Ankara "supports" minority in Thrake

"ELEFTEROS TIPOS" Thursday, 13.03.08

Silently and systematically escalated, the attempt to Ankara for the guardianship of the Muslim minority in Thrace, which is treated as a strategic minority «» from the Turkish diplomacy especially after the unilateral declaration of independence Kosovo.

San mushrooms spouts in the region Turkish clubs (last, The example ”Platanos in Xanthi”) that promise to help the minority - with funding from abroad-to acquire hospitals, schools and other types of infrastructure of public interest. In addition, the rapidly expanding network of associations representing their “Nationality abroad”, with the clear goal internalizing oppression sensational.

The mobility of unrecognized by the Greek State mouftidon and the Consul of Turkey to Komotini is impressive, and the border crossings for representatives of minorities who have close contact with Ankara is becoming more and more regular. Four moves were not made known to disclose in the strongest possible terms the strategy of Ankara in connection with the minority in Thrace, which is trying to be trained to separatist ideas. Specifically: ▪ «The European Federation of Western Thrace Turks» expanded with new ones in London and The Hague. And having observer status in the Human Rights of the UN constantly egkalei the Greek State for violations of rights and freedoms. ▪ The president of «Solidarity Association of Western Thrace Turks Mr» Erol Kasifoglou (living in Turkey hailing from Thrace) called on expatriates to autonomous regarding the independence of Kosovo, expressing his optimism that the secession of the former Serbian province will serve as example. A few days later, he met in Istanbul the president of the Association of Scientists of minority lawyer Mr Xanthi Ahmet Kara.

▪ The Anti Mr Rodopi M. Devetzi Oglou recently visited Ankara and in an interview on Turkish television network reported on Attila “as a peacekeeping operation in Cyprus”.
▪ A few days ago the elected muftis in Xanthi Mr. Ahmet Mete visited Ankara where he had contacts with the National Security Council. The issue of minority handled by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. And publicly highlighted as one of the three debated (Aegean, Cyprus, minorities) Turkish Foreign Minister Mr. Ali Bampatzan after he met Saturday with the main counterpart Dora Bakoyanni in Ankara.

The spokesman of Ministry of Foreign Affairs C. Koumoytsakos, to a question relating to the content of the talks the main agenda and Mr Bampatzan for minorities, he said that was brief mention recent laws relating to vakoufia, in minority institutions and their properties. He explained that there is no «structured dialogue, commissions or other mechanism on minority issues» and referred to the desire of the Government to have every opportunity to dialogue with the Government of Turkey to improve bilateral relations. In his report, the State Department on human rights complaints referred pomakikon clubs that pressured by members of the Turkish community in order to deny the existence pomakikis identity.It is noted that thanks to the efforts of the Office of Political Affairs Xanthi increased the crush of Gypsy children in schools.

Original on: http://www.e-tipos.com/newsitem?id=29003

AEC INVOICES ABUSIVE PRICES FOR SOUTHERN POPULATION. SP DECLARES: PEOPLE; DO NOT PAY ENERGY!

Photo: Erion Brace, high SP represent during the declarate.

The Socialist Party (opposite) urges it electorate to abandon the energetic invoices, after a decision of Albanian Government to raise the price of energy 100% for the year 2008.

AEC (Albanian Energetic Corporation) has planed to raise the energetic price because the Corporate which is going to privatize distribution sector and the coasts are very high while the payments of invoices are divided in tow parts, northern Albanian community (simpantisants of Democratic Party of Primier Sali Berisha known as Ghegs) do not pay while the southern community (known as supporters of Socialist Party, Toskes) continuing to pay regularly the energy.

But important is the pressing used by Albanian authorities against southern population to discriminate particularly the Greek community sending abusive high price as counter measures of opposite united until collectively interrupted energy.

One year ago the people of Himara Region blocked the national way Vlora - Saranda protesting against politic measures of Albanian Government which uses AEC as pressing against Hellenic community.

However, the declaration of SP should sent Albania to the new economic chaos as long as the real inflation is going 8% and the government measures are extremely not to be a solution.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman Jonathan Farrar

Country Reports on Human Rights Practices

QUESTION: Lambros Papantonious, Eleftheros Typos Greek daily. One on Albania. Do you have anything to report about the human rights for the Greek minority in northern Epirus and Albania, which is under permanent attacks by the Albanian government of Sali Berisha against basic human rights, political freedom and properties, including the church?

MR. FARRAR: I refer you to the Albania report, both the sections on treatment of minorities and religious freedom.

WHAT SAYS THE REPORT OF STATE DEPARTAMENT (MINORITIES CHAPTER)

Albania Country Reports on Human Rights Practices - 2007Released by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and LaborMarch 11, 2008

National/Racial/Ethnic Minorities

The ethnic Greek minority pursued grievances with the government regarding electoral zones, Greek-language education, property rights, and government documents. Minority leaders cited the government's unwillingness to recognize ethnic Greek towns outside communist-era "minority zones"; to utilize Greek on official documents and on public signs in ethnic Greek areas; to ascertain the size of the ethnic Greek population; or to include a higher number of ethnic Greeks in public administration.

In September the Greek cultural association Omonia presented a request to the prime minister for the registration of population based on ethnicity. The letter was cosigned by the minister of labor and equal opportunities, and a representative of the Human Rights Union, a Greek-focused political party that is currently part of the governing coalition.

While there were Greek-language public elementary schools in the southern part of the country where most ethnic Greeks live, Omonia complained that the community needed more classrooms both within and outside the minority zones, due to overcrowded classrooms and unfulfilled demand. Every village in the Greek zones had its own elementary-middle (nine-year) school utilizing the Greek language, regardless of the number of students, and Gjirokaster had two Greek-language high schools.

In 2006 the government granted an operating license to one school in the south outside the Greek zone. During a 2006 visit by the prime minister to Greece, the government agreed to cooperate in the building of a Greek-language university in the city of Gjirokaster funded by the Greek government.

Note: In albanian press, this chapter has been cencured for the public opinion.

See more: http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2007/100544.htm

Kosovo spurs more Greater Albania dreams

Encouraged by Kosovo’s independence, Albanians in Macedonia are now discussing ambitious plans for a new country made up of Albania, Kosovo, large parts of Macedonia and part of Ipiros in Greece.

"RUSSIA TODAY"

If you walk down the streets o Skopje, the capital city of Macedonia, the signs and the language is Slavic. But if you drive just 25 kilometres on, it appears to be a completely different country where the language and tradition is Albanian and the religion is Muslim - that’s Tetovo. In 2001, civil war broke out there between Albanian and Slav populations.

Nowadays it’s more peaceful.Small restaurant owner Agim Berzati says Albanians are treated as second-class citizens in a country where they make up at least 30% of the population. He’s Albanian and the food he serves up is traditional kebab and shishlik alongside Turkish coffee. ”We are born here and deserve equal rights. Macedonians don’t give us equality. I don’t feel they treat us with respect. There were lots of things we fought for and were promised in 2001, but nothing has been implemented,” he complained.But what has changed though is Kosovo’s declaration of independence.

For Mustafe Hasani it was the dream of a lifetime. He spent a month in prison for his political activities and for years he’s donated part of his salary to developing an independent Kosovo. ”We only want an ethnic Albania, for all the Albanians in all the countries to get together. Now is the end of protest and war. Now we Albanians have to get educated and then we’ll get what we want. Albania is like our mother, Kosovo is our father,” Hasani thinks. What many Albanians want is a greater Albania that incorporates the country Albania, Kosovo, big parts of Macedonia and part of Ipiros, which is in Greece.

Tailor Shahin Osmani, Albanian who has lived all his life in Tetovo believes a greater Albania is inevitable and will happen once the country becomes part of the European Union:”There will be a time of great Albania in the future, maybe after thirty years. History repeats itself, and if we get into the European Union, borders will be eliminated. We’ll be free and it’ll be like having a greater Albania”.But it’s not a certainty that Macedonia will join the European Union, largely because Greece objects to it using the name Macedonia.

http://www.russiatoday.ru/news/news/21950

Note: In an interwe on Greek Newspaper "Kathimerini" The Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha said that "I think that the independence of Kosovo puts an end to the indeterminate state of the Albanians in the Balkans. There are Albanians in southern Serbia, Montenegro and FYROM. In fact there are minorities everywhere. Their rights in this context of agreements about minorities must be respected, but the idea of redrawing the borders is unproductive, as it would create new tension and insecurity for the next 15-20 years, a period which we could use to get into Europe".

THE GREEK AMERICAN LOBBY SUPORTS DEMOCRATIC CANTIDATES

A big-buck Democratic house divided While Sacramento Valley developer Angelo Tsakopoulos and daughter Eleni ara backing Clinton, son Kyriakos will support Obama.

By Dan Morain, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer SACRAMENTO -- For the better part of two decades, Bill and Hillary Rodham Clinton have counted on the support and money of the Tsakopoulos clan of the Sacramento Valley.

Eleni Tsakopoulos-Kounalakis is one of Sen. Clinton's most active fundraisers, having hosted numerous Northern California galas for her Democratic presidential campaign. Patriarch Angelo Tsakopoulos, a major Sacramento developer and one of the former president's early California backers, supports the New York senator as well. But on Monday, Kyriakos Tsakopoulos, Angelo's son and Eleni's brother, said he was backing Democrat Barack Obama.

The lawyer and developer said he would fly to Chicago today to confer with Obama's campaign about how he could best help. He is offering to raise money for the Illinois senator.

The Albanian press about new Omonia leader elected.

BOLLANOS, WINS GREEK EXTREMIST BRUNCH

How is possible that to the "Omonia" elections process, wins Greek extremist brunch? Those are many of titles of newspapers and TV stations in Albanian media, pretending "how is possibile that Albania losted control of "Omonia", holding since 1991?” The Albanian National Strategy is making analyses of opening Northern Epirus Issue by Great Powers, after Kosovo Independence under the name “Domino Effect”.

"Omonia", is the Greek Ethnic Organization in Albania since 1991 after communist regime dead, when the democratic parliament elected, excluded by a law voting to block the Greek minority request to compose the Hellenist Party of Albania. During this period 'Omonia" has confronted the violence and persecution systematically from Albanian government, beginning by Omonia`s Politically Trial against five members of Greek organization in 1994, to the local and politic elections in Albania always monitored by International Community and OSCE.

Until now, the Greek ethnic minority of Albanian never has been politically and civil rights beginning from individual declaration of national and religion rights to politically represent of pluralism specter and proprieties rights. The albanian propaganda often has claimed for the three member parliament by greek origin as member of "Omonia" as only represents of greek minority with about 30 - 40 thousand or 2.5% of voters with about 10 years, reclaming the percentuage of the Greek Minority only 1.17% of total population of albania with 3.6 million inhabitantes.

Omonia in fact has been included politically to be part of HRUP, a Party often interpreted by Albanian media as Greek Party of Albania, but in reality has been under influence particularly after 1997, to a group persons linked with Greek origin with Dictature Regime and actually with strong economically interests of as part of government to justify the Greek Albanian relations controlled by Albanian side. Omonia`s control has been often systematically an instrument of Albanian strategy to crush the Northern Epirus Issue. In the Pan Epiriotic Convention in 2006 in Joanina, the leader of Omonia was criticaly attacked by realy oposition inside greek community for the inferiority to protect the greeks of albania and particularly to failed the proces of General Counting Population last 10 years.

Under the title ‘Wins the Greek Extremist Brunch” its very clear that the consequences of Omonia`s election process has been a crash between influences of Tirana and Athens. Who are new extremist of Omonia and until now what the head of Omonia was? Sure Vassilis Bollanos is a Greek himariotas who never known officially by Albania as represent of Greek minority zone of Himara Region an old discussion of Albanian nationalism which prohibited to know the Protocol of Corfu in 1914, for the rights of Greek minority of Albania. Also the declaration of Vassilis Bollanos “What will win Kosovo would win Northern Epirus” is a strong horn often not liked by Albanians.

VASSILIS BOLLANOS NEW ELECTED OMONIA`S PRESIDENT




Vassilis Bollanos the Mayer of Himara Municipality is elected the Head of Greek Ethnic Minority of Albania (Northern Epirus). Bollanos elected by majority votes of greek represent of Albania.

Bollanos will head Omonia for some months until general elections including all northern epiriotes to vote under the system "One member one vote".

Greece blocks Macedonia NATO membership, Albania is waiting.....

March 06, 2008 12:16 PM

BRUSSELS, Mar 6, 2008 (Xinhua via COMTEX) -- Greece on Thursday refused to invite its neighbor Macedonia to join NATO due to a decades-old name dispute.
"As far as the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is concerned, I stressed to our allies that unfortunately, the policy that was followed by the government of our neighboring country ... does not allow us to take the same positive stance as in the case of Croatia and Albania," Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyanni told reporters after a meeting with her counterparts of NATO members.

Together with Croatia and Albania, Macedonia is one of the hopefuls to be invited to join NATO at the military alliance's summit next month in Bucharest, capital of Romania but its bid has been overshadowed by the issue of the country's name.
Greece has long argued that Macedonia implies territorial claim to a northern Greek province which bears the same name as Macedonia.
The dispute began in 1946 when the People's Republic of Macedonia was established as part of Yugoslavia and escalated when the republic announced independence in 1991.
Bakoyanni said the past 15 years of fruitless negotiations under the auspices of the United Nations left Greece with no other choice.

"Greece was therefore unable to provide its consent to the invitation, as I stressed to my fellow colleagues," she said, adding her country is ready to use veto power.
The founding treaty of NATO provides that the member states can, through a unanimous decision, invite any other European state to join the alliance, which means Greece's veto could successfully block Macedonia's bid for NATO membership.
With less than one month to go before the summit, Bakoyanni said she still hopes for a mutually acceptable and practical solution, which should be implemented immediately.
Greece has insisted that Macedonia is properly known as the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in international organizations such as NATO. But the majority of UN members have recognized Macedonia under its constitutional name -- the Republic of Macedonia.
U.N. envoy Matthew Nimetz has reportedly put forward a proposal, which identifies five name suggestions including Constitutional Republic of Macedonia, Democratic Republic of Macedonia, Independent Republic of Macedonia, New Republic of Macedonia and Republic of Upper Macedonia.

"It will contain the name Macedonia, but it will not monopolize Macedonia," Bakoyanni said, referring to an acceptable choice for the new name.
Bakoyanni warned defiance by Macedonia would deny the Balkan country a future both in NATO and the European Union (EU), of which Greece is also a member.
The entry of Macedonia into NATO appeared to be one of the major sticky issues when foreign ministers of the 26-nation transatlantic alliance met Thursday.
German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said he would like to see Macedonia join NATO together with Croatia and Albania, but the coming weeks of negotiations with Greece was crucial.

"I would like all three countries to join," Steinmeier told reporters ahead of the meeting, "A lot depends on the question of whether these two states are going to be able to come closer together in the coming weeks."

Boat Sinking Kills 16 in Albania

TIRANA, Albania (AP) — A boat carrying partygoers celebrating the birthday of 5-year-old twins sank overnight in a lake near the capital, killing 16 people, including the two children, police said Thursday.

The boat belonged to a restaurant on the shores of Lake Farka, about three miles east of the capital, Tirana. It had a capacity of seven, but was transporting 20 people from the restaurant when it sank shortly after midnight, Tirana police spokeswoman Alma Katragjini said.
Authorities believe the boat capsized because it was overloaded.

Four people survived, Katragjini said. Three hours after the sinking, authorities had collected 16 bodies from the lake: seven men, seven women and the 5-year-old twin boys, she said.
Fourteen of the dead belonged to two families, while two of the bodies could not immediately be identified, but were believed to be those of family friends, Katragjini said.
Outside the Tirana morgue, men wept and held each other as relatives and friends gathered to claim the bodies.

Lakeside and seaside restaurants are popular in Albania, but most are within easy reach of roads. The one on Lake Farka was more remote, and a small boat was often used to ferry passengers to it.

Security News

ALBANIA, NATO HELICOPTER` CRASHES (?)

Early morning Italian arenautic agencies start “SOS” signal for a NATO helicopter crash in northern Albanian mountains, albanian press "24 Ore NEWS" noted.

Inhabitants said they heared a strong blast early morning near “Jezerca” mountain (2690m) and where cooperating to find survivors by helicopter crash.
Policies Albanian forces require together with KFOR sending helicopters and Special Forces to localize the zone.

Albanian authorities confirm that the helicopter is not of Albanian Air Forces, when other information says may be is of "Italian Air Forces". Albania does not capacity to hold night operation security service since a presidential helicopter lost in Adriatic Sea, tow years ago. Another crash airplane in Albanian territory has happened in 2005 when a C130 of US Air Forces crash in Albanian mountains.

Anyway NATO does not confirm about helicopter crash, said in aftenoon the Albanian public television RTSH , while the Defensse Albanian Ministry said for "an unknown aircraft had lost contact with Albanian and Italian operators in the area near Albania's border with Montenegro and Kosovo".

Security News

NATO STRONG MEASSURES TO HOLD STABILLITY IN ALBANIA AND FYROM

Photo: The Greek Class Frigate "Hydra" at Durresi Gulf

Five of NATO Frigates (British, Germany, Greece, Turkey and Italy) jointed to Durresi Harbor in Albania, last week. The frigates are member of NATO Naval Base Group in Naples (Italy).

According to information the naval contingent of NATO for Mediterranean is opening a security corridor which begins from Durresi Harbor to FYROM, stabilizing the way and structure of military transport of NATO troops, to install more troops for any escalation which menace the stability of tow countries Albania and FYROM.

Albania has 1200 NATO troops when the contingent can raise more, based to agreement NATO Albania in July 2007. In 2005 the Albanian parliament approved a “law packet” for NATO installation in Albania. According to agreement, NATO can hold 2500 troops in Albanian Territory with a government decision, when NATO needs to install more troops to confront any escalation or destabilization is the parliament which could decide much more troops.

FYROM is confronting on diplomatic debate with Greece about the name of "Macedonia" but sources by albanian of FYROM say for separation of albanian of FYROM if Greece makes veto to FYROM to joint NATO alliance next NATO meeting in Bucarest. Italian troops of NATO will emerging FYROM passing from Albania to make stabillity of the country next days said albanian press.

JFC Naples Commander Admiral Mark Fitzgerald arrived for a 2-day official visit in Tirana on 21 February 2008.

“TO BE GREEK WHEN THEY ARE SINCE THE HELLENISM HAS BORNED”

Athens gives “The Greek Citizen” about 1000 northern epirotes today (!) The last paradox of Greek burocracy is to give next months more 600 thousand northern epirotes the Greek Citizen. After 18 years they living and working in Greece they "became greeks", while in Albania they continue to prohibit the politic and civil rights. During Albanian dictature thousand of northern epiotes killed and persecuted by regime only because they where Greek. "A PARADOX"

While Sofie has given about 150 thousand Bulgarian passports to Albanian orthodoxies, since 2007, time that Bulgaria joint to EU, Greece, continues to forget compatriots in Northern Epirus.

Albania continues to give Albanians of Kosovo thousand passports every month for their compatriots in Kosovo demostring a great sacrifice helping economically and giving international politically support. While the greek politic parties are interessed to have thousand votes by northern epiriotes claiming interests in Albania only for investiments and bussines linked with greek politicans corrupted.

Photo: 1946, Northern Epirotes escaped by Albanian Regime, protest near Albanian borders after US Senate Resolute decided to unite Northern Epirus with mother Greece.

ΟΡΚΟΜΩΣΙΑ ΙΘΑΓΕΝΕΙΑΣ ΓΙΑ 1.131 ΠΟΛΙΤΕΣ

Παρασκευή 29 Φεβρουαρίου 2008
ΔΕΛΤΙΟ ΤΥΠΟΥ

1131 πολίτες, ορκίστηκαν σήμερα ως Έλληνες, από το Νομάρχη Αθηνών, Γιάννη Σγουρό, σε ειδική εκδήλωση που πραγματοποιήθηκε στο Γήπεδο του Σπόρτινγκ, παρουσία του Υπουργού Εσωτερικών, Δημόσιας Διοίκησης και Αποκέντρωσης κ. Προκόπη Παυλόπουλου, της βουλευτή του ΠΑ.ΣΟ.Κ.κας. Συλβάνας Ράπτη, του Δήμαρχου Καματερού κ. Νικήτα Καμαρινόπουλου και μελών του Νομαρχιακού Συμβουλίου της Νομαρχίας Αθηνών.

Οι πολίτες που πήραν σήμερα την ελληνική ιθαγένεια προέρχονται από 17 διαφορετικές χώρες του κόσμου, από την Βενεζουέλα και τις Η.Π.Α., μέχρι την Αιθιοπία και τις Φιλιππίνες και το 98% από την Αλβανία .Το 48% είναι γυναίκες και το 52% άνδρες. Το 99% των πολιτών είναι χριστιανοί ορθόδοξοι στο θρήσκευμα, υπάρχουν πέντε καθολικοί και δύο μουσουλμάνοι, ενώ δύο δεν δήλωσαν το θρήσκευμα τους. Ασκούν 115 διαφορετικά επαγγέλματα (π.χ. ιατροί, οικονομολόγοι, αρχιτέκτονες, ζωγράφοι, ιδιωτικοί και δημόσιοι υπάλληλοι, οικοδόμοι κλπ), με την πλειοψηφία να απασχολείται στον ιδιωτικό τομέα και τις γυναίκες να ασχολούνται με τα οικιακά.

THE GREEK “NOBEL” CANTIDATE MIKIS THEODORAKIS CLAIMS HIS MANIFEST ABOUT CRITIC SITUATION OF GREECE AFTER KOSOVO INDIPENDENCE.

"THERE IS VERY CLEAR, THE RAISE OF BALKAN DOMINO EFFECT TO CREATE “GREATER ALBANIA” AND MY COUNTRY GREECE, MUST BE UNITED TO CONFRONT ANNY DESTABILISATION INSIDE OUR TERRITOR THRAKI, EPIRUS AND GREEK ISLANDS”

Mikis Theodorakis manifest, adresed to hellenic people of the world.

Επιστολή Μίκη Θεοδωράκη Τέλος στην προδοσία και την ασχήμια!Ανεξάρτητα από τα αποτελέσματα των αμερικανικών εκλογών, δηλαδή ανεξάρτητα από το ποιος θα είναι ο μελλοντικός πρόεδρος, η κολοσσιαία πολεμική μηχανή έχει ήδη μπει μπροστά με στόχο την εξόντωση όλων όσων θεωρεί εχθρούς της. Ακόμη και αυτών όπως η Ελλάδα που δεν υπακούνε τυφλά τις εντολές της, Ιράν, Κορέα, Αραβικός κόσμος, μη υποτελείς και φυσικά άμεσα η Ρωσία και στο βάθος η Κίνα. Μετά θα έρθει η σειρά των « ατάκτων» της Νοτίου Αμερικής. Ένας άμεσος και θανάσιμος κίνδυνος, πολυπρόσωπος, πολυπλόκαμος σαν χταπόδι κάνει αργά αλλά σταθερά την εμφάνισή του στο προσκήνιο της παγκόσμιας ιστορίας. Σημερινός στοίχος είναι τα Βαλκάνια με κύριο σύμμαχο την «Μεγάλη Αλβανία», ξεκινώντας από το Κόσσοβο με συνεργάτες τους υπεύθυνους για μαζικές δολοφονίες U.C.K.Και σαν να μην έφταναν όλα αυτά, γεγονός πρωτοφανές για τη χώρα μας, μερικοί « επιστήμονες» επέλεξαν το αμφιθέατρο του Παντείου Πανεπιστημίου για να αναπτύξουν δημόσια την υποστήριξή τους σε ένα βασικό αίτημα της « Μεγάλης Αλβανίας», την κατάκτηση της Ηπείρου έως την Πρέβεζα, με την δικαιολογία ότι ανήκε στην Αλβανική Τσαμουριά, από όπου τους έδιωξαν με εγκληματικές πράξεις οι έλληνες.Ασφαλώς πρόκειται για οργανωμένη προβοκάτσια των Η.Π.Α, ώστε να μελετηθούν οι δικές μας αντιδράσεις και να προπαρασκευαστεί ψυχολογικά η εδαφική επέκταση της Αλβανίας μετά το Κόσσοβο και σε ένα μεγάλο τμήμα των Αλβανοφώνων των Σκοπίων και ακολούθως και σε δικά μας εδάφη.Από την άλλη μεριά η σύμπλευση της Τουρκίας με τις Η.Π.Α στο Κόσσοβο, που έσπευσε πρώτη αυτή να το αναγνωρίσει, προετοιμάζει το έδαφος για πονηρά σχέδια σε βάρος της χώρας μας με βάση όχι μόνον το Αιγαίο και την Κύπρο, αλλά κα τη μουσουλμανική μειονότητα στη Θράκη, που ακολουθώντας το παράδειγμα του Κοσσόβου μπορεί να διεκδικήσει την δική της ανεξαρτησία.Η πολιτική ηγεσία των Σκοπίων φαίνεται ότι γνωρίζει από πρώτο χέρι τα σχέδια των Η.Π.Α και για αυτό δείχνει αυτή την αλαζονική αδιαλλαξία.Και πράγματι σε αυτή τη φάση συμπορεύονται με την πολιτική που εκθέσαμε. Όμως τι θα κάνουν όταν ξεκινήσει η επόμενη φάση, αυτής της φολοαλβανικής τακτικής, οπότε το κρατίδιό τους θα κοπεί στη μέση, γιατί θα πρέπει να γνωρίζουν τόσο αυτοί, όσο και οι ΗΠΑ, ότι μπορούν να αυτοαποκαλούνται Μακεδόνες, όμως φυλετικά είναι Σλάβοι και ως εκ τούτου κατατάσσονται ουσιαστικά στη χωρία των εχθρών των ΗΠΑ μαζί με την Ρωσία, τη Σερβία αλλά κα τη Βουλγαρία που και αυτή δεν πρέπει να έχει αυταπάτες.Έτσι γυρίζοντας σε εμάς τους Έλληνες θα πρέπει να δούμε ότι η κατάσταση όντως εξελίσσεται όπως εξελίσσεται και είναι παραπάνω από τραγική δεδομένου ότι οι Αμερικανοί δεν πείθονται, όσες υποκλίσεις και αν κάνουν απέναντί τους οι ποικιλόμορφες αμερικανόφιλες ηγεσίες, και αυτό γιατί φοβούνται, μισούν τον λαό μας, για τον οποίο είναι βέβαιοι ότι στη μεγάλη του πλειοψηφία απορρίπτει τα φιλοπόλεμα σχέδιά τους, για αυτό θέλει να μας τιμωρήσει με κάθε τρόπο εκτός και αν αποφασίσουμε όλοι μαζί να γονατίσουμε και να φιλήσουμε τα πόδια τους κάνοντας όρκους ότι από δω και στο εξής θάμασε καλά παιδιά και πειθήνια όργανα στην όποια πολιτική τους.Όμως αφού το παιχνίδι είναι για μας έτσι και αλλιώς χαμένο, τότε ας πέσουμε με το κεφάλι ψηλά. Ας μην περιμένουμε βοήθεια από πουθενά. Ούτε έχουμε συμμάχους, είμαστε εμείς και εμείς, ας φροντίσουμε λοιπόν να είμαστε τουλάχιστον ωραίοι, περήφανοι και γιατί όχι χαρούμενοι, αφού θα έχουμε πάρει τη μεγάλη απόφαση να γίνουμε όλοι μαζί μια γροθιά ενωμένοι μπροστά στην προδοσία και την ασχήμια που χτυπάει την πόρτα μας.Γιατί είναι προδοσία η αναγνώριση του Κοσσόβου χωρίς την έγκριση της διεθνούς κοινότητας του ΟΗΕ, δηλαδή μιας επαρχίας που από αιώνες αποτελεί τμήμα της Σερβίας και τι θα νοιώθαμε εμείς αν μεθαύριο έπαιρναν με το έτσι θέλω τη μισή Κύπρο , την Θράκη ή την Ήπειρο;Όπως είναι ασχήμια να ανεχόμαστε να μας περιφρονούν και να μας εξυβρίζουν οχυρωμένοι κάτω από τα σκέλια των Αμερικανών οι Σκοπιανοί και εμείς να τους παρακαλάμε και να ζητάμε μεσολάβηση των Αμερικανών, χάνοντας κάθε μέρα όλο και πιο πολύ την αξιοπρέπειά μας και την υπερηφάνειά μας.Ας κλείσουμε τα σύνορα, ας σταματήσουμε τις οικονομικές και διπλωματικές μας σχέσεις και ας τους αφήσουμε να αυτοαποκαλούνται όπως θέλουν, κοροϊδεύοντας τους εαυτούς τους.Οφείλουμε να περάσουμε και από αυτή τη νέα δοκιμασία με το κεφάλι ψηλά. Μπορεί να υποφέρουμε, όμως το ζητούμενο για μας είναι να παραμείνουμε Έλληνες και θα παραμείνουμε Έλληνες αν δεν ξεχνάμε από πόσες δοκιμασίες περάσαμε ως τώρα, όμως στο τέλος πάντα βγήκαμε νικητές.Το ίδιο θα συμβεί και στο μέλλον.Μίκης ΘεοδωράκηςΑθήνα, 23/2/2008

http://youtube.com/watch?v=icIXMhOq1io"

PUTIN PLAIN TO "DOMINO EFFECT" IN EUROPE AND BALKAN, AFTER THE PROCLAMATION OF KOSOVO INDIPENDENCE

Elefterotipia Newspaper Greece

http://www.enet.gr/online/dspphoto?id=212861

CHAMERIA, INSIDE NGO DEBATE ON GREEK TV CHANNEL IN ATHENS

Athina, 22.2.2008

Υπέρ των ισχυρισμών των Τσάμηδων τάσσονται Έλληνες ιστορικοί

«Άναψαν τα αίματα» σε παρουσίαση μελέτης ιστορικών του Κέντρου Ερευνών Μειονοτικών Ομάδων για τους Τσάμηδες στο Πάντειο Πανεπιστήμιο. Το ακροατήριο που αποτελείτο από φοιτητές και ιστορικούς μέχρι βορειοηπειρώτες και μέλη της «Χρυσής Αυγής», αντέδρασε έντονα, όταν οι επιστήμονες υποστήριξαν ότι οι Τσάμηδες στην Ήπειρο υπήρξαν θύματα του Ελληνικού στοιχείου, κάνοντας λόγο για 50.000 Τσάμηδες, ανάμεσα στους οποίους πολλοί εκδιώχθηκαν, δολοφονήθηκαν ή δημεύθηκαν οι περιουσίες τους.

Ένα τμήμα του κοινού άρχισε να αποδοκιμάζει έντονα στο άκουσμα ότι 75 Τσάμηδες εκτελέστηκαν στην Παραμυθιά από τους Έλληνες. Κάποιοι από το κοινό αντέτειναν ότι αποδεδειγμένα Τσάμηδες συνεργάστηκαν με τις κατοχικές Γερμανικές δυνάμεις, οδηγώντας στον θάνατο εκατοντάδες Έλληνες και βορειοηπειρώτες. Από την έρευνα τους οι καθηγητές του Κέντρου Μειονοτικών Ομάδων συμπεραίνουν, ότι οι περιουσίες των Αλβανόφωνων στη Θεσπρωτία δόθηκαν στους Έλληνες πρόσφυγες την διετία 1923-1925, προκαλώντας έντονες αποδοκιμασίες.

Ένας από τους ιστορικούς που μετείχαν στη συζήτηση, υποστήριξε ότι οι Έλληνες της Βορείου Ηπείρου συμμάχησαν με τους Γερμανούς και ακολούθησε πανδαιμόνιο.
Την ίδια ώρα, Αλβανοί εθνικιστές προβάλουν στο internet μαρτυρίες ανθρώπων, που ισχυρίζονται ότι είναι Τσάμηδες και ότι υπέστησαν διωγμούς και σφαγές από τους Έλληνες. Οι Έλληνες απαντούν αναρτώντας στο internet τα ονόματα των εκτελεσθέντων συμπατριωτών τους κατά τη διάρκεια της κατοχής, υποστηρίζοντας ότι αυτό έγινε από τους Τσάμηδες συνεργάτες των Γερμανών.

Παρουσιάζουν μάλιστα φωτογραφία-ντοκουμέντο με έναν Τσάμη αξιωματικό να φορά τη ναζιστική στολή. Η συζήτηση έγινε για πρώτη φορά στην Ελλάδα, σημειώνουν οι μελετητές του Κέντρου Ερευνών Μειονοτικών Ομάδων, για να προσφέρει υλικό για αυτοκριτική σκέψη. Το ερώτημα όμως που προκύπτει είναι όντως προσέφερε υλικό ή άνοιξε μια ακόμα πληγή στο ματωμένο κορμί της Ηπείρου.

http://www.alphatv.gr/index.asp?a_id=90&news_id=28322

Greece renews threat to veto Macedonia's NATO entry unless name dispute resolved

ATHENS, Greece (AP) - Greece's prime minister renewed a threat Friday to veto Macedonia's bid to join NATO unless the nations can resolve their dispute over the former Yugoslav republic's name.Greece argues the name «Macedonia» implies a territorial claim to a region in northern Greece with the same name. Macedonia denies the claim.«If there

is no solution, there will be no place for the neighboring country in NATO,» Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis told parliament.The warning came hours before senior diplomats from Greece and Macedonia were due to meet in New York with a special United Nations envoy, Matthew Nimetz, who is trying to broker a deal.«I appeal to the leadership of the neighboring country ... to work toward a solution that will benefit the stability, peace, and development in the region,» Karamanlis said.

«They are not well served by insisting on a historically false rationale and by displaying intransigence.Macedonia is hoping to be invited to join NATO in April. But Athens says it will block the its entry without a settlement.NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer will visit Athens Monday to discuss the dispute.

MEETINGS OF PAN EPIRIOTIC FEDERATION OF USA WITH CONGRESSMEN AND SENATORS IN WASHINGTON D.C..

THE NEWSPAPER "ΕΘΝΙΚΟΣ ΚΗΡΥΞ" OF GREEK DIASPORA IN BOSTON PRESENTS A LARGE REPORTAGE ABOUT THE VISIT OF GREEK FOREIGN MINISTER DORA BAKOGIANI WITH REPRESENTS OF PAN EPIROTIC FEDERATION OF USA.

AGAIN NORTHERN EPIRUS IN AGENDA OF STATE DEPARTAMENT

Daily Press BriefingSean McCormack, SpokesmanWashington, DCFebruary 19, 2008

QUESTION: Mr. McCormack, why I was excluded from the yesterday’s conference call of Under Secretary Nicholas Burns? Is there any particular reason I received as yet nothing (inaudible) telephone call? It was on Kosovo. I’m wondering why this discrimination against the freedom of the press. I strongly protest and I demand an explanation.

MR. MCCORMACK: Well, protest noted. I don’t know if you got the e-mail or not. It was open to.

QUESTION: Nothing. Nothing. I received everything but this one.

MR. MCCORMACK: -- all the members of the press. I’ll have somebody follow up for you. It should have gone out to all members of our press corps that sign up for it. I – and I won’t ask for a show of hands in this room.

QUESTION: (Inaudible) indicated Albanians could never appear in any press briefing.

MR. MCCORMACK: Well, you know, like I said, we’ll have somebody follow up with you, Lambros.

QUESTION: I would like know if it was set up or how difficult it made the whole thing.

MR. MCCORMACK: Lambros, do you really think that this is the proper forum to get into housekeeping matters? Maybe we’ll have somebody to follow up with you afterwards.

QUESTION: Okay. On Kosovo, with the same token of your policy on Kosovo, do the Greeks in Northern Epirus have the same rights of self-determination like the Albanians in the Serbian territory of Kosovo? The (inaudible) of the Republic of Northern Epirus, Mr. McCormack, you know very well is pending since 1913 to the present with a signature to the United States of America. Your comment, please, in order to understand the double standard of U.S. policy.

MR. MCCORMACK: Lambros, you know well that the issue regarding Kosovo, in our view, is sui generis. It had absolutely no other impact on any other situation around the globe. It does not serve as precedent for any other situation.
Nicholas.

QUESTION: Still on Kosovo. Nick Burns yesterday talked about the NATO force and sort of mentioned some of its future responsibilities in training the Kosovars themselves to get ready to take over there on security. Can you tell us if NATO or you have more specific ideas about the force in terms of their daily duties now in terms of a timetable for potential withdrawal?

MR. MCCORMACK: I don’t. I’ll check with our folks to see what they have in mind, what they – what is their reasonable projection. There is – there’s a provision within the Ahtisaari plan and it’s something that the Kosovars signed onto that there would be this period of supervision or assistance as they stand up the institutions of a democratic state. I don’t know exactly what the timetable is for you. It’s a good question. I’ll see if people have been working on that.

QUESTION: And I’m asking partly because there was some violence today by some Serbs and, apparently, the Kosovar police just fled their posts. And so I guess the question is: Is the NATO force going to engage in trying to calm down situations like this or are they just going to be there purely for training?

MR. MCCORMACK: Well, no. The KFOR – KFOR has certainly responsibilities in terms of protecting populations and that is on both sides, both Kosovars as well as –
QUESTION: (Inaudible) change?

U.S. recognizes independent Kosovo

CNN) -- The United States officially recognized Kosovo -- the Balkan state which split from Serbia on Sunday -- as an independent nation on Monday, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said in a written statement.

Kosovo Serbs wave flags in a protest against independence in the Serb-dominated Kosovo town of Mitrovica. "We congratulate the people of Kosovo on this historic occasion," Rice said. "President Bush has responded affirmatively to a request from Kosovo to establish diplomatic relations between our two countries."
European Union nations Monday were also starting to individually recognize Kosovo as the world's newest nation -- but had not agreed collectively on the way forward.
UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown said: "Britain will now formally recognize Kosovo as an independent sovereign state."

France said it would recognize Kosovo, and is in the process of confirming that in writing. Germany indicated its support would come. But other EU nations including Greece, Spain and Romania have signaled that they would not follow suit amid concerns about the precedent that such a move would set. Spain -- where militants wanting a separate Basque nation have carried out a 30-year campaign of violence -- said it did not consider Kosovo's independence to be lawful.

Two pro-Russian separatist provinces in Georgia -- South Ossetia and Abkhazia -- were looking to use Kosovo's move to help them declare their own independence.
But the U.S. and EU say that Kosovo's move is not the precursor for a wave of declarations of independence.

Rice said: "The unusual combination of factors found in the Kosovo situation -- including the context of Yugoslavia's breakup, the history of ethnic cleansing and crimes against civilians in Kosovo, and the extended period of U.N. administration -- are not found elsewhere and therefore make Kosovo a special case. Kosovo cannot be seen as a precedent for any other situation in the world today."

Facing severe economic problems and high unemployment, Kosovo is banking on the support of Western powers including the United States and key EU nations. But while independence is broadly favored by the West, U.N. Security Council members Russia and China have expressed outright opposition and "grave concern" over Kosovo's unilateral decision.
Serbia insists it will not respond with violence to Kosovo's sovereignty claim, although it refuses to recognize the move.

In the Serb-dominated northern Kosovo town of Mitrovica, scores of Kosovo Serbs took to the streets waving Serbian flags in a demonstration against independence.

ANYVERSARY OF NORTHERN EPIRUS AUTHONOMUS PROVINCE 1914 IN ATHENS

Athens, February 17, 2008

Αθηνών εορτάστηκε σήμερα 17 Φεβρουαρίου 2008, η 94η Επέτειος Αυτονομίας της Β.Ηπείρου

Παρ’ όλες τις δύσκολες καιρικές συνθήκες, αρκετοί ήταν οι Βορειοηπειρώτες και οι φίλοι του Βορειοηπειρωτικού Αγώνα οι οποίοι παρευρέθησαν στην εκδήλωση μνήμης του Αυτονομιακού Αγώνα του 1914.

Μεταξύ αυτών στη εκδήλωση έλαβαν μέρος βουλευτές διαφόρων κομμάτων, πολιτευτές, εκπρόσωπος του Δήμου Αθηναίων, εκπρόσωπος του Δικηγορικού Συλλόγου Αθηνών καθώς και εκπρόσωποι Βορειοηπειρωτικών Συλλόγων.

Μετά το πέρας της Δοξολογίας, ακολούθησε ομιλία του Προέδρου του Βορειοηπειρωτικού Συλλόγου κ. Χαράλαμπου Καραθάνου ο οποίος αναφέρθηκε στο χρονικό του Αυτονομιακού Αγώνα , καθώς και στις υποχρεώσεις που απορρέουν από τον Αγώνα αυτό, τις οποίες καλείται να αναλάβει η νέα γενιά.

http://www.greekamericannewsagency.com/gana/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2626&Itemid=83

The Greek American News Agency special report about escalation in Balkan Region.

Πιστεύετε ότι παράλληλα με το Κόσσοβο,
πρέπει να ανακηρυχθεί και η
ΑΝΕΞΑΡΤΗΣΙΑ ΤΗΣ ΒΟΡΕΙΟΥ ΗΠΕΙΡΟΥ;
ΝΑΙ ή ΟΧΙ

ΨΗΦΙΣΤΕ ΕΔΩ
και γράψτε την ιστορία!

http://www.noiazomai.net/

NATO peacekeepers on alert as Kosovo breaks away

Euronews

Ready to react should tension spill over into violence, NATO peacekeepers in Kosovo are on a state of alert.Security has been stepped up, not least in the ethnically-divided, flashpoint town of Mitrovica.

KFOR's commander Lieutenant-General Xavier de Marnhac said his troops "will react and oppose any provocation that may happen during these days, whether from the Albanian or the Serb side."

Serbs vow never to give up Kosovo, and, as the clock ticked away to today's independence declaration, protesters gathered in Belgrade.Steeped in history and the site of dozens of centuries-old Orthodox monasteries, Kosovo is considered a religious heartland by many Serbs.

Newspaper advertisements called for more demonstrations against what was dubbed this "punishment and humiliation." But, despite the strength of feeling and the backing of Russia, Serbia can now do nothing to stop independence or Kosovo's recognition by the West.

OMONIA, THE GREEK MINORITY TO BE TRANSFORMED INSIDE TO THE NORTHERN EPIRUS ISSUES

Athens, February 10, 2008

Photo, Reuters: The Greek Parliament Masoleum.

The Foreign V/Minister of Greece Theodoros Kassimis, met with “Omonia” delegation (The represent of Greek ethnic minority in Albania) as the first official contact of Athens with Greeks of Albania for challengers in Balkan Region. During the meeting Kassimis expressed the decision of Athens, Foreign Ministry and Greek Government to reorganize the Greek minority from “Omonia” to a large representation of all the peoples who are included inside Hellenic heritage in Northern Epirus Territory (Southern Albania).

The meting was organized by Foreign Minister Dora Bakogiani, in occasion of measures which obligate Athens to take in high consideration any escalation of Balkan Stability after self declaration of Kosovo Independence.

Kassimis said to be closed the époque of “Omonia” which since 1991 has been represent of Greek Minority of Albania, even “Omonia” has not part of politic pluralism of Albania, prohibiting by Albanian parliament to represent as politic party of Greek minority, considering the politic and civil rights of Greeks in Albania failed. Also the Albanian government never has realized a general population counting to be known officially since 1991 under the democratic individual declaration of the Greek minority who live in Albania an exactly number registered

However, “Omonia” is going to change the politic profile as the heard of Hellenic heritage, seeing for the big challengers in Southern Balkan Region with the self declaration of Independence of Kosovo. The territory when live the Greeks are the beautiful nature of dozens of Byzantine Churches and the oldest Hellenic culture even the people most part is emigrated in Greece and USA. Omnonia has been represented in Albanian parliament inside HRUP an Albanian Politic Party which has represented the minorities’ and ethnic group’s electorate in Albania.

Actually, the Pan Epiriotic Association of America which historically has played big international role for Northern Epirus Issue particularly for the friendly ship relations with State Department for the rights of Northern Epirus people has called Albania to respect the rights of Greeks in Albania. During 1994, when the relations between Athens and Tirana where in critic faze, the President of US Bill Clinton, urged a diplomatic mission the Ambassador Sheffer to go Tirana to liberate 5 members of Omonia, denied as “politic prisoner” of Albanian tribunals and the authoritarian system headed by ex President Sali Berisha. In 1995 the Chairman of Foreign Relations Committee of the House Represent of US Tom Lantos, visited together the represent of PAOKA the Southern Albania to be known in reality the critic situation of the human rights of Greeks in Albania.

The pressing of Washington continued with European Commission wich makes VETO by the Greeck decision , blocking the Aids for Albania.

The totalitarian system guided by ex president Berisha, brings the anarchy to the Albanian Civil War of 1997, after the Pyramids schemes collapse which had transformed the country. “Omonia”, continued to be the epicenter of friendly agreements between Albanian and Greece. But since 1997 exactly 10 years, “Omonia” has lost the historically identity of Hellenic heritage transformed as a NGO of Albanian making “never democratic elections” inside the Greek minority. Now is the time to be reflected may be to transform inside to the Northern Epirus issue as long as the Northern Epirus people, must want more, firstly to have the politic and civil rights in their territory………….

IMPORTANT MEETING OF GREEK PRIME MINISTER WITH ARCHBISHOP OF ALBANIA ANASTASIOS

Photo: Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, centre, is shown with officials of the ethnic Greek villages of Dermisi and Aliko, both in the Gjirokastr district of southern Albania, during a tour of the region in January 1999. Karamanlis, who was the main opposition leader at the time, was on a hand for the ground-breaking of a new aqueduct. Archbishop of Tirana and All Albania Anastasios is also shown standing to the right of Karamanlis. ANA-MPA photo / A. Voutos.

The Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamalis met Monday, February 10, with Archbishop of Albania Anastasios at “Great Maximus” in Athens. During the meeting Karamalis – Anastasios which spent tow hours, they spoken about the Orthodox Church and the Northern Epirus people seeing the big politic changes in South Western Balkan Region, says a report of Greek Public Television NET.

During his visit in Athens, Archbishop Anastasisos met also with leader of Opposition Papandreu and the Head of Parliament Shufias.

The Greek Orthodox Churches in Southern Albania when lives a large Greek ethnic community is passing a dangerous period of destructing and vandalizing many of Byzantine Churches. One week ago the necropolis of antic center of Apolonia was destructed while in Korista Region the cemetery of Byzantine church of Mborie, has been attacked by vandals.

Chronology, the International Court of Justice 1935

Photo: The first page document decision of the International Court of Justice addressed Albania, by The League of the Nations in 1935 for the Rights of Greek Minority.

Albania has been penalized by the International Court of Justice for the Greek schools in Northern Epirus Autonomous Province in 1935 which has been closed by Albanian authorities. The original document tells clear the obligations of Albania for the rights of minorities. The Protocol of Corfu May 5, 1914, gives a large autonomy of Northern Epirus Province in Southern Albania.

Actually, the Albanian authority continues to not recognize The Protocol of Corfu since 1940. The agreement witch was signed by Greece, Albania and the Great Powers recognizing Northern Epirus' Greek character and accept its autonomy. The religious, linguistic and educational rights of its population, military, courts and greek institutions are established.

GREEK REPRESENT ACCUSES ALBANIAN GOVERNMENT TO PENALISE GREEK BUSSINES

Photo: The Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha

Evangelos Tavos, the Greek Parliamentary Represent of Socialist Party, accuses today the Albanian government for disaster measures against Greek business and investments installed in Albania. Tavos wars financial authorities which make penalty to Greek economy particularly in Southern Albania when live the hard of Greek ethnic community.

Tavos also calls all the Greek business member of minority to protest against authorities which only last tow weeks are intensified penalties to the business.

Southern Albania community and Greek business are together the most important of public funds of Albanian economy. But the Albanian government wants to take funds to replace the finances of the “Patriotic Investment Tirana Pristina High Way” penalizing economy and private initiatives of Albanian citizens.

The Greek investments size about 650 million euro since 1999 and Greece is first country which has the most investments in Albania particularly to the fields of mobile telephony, banks, agricultural economy and industry.

See video:

http://www.balkanweb.com/sitev4/newsadmin/video1.php?id=15907

ALBANIA, MORE EFFORTS TO JOINT NATO ALLIANCE

US AMERICAN EMBASSY TIRANA Press Release (February 8, 2008)

"As NATO Contact Point Embassy, we note media reports of February 5-6 which suggest that a decision has already been made by NATO Allies to issue an invitation for membership to Albania or other Adriatic Charter countries. We wish to clarify that no formal decision has yet been taken on possible NATO membership for Albania or for any of the A3 countries. For an invitation to be extended, all 26 Allies must agree.

Recently, we have noted significant progress in Albania’s efforts to meet NATO’s performance-based standards as outlined in the Membership Action Plan. More, however, remains to be done.

We are encouraged by the improved bipartisan attitude toward cooperation evidenced, inter alia, by unanimous passage of an opposition-introduced resolution in support of reforms to meet NATO criteria. Nonetheless, a significant number of reforms, specifically in the areas of electoral and judicial reform, remain incomplete. We continue to look for further progress on these reforms to ensure that Albania is the strongest possible candidate at the time final NATO decisions are reached".

http://tirana.usembassy.gov/index.html

NOTE: THIS IS A REACTION OF US REPRESENT IN ALBANIA SEEING THE MASOVIC ALBANIAN MEDIA ROLE SUPORTED BY NATIONAL POLITIC RETHOTIC AS "ALBANIA IS ALWAS READY TO JOINT NATO AND UE ALLIANCE", WHEN THE REALITY REPRESENTS CLEAR AN INSTABILLE COUNTRY.

Poll: Majority of Albanians demand "NATYRAL ALBANIA"

February 6, 2008

An unscientific telephone poll conducted by the Albanian TV Station Vision Plus indicates that vast majority of Albanians favor acquiring territories from their neighbors - Montenegro, Macedonia, Serbia and Greece - and constituting them into a one Albanian state known as "Natyral Albania".

Over 90% of the viewers voted for territorial acquisition of what they believe are the Albanian lands into a state they refer to as "one, natural Albanian state."

Former Foreign Minister Paskal Milo and analysts Koco Danaj and Sokol Dervisaj also supported the position. Vast majority of Albanian leaders across Balkans are conditioning their ethnic kin that acquisition of territory from their neighbors is a just policy. In Kosovo, Albanian separatists demand that the Serbian province becomes a second Albanian state in Europe.

Albanian separatists in Kosovo have warned that if the international community does to acquiesce to their demands for independence that they will turn to violence in order to achieve their aims. Albania will recognize independent Kosovo Foreign Minister Lulzim Basha said after meeting with Kosovo's officials because that will promote peace.

HIMARA WARNS TIRANA FOR TERITORIAL AUTHONOMY

Tow project law about lands and proprieties proposed by Albanian government and waiting to approve by parliament next days, have provoked an mobilization of himara`s NGO including OMONIA the Greek Minority represent in Albania, to menace the Albanian government for an eminent autonomy of Himara Region says the albanian newspaper "Shekulli" today.

"If the Albanian authorities do not stop the assimilisation process against the people of himara, refusing to register our lands of Himara`s community, we will claim the authonomy of Himara Region" said the neswpaper.

The protest has been addressed to the President Bamir Topi by many NGOs of Himara Region. On the letter was warned clear the ultimatum “We the people of Himara region together with Diaspora would to be known for the escalation of the protests until total autonomy of our region which historically has protected the lands and proprieties by invasions including the Albanian government.”

The ultimatum for proclamation for autonomy has been a precedent after some protests of Himara Community addressing to Albanian authorities for under ground corruption of cadastres and other offices of land registration process against himara`s people.

Joint to ultimatum of Himara Community has been also the member of albanian parliament from Himara, Nikolas Nerantzis who adressed to Prime Minister Sali Berisha accusing the governament for 'black scenaries" against Himara people to conquest land and proprieteis of the Ionian Coast.

Photo: Nikolas Nerantzis speaking in Albanian Parliament

In 2004 Father Kosmas Karavelas an American citizen by Maryland, send a letter to US Secretar Collin Powel to be known the transparence about the rights of lands and proprieties of American citizen with proprietes in Albania which must have in observer by the US Embassy in Tirana to protect the American community of Himara Region.

Many of protests of himara community has made since 1991 the last end was in Athens a front of Albanian embassy in November 2007. The rebellion until the decision for autonomy of himara`s people is clear; the Albanian parliament is waiting to approve tow laws to conquest the most part of lands of Himara Region. But actually the himariotes are decised to protect their lands bu albanian mafia instaled both in politics and organized crime.

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%.