Albania: Budget passes in Parliament

With 82 votes in favor and 27 against, the majority passed the budget of the next year by giving an end to the discussions with the opposition, which considers this budget the budget of crisis.

PM Rama blamed the opposition for the situation of the public debt, and accused it of bad governing in these eight years, and for abusing with the legalization process and funds for the homeless.

"It is painful to see Albania today without an alternative in opposition. You are talking as if we are around the end of our mandate, forgetting that 100 days ago it was you in power. You are talking as this debt was not made by you. We are not increasing the debt, but we are simply formalizing the one taken by you. We don't want to pass to businesses the burden of a crisis that yo have created with your short-term policies. In eight years you created a giant mess", Rama declared.

In the session that lasted seven hours, the majority rejected the amends proposed by the DP, which were based on the electoral program of the SP. The first amend that was rejected was  that of the former Minister of Finances, who demanded an increased tax for the large business.

"This proposition is based on our deep conviction that low taxes are an instrument that encourages the development of the Albanian economy, and also comes in full accordance with the electoral commitments and the electoral program of the Socialist majority, which has publicly declared that there will be no increased taxes for busines in the first year", Bode declared.

"There are 166.000 self-employed people who support 500.000 Albanian citizens. We have removed the small business tax and have reduced the tax on profit, and that's why our package supports the small business. You mentioned a 70 million USD here. Only in 2014, the government will return 350 million USD to the business companies", Ahmetaj declared.

The second most important amend of the package with 39, was that proposed by Prime Minister Berisha for cancelling the 10 ALL tax on gas for circulation.

The second amend of the list with 39 in total, was the one proposed by former PM Sali Berisha, to cancel the 10 ALL tax on a liter of gas.

"This tax will push Albania to recession. You will collect 80 million USD, but you will ruin 800 million USD. You are gamblers. You do you protect your gambling houses? Why don't you raise taxes on gambling, on the sin, but you raise it on gas", Berisha declared.

"Fuels prices are becoming relatively acceptable for the region. It is a necessary measure to reduce the traffic. The Albanian drivers will not have the same gas that used to destroy their vehicles, and in a long-term view, the public only profits and there will be no direct  influence", declared the Minister of Energy and Industry, Damian Gjiknuri.

The new tax system raises the annual burden for businesses and citizens with 20 million USD. The government says that they are making an equal distribution of the tax burden, but the opposition insists that this package will plunge the country into recession.

Russian vessel "Peter the Great" in Limassol, turkey SCARED



December 28 2013 
CYPRUS EEZ  (Login Fantaros)

The super-cruiser "Peter the Great" is in Cyprus- The Turks got scared and gathered "Barbaros"

The nuclear-powered cruiser "Peter the Great» (Pyotr Veliky), the strongest Russian ship anchored in the port of Limassol and is preparing to sail the Aegean with other ships were making to joint exercises with the Greek Navy. This is a clear message of support to Cyprus and Greece from Moscow sounds on the other side, Turkey.

This is shown by the fact that it is the first time the mightiest ship all uniforms Russia and the heavier equipped arrives in Cyprus port. " This is the first visit of the "Pyotr Veliky" at the port of Limassol in the history of international cooperation between Russia and the Republic of Cyprus , "said the spokesman of the Western Military Region Vadim Sergei.

The cruiser will visit the Russian Ambassador to Cyprus Stanislav Osantski, possibly a senior member of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic.

Russian clear message to the Cyprus and to Turkey. Already the wake of "Peter the Great" by the arrival in port of Limassol displaced Turkish research vessel «Barbaros» and its accompanying ships and sent by the Cyprus EEZ did he walks in Turkish waters.

For «Barbaros» Turkey issued NAVTEX, stating how you doing surveys west of Cyprus, within the Cypriot EEZ and direction Kastelorizo. presence in the "Peter the Great" and only gathered in Turkish waters.

After refueling with food and the rest of the crew of the Russian commandos and marines flying to Cyprus 'Peter the Great' will hold joint exercises with ships of Greek Fleet in the region between the Cyprus EEZ and Kastelorizo.

According to information will be coordinated antisubmarine exercises with one - at least - Russian submarine will also sail in the region.

This is a vertical upgrade of Russian naval presence in the Aegean, the time and the expected arrival of the aircraft carrier "Admiral Kuznetsov" which interrupted the modernization program to come to the Northern Ocean in the Mediterranean, a decision taken at the height of the Syrian crisis.

The 'Peter the Great' is heading Kirov, which is the largest class of vessels serving the Russian Navy today. vessel length stands at 252 meters, width of 28.5 meters and draft of 9.1 meters and the complete displacement is 28,000 tons.

The propulsion of the vessel is a combination of reactors and steam turbines CONAS and consists of two nuclear reactors KN-3 and two steam turbines GT3A-688 to give a maximum speed of 32 knots.

As for the weapons? Neither debate.

Has 20 missiles against surface targets P-700 Granit (SS-N-19 Shipwreck), 14 missiles SS-N-14 for anti-submarine missions, 96 (boat Pyotr Velikhy 48) anti-aircraft missiles S-300F (SA-N-6 Grumble recommended), 128 missiles 9K95 Tor (SA-N-9 Gauntlet) point defense, and missiles 44 OSA-MA (SA-N-4 Gecko for shorter distances. There is even a double cannon AK-130 eat 130 mm. and up to 6 AK-630 exakana 30 mm. 6 and end systems antipyraflikla 6 × CADS-N-1 Kashtan.

The crew stands at 710 people.

The agreement provides Avramopoulos Soigkou-how soon the Russian ships will be docked at Greek ports to provide support services, refueling etc. This agreement has already caused "consternation" in Turkey.
- - Barbaros

www.defencenet.gr

Greece eager to enhance image as EU president

On January 1, 2014, Greece will begin its term as rotating EU president. Despite its ongoing economic woes, the country is adamant it will be an "honest broker" at the head of the EU during the next six months.

At a presentation of Athens' top priorities during its six months at the head of the EU, Prime Minister Antonis Samaras said economic growth, social cohesion and asylum policy would be paramount. The Greek head of government also said that the completion of the European banking union would be given due attention.
With regard to economic growth, Greece's coalition government of Conservatives and Socialists intends to provide an example for its EU partners, promising to leave the recession behind that has plagued the country for years.
However, few believe at this stage that Athens can make good on those pledges. Critics have even questioned whether the decision to place Greece in the chair of the European Council was a good one - in the face of its still withered economy.
Get out the polish...

Greece will have work to do to clear the air - and its name - during the six-month stint

Despite its ongoing crisis, Greece will deliver a solid presidency, said Panagiotis Ioakeimidis, professor for European policy at the University of Athens. It's the least the country could do to improve its image within Europe and restore the credibility it has lost in recent years. "And I think this is exactly what will happen," Ioakeimidis told DW.
This confidence is shared by the Socialist EU parliamentarian Sylvana Rapti, who is a close aide of Greek Foreign Minister Evangelos Venizelos. She is annoyed by skepticism as to whether Greece can function as EU chair: "Such distrust is born out of malevolence," an emphatic Rapti said in an interview with DW.
"Let's not forget: Belgium had to fight against such sentiments during its EU presidency in 2010. They didn't even have a government back then, and still they performed well; their crisis didn't affect Europe in the least," she added.
Social policy in focus
This will be Athens' fifth run in the rotating EU presidency; and, like before, Athens will continue to work for a socially conscious Europe, even if their successes have been moderate in the past.

Samaras says it will be a presidency of 'opportunities, not crisis'

In 1988, for instance, Andreas Papandreou pushed for a European Social Charta, which only a year later was passed under the French EU presidency. In 1994, Athens' social agenda was set aside in the face of negotiations for an enlargement of the EU to the north. In 2003, the Greek EU presidency was completely shadowed by the Iraq crisis and divisions within Europe that emerged as a result.
In the coming year, Athens is looking once again to promote social cohesion within Europe. In particular, the government wants to devote attention to youth unemployment and ways the EU can subsidize the transition of young people into jobs. And this time attempts may not be in vain, says Sylvana Rapti.
Calls for a more social Europe are growing in frequency and intensity, she adds. Those who have long opposed the movement are becoming isolated, and not only in crisis-ridden Greece. "The time has come for a change in politics in all European countries, including those wealthy nations like Germany, France and Great Britain - where the people likewise yearn for a more social Europe."

The streets of Athens are still plagued by occasional unrest

Rethinking Europe's approach to refugees
"This presidency will be about Europe, and not just Greece," agrees Ioakeimidis of Athens University. The researcher knows what he is talking about: as an advisor to the Greek foreign office, Ioakeimidis was part of each of Greece's five stints as EU chair. In 2003, he was in charge of advising Costas Simitis on Greek policy in Europe.
Ioakeimidis is certain that asylum policy will play a decisive role in the upcoming presidency. But even here, it will be impossible to avoid a conflict of interest: "In the past, the Greek presidencies worked on the Dublin Regulation [Ed. note - a law regulating the asylum application process] despite the fact that the Greek government was against it. They feared it would force the countries on the Europe's periphery to take on responsibility for refugees."
Although Ioakeimidis doesn't believe that Athens will attempt to amend the Dublin Regulation, per se, he does think European asylum policy could be improved: "A reinforcement of the border control agency FRONTEX will most certainly be on the agenda, as well as negotiations with the newly implemented EU working group for Mediterranean members," said the Athens-based European expert.

DW.DE

Turkish military "won't be dragged into politics"

Source: AP, Tanjug

ANKARA -- Turkey’s military has said it will not be "dragged into politics" amid a deepening corruption scandal, the Associated Press has reported.

(sxc.hu, stock)

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan was forced to reshuffle his government after three ministers, whose sons were arrested, resigned.
The army on Friday issued a statement in reaction to an Erdogan adviser's claims that the scandal "may be a plot to trigger a coup."

The government has already blamed the probe on a conspiracy to bring down the government, the AP reported.

Turkey’s military has staged three military takeovers since the 1960s but has seen its powers curbed under Erdogan’s decade in power, the news agency noted.

  Picture: МВР

Albania seizes 1 tons of marihuana at Vlora Port
 

27 December 2013 | 15:02 | FOCUS News Agency

Home / Southeast Europe and Balkans

 

Tirana. Albanian authorities seized one ton of marihuana close to the Vlora Port, Macedonian Kanal77 Radio reported.

According to the information, the drug was aimed for the Italian market.

The marihuana was found in two freight vehicles with Albanian registration. The drug was supposed to be transported to the shore of the Ionian Sea and then shipped to Italy with motor boats.

"19,000 Serbian citizens sought asylum in EU"

Source: Tanjug

BELGRADE -- The number of Serbian citizens seeking asylum in member countries of the European Union (EU) has not diminished over the year, says Sena Marić.

(B92, file)

This political analyst with the Asylum Protection Center NGO added that the number will be about 19,000 by year's end, "just like last year."
But only about one percent of these are granted asylum, Marić observed.

“These are predominantly national minority members. Our sample was comprised of more than 90 percent of Roma, followed by Albanians and a small number of people of Serb ethnicity. The worrying fact is that when they return to Serbia, they see no future for them and are disappointed and pessimistic about their integration,” Marić said at a news conference held at the Tanjug Press Center.

In 2012, she said, Serbia was fourth in Europe by the number of asylum seekers, leaving even Somalia, Eritrea and Sudan behind.

Since the introduction of visa-free travel for Serbia in 2010, around 70,000 Serbian citizens have sought asylum in European countries, and the peak year was 2012, with more than 19,000 requests for asylum, she added.

“The number has not decreased this year and according to available data, it exceeded 16,500 around October. This is more when compared to the same period last year and at least the same number of requests (as in 2012), and possibly more than the 19,000, can be expected by the end of the year. And that is a major cause for concern,” said Marić.

Speaking about persons seeking asylum in Serbia, Asylum Protection Center Executive Director Radoš Đurović said that he expects there will be more than 5,000 requests by the end of the year.

A great number of people are arriving from Syria, Eritrea, Somalia, Afghanistan, Algeria and Mali, and 63 percent of them are fleeing their countries to avoid armed conflict and persecution.

"About 25 percent of them are fleeing for economic reasons, such as poverty, shortage of food and water, and 12 percent are those who have combined reasons. When asked whether the people want to return (to their countries), 65 percent of those who left their countries to avoid persecution say they are willing to do that after the armed conflicts (in their countries) end,” Đurović said.

Đurović said that the asylum system in Serbia is facing an extremely difficult situation and it cannot deal successfully with this many asylum requests.

Greek - Albanian border, out of control

The day before the Albanian paramilitary, made ​​terror, to one Greek family, near Ag Saranda, while today, the same Albanian criminal groups, terrorize the Albanians working in Greece

Even with the establishment officially, of the Greek Army at the border with Albania, terrorist acts continue to threaten the Greek people in both sides of the border, which indicates that these border is out of control, by both authorities, Greek and Albanian .

Albanian media informs that today, some illegal Albanian, which posed a paramilitary armed group, have threatened some employees of a farm in Igumenitsa region. By the collision, one of the workers was injured and was admitted to hospital in Igoumenitsa.

But no nothing changed. Albanian Greek border, as it has been without control continues to be and worse, be seen from Albania, where the Greek community feels threatened.

Albania hasp ersonel Army,10 thousand solders, in which one third, are in service of NATO in Iraq and Afghanistan, while on the border with Greece, is completely uncontrolled.

Turkey: “There is No Cyprus”

By Ioanna Zikakou on December 26, 2013

 

The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs proceeded to make another provocative statement saying that “there is no Cyprus,” sparking a strong reaction from Nicosia.
This started on the occasion of an EU agreement signing concerning the readmission of illegal immigrants. Turkey, instead of conforming with this decision without any exceptions, chose unilaterally to meet this decision for all member-states of the European Union except for the Republic of Cyprus
A Turkish letter to the European Commission stated that the country will not conform to the agreement on readmission of illegal immigrants in the Republic of Cyprus because it does not recognize it. All this despite its obligation to the European Council to unconditionally recognize the Republic of Cyprus, to implement the Ankara Protocol and to work for the solution of the Cyprus dispute.
This action constitutes an intolerable challenge not only towards Cyprus but mainly to the European Union and the European institutions, said the President of EDEK Yiannakis Omirou, in Paphos.
He also said that the Union and the Commission need to compel Turkey to conform to this agreement and he called on the government to react quickly and decisively to Turkey’s provocation.
He stressed the fact that any tolerance of Turkey’s behavior that grossly offends the EU would amount to complicity and he said that it is time for Cyprus to claim all its rights as an EU Member State.

Livadhia: Christmas night, Albanian Paramilitaries, attacking a restaurant, with Greek owner



10 persons with camouflage uniform, have wounded several people, to a Greek family, during the Christmas night, in Livadhia

According to the information of the Department of Police Region of Saranda, during the Christmas night, in Livadhia village of Saranda Region, a group of 10 people, with masked uniforms, have used violence, and injured several people, the owner of a family restaurant with the Greek heritage.

According to some other sources confidential, armed paramilitary groups, in composition has been some persons, families from Chameria, of Konispol Municipality, who are arrested by police special forces.

The event occurred in one of the areas in the south of Albania, where the Greek minority lives, concerned for some time by vandals, who rob churches, homes and their properties.

Turkish Submarine accident in Cyprus 
 
Turoman submarine collides with a ship



209/1200 type submarine YILDIRAY S350 was hitting a cargo ship in area between Cyprus and Turkoland. The Cargo ship are reported to have been damaged in the accident in which there were no casualties. 

Also submarine reported to have serious damaged, the accident thought place by an emergency surfacing due to technical problems properly of bad maintenance/short resources. 

Turkoman submarine is properly knock out totally, so a tug towed YILDIRAY S350 to Mersin. 

http://www.taraf.com.tr/haber/denizalti-gemiye-carpti.htm

Ekskluzive, grabitja në qendrën tregtare (pa koment) - Top Channel Alban...

Jewelry store robbed in Albania on Christmas Eve

Xinhua


Four armed robbers disguised as "Santa Claus" robbed jewelries worth of 410,000 US dollars from a store in the suburbs of Tirana, capital of Albania, on Christmas Eve, local media reported Wednesday.

The incident occurred on Dec. 24 at the "Tirana East Gate" shopping center where the robbers, who took the holiday atmosphere by dressing "Santa Clauses" costumes, passed security with two Kalashnikov rifles, according to media reports.

Surveillance video showed that they entered a jewelry store, keeping the store employee on gunpoint, then grasped a large amount of golden necklaces, bracelets and rings and put them into two big bags.

Two minutes late, the four robbers fled the scene to meet with their fellow driver who was waiting in a car at the shopping mall and they escape immediately.

Fortunately, no one got injured during the robbery, but the incident caused widespread panics while the robbers carrying guns rushing out.

The Albanian police came to the scene to investigate into the case. They checked the surveillance video and inquired 14 witnesses.

Local media said a police patrol reported an exchange of fire in the capital area with a gang, which was believed to be the same robbery gang after identified the plate on the Benz vehicle that they had drove.

The gang abandoned and burned the vehicle, and escaped on foot under the cover of darkness.

Albania; Celebration of Christmas

Orthodox believers were seen today in the Cathedral in Tirana, to celebrate one of the most important days in the Christian Calendar, the Christmas.

The archbishop of Albania, Anastas, appealed for more love and hope among all people.

The devotees present in the mess expressed their wishes and hopes for a better year for everyone.

Christmas is the day that symbolizes the hope for humanity, which will bring more peace and love through everyone.

After the mass, the celebration continues at home, where the family dinner is the main symbol of this celebration.

The president of the Albanian Nishani congratulates Easter, in place of Christmas



Nishani: I wish all the Christians of Albanians  for the resurrection of Christ

Spartak Ngjela: President should resign, is a political mistake

Christmas atmosphere is somewhat spoiled, last night, when a national message, the president of the republic Nishani, on the occasion of the feast of Christianity, is declared as celebration of Christ's resurrection.

The first reaction was of independent advertising Spartak Ngjela politician, who has called the "scandal" of presidential deklareten Nishani after offends all of Albanian Christians.

Orthodox community in Albania, have objected to a census developed in 2011 by the Albanian government, which counts four times less, from what is historical reality.

Decision: The Greek Army moves to the Albanian borders

Reopening military bases on the Greek-Albanian border surveillance



To stop the "Prespa Case" and the special activities such as smuggling of weapons from Albania attempt the GES with the reopening two outposts in the region.

The decision was taken at the highest level after the visit of Army Commander Lieutenant X.Manola, visited the area .

The follow mandated by the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant A.Tselio, who gave the order to proceed directly the maintenance and repair of facilities outposts of St. Menas in Polyanemo and Vrondero.

According to information already in both outposts work is progressing rapidly and the respective Municipalities participating in the work using their technical staff.

All this shows that something is happening and something changes and have finally consider some of the special features on our site (Defencenet.gr).

Already the 574 Battalion motorized reinforced by staff and expected as shown in further reinforcing to staffed with greater force outposts.

The situation in the region has escaped terms of entry of illegal weapons (except other illegal activities such as drug trafficking , etc.) and the area often discovered caches of weapons.

And nobody knows if it is only for trafficking weapons or hiding and storing weapons for future suspensory from groups of UCC ...

www.defencenet.gr

Albanian gang in Greece

The Greek Police has published photographs and personal data of a group of seven Albanian criminals who have been acting for more than two years in the suburbs of Athens and Argo.

The order was published after the Prosecution arrested one of the members of this group, who, according to the declaration, are dangerous and won’t hesitate to use their firearms.

They are accused of three murder attempts, two against police officers; ten robberies in malls and banks, six car thefts and three breaking and entering in private property.

Police has been able to identify one of the members, the 50-year-old Ilir Gjini, who tried to avoid a roadblock with his stolen car. Police caught him and seized two AK-47, one automatic rifle, one handgun.

Police says that their names are: Ektor Qiriazi, 30; Lulezim Elmazaj, 22; Agron Shakaj, 34; Arsen Selimaj, 39; Ervis Arapaj, 39 and Erion Peci, 27.

PRESS RELEASE

World Bank Helps Improve Water Supply and Sanitation for 400,000 Citizens in Albania

 

WASHINGTON, December 20,  2013 – The World Bank Group Board of Executive Directors today approved a new loan to help Albania improve the quality of water and wastewater services in the coastal city of Durres area, and improve the financial performance of its water utility. An IBRD loan of US$85.3 million equivalent for the Albania Water Sector Investment Project aims to upgrade and expand the existing water supply and sewerage network in Durres, the country’s second largest city, one of the main tourist destinations, and primary port.
These objectives will be achieved through (i) priority investments in the water supply network and construction of water transmission pipeline to address water shortages during peak touristic season; secondary investments linking villages to the city’s water supply system; and priority investments to reduce losses in the water distribution network; (ii) priority investments in the sewerage network and its transfer capacity from the touristic beach area to the newly constructed Durres Wastewater Treatment Plant, and (iii) further support to the Durres Water Utility to improve the quality of its service and its financial situation.
The government has accorded priority to the water sector and has outlined the Durres area as a priority in its Government Program.  “The Project would therefore provide an ideal opportunity to advance the policy and institutional reform agenda outlined in the new Government Program and the recent Sector Strategy, coupled with financing for priority investments,” said Tahseen Sayed, Country Manager for the World Bank Office in Albania.

The project will build upon foundation established under earlier water investment programs in the Durres region and will scale up the Bank’s level of engagement. “The primary project beneficiaries will be up to 400,000 people in the peak season (330,000 off-peak), who would benefit from service improvements in the Durres region. This represents a crucial improvement, in terms of better water supply and treated wastewater, expanded coverage in urban and rural areas, as well as increased environmental protection of water sources and coastal waters”, said David Michaud, World Bank Senior Water Supply Specialist and Project Task Team Leader.

The Bank has funded three water investment operations in the area in the past. These projects provided investments in the rehabilitation of water supply network, strengthened capacities, and implemented institutional reforms. Lessons learned from the implementation of these projects have been incorporated into the design of the current project, including sufficient funds and investments in response to the needs, linking institutional changes to broader sector reforms, commitments to reforms, avoiding politicization of tariff setting, assessment of the political economy of the sector, and consultations with key stakeholders.
Albania became a member of the World Bank in 1991. Since then, 73 projects totaling US$1.2 billion have been supported by IDA and IBRD, and 49 projects totaling US$225 million by IFC. Currently in Albania there are 5 active projects in the social sector, natural resources, water, energy, and public sector management that are helping Albania to achieve sustainable economic and social development and pave the way for European integration.

Turkey Increases Defense Spending in 2014 Budget

Dec. 24, 2013 - 10:56AM |
By BURAK EGE BEKDIL | Comments




TURKEY-POLITICS
Turkish army tanks take part in a parade marking the 91st anniversary of Victory Day in Ankara in August. Turkey's defense budget will see a 6.71 percent increase in 2014. (Adem Altan/AFP via Getty Images)







ANKARA Turkeys parliament has approved a 6.71 percent increase in the countrys defense budget, according to budget figures released after a debate.

The budget, drafted in October and debated in parliament since then, took effect Dec. 20 after a parliamentary vote in favor of it.

According to the 2014 budget figures, Turkeys defense ministry got an annual budget worth $10.908 billion, up 7.15 percent from $10.18 billion in 2013.

Part of Turkeys defense spending are budget appropriations for the Gendarmerie and the Coast Guard, both of which operate under the interior ministry but are considered a de facto part of the Turkish military.

The Gendarmerie in 2014 will get $3.08 billion, up 5.35 percent from $2.922 billion in 2013. The 2014 budget appropriation for the Coast Guard is $226 million, compared to $216 million.

The three departments that make Turkeys defense budget will get $14.212 billion in 2014, up 6.71 percent from $13.317 billion in 2013.

The 2014 defense budget accounts for 3.7 percent of the overall state budget.

About half of Turkeys defense budget goes to personnel spending (salaries, benefits and pensions), with the rest mostly going to finance new equipment and maintenance.

Apart from that budget, the Turkish government runs an annual Defense Industry Support Fund to finance modernization programs. That fund, mostly financed by levies on gambling, tobacco and alcohol, is worth around $600 million annually.


http://www.defensenews.com/article/20131224/DEFREG01/312240005/Turkey-Increases-Defense-Spending-2014-Budget

"Neither NATO nor Russia asked to build military bases"

Source: Tanjug

PODGORICA -- Montenegrin Defense Minister Milica Pejanović-Đurišić has said that neither Russia nor NATO asked to build military bases in her country.

Russian warships in the Black Sea (Beta/AP, file)

"There has never been any talk about opening foreign military bases in Montenegro," she told the Dnevne Novine daily, and stressed "precise procedure" was in place when it came to docking of foreign warships in Montenegrin ports, and that this procedure was being observed.
The local media previously reported that Russia was "seeking logistical support for its fleet in the Mediterranean as an alternative, considering that it was uncertain if it would hold on to the port of Tartus in Syria."

The reports said that Russia was "asking Montenegro for permission to install a military base in the port of Bar."

Russian Ambassador to Montenegro Andrei Nesterenko reacted to this by denying that his country sought "to install a military base."

Instead, the diplomat said, Russia was interested in discussing the possibility of Montenegro allowing Russian warships to dock in Bar and Kotor, but that the country's officials did not wish to consider this.

The ships would have been there "exclusively for humanitarian reasons," Nesterenko said, and explained that the Montenegrin Ministry of Defense did not wish to discuss this topic.

Protesting predictions

Dec 23rd 2013

UKRAINE, Bulgaria, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Tunisia, Egypt and Turkey are all countries in which protests have erupted in the past twelve months. Even places traditionally more muted, such as Japan and Singapore, have seen demonstrators in the streets. Social inequalities and political discontent have spurred citizens to gather. Resistance can be co-ordinated with greater ease than ever in the age of the smartphone.
According to Laza Kekic from the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), economic distress is almost a prerequisite for protest, but does not explain outbursts entirely:

“Declines in income and high unemployment are not always followed by unrest. Only when economic trouble is accompanied by other elements of vulnerability is there a high risk of instability. Such factors include wide income-inequality, poor government, low levels of social provision, ethnic tensions and a history of unrest. Of particular importance in sparking unrest in recent times appears to have been an erosion of trust in governments and institutions: a crisis of democracy.”

The fates of Muhammad Morsi, Egypt’s president until July, and Ali Laraayedh, soon to step down as Tunisia’s prime minister, seem to be cases in point. But next year, which leaders will pay for their politics with their positions? Where will protests erupt next?

The EIU measures the risk of social unrest in 150 countries around the world (see table). It places a heavy emphasis on institutional and political weaknesses. According to its ratings, 65 countries (43% of the 150) will be at a high or very high risk of social unrest in 2014. Compared with five years ago, 19 more countries are now in the high-risk categories. The Middle East and North Africa, southern Europe and the Balkans will be particularly vulnerable.

These predictions are not infallible, however, Cassandra notes. Thailand was identified as only being at “medium risk” but in recent days protesters have surrounded the house of the beleaguered prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra. Demonstrations started in November, after a controversial amnesty bill passed Thailand’s lower house.

10 killed as Tugboat capsizes in yard in Turkey

İZMİR

AA Photo

Ten people were killed today when a tugboat capsized at a military shipbuilding yard in the Karşıyaka district of the Aegean province of İzmir.

Soldiers and civilian workers were among those who were killed in the accident, the reports said.

Six soldiers reportedly rescued themselves by jumping into the sea, while diving teams are still searching for the missing crew.

Seven soldiers who were slightly injured in the incident were reportedly taken to nearby hospitals.

The Naval tugboat TGC Değirmendere was being lowered into the sea following maintenance at the Alabey Military Shipbuilding Yard when it suddenly listed to one side, taking on water.

 Finally how many are from Northern Epirus?

Constantine Cholevas
Geopolitical Annalist

The President of Omonia, the Organization of the Greek National Minority in Albania, Vasilis Bolanos presented a few days ago an interesting recording numerical and qualitative data.
Specifically Omonia disputed census and ethno-religious communities conducted two years ago by the Albanian government and carried one own inventory.

The final results show the number of 286,500 indicating Greeks in Albania. Of these, about half live in Greece, but maintain strong ties to the fatherland. 90% say they followed the orthodox faith, while others report no religion. In terms of language, the approximately 186,000 say they are Greek speaking and the rest, about 100,000, mainly Vlach.

The brave of Ellinovlachos hold up the flag! not know how reliable method was used for this recording of Hellenism, however, the data seem to agree with the history of ethnological statistics. Before communism, the last census showed that Orthodox Christians were 20% of the population, of which the vast majority of Greeks. Instead, the official Albanian view from Northern brings around 60,000, which was a manifestly inaccurate. Just noticed someone with an empirical statistic how many from Northern residing in our country, which far exceeds Albanian calculations.

The Albanian state, from its inception in 1913 until today, tried in every way to challenge the numbers and rights of ethnic Greek community. So we have two censuses, one state and one of Omonia, where one does not recognize the other . The representatives of our expatriates and the Orthodox Church of Albania has never accepted the outcome of the state inventory.

Despite the recommendations of the European Union recorded and national origin and religion-willing-respondent, eventually most enumerators intentionally not raised these questions in the areas of Hellenism. Once the largest minority in Albania does not recognize the government census, entitled the Greece and the EU To request a new waterproof inventory of all minorities in Albania.

Agents, traitors can’t rule Turkey, says PM Erdoğan

ISTANBUL

Erdoğan blamed ‘spies’ in his speech in the Black Sea province of Giresun. DHA photo

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan threw down the gauntlet to his rivals, including “spies” and “traitors” Dec. 22, warning them against using allegations of high-level corruption to undermine his rule or he would “break their hands.”

“Everyone will know their place,” Erdoğan told a boisterous crowd of Justice and Development Party (AKP) supporters in the Black Sea province of Giresun. “Let our friends and foes know this. Whoever dares to harm, stir up or set traps in this country, whoever tries to touch our independence, we will come to break those hands,” he said.

The probe into allegations of widespread bribery by members of Erdoğan’s government has exposed a bitter feud between the AKP and influential Muslim scholar Fethullah Gülen, whose followers hold top positions in the police, judiciary and secret services.

‘International plot’

Twenty-four people have been charged so far in connection with the investigation, including the sons of Interior Minister Muammer Güler and Economy Minister Zafer Çağlayan, as well as the chief executive of state-owned Halkbank.

The Turkish government has so far championed the idea that the investigation was an “international conspiracy” against the AKP.

“Turkey is no longer the Turkey of old,” Erdoğan said. “Turkey is no longer a country where dark centers, their tongues, traitors and spies come and do what they want.” “In the last week, a conspiracy started in Turkey with some factors in the judiciary and police,” the prime minister added. “Under the guise of corruption, there is an ugly, unjust trap. I say it, corruption is just a cover. Never believe the perception they are trying to create.”

A day earlier, four separate pro-government newspapers reported US Ambassador to Turkey, Francis J. Ricciardone calling the incident “fall of an empire” to EU Ambassadors in the country in a meeting on the day the investigation became public. However, the U.S. Embassy categorically denied such a statement and that there was such a meeting.

During his speech, Erdoğan once again blamed international plotters and “very dirty alliances” for attempting to create chaos in the country and stood firm behind the ministers named in the graft probe. “It is not all about corruption,” he said. “The nation will respond to those who attempt to set traps in order to tarnish ministers.”

December/22/2013

After 100`Th  Anniversary of the Declaration of the Independence of the Albanian State last year, the Northern Epirus Associations in Greece, will organize on next February 2014, the 100`The Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Autonomous Republic of Northern Epirus

Greeks Pessimistic about EU Future

By Ioanna Zikakou

According to a Eurobarometer poll that was published on Friday, Greeks are the most pessimistic about the future of the European Union. Furthermore, the poll showed that the Greek people feel that their voice is least likely to be heard among all other European citizens.

Only 29% of Greeks believe in the future of the European Union, in contrast to 51% of European Union citizens as a whole who have confidence.

Furthermore, when asked if they believed that their voices were being heard within the 28-member Union, only 13% of Greeks agreed. Cyprus was in an even worse position with the lowest percentage (11%) of citizens in agreement. The European Union average was 29%.

In stark contrast, of Greeks polled, 62% supported monetary union and the euro, whereas the European Union average was 51%.


- See more at: http://eu.greekreporter.com/2013/12/21/greeks-pessimistic-about-eu-future/#sthash.EzMxP1Fz.dpuf

Greeks Pessimistic about EU Future

By Ioanna Zikakou on December 21, 2013 in EU, news

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According to a Eurobarometer poll that was published on Friday, Greeks are the most pessimistic about the future of the European Union. Furthermore, the poll showed that the Greek people feel that their voice is least likely to be heard among all other European citizens.
Only 29% of Greeks believe in the future of the European Union, in contrast to 51% of European Union citizens as a whole who have confidence.
Furthermore, when asked if they believed that their voices were being heard within the 28-member Union, only 13% of Greeks agreed. Cyprus was in an even worse position with the lowest percentage (11%) of citizens in agreement. The European Union average was 29%.
In stark contrast, of Greeks polled, 62% supported monetary union and the euro, whereas the European Union average was 51%.

- See more at: http://eu.greekreporter.com/2013/12/21/greeks-pessimistic-about-eu-future/#sthash.EzMxP1Fz.dpuf

Greeks Pessimistic about EU Future

By Ioanna Zikakou on December 21, 2013 in EU, news

 2  16

 

 0  18

According to a Eurobarometer poll that was published on Friday, Greeks are the most pessimistic about the future of the European Union. Furthermore, the poll showed that the Greek people feel that their voice is least likely to be heard among all other European citizens.
Only 29% of Greeks believe in the future of the European Union, in contrast to 51% of European Union citizens as a whole who have confidence.
Furthermore, when asked if they believed that their voices were being heard within the 28-member Union, only 13% of Greeks agreed. Cyprus was in an even worse position with the lowest percentage (11%) of citizens in agreement. The European Union average was 29%.
In stark contrast, of Greeks polled, 62% supported monetary union and the euro, whereas the European Union average was 51%.

- See more at: http://eu.greekreporter.com/2013/12/21/greeks-pessimistic-about-eu-future/#sthash.EzMxP1Fz.dpuf

Albania, new  Gegs and Tosks
http://www.photius.com/countries/albania/society/albania_society_gegs_and_tosks.html

Sources: The Library of Congress Country Studies; 
CIA World Factbook

 

<< Back to Albania Society Among ethnic Albanians are two major subgroups: the Gegs, who generally occupy the area north of the Shkumbin River, and the Tosks, most of whom live south of the river. The Gegs account for slightly more than half of the resident Albanian population. Ethnic Albanians are estimated to account for 90 percent of the population.
The Gegs and Tosks use distinct dialects; there are also linguistic variations within subgroups. Well into the twentieth century, ethnic clans exercised extensive local authority, particularly in the north. Some progress was made during the reign of King Zog I (1928-39), however, toward bringing the clans under government control and eliminating blood feuds.
After taking power in 1944, the communist regime imposed controls intended to eliminate clan rule entirely and waged a continuing struggle against customs and attitudes that believed to impede the growth of socialism. Blood feuds were repressed. Party and government leaders, in their effort to develop national, social, and cultural solidarity in a communist society, publicly tended to ignore ethnic differences.
Communist leader Enver Hoxha, first secretary of the Albanian Party of Labor and head of state until his death in 1985, who came from the south and received the bulk of his support during World War II from that area, frequently gave preference to persons and customs of Tosk origin. Most party and government executives were Tosk speakers and of Muslim background. The Gegs, who had dominated Albanian politics before 1945, were educationally disadvantaged by the adoption of a "standard literary Albanian language," based on the Tosk dialect.
Because of their greater isolation in the mountainous areas of the north, the Gegs held on to their tribal organization and customs more tenaciously than did the Tosks. As late as the 1920s, approximately 20 percent of male deaths in some areas of northern Albania were attributable to blood feuds. Under the unwritten tribal codes, whose purview included the regulation of feuds, any blow, as well as many offenses committed against women, called for vengeance. Permitting a girl who had been betrothed in infancy to marry another, for example, could set off a blood feud. The besa, a pledge to keep one's word as a solemn obligation, was given in various situations and sometimes included promises to postpone quarrels. A man who killed a fellow tribesman was commonly punished by his neighbors, who customarily would burn his house and destroy his property. As fugitives from their own communities, such persons were often given assistance by others.
A man who failed to carry out the prescribed vengeance against a member of another tribe or that individual's relatives was subjected to ridicule. Insult was considered one of the gravest forms of dishonor, and the upholding of one's honor was the primary duty of a Geg. If the individual carried out the required act of vengeance, he was in turn subject to retribution by the victim's relatives. Women were excluded from the feud and, when a man escorted a woman, he too was considered inviolable. In other respects, however, a woman's lot in society generally was one of deprivation and subjugation.
The isolation from influences beyond his community and the constant struggle with nature tended to make the male Geg an ascetic. Traditionally his closest bonds were with members of his clan. Obstinate and proud, the Gegs had proved themselves, ruthless and cruel fighters. Visitors from outside the clan generally were suspect, but every traveler was by custom accorded hospitality.
Less isolated by geography and enjoying slightly less limited contact with foreign cultures, Tosks generally were more outspoken and imaginative than Gegs. Contacts with invaders and foreign occupiers had left an influence and, before 1939, some Tosks had traveled to foreign countries to earn money to buy land, or to obtain an education. The clan or tribal system, which by the nineteenth century was far less extensive in the south than in the north, began to disappear after independence was achieved in 1912.
Data as of April 1992



NOTE: The information regarding Albania on this page is re-published from The Library of Congress Country Studies and the CIA World Factbook. No claims are made regarding the accuracy of Albania Gegs and Tosks information contained here. All suggestions for corrections of any errors about Albania Gegs and Tosks should be addressed to the Library of Congress and the CIA.

Kosovo Albania power interconnection

Kosovo and Albania signed an agreement for building the “power highway”. The agreement for the construction of the 400 KV interconnection line between the two countries will offer the establishing of stable capacities. It will make possible for the two operators to work together as a distributing system, and offer mutual benefits for the consumers of both countries.

This agreement was realized between the TSO of Kosovo (Transmission System Operator) and the TSO of Albania.

This event, besides the emotional connection, aims to develop the economic space of Albania, as underlined by the Minister of Economic Development of Kosovo, Fadil Ismaili and his homologue Damian Gjiknuri. The Agreement was considered historic and signed in the house of the Albanian League in Prizren.

“By continuing the historic events of Prizren, today we are creating a new one, which has the proportions of the first one. We are signing the agreement for building the energy highway of Kosovo and Albania”, Ismajli declared.

“Energy is the guarantee of our future. We are cooperating for developing our markets”, Gjiknuri added.

The integration in the regional energy market is indispensable. Today we have been witnesses of the signing of this agreement for the construction of this line between Kosovo and Albania. This will put Kosovo closer to Albania and Europe, and will support the integration of both countries in the European power market”, declared Peter Blomyer, Ambassador of Germany.

The 40 million EUR project has been supported by the German Federal government. The agreement will be implemented by the Croatian Dole Kevod in Kosovo, and by the Slovenian EnergyInvest in Albania.

CIA Research: Greek Shipping 4th in the World and 1st in Quality

December 21 2013



It is well-known that the performance of Greeks in the sea is regarded as top-notch.

According to research conducted by the CIA, Greek shipping comes first in quality and is the fourth largest force in the world.The data also reveals that the Greeks have 3,319 ships under their control, which makes it the fourth largest force on the planet at the moment.

The data concerned fleets based on national characteristics and not on the nationality of the managers, something that leaves out the Greek ships that are registered in foreign books of registry such as the ones in the Marshall Islands.

Countries with the greatest naval power:

Germany: 427 ships in the national registry, 3420 in foreign registry. Total 3847 ships
Japan : 684 ships in the national registry, 3,122 in foreign registry. Total 3,806 ships
China: 2,030 ships in the national registry, 1,559 in foreign registry. Total 3,589 ships
Greece : 860 ships in the national flag, 2,459 in foreign registry. Total 3,319 ships
Hong Kong : 1,644 ships in the national registry, 341 in foreign registry. Total 1,985 ships
Singapore: 1,599 ships in the national registry, 344 in foreign registry. Total 1943 ships
Russia: 1,143 ships in the national registry, 439 in foreign registry. Total , 1,582 ships
Norway: 585 ships in the national registry, 974 in foreign registry. Total 1,559 ships
Turkey: 629 ships in the national registry, 345 in foreign registry. Total 1,274 ships
USA : 393 ships in the national registry , 794 in foreign registry. Total 1,187 ships

Furthermore, the same research also covers the issue of quality and safety criteria that are kept in accordance with the requirements of the U.S. Coast Guard, with Greece coming first with 105 ships.
http://greece.greekreporter.com/2013/11/18/cia-research-greek-shipping-4th-in-the-world-and-1st-in-quality/

Stërvitje e forcave ushtarake greke pranë Prespës në kufi

Albanian Media News 24

Greek Special Forces in alert on the Greek Albanian borders, to neutralize paramilitaries forces of UCc and UCK 

Edi Rama: Albanian nationalist extremist forces, led to loss of status to the United Europe


 
Rama: We reject insults and categorizations of Anglophoby, which was calling for Albanians, from the European Union.

  Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, gave a speech, for 100 days of his government, accusing the extreme Albanian nationalist forces that led us to loss, to not granting candidate status by European Community.

But Rama for continuing of Anglophoby, accused by certain segments decisive against Albania from the European Union which gave no Albanian status.

"We refuse insults and categorizations that all Albanians as Islamist label, by some decision-making in the European Union office", said Rama.

Greek Navy, will control up in the Karaburun peninsula

 


Operation " Pirpolites 2014" will continue to extend maritime border with Albania. An survey for intervention, will be Himara, Ag. Saranda

Greek special forces, for the first time will initiate action against Albanian paramilitary units, narcotics and arms smugglers.

Defencenet Department reports that one of the priorities of the Presidency of the European Union by Greece , will be strict control of European borders , in which illegal immigration from the east , but also in particular , control of maritime and terrestrial borders with Albania , will be given more importance , because traffickers and drug and weapons smuggling , have become problematic for the Greek authorities and the population of the north of Greece .

In this context, actions , special teams will be empowered rapid intervention , to prevent any attempt to crack group of smugglers , adding military personnel , we have some basis in the island of Corfu .

Greek military sources , expressed reserved to accept the fact that the Greek frigate " Epirus " on board of which operates a helicopter to aid in rapid intervention teams may be willing , by order of the Chief of Staff of the Greek army, Mihalis Kostarakos , in that it would be necessary .

But according to these sources, a deterioration of the situation of the Greek population that extends the Ionian coast by paramilitaries group UCK and UCC, in particular in Himara Region, the Greek army may be forced to take into protection. 

The Greek population of the Himara Region, continues to suffer by Albanian authorities and Justice System, for the right of the property and the Human Rigts. Police Station is backing both traffickers and Albanian mafia to robber their lands with falls documents.  

Some months ago the adviser of the Greek PM Antoni Samaras for security issue, Failos Kranidiotis,  declared for the Greek media that: "If Albanian chauvinists threaten the Greeks of Northern Epirus, Greece clearly will react". 

(http://www.aftonomi.gr/prosopa/item/1322-failos-kranidiotis-an-oi-albanoi-sobinistes-apeilisoun-tous-ellines-tis-boreiou-ipeirou-i-ellada-safos-kai-tha-antidrasei.html )