Independence for Kosovo: the domino effect

What borders for Albania?

By Jean-Arnault Dérens

In 1878 at the Congress of Berlin the German chancellor Bismarck declared that Albania was no more than “a geographical expression”. In the same year, however, influential delegates from the Albanian regions of the Ottoman empire gathered to found the League of Prizren, establishing the first modern claims to national status. Austria-Hungary defended the Albanian claims in the years that followed, in a standoff with Serbia and Greece who had entered alliances with Great Britain, France and Russia.

Ismail Qemal proclaimed a first, and ephemeral, Albanian republic at Vlora in 1912. But a year later the London Peace Conference created the Kingdom of Albania over only half of the regions with Albanian populations. The treaty also split Kosovo (predominantly Albanian) between Serbia and Montenegro. The Albanians have never accepted the prejudice to their people, and today its nationalists are intent on “rectifying” the “historical injustice”.

It is true that there was little guarantee of a future for the state of Albania at the time. It almost disappeared in the first world war, and there was no real settlement on its borders until the treaty of 1926, which was based on doubtful logic. The town of Gjakovë/Gjakova, for example, became part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, despite the small size of its Serbian population. Similarly, territory that had always been part of the important municipality of Debar/Dibra was shared between the kingdom and Albania; today the city is part of the Republic of Macedonia, although its traditional hinterland lies in Albania (around the town of Peshkopi).

There are two issues intertwined here. The delicate balance between Albania’s neighbours (Montenegro, Serbia and Greece) and their powerful protectors had an influence on the definition of Albanian territoriality, as did Italy’s historical claims over the Albanian coastline. Also there are the problematic notions of an “Albanian region” or “Albanian cultural area”. Albanians have always lived in the midst of other national communities in these areas. Can we say that this or that town is part of the Albanian world because 50%, 60% or 80% of its inhabitants are Albanian? What percentage do we take and, more particularly, what scale of settlement do we include?

http://mondediplo.com/2008/02/11albania

related articles: "An end to Balkan national states"

Jean-Arnault Dérens in Le Monde diplomatique

http://tomorowwhat.wordpress.com/2008/02/04/an-end-to-balkan-national-states/

HILLARY CLINTON MAKES HISTORIC APPOINTMENT -- NAMES ELENI TSAKOPOULOS-KOUNALAKIS HEAD OF “GREEK-AMERICANS FOR CLINTON”

Photo: The Publisher of “Washington Monthly” Markos Kounalakis and his wife, Eleni Tsakopoulos-Kounalakis.

WASHINGTON, D.C., February 1, 2008 -- Leading Democratic Presidential candidate Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) recently named Eleni Tsakopoulos-Kounalakis, President of the AKT Development Corporation, to head “Greek-Americans for Clinton.” This is the first time in history that a woman has been appointed by a leading Presidential candidate to that post.

Ms. Tsakopoulos-Kounalakis is at the top of the list of Democratic contributors in California, a state known for its major political contributors. Both fundraising events she hosted for Senator Clinton in California were extraordinarily successful.

The combination of her fundraising skills and Senator Clinton?s record with the Hellenic and Orthodox community suggests a successful chairmanship for Ms. Tsakopoulos-Kounalakis. She is known throughout the Greek-American community for many things including an issue close to the heart of Senator Clinton – the crisis facing the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the nearly 2,000-year-old spiritual head of the world?s second largest Christian Church, Orthodox Christianity.

Senator Clinton was instrumental in creating the first visit of a sitting American President (President Bill Clinton) to the Ecumenical Patriarchate. As well, Senator Clinton played a major role in beginning the practice of U.S. Presidents pressing the Ecumenical Patriarchate issue with every senior Turkish official visiting the White House Oval Office. That practice continued for over a decade and into the Bush Administration until it stopped during the last two such White House visits.This issue has also been a major focus of Ms. Tsakopoulos-Kounalakis.

She secured more signatures of United States Senators for a letter to President George W. Bush on this issue than any other Orthodox Christian. The letter urged the Ecumenical Patriarchal issue to be raised higher on America?s agenda. As well, she personally escorted California Senator Diane Feinstein, along with a consequential delegation, to visit Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in 2005. She is also well known for the creation of numerous Hellenic Chairs across the country at some of America?s top Universities, among other such comparable achievements for the Hellenic and Orthodox community. She and her father, Angelo Tsakopoulos, were reported last year to have made an over $10 million “independent expenditure” in support of the campaign of Greek-American Phil Angelides for Governor of California. Such an expenditure, which is sanctioned by California state election laws, was repudiated to have played a significant role in Angelides? primary election victory.

When questions were raised about what the Tsakopoulos family was expecting to get from such a contribution, Andrew Athens, then head of the World Council of Hellenes, responded. He said in a statement to the media “all they expect from Angelides is to do a great job as Governor and to make them proud.”Ms. Tsakopoulos-Kounalakis is undertaking this effort in addition to continuing in her role as President of AKT, the mother of two boys and wife of Markos Kounalakis, publisher of Washington Monthly and respected author and journalist.

Greek Language Proliferation Organisation helping minority schools in Albania

The Greek Language Proliferation Organisation has been taking action to help the 22 schools of the National Greek Minority in Albania since October 2007. According to an announcement by the Organisation, following a visit by 100 of its members to the regions of Gjirokaster and Sarande, educational and sports material was sent.

Last week, each school received a series of geographical atlasses to help the teaching of the lesson of Geography of Greece, a lesson that is being tought for the first time this year.

On February 3, the Organisation will be organising a conference at the Zappion Hall on the theme of "The finances of the proliferation of the Greek language," at which experts from the public and private sectors will be presenting financial and quantitative information regarding the teaching of the Greek language to overseas Greeks, as well as to foreigners all over the world.

The Organisation is a non-profit organisation that is financed by contributions from its members and by donations and sponsorships from its friends.

In Tirana the greek community represent in parliament Evangelos Tavos called the albanian governament for more rights to greeks in albania. Speaking in parliament, Tavo accused Interior and the Education Ministry for inferiority regarding minority zones.

THE ALBANIAN NEWSPAPER MENACES GREEK ORTHODOX COMMUNITY

The Albanian newspaper “SOT” comments an article about the “Mort Ceremony” of Archbishop of Greece Kristodoulos, under the title: “The Greek archbishop Kristodoulos buried as the spiritual general of Greek Army, such where Khomein of Iran”

The article which represents a “manifest of Albanian extremist media” comments the great figure of Archbishop Kristodulos during the mort ceremony, accompanied by Hellenic Army Troops. Inside the article, the comment offended the history of Greek Orthodox Church and the spiritual indication with Hellenic people and Greek army. Other alls the article referred the Archbishop of Albania Janulatos, named “The Greek Army General in head of Albanian Orthodoxy” since he has come in the Albanian territory in 1991. This ceremony was a military religious spectacle which removes the Greece by NATO alliance” wrote the article.

In the end, the article calls all the Albanian orthodoxies to be united with Albanian people not to joint the Hellenism strategy which wants to conquer historically Albanian territories. The article menaces the Greek orthodox Community evoking and calling the orthodox of Albania to be united with the Albanians not with Greeks because this adventure “should have the consequences of Greek community in Anatoly of Turkey after the First World War”.

By the Albanian Government has not any reaction about article even the measures and security of Greek community is not guaranteed by authorities. (?) NATO with 1200 troops installed in Albania is insufficient to control the Albanian paramilitary and extremist groups most of them are member of Special Forces.

Annyway the article of “SOT”does not represent the "friendly relations" between Athens and Tirana even the newspaper some times has been object of accuses against many personalities of albanian VIP society. The rethoric used by newspaper “SOT”, must take in consideration by Europol and NATO security forces which are working togather with albanian authorities for stability, security and the war against terror and organized crime of our region and particulatly for cooperation to joint albania in NATO and EU alliance.

http://www.sot.com.al/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=63676&lang=

UNDER THE NAME OF “KOSOVO INDIPENDENCE”...

Albania plans to interfere in Kosovo, when the leader of government Berisha is making the “emergence action plain” to conquest all Albanian institutions, economy, politic opposition, juridical system, business initiatives and particularly to have powerful control on southern Albania.

Photo: An old slogan picture of Albania under the dictator regime

Albania has drawn up plans to help Kosovo counter any blockade Serbia might impose in response to a declaration of independence by its southern province, Albania's prime minister said Wednesday. The Prime Minister Sali Berisha said Albania would open up road, sea and air links for the breakaway province, which is populated mostly by ethnic Albanians. "We have a plan to react in case of Serbian blockade in order to diminish the consequences of it in Kosovo," Berisha said in an interview during a visit to Brussels. He said the plan included granting Kosovo use of Albanian airports, the seaport of Durres and securing the road from Kosovo to the Albanian coast.

Anyway the leader of government Berisha is making in reality the “emergence action plain” to conquest all Albanian institutions, economy, politic opposition, juridical system, business initiatives and particularly to have powerful control on Southern Albania which offers about 65% of public funds of the country. The appointment of new top persecutor from northern begins in accordance to replace most important of than 14 persecutors from southern Albania, while the Justice Ministry and high Juridical Tribunal are replacing time ago. In addition the police authority have the rights to incurring the private correspondence and mobile telephony under the promises of “The war against corruptions and organized crime” but in fact this institution composts the most important instrument to shot any "element which oposes the democracy"

The government replaced also the General Director of Financial Administration putting an ex Director of Albanian Secret Service. The objectives according to Albanian press are clears: “to raise the public funds by business economy and public taxes using pressing metodes, most of them are established in southern Albania, particularly the Greek business which is passing burdensome taxes situation regarding in relations with Albanian authorities.

The Albanian opposite analists said often that “the Prime Minister Berisha is actually very power full leader” and very dangerous in his politically history since 1991”. Abusing under the slogan “Every thing for Kosovo” with a friendly ship relations of American investment such is “BETCHEL COMPANY” the most corrupted investment of Albania which is constructing the High Way Tirana Pristina, he is putting a new totalitarian system which menaces the democratic institutions and communities controlling everything beginning from parliament. It’s very significative the efforts of government to approve project laws and after to send to parliament which are replaced by the interests of the Greek community particularly for the lands and proprieties.

The Albanian government has encouraged giving total support an incurring sector inside Financial Ministry replacing the Superior State Control (The Administrative Tribunal of the State is only constitutional responsibility institution which controls the public finances of Albanian government). This sector, known as “Intern Auddition Control” is making the role of “politic attorney” accusing many opposite rivals for corruption as a pressing to frighten every alternative opponent or person during last politically mandate, when a number of personalities of Albanian opposite are accused by Prime Minister Berisha for corruption, such is the last confrontation between government and Albanian Football Federation.

The proclamation of Kosovo Independence and the declaration of Berisha to help economically the Kosovo people after Serbian blockade could bring series of dangerous consequences encouraging the Albanian nationalism and paramilitaries groups to begin an offensive against southern Albania (Northern Epirus Region) under the name of “Natural Albania”. Voices by the Albanian media said that the government can approve laws to put new taxes to help Kosovo even the most northern population of Albania supporter of premier Berisha do not pay taxes since 1991. The new organization of General Attorney, the "democratic reforms of Juridical system" and financial administration under total control of Prime Minister Berisha contents clear politically differences between north and south communities when the human rights continue to be a demagogy as long as both the Albanian politically opposite, media and the other democratic institutions are conquered by nationalist syndrome of leadership.

By another part the most power state of Europe, Albania continues to send troops in Peace Missions of the World, a paradox which based to the demagogy to joint to NATO and EU without build democratic institutions and to respect the human rights values. Not only the Kosovo matter but also the strong repressive propaganda as “The Last Kilometer to joint NATO” makes the situation of the country controlled often by “Stalinist Demagogy” since “to build Nuclear Thermo Central” and “to export the energy in Italy” even Albania actually has not sufficient energy for the economy.

The uncertainty circumstances of post Kosovo Independence and a possible escalation of ethnic conflicts on the region should have negative impact in Albanian stability particularly for the tragic situation of economy which is raising the inflation over 8%.

Albania to back Kosovo independence

Albania has said it wants to be the first country to recognise an independent Kosovo. The declaration came in a speech by president Bamir Topi on his first visit to the breakaway province since taking office last July. Kosovo's declaration of independence is only a question of time - diplomats believe it could come in February or March.

According to prime minister Hacim Thaci, it could be a matter of days.On a visit to Brussels, he has been holding talks with a number of senior figures including EU foreign policy envoy Javier Solana and NATO chief Jaap de Hoop Scheffer.

Both NATO and the EU plan to send extra peacekeeping troops to Kosovo once independence is declared.Still a part of Serbia, Kosovo has been run by the UN since 1999, when NATO bombs drove out Serb forces, putting an end to the killing of ethnic Albanians, who make up 90 percent of the population. Washington and Brussels are expected to recognise independence, overruling opposition from Serbia and its Russian ally.

FIFA threatens to suspend Albania over alleged interference

Photo: “NOT ONLY SPORT” …The National Stadium of Albania “Qemal Stafa”

TIRANA, Albania - FIFA has threatened to suspend Albania from international matches because of alleged government interference with the country's national soccer federation. In a Jan. 21 letter to the government, world soccer's governing body gave authorities a month to cancel an audit of the Albanian Football Association, or FSHF.

A copy of the letter was obtained by The Associated Press. "If FIFA and UEFA do not receive the requested written confirmation within the given deadlines ... FIFA and UEFA administrations will have no other options but to forward a report for the next meetings of the FIFA and UEFA Executive Committee to take the necessary steps, which may lead to the suspension of the FSHF," it said.

Photo: The President of UEFA Platini with the President of AFF Duka.

The letter was signed by FIFA's general secretary Jerome Valcke and UEFA counterpart David Taylor and was sent to Albanian sport minister Ylli Pango.

The audit was ordered amid an ongoing dispute between the government and soccer federation.
In December, Pango asked UEFA to investigate alleged match fixing involving Albania's last two European Championship qualifiers against Belarus and Romania. He implicated FSHF president Armand Duka in the alleged scandal.

Photo: Sotiris Ninis soccer of Panathinaikos and Greece National Football team was born in the Albanian town of Himara (Northern Epirus). The Albania Football Federation “FSHF” warned to take Ninis by Greece for his National Team but their efforts resulted failed..

Last december, the Albanian authorities have called on European football's governing body UEFA on Wednesday to investigate its side's last two Euro 2008 qualifiers, accusing the chairman of the Albanian football federation of having rigged the results.

"There are clear suspicions that both matches might have been sold by the president of our National football federation," Ylli Pango, Albania's Sport and Culture Minister, said in a letter to UEFA.

Albania's national side lost two Euro 2008 qualifiers, 4-2 against Belarus in Tirana last November and 6-1 against Romania in Bucharest last month.

On the way to conquest the Northern Epirus lands…

Photo: Albanian police special forces against the rights of propriety owners of Kakomea, Himara Region.

"Albania must stopped on the way to EU and NATO if the lands are not come back to the legitimate owners of Himara`s people"

The Coast Ionian owners and Himara`s Community against the Republican Politic Party and the Albanian government - writs the newspaper “Koha Jone” on January 21. The Himara`s Community has strongly opposed the proposal of the head of Parliamentary Republican party Group Arian Madhi, who lately asked the Government to identify and make available the physical compensation those coastal lands which “are nobody`s and are not I use”.

The Himara`s Community which presents the legitimate owners of the elite tourist area of Ionian Coast line known as the beautiful are Vlora Saranda who lives the oldest Greek Community very rich with Byzantine and monasteries church, addressed a public letter to Madhi warning him of abusing with the duty and the confidence of people.

‘We sent this public letter to you to wanr you of abusing with the duty and with the confidence of people who have voted for you” says over alls the letter. Through this letter the Association underscored that “By embracing this ant owner political line constantly you, de facto are preventing the normal process of Albanian`s membership to NATO and EU and we must said: “NO ALBANIA TO NATO AND EU ORGANISATION SINCE THE PROPRIETY DOES NOT GO TO OWNERS”

One month ago during the visit of Albanian President Bamir Topi in Athens the Greek counter part Karolos Papulias asked Topi if the “Albanian government is making efforts about the propriety rights of Greeks in Albania as the positive way to joint Albania to Euro Atlantic organizations Topi expressed his responsibility to make pressing to Albanian plitic parties to resolve soon as possible the propriety issue of greeks who live in Albania..

But according to information a list of project laws made by Albanian government headed by Sali Berisha, are waiting to approve by parliament under the “legalization Process” laws which favorites the Albanians to conquest proprieties of Greeks who lives in in Northern Epirus particularly to the Ionian Coast Line, known as the Himara region.

“WE TAKE NORTHERN EPIRUS TO RECOGNIZE KOSOVO”

The Albanian Newspaper “STANDARD” on January 21, 2008, comments an article of Greek daily “Eleferotipia” about the new dimension of Albanian Greek relations regarding Kosovo and Northern Epirus.

Elefterotipia, referred to the high official of Greek Defense Ministry Dimitrios Georgiu, who proposes between the Northern Epirus and Kosovo Independence to be resolved under friendly agreement: “We take Northern Epirus to recognize your Kosovo Independence”.

According to “Standard” the article of Greek press is based to new escalation of Balkan Issue particularly for the Kosovo Independence and the position of Athens regarding a “positive reaction for Kosovo”, but firstly Tirana must know the autonomy of Northern Epirus.

Georgiu referred the international agreements about Northern Epirus such are ‘The Protocol of Corfu of 1914” which gives large autonomy of Greek in Albania, the “Peace Conference of 1919” and the “Peace Conference” of 1946 where the Great Powers decided to know the unification of Northern Epirus with Greece, after unification of tow German states.

The declaration of Georgiu actually is the first of high level of Greek authorities to be clear of new position to next developments regarding the Kosovo Independence and Northern Epirus. It’s very significative a protest which will demonstrate in center of Athens by Albanian emigrants proclaimed for January 27, for Kosovo Independence, when Tirana continues “to be indifferent” for every escalation of its national interests.

ΝΟΙΑΖΟΜΑΙ - ΚΙΝΔΥΝΟΣ ΓΕΝΙΚΟΥ ΠΟΛΕΜΟΥ - ΜΕΤΑΚΙΝΗΣΗ

"THE PANDORA`S BOX"

After the Indipendence of Kosovo previsted on February 6, will open the way to the changes proces of Balkan Borders. An analisy of Le Monde Dilomatique claims the "Domino Effect" of next developments and balkan state implications after Indipendence of Kosovo self Declaration.

see more;...

ΝΟΙΑΖΟΜΑΙ - ΚΙΝΔΥΝΟΣ ΓΕΝΙΚΟΥ ΠΟΛΕΜΟΥ - ΜΕΤΑΚΙΝΗΣΗ

FYROM, the Anti-Speed-Boat Law

By Plator Nesturi*

Weekly magazine “Klan” said in its issue (No: 545) that the smuggling of lambs or other far “more expensive” products is not a sufficient reason for the Skopia authorities to take such an extreme measure

The visa procedures for the Albanian citizens who want to travel to Macedonia will be the same with those of the EU countries. In other words, the chances of a common Albanian to go to Skopia will be the same with those of going to Italy while the queues in front of the embassies will complete one another.

All of a sudden, Albania, so much engrossed in being part of the EU integration, gets panicky of the free movement of its citizens.
What made Skopia towards which Albania has shown care, if not love, to take such an extreme measure which penalizes the free movement of Albanians? Albania is known as the first countries which recognized the new FYROM state. Moreover, in the time of Greek embargo to FYROM, the former Albanian President, Sali Berisha declared that he would put the Durres Port at the disposal of FYROM. Even later one, the cases when the official Tirana has helped in keeping the fragile state equilibriums of the Balkans have not lacked.

That’s why when Skopje has decided to show the door of embassy to the Albanians, it seems a wonder how the Albanian authorities were so much powerless to change this decision. What is ridicule is that instead of raising their voices, the Albanian authorities aim at raising the awareness about this issue through the protests of the Albanians in FYROM or through declarations of Albanian politicians there.

It has been often talked of the smuggling between the smuggling between the two countries. But neither the smuggling of lambs or other “more expensive” products is not a sufficient reason for the FYROM authorities to take extreme measures that impede the free movement of citizens between the two countries.

Note: Plator Nesturi is analyst for diplomatic and security relations in the albanian press.

BIN LADEN INVESTIMENTS IN ALBANIA

More scandals about Bechtel Investiment in Albania

The newspaper “Korrieri” of Tirana publics on January 6, the head article about the joint partner of Bin Laden to “Bechtel” an American - Turkish Company which is building the patriotic investment “High Way” of Albanian to link Kosovo 170 km. According to “Korieri” which referred to CNN 2003, that “Osama bin Laden family members invested $10M in an equity fund run by former Bechtel unit”.

Last December, the Albania's parliament stripped the foreign minister of immunity Thursday, paving the way for the public prosecutor to charge him with corruption and abuse of power. The lawmakers voted 107-12 in favor of investigating Lulzim Basha over allegations of improperly favoring a U.S.-Turkish joint venture in the awarding of a highway construction contract while he was transport minister.

Basha, who has not yet been charged, denies the accusations and says he is willing to answer any questions about his handling of the highway project, which he said was proud to have been part of.Addressing the parliament before the vote, Basha urged the lawmakers to remove his immunity, saying the move would be a break with the country's past of shielding officials.Basha, who was transport minister from September 2005 until becoming foreign minister in April of this year, could be tried for abuse of power, corruption and causing the budget to swell by some €385 million (US$548 million).The allegations against Basha are related to an October 2006 deal the state signed with the Bechtel-Enka consortium, made up of San Francisco, California-based Bechtel International Inc. and Istanbul-based Enka. The consortium was awarded a €418 million (US$595 million) contract to build a 65-kilometer (40-mile) section of road.

Bechtel Corp., a private construction firm based in San Francisco, recently was awarded a State Department contract, potentially worth more than $600 million, to help rebuild Iraq's infrastructure after the recent U.S.-led war there.

NO COMMENT…

THE CURCH AND THE GREEK COMMUNITY CIMITER OF TIRANA OF 1908

The photo made by Albanian legend photograph “Marubi” about the Hellenic Community presence in Tirana In 1908. Actually Tirana is became “metropolis” of Albania with 800 thousand people to about 3.5 million inhabitants of Albania.

Anyway never the Albanian state has not make a counting population process during 17 years of transition to build the democratic institutions and integration to Euro Atlantic alliances.
According to Greek estimates the Greek Community who lives in Tirana (including Hellenic Diaspora) begins from 50 to 70 thousand people.

The Orthodox Church in Albania continues to be autocephalous since 1922 when the Orthodox Patriarchal of Istanbul knows the independence of autocephaly of the Orthodox Church in Albania. In Tirana which live thousand Greeks is prohibited to make the Greek orthodox spiritual rite, even the Archbishop of Albania is Anastas Janullatos, a Greek citizen, who never known the Albanian citizen by Albanian authorities.

The Hellenic National Council met for Balkan Issues

Athens, January 16, 2008

The Hellenic National Council met under ‘Clouse Doors” to discus about ulterior developments on Balkan Region, particularly with Kosovo Independence and after, considered as process which begins to change the borders in Balkan Region.

After the meeting has not any comment about debate which was focused on the new measures to protect the national interest issues and putting the strategy to the next faze.


Photo: The Hellenic National Council, Karamanlis, Mitsotakis, Simitis, Papandreu, Benakis, Kaklamanis, Shufisa, Karatzaferis, Papariga and Alavanos.

ALBANIA AGAINST THE INTERNATIONAL PRESS

Foreign Press May Stop Distribution Published:

TIRANA, Albania International press distributors threatened Friday to stop sending overseas newspapers and magazines to Albania because of a new tax approved by parliament. Peter Emod, managing director of the Zurich-based agency Distripress, wrote a letter to Albanian President Bamir Topi urging him not to ratify the law, adopted by parliament last month, levying a 20 percent tax on all imported press products.A copy of the letter was faxed to The Associated Press.

"The new law (would) force the companies dealing with the distribution of foreign press products to stop their activity. This would mean the end of the presence of foreign press in Albania," Emod wrote. The law could also seriously affect foreign book imports, according to Distripress' Albanian affiliate Adrion Ltd.All foreign news media were banned in Albania during decades of Communist isolation that ended in 1990.

Among Distripress board members include Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S. Inc., a New York subsidiary of Hachette Filipacchi Medias, DPV Worldwide and Dogan Media International.

THE PAN HELLENIC SITE OF THE WORLD NEWS AND EVENTS...

NOIAZOMAI ΗΛΕΚΤΡΟΝΙΚΟ ΠΑΓΚΟΣΜΙΟ ΔΙΚΤΥΟ ΕΛΛΗΝΩΝ
http://www.noiazomai.net/ ΕΚΠΑΙΔΕΥΤΙΚΩΝ, ΓΟΝΕΩΝ & ΠΟΛΙΤΩΝ

ΒΟΡΕΙΟΣ ΗΠΕΙΡΟΣ
ΤΟ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟ «ΚΟΣΣΟΒΟ»

ΕΚΚΡΕΜΕΙ ΕΠΙΣΗΜΩΣ ΣΤΟ ΣΥΜΒΟΥΛΙΟ ΥΠΟΥΡΓΩΝ ΕΞΩΤΕΡΙΚΩΝ
ΤΩΝ Μ. ΔΥΝΑΜΕΩΝ (ΡΩΣΙΑΣ, ΗΠΑ, ΓΑΛΛΙΑΣ, ΑΓΓΛΙΑΣ) ΑΠΟ ΤΟ 1946


ΠΡΟΣ ΤΟΝ ΠΡΟΕΔΡΟ ΚΑΙ ΤΗΝ ΚΥΒΕΡΝΗΣΗ ΤΗΣ ΡΩΣΙΑΣ
Δια της Ρωσικής Πρεσβείας.................

http://www.noiazomai.net/

Daily Press BriefingTom Casey, Deputy SpokesmanWashington, DCJanuary 11, 2008


KOSOVO AND NORTHERN EPIRUS ISSUES....



Tom Casey...Okay, Mr. Lambros. We're back to you.

Question: On Kosovo, Mr. Casey, according to The New York Times and to International Herald Tribune, the U.S. government is going to recognize the illegal entity of Kosovo immediately after the elections
in Serbia.

MR. CASEY: (Laughs.)

Question: And I'm wondering why. Under which legal basis?

MR. CASEY: Mr. Lambros, first of all, the United States position
with respect to Kosovo remains clear and consistent. You've heard it
from us before. We believe that, in keeping with U.N. Resolution
1244, it's time to resolve Kosovo's final status. That, for us and
for the broad cross-section of the international community, means
proceeding with implementation of the Ahtisaari plan, and that's what
we'll be working for in the coming days and weeks.

QUESTION: A follow-up. If the Greeks of Northern Epirus in Albania
will elect their own prime minister, like the Kosovar Albanians in
Serbia, I'm wondering, Mr. Casey, if Undersecretary Nicholas Burns,
with the same token, will congratulate such a Greek prime minister as
he did yesterday for Hashim Thaqi?

MR. CASEY: Oh, Mr. Lambros, what an unfair question! Mr.
Lambros, as you know and as everyone well knows, Kosovo is a very
unique situation, and it -- (audio break) -- and settlements are not a
precedent for any other region.And as you know, that's long been a consistent part of U.S. policy.

more: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/dpb/2008/jan/99231.htm

THE ALBANIAN PRESIDENT TOPI ENCOURAGES CHAMERIA COMMUNITY FOR PARLIAMENT RESOLUTION
Photo: the Asspirated map of Greater Albania

The Albanian president Bamir Topi met some days ago a delegation of Association “Chameria”. During the meeting, the delegates of “Chameria Community” asked the President Topi about last visit in Greece and talks about the Chameria Issue.

To the Albanian President the “Chameria Community” expressed some questions for the future of Albanian leadership regarding the “Cham Issue”. Particularly the member of delegation asked the Albanian president for a “New Resolute of Chameria Issue” from Albanian Parliament as soon as possible seeing an initiative of Albanian Opposite Coalition addressed the Prime Minister Sali Berisha for collaboration with out politic reserves for Albanian National Issues Reforms” to Joint to NATO and EU.

“The Chameria Community” has intensified their efforts to International Community addressing to the International factors under slogans “Albania is incomprehensible with out Chameria and Kosovo” addressed they to the President Topi.

Some day ago the leader of politic opposition Edi Rama asked to Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha “if he is ready to collaborate for the future reforms of Albania under strategic objectives regarding national issue Kosovo and others …. for the Integration of Albania to the Euro Atlantic Institutions. According to Albanian Media is possible a Resolution during the period of self declaration of the Independence of Kosovo by Albanian parliament when would be voted other alls the “Chameria Resolute.

According to “Albanian Daily News” the Chairman of Chameria Association Adrian Tana called on the Albanian Parliament to adopt a resolution which would unify the stance of the Albanian politics on the Chams Isue. “The cam question should be part of the official agenda of meetings between Albania and Greece” said Tana.

On June 2004 the Albanian Parliament refused to vote a Resolution for “Chameria Issue” even the Foreign Parliamentary Commission had voted in favor of request firmed by ex Prime Minister Fatos Nano.

This initiative makeit in a critic moment when the Balkan situation is under strong observation of Great Powers particularly waiting the self independence proclamation by Kosovo`s Parliament and the diplomatic pressing used to Greece to recognize the Independence of Kosovo and support Albania to NATO and EU.

VIOLATED THE BYZANTINE CHURCH OF LABOVAS

Photo: The newspaper "Pamorama" about Labova`s vandalism.
Argirokaster, January 7, 2008

The Byzantine Church of Labovas (Argirokastro Region) has been stolen by unknown persons. The vandals have stolen 18 old icons of Byzantine period and funds of the church.

The Byzantine Church of Labovas is known in Argirokaster as important center of orthodoxy of the region, serving to the Greek community. Labovas is the village of Zapas the Great Benefactor of Hellenic Culture.

Photo: The Labova`s church

According to Orthodox Church, during 2007 period over 100 Orthodox Church are violated or destroyed lot of them are Byzantine. One month ago, the Byzantine Church of San. Pandelimonas of Drimades in Himara Regiom, destructed by explosion material, considered as a terrorist act against community and orthodoxy.

During the summer 2007 many Archeological and Byzantine centers in Southern Albania has been under attacks of vandals, making fires such are Apollonias and Buthrintos the oldest Hellenic centers of the region.

Is a paradox for Albanian State when is preparing to advertising on CNN this year claiming the oldest values of Albania beginning from Apollonia, Buthrintos, Byllis, Antigonea, Berat, Argirokastro, Orikum all the part of Hellenic heritage of Northern Epirus, to Byzantine churches which continue to violate with out limit.

Pope warns diplomats that conflicts in Balkan must respects the rights of all peoples.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Addressing diplomats from around the world, Pope Benedict XVI warned that numerous armed conflicts and social disorders have left global stability in a fragile situation.

In Europe, he said, a definitive status for Kosovo needs to be determined in a way that respects the rights of all the inhabitants and avoids a return to "the specter of violence" in the Balkans

In a passage that hinted at a potential theme for his planned U.N. visit in April, the pope noted that 60 years ago the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which enshrined human dignity.

"In every continent the Catholic Church strives to ensure that human rights are not only proclaimed but put into practice," he said.

Albanian Government wants more control to the Local Autonomy

The Abanian Premier, Sali Berisha, decided to give more copetences to the Legalisation Agency. Yesterday the government decited to send to parliament a project law which give more copetences for zones under legalisation proces in touristic areas.

According to the latest changes, the Agency of Legalisatiion should report to the Premier on the suggestions they have in regard to the contradict with Municipalities.

Anyway the control of prime minister to Municipalities is against any decision of the Charter of European Council for the Rights of Local Autonomy particularly for the Albanian Coast Line Areas. The must important contradict will be between the Albanian government and Himara`s Municipality when the community has opposed a Master Plan of World Bank, conditioned by the problems of proprieties. According to information the government wants to have more competences to the rights of tourist areas but the inhabitants considers as continuing efforts for assimilysation process.

Security News on the Region
Russian aircraft carrier Kuznetsov in Montenegro?

STATE DEPARTMENT REGULAR BRIEFING BRIEFER: SEAN MCCORMACK, WASHINGTON, D.C. TIME:
12:32 P.M. EST DATE: FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2008

Lambros (Papantoniou), happy new year to you.

Q: Happy new year to all of you. Thank you very much. In the Balkans, any readout of the today’s meeting between
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and the Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ivailo Kalfin?
minister?

MR. MCCORMACK: Right. Well, you heard from them. They talked a
little bit upstairs about some of their discussions, but they talked
about Kosovo, they talked about the Balkans, they talked about U.S.-
Bulgarian ties. They talked a little bit about Iraq and Afghanistan
and the efforts that the Bulgarians have under way in Iraq and
Afghanistan. The secretary thanked them for that. Talked a little
bit about the upcoming NATO ministerial as well as the NATO summit in which they will address issues related to NATO's future as well as
NATO membership. And that's really sort of the long and short of it.

Q: Can you be more specific on Kosovo? What did they say
approximately?

MR. MCCORMACK: Approximately, they talked about the state of
play and the way forward.

Q: Okay. The next question is, according to reports, Russian
fleet including one aircraft carrier will be off the coast of
Montenegro this coming Sunday, January 6th, in order, as they say, to
face any Kosovo crisis using 57 war planes via the Montenegro air
space. Any comment, Mr. McCormack, since there are in Kosovo 1,600 U.S. troops and 17.000 NATO troops?

MR. MCCORMACK: I'm not aware of those reports, Lambros.

The Albanian Government uses KESH as pressing against the Press.

Since one month ago, the must problematic of economy of the country the Albanian Electro-Energetic Corporate “KESH” continues to interrupt systematically the energy to Television A1, as a part of Media Group Company 2K. According to “Shekulli” newspaper, KESH is continuing to violate the liberty of Media in Albania, using as pressing instrument of Government Berisha against critically and opposition alternative.

A1 is only TV channel which informs the public opinion about the escalation of the violence of aalbanian authorities in Vlora`s Region against "The Alliance for Protection of Vlora`s Gulf", a NGO which has requested to Election Central Commission by Vlora`s Community a referendum to stop the build of Energetic Park by “Petroliffera” Company.

10 years ago the PM Berisha was claimed as “enemy of freedom and the press” by International Media Organizations. “The most recent case has been the flagrant and unjustifiable attack against the fourth power, whose freedom is severely endangered” expressed the exponents of Mjaft Movement last April in a meeting in center of Tirana.

The albanian police special forces used violance aganist green peace protest of "Vlora` Goulf"

Photo" The albanian special forces bring from Tirana using violence against peace protesters of Vlora`s people.

Dramatic situation in Vlora Region. Violance and terror against hunderts member of "The Alleance for Protection of Vlora`s Goulf" where are confronting with police forces sent by prime minister Sali Berisha.

In adittion the Aleance for Protection "The Goulf of Vlora" has proclamed a protest in the place of the Vlora`s Municipality. The situation according to regonal journalists could provoceate big protests of Vloras` people next days. The Municipality of Vlora and the Community united has requested referendum for the buld of the energitic projets such are AMBO and Petrolifera Rafinery including decines of Thermocentrals. Last year, the Central Election Commission has voted against a referendum firmd by 14 thousands firms of Vlora`s citisens about the future energitic Park Construction.

According to daily "Shekulli" The Energitic Park is building near regional northern borders with Municipality of Narta an old region populated by greek community, known for great resouces of Narta`s Lake which have been against togather with people of Vlora for the construcion of the Energitic Parc by albanian and foreign investitores including AMBO Pipeline and Petrolifera Company..

In a Press Conference togather with the "MJAFT Moviment" The Alliance urges to make a big pacific protest on Sunday near of the building of Special Police Forces, supporting by vlora`s people.

VASSILIS BOLANOS PERSON OF THE YEAR, 2007

The Mayer of Himara Municipality wins the "Person of the year 2007" voted by the World Hellenic Organization:”NOIAZOMAI”. According to greek media, Hellenes Abroad and in Grece have voted Vassilis Bollanos for great effors to protect hellenic values in Northern Epirus and for his declaration on TV Albanian Station “Top Channel” saying” “KOSOVO AND NORTHERN EPIRUS ARE SIMILAR QUESTIONS”

http://www.noiazomai.net/

For the declaration of Bollanos reacted not only the Albanian politic opinion but also Athens has been against any alternative solution reacting: “The Kosovo matter is not analog with Northern Epirus Issue”. But actually regarding the possibility “Macedonian Veto” of Athens by Greek polling opinions, the Northern Epirus or “Hellenic Kosovo” claimed by Hellenic Federation of the World is considered as more important national Greek Issue, which must resolve before Kosovo Status for Independence in condition that Greece must help Albania to joint to NATO and EU. Greece is the only NATO`s and EU country which could make veto to Macedonia name both for Kosovo Independence, if Skopie does not change the Constitutional Name as “Macedonia” while Tirana to begin for solution the Northern Epirus Issue before Kosovo decision.

In June 2007, the Pan Epirotic Federation of America, a strong brunch of Greek American Lobby in USA, urges to call Washington, EU and Athens to take extreme measures to Tirana including the stopping process of Albania to EU and NATO.

see" THE NORTHERN EPIRUS..... THE HELLENIC`S KOSOVO",

http://www.noiazomai.net/Boreiohpeirotiko.html

Albania's foreign minister stripped of immunity, faces charges of corruption

The Associated Press
Photo: Basha and Raice in Washington D.C.
TIRANA, Albania:

Albania's parliament stripped the foreign minister of immunity Thursday, paving the way for the public prosecutor to charge him with corruption and abuse of power.
The lawmakers voted 107-12 in favor of investigating Lulzim Basha over allegations of improperly favoring a U.S.-Turkish joint venture in the awarding of a highway construction contract while he was transport minister.

Basha, who has not yet been charged, denies the accusations and says he is willing to answer any questions about his handling of the highway project, which he said was proud to have been part of.Addressing the parliament before the vote, Basha urged the lawmakers to remove his immunity, saying the move would be a break with the country's past of shielding officials.
Basha, who was transport minister from September 2005 until becoming foreign minister in April of this year, could be tried for abuse of power, corruption and causing the budget to swell by some €385 million (US$548 million).

The allegations against Basha are related to an October 2006 deal the state signed with the Bechtel-Enka consortium, made up of San Francisco, California-based Bechtel International Inc. and Istanbul-based Enka. The consortium was awarded a €418 million (US$595 million) contract to build a 65-kilometer (40-mile) section of road.

The highway, to be completed in 2009, will link Albania's isolated north to neighboring ethnic-Albanian-dominated Kosovo. Organized crime and corruption are major issues in Albania, one of Europe's poorest countries, which is struggling to integrate with international institutions.

THE NEW BALKAN MAP .....http://www.noiazomai.net/41.html

FROM... NOIAZOMAI .........THE PAN HELLENIC SITE OF THE WORLD

http://www.noiazomai.net/

"THE PANDORA`S BOX"

RELATED WITH THE NATIONAL GEORRAPHIC 1912 - 1913 http://www.nationalgeographic.gr/extra/1912/

ΠΡΟΗΓΕΙΤΑΙ ΣΤΑ ΒΑΛΚΑΝΙΑ Η ΛΥΣΗ ΤΟΥ ΔΙΕΘΝΩΣ ΕΚΚΡΕΜΟΥΣ ΖΗΤΗΜΑΤΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΒΟΡΕΙΟΥ ΗΠΕΙΡΟΥ

ΑΝΟΙΓΕΙ Ο ΦΑΚΕΛΟΣ ΒΟΡΕΙΟΗΠΕΙΡΩΤΙΚΟ

SPECIAL NEW SECTION: NORTHERN EPIRUS

http://www.noiazomai.net/Boreiohpeirotiko.html

PYRROS DIMAS, THE "LION" OF HIMARA

Born October 13, 1971 is a Greek weightlifter and three-time Olympic champion. Dimas was born in Himara, Albania, to parents of Greek origin, and emigrated to Greece in 1991. He first competed for Greece in the 1992 Summer Olympics, winning the gold medal in the 82.5 kg class. At a time when Greek success at the Olympics was limited, he and Voula Patoulidou (who won the gold at the 100m hurdles) became instant national heroes. They were greeted as such on their return to Greece at a grand ceremony attended by more than 100.000 people at the Panathinaikon Stadium in Athens. His birthplace gave rise to his nickname "The Greek Lion of Himara". His outstanding number of Olympic Gold Medals created another nickname "Midas".

With the 1993 and 1995 World titles under his belt, Dimas was heavily favoured for the 83 kg class at the 1996 Summer Olympics, where he was the flagbearer of the Greek Olympic team. He won the event with two new World Records.

At the 2000 Summer Olympics, he won yet another gold medal, this time in the 85 kg class. This made him one of just three weightlifters at that time to have won three Olympic gold medals, the others being Naim Süleymanoğlu (Turkey, but born in Bulgaria) and Kakhi Kakhiashvili (Greece, but born in Georgia). Halil Mutlu (like Süleymanoğlu, a Bulgaria-bo Turk) would become the fourth in 2004.

At the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece, Dimas was again chosen as Greek flagbearer for both the opening and closing ceremonies. Dimas was recovering from knee surgery and a hurt wrist and was not expected to compete in these Olympics, but he came away with a bronze medal in the 85 kg class, becoming only the fourth weightlifter in history to win a medal at four different Olympic Games and only the third to win them successively four times, thus cementing his status as a national hero in Greece - a hero indeed who helped the obscure Greek weightlifting sport reach world records.

State Departament: Importance of Minority Rights and Religious Freedom in Albania (Northern Epirus)

Daily Press BriefingTom Casey, Deputy SpokesmanWashington, DCDecember 18, 2007

Mr. Lambros Papantoniou?

Q: On Albania, Mr. Casey, what is the U.S. policy vis-a-vis to the Greek minority of Northern Epirus in Albania, since in the most recent days the entire Himare area is under attack by Albanian mob,destroying 35 Greek churches and terrorizing the Greeks?

MR. CASEY: Mr. Lambros, I don't have anything new to offer you in terms of the issues related to the territorial integrity of any ofthe countries in the region.

Certainly we believe it's important for all the countries in the Balkans to ensure protection of minority rights and religious freedoms. That's a general principle that we certainly adhere to and promote. I don't have anything specific for you, though, on any of these individual incidents.

Q: One more, on Kosovo. Tomorrow is the discussion at the
U.N. on the final status of Kosovo, and I'm wondering, Mr. Casey, if you'd care to make any statement.

MR. CASEY: Well, Mr. Lambros, you know our position on Kosovo, and I fully expect that you will hear that from Ambassador Khalilzad and other officials there. Certainly we all believe that the time has come to deal with the final status of Kosovo. And as you know, we strongly believe that the way forward lies with implementation of the basic outlines of the Ahtisaari plan, including, in the short term,supervised independence for Kosovo.

http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/dpb/2007/dec/97782.htm

Greek chambers' president gives address in Albania

The president of Greece's Central Union of Chambers of Commerce (KEEE) George Kassimatis carried out a visit to neighbouring Albania recently at the invitation of his counterpart Ilir Zhilla.

According to a press release issued by the group on Monday, Kassimatis outlined the problems and obstacles faced by Greek businesses active in the sectors of trade and investments in Albania, as he cited an unstable institutional framework, particularly in the taxation and the customs regime, insufficient implementation of legislation and the lack of consistency of public services, which he said translates into negative repercussions for entrepreneurial activities.

Kassimatis also referred to outstanding debts by Albanian agencies to private enterprises and the Greek state. During his visit, the Greek business official met with Prime Minister Sali Berisha, Economy Minister Gene Ruli and the members of the Albanian Parliament's Economic Committee.

EXPLOSION AGAINST BYZANTINE CHURCH IN HIMARA REGION

Photo: BYZANTINE MONASTER OF PANAGIAS - DRYMADON This monastery is a pure white building; located on the peak over the village of Drymades has distinctive architecture.

The explosion blast against Byzantine church "Agia Pandelimonis" was happened in Drimades (Dhermi) one of more important tourist center of Southern Albania (Northern Epirus in Himara Region) where lives a large old presence of Hellenic Community.

According to Albanian Daily Newspaper “Shekulli” the Police authority which made the investigation process, after declared that “is not a blast explosive but has been made from thunder – struck destroying the Byzantine church”.

But the community has been against version of police declaration. According them: “the blast is explosive against the Orthodox Church and it is a terrorist act”. Some of other churches has been stolen many days before the blast in the village Drimades.

Drimades with it beautiful paradises beaches in Ionian Coast is one important culture center particularly for foreign tourists for the rich values of Byzantine churches. There are about 35 churches (10 of them are Byzantine period) and three orthodox Monasteries are visiting by thousand foreign tourists on the last year.

Anyway in Southern Albania decides of Orthodox Churches has been violated or stolen by vandals particularly in Korca, Argjirokaster, Fieri and the Himara Region.

see more:

"Shekulli" http://www.shekulli.com.al/news/45/ARTICLE/19127/2007-12-15.html

Himara Tourist Guide: http://www.himara.eu/sights/index-en.html

Albania destroys munitions surplus

December 13, 2007

WASHINGTON, Dec. 13 (UPI) -- In what U.S. State Department officials say eliminates a potential terrorist threat, Albania has destroyed its largest stockpile of surplus munitions.

The U.S. Department of State and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Albania announced the destruction of nearly 40,000 surplus munitions including anti-ship naval mines and aircraft bombs among others, the State Department reported.

"The destruction of these weapons eliminated a potential source of materiel that could have been used by terrorists or illegally sold to state sponsors of terror and other states of concern. As the majority of these weapons were stored in a dozen sites throughout Albania, most of which were in close proximity to homes and schools, they also posed a serious threat to public safety," the release said.

Implemented by the Nonproliferation and Disarmament Fund, the Albanian Armed Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams eliminated the munitions after the training of Albanian EOD teams.
Using approved Albania Ministry of Defense procedures, teams destroyed the munitions on designated military installations in what officials call an ecologically responsible way.

BERISHA CALLS TO CHANGE NATIONAL FLAG IN INTEREST OF "THE GRATER ALBANIA” ......

........PRISTINA TAKES ENERGY FROM TIRANA

Photo: PM Berisha and FM Basha

Tirana, December 10, 2007

“If we need to have one symbol national flag for all Albanians, our officially flag could change”, declares, Berisha during the emission “Opinion” of National TV Station “KLAN”.

During politic debate of “Opinion” the must important program in the country of TV “KLAN”, where was invited together with Prime Minister of Kosovo, Hashim Thaci, The Albanian Prime Minister declares about the future symbols of Kosovo after the independence and the Albanians role for unification saying: “If we need to have the national flag for all Albanians, sure our national flag could change".

We must have for all Albanians in Albania, Kosovo and Macedonia one united symbol flag, even Tirana has officially and Kosovo des not have too”. During the politic debate which was concerning for the Independence of Kosovo and after, Berisha and Thaci have been united for any developments between Kosovo and Albania, even an economic blockade from Serbia would isolate the Kosovo.

Berisha also said that: “to see as immediately moment any possibility occasion to help with our Port Harbowrs and Roads which links Kosovo and Albania and my government will be ready to collaborate as national obligation for future economy of Kosovo particularly after the Independence”.

ALBANIA GIVES 1.2 MILLION kvh ENERGY TO KOSOVO

The Albanian Governament has decided to help Kosovo economy giving about 1.2 million kvh in the day, sorces said from albanian press. Not only aero ports offers of Tirana for Kosovo for any escalation of Serbian economic blockade but also under a "patriotic decision to help kosovo albanians with electric energy in a critique moment when Albania is including a total "black out" of it teritor and the economy is raising to 8% of inflation in January, said sources of Albanian Central Bank.

KESH the albanian Corporate Energy said that "the Albania economy needs for about 12 million kvh energy for the day but only 8 kvh is producting from interior hidro energitic sistem. The rest energy by import is unsufficent to help the economy of the country. Only Tirana has interroction with about 6 hours in the day, while in other territores it goes to 10 hours in the day.

Waiting Kosovo Indipendence, Tirana and Pristina have intesifed their bilateral relations from politically to full economic aid to integrate Kosovo economy inside "albanian national strategy". Thousand albanian of kosovo have albanian passport particularly for students, bussinesmen linked with economic interests as "Real Estate" to buy albanian propreties, while the moviments between Kosovo and Albanian borders are "inexistent" out of the taxes. Last year, thousand albanians of Kosovo have been principal tourists of albania, contributing to raise the finances of Albanian Government.

Prodi talks energy, Kosovo, during Albania visit

Photo : Prodi Berisha in Tirana Monday, 4 December 2007

4 December 2007 13:49 Source: B92, BIRN

TIRANA -- Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi and his Albanian counterpart, Sali Berisha, met Monday in Tirana

The pair vowed to increase cooperation over energy issues between their respective governments, BIRN reports.The Italian premier stressed the need for new energy sources to ensure the economic growth of both countries. “Albania cannot enjoy economic growth without addressing the lack of energy sources. Italy is also interested in new sources of

energy for its own needs,” Prodi said at a joint newsconference. During the meeting a memorandum of cooperation was signed by Albania’s Minister of Economy and Energy, Genc Ruli, and the head of the Italian power company Enel, Fulvio Conti.

Berisha welcomed the move to strengthen economic cooperation. “We have worked [as a government] to create an attractive climate for Italian investors in Albania,” Berisha said. Italy is Albania’s biggest trading partner. Albanian exports to Italy amounted to USD 574mn in 2006, and its imports were valued at USD 883mn. In a speech to Albania’s parliament, Prodi called on Albania’s politicians to step up the reforms necessary for their country’s integration into the EU.

“Justice reform, the fight against criminal elements and a modern electoral system should be at the top of the agenda,” the Italian Prime Minister said while addressing Albanian MPs. In a meeting with the Speaker of parliament, Jozefina Topalli, Prodi promised that Albania’s Stabilization and Association Agreement with the EU - a key step towards eventual EU membership - would ratified by the Italian parliament during the coming week. At his earlier news conference Prodi had a message of restraint for Kosovo’s

independence-seeking leaders, saying that determining the UN-administered territory’s future status needs more time. “That process would be destroyed in an irreversible way, if a hurried decision was taken after December 10,” Prodi said.

The Italian premier was referring to the call made by several Kosovo Albanian leaders for independence to be declared after the Troika of international mediators, presents its report on the talks to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, in a week’s time. Prodi restated his government’s position that Kosovo’s status should be based on the plan for internationally-supervised independence, proposed by UN envoy Martti Ahtisaari, which was subsequently rejected by Serbia and blocked by Russia in the Security Council. He added that Kosovo's leaders should take their decisions in coordination with the EU.

10 years ago........Prodi visited Vlora.......

VLORA, Albania (AP) — Italy’s premier met with rebel leadersSunday and promised Albanians they will see a markedimprovement in their chaotic country once a multinational force isfully deployed to ensure safe delivery of food.

Despite strong anti-Italian sentiment, Premier Romano Prodi andhis Albanian counterpart, Bashkim Fino, were greetedenthusiastically by some 10,000 people during a two-hour visit.Animosity toward Italy has surged here since a Vlora boat filledwith Albanian refugees collided with an Italian vessel last monthand up to 80 people perished. Eight European nations have pledged troops for a 6,000-membermultinational force — to be fully operational by the last week ofApril — that will secure the ports of Vlora and Durres and Tiranaairport. “The situation will really change for the better next week whenmost of the force is deployed,” Prodi told the packed crowd in thesunny city square.

Photo: Prodi accompagnated from rebels in Vlora city on April 12, 1997
Prodi, speaking from a balcony after his meetings with Fino andlocal rebel leaders, Prodi said the multinational force was coming“to help the Albanian people in this difficult situation and will notinterfere in the internal politics of the country.” The crowd, cheering and waving flags, demanded the resignationof Albanian President Sali Berisha, whom they blame forinvestment schemes that collapsed and cost tens of thousands ofAlbanians their life savings.

Vlora, 50 miles southwest of the capital Tirana, is the birthplace ofthe insurgency that has swept Albania in the past three months. Albanians took to the streets to protest the shady schemes, andmany overran army bases, stealing weapons and ammunition.More than 360 people have been killed and 3,500 injured in theensuing violence, and 13,000 Albanians have fled to Italy. Italian soldiers and rebels armed with Kalashnikovs escortedProdi and Fino through the streets before they boarded ahelicopter for Tirana.

Prodi called for a moment of silence in memory of the Albanianrefugees who drowned last month. He said Italian authoritieswould try to raise the sunken Albanian vessel.
Earlier Sunday, 40 French soldiers arrived in the western port ofDurres, 22 miles from the capital, joining 120 Italian paratroopers. Prodi said the Italian-led force will stay one month after electionsare held in Albania. “It is important to prepare for rapid, democratic and properelections,” Prodi said. “Speed is essential.”

The caretaker government is planning to hold elections and areferendum on the form of government in June, but politicaldifferences may delay the process.Berisha has not ventured from the capital in three months andopposes any deals with rebels.

He is opposed by the southern insurgents, has dwindling supportin the caretaker government and also is facing dissent within his own Democratic Party. More than 40 party leaders have criticizedhis authoritarian rule. The party met behind closed doors Sunday to discuss calls forBerisha’s ouster from the party leadership.

Antidote to nationalism

To avoid war in Europe we must give the Balkans hope, rather than hold the ring with troops

By Peter Preston

Monday December 3, 2007The Guardian
Here is a sad little tale with a big, sad conclusion. It begins a decade ago, when I did some Guardian Foundation work with the British Association for Central and Eastern Europe (Bacee) and joined its governing body. It organised seminars all over the newly free countries of Europe, brought study groups to Britain, and helped train politicians, judges and journalists in the rhythms of democracy. When central Europe was EU-embraced, it moved on to the parts that Brussels hadn't reached yet: the Balkans and beyond.

But then, suddenly, a minor mandarin arrived announcing that priorities had changed, that the Foreign Office grant that helped make Bacee possible was going, gone. Europe didn't matter any longer, it seemed. Only the Middle East counted when disposable funds had to be disposed of. And that, after many gallant efforts, turns out to be the end of active life. Bacee goes into indefinite hibernation next year. The Balkan problem - unlike the West Lothian problem - is deemed "solved" for all relevant financing and face-saving purposes.

Except that that's rubbish. Except that, in a few days' time, Kosovo will bubble over the brink again. Except that more war, in our own continent, seems bleakly imminent. Except that Britain's foreign policy "priorities", as detailed in rolling spending reviews, were bunk.
You learn many things when you hit the seminar trail in the Balkans, but first you learn that the fragments of old Yugoslavia see their future inside the union we regard with a curl of the lips. Slovenia joined in the last wave but one. Croatia, accession treaty drafted, stands on the edge of membership. Bosnia, Macedonia, Montenegro and - yes! - Kosovo, are further down the queue but near the top of an urgent agenda. Serbia is key to everything and split: but the forces of relative rationality and reform define themselves by the European issue, too.
And, if you head south, there's the free nation we prefer not to think about - Albania: too much crime, too many problems. But that's not what EU diplomats say when they go to Tirana. They say that Albania, too, waits in union line.

So the links are clear, and so are our defences against anarchy. The Balkans belong to our Europe. They want it, and the chance of prosperity it offers. We want it and have told them as much. The policies we're pursuing in the region only make sense if that's true. Membership is our patent antidote to narrow nationalism. The EU that helped bring peace to western Europe long ago still has much work to do.

But then, as with the fate of Bacee, note how nothing connects. Political Europe is stalled over immigration, Turkey, reform treaties, economic lethargy. Croatia is pending because the European commission needs its structural reforms first. The FO is more interested in exporting balm to Basra or jets to Saudi. The Balkans have been left to drift and fester. Guess what that means today as Serbia fumes and Russia turns unhelpful? The only solid answer to the Balkan question is a European one.

But mumbling and grumbling far away - in France, the Netherlands, the UK - has utterly lost that plot. Our interminable domestic squabbles over reform don't stretch to Dover, let alone to the Danube. We are the authors of our own misfortune. Would Bacee, carrying on, have been able to make a difference? Probably not. But the association's biggest coup was starting a New Serbia Forum that brought together future movers and shakers as Milosevic fell. Bacee opened some Belgrade windows to a wider, more peaceful world. But who needs expertise or contacts when interest dies?

And thus that fateful old question is asked again: how to put a region - part inside our house, part waiting on the doorstep - together. By giving it cohesion and hope. By promising and delivering. By knowing what's important and what's blah. The lesson of Kosovo is clear enough and an eerie replica of crises the world never solves - Kashmir, say, or Cyprus - because troops just holding the ring are of no account. Take them away and you're back to square one. What you have to put in their place is a sense of direction: but that, when the chap from the FO with his closed cheque book and closed mind comes calling, is precisely what we've lost.