisha government has never agreed to give comfort. Friday's demonstration had slogans such as the resignation of Berisha and the calling of early parliamentary elections.
Thousands of demonstrators had gathered in the early afternoon in front of the seat of government, in central Tirana, protected by a cordon of important officials. The tension was immediately evident and the protesters did not take long to start several objects, including stones at police. They responded by firing tear gas and using water cannons to push back the protesters and disperse the crowd. The appeal of the EU.

In a joint appeal, the U.S. Embassy, the Delegation of the EU and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in Tirana called on "all parties" to the "quiet and behavior, and to refrain from provocations. On the evening of Friday, senior officials of the European Union had already facing calls for calm, regretting "with strength" of the loss of lives, but stressed the right of citizens to demonstrate. "Manifesting is a tool of freedom of expression and allowing citizens to gather peacefully," they stressed the head of European diplomacy and European Commissioner Catherine Ashton in charge of Enlargement, Stefan Fuel, in a joint statement.
The Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Thorbjorn Jagland, said he was "very concerned by the explosion of violence" and urged "all political forces to promote a constructive dialogue within the framework of existing democratic institutions" Albanians.

http://www.corriere.it/esteri/11_gennaio_22/albania-unione-eruopea-appello_337d69bc-25f4-11e0-8bad-00144f02aabc.shtml

Friday, January 21, 2011


A question: Will resign by Berisha cabinet, the minister Spyro Ksera?

Four killed and 70 injured, results by the protest organized by the Albanian opposition, yesterday. The Albanian government of Sali Berisha, wants to terminate the mandate until 2013, while the opposition calls for protests, which will continue until the fall of the government and early elections.


Currently, for the situation created in Albania, the question that rises from the Greek Community is: Would resign, the minister of Berisha Cabinet Spyro Ksera?

New chess game Greece - Albania

game over a minefield is willing to play by the Albanian government with Greece in the rapprochement between the two countries. Albania under Sali Berisha appears to be undergoing a fundamental restructuring in order to join the EU but despite the mutation of Berisha old policies do not appear to have been abandoned completely.

Greece will continue to support the participation of Albania in the Euro-Atlantic structures but stable condition remains the safety and respect for the Greek ethnic minority located mainly in the south of the country, said today that the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Gregory Delavekouras.


Greece is willing to enter into negotiation procedures with an eye in 2014 when it is Albania's accession course to the EU
Our country is joining the minority of the Euro-Atlantic state of Albania, Berisha's side while trying to pressure by opening and maintaining communication with the anchor, the standards of Macedonia.
It is clear that Greece wants to gain more economic dominance in the Albanian territory by taking advantage of EU funds and the readiness of Albania to pay compensation to anyone who offered to support its path towards Europe and NATO.

Greece is required to win the bet of Agenda 2014 for the integration of Western Balkans, to celebrate the 100 years since the start of the First World War, the spark which opened nationalism in the Balkans. Problematic cases remain in Montenegro, which reports in Brussels are not the most positive since the country faces serious issues of corruption and smuggling as the plague and Albania for which the estimate is that the way the great European family will be long.

Relations between Athens and Tirana have been through several variations and certainly the first time the country's governance by the current Prime Minister Sali Berisha was marked by great tension and mistrust.


The economy of the neighboring country if and when a statement of government officials show signs of strength, however, is significantly influenced by the Greek debt crisis and the search for balance is critical for sustainable development. Where to go in the erstwhile post-Commissar of Tirana and what rewards it wants the Greek diplomacy, are the questions that will determine the agenda for the European course of the neighboring country.

The doctor's family Communist leader Enver Hoxha and chairman of the Democratic Party of Albania from an authoritarian, nationalist and famous for incendiary statements by the leader in the 1990's, has now developed into a political modernizer, enthusiast for the European course of his country.

It loses no opportunity to refer strongly to good relations with the Greek political system and the school to protect the Greek minority, but the sinking of the agreement with Greece for the establishment of the EEZ between the two countries and open communication channel the anchor as a counterweight to the increasing Greek influence in the south, are useful reminders that at all times be able to remember Berisha from the past.

Protesters Clash With Police In Albania, 3 Killed

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Enlarge Associated Press

Opposition protesters throw stones at police after a pro-opposition rally Friday, Jan. 21, 2011. More than 20,000 people attended a rally organized by the socialist party to demand that that conservative Prime Minister Sali Berisha call early elections because of a scandal over alleged corruption.

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Associated Press

Opposition protesters throw stones at police after a pro-opposition rally Friday, Jan. 21, 2011. More than 20,000 people attended a rally organized by the socialist party to demand that that conservative Prime Minister Sali Berisha call early elections because of a scandal over alleged corruption.

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Enlarge Associated Press

A cars burns in the center of the capital Tirana after an opposition protest on Friday, Jan. 21, 2011. The opposition calls for the government's resignation and fresh elections. Two people have been killed in the Albanian capital Tirana during clashes between police and thousands of opposition supporters.

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Associated Press

A cars burns in the center of the capital Tirana after an opposition protest on Friday, Jan. 21, 2011. The opposition calls for the government's resignation and fresh elections. Two people have been killed in the Albanian capital Tirana during clashes between police and thousands of opposition supporters.

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Enlarge Associated Press

A demonstrator covered in what appears to be smeared blood, holds up his hands in Tirana, Albania, Friday Jan. 21, 2011, as police clashed with hundreds of pro-opposition protestors. More than 20,000 people attended a rally organized by the socialist party to demand that that conservative Prime Minister Sali Berisha call early elections because of a scandal over alleged corruption.

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Associated Press

A demonstrator covered in what appears to be smeared blood, holds up his hands in Tirana, Albania, Friday Jan. 21, 2011, as police clashed with hundreds of pro-opposition protestors. More than 20,000 people attended a rally organized by the socialist party to demand that that conservative Prime Minister Sali Berisha call early elections because of a scandal over alleged corruption.

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Enlarge Associated Press

Pro-opposition demonstrators clash with riot police in Tirana, Albania, Friday Jan. 21, 2011, where more than 20,000 people attended a rally organized by the socialist party to demand that that conservative Prime Minister Sali Berisha call early elections because of a scandal over alleged corruption.

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Associated Press

Pro-opposition demonstrators clash with riot police in Tirana, Albania, Friday Jan. 21, 2011, where more than 20,000 people attended a rally organized by the socialist party to demand that that conservative Prime Minister Sali Berisha call early elections because of a scandal over alleged corruption.

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Associated Press

Demonstrators watch from a nearby building, as a police car burns in Albania's capital Tirana, Friday Jan. 21 2011, during a protest calling for the resignation of the government and new elections.

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Enlarge Associated Press

Albanian riot police clash with opposition demonstrators protesting in the capital Tirana over government corruption allegations, Friday, Jan. 21, 2011. The Socialist Party-led opposition has asked for early elections after Deputy Prime Minister Ilir Meta resigned last week over alleged bribery in connection to a power plant tender. Meta denies any wrongdoing and says that video of the alleges incident was fabricated by the opposition.

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Associated Press

Albanian riot police clash with opposition demonstrators protesting in the capital Tirana over government corruption allegations, Friday, Jan. 21, 2011. The Socialist Party-led opposition has asked for early elections after Deputy Prime Minister Ilir Meta resigned last week over alleged bribery in connection to a power plant tender. Meta denies any wrongdoing and says that video of the alleges incident was fabricated by the opposition.

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Enlarge Associated Press

An opposition protester holds his head after he was injured in clashes with police in capital Tirana during an opposition protest on Friday, Jan. 21, 2011. The opposition calls for government resignation and fresh elections. Two people have been killed in the Albanian capital Tirana during clashes between police and thousands of opposition supporters.

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Associated Press

An opposition protester holds his head after he was injured in clashes with police in capital Tirana during an opposition protest on Friday, Jan. 21, 2011. The opposition calls for government resignation and fresh elections. Two people have been killed in the Albanian capital Tirana during clashes between police and thousands of opposition supporters.

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Enlarge Associated Press

Demonstrators watch from a nearby building, as cars burn in Albania's capital Tirana, Friday Jan. 21 2011, during a protest calling for the resignation of the government and new elections.

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Associated Press

Demonstrators watch from a nearby building, as cars burn in Albania's capital Tirana, Friday Jan. 21 2011, during a protest calling for the resignation of the government and new elections.

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Enlarge Associated Press

An opposition supporter clashes with police during a protest in Tirana, Albania, Friday, Jan. 21, 2011. Protesters clashed with riot police outside Albania's main government building Friday as more than 20,000 people joined an opposition rally to demand the conservative government call an early general election.

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Associated Press

An opposition supporter clashes with police during a protest in Tirana, Albania, Friday, Jan. 21, 2011. Protesters clashed with riot police outside Albania's main government building Friday as more than 20,000 people joined an opposition rally to demand the conservative government call an early general election.

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Enlarge Associated Press

Opposition supporters clash with police during a protest in Tirana, Albania, Friday, Jan. 21, 2011. Protesters clashed with riot police outside Albania's main government building Friday as more than 20,000 people joined an opposition rally to demand the conservative government call an early general election.

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Associated Press

Opposition supporters clash with police during a protest in Tirana, Albania, Friday, Jan. 21, 2011. Protesters clashed with riot police outside Albania's main government building Friday as more than 20,000 people joined an opposition rally to demand the conservative government call an early general election.

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Enlarge Associated Press

An opposition supporter runs with the Albanian national flag after clashes with police during a protest in Tirana, Albania, Friday, Jan. 21, 2011. Protesters clashed with riot police outside Albania's main government building Friday as more than 20,000 people joined an opposition rally to demand the conservative government call an early general election.

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Associated Press

An opposition supporter runs with the Albanian national flag after clashes with police during a protest in Tirana, Albania, Friday, Jan. 21, 2011. Protesters clashed with riot police outside Albania's main government building Friday as more than 20,000 people joined an opposition rally to demand the conservative government call an early general election.

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Enlarge Associated Press

An opposition supporter throws a rock towards police during a protest in Tirana, Albania, Friday, Jan. 21, 2011. Protesters clashed with riot police outside Albania's main government building Friday as more than 20,000 people joined an opposition rally to demand the conservative government call an early general election.

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Associated Press

An opposition supporter throws a rock towards police during a protest in Tirana, Albania, Friday, Jan. 21, 2011. Protesters clashed with riot police outside Albania's main government building Friday as more than 20,000 people joined an opposition rally to demand the conservative government call an early general election.

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Enlarge Associated Press

Opposition supporters walk past overturned cars following clashes with police during a protest in Tirana, Albania, Friday, Jan. 21, 2011. Protesters clashed with riot police outside Albania's main government building Friday as more than 20,000 people joined an opposition rally to demand the conservative government call an early general election.

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Associated Press

Opposition supporters walk past overturned cars following clashes with police during a protest in Tirana, Albania, Friday, Jan. 21, 2011. Protesters clashed with riot police outside Albania's main government building Friday as more than 20,000 people joined an opposition rally to demand the conservative government call an early general election.

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Enlarge Associated Press

An opposition supporter waves the Albanian national flag following clashes with police during a protest in Tirana, Albania, Friday, Jan. 21, 2011. Protesters clashed with riot police outside Albania's main government building Friday as more than 20,000 people joined an opposition rally to demand the conservative government call an early general election.

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Associated Press

An opposition supporter waves the Albanian national flag following clashes with police during a protest in Tirana, Albania, Friday, Jan. 21, 2011. Protesters clashed with riot police outside Albania's main government building Friday as more than 20,000 people joined an opposition rally to demand the conservative government call an early general election.

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Enlarge Associated Press

Opposition supporters are seen as vehicles burn following clashes with police during a protest in Tirana, Albania, Friday, Jan. 21, 2011. Protesters clashed with riot police outside Albania's main government building Friday as more than 20,000 people joined an opposition rally to demand the conservative government call an early general election.

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Associated Press

Opposition supporters are seen as vehicles burn following clashes with police during a protest in Tirana, Albania, Friday, Jan. 21, 2011. Protesters clashed with riot police outside Albania's main government building Friday as more than 20,000 people joined an opposition rally to demand the conservative government call an early general election.

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TIRANA, Albania January 21, 2011, 04:37 pm ET

Thousands of people held an anti-government demonstration in Albania's capital on Friday, and at least three people were killed and scores wounded as police using tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannons clashed with the protesters.

At least 15 police vehicles were overturned and burned by the more than 20,000 people who took part in the largest and most violent protest that Tirana had seen in years.

"Get Out! Get Out!" the demonstrators shouted as they battled the riot police outside Conservative Prime Minister Sali Berisha's office in the capital. Other protesters carried red-and-black Albanian flags.

Berisha accused the opposition Socialists, who called the protest, of trying to overthrow the government with a "Tunisian-style" demonstration — referring to the rioting that just toppled Tunisia's government.

Berisha, who said he was at his office when the protest erupted, rejected opposition demands for early elections. He also alleged that the demonstrators included "gangs of criminals, bandits, traffickers and terrorists."

Hundreds of riot police and national guard officers swept through the center of the capital, beating protesters with batons and detaining dozens of youths. By Friday night, most of the demonstrators had left the city's main boulevard.

Health officials said at least three people were shot and killed, and authorities said more than 130 police and demonstrators were injured.

Tensions have been mounting for months between Albania's government and the Socialists, and they rose sharply this week when the country's deputy prime minister, Ilir Meta, resigned amid an alleged corruption scandal.

The United States and the European Union both appealed for calm in Albania.

"We deplore that today's event has spiraled into violence. We urgently appeal to all political forces to call for calm and refrain from provocation," an EU said in a statement.

In Washington, State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley urged Albanian politicians to tone down their inflammatory rhetoric.

"We condemn the violence today in Albania," he said. "The use of provocative rhetoric and the suggestion or tolerance of any form of violence is a deep disservice to the people Albania. They deserve better."

Neighboring Greece also expressed concern, describing the deadly protests as a "blow to democracy."

Albania is one of Europe's poorest countries. For nearly 50 years, the mountainous country of 3.2 million people was ruled by xenophobic Communists who banned contact with the outside world. That regime was toppled in a student-led revolt in 1990.

The nation descended into chaos seven years later following the collapse of popular investment schemes, requiring an international military mission to restore order.

Albania is now a NATO member and seeks to join the 27-nation EU, but corruption is believed to be widespread and unemployment is high.

The corruption scandal began after a private TV station aired a video allegedly showing Meta asking a colleague to influence the awarding of a contract to build a power station.

The Socialists also have accused Berisha's conservative Democratic Party of rigging Albania's 2009 election, which it won by a narrow margin.

The next election is scheduled in 2013.

But opposition leader Edi Rama said the public may not be willing to wait.

"We shall continue our struggle in a determined way because the way out is clear: either a free Albania for all, or keep the people subdued under the boot of barbaric power," he said.

"The world should see, the community of democratic countries should see, Europe should see, everyone should see what is happening."

Referring Friday's fatalities, he said: They protested "for a better Albania and lost their lives for an Albania we are forced to live with but that we shall definitely change."

———

AP Television's Nebi Qena in Tirana, Raf Casert in Belgium and Matt Lee in Washington contributed to this

3 killed in anti-government unrest in Albania

From Altin Raxhimi, For CNN
January 21, 2011 12:25 p.m. EST
Albanian demonstrators clash with riot police during an anti-government protest in Tirana on January 21, 2011.
Albanian demonstrators clash with riot police during an anti-government protest in Tirana on January 21, 2011.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • Thousands demonstrate outside the office of the Albanian prime minister
  • The protests are called by the opposition to pressure Sali Berisha to resign
  • 23 protesters and 17 police officers also injured in clashes

Tirana, Albania (CNN) -- At least three people were killed Friday during an anti-government protest outside the Albanian prime minister's office, officials said.

Thousands demonstrated outside Prime Minister Sali Berisha's office, urging him to resign amid corruption allegations. The protest was called by the opposition Socialist Party.

Some protesters clashed with the more than 1,000 police personnel providing security during the demonstration. Protesters threw stones and Molotov cocktails before police used water cannons in an attempt to disperse the crowds.

Three protesters were killed and 23 were injured, including three in critical condition because of head injuries, according to Sami Koceku, chief of the emergency unit at the Tirana Military Hospital. At least 17 police officers also were injured in the unrest, Koceku said.

The Socialist Party boycotted Albania's parliament from September 2009 to February 2010 because of allegations of electoral fraud, according to the U.S. State Department. Efforts to resolve the political stalemate were unsuccessful as of December, the department said.

Two (or more) reported shot dead as protests erupt in Albania

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TIRANA | Fri Jan 21, 2011 12:20pm EST

TIRANA (Reuters) - Two people were reported shot dead as protesters fought police outside Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha's office on Friday during a rally to demand the government resign over corruption allegations.

"We have two dead civilians. The signs show they were shot from close range with a small caliber pistol. They were dead when they came here," Sami Koceku, a surgeon at Tirana's Military Hospital, told Albanian television.

There were large bloodstains on the road and police said several of its officers had been injured.

Supporters of the opposition Socialist Party had earlier rallied outside the prime minister's office and some had pelted the building and police with stones, sticks and umbrellas.

Police responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, water cannon and stun grenades. Smoke billowed from burning cars, some of them police vehicles.

The length of the main boulevard was packed with protesters, and witnesses said the crowd numbered around 20,000. Some chanted "Victory" and "He's gone." Police warned the crowd not to enter the government building but a few ventured inside.

After some three hours of clashes police in riot gear dispersed the crowd and took control of the boulevard. Live television pictures showed police chasing stray lone protesters and beating them with truncheons.

Berisha had been due to visit a town in northern Albania on Friday afternoon.

ELECTION RESULTS DISPUTED

The opposition Socialist Party led by Edi Rama has called for new elections after refusing to accept the results of June 2009 parliamentary polls, which Berisha's Democratic Party won by a wafer-thin margin. Talks to break the deadlock have failed.

Berisha's key ally Ilir Meta, the former deputy premier, resigned a week ago after being accused of corruption by his predecessor Dritan Prifti, a former member of his own party.

Meta's small Socialist Integration Movement provides Berisha's Democratic Party with the extra few votes it needs to maintain a majority in parliament. The two parties had said they would continue their cooperation after Meta quit.

"I call for calm and maturity," President Bamir Topi said after Friday's violence erupted.

Rama also appealed for calm and said he had asked Socialist lawmakers to call on protesters to go home.

"We want a new political solution," Rama added.

The European Union rejected Albania's application for candidate status late last year, urging it to meet an agenda of 12 points topped by fighting corruption. It has called for an investigation into the allegations against ಮೆಟಾ.

Serbia: Necessary agreement with Albania for Kosovo

Serbia wants the historic compromise on the issue of Kosovo, said Serbian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Ivica Dacic.

Speaking to journalists during an event for 200 years since the founding of the Serbian police officer, Ivica Dacic stated that " reaching a historic agreement between Serbs and Albanians in Kosovo is necessary in order to avoid an issue, together with that of cooperation with the Hague Tribunal, subject to continuous extortion of Serbia. "


Mr. Dacic also said that many countries on the ratification of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement by parliaments set various conditions. "Some countries link the issue with the estate of the former Yugoslavia territory others the fate of their investments in Serbia and some seek recognition on the part of Belgrade, Kosovo's independence," said the vice president of Serbian government , Ivica Dacic.

He added, however, that a common position which makes it a necessary condition for Serbia's accession to the EU recognition of Kosovo is not there and that's because five member states are inconsistent with the independence of the region.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Albanian Immigrants Support Greek Banks in Albania

During the summer of 2010, Albanian immigrants who live and work in Greece transferred 100,000,000 euros to Greek banks in Albania. The manager of Emporiki Bank Albania, George Karakostas revealed this data. It proves that Albanians trust Greek banks located in their country, especially during the nation’s financial crisis. The Governor of the Central Bank of Albania, Ardian Fullani, stated in 2009 that Greek banks function normally in Albania and that deposits are safe. Emporiki Bank Albania has twenty branches and four bank counters to cover over 82% of the Albanian population, as well as an important market share. The system of Emporiki Bank of Greece allows Albanian citizens who live and work in Greece to open any type of account at Emporiki Bank Albania, with competitive rates of interest.


Political Tensions in Albania

Albanian opposition calls for the government to resign over corruption claims

Photo: 1997,.
Former-president (and current PM of Albania) Sali Berisha addressing a crowd of supporters about the financial scandal and collapse of investments in Tirana, Feb. 19. His lassaiz-faire economic policies and mismanagement of the financial sector would bring his downfall.

TIRANA, Albania — Albania's opposition has called for the government to resign over corruption allegations and is organizing a protest in the capital, Tirana.

Main opposition Socialist leader Edi Rama said Thursday that Prime Minister Sali Berisha should call an early election after his deputy prime minister resigned over alleged bribery in a power plant tender.

Rama urged supporters to conduct a peaceful anti-government rally on Friday.

Deputy Prime Minister Ilir Meta, who also served as economy minister, stepped down last week over claims he tried to influence the tender last year in return for a kickback. But Meta denies any wrongdoing, saying a video of the alleged incident was fabricated by the opposition.


Concerns in Brussels for the upcoming census in Albania

Stephan Fule: "The Commission will not propose the opening of accession negotiations between Albania and the EU, if not addressed adequately by the authorities apparently surge of nationalism"


The European Commission responded to a written question was submitted by New Democracy MP George Koumoutsakos on the assassination of Aristotle in Himara Gouma and the general upsurge of ethnic violence in Albania. The European Commission is closely monitoring developments in the case of the murder of Aristotel Gouma. The (European) Commission will not propose the opening of accession negotiations between Albania and the EU, if not addressed adequately by the authorities apparently nationalist surge, the European Commission response to the MEP, Mr. George Koumoutsakos

"The Commission will not propose the opening of accession negotiations between Albania and the EU, if not addressed adequately by the authorities apparently surge of nationalism," he said in reply to the MEP of the Southwest, Mr. Giorgos Koumoutsakos, to the Commissioner responsible for enlargement Commissioner, Mr Stefan Fule.
He pledged to incorporate the subject of ongoing manifestations of nationalism in Albania on 12 key priorities which will form and conditions for opening negotiations with Albania. "In response to Mr. Fule shows clearly that the phenomena of an emerging Albanian nationalism serious concern and should be treated promptly.

Otherwise, you should slow down the progress of Albania's European course," commented Mr. Koumoutsakos.
In addition, Mr. Fule, referring to the murder of Albanian citizens of Greek origin in Himara last August, said the commission closely monitor the procedures followed by the Albanian authorities. He also stressed the importance of strict compliance with legislation on the protection of human rights including minority rights, saying that all acceding countries must meet the criteria set by the EU

On this issue, Mr. Koumoutsakos made the following statement:
"The climate of prolonged political uncertainty in Albania, encouraging the qualitative and quantitative flare phenomena fanatical nationalism, the media and in society and especially among youth. The murder of a member of the Greek ethnic minority in Himara last summer, vandalism by burning wreaths submitted as a tribute to the cemetery Bobostitcha, recurrent and severe attacks in formalities by the "mainstream" press against the Albanian leader of the Albanian Orthodox Church, Archbishop Anastasios, is only a few, but strong indications of an emerging fanatical nationalism. This situation is of concern not only me but many in the EU Particularly in view of the planned for the next census in Albania in April. This is a very critical issue for the presence and rights of the ethnic Greek minority in Albania. I hope to be among the priorities of the Government.