Albania-Turkey cooperation
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The Turkish and Albanian Foreign Ministers, Ahmet Davutoglu and Ditmir Bushati, have emphasized during their press release the reinforcing of the billateral relations in some key sectors for both countries.

The main chapter, which is a novelty in the relations with Turkey, as the Turkish Minister called it, is the organization of joint meetings between the two governments.

“We continued today the long path of institutional cooperation and for passing a strategic partnership document, which will be formalized soon and will be discussed by the Foreign Ministries of Turkey and Albania, will define the most qualitative way of this cooperation, and naturally more strategic, in areas of mutual interest, such as defense, security, energy, tourism and health, but also on a strategic partnership document that will base on the common values of our countries and the region”, Bushati declared.

“Same as in Istanbul, even today we discussed the creation of a strategic partnership document, and we will take further steps in the future. This is a very important project for us and foresees the organization of joint meeting between the two countries. This shows the significance that the relations with Albanian have for Turkey. We have also decided to crate a cooperation mechanism between two different ministries on some given issues, in order to give technical assistance to Albania. Together with me I have today some honorable representatives of banks, energy, security and defense, who have come to give advises for Albania. I want to underline that every success of Albania is also a success of ours”, Davutoglu declared.

Mr.Bushati underlines that he has asked his homologue to support Albania’s efforts, in order to include even Kosovo in these projects.

“We asked from Mr.Davotugly the support of the Turkish government for branching the TAP project to Kosovo, to include Kosovo in the TAP network, and to create a better connection between TAP and IAP, in which Albania, due to the geographical position, is the point where these two projects will meet each other”, Bushati declared.

The Foreign Turkish Minister was welcomed by Prime Minister Edi Rama. In this meeting they discussed about the mutual partnership agreements. Same as in the first meeting, Rama and Davutoglu emphasized the realization of joint meetings and the Turkish assistance in some sectors of Albania. The Turkish Foreign Minister also met with the Albanian President and the Parliament Speaker, Ilir Meta.

Meta: Opposition must cooperate
05/10/2013

The Albanian Parliament Speaker, Ilir Meta, declared that the opposition will have all the space needed to become part of the reforms that are necessary for the country’s European Union integration.

“The opposition will have all the necessary space and possibility to say its word and give its opinion, not only in the Commissions and the plenary session. I believe that our opposition will keep contributing for the progress of these important reforms and the country’s European Integration”, Meta declared.

The Parliament Speaker had a meeting with the Albanian Democratic Party in Macedonia, who focused on preserving the cooperation between the two countries, and the role of the Albanian factor in keeping stability in the region.

“I informed the Parliament Speaker about the contribution that the Albanian Democratic Party gives in Macedonia. I informed him about the difficulties and the problems the Albanians of Macedonia are facing in realizing the individual and collective rights. A very big problem knocking on our doors is a deep poverty, due to the lack of perspective, lack of economic investments that come due to the blocked integration process”, Thaci declared.

“We want the best for Macedonia. We want the Albanians of Macedonia to keep preserving their constructive and ambitious role for reinforcing the stability of this country, and for a quick integration in the NATO and the European Union”, Meta declared.

Patriarchs, presidents at Edict of Milan celebrations

Source: Tanjug

BELGRADE -- The celebrations of the 1,700th anniversary of the Edict of Milan will bring together seven heads of Orthodox Churches.

Patriarch Irinej welcomes Patriarch Kirill in Belgrade on Friday (Tanjug)

They include Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem and Russian Patriarch Kirill.
The final event to mark the anniversary will be held on Sunday in Serbia's southern town of Niš - the birthplace of Rome's first Christian emperor, Constantine the Great.

Serbian President Tomislav Nikolić, Prime Minister Ivica Dačić, government officials, president of the Serb Republic (RS) Milorad Dodik, and Montenegrin President Filip Vujanović, will all attend.

Serbian Patriarch Irinej called on Thursday on all believers and people of goodwill to join in the final part of the marking of this great historic event.

Bishop of Bačka Irinej Bulovic has said at a press conference that the celebrations will begin as soon as delegations arrive on Friday.

The central ceremony will take place on Sunday, when a liturgy will be held in front of the newly-built Church of Sts. Constantine and Helen in Niš.

According to Bulović, archbishops of Cyprus and Greece, Metropolitan of Warsaw, a delegation from Bulgaria and representatives from Alexandria will also attend the celebrations.

The delegation of the Roman Catholic Church will be headed by Cardinal Jozef Tomko, and representatives of the Armenian Church will also be present.

Thanks to the Edict of Milan, the Christian faith and Church got the freedom of worshipping, which changed the face of Europe in terms of culture and civilization, Bulović said.

"Thus, the foundations were laid for Christian Europe that now lasts 1,500 years," Irinej Bulović underlined.

ΑΣΚΗΣΗ ΠΑΡΜΕΝΙΩΝ 2013

Greece, Millitary exercises near the border with Turkey

"Greek Army ready for all ... "
 Videos from the exercise " PARMENION 2013 "
Ten-minute interesting video the activities of the first part of the final phase of the exercise " PARMENIONAS 2013" , aired on local television network «Thrakinet TV».

Bushati me Davutoglu, do bëjmë mbledhje të përbashkëta qeverie. Tema TV....

Davutoglu in Tirana, speaks for fraternal cooperation

A joint meetings would make governments both sides

Ahmet Davutoglu began his visit by meeting his Albanian counterpart morning with Ditmir Bushati .
Davutoglu spoke of a strategic partnership document , which provides for joint meetings between the governments .
" We talked about the preparation of the strategic partnership and in the future will jump steps in this direction . This project is very important to us and envisages joint meetings between the two governments . This shows the importance of relations with Albania .
Albania is in constant transformation , everything is changing, transformation , wish this to continue . Any success Albania simultaneously is also successful in Region. Albania will always support Turkey to play a more important role in the region and the world . Are always with each other . Flags of the two countries will always be together, " said the Turkish minister .

Greece: Golden Dawn’s popularity from ‘economic crisis and lack of immigration policy’

As the Greek government continues its crackdown on politicians of the far-right Golden Dawn, the party remains the third most popular in the country.
Tzina Dimopoulou is a Greek housewife who stood as a candidate for Golden Dawn in Athens in the last elections. She believes the government are scared by their popularity.
“These are clearly political prosecutions. The government is afraid of the rise in nationalism. Nobody can say we have democracy here when 5,500 people have committed suicide due to the economic crisis,” Dimopoulou said.
Golden Dawn supporters say immigrants are to blame for high crime rates. Those from other countries living in Greece counter that they are often the victims of racist violence from extremists.
Javent Aslam is the president of the Pakistani Community in Greece. He says he hopes the he Government is serious about dealing with Golden Dawn.
“I hope it’s not just a political show. Maybe then we would be convinced that justice and the government have done their job. I just hope it is not a political show. We want to believe in this, but the next few weeks or months will show the truth,” Aslam said.
Euronews correspondent in Athens, Michalis Arampatzoglou, says that Greek society is traditionally anti-fascist but that the economic crisis and the lack of immigration policy were the main reasons for Golden Dawn’s rise. He says that analysts forecast that the prosecution against the far-right party is not going to be enough to eliminate the origins of this phenomenon.

Both sides are "nervous," EU rep says

Source: Tanjug

PRIŠTINA -- EU Special Representative in Kosovo Samuel Žbogar says the decision of the Kosovo government to ban the arrival of officials from Belgrade was "not the best."

(Tanjug, file)

Žbogar said that the decision was a result of "nervousness on both sides."
According to reports, he added that it was "excessive" to be ban all visits by Serbian officials to Kosovo during the election campaign, "as it is in the interest of all of us that as many people as possible turn out to vote."

"In this regard, it is important that Serbian officials come to explain to people what will happen with health, with education, will they lose their jobs or not, especially in the north there are a lot of these questions that do not yet have an answer," Žbogar told VOA.

He noted that the decision of the government in Priština to prohibit officials coming from Belgrade resulted in "nervousness on both sides" and said it would not be good for it to remain in force "for a month."

Commenting on the announcement from Belgrade that the decision could jeopardize the dialogue between Belgrade and Priština, Žbogar said that with this, "Belgrade also showed nervousness."

"I think we need to drop the tension a bit and think and find a solution," said Žbogar.

PM: Priština "directly obstructing" deal

Source: B92, Tanjug

BELGRADE -- Ivica Dačić says Priština’s decision to ban him from entering Kosovo during the local elections campaign was "directly obstructing" the Brussels agreement.

(Tanjug)

Speaking on Friday in Belgrade, the Serbian prime minister stressed that he was "not blackmailing in any way the European Union" with his position on this subject.
Speaking during a joint news conference with visiting Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag, Dačić said that he had received announcements that Priština would make the decision, and that he notified the EU delegation chief about this, as well as representatives of the "Quint" countries.

"Some representatives of EU countries have sent me the message that I cannot blackmail the European Union. People, come to your senses! We have been prohibited from entering Kosovo, first decide on that, and then you will deal easily with my blackmail. There is no blackmail. You should conduct the dialogue with someone who can go to Kosovo," Dačić said.

He noted that top European officials had urgently reacted to "some bans brought in Serbia recently," but that "nobody has yet reacted to this."

"If this is normal as far as the European Union is concerned, I no longer have any interest to take part in it," said Dačić.

Dačić pointed out that Serbia was committed to peace and dialogue, but that "nobody can humiliate it."

It is, however, in Serbia’s best interest for the negotiating process to continue, he noted.

“The European Commission has not yet commented on this. Enough of this approach. We in the government for the sake of the state interest risked our lives and careers and now somebody's supposed to humiliate us and make this kind of decision. In case somebody doesn't understand - thisis a direct obstruction of the Brussels agreement."

Dačić then said that he had accepted the invitation by EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton to come "and discuss all the problems in Brussels on Monday."

"I will not allow anyone to humiliate me. Let them look for somebody else for the negotiations, I hope this will not be my last trip to Brussels for the dialogue, but if it is - I won't really miss it," said the prime minister.

Dačić said that the purpose of his visit to Kosovo, which was to take place in the Serb enclave of Štrpce on Friday afternoon, was to call on local Serbs to participate in the elections called by Priština, that will be held according to Priština's rules, and added:

“We believe that this decision is directed against the Brussels agreement and the issue has brought Brussels’ credibility, not just mine, into question. I am worthy of sitting next to Catherine Ashton, but I cannot go to Kosovo and Metohija? That is nsulting toward Ashton as well."

He then noted that "Kosovo Minister Flora Citaku visited Belgrade," and said the issue was one of "principles."

"Either we are taking part in something honestly and openly, or it's all just empty talk," Dačić said, and stressed that "all he expects" was for what has been agreed to be implemented, that he did not wish to go to Kosovo "secretly or by force" - and that he, as prime minister, "respected procedures."

The Himara Community and Coastal Association, extraordinary meeting next days



Himariot Community and Coastal Association will meet next week to discuss the latest situation with properties such as process ongoing in the circumstances created by the advent of the new government Rama.

In focus will be the development within the Region of Himara, the situation of properties and their registration by the OSCE, as well as reorganization of the association.

Himara Community, and Coast Association, in behalf of the Civil Society, have objected to the civil disobedience, implementing the Law on Land, 7501 in Himara Region.

A property registration, in Himara Region, has initiated several years ago by the OSCE financed with funds from the EU, but the process has remained blocked as a result of the adoption of Law 7501, which gives no legitimate heirs properties.

Related:

 

Land registration and road signs in Albania's south coast assisted by €1.5 million European Union-funded project implemented by OSCE

Photo: Protest of the people of Himara in August 2008 for their lands and properties which are attacked by Mafia. The protesters have dual citizenship, Albanian and Greek, remembering the OSCE that they are European citizens and finance this process, which must to be transparent for their generations.

TIRANA, 21 July 2011 – This EU funded €1.5 million technical assistance project, implemented by the OSCE Presence in Albania was presented today in Tirana. This project in a key touristic region of Albania aims to complete the first property registration and updating of existing registration for some 60,000 properties in coastal areas of the country from Palase Gjolek in the north to Xarre. This will give owners clear legal title and boost the potential for investment in the region. The project also includes new street signs installed in Saranda, Selenica, and Armen, and soon to be installed in six other areas (Golem, Qender Vlora, Orikum, Lukova, Delvina and Dhiver) at a cost of €103,000.

Speaking at the project presentation, Ambassador Ettore Sequi, the Head of the EU Delegation to Albania, said: “Clear property titles and legal certainty are essential prerequisites for prosperous development of the country and attracting foreign investment. Only when such a system is finally in place will Albania become an attractive location for foreign investors to establish operations leading to employment generation.”

The Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, Ambassador Eugen Wollfarth, stated: “The project will assist the Government in increasing security of tenure, which is crucial for the sustainable development of the coastal area. It will also provide a basis for officials and lawmakers to formulate appropriate laws, policies and procedures to establish clear property titles and to protect this right.”

The project collects and processes property-related data and facilitates public participation in a transparent process that will provide public institutions with the information required to accurately determine and protect property rights. It offers natural and legal persons the opportunity to provide documents and information demonstrating a right to property and to request legal recognition of this right. All documents and maps collected and generated under the project will be handed over to the Immovable Property Registration Office.

The project, which receives additional funding from the Governments of Greece (€100,000), the Czech Republic (€50,000) and Switzerland (€30,000), is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2011.

Note: The Himara Community and the Coastal Association stated that the registration land by OSCE, is favoring the Mafia not inhabitants of the regions. According the statement "the process is to failure because the corruption and the missing of the transparency by the the Albanian companies that menage the process, is evident. 

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Press Conference of The Civil Society of Himara, held today in Tirana, to be opposite the Project Law of the Properties  by the Albanian Parliament, which destructs the future of the Himara Region.

uesday, September 18, 2012

"The scandal of Concessions" with the  beaches of  the Himara Region

Albanian press charges, greater corruption of the government of Albania, after the scandal with the WorldBank in 2007, in which Jala village, was destroyed entirely.

In Himara, "Omonia" called municipal councilors to denounce the scandal, even though they voted for this concession.

Civil society of Himara, has accused the Himara Council, last year, for Concessions and Development Plans, stating that it has declared "civil disobedience against the 7501 law" and rejected The DevelopmentPlain, a process that is performed without transparency and that serves the Albanian Mafia

The "Omonia President" Vasil Bolanos, urges OSCE, make transparent all the registration of the properties process in the Himara Region. In a letter to the OSCE, the diplomatic corps and the civil society, Bolanos explained that "He has not received a response from the Himara Municipality for the registration process, although advisers" Omonia "are present in all voting in the Council."

Tony Blair's latest job: Former British PM will help Albania to join the EU

By Daily Mail Reporter

PUBLISHED: 12:32 GMT, 3 October 2013

Albania's new Socialist premier says former British Prime Minister Tony Blair will assist as an adviser in his country's efforts to join the 28-nation European Union.
Edi Rama said today that Blair would be 'personally, totally and voluntarily' advising the Albanian government and helping with his 'extraordinary experience and political geniality.' 
Speaking at a briefing in Tirana, Blair said: 'The big challenge with the government today is getting things done.'

Tony Blair (left) and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama answer questions after announcing that the former British Prime Minister will assist as an adviser in Albania's efforts to join the 28-nation European Union

Rama said that Blair would be 'personally, totally and voluntarily' advising the Albanian government

Rama, who was sworn in as prime minister last month, has promised to create 300,000 jobs and reduce poverty. 
A recent survey shows one in seven Albanians live on less than $2 (£1.20) per day.

 

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Albania is one of Europe's poorest countries with an average salary of 36,482 leks ($361) per month.
The announcement comes days after it emerged that Mr Blair, 60, appeared to be footing the bill for his own £30million private plane.

He has been seen stepping out of a £7,000-an-hour bespoke aircraft complete with stateroom, lounge, kitchen and bed.

Flying high: Mr Blair has been seen stepping out of a £7,000-an-hour bespoke aircraft (pictured) complete with stateroom, lounge, kitchen and bed

Mr Blair is reported to have regularly chartered the top-of-the-range Bombardier Global Express private jet as he travels the world in his new roles as business consultant and public speaker, according to The Sunday Telegraph.
The former Labour leader has been seen disembarking in Bangkok, Sardinia and New York state, and it has also been seen in Switzerland, Ukraine and Israel on dates which matched Mr Blair’s visits.
A spokesperson for Tony Blair said: 'Mr Blair and his team will provide advice at no cost to the Albanian government on how to modernise and implement a reform agenda.
'As Mr Blair has previously said were Mr Rama to become PM he would be happy to help, as both Albania and the region mean a huge amount to him, the conflict in Kosovo having been an important period in his Premiership. 
'He congratulates him on that now having happened and looks forward to working with him in the future.'

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2442429/Tony-Blairs-latest-job-Former-British-PM-help-Albania-join-EU.html#ixzz2gjHQ4sxP
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Christo Pappas will remain in jail
 





After the president of the Golden Dawn Nikos Mihaliolakos, number 2 of the Party, Christos Pappas will remain in jail until Greek justice to decide.

After six hours Christo Pappas MP speech, the court has decided to maintain the isolation detention, Greek politican  of the Golden Dawn.

" PARMENION - 2013" : Large exercises of the Greek Army








From 30 September to 4 October 2013 , is scheduled to conduct national interdisciplinary exercise named " PARMENION - 2013".

These large scale exercises , designed and managed by the Ministry of Defense , with the assistance of the General Staff.

The purpose of the exercise are:

A. Examination - address generated from international developments , the situation in the near and wider environment of our country.

B. The implementation of projects and the training of staffs and units in conducting interdisciplinary enterprise .
C. Implementation and evaluation of projects , processes and maintain warfighting capability of the Armed Forces.

D. To promote cooperation and coordination between branches of the Armed Forces of the bodies of the political field , the Hellenic Police and the OS / EL.AKT in the implementation of national plans.


The exercise is conducted on a realistic basis, 24 hours a day .

www.defencenet.gr

Britain's Blair to Advise Albania on Joining EU

TIRANA, Albania October 3, 2013 (AP)

By LLAZAR SEMINI

Albania has signed on former British Prime Minister Tony Blair as an adviser and lobbyist in its uphill struggle to join the 28-nation European Union.

Prime Minister Edi Rama said Blair would be "personally, totally and voluntarily" helping his government.

At a joint briefing in Tirana, Blair said joining the EU is the "right and proper" prospect for the former Communist country — which until 1990 was the continent's most isolated.

"The orientation toward Europe is immensely important, and personally I'd love to see this country join the family of European nations," the former Labour premier said.

Albania first applied for EU candidate status in 2009, when it joined NATO. But Brussels twice turned it down, demanding better results in fighting corruption and organized crime, and in adopting democratic reforms.

Rama's main campaign pledge ahead of his June landslide election victory over his conservative predecessor Sali Berisha was to push for EU integration. Blair's team had advised Rama in his campaign.

"I harbor no illusions," Rama said Wednesday at a meeting with diplomats. "European integration is easy to speak of but very hard to attain."

Rama has promised to create 300,000 jobs and reduce poverty in one of Europe's poorest countries, where the average monthly salary is 36,482 leks ($361). A recent survey shows one in seven Albanians live on less than $2 a day.

Blair will not receive a fee for his help, according to Rama's spokesman, Endri Fuga. Fuga said the Albanian government would not be paying for a team of Blair's assistants, who will be stationed in Tirana, and funding for them will be sought from international institutions.

"Montenegro is leader, NATO candidate No. 1"

Source: Tanjug

PODGORICA -- Montenegro is the number one candidate for membership in NATO, U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar said as he met with Milo Đukanović, the Montenegrin government announced.

(Beta, file)

According to the statement, Lugar also pointed out that the country's "leadership role in the Western Balkans is recognized worldwide."
Lugar is in Montenegro at the invitation of the U.S.-Montenegro Business Council, and of the main investor in the new project at Zavala in Budva.

He said that Montenegro had "already done much to promote the rule of law and good neighborly relations."

Prime Minister Đukanović, as stated, expressed his gratitude for the efforts of the U.S: senator and his support for his and other countries of the Western Balkans.

"Montenegro has, thanks among other things to the valuable support, managed to preserve stability and multi-ethnic harmony, and to become a promoter of Euro-Atlantic values ​​in the Balkans and an active participant in regional cooperation," he said.

Đukanović informed Lugar about the priorities of his government, which, he pointed out, were the concept of economic development and a dynamic realization of the strategic foreign policy goal to join NATO and the EU.

"Super nationalists , is returning the big game in Greece "

 

Le Figaro: the entire political class is afraid that it will regain strength far right organization, he became the third political force in the country."

The overthrow of the political climate in favor of the People's Association - Golden Dawn captures the French Le Figaro, which reported on releases refers to decision - surprise which shows the political risks eventually the case to come down in favor of nationalists .

A publication of the French newspaper notes that "the Golden Dawn escapes from the judges ' and comments:" We emerge stronger eventually ASE after arrest six MPs ? Magistrate 's decision causes the least, surprising. After dramatic arrest and interrogation 14 hours four Members of the neo-Nazi organization, was charged with setting up and participating in a criminal organization . But three of them were released conditionally , but free until the trial . "

Then the Le Figaro lists and reviews analysts , who not informed the modem file and judging from those that broadcast their Greek SMEs " expressing surprise at the release and consider that now the trend is Cynisca leader's party Nikos Michaloliakos . "Today there embarrassed the ranks of the government and in the corridors of Parliament " says French commentator .

Finally , the Figaro declares that " the entire political class is afraid that it will regain strength far right organization, he became the third political force in the country."

News section defencenet.gr

New York Times

Case Against Greek Far-Right Party Draws Critics

European Pressphoto Agency

Three Greek Golden Dawn MPs Freed: The Golden Dawn lawmakers stormed past journalists — one a hitting a video camera and another shouting at them — after their unexpected release on pending criminal charges.

By LIZ ALDERMAN

Published: October 2, 2013

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NIKAIA, Greece — For over a year, 30 Kaisareias Street bustled with activity. Burly, black-clad members of the neo-fascist Golden Dawn party converted part of the nondescript white building into a headquarters, holding frequent meetings and fanning out for military-style neighborhood patrols armed with batons and heavy poles wrapped in the Greek flag.

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Ilias Kasidiaris of the Golden Dawn party was released on Wednesday by a court in Athens.

Then, last week, the group disappeared overnight. A regular in the office, Giorgos Roupakias, was accused of killing an anti-fascist activist in a crime that shocked the nation, and the government began an effort to “eradicate” the group, as Prime Minister Antonis Samaras put it.

But already, serious questions have been raised about the planning and effectiveness of the crackdown, and whether it may actually boomerang against the government and end up generating sympathy for Golden Dawn, one of Europe’s most violent far-right groups.

“If it is not handled properly, you could get a kind of a bounce back of Golden Dawn,” said George Katrougalos, a constitutional law professor at the Democritus University of Thrace. “If they appear to be victims of the establishment, that may broaden their appeal.”

Questions are already being raised about the legality, even constitutionality, of the government’s methods.

On Wednesday, in a surprise decision, a magistrate ordered three prominent Golden Dawn lawmakers, among 35 people associated with the party who were arrested in a sweep last Saturday, to be released pending trial. After more than 17 hours of testimony, one of the men, the party’s spokesman, Ilias Kasidiaris, strode from the court, called reporters “bums” and pushed photographers out of his way.

However, a fourth Golden Dawn lawmaker, Yannis Lagos, was remanded to custody after the judicial authorities deemed that evidence linking him to criminal activities — including murder, attempted murder and blackmail — was strong.

The legal wrangling pointed to the rising conviction of the government and many others here that Golden Dawn has been run less as a political party than as a mafia. But it also underlined concerns that the government’s case might be riddled with legal holes and procedural missteps in the investigation. Golden Dawn’s supporters say the government is basing its case against party members in large part on wiretaps that lacked the required judicial approval.

Mr. Samaras has made it clear that he sees no place for Golden Dawn in the Greek political system. “We must do it within the context of our democratic Constitution,” he said in a speech in New York this week. “But we have to go all the way and do whatever it takes.”

Doing so will not be easy. Because the government cannot ban political parties, it is trying to undermine the group by dismantling its leadership and cutting its financing. Prosecutors are charging members with participating in a criminal organization, a move that would effectively outlaw the group.

In court testimony, the Golden Dawn spokesman, Mr. Kasidiaris, said his group was the victim of a politically motivated persecution aimed at discrediting the party before local elections next spring. He and the others denied the government’s accusations.

Golden Dawn’s popularity has slipped since Mr. Roupakias admitted to the killing of the activist, Pavlos Fyssas, a Greek rapper whose lyrics inveighed against rightist extremism. But questions have swirled around why the government is only now pursuing an organization whose violence and Nazi ideology have been well documented.

Included in the 31 charges are cases that have been pending for years, involving murder, extortion and money laundering — none of which were previously pursued by Mr. Samaras’s government. The Greek ombudsman cited nearly 300 cases of recent racist violence involving Golden Dawn members that also received no judicial attention.

“It is obvious that there was an inertia toward Golden Dawn by the state and other authorities until now,” Mr. Katrougalos, the law professor, said.

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Dimitris Bounias contributed reporting.

GREECE UNDER PRESSURE FOR RECOGNITION OF KOSOVO

Written by Athanasios Dragos



OBSERVER OF THE BALKANS

"The pressure to Greece for recognizes of Kosovo ! ; " Article Informer, citing senior government sources , said that Greece is under pressure from the U.S. and the EU and is getting closer and closer to the recognition of Kosovo , while stressing that this issue was the subject of his meeting of Dacic with Samaras .

According to senior officials of the Serbian government, not specifically said that " Greeks do not want to tell us directly that accept pressure from Brussels and Washington , but our " sell the story "that is angry with Serbia because of its good relations with FYROM . According to the same source , "Greece will be delayed as much as possible the recognition of Kosovo , primarily because it would make the position of Cyprus and the issue of recognition of the spun part of ."

An assessment of the political science professor and former ambassador of Serbia in France Predrag Simic , " Greeks are now awaiting a third package of financial support from the EU and this can be a very powerful tool for lobbying " and that " any recognition of Kosovo by Greece would cause a new wave of recognition . "

Also noted that the information on G / F , confirmed by the chairman of the parliamentary committee on Kosovo , Milovan Ntretsoun , who said that "there are signs that Greece is preparing to recognize Kosovo, but Greece is not alone . Is Romania and Slovakia . This however comes from the pressures of big EU countries and administration . " Mr. Ntretsoun also considered that "the relations between Serbia and FYROM certainly not a decisive factor for such a move by Greece ."

Serbian Foreign Minister Ivan Mrktis , for its part , said that has not been updated for allegedly recognition of Kosovo and he hoped this would not happen. "The girlfriend Greece , hopefully, will not proceed to such a step. This would negatively affect our relationships. But I would not want to speculate , " said the Serbian Minister.

Finally, according to terms of the parliamentary leader of the opposition Democratic Party of Serbia (DS), Borislav Stefanovic , "the Greece of the day under pressure " and "the concept of pressure in Europe is synonymous with Greece ." He noted that he considers that " this will not happen and that if it happened , it could not spoil relations with Greece , it was only a blow to the Serbian foreign policy ."

What we saw in the past to come ( recognizing Kosovo ) , as a product of pressure seems to be closer than ever. But we wonder why our friends Serbs to be bothered by such recognition when the same as the Brussels agreement showed the first green light. Now if such recognition cause other developments reconnaissance or separatism, this is an issue that should be of particular concern Athens before the final decision.

Χιλιάδες Εθνικιστές υποδέχονται τον Αρχηγό στην Ευελπίδων

Dawn flag was raised near the courthouse

Mr Mihaloliakos's deputy, Christos Pappas, is set to appear in court in the coming days.
Any MPs finally convicted would lose their seats in parliament, prompting by-elections and - the government hopes 

Golden Dawn leader Nikos Mihaloliakos remanded in custody

MP Ilias Kasidiaris punched a camera outside court

Continue reading the main story

Related Stories

• Profile: Golden Dawn MPs in court
• Meeting Golden Dawn
• Profile: Golden Dawn

The head of Greece's far-right Golden Dawn party, Nikos Mihaloliakos, has been remanded in custody on charges of organising a criminal group.

He appeared before investigating magistrates at an Athens court in a hearing that lasted into the early hours of Thursday.
He was one of six MPs arrested at the weekend amid outrage over the murder of an anti-racist musician.
Three have been freed pending trial while a fourth was remanded in custody.
All four have denied the charges against them.
The fact that three were freed pending trial will raise questions over how watertight the government's case against them actually is, the BBC's Mark Lowen reports from the Greek capital.
In all, 22 people were detained following the 18 September murder of Pavlos Fyssas.
A man held for the stabbing told police he was a Golden Dawn supporter, though the party strongly denies any link.

Watch: Riot police gathered outside the court, from where Mark Lowen reports

Chanting supporters Mr Mihaloliakos faces charges including murder, assault and money-laundering.
He again denied the charges during his latest court hearing, the website of Greek newspaper Ekathimerini reported.
He said he condemned the murder of the musician but insisted "I am not a Nazi", the paper said.
Mr Mihaloliakos has been remanded in custody pending his full trial, which the authorities are keen to conclude swiftly.
Earlier, prosecutors found there was insufficient evidence to keep three of the MPs in detention.
MP and party spokesman Ilias Kasidiaris was freed on Wednesday on bail of 50,000 euros (£42,000; $68,000) and banned from leaving the country.
On leaving the court, Kasidiaris was filmed punching a video camera as he and his co-defendants barged journalists aside.
Fellow MPs Ilias Panagiotaros and Nikos Michos were freed under travel bans but with no bail set. They too left court in a belligerent mood, insulting reporters as "losers" and "little slaves".
A fourth MP, Yannis Lagos, was remanded in custody.
The plea session lasted 18 hours, Reuters news agency reports.

Nikos Mihaloliakos was escorted to court under heavy security

Golden Dawn MP Ioannis Lagos remains in custody after Wednesday's hearing

MPs Nikos Michos (L) and Ilias Panagiotaros shouted at the media after their release

A Golden Dawn flag was raised near the courthouse

Mr Mihaloliakos's deputy, Christos Pappas, is set to appear in court in the coming days.
Any MPs finally convicted would lose their seats in parliament, prompting by-elections and - the government hopes - leading to the destruction of Greece's neo-Nazi party, our correspondent says.

Continue reading the main story

Golden Dawn - key dates

• Began in 1980 but more formally established in 1985
• Party banner is a Greek decorative border, often compared with Nazi insignia
• In 1996 elections, won just 4,487 votes - 0.07%. European election performance in 2004 was 0.17%, in 2009 0.46%
• Nikos Mihaloliakos won place on Athens Municipal Council in 2010 with 5.29% of vote
• Breakthrough in May 2012 election with 441,018 votes and 21 deputies, cut to 18 MPs in June re-run
• June 2012 - Party spokesman Ilias Kasidiaris throws water and slaps rival politician on TV
• Sept 2013 - George Roupakias (above), self-proclaimed supporter, arrested for murder of musician Pavlos Fyssas
• Sept 2013 - Leader Nikos Mihaloliakos and other party members arrested

• Profile: Golden Dawn

During Tuesday's court appearances, there was a heavy presence of riot police - a reminder that despite falling popularity in the opinion polls, the party still commands significant support, our correspondent says.

Supporters outside court chanted slogans, including: "You are heroes!"
Details from witness testimony have been emerging about the way in which the party operated.
Nazi paraphernalia The testimony speaks of a strict hierarchical structure - or "Fuehrer principle" as the indictment calls it - as well as assault squads and military-style training, our correspondent says.
Searches of the homes of some MPs have found Nazi paraphernalia as well as unlicensed weapons, ammunition and bundles of cash.
The government is hoping that lurid witness testimony that has emerged - for example, of thugs hired by Golden Dawn to go through Athens on motorbikes assaulting immigrants - will permanently wreck the party's image, our correspondent says.
The crackdown was sparked by outrage at the murder of Fyssas, 34, an anti-racist rapper known as Killah P.

Watch: Mark Lowen on how Greek newspapers are reporting the Golden Dawn trial

George Roupakias, 45, who said he was a supporter of Golden Dawn, was arrested in connection with the killing.
On Friday, Golden Dawn - which won nearly 7% of the vote in 2012 elections - threatened to pull its 18 MPs out of the 300-strong parliament.
The governing coalition headed by Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, which has 155 seats, would then face by-elections.
Speaking on a visit to the US on Monday, Mr Samaras vowed to eradicate the "shame of neo-Nazism".
In recent months, Golden Dawn has been accused of perpetrating attacks on migrants and political opponents.
Golden Dawn officially denies being a neo-Nazi movement, despite its swastika-like insignia.

China’s CPMIEC Selected for Turkish Missile Defense program

Posted by News Desk

Ankara has selected China’s missile developer CPMIEC to deliver the strategic US$4 billion missile defense shield for Turkey. China’s Precision Machinery Import Export Company (CPIMEC) was selected a winer on an international tender, The winning Chinese FD-2000 system beat the Patriot, the Russian S-400 and the French-Italian Eurosam Samp-T. The Turkish defense minister announced the decision to award the contract in a statement on Thursday, September 26, 2013.
FD2000 is the export version of the HQ-9 (dubbed the Chinese S300). FD2000 provides improved anti-stealth capability by incorporating the Type 120 low altitude search radar, and Type 305A AESA search radar for full anti ballistic missile capability, and YLC-20 passive sensor, improving counter-stealth capability.
The Chinese company has beaten US, Russian and European competitors despite being restricted by sanctions. In February 2013 the United States announced sanctions on CPMIEC for violations of the Iran, North Korea and Syria Nonproliferation Act. NATO has deployed the U.S.-built Patriot air and missile defense system there since 2012.

FD2000 is the export version of the HQ-9 (dubbed the Chinese S300). FD2000 provides improved anti-stealth capability by incorporating the Type 120 low altitude search radar, and Type 305A AESA search radar for full anti ballistic missile capability, and YLC-20 passive sensor, improving counter-stealth capability.

Rama: Reforms in justice and HCJ

On the first online press conference on Twitter and Facebook as Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama answered to dozens of questions made by citizens.

The hottest topic of the day is that of the Civil Employee law. Rama declared that they will not clean the administration from people, but the state from corruption.

To the citizens’ concern about the justice system Rama answered by saying: “A group of experts will very soon start working for pushing the justice reform even further”.

As for the economic situation in our country, the head of the Albanian government thinks that the “Economic and financial crisis is deep. We are preparing for a radical intervention. We will overcome this together”.

Rama underlined that the formalization of economy will be a constant objective of their efforts. Part of the questions was the monopoly issue, including that of the BelleAir company.

“Hitting monopolies is part of our program. BelleAir has a privileged and problematic position in the market”, Rama declared.

Rama received many questions about education.

“There will be no merchant activities in schools. They have resulted very problematic and have damaged the school’s quality. Teachers do not belong to parties, but to students. The time of political partiality in teachers has ended”, Rama underlined.

As regards the illegal constructions in Vlore, Rama declared: “The government has prepared the legal basis for a strong interventions against the illegal constructions”.

As regards the decision for dissolving the National Guard, he said: “There is no other National Guard in our modern times like the one that Albania had. Changing it is a need for restructuring the state”, Rama answered.

According to him, establishing public order and safety is a priority and the Albanian people will soon have another police.

As regards health, Rama underlined that their work will continue until the Albanian people will have a normal service. The Prime Minister was also asked about the developments in Macedonia.

He said that he fully supports the Albanian Brothers, and that the government remains concerned for not implementing the agreement.

Resignation of the Greek Public Order Minister N. Dendias

 



Resignation letter sent just ine ore before the Public Order Minister Nikos Dendias letter of resignation sent to the Palace Masximou. 

It is not known yet whether the resignation has been accepted from Samaras.

BBC

Four MPs from Greece's Golden Dawn brought to court

The BBC's Mark Lowen on tight security at Athens court where far right Golden Dawn members appeared on Tuesday

Continue reading the main story

Related Stories

• Profile: Golden Dawn
• Golden Dawn leader appears in court Watch
• Wave of protests after Greek killing

Four MPs from Greece's far-right Golden Dawn party have been brought to court in Athens to face charges of criminal activity amid a clampdown on the party.

Other charges against them include murder, assault and money-laundering.
They were arrested over the weekend along with the party's leader and his deputy - both of whom are due to appear in court later this week.
In all 22 people were detained amid anger over the murder on 18 September of anti-racist musician Pavlos Fyssas.
A man held for the stabbing told police he was a Golden Dawn supporter, though the party strongly denies any link.

The MPs' arrival at the Greek capital's main courthouse complex attracted a large media presence.

The four MPs - Ilias Panagiotaros, party spokesman Ilias Kasidiaris, Yannis Lagos and Nikos Michos - were being formally charged on Tuesday.
A small group of supporters applauded as the MPs arrived at the Greek capital's main courthouse complex, escorted by masked guards, Greece's Kathimerini news website reports.
Mr Kasidiaris previously caused controversy last year when he attacked two female left-wing politicians during a live TV debate, slapping one and throwing water over another.
The party's leader, Nikolaos Michaloliakos, and his deputy Christos Pappas are expected to appear in court on Wednesday or Thursday.

Continue reading the main story

Golden Dawn - key dates

• Began in 1980 but more formally established in 1985
• Party banner is a Greek decorative border, often compared with Nazi insignia
• In 1996 elections, won just 4,487 votes - 0.07%. European election performance in 2004 was 0.17%, in 2009 0.46%
• Nikolaos Michaloliakos wins place on Athens Municipal Council in 2010 with 5.29%
• Breakthrough in May 2012 election with 441,018 votes and 21 deputies, cut to 18 MPs in June re-run
• June 2012 - Party spokesman Ilias Kasidiaris throws water and slaps rival politician on TV
• Sept 2013 - George Roupakias (above), self-proclaimed supporter, arrested for murder of musician Pavlos Fyssas
• Sept 2013 - Leader Nikolaos Michaloliakos and other party members arrested

Prosecutors will then decide whether to keep those arrested in custody until they face trial.

Details from witness testimony have been emerging about the way in which the party operated, the BBC's Mark Lowen reports from Athens.
The testimony speaks of a strict hierarchical structure - or "'Fuehrer principle" as the indictment calls it - as well as assault squads and military-style training, our correspondent says.
Searches of the homes of some MPs have found Nazi paraphernalia, he adds.
'Shame of neo-Nazism' Last week details emerged of the careful planning behind Greece's unprecedented clampdown on the party - the first time since 1974 that a party leader and MPs have been arrested.
According to Greek media reports, several police officers thought to have had links to Golden Dawn were suspended ahead of the operation to prevent them potentially tipping off the targets.

Golden Dawn spokesman Ilias Kasidiaris slapped a rival politician during a TV show

Police also arrested one of their own colleagues who was reportedly working as a bodyguard for the party, during a raid on its offices in the western town of Agrinio a week ago.
After the raid on Mr Michaloliakos's home, police said they had found three pistols, ammunition and thousands of euros in cash.
The crackdown has was sparked by outrage at the murder of rapper Pavlos Fyssas, 34, whose stage name was Killah P.
George Roupakias, 45, who said he was a supporter of Golden Dawn, was arrested in connection with the killing.
On Friday, Golden Dawn - which won nearly 7% of the vote in 2012 elections - threatened to pull its 18 MPs out of the 300-strong parliament.
The governing coalition headed by Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, which has 155 seats, would then face by-elections.
Speaking on a visit to the US on Monday, Mr Samaras vowed to eradicate the "shame of neo-Nazism".
In recent months, Golden Dawn has been accused of perpetrating attacks on migrants and political opponents.
Golden Dawn officially denies being a neo-Nazi movement, though its badge resembles a swastika, and some senior members have praised Adolf Hitler.