The tensions in Balkans and Southeastern Mediterranean

Greek Army chief in the U.S.

After invitation of the Head of Joint Staff, General Michael Mullen, the Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Dimitris Grapsas, will visit the U.S. from 15 to 19 September. The two heads will work together on issues of mutual military interest. The Armed Forces Chief of Staff will also be accepted by the Deputy Defence Minister Gordon Egland and Secretary of Defense for Homeland Security issues Paul Mc Hale. In addition, General Dimitris Grapsas, will visit the Norfolk (Virginia), which will be updated in HQs SACT.

According to today's publication of the "forum" to avoid U.S. government to set dates for the realization of ellinoamerikanikon defence talks (high level talks), the holding of which was scheduled for June in Washington. While that had been prepared by committees of experts, Greece is still awaiting the American invitation. According to Athens, the starting date for the talks may postpone for autumn. In these talks the Americans expected to raise issues directly related to their military presence in our country, the Balkans and Southeastern Mediterranean. Among the issues that will put the Americans is the extension of the wharf for the docking K14 nuclear powered aircraft carriers and submarines at the base of Souda, creating a security zone around the base, extending the runway, the use of the Navy Hospital Chania for the U.S. military personnel and possibly come again the question of extension of extraterritoriality.

http://www.strategy-geopolitics.blogspot.com/

RELATIONS AND TENSIONS IN THE BALKANS AND THE SOUTH-EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN

Vice Admiral (ret) G. Demestichas H.N. Honourable Chief of Hellenic Fleet

Just by glancing at the Balkans’ and the South-Eastern (SE) Mediterranean’ map, one can see the uniqueness of this particular area. It consists of continental countries and islands; it connects three (3) continents while being the cradle of civilizations. Moreover, this area was also the field of intense competition among its people of the coastal states, world’s superpowers as well as strong economic interests. In this area, great religions and many national movements were developed. .........................

Today’s situation in Albania and the “Western Balkans” area, which is comprised of the artificial states that arose from the disintegration of the Former Yugoslavia, remains unstable. This situation, is in contrast to the Eastern Balkans (Romania, Bulgaria) since their recent accession in NATO and the forthcoming accession in the EU, creates the prerequisites for stability and peace.
This instability in the Western Balkans, which was intensified by the recent facts regarding Kosovo and FYROM and the observed exaltation of the minorities subjects was due, to a large scale, to the unredeemed policy that creates problems in the viable coexistence in Kosovo, FYROM, Serbia and Montenegro, with relevant extensions also in Greece. For all of the above-mentioned reasons, Western Balkans are considered as an active area of possible crises. Despite the end of the armed conflicts in the area of Western Balkans, the danger of resurgence has not disappeared since the tension focus still exists; hence, no serious problem has essentially been resolved. Moreover, the fact that all these countries support their European orientation and they are seeking for their accession in NATO and the EU, does not improve the situation because the course towards the aforementioned goals is long and unsure (of course with the exception of Slovenia that is the only nationally homogenous country with the fewer economic and political problems and a member of the EU). The multicultural societies are possible to operate effectively, as long as they do not offend predominant rights of neighbour states, or else they become the centre of future turmoil. The particularities of the Balkans must be taken into serious consideration for upcoming planning in order to settle down the “past passions” as well as not to create claims for the next generations.

Specifically, the course of the Western Balkan countries towards NATO seems to be controlled by the USA, which in their strategic aspirations’ framework, for the reassurance of willing, certain and completely controlled satellite-countries in the Balkans, find the “appropriate prerequisites” in the Western Balkans, under the present situation.

"In Western Balkans, Albania remains the “big question” since, in spite of its course towards the EU, a fact that is suspending itself, the vision for a “Greater Albania” concept is not prevented. According to the Plan of the Albanian Academy for “the solution of the national problem”, the following objectives are published:

Kosovo’s independence
Autonomy of the Western FYROM area
Special regime for Montenegro
Recognition of the Albanian minority (which actually does not exist) and Minority Rights in Greece. The unacceptable behaviour during the scheduled visit in Albania of the Greek President of Democracy, in early November 2005, demonstrates the actual intention of the county or the spirit that has been promoted among its people. At this point, we would like to mention that the terms have been inverted. Any change in the borderlines is not desirable. Nevertheless, in the case of such a change in the Balkans, Greece, and only Greece against Albania, factually claims Northern Epirus, as it was agreed by all Western Forces that were fighting in the Word War II against Nazism. .............."

full analysis see: http://www.elesme.gr/elesmengl/main.htm

The propriety scandal of Vlora

PATSOS FAMILY CALLS THE GREEK AUTHORITY TO TAKE IN CONSIDERATION THE RIGHTS OF PROPRIETY: “OUR LAND IS MUGGING FOR THE SECOND TIME”

Photo: Albanian Newspaper "KOHA JONE".

The high represent of Republican Guard the General Ndrea Prendi is observing the confrontation between the Albanian Authorities of Residence of Government and the legitimate owners in “Cold Water” quarter of Vlora. The owners Patsos Family came from Greece when they live since 1991, have raised their right about the propriety to the represent of Government Residence but has not any reaction.

According to Albanian Newspaper “KOHA JONE” the conflict is in high risk since one week ago, between guard’s troop, and private polices which have a contract with the Building Company.

Anyway according to newspaper the owners in collaboration with Company have opened penal process against Guard troops which armated with guns have menaced the right of propriety destructing the border.


Photo: Guard troops have destructed the border prohibiting the owners to build inside their teritor licenced by Municipal autorities of Vlora City. Inside is the vila residence of Dictator Enver Hotza.

In addition the represent of Patsos Family Rozalina Patsos, has called the Greek authorities to observer and to take in consideration their rights as Greek citizens who are old owners in Vlora City declaring that: “Albania continues to violate the human rights and proprieties of members of Greek Minority mugging proprieties by old Patsos generation”.

THE ALBANIAN LOVE STORY TO SEND TROOPS OUT OF THE COUNTRY CONTINUES WITH OUT LIMITE, WHEN THE ALBANIAN ARMY IS ACCUSED FOR TRAFFIKING BY INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Albania sends more troops to Iraq

http://www.chinaview.cn/index.htm 2008-09-05 05:48:23

TIRANA, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- A new batch of 120 Albanian soldiers left for Iraq on Thursday, bring the country's total troops in Iraq to 240. "Albania feels proud of its peacekeepers and its cooperation with the U.S.," said Prime Minister Sali Berisha at the send-off ceremony for the contingent.

Albania has already had 120 troops serving under U.S. command at Mosul airport in southern Iraq. The new troops will serve in another part of Iraq, but still under U.S. command.
Albania has been taking part in EU-led mission in Bosnia, NATO-led mission in Afghanistan and the U.S.-led forces in Iraq.

The western Balkan country has also sent troops to Chad and the Central African Republic to join the EU peacekeeping mission there. Albania, along with Croatia, signed accession protocols with NATO in July after they were invited to join the 26-member alliance at a NATO summit in April

UNDER THE WAY OF THE VLORA'S SCANDAL

INVESTIGING THE VLORA*S CASE ABOUT THE PROPRIETIES OF GREEK COMMUNITY

While the Journalists where very interesed about implication of Prime Minister Berisha Family in this case, the General Director of Police District of Vlora briefing met the owners saiding.. : *We are interesed to give much time with about three or four days to replace all the documentation needed from tow pretendeters, state and owner*

Photo; The vila of Albanian Prime Minister destructed by Ciwil War in 1997, Cold Water, Vlora

But in reality the Police Departament must never be Tribunal of albanian costitution. The albanian state both albaian citizens, are protected by laws of Albanian costitution. Albanian Mafia instaled inside the government continues to disinform the public opinion about respect of laws, while in this case we have tow standarts: albanian state as usualy an anty democratic system aginst owners and the citizen. .

In Case of 'Cold Water', the Patsos family most know what is in reality the position of albanian prime minister according to journalists who asked for implication or no of his dauter Argita Maltezi'...'NO any response...' ' We are seeing every implication against our family interests' and sure never to sell our propriety to the state. This propriety has 70 years in service of the albanian state.......they responde...

What could happen next days..........may be a decision of albanian government about governament residences teritores... let see in future, but the owners want all the trasparence of albanian institutions...but never to sell our proprieties to albanian state. 'We are seeing straight, not again to lost the times'.

For the 'Could Water Case' in Vlora City are intesifficaly interesed the Greek Embassy in Tirana in collaboration with Foreign Greek Ministry which are observing strongly any development to protect greek citizenship and politicaly rights in Albania.

The big Scandal notes to Athens to protect his conpatriotes and their proprietes in Albania.

VLORA: GREEK OLD OWNERS CRASH WITH ALBANIAN GUARD AUTORITYES

The Albanian newspaper "SOT" writes about the incident between realy owners and the autority of Governament resitence of Vlora.

According to "SOT" the conflict is raising every day between the realy owners of Patsos family (with greek origin from Himara Region) and the Guard troops of Albanian Autorities.

Patsos family are owners of a big territor in the most known place of Vlora City, in "Cold Water" preffered to graps by Albania Mafia supported by albanian authorities. 50 years of albanian dictature they have been prohibited to take the property which was the Enver Hoxha residence, and now after other 18 years to the "Albanian Free Democracy" are "prohibited" again to take and construct under modern urban parameters.

Patsos family since 1991 emigrants in Greece, as not only albanian citizen but also with greek citizen, are very preocuped after escalation of albanian autorities against them. They have authorized a Building Construction Company very known in Vlora, to construct in their propriety having the authorisation of Municipality of Vlora new modern buildings near the sea. But the albanian authorities have stoped the construcion justifing the decision as "The residence of Government".

But according to "SOT" the pretecst of "Government Territor" is the first step to graps the realy owners, accusing one of high albanian governor linked with albanian mafia and suported by albanian authorities.

According to Patsos family, they will meet the albanian ambasador in Greece Vili MInarolli to denunce the scandal which compost a realy diplomatic insident between Albania and Greece about the proprietes of Greek citizens who live historicaly in Southern albania (Northern Epirus).
The Himara Community and the greek organisation "OMONIA" has expresed the opinion about the great risk that the albanian mafia continues not only in Himara Region but also sistematicaly the proprietes in Vlora Region, which are in target by Albanian authorities fallsifing the old documents of proprietes.

Before 1944 the Orthodox Community of Vlora (big part are himariotes) had mostly of important territor of the Region.

ONU (UNPO) INTERESED ABOUT THE OFFICIAL GREEK LANGUAGE IN ALBANIA

Greek minority in Albania: Seek Official Language

Albanian Greeks see parallels to Macedonia which has declared Albanian as its second official language.

Below is an article published by UPI:A Greek minority group in Albania has petitioned the government to declare Greek a second official language in the country, local reports said.

The group called Omonia sent the request to Prime Minister Sali Berisha in Tirana, noting that neighboring Macedonia had already declared Albanian its second official language, Macedonian Radio & TV reported Tuesday [19 August 2008].

Albania's Koha Jone newspaper said the group contends such a move would show Albania is respecting various minority rights conventions it has signed.While there has been no official response from the Albanian government, the newspaper quoted an anonymous source as saying the population numbers don't make it feasible.

The official noted 40 percent of Macedonians speak Albanian, while in Albania, only 4 percent of the population speak Greek.

see more..http://www.unpo.org/content/view/8545/109/

The Albanian population issue

by Fanis Malkidis*

(Part 5 speech in the Panelladiki Meeting of the magazine Ardin «NEW CLASS - MINORITIES – BALKANS - COOPERATION ON NATIONAL IDENTITY AND ECOLOGICAL CRISIS» EDESSA 28-31 AUGUST 2008)

Developments in the Balkans since 1991, except for the very important issues have highlighted the disintegration of Yugoslavia and the cycle of violence is perhaps the sovereign, and highlighted the modern Albanian issue. Kosovo was the beginning and followed the Tetovo and Presevo in Macedonia important tool to display the Albanian national goals has been the demographic issue. The ongoing argument of the Albanian civilian personnel to the mother - home to the locations of the Albanian population living in the former Yugoslavia and the Diaspora was booming of the Albanian population, which in a very short time to become a minority by the majority.

Thus, the population growth was the reason for seeking more rights for the creation of parallel structures health, education, security, etc., for the emergence of Albanian issues in international organizations and friendly governments for the activity through organized channels crime, funding of the «liberation struggle». The violence in Kosovo and Macedonia, who came from «repression of the Albanian majority», according to the official Albanian and international terms, has led to a new de facto reality.

Kosovo is the main point of reference of the Albanian population primacy. In 1871, the figures gave the Austrian General Peter Kukulj, represented a total population of 500,000 people, of whom 318,000 Serbs (64%) and 161,000 Albanians (32%). Again the Austrians in 1899 indicate a population of 182,650 Albanians (47.88%) and 166,700 Serbs (43.7%). In early 20 th century British journalist H. Brailsford estimated that 2 / 3 of the region's population were Albanians and 1 / 3 Serbs. The census of 1921 gave the Albanian population of 288,907 (65%) and 93,203 Serbs, while in 1931 gave 347,213 Albanians (62.8%).

The continued and dramatic growth of the Albanian population is continuing and subsequent years. The first number indicates the year inventory, the second overall population of Kosovo, the Albanian party, with the rate and the last the Serbs. 1971: 1,243,693, 916168 (73.7%), 228,264 (18.4%). 1981: 1584,558, 1,226,736 (77.42%), 209,498 (13.2%). 1991: 1,956,196, 1,596,072 (81.6%), 194,190 (9.9%). In 1995 the Department of Demography of Pristina, which was created by the Albanian parallel structures gave the following figures: Total population: 1,600,000 (and 600,000 abroad), Albanians: 1,360,000 (89.9%) and 1,960,000 together with the 600,000 of the 140,000 Serbs and the Diaspora (6.3%). The latest sources (2003) gives a total population of 1,900,000 to 1,672,000 Albanians (88%) and 133,000 Serbs (7%).

In Macedonia, the census of 2002, one year after bloody fights of 2001 that resulted in the Ohrid Agreement and sygkyvernisi Albanian policy, the figures show the Albanian population explosion. The total population of the country is 2,022,547 people, of whom 1,297,981 stated «Macedonians» (64.17%, including Goranci at a rate 5.86% and 509,083 Albanians (25.17%) Albanians show (figures 2006) on average 4.1 children per family and their population after the Second World War, rose 3 times from 8% in 1948, was 25% in 2002 and in accordance with the Albanians in 35% (707,891 people).
In Montenegro, according to 2002 census recorded 672,656 people of which 47,682 Albanians (7.09%) and in accordance with the Albanian sources constitute 10% of the total population.

In Presevo, in the Serbian region on the border with Macedonia, the census of 2002 gave 34,904 people, of whom 31,099 Albanians (89.1%) and 2,966 Serbs (8.5%). The Albanians in 1992, according to the demographic situation after the vote suggested areas of Presevo, Mentventa and Bougianovats to unite with Kosovo, which applied to the period 1999 and 2001, received military and form with «Liberation Army of Presevo , and Mentventa Bougianovats ».

Where there were no indigenous peoples alvanikoi for creating the appropriate climate came migration to do so (the case of Greece and therefore the Greek-Albanian relations). Albania is ranked in the top positions worldwide, in terms of migration, with the official rate of 20% of its population living outside Albania, namely 613,855 people, a number that does not respond but in reality, if we accept that only Albanians in Greece Immigrants are between 600,000 and 700,000, according to the Albanian embassy in Athens and the Institute Watson. (Statistics in 2001 showed that Albania has a population of 3,069,275 people and 1989 3,182,417, namely the critical period of migration showed a reduction in 113,142 people (3.56% rate), data show large gaps and does not reflect clearly reality. parallel, in 2001 the Greek census gave 445,000 Albanians.

The main objectives of the national strategy of Albania for the migration of its citizens, focusing on protecting the rights of Albanian immigrants in strengthening ties between the Albanian communities abroad, investment in development, formulation of a policy on labour migration, to facilitate Albanians to travel visa equipped with a limited duration and in creating the necessary institutional framework for immigrants.

The demographic movement of Albanian populations in the Balkans, but also the continued migration outside Albania, creates a very significant and substantive developments that signal major changes in the region. Indeed, if the demographic movement of the Albanian population in the Balkans, with these rhythms described, it will certainly create new data not only where there are already developments (Kosovo, Macedonia) but also elsewhere (Presevo, Montenegro), while it remains to be determine if the issues of rights of the Albanian population will be politically or by other means

http://www.malkidis.info/en/

THEOFANIS MALKIDIS Phd

Alexandroupolis - Thrace - GREECE

Democritus University of Thrace.

He is Doctor of Social Sciences and he is teaching at Democritus University of Thrace. Member of International Association of Genocide Scholars for the study and member of International League for Rights and freedom of Peoples. He has realised interventions for the Pontian question και more specifically for the recognition of genocide, the freedom of Greeks in Pontos (Turkey today) and for the Pontians refugees from former Soviet Union. He has been honoured by the Council of Press of National Communities of Canada for his contribution in the promotion of culture and the comprehension between the National Communities.

“Is Northern Epirus priority of new Diplomatic Agenda of Athens?”

Strategic Analysis & OSINT Management -www.rieas.gr-
News-Analysis-Briefings-Reports, across the globe

GREEK ANALYST COMMENTS THE GREEK NATIONAL ISSUE AFTER NEW GEOPOLITICALY DEVELOPMENTS ON BALKAN REGION AND KAUKAZ.



by Konstantinos Holevas, Political Analyst

31st August 2008

The issue of Northern Epirus has gone into second place on official Greek politics and the public interest. But we should be dealing more with luck and the problems of our nationals living in southern Albania, but also more generally across the Albanian territory.

Firstly, because we leave them albanian nationalist circles think that we are separated from any think by our conpatriotes there.

Second, because we do not have as a nation other issue of territores and Northern Epirus is one of the few remaining alive and ancestral homes Hellenism abroad.

Thirdly, because it is not right to forget the Human Rights a real minority, while some neighbours are intessificating alleged oppression of minorities.
Our interest for the Greek Northern Epirus come to stimulated by remarkable events of recent months. We record some of them: With declarations in mid-April 2008 the Mayor Himarras and interim president of OMONOIAS Vassilis Bolanos made interesting comparisons between Northern Epirus and Kosovo and has, indirectly but clearly, issue of Northern Epirus Autonomy within Albanian territory.

Naturally, Bolanos has not forgotten the Protocol of Corfu, 17-5-1914, which has been signed both Albania and Great Powers and which provided a form of autonomy for Hellenism without calling into question the borders of Albania. This was the result of the eforts of Northern Epiriotes and referred to administrative autonomy, police, church and education.
On July 25-27 meeting in Ioannina the Pan Epiriotean Congress, which involving emigrants Epiroton from across the globe. The congress where partecipantes by representatives of political parties in Greece, as Mr. Constantine. Mitsotakis and Mr. Grigoris Niotis, and representatives of organizations of Hellenism of Northern Epirus. In the resolution, which was issued, there are several references to the problems of Voreioipeiroton, with the most important:
«… We condemn the climate of insecurity and intimidation that prevails at times against the Greeks of Northern Epirus and the whole of Albania.
We call on Albania to respect and restore to the Greeks of Northern Epirus and Albania across all educational, religious, political and cultural rights which arise from bilateral and international agreements signed by representatives from the day the recommendation of the State 1913, including the right of national self »
The last paragraph obviously includes the Protocol of Corfu in 1914, which mentioned. The climate of insecurity, which rightly mentioned in Resolution aggravated by some recent events, which are to be added to the continuous Albanian bad faith, which manifests itself with the issue of Tsamidon.

On August 10, a large number of Greeks Himarras declared against Law 7501, in which the Albanian state literally grabs property of citizens belonging to ethnic Greek community. Given these were the armed police, but the two important members of the small party LSI, namely the League of Socialist Integration, which belongs to the opposition. Besides the greek newspaper “ΑΞΙΑ” of 9-8-2008 read the following report by Katerina Karatzas:
«… Victim this time is the temple of the Birth of the Virgin Mary in Permeti. The Albanian state claiming the Orthodox Church to convert into the Hall of Culture, as that is operated in an era of Chotza. The Berisha government is moving to the footprint of the communist dictator who imposed in the country the status atheias ».
It is also characteristic that all post-Communism Albanian governments maintain the institution of «minority areas» introduced by the Emver Hotza and Ramiz Alia. Only some villages are considered minority and there allowed the operation with Municipal for the children of northern epiriotes. In larger cities, such as Gjirokaster, Himara, Koritsa ecct,not functioning greek public school and the gap is covered by private schools, which supports entrepreneurs and church volontares from Greece.
In this climate of the careful handling of the Greek diplomacy should use all existing legal and political arguments. Above all we must give incentives to Northern epiriotes not definitively abandon their land, but to return there with money, which they acquired in Greece. We need to push Albania, including through EU to halt any measure, which creates insecurity. To ask for money gives our country as economic assistance be invested by 70% in southern Albania, where they live Hellenism. To remind the government of Tirana its commitment towards European Union to make an objective inventory of national minorities. And certainly not a bad thing to remind and the Protocol of Corfu, always with respect for existing borders and placing good neighbourliness.
Let us be clear that relations between Greece - Albania and Albania-Europe depend on the rights of Greek Northern epiriotes.

original article in greek language:

http://strategicanalysis.wordpress.com/2008/08/31/

"Every day for 38 years! From Nixon to Barack Obama!"

The veteran Journalist in State Departament Lambros Pantoniou


Among those on hand was Lambros Papantoniou, known to everyone as "Mr. Lambros," a journalist for a Greek newspaper. He has been here a while."Every day for 38 years! From Nixon to Barack Obama!" he said in introducing himself.

With little competition, he managed to fire off three questions to Wood, on Afghanistan, Russia and Cyprus. But it's the nature of the State Department to be circumspect. "You have to know what you can say and what you can't say," Wood says. Papantoniou gets frustrated: "You don't get enough information to write something. It's never enough."

more about the article of Washington Post..:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/28/AR2008082803561.html

CONTINUES THE WEAPONS SCANDAL IN ALBANIA

In 2006 Albania sold weapons to Georgia

In 2006, Albania sold to Georgia ammunition in total value of 3 million US dollars.


The Albanian Foreign Trade Center, which is in constant cooperation with the US Agency for International Development (USAID), confirmed this information.


The report says that Georgia paid $3 million for procurement of handgrenades, shells and other ammunition from Albania.


The information is in direct collision with yesterday's statement of the Albanian PM Sali Berisha, dismissing Russia's allegations of weapon trade between Tbilisi and Tirana as a "fabrication".

WEAPONS TRAFFIKING: "ALBANIA SOLD TO GEORGIA 3 ML USD BOMBS"

The albanian media against the PM Sali Berisha: "Albania is one of most important export weapons to the conflicts between the states in Kaukaz" Georgia, Armenia and Azerbajian there are the origin of albanian munitions. Turkey accused last year Tirana for traffiking to Azerbajan.

The newspaper "Gazeta Shqiptare" has investigated the albanian import export weapons company "MEICO" which is responssabile of the massive blast of "Gerdeci" of March 15, near Tirana.

NIKOLLA GRUEVSKI, SAKASVILI OF THE "BALKANS"

Greek geopolitic experts comment the polemic for the name of "Macedonia" as new priority conflicts on the "Balkan", regarding the last conflict in Kaukaz.

REACTIONS ABOUT "OMONIA" DECISION FOR GREEK OFFICIAL LANGUAGE IN ALBANIA.

Greek minority in Albania demands second official language

Tuesday, 19 August 2008

Albania should declare the Greek language as the second official language in the country, just as Macedonia did with Albanian language. The organization of the Greek minority in Albania "Omonia" demanded this from the Government in Tirana.

At the session of Omonia's General Council, held Sunday in Saranda, it was said that the organization, inspired by the decision of Macedonian Parliament which declared Albanian as the second official language, deems that the Albanian Government should follow and declare Greek as the second official language in Albania.

"Koha Jone" newspaper states that the demand addressed to Sali Berisha's Government adds that Albania with that would respect the minority rights conventions it has signed. Official Tirana has not yet reacted to the request, "Koha Jone" states.

The minorities in Albania, including the Macedonian one, since a while are demanding from Tirana authorities to set up a census of the ethnic origin.

"OFFICIAL LANGUAGE TO THE GREEKS OF ALBANIA"

The Ethnic Greek Minority Organization in Albania "Omonia" sents ultimatum to the Albanian State.

Civil and politic rights for Greeks of Albania has addressed to the albanian state the superior council of "Omonia" in Albania.

The Albanian newspaper "Panorama" comments the request of Omonia as the ulterior development in Balkan Region after Kaukazian crises.

"Northern epiriotes want more civil and politic rights as the Albanians in FYROM..end the declaration of Omonia to the Albanian state.

10 August 2008,

THE PEOPLE OF HIMARA PROTESTING AGAINST ALBANIAN STATE WHICH VIOLATES THE HUMAN RIGHTS SYSTEMATICALY

STATE DEPARTMENT REGULAR BRIEFING BRIEFER: GONZALO GALLEGOS, DEPARTMENT DEPUTY SPOKESMAN LOCATION: STATE DEPARTMENT BRIEFING ROOM, WASHINGTON, D.C.

TIME: 12:51 P.M. EDT DATE: THURSDAY, AUGUST 7, 2008

(Lambros)

Q May I go to Albania?

(Laughter.)

MR. GALLEGOS: One of these days.

(Laughter.)

Yes.

Q Okay.

According to reports, charges have been filed against the mayor
of Himare of Northern Epirus, Vasil Bollano., nnd a bunch of European
organizations denounced the Albanian government of Sali Berisha for
attacking the Greek mayor for removing road signs, saying that they
should have been in Greek as well as in Albanian language.
Any comment from the human rights point of view?

MR. GALLEGOS: I'm not aware of the situation. I'll be happy to
take that question

Q And one more?

MR. GALLEGOS: Sure.

Q Thank you. Upon the completion of the recent visit in
Washington of Fatmir Sejdiu and Hashim Thaci of Kosovo, a report the
other day from Pristina is saying exactly, quote, "Kosovo is a
beachhead into the rest of Europe for radical Muslims and terrorist
elements," unquote. Are you concerned?

MR. GALLEGOS: Could you repeat the question?

Q The question is that the report is saying that Kosovo is a
beachhead into the rest of Europe and for radical Muslims and
terrorist elements.

MR. GALLEGOS: No, I think our position on Kosovo is well-known
and often repeated from the podium, remains the same.

Mr. Lambros

Q Mr. Gallegos, according to press reports, four Americans of
Albanian origin from Michigan are among 12 ethnic Albanians convicted
yesterday of planning a rebellion to establish a homeland of
approximately 40,000 Albanians within the Balkan Republic of
Montenegro, in the framework of the so-called, quote-unquote, "Great
Albania" plan promoted by Shali Berisa of Tirana. Any comment?

MR. GALLEGOS: I saw reports on that. Our concern with them was
that they received a fair trial. My understanding is that we were
able to have consular visits with them. We were able to see that they
received proper trial and care. (Inaudible.)

Q Do you consider all of them terrorists, or freedom
fighters, like in the case of Hashim Thaci of Kosovo?

MR. GALLEGOS: Well, I wouldn't -- I wouldn't be able to make
that declaration.

Q Thank you.
……………………………………………………………………………

DEMONSTRATION IN THE CENTRE OF HIMARA

SUNDAY OF 10 AUGUST 2008

OUTSIDE FROM HIMARA THE TRESPASSERS AND THEIR BODIES !!!BE RETURNED OUR FORTUNES !HIMARA BELONGS TO HIMARIOTS !

HIMARA UNION
HIMARA COMMUNITY
IONIAN COAST ASSOCIATION "BREGDETI"
"OMONIA"

Security & defense briefing -Albania

Ioannis Michaletos
31 Jul 2008

The Albanian state is heavily dependent on USA influence that spans through the entire military and security apparatus, as is the case in Kosovo and in general in all Albanian populated Balkan communities.

Historically, the Albanians were prone into embedding into stronger states that were characterized by global influence and were not neighbors of them. Examples include the Turks (Ottoman Empire), the German-Italian Axis, the Soviets, the Chinese and USA lately. The result in each case was catastrophic for the Albanians since their stance resulted in the alliance of their Balkan neighbors and the alienation of Tirana from major world developments that occur often in history and change dramatically the balance of powers in the Balkan region.

In a purely military level, Albania is on the process of replenishing its arms arsenal from the Soviet & Chinese era to the NATO one, a trend that will accelerate by the forthcoming entrance to the Alliance of Albania. Currently Albanian troops serve in Afghanistan, Iraq and a small force is going to be deployed in Chad.

On an economic level, the world crisis has affected the domestic economy with official inflation running at 5% and 25-30% of the population below poverty line. It has to be noted that approximately 30% of the citizens have emigrated mainly to Greece, Italy, Germany and USA and their remittances are the main source of hard currency in the country.

The current Administration laid by PM Berisha has created grievances regarding his role in the dominance of the Northern Albanian clans in which he is a leading member in expense of the Southerners who are mostly inclined to support the Socialist opposition.

The Tirana explosions in early March 2008 that cost the lives of tens of residents, revealed a world class contraband network that exported illegally armaments to countries such as Afghanistan. The details so far reveal involvement of American officials and there is an FBI investigation over the past few months in order to verify rumors of misconduct by USA Diplomats and companies.

Another interesting aspect of the internal political life that has indirect security implications is the involvement of the Berisha family in recent real estate acquisitions in the Greek minority populated region of the country, a culmination that strains the relations between the two states.
On early July 2008 the city of Vlora`s Periphery Council approved for the second time the “Kakomea Project Beach” in collaboration with the “Club Med”. According to the Parliamentarian Erion Brace, the daughter of Berisha is linked directly both “Club Med” and the “Best Property Albania".
On June 2008, the well-known Albanian publicist Fatos Lubonja accused the Albanian Mafia of supporting politically the Prime Minister Sali Berisha. Lubonja appeared on a TV along with the Tourism Minister of Albania Ylli Pango and the Director of World Bank Project for Ionian Coast Jamarber Maltezi (son in law of Prime Minister Berisha).

Berisha’s daughter, Argita Maltezi, who is an attorney, allegedly represents the “Best Property Albania" according to the Parliamentarian of the Albanian Socialist Party Erion Brace. It seems that there is going to be a development regarding the family business conducts of the leading Albanian politician and the delicate balances within the political system.

Other recent developments are the destruction through arson of Greek-Byzantine era Churches that according to reliable information are being conducted by Northern Albanians linked with organized crime networks that seek to buy depreciated land in the South. Moreover there is increased Bulgarian involvement within the Slavic communities in the Southeastern part of the country which are also contested by FYROM.

more: http://www.analyst-network.com/article.php?art_id=2304

THE DECISION OF the GREEK GOVERNMENT: NEW EPIROTEAN FORCES INSIDE GREEK ARMY

Three-month military service for North epirotians

Issues relating to military obligations of the Greeks from North Epirus to acquire Greek citizenship regulates decision of the Minister of National Defense Ev. Meimaraki taken at the recommendation of the competent military issues from Secretary of State for Defence K. Tasoula.

According to the Minister of National Defence the Greeks who have Albanian citizenship and acquire under the current legislation the Greek citizenship will have the opportunity to serve three-month military service. In this way the Greeks of North Epirus gain the same treatment with Greeks from the the former Eastern bloc countries or Turkey.

Ev. Meimarakis briefed yesterday northepirotians representatives. The meeting was attended by State Secretaries of Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization A. Nakos, I. Kasimis Foreign and National Defense K. Tasoulas.

RESOLUTION OF THE WORLD COUNCIL OF THE NORTHERN EPIRUS

On 25 to 27 July 2008 took place in Ioannina 1 st Conference of the World Council of Foreign Ipeiroton. The conference dealt with the question of Northern Epirus and adopted the following resolution.

“We Representatives continental organisations around the world, meeting at 1 Congress of the World Council of Foreign Ipeiroton from 25 to 27 July 2008. Without the contribution and cooperation of representatives of Voreioipeirotikou Hellenism, we examined the current situation and circumstances under which the Greeks living in Albania, saying that”:

1. The Greeks of Northern Epirus are indigenous people of the region with historical presence 3000 years.

2. The Greeks of Northern Epirus is an integral part of universal Hellenism.

3. We recognize that some efforts have been made by the Albanian government to improve living conditions of the Greeks of Northern Epirus.

4. There is even Albania occasionally climate of insecurity and intimidation against the Greeks of Northern Epirus.

5. The Greeks of Northern Epirus at times do not feel safe at home and do not always enjoy basic human rights they deserve under bilateral and international treaties.

We, the representatives in Congress of Northern Epiriotas Abroad decided:

1. We condemn the climate of insecurity and intimidation that prevails at times against the Greeks of Northern Epirus and the whole of Albania.

2. We urge the Albanian Government to respect and restore to the Greeks of Northern Epirus and Albania across all educational, religious, political and cultural rights which arise from bilateral and international agreements, signed by representatives from the day the recommendation of the State 1913, including the right of national self-determination.
3. We urge the Albanian Government to allow full freedom in the functioning of Aftokefalis Orthodox Church of Albania and returned the immovable property illegally kateschesan the communist regime and the governments by the Church. We support our Aftokefali to the Orthodox Church of Albania and Archbishop of Tirana and All Albania, Mr Anastasio.

4. We urge the Greek government to provide financial support for teachers of the National Minority Greek.

5. We urge the Greek government to provide financial support and loan guarantees to those who voreioipeirotes want to return to his home city, with a view to open a business or craft, thus aiming to develop SMEs, and increased manpower.

6. We urge the Greek government and Greek people throughout the world to promote the economic development of Northern Epirus with investment and infrastructure in order to remain home of the Greeks there.

7. We urge representatives of the European Union discuss the integration of Albania within to stop all negotiations until the prosecuting authorities of Albania stop the prosecution of those who complain Voreioipeiroton and the deprivation of their right, as in the recent case of the prosecution intervention in Flounder.

8. We urge the Albanian government to withdraw the unfounded and ridiculous indictment of five convicted Himarrioton.

9. We urge the Albanian government to return captive by the previous regime stationary property to the Greeks and their beneficiaries to stop the illegal award of property to third parties, as in Flounder in Pogoni and Aliko.

10. We support us with «Omonia» and his party Human Rights Association (KEAD) as the champions of Voreioipeiroton Albania.

11. We appeal to all Voreioipeirotes who lose their Albanian citizenship as launch procedures for unification. 12. We urge the Greek government to definitively settle the issue of granting pensions to OGA Voreioipeirotes residing permanently in separate homelands.

VLORA`S STUDENTS AGAINST THE NAME OF INDIPENDENT ALBANIAN HERO FOR UNIVERSITY

Albania in "shock". The "Senate" of Vlora University" decided to stop the name of Hero of Indipendence Ismail Qemali.

With 8 votes against 6 the Indipendente Senate of Vlora University decided yesterday to stop the name of the Heroes of Albanian Indipendence Ismail Qemali. The decision has shoked the albanian governament and all the albanian nationalism which are preparing to counter offenssive this "abssurd decision" of Vlora`s Students.

In fact the Prime Minister Sali Berisha had urged the Police Authorities to arrest decides of protesters of Vlora 1997 known as the "Rebelion of 1997" where Albania split in tow partes, between southern and northern, when according to albanian annalists the politicaly develompments from Vlora are annalysing the scandal against hero of albania indipendence as a geopolitic moviment for albanian state.

According to information the decision of majority of Senate, was "against Ismail Qemali name because he has nothing made for civility and prosperity of the town.

VERY PROBLEMATIC THE SITUATION FOR GREEKS OF HIMARA

The greek weekly comments the situation in Himara Region.

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

by John Simeonidis

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

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

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

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

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

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

PSOMIADIS MET BERISHA


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

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

STOP THE DISCRIMINATION AGAINST HELLENIC COMMUNITY BY TRIBUNAL OF VLORA

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo: the greek skuadron fighters

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

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

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

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

BERISHA IS PLANNING TO VISIT HIMARA THIS WEEK

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

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

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

ALBANIAN DEVELOPMENTS


Stavros Markos (World Security Network Foundation Associate)


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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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



Sources (include Albanian newspaper news):

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

TEN HIMARIOTES UNDER PENAL PROCES FROM VLORA`S PERSECUTOR

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More: see references..

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

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

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

VASSILIS BOLLANOS AT FRONT OF VLORAS`TRIBUNAL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kosovo Serbs convene parliament

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

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

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

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

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

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