VERY PROBLEMATIC THE SITUATION FOR GREEKS OF HIMARA

The greek weekly comments the situation in Himara Region.

"Woods" to the people of Himara because they spoke Greek! In the trial of ten Greeks because they attended a gathering to protest the fact.

by John Simeonidis

Himara, Northern Epirus, evening of June 9 to 10 April. Police stopped two young Greeks of homogeneity and catch perpetrators because the «crime» Greek to speak in front of them! We stop, but there, after the nationalist rage and leads them to the beating of Ellinopoulon! It is not surprising that this event triggered the anger of other Greeks in Chimaras, who complained to police authorities. They respond with new attack on the shop his father owned one of the two victims of the previous evening! The evening of 10 April, expatriates gathered outside the police station of Chimaras protest against the incident. The merger is peaceful, but marked by shooting in the air and blackmail threats from «institutions around». Subsequently, the police start to shoot in the city centre.

The people protested and stating the facts and the prefect Vlore, which owns the Chimara. The Albanian authorities believe carried out the illegal gathering exercise and persecution against ten Greeks. The summons states that accused of involvement in an illegal gathering during which slogans requested by the removal of police from Chimara and its replacement by Greek police. Most of the persecuted refused to appear in court last week. It is worth noting that this is not the only case where Greeks are accused Albanian courts.

The other case concerns proceedings against the mayor and chairman of Himaras «Omonoias» (organisation of the Greek minority), Vassilis Bolanou because xilose signs written in Albanian and English. «The xilosame it is the responsibility of local government to places. The municipal council had decided to take written and Greek », declares in« A »Mr. Bolanos. Census since Chotza! He stressed that the aim of the Albanian authorities is to exontosoun every Greek voice in Northern Epirus. Currently living in the region around 250 to 300 thousand Greeks. In Chimara, a total of 13 thousand inhabitants, around ten thousand are our compatriots. The population is registered around 29 thousand Greeks, but most now living in our country. These figures, however, are calculations of CIA (!) After the population census has to be done since the communist regime! «We are asking to be democratic population census Equipment through the free will of every citizen and to register their nationality and religion of each», stresses Mr. Bolanos.

«Albania tramples human rights» Meanwhile, the mayor Himaras calls to the Greek government to push for democratisation of the neighbouring country. «Greece supports the integration of Albania into the European Union and NATO, but that continues to hunt the Greeks of Northern Epirus, which turns our very backward. This country is not entitled to participate in the Euro-Atlantic structures, after tramples basic human rights such as freedom of expression, self determination and the right to property ».

At this point it is worth recalling that since 2003 pending court cases because our five compatriots demonstrated for legitimate elections, and since 2006 two pending court cases because the Greeks have demonstrated against illegal interruptions in supply. Obviously, they claim by the Union Chimarioton Greece, that all these moves are part of a larger project, through terrorism, violation of moral and economic paralysis methodefomenis, sole purpose is the seizure of their land and use for servicing economic interests. For his part, the chairman of the Union Chimarioton Greece, Dionysis Beleris, speaking in our newspaper, speaks of a systematic attempt by Albanian state to eradicate them from the syntopites patrogonikes their homes by Greek land four thousand years: «First question is recognition of our nationality.

As of the Church. They counterfeit cards and psefdomartyres, claiming that land belonging to Greek Albanian state and not us ». Life, roads and infrastructure of the city, as our present Mr Beleris, reminiscent of those in Greece in the early'60s and'70s. Identifies, in fact, Chimara as a typical Greek city past decades, the Albanian government. He, however, express and complained to the Greek government, after «not active and not as it should protect the interests of the Greeks of Northern Epirus».

PSOMIADIS MET BERISHA


Premier Berisha received on Wednesday the Prefect of Thessaloniki, Panajot Psomiadhis and the accompanying delegation. Cordially welcoming the guests, the Premier considered it another testimony of the excellent relations between two countries, governments, institutions and our friendly peoples.

more: http://www.keshilliministrave.al/index.php?fq=brenda&m=news&lid=8890&gj=gj2

STOP THE DISCRIMINATION AGAINST HELLENIC COMMUNITY BY TRIBUNAL OF VLORA

The Head of the Court of vlora and Persecutor Office of Vlora`s Region is became strong brunch of Democratic Party. The Head of Vlora`s Court Artur Malaj and Persecutor Skender Dautaj, are linked politically to condemn rebelion against Sali Berisha on 1997, when for the albanian citizen with greek origin, they use national rethoric to discriminate and condemn member of Greek Community of Himara Region.

The Tribunal of Fieri some days ago decided to condemn the Head of the Court of vlora, Artur Malaj after the proces which Malaj was accused by advocate Sazan Aliko for discrimination of his family. Aliko former Head of Court of Vlora, maried years ago with a girl by the greek origin from Dropulli, accused Malaj for discrimination and human rigths violated against his family. On a secret report that Malaj sent to albanian superior authority, expressed his opinion to Aliko motivated as “on the interest of National Security”.

The Superior Counsil of Tribunal of Albania, some months ago, exclused four Judges by the Apeal Court of Vlora, all with greek origin, motivated for “corruption and misteake procedures of the proceses”. Also the Court of Vlora is in the first fase of the penal process to condemn 10 albanian citizens with greek origin from Himara Region, after a protest held at front of Police Departament of Himara. In center of accuses against they are the words used: “we want greek polices not albanians to protect us”.

Five years ago 5 of Himara citizens are condamned all togather 15 year by Court of Vlora headed by Artur Malaj after they protested with greek flags against violation of votes during local elections of 2003. Hunders of vlora`s citizen by greek origin most part from Himara, have oppened penal proces against Proprierty Regional Office of Vlora, after they "have lost" the original documents or have falsified them.

Vlora, the centre known as Avlona, an old byzantin point on the west south part of Albania, near Adriatic Sea, is populated for the seconde time after 1991, by thousands people come from other region of Albania. The half of popullation is in emigration, Greece and Italy, when the city is composed in majority by communities of orthodoxes, labes and chames. In 1997 the anti pyramidal protests of Vlora People bring the large “Civil War” on the albanian territor between southern (tosks) and northern (geghs) communities. Now Vlora is became a strong center of tourism in Albania but also a protagonist of varius international economic interests such are AMBO and Gazprom.

Arrest Albanian who made photos to the “Araxos Air Base” of Patras

Photo: the greek skuadron fighters

We spent three days since to “target” that illegal immigrant who was an appropriate means of penetration of foreign intelligence services and yesterday's publication of the greek newspaper "Proto Thema" confirmed the above saying.

Specifically is arrested a person of Albanian nationality to photografe facilities of the Araxos air base (the seat is 116 Combat Wing). This period is ongoing work to construct a Government hall and maintenance for the 335 and 336 Squadron and public hall engines, under the host of 30 new fighter Advanced F-16 Block 52 +. In 336 M gathered around 50 A-7E & TA-7C Corsair II and the D-7I & TA-7H of 335 M have been withdrawn.

It is recalled that the PM 116 had been aiming to sabotage the May 2003 when they found metal objects in aircraft engines at least three A-7, with then-A & JUL to talk about «treason» and «dishonesty». The publication also refers to military cooperation Ankara - Tirana but also the strategic importance of 116 PM.

No any response from albanian authorities about misterios imigrant who may be an espionage profferssionist linked with turkish intelligence said the greek newspaper.

BERISHA IS PLANNING TO VISIT HIMARA THIS WEEK

“Very preoccupied” the Albanian PM to visit Himara this week even dozens of himarotes with Greek origin are under penal accuse by the Tribunal of Vloraa`s district as protagonist of an peace protest against Himara Police Departament.

Berisha is planning to visit himara Region to inaugurate some Greek investments of the region such as the national way Saranda Vlora and water resource center of Drimades. Some information said about “very preoccupation of PM Berisha” to show “good sentiments” between Greek Albanian relations, but in reality the people of Himara Region “has finished the love” with his government even the Human Rights Party, one important electoral member of coalition of Albanian government continues to be in alliance with Berisha.

According to information, Berisha is playing the “Last Show” with the Greek American Lobby and the Greek Government of Kostas Karamanlis, to claim the trip in Himara region as diplomatic visit, but in fact the Greek Albanian relations has begun another start.

ALBANIAN DEVELOPMENTS


Stavros Markos (World Security Network Foundation Associate)


The daughter of the Albanian Prime Minister, Argita Maltezi is cooperating with foreign companies so as to exploit the scenic Ionian Coast of the Greek populated regions in Albania.
More specifically the company “Best Property Albania" represented by David Hentsell, is one of the contractors which will cooperate with the “Legal Office of Maltezi Group”.



Recently the representative of the Albanian Socialist Party Erion Brace made a statement around the aforementioned in the Albanian Parliament. He accused the Prime Minister Berisha of corrupting politically and economically foreign companies in collaboration with the Legal Office of his daughter Argita Maltezi.



According to highly reliable local information, the most important lands and properties are owned currently by Greeks. Moreover the efforts of the Albanian Mafia to take over those lands which constitute the so-called “Albanian Riviera” are also well known and documented.
On early July 2008 the city of Vlora`s Periphery Council approved for the second time the “Kakomea Project Beach” in collaboration with the “Club Med”. According to the Parliamentarian Erion Brace, the daughter of Berisha is linked directly both “Club Med” and the “Best Property Albania".



On June 2008, the well-known Albanian publicist Fatos Lubonja accused the Albanian Mafia of supporting politically the Prime Minister Sali Berisha.



Lubonja appeared on a TV along with the Tourism Minister of Albania Ylli Pango and the Director of World Bank Project for Ionian Coast Jamarber Maltezi (son in law of Prime Minister Berisha).



Lubonja commented that the attacks against the Mayor of Himara Vassilis Bollanos and the Greek minority were made by the Albanian media linked with organized crime figures in the construction sector in order to take over the land and built a series of bungalows and tourist facilities.



In overall the Greek minority in Albanian is on a collision course with Berisha centered around the intention of the latter to proceed with the plans of his government on the tourist industry. It has to be noted that the above have galvanized to a great extent the Greek communities and there are fears of riots over the coming weeks.

origina. article: http://rieas.gr/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=691&Itemid=42



Sources (include Albanian newspaper news):

http://smarkos.blogspot.com/2008/05/albanian-publicist-fatos-lubonja-calls.html
http://smarkos.blogspot.com/2007/09/raising-tension-in-southern-albania.html
http://smarkos.blogspot.com/2007_06_01_archive.html

TEN HIMARIOTES UNDER PENAL PROCES FROM VLORA`S PERSECUTOR

Not only the Mayor of Himara Vassilis Bollanos but also the targets to “implicate” member of the Greek Community of Himara Region continue to raise the antagonism between Tirana and Athens.

This is a document sent to one of protesters in Himara Town from Persecutor of Vlora, which on April 10, protested at front of Police Department of Himara. The document of Persecutor Skender Dauti, underlines for penal process addressing to Andrea Beleri as “person who has take part during the violent protest at front of Police Department of Himara.

The penal process against not only to the Chairman of Greek Minority and Mayor of Himara Vassilis Bollanos but also to other Himara citizens with Greek nationality could bring new “diplomatic sentiments” between Athens and Tirana, even Albania media supported by leadership of Tirana, continues to raise the anti Hellenic rhetoric, since member of the Greek community of Himara Region are actually the protagonist of Albanian tribunal.

Sixe years ago, five member of Himara Community protested during the local election at front of Himara Municipality holding on the hands the Greek flag, carried by the court of Vlora as anti Albanian protest. Now after six years other ten himariotes will procede by the Tribunal of Vlora against their national sentiments and the human values, to have the rights to espress free their nationality as citizen of a country such as Albania which wants to joint in EU.

AN OUTLINE OF GREEK-ISRAELI STRATEGIC RELATIONS
John M. Nomikos (RIEAS Director)

Ioannis Michaletos (RIEAS Junior Analyst and Editor at Southeastern Europe in World Security Foundation)

Copyright: http://www.rieas.gr/
Two nations that have been constantly active in world?s history since antiquity are the Greek and Jewish one. Since the era of Mosses and Ulysses those two nations have inexorably been associated with all the historical developments in the Mediterranean region and with active to every worldwide event worth mentioning. It would be interesting to illustrate that these two great nations have quite a few common elements as regarding to their history of national fulfillment and their aspirations in various historical periods.

The Jewish Zionist movement that was founded in the late 19th century by Theodor Herzl had a significant historical analogy with the then ?Grand Idea? of the Greek independent state. The Greek as well as the Jewish Diaspora was split in those that promoted the inclusion of all members of each nationality into a single nation state; and to those that had great economic and social interests and firmly believed that such a move would impair their live hood. The strong Jewish community in the Ottoman Empire feared that a newborn Jewish state would destroy ?as it happened- centuries of constructing extensive commercial networks in an area from Danube to Egypt.

http://rieas.gr/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=115&Itemid=66

BERISHA CLAN PLAIN TO SELL IONIAN COAST BEFOR PROCLAMATION OF NORTHERN EPIRUS AUTHONOMY

The daughter of Berisha, Argita Maltezi is coppering with Foreign Companies to sell Ionian Coast in Northern Epirus. The foreign Company “Best Property Albania" represented by David Hentsell, is one of some contractors which cooperate with the “Legal Office of Maltezi Group”.

Not only “Mediterranean Club” is collaborating with the daughter of Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha, Argita Maltezi but one important issue to sell proprieties and lands in Albanian Riviera is denounced in Albanian Parliament by the represent of Socialist Party Erion Brace. He accused the Prime Minister Berisha to corrupt politically and economically foreign companies in collaboration with “Legal Office” of his daughter Argita Maltezi.

The accuses of Brace to the PM Berisha was directly for “Best Property Albania" which collaborates with Maltezi as priority to sell propriety and lands of tourist zones of Albania.

According to information the most important lands and proprieties which are target to sell are during the Albanian Southern Ionian Coast, known geopolitically as Northern Epirus territory, populated by Greeks. It’s very known the efforts of Albanian Mafia to conquest lands and proprieties of Hellenic population in Southern Albania under the model of “Northern Cyprus”. Some times the leaders of the Greek communities and municipalities are denounced the efforts of Albanian Government which supports Mafia Groups to conquest lands of Greek Community.

One more important accuse made by the Socialist Party in Parliament directly to the PM Berisha who is favorizing foreign companies such is the new office opened in Tirana, the “Best Property Albania" represented by David Hentsell. Some days ago the Vlora`s Periphery Council approved for the second time the “Kakomea Project Beach” to beginning way of the project in collaboration with “Club Med”. According to Brace the daughter of Berisha is linked directly both “Club Med” and “Best Property Albania".

The last movement to conquest the Ionian Coasts populated by Hellenic people, is denounced time ago by tow important mayors of Hellenic Community in the region: the Mayor of Himara Vassilis Bollanos and Lukovo Vladimir Kumis, who accused directly the Prime Minister Sali Berisha and Albanian Mafia supported by the Albanian Tribunals.

One month ago the much known Albanian publicist Fatos Lubonja, accused Albanian Mafia supported politically by the Prime Minister Sali Berisha to conquest lands and proprieties of Ionian Coast. Lubonja refers a TV debate with presence of Tourism Minister of Albania Ylli Pango and the Director of World Bank Project for Ionian Coast Jamarber Maltezi (son in law of Prime Minister Berisha) who declared for developments of Ionian Coast constructing “Tourist Villages” on the lands of Himara peoples.

Lubonja comments that the attacks against the Mayor of Himara Vassilis Bollanos and the Greek minority of this zone made by Albanian media linked with politic mafia which are exactly the idea to ocupet lands and to construct “tourist perandory” under the developing tourist villages such are Kakomea and Draleas..

More: see references..

http://smarkos.blogspot.com/2008/05/albanian-publicist-fatos-lubonja-calls.html

http://smarkos.blogspot.com/2007/09/raising-tension-in-southern-albania.html

http://smarkos.blogspot.com/2007_06_01_archive.html

VASSILIS BOLLANOS AT FRONT OF VLORAS`TRIBUNAL

Vlore. Vassilis Bollanos the very known Mayor of Himara and the President of the Greek Minority of Albania has been present today during the first seance of Tribunal of Vlora District for the greek leanguage road tabels accused by the albanian governmanet.

Bollanos expresed his oponence at front of Tribunal as responssabile of autonomus territor of Himaras Municipality which dominated by strong old presence of greek minority (according to Municipality estimate, about 85% of Himara region is inhabited by the greek old popullation).

He said during the seance that the Albanian Government and Counsil of Europe have an agreement to respect the minorities and ethnic groups in all albanian territor where they liveing. Also Bollano espresed his oposite for the ritght of Municipality according to the albanian laws to put the road tabels as autonoms territor of Himara`s municipality.

Albania is confronting by strong oposite for the rights of the Greek Minority regarding the nationalist sentiments based under the slogan of the "Greater Albania" while the greek american lobby and members of American Congress urge to State Departament to obsserver strongly the human rights of Albania.

"Albania will not regonize the serbian Parliament of Mitrovica", FM Basha said

Question for Minister Basha: We notice a tendency for the establishment of parallel institutions in Kosovo. What’s your comment on this?

Minister Basha: The parallel structures have received a clear answer from Brussels and New York as well. They are totally illegitimate. In substance these are an ugly posing of certain circles of Belgrade, a self-ridicule of Belgrade and of Serbs in Kosovo, who’s future is in Kosovo, as a minority group, which based on Ahtisaari Plan enjoys the greatest rights ever historically known in our region and beyond.

In this context, the European future of Kosovo and we hope of Serbia and the entire region, will be safer when the neighboring countries will adopt stances based on mutual respect towards each other integrity and they will cooperate for the fulfillment of common goals of EU integration of all the countries in the region, including Kosovo and Serbia. In terms of new additional discussions between Pristina and Belgrade for Kosovo status I think that in this respect the answer to this is very clear: these discussions have already finished, they have produced a reality, - Kosovo is today an independent state, internationally recognized.

But do the neighbors have to talk to each other? I think yes. Surely, based on reciprocity and mutual respect, neighbors should share opinions on other issues, but the very issue of Kosovo status is closed and I don’t think that the UN Secretary General has on his agenda the opening of discussions between Pristina and Belgrade on this topic

more: http://www.mfa.gov.al/

Kosovo Serbs convene parliament

MITROVICA, June 28 (Reuters) - Serbs in Kosovo were due to convene their own parliament in the divided city of Mitrovica on Saturday in a fresh challenge to the authority of a state that only a vast minority of states in the world recognize as independent. Only few countries have recognized Kosovo as an independent state while vast majority of the world refuses to recognize its illegal status. The assembly has no executive authority, but reflects a deepening ethnic partition of Kosovo since its Albanian majority declared independence from Serbia in February, backed by the West but opposed by Belgrade and its ally Russia.

Its establishment coincides with St Vitus Day, or Vidovdan, when Serbs mark the 1389 battle at the heart of Kosovo which is their Jerusalem. The epic defeat to the Islamic forces of Ottoman Turks remains the pivotal event in Serb history. After decades of ethnic cleansing of Serbs, today ninety percent of Kosovo's 2 million people are Albanians. Their declaration of independence after nine years as a ward of the United Nations is a challenge to the international order, very charter of the United Nations, constitution of Serbia and numerous international treaties since the 19th century that define Kosovo as an integral part of Serbian territory.

NATO troops, including British reinforcements brought in at the end of May, manned checkpoints in armoured personnel carriers on roads leading to the capital, Pristina.
Hundreds of Serb attended a religious service in the monastery town of Gracanica, and will travel north past Pristina to the site of 1389 battle later in the day, before the parliament sits in Mitrovica. The assembly brings together local Serb officials from across Kosovo. It has no real executive authority, but will help "coordination" between Belgrade and the Serbs, officials say.
Kosovo's U.N. governor, Lamberto Zannier, has played down its significance, saying the assembly is merely "symbolic" and would change little on the ground. A U.N. spokesman said it was "not very serious" since it had no operational role.

But Kosovo Albanian leaders have condemned the move as a provocation. "It is an attempt to destabilise Kosovo," the so-called Islamic president of the separatists Fatmir Sejdiu said this week. The north, which backs onto Serbia, is beyond the institutional reach of Pristina and currently out of bounds for a new European Union police mission looking to take over law and order duties from the United Nations. Serbs have rejected Kosovo's secession. They are boycotting the police force and courts, and in February burned down customs points on the northern border with Serbia. Kosovo has been recognised by 43 states, including the United States and most of the European Union. Russia backs Serbia in its rejection of independence as do over hundred other states in the world.

Continues the "Domino Efect" on Balkans......

After Kosovo indipendence on february and serbska parliament of Mitrovitsa in the end of June, other minorities groups are waiting to claim their autonomy in Balkan Region. Step by step the albanians of FYROM and Preshevo (Southern Serbia) are preparing to claim autonom territorial which may bring new dimenssion to prepare geopolitic changes on Balkans.

ALBANIAN AMMUNITION SCANDAL

Daily Press BriefingTom Casey,

Deputy SpokesmanWashington,

DCJune 24, 2008

Yeah, Mr. Lambros, go ahead.

QUESTION: Why your Ambassador to Albania then endorse a plan by the Albanian Minister of Defense to hide several boxes of Chinese ammunition?

MR. CASEY: Mr. Lambros, I believe that we have just gone through saying that we have no reason to believe that that, in fact, occurred and that we are going to ensure that there is a transparent investigation by our IG to verify the facts and make sure that both Ambassador Withers, as well as Chairman Waxman, have a full and complete review done of this matter, so that there will be no questions about it. But certainly, I have no reason to believe that that, in fact, occurred.

more: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/dpb/2008/jun/106226.htm

U.S. envoy to Albania linked to cover-up of Afghan arms deal

By Eric Schmitt
Published: June 24, 2008

WASHINGTON: A U.S. ambassador helped cover up the illegal Chinese origins of ammunition the Pentagon bought to supply Afghan security forces, according to testimony gathered by congressional investigators.
A military attaché has told the investigators that the U.S. ambassador to Albania endorsed a plan by the Albanian defense minister to hide several boxes of Chinese ammunition from a visiting reporter.

more:http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/06/24/europe/arms.php

Berisha-Thaci: No merging between Kosovo and Albania, but in Vlora he expresed his common sentiments for unification.

There will be no unification of Albania and Kosovo, said the prime ministers of the two countries Sali Berisha and Hashim Thaci. "Albanians have never been so close and stabile like they are now," Kosovo's PM Thaci said, adding that he is against shifting of borders, but supports regional integration.

The two prime ministers said that they would not allow any partition of Kosovo, either on ethnic or territorial basis."Kosovo is an independent, sovereign and indivisible state. There will be no enclaves, but the free movement of citizens on the entire territory will be ensured," Thaci said.

Albanian PM Sali Berisha added that Kosovo is an independent state and as such, its sovereignity must be respected. The two premiers signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will serve as a basis for signing of the future agreements between Pristina and Tirana.

Annyway Hashim Thaci was welcomed in Vlora town, the South West strategic Point of Albania on Adriatic Sea, founded by the greeks with old name Avlona. He honored"as "Vloras`Honor citizen"by the Municipality Counsil suported strognly by member of SP,DP, LSI and BDI (the chameria political represents). During a Solemn Meeting, he expresed common sentiments with Kosovo and People of Vlora as important national eveniments to the albanian and Kosovo proclamation for Indipendentes.

The Human Rights of Greeks in Albania

Daily Press Briefing Gonzalo R. Gallegos, Director, Office of Press Relations Washington, DC June 16, 2008 .......

Yes, Mr. Lambros.

QUESTION: On Northern Epirus. Congressman Gus Bilirakis has written Secretary Rice about continuing Albanian treatment against the Greeks in Northern Epirus and urging the Administration to press Tirana to respect the basic rights they are entitled under international agreements. I’m wondering if Secretary Rice is concerned about that since Sali Berisha Government most recently systematically attacks the Greeks in Himara of Northern Epirus?

MR. GALLEGOS: Well, I think in terms of communications, congressional communications, I’m sure that we – I haven’t seen whether or not we have received that or not. But I can assure you that it will be appropriately addressed and an appropriate response will be given.

more: http://video.state.gov/?fr_story=c550409074846a87983bf18e7a22f12164a0b4ae

Albania sacks top general for "Gerdeci Blast"

Tirana, Albania - Albanian President Bamir Topi sacked the country's top general Luan Hoxha on Monday, three months after negligence led to a huge blast in a military munitions depot and killed at least 25 people.

The blast occurred on March 15 during the cleaning of an old, Communist-era depot at Gerdec, on the outskirts of Tirana. The explosion of thousands of tons of decades-old ordnance turned the compound into a 100-metres wide crater. More than 300 people were injured in the blast, which was registered by Mediterranean seismographs.

Topi also sacked the commander of the military support unit at Gerdec, General Zija Bahja, while Defence Minister Fatmir Mediu and another general, Shpetim Spahiu, resigned in the wake of the blast. Initial reports indicated that the blast was casued by negligence during the clean-out operation at the depot, one of many Albania has to empty in a bid to become a NATO member.

THE BALKANIZATION OF GREECE: THE UNFOLDING PROCESS

Nikolaos A. Stavrou

(Professor of International Affairs (Emeritus) at Howard University)
Copyright: Nikolaos A. Stavrou on line

A dangerous illusion shapes Greek foreign policy in the era of post-Balkanization of the Balkans. It is the illusion of unsustainable self-importance displayed by the chief Greek foreign policy maker when in fact her role resembles that of a classic tap dancer, performing a choreographed task for the amusement of a pre-selected audience. Like classic Harlem tap dancers, the rhythm and intensity of performance are determined by the duration and intensity of the applause. Thus at the conclusion of the most recent appearance in Washington the Greek foreign minister seemed ready to trade the dignity of the Serbian nation and the honor of Greece in pursuit of resolution of what has been known as a "name issue".

The latest deal obligates Greece to "help sell the Kosovo" bitter pill to a demoralized Serbian nation in return for an acceptable substitute for FYROM. Such deals set in motion dangerous precedents and ominous implications for Greek interests and national security. A successful linkage of the Kosovo-FYROM issues, achieved by the chief handler of Greek officials in Washington, Nicholas Burns, leaves Greece vulnerable to future Balkanization; make no mistake about it.

more: http://rieas.gr/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=602&Itemid=66

Continues the pressing to Tirana by the Greek American Lobby for the rights of the Greek Minority in Albania.

THE CONGRESSMAN GUS M. BILIRAKIS SEND LETTER TO STATE DEPARTAMENT SECRETARY CONDOLESA RICE FOR THE RIGHTS OF THE GREEK MINORITY IN ALBANIA.

On the letter to US Secretary Rice, the Congressman Bilirakis as the Co Chair of the Greek American Hellenic Affairs, expressed his concern about the violation of the basic human rights in which the Albanian authorities do not respect the International Agreements.

Refereeing the ant Hellenism rhetoric used to the leaders of Greek Community by Albanian authorities particularly the Case of Himara`s Mayor Vassilis Bollanos, the Congressman Bilirakis calls the State Department to observe strongly the developments between Greek Albanian relations regarding the Greek Ethnic Minority for some issues that the Albanian authorities do not respect.

One week ago the World Council of Pan Epirotic Federation in Washington urges to the Albanian Government and his PM Berisha to respect the agreements for the human rights to the Greek Ethnic Minority.

650 missille bought by China in 1996 menace Tirana

The newspaper "Agon" urges for new "Gerdeci Blast" after the albanian military experts have rejected the ordain of DM Gazment Oketa to demontate missiles bought by Berisha in 1996, all Cinese productions.

According to "Agon" there are 250 air missiles and other 400 counter antitank missiles bought to the 6 milion $ in 1996, when in Balkan Region was agreed the "Deyton Peace Agreement"

The ammunition process of arsenal army after collapse “Civil War of 1997” in Albania, has periodically critiqued by Pentagon and NATO particularly after Berisha wined for the second time the politic elections in 2005. The Albanian Defenses Ministry has made export after demilitarized its arsenal of munitions in territory with about 120 thousand tone distributed to the 28 military bases considered very dangerous for population who live near of deposites. Acctualy inside albanian deposites are about 90 thousand tone munition.

One of important issue that accused Albanian PM Berisha and former DM, Mediu about “Gerdeci Case” is the contraband of Albanian munitions which are inquiring by Foreign Military Secret Services including NATO. Pentagon has requested general inquiring for Albanian corruption to the Army and General Attorney has opened penal process to the high governor represents.

The Albanian Ombudsman calls the Government to take extreme measures for about 26 munition bases which menace the population around military territories. The deposits when are put the missiles according to “Agon” there are 15 km out of Tirana and could explode again if the Defense Ministry does not react noted the newspaper..