BERISHA: GREATER ALBANIA, WE LOST TERRITORIES

Albania-Kosovo unification
16/12/2011

The Albanian Prime Minister held a meeting with Prishtina University students, in which he argued why he is against the unification of Albania with Kosovo and why both countries would lose, if borders would be changed.

“The vital interest of the Albanians is to preserve the current borders, and the Albanians should not accept, at any cost, to lose a single square meter of the land they are entitled to. Another redraw of the borders would mark undeserved losses of the Albanian territories. We must be patient, free, and should not undertake any action that threatens territorial losses. Every generation has to make its duty, and this generation made it”, Berisha declared.

The Prime Minister did not mention names of territories, in a time when the situation in Northern Mitrovica continues to be delicate. According to Berisha, the unification project for the Albanians is one.

“The only unification project for the Albanians is the EU integration”, Berisha declared.

When asked about the stance of the opposition leader, Edi Rama, on the Durres-Kukes road, Berisha accused Rama of joining anti-Albanian lobbies that wanted to put obstacles to the construction of the Nation’s Road.

According to Berisha, the corruption accusations are unfounded, because a road in a neighboring country was built with 13 millions EUR per kilometer, while the Nation’s Road cost less than 10 million EUR per kilometer.

“It is a very expensive road, but when you declared absurd corruption amounts of money, without any document to prove it, it only shows that you’re part of the lobbies that fought with all means to block the construction of the road. Rama has the right to review his mistakes, but by pretending that you were not against the road, you actually accuse the Albanians of not having a memory”, Berisha declared.

Asked by the Kosovo Students when Albania could become an EU member, PM Berisha did not give any date, but mentioned once again the opposition’s role for blocking the integration reform, and then declared that the current political reforms in the country make him optimist for progressing with the EU obligations.

The Red and Black Alliance: Unification is up to the people

After the Prime Minister’s declaration against the unification of the two Albanian states, the Red and Black Alliance reacted with a press release, as a movement that strongly supports the unification of both countries.

“The Unification of Kosovo with Albania is not up to the Prime Ministers, but to the people. Self-determination is a universal principle of the people’s right to chosse, despite the political wills”.

"No EU for Serbia if Kosovo is condition"

Source: Tanjug

BRUS -- Ivica Dačić says he sees "no possibility of the country's progress" toward becoming a candidate for EU membership, if recognizing Kosovo was the condition.

Ivica Dačić (Tanjug, file)

The interior minister and one of Serbia's deputy premier said that "Europe should show more understanding":
"Therefore the question of whether Serbia will be made a candidate is more for them than for the authorities in Serbia."

Speaking while touring a police station in the town of Brus, in southern Serbia, Dačić also noted that "all other regional countries that are facing problems joining the EU" should create "a Balkan council".

This council "would demonstrate our strength", according to the minister.

Dačić addressed the issue of Serbia's failure to become a candidate on Dec. 9 several times during this week, and on Friday he reiterated that Serbia was facing conditions that went contrary to her national interests.

EU, Pierre Mirel: property issue remains a problem in Albania

TIRANA, Albania property issue remains a problem. The statement comes from the Director of the European Commission Enlargement Pierre Mirel, for which the issue of ownership is one of 12 criteria set by the European Union, which requires a quick solution.

"Issues of concern remains the problem of ownership. Here it comes to bringing the projects and investments, for example by passi city should be applied. It is matter of concern, but originally planning should be done to ensure that land is owned or has the clarity of property rights and is not good to have delays because people are reported to have agreed to the points A, B, C, while nothing not been for years and this is unfortunate.

Mirel statement was made during the workshop conducted by the Minister of Integration for IPA program to which the European Union has allocated 82 million euros Albania.

For Albanian Minister Bregu, main focus of this assistance will be 12 priorities set by the European Union.
"The main focus of this assistance will be the implementation and orientation and based on 12 key priorities of the European Commission's opinion, particularly those dealing with issues of justice and riot and public administration reform", - emphasized Minister Bregu

Honored Philip Papathanasi, who dead in Albanian prison, for the rights of the Greek minority

The convicted "for treason" to Albania, a monument of honor in the Church
"The Albanian newspaper"
GJIROKASTER - Philip Papathanasit monument, one of the accused by the Communist regime of the time for high treason against the territorial integrity of Albania and popular government, and sentenced to life imprisonment, is located a few days ago the square of the Church of St. Andrew , in the village Rahull, Gjirokastra. Present at the ceremony, was the Socialist Party deputy, Luisa Xhuvani, which is the one next to Philip Papathanasit.
Socialist Party deputy, Luisa Xhuvani, discovered his monument, which was decorated and covered with Greek flags. Then, are placed wreaths in honor of his image, which is considered by the Greeks as a hero who was arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment, but only sought to protect the rights of the ethnic Greek community ..
Meanwhile, on the other hand, the communist regime sentenced him on charges of "high treason against the territorial integrity and popular government of Albania". In his monument, state that he died in prison at the age of 31-year-old with the only sin that demanded the rights of the Greek minority. SFEVA Organization, writes for Papathanais that he refused to speak Albanian judicial process against him developed, forcing the court to get an interpreter. Also state that it was closed only in cells with a 400 gr daily ration until just died a few years later in a cell.
(Albanian newspaper / BalkanWeb)

Ministers of the "Adriatic Charter" concerned about the situation in Mitrovica

NATO, for the second time within a week in Tirana, concerns for the region, Kosovo
Balkan foreign ministers, members of the Adriatic Charter, today expressed their concern about the situation in northern Mitrovica, looking to jump steps to deal. Speaking on behalf of participants of the Charter "Adriatic 5", Foreign Minister of Albania, Edmond Haxhinasto, said the events in Mitrovica affect regional security. "The situation in northern Mitrovica is concern for security in the region. We welcome every step towards reaching an agreement. We welcomed the implementation of several agreements between the Republic of Kosovo and that Serbia, mainly in terms of integrated border management "- he said.

 The foreign ministers of Albania, Croatia, Macedonia, Kosovo, Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina declared the meeting together at the end of that dialogue and agreement between Kosovo and Serbia is a matter of embracing the fundamental values ​​of the European Union and NATO integration. Forum had invited the foreign ministers of Kosovo and Serbia, with the belief that inclusion of the region is the only way to strengthen peace and stability as well as to advance national agendas ahead of the integration of each country.
Balkan foreign ministers declared that the reforms for the European integration of the region are closely linked to security reforms for NATO.

 Deputy Assistant Secretary General of NATO, James Apaturai, said the Alliance has great confidence in the way that is pursuing regional cooperation of the Adriatic Charter. "Let me clearly say that NATO's doors are and will remain open, and it will be highlighted again in Chicago Summit Declaration. Doors will be opened soon to this region because this region is not an area neighboring NATO but NATO's house, and we want to have all countries within the common house - he said Apaturai. - Albania and Croatia, joined earlier, there are two excellent sheëmbuj what good partners can bring this region to NATO ".

 He stressed that as cooperating in Afghanistan, the Balkan countries are working together here in the region and this is what NATO wants: trust, cooperation, reform and integration. Meeting of foreign ministers of the Charter "Adriatic 5" analyzed the political developments in each country, the progress of integration in NATO and bilateral cooperation.

NEW YORK TIMES

Pondering a Dire Day: Leaving the Euro

As the country descends into chaos, the military seizes control of the government 

Orestis Panagiotou/European Pressphoto Agency

Drachma coins that were replaced by the euro in 2002; the currency's return is much debated.

By LANDON THOMAS Jr.

Published: December 12, 2011

LONDON — It would be Europe’s worst nightmare: after weeks of rumors, the Greek prime minister announces late on a Saturday night that the country will abandon the euro currency and return to the drachma.

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Will Greece Destroy the Euro Zone?

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Angelos Tzortzinis/Bloomberg News

Athens at night. One study done in France says a return to the drachma would mean a paradise of bargains for tourists in Greece

Instead of business as usual on Monday morning, lines of angry Greeks form at the shuttered doors of the country’s banks, trying to get at their frozen deposits. The drachma’s value plummets more than 60 percent against the euro, and prices soar at the few shops willing to open.
Soon, the country’s international credit lines are cut after Greece, as part of the prime minister’s move, defaults on its debt.
As the country descends into chaos, the military seizes control of the government.
This scary chain of events might never come to pass. But the danger that Greece or some other deeply damaged country in the euro zone could leave the single-currency union can no longer be ruled out. And it was largely this prospect that drove leaders last week to agree to adopt strict fiscal rules that they hope will wrap the 17 European Union nations that use the euro into an even tighter embrace.
Officially, the guardians of monetary union have refused to discuss in public the possibility of member states abandoning the euro — a contingency not even addressed in any of the treaties governing the monetary union. As Mario Draghi, the president of the European Central Bank, put it last week: “It would be imprudent to create contingency plans when we see no likelihood that they could happen.”..........................MORE ..

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/13/business/global/a-greek-what-if-draws-concern-dropping-the-euro.html?_r=1&ref=greece

After Tirana, another provocation against Greece from Skopje

Macedonia Braces For Giant Statue of Philip

After the installation of the giant equestrian statue of Alexander the Great, the capital is bracing for another star attraction, an even vaster statue of Alexander’s father.

Sinisa Jakov Marusic

Skopje

The pedestal for the Philip statue is under construction | Photo by: Build.mk

The 28-metre-high statue of Philip of Macedon will soon be finished and placed in central Skopje next year, the sculptor, Valentina Stevanovska, said.

"The statue is already being cast in bronze and will be finished in a few months”, Stevanovska told the daily Vecer.

Philip will be placed amid a luxurious complex of four fountains, overlooking Alexander’s statue from the opposite side of Skopje’s landmark Stone Bridge. He will be depicted in a standing position, unlike Alexander, who is riding a horse.

Officially, the entire composition is labelled “Warrior with accompanying elements”, presumably in a bid not to upset Greece, which claims Philip and Alexander as Greek heroes.
This follows the previous pattern in which the government officially described the statue of Alexander simply as "an equestrian warrior".

Philip’s 13-metre statue will be placed on top of a 15-metre pedestal covered in marble and bronze reliefs making a total of 28 metres, closely copying the composition of the Alexander statue.
The fountains will be additionally decorated with accompanying statues of ancient warriors, mothers with children and galloping horses, said Stevanovska, the author also of the Alexander statue.
Meanwhile, preparatory works on the square are already in full flow. The basic contours of the pedestal and central fountain can already be seen at the construction site.
The facades of the nearby buildings are soon to get a neo-Classical and Baroque finish to better fit the "Antique" style of the city's Skopje 2014 project.

The new statue is almost certain to draw more criticism from neighbouring Greece.

The statue of Alexander, which arrived in Skopje in June and was soon erected on the central Macedonia square, was seen by Greek officials as a provocative move that would further impede resolution of Greek-Macedonian disputes and Macedonia’s EU and NATO accession bids.

The Alexander statue drew criticism from Greece | Photo by: Filip Atanasovski

Greece has already prevented Skopje from joining NATO and is doing the same with Macedonia's EU membership bid as a result of the long-standing dispute over use of the name "Macedonia" to which Greece objects.

The two statues are seen as the core of the massive government-funded revamp of the capital, named “Skopje 2014”, which the government says will beautify the shabby-looking city.

Several buildings and monuments are already in place or are nearly finished. The construction of a new national theatre, a history museum, a foreign ministry and a concert hall are at an advanced stage.

Work continues also on a triumphal arch, an obelisk and two new bridges. Dozens of large statues have already been erected in the heart of the city.

Skopje already has a much smaller equestrian bronze statue of Philip in the suburb of Avtokomanda. This and another statue in the town of Bitola were erected in June at the same time as the statue of Alexander rose up in Skopje.

Macedonia paid some 9 million euros for the Alexander statue, officials have said. The statue of Philip is likely to cost much the same amount.

Samaras supports ties with Israel

by Costas Papachlimintzos

New Democracy leader Antonis Samaras on an official visit to Israel meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Eurokinisi) [Image]
New Democracy (ND) leader Antonis Samaras, who today began an official visit to Jerusalem, said that one of the few policies of ex-premier George Papandreou that his party supported was its strengthening of ties with Israel.Samaras arrived in Jerusalem early today for a two-day visit.

In an exclusive e-mail interview with the Jerusalem Post, an Israeli daily English-language newspaper, Samaras said his party would continue the pro-Israel policies of the Papandreou government.Papandreou, as The Jerusalem Post notes, "spearheaded a dramatic shift in Greece’s orientation towards Israel, moving Greece – in a period of about two years – from being one of Israel’s harshest critics in the EU, to one of its staunchest supporters".Samaras pointed out that when he served as foreign minister in 1990, he was the Greek official who signed the document officially recognizing Israel.“For decades, my party, New Democracy, has been supporting a more balanced approach towards the Middle East”, Samaras said.“Establishing stronger ties with Israel is one of the very few initiatives by the ex-prime minister that we, as an opposition party, full-heartedly supported.

As a matter of fact we encouraged him publicly in the parliament to do so. And when he did, we stood by him on the issue”.The president of ND said Israel and Greece have much in common, and “future historians will have a hard time explaining why we hesitated for so long to make the most out of our common interests.”Samaras underlined that Israel, Greece and Cyprus have “common interests in stability and growth” during a time of unprecedented economic crisis in Greece and amidst the debt crisis in Europe that is “currently reshaping the European Union” and the Arab Spring that is “redefining” North Africa and the Middle East.He said Greece and Cyprus can provide Israel with a “vital connection” to the West in general and to Europe in particular.

LAOS MP, I Korantis: The Constitutional Court of Albania completely removes the term "nationality", there are not Greeks in Albania
 

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION: 2490/8-12-2011
A: Foreign Minister Stavros Dimas
Topic: The Constitutional Court of Albania completely removes the term "nationality"
As broadcast from Tirana, the Albanian Constitutional Court, in a decision, completely abolished the term "nationality" or the term "according to the nationality of the parents' of the civil status acts. The Court held that these terms as defined in the relevant articles of the Civil Code, violate the principle of legal certainty and is contrary to the Constitution. Therefore the document "On civil status" that will issue the relevant Services will refer only to nationality, name and place of origin.
This development affects directly the Greek National Minority in Northern Epirus, depriving the Greeks the right to self-determination and therefore removing it can prove or claim the credit.
Will the Minister:
Given that this decision adds to a long series of actions of the Albanian state and political institutions that aim to eliminate the Greek Ethnic Community, what steps it intends to take to reverse this negative trend? Will especially beyond the bilateral representations to Tirana to refer the matter, including the Commission on Human Rights, UN, EU and Council of Europe?
The Inquirer
John Korantis

Serbs let Russian aid trucks through barricade

Source: Beta

JARINJE -- Serbs in northern Kosovo removed a barricade this morning to let through a convoy of Russian humanitarian aid enter northern Kosovo.

Ambassador Konuzin at Jarinje (Tanjug)

The barricade was located in front of the Jarnje administrative line checkpoint, in the area that's part of central Serbia.
The vehicles then reached Jarinje, which is controlled by EULEX officials. Journalists also saw police officers of the Kosovo Albanian authorities from Priština there, but they did not check the trucks and cars.

Russian Ambassador in Belgrade Aleksandr Konuzin traveled in the convoy. At the barricade, he exited his car to shake hands with the Serbs guarding the roadblock and took pictures with them.

An SUV with a Russian flag was also seen in the convoy.

Konuzin is expected to address the citizens at another barricade, in Leposavić, and then in Kosovska Mitrovica, where the aid shipment will be handed over to the Red Cross.

The shipment consists of food, tents, blankets, and other goods, and will be distributed to Serb families most in need of such assistance.

The ceremony in northern Kosovska Mitrovica will be attended by officials of the Ministry for Kosovo, the Red Cross, and local self-administration.

Athens, enormous pressure on the Albanian Constitutional Court decision

Political show, the Greco-known American journalist, Terens Kwik, about this problem, has caused reactions in Greek politics, considering the decision of the Constitutional Court, as decision of Prime Minister Berisha, to appease ethnic Greek Community in Northern Epirus.

The decision of the Constitutional Court of Albania, for the removal of nationality, for the identity cards, has sparked reactions from the major political force within the Greek government.

Apparently Lucas Papadimas government, does not want to face the geopolitical issues, in addition to economic ones, but have reacted initially assumed by Babis Karathanos of LAOS, one of the personages known for autonomy Northern Epirus.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxcJKpMTM0A&feature=player_embedded#at=25

Is ‘Greater Albania’ in the interest of Albanians?
by Hamza Karcic*

 

12 December 2011, Monday / HAMZA KARCIC* ,

“Greater Albania,” primarily defined as the unification of Albania proper and the lands inhabited by the Albanian population in Kosovo, Macedonia and to a lesser extent Montenegro, has been the dream of some Albanian nationalists.

The notion was invoked as a rationale (among others) for the Belgrade regime crackdown on Albanian dissent in the 1980s in the former Yugoslavia and the repression in Kosovo during the 1990s. With the declaration of independence in February 2008, Kosovo became a second Albanian state. The Albanian political influence in Macedonia (officially, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, or FYROM) has been enhanced as a result of the Ohrid Agreement of 2001, which ended the brief war in Macedonia. The persistence of the concern that “Greater Albania” is the ultimate goal need not be the case. “Greater Albania” is not in the interest of Albanians.
The process of integration of Albania, Kosovo and Macedonia into the European Union and NATO changes the calculus. Eventual membership of the three in the European Union translates into two to two-and-a-half Albanian votes and potential vetoes in key decision-making structures (with half a vote being the Albanian influence on how Macedonia votes).
The hypothetical scenario of Greater Albania, by contrast, would translate into a single vote. Assuming political solidarity between Albanian leaders in these three states, more votes would bring more leverage and more bargaining chips. Based on the current mechanism of national government representation in the European Union and assuming adjustments to accommodate new members, this calculus is particularly relevant as it applies to the European Council.
In the case of the European Commission, at least two commissioners would be from Albanian states each, with the possibility of a third. Voting in the Council of the European Union is weighted in favor of states with smaller populations, thereby ensuring an additional advantage. Similarly, with Albania a member of NATO, future membership of Kosovo and Macedonia would amplify the voice of political representatives of Albanian populations in the three states in the decision-making processes of the North Atlantic Council. The same logic applies for a number of international institutions.
This would not be a precedent, however. With the 2004 European Union enlargement, Cyprus (the Greek part of Cyprus, that is) became a member state, doubling Greek votes and potential vetoes in the European Council and the European Commission. But this is as far as the analogy goes. The Cyprus case is different in terms of its impact on Turkey’s integration with the European Union and its implications for the NATO-European Union cooperation.
The irony of the debate about “Greater Albania” is that it neglected a key factor: the (redefined) interest of the Albanians. The new strategic calculus explains why fears of a “Greater Albania” are unwarranted.

http://www.todayszaman.com/news-265499-is-greater-albania-in-the-interest-of-albanians-by-hamza-karcic*.html

---

*Hamza Karcic is an instructor at the faculty of political science, University of Sarajevo.

Samaras - Berisha meeting in Paris

- Premier Berisha during his visit to France where he participated in the summit of the People's Party, met with the New Democracy leader, Antonio Samaras.
According to Greek media, the meeting was talking to a maritime boundary agreement. Greek electronic media say that, "Mr Berisha welcomed the proposal of the President of New Democracy and the two agreed to conclude a new agreement between them, right when the opposition comes to power and its leader, Samaras to become prime minister" .

Also learned that the meeting is to discuss issues of mutual cooperation to win the election. Thus, Samaras has talked with Berisha that the election campaign in Greece to look for the announcement of Korca, Himara Permet and minority-majority cities. This will be of assistance in exchange of Samaras will give Berisha to win the election for another term.
Berisha meeting with Samaras in fact not reported by the Cabinet. It took the Greek media reporting to agree that Berisha has spoken to a maritime boundary agreement.
In 2009, the Albanian government, represented by Foreign Minister Lulzim Basha, the government signed an agreement with Greek right then.
This agreement was rejected by the Constitutional Court, while Berisha was set for another deal.

http://www.gazetatema.net/web/2011/12/12/berisha-takon-samaras-gati-per-te-nenshkruar-nje-tjeter-pakt-detar-kryeministria-nuk-e-raportoi-takimin/

21st anniversary of DP, Berisha interrupts speech
12/12/2011

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ys7rBO3B4Hw&feature=player_embedded

The Albanian Prime Minister, Sali Berisha, was obliged to interrupt his speech for the 21st anniversary of the Democratic Party foundation after feeling ill.

 The Prime Minister left the podium accompanied by his escort, stood some minutes behind the scene and then left the Palace of Congresses.

Before interrupting his speech, the Head of the Albanian Government spoke about the creation of the Democratic Party, considering it as the major event of 1990.

“We are celebrating today the creation of the first pluralist party in Tirana. In 1990, the students of Tirana, led by Azem Hajdari, gathered with great courage and overthrew the most savage communist dictatorship in Europe, by founding the Democratic Party”, he declared.

But year 1990, according to the Prime Minister, is not only the foundation of the Democratic Party, but also the year of the freedom and human rights, today guaranteed by Constitution.

“Year 1990 is the birthday of freedom, and today we are not only celebrating the day of the foundation of this party, but the second date, that of basic freedoms, while our nation celebrates its biggest event since 28 November 1992”, Berisha declared.

“We are celebrating today the year of our freedom, guaranteed by constitution, as a country that has dozens of Parliamentary and non-Parliamentary parties”, he declared.

The undisputable leader of the Democratic Party declared that Albania has today freedom of speech, free vote, religious tolerance; a country that fully respects the minorities’ rights and as a state with the rule of law and constitutional order.

Berisha then mentioned a series of achievements of the right wing cabinet, which, according to him, has pushed Albania to the EU integration road.

“Albania is today the country with the biggest average revenues, the country with the lowest infant death, and where tourism has grown with 10 times”, Berisha declared.

“We stay determined to see Albania a developed country, with our deep reforms. The achievements in the integration are merit of the Democratic Party”, he added.

Serbia's future "only in EU", says Tadić

Source: Beta, Tanjug

BELGRADE -- Boris Tadić said on Sunday in Belgrade that Serbia's future was "exclusively in the EU", and that "that was the only place to solve the issue of Kosovo".

Boris Tadić is seen at the DS Main Board meeting

The Serbian president and ruling DS party leader also stated that this was "one of the most important national interests".
In an almost 50-minute address to the gathering of his party's main board, Tadić said "marching toward the European Union" was the country's principal strategic direction.

Adding that Serbia "never received such positive appraisal in its process of joining the EU" - as on Friday, when Brussels postponed its decision on making the country a candidate for membership - and while 25 of its member-states thought this status was deserved "by the depth of reforms", there was one reason such outcome did not materialize:

"Serbia did not become a candidate for one and only one reason, and that is a lack of solution to the issue of regional representation of Kosovo and Metohija."

Speaking about his party's policy of "both Kosovo and the EU", Tadić said that it was "not rigid while giving up on either of its ingredients would be "naive or dangerous".

He described policies that wish to give up on the country's legitimate interests as "naive", while those that place Kosovo "above human lives" - as "dangerous".

Fatos Nano confirms candidacy for President
11/12/2011

In an interview for Top Channel, the former Socialist leader, Fatos Nano, confirmed his will to become the next President of Albania. He says that he is looking for partners on both political sides, and that he desires normality with the Socialist Party. The former Socialist leader commented the recent political developments in Albania, the failure with the EU candidate status, the roles of both government and opposition in this process and his relations with the Socialist Party. Nano is visiting London win invitation by the European Institution of the London School of Economics, where he held a speech about Albania.

Epikaira Magazine Presents New Book “Karamanlis-Off the Record”

December 11, 2011 | Filed under: Geopolitics

Epikaira Magazine featured on Thursday several chapters with unknown information and data concerning the Karamanlis government and the former Greek PM’s policy lines and life throughout the years he had served as Greece’s PM.

All missing links are included in a new 500 pages book titled “Karamanlis-off the record” authored by Manolis Kottakis and Livanis Publications.

The book includes chapters on the Vatopedi scandal, the December riots, why Kostas Karamanlis chose Karolos Papoulias for the Hellenic presidency, his lately poor relations with the US, especially after he vetoed FYROM’s accession to NATO in 2008, the reasons why he decided to side with Russia in the energy sector and buy Russian weapon systems S-300.

Among others, Mr. Kottakis’ book describes Karamanlis friendship with French President Nikola Sarkozy, his financial exchanges with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the weapon sales between the two countries, his “continuous fight” with Greek media magnates, Putin’s predictions about the developments in the broader Mediterranean region and the strengthening of Greek-Chinese relations.

Other parts of the book, are said to focus on Karamanlis’ relations with the political and social elite in Greece as well as abroad, and it even talks about his relations with former US President George Bush, current President Barak Obama, and Turkey’s Recep Tayip Erdogan.

Secret diplomacy and dialogues, the Cyprus issue and Turkey’s relations with Europe are also explained by the former PM.

Most importantly, all documents revealing the “Pythia” plot of murdering Karamanlis will be included in this book, as well as his own comments on knowing the existence of such a plot against him.

Exclusive report by Gjergj Thanasi: Albanian biometric passports & Links to International Terrorist Rings	Ioannis Michaletos
10 Dec 2011
In the following exclusive investigative report, the acclaimed journalist from Tirana-Albania, Gjergj Thanasi outlines the serious security issues relating to the Albanian biometric passport system and the links with international organized crime and terrorist rings and with the Iranian intelligence establishment especially.             The Problematic Albanian Biometric Passports and the Links to International Terrorist Rings      By Gjergj Thanasi     The equipment of the Albanians with biometric identity cards and passports was a must in order to have Albanians travelling in European Union countries without visa restriction. The removal of travel restriction was a kind of an European  gift to Albanians on the eve of Christmas  2010.Such passports are highly reliable and a tough barrier to criminals and terrorists penetrating Europe under false names. The system is really false proof. The only way to evade the system is to collude with the Albanian authorities issuing the passports, thus stealing the identity of somebody else.  Unfortunately this is precisely what happened in Albania. Almost from the very beginning Albanian emigration police as well as several European border police controls  detected individuals equipped with regular Albanian biometric passports having ‘borrowed” the identity of somebody else. Judging by the covering of the Albanian media such falsified biometric passports are almost a daily occurrence.  The bearers of falsified Albanian passports range from ethnic Albanians citizens of the Republic of Kosova(they still need a visa to travel to Europe), to Albanians being under expulsion or travel bans in European countries. The new identity help them to travel and stay in Europe up to 90 days in succession without any difficulty. There are cases when even convicted criminals, or wanted individuals (Albanian citizens) are equipped with a biometric passport with a new identity, thus evading justice and facilitating their criminal activity in Europe as well as in Albania. Only  casual finger prints checks by one or another European law enforcing agency has resulted in pin pointing  individuals with a criminal record or even  wanted persons having a new identity. Albanian media like the newspaper Investigimi (an article by Durim Sula) and Durres Bulevard(an article by Dr. Idriz Tafa) have also made public of evidence that terrorists from Yemen and elements of Iranian Revolutionary Guard, the so called Quds Force are in possession of  Albanian biometric passports with typical Albanian names and surnames. Mr. Armand Teliti the Director General of the Albanian General Register Office during a session of the security sub comity of the Albanian Parliament answering the questions of MP Gazmend Oketa  (wright wing) and MP Gamir Bizhga (left wing) admitted that Albanian authorities have detected over 500 cases of biometric passports issued to persons with a “borrowed”  identity. The Albanian media has directly accused Mr. Teliti of being part of the system issuing such problematic passports .Up to now  only the bearers of such passports have been detained by the emigration police. In a couple of cases the civil servants of remote villages register offices and employees of Aleat-Safran concessionary company have also been arrested. Such cases are under trial or have received short term prison sentences as well as fines according to Albania law. No body but the gang issuing the false passports knows the exact number and identity of the bearers of such false biometric passports. According to the newspaper Investigimi American security specialists are actively collaborating with Albanian Secrete Service SHIK to identify Iranian citizens equipped with Albanian biometric passports. The newspaper quoting Albanian Secret Service sources links the murder and the burning of the body of Isa Copa a high ranking officer of Albanian Secret Service (late  October 2011 in the outskirts of Durres the main port of Albania)with the affair of the Iranian citizens equipped with Albanian biometric passports and bearing Albanian names and surnames. This is not the first scandal concerning Albanian passports. In 2002 the deputy minister of the interiors Bujar Himci and col. Veli Myftari Director General of the Albania Police force were arrested for funds embezzlement amounting to four million USD concerning the issuing of the Albanian passports. They landed in prison after the official complaint of Euroget an American company which was unlawfully prevented from bidding for the production of the Albanian passports. The claim of this company was strongly supported by the Charles Levesque the then economic officer of the Us Embassy in Tirana. It is obvious, in this case top civil servants ended in prison only for funds embezzlement, while now we have serious allegation of collusion with terrorists and yet only small fry is facing justice.

Berisha: Integration, a priority. We're making reforms

The Albanian Prime Minister, Sali Berisha, gave an interview for the French TV station “TV5 Monde”, where he expressed Albania’s interest to extend the relations with France.

“My main goal is to work with the French government. We are ready to intensify our economic relations with France”, Berisha declared.

After expressing the ambition for returning Albania into an energetic superpower, the Head of the Albanian Government declared that his main priority is the country’s integration in the European structures. Berisha has not mentioned dates, but he mentioned his determination and the support of the European partners, including France.

“This will be exactly one topic of discussion. France has always supported Albania’s ambition for the EU integration and NATO membership. We have had problems, but they have been resolved. Now we need support to progress even more towards the European Union”, Berisha declared.

The Prime Minister then accused the opposition of trying to hamper the process, but according to him, they failed by losing the last local elections.

“In these two years, the opposition has made everything for blocking Albania’s integration progress, by thinking that this was the best way to damage the government and for coming to power. But SP lost even the local elections”, Berisha underlined.

As regards his political figures, he insinuated that he has no intention to retire from the political scene.

“I will continue until the Albanians will stop voting me. Until then, I will respect their will. I walk towards the EU integration”, Berisha declared.

The Prime Minister then spoke about the current political situation, which, according to him, has turned to normality with the opposition in Parliament.

“The opposition returned in Parliament. I proposed them to plan the electoral law, and they accepted. The situation is normal and has returned to a constant dialogue”, he declared.

Another priority for the Albanian Prime Minister, is the tourism sector, which, according to him, has marked an unseen increase in the recent years.

“We offer a better climate for the tourists, hospitality and very good food. I invite you in Albania”, Berisha declared.

Berisha is staying in France for a summit of the European People’s Parties, where he blamed the opposition for failing to receive the candidate status.

Euro crisis: US General Martin Dempsey warns of unrest

10 December 11 02:30 GMT

The top US military commander, Gen Martin Dempsey, says he is concerned about "the potential for civil unrest" as Europe's financial crisis unfolds.
Gen Dempsey said it was unclear the latest steps taken by EU leaders would be enough to hold the eurozone together, adding that a break-up could have consequences for the Pentagon.
Twenty-six of the 27 EU countries have agreed to forge a tighter fiscal union.
Only the UK refused to sign up to a new treaty, citing national interest.
Gen Dempsey, who is chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told an event hosted by the Atlantic Council, a Washington think-tank: "The eurozone is at great risk."
"I know that they've taken some measures here with the 17 members of the eurozone to try to better align... monetary and fiscal policy. But it's unclear, to me at least, that that will be the glue that actually holds it together."
Funding impact?
Gen Dempsey previously served as the Army's Chief of Staff and as a general in Iraq.
He suggested that part of his concern was that the US military could be exposed to any unravelling of the eurozone "because of the potential for civil unrest and the break-up of the union".
The US military has more than 80,000 troops and 20,000 civilian workers in Europe, many based in Germany.
Gen Dempsey also said he was concerned that an international project to develop the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft could be put in jeopardy if European national defence budgets were cut.
"It will clearly put [budgets] at risk if all the economic predictions about a potential collapse were to occur," Gen Dempsey said.
At an emergency EU summit that ended in Brussels on Friday, the UK effectively used its veto to block an attempt, led by the French and Germans, to get all 27 members states to support changes to the union's treaties.
Instead, eurozone members and others will adopt an accord with penalties for breaking deficit rules. It will be backed by a treaty between governments, not an EU treaty.
Austerity measures
The announcement on Friday produce little reaction from financial markets, which are still hoping for more intervention by the European Central Bank (ECB).
The BBC's Chris Morris says that without further action to lower the cost of borrowing, likely by the ECB, the eurozone still faces a threat.
The rising costs of borrowing in some eurozone countries have pushed governments to pass new austerity measures and to the International Monetary Fund as they struggle to pay their debts.
Europe's debt crisis has already unseated two political leaders and their governments: former Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou and Italian leader Silvio Berlusconi.

Jakup Krasniqi ZDF

Kosovo delegation in Germany, asked for the mafia in Kosovo

Krasniqi and his delegation which has led to a visit to the German Bundestag, felt bad at one point, when the press conference, a reporter asked his counterpart, President of the Bundestag, Norbert Lammert, a question that has exacerbated not only Kosovars, but also own host. Home Indeksonline issued ZDF's text, and answers questions in this conference.

"Do you have a problem to wait politicians, for whom the German Secret Service says they are war criminals. Why then these poitikanë invite you, "asked a reporter.

Norbert Lammert responded: We have in Kosovo a free Parliament, elected democratically. If such criticism uttered by anyone, then this is not a subject of relations between the two parliaments.

The next question of a journalist .... Why then invite you Kosovars?

Norbert Lammert: I have invited the president of a European country, which the state has recognized the Federal Republic of Germany, much earlier than that of other states have recognized. This is a place where free elections take place and people have the ability to freely determine who it is they want to be represented. And, since we are interested in realization of such relations is in our interest to continue such relationships and to work for them.

Reporter: Germany is involved with EULEX in Kosovo, but in recent times has been killing witnesses in proceedings for the Kosovo war criminals. Do you believe that Kosovo is a state road law, or rule there violence?

Norbert Lammert: Your interrogated It shows how important it is for us to conduct such visits and meetings. We certainly have talked today about the Progress Report of the European Commission and think it is very important that our negotiating partners can discuss critically and to give their ratings authentic feel for what these vërjetje report.

While the journalist was questioned for Krasniqi.

Reporter: Do you think that Kosovo today is a legal state?

Krasniqi: Kosovo justice issues and problems, especially in its northern part, but certainly not alone in its northern part. Kosovo is the fourth year of independence and if we consider the time when Kosovo became independent, we can say that Kosovo has made progress, more than any other country in the region, or more. We believe that Kosovo will soon become a legal state and the law will prevail in every part of it.

German television ZDF reported that the President of the German Bundestag, Norbert Lammert, received a delegation from the Parliament of Kosovo, also composed of Xhavit Haliti. According to ZDF, in 2004, BND and KFOR have accused Haliti as involved in prostitution, smuggling guns and drugs, and murder. / Indeksonline /

smanalysis

 Athens is still experiencing "the Greek Minority, as bridge of friendship, between Athens and Tirana"

Albanian Constitutional Court, wipes Greeks from Albania, while Athens still talking about the "Bridge of Friendship" for the Greek minority

If that will not necessarily be called Greek, is sure to re called "epiriotean", for the Greeks of Albania, and always more, feel abandoned by the Greek state protection. It is inexcusable, the indifference of Athens, for the Hellen community in Albania.

See the reactions of the Spokesman of Greek Foreign Ministry, about the decision of the Albanian Constitutional Court

S. GANTONA: Following a relevant decision, we saw that Albania is abolishing ethnicity. As such, the members of the Greek National Minority will have no document proving they are Greek. What is your comment on that?

G. DELAVEKOURAS: We have been informed of the Albanian Constitutional Court’s decision, and we will be looking at it very closely in order to ascertain the extent to which it meets the international criteria and prerequisites that exist regarding the protection of minorities. It is very important that the Albanian government be able to gain the trust of the minorities – a trust that eroded during the recent census carried out there. And that is why the Albanian government needs to put emphasis on how it can cultivate relations of trust. Again, we will be looking at the Court’s decision very carefully.

L. KALARRYTIS: With regard to everything Albania has done to date concerning the Greek minority – whether it be omissions or specific actions, in the census, regarding property – what has Greece done, in practical terms, to get Albania to conform or at least explain its conduct?

G. DELAVEKOURAS: Greece is sending messages very clearly to the Albanian government, within the framework of our conviction that the minority must be seen as a bridge of friendship and cooperation between the two countries. And that is why we talk so much about trust.

Greece wants to see Albania progress. This is a priority for us. It is in the interest of both Albania and Greece to have borders with a country that is moving forward.

That is why we tried to contribute to the efforts to resolve the political impasse that existed in Albania. That is why we are trying to make sure Albania respects all these criteria and prerequisites – the basic criteria and prerequisites underscored by the EU, thanks in part to Greece’s contribution – including respect for minority rights.

There is certainly a need for dialogue with the Albanian side. I think that Minister Dimas will be meeting with the Albanian Foreign Minister today on the margins of the NATO Ministerial, precisely to pass on these messages and call on Albania to maintain a policy that respects minorities, that respects European benchmarks and enables Albania to take steps towards Europe.

Italy, parents ask court to make teen daughter abort

A 16 year old from Trento, Italy, was sent to court by her parents, who requested the judge to give them the right to oblige her abort her child that she is expecting with her Albanian boyfriend.

Since the parents of the girl consider the 18 year old boy as violent and not appropriate for their daughter, they have decided that his child shouldn’t come to life. After the girl has refused to abort, the parents thought that the justice would make her to, but they were wrong.

The prosecutor of the minor’s court declared that law has nothing to do in this case. Abortion is an option, not an obligation that you can impose on someone. The parents who apparently think that they can decide everything about their daughter, presented another request to court: if the child will come to life, their daughter should never meet the father of the child, and the child will not keep the father’s name.

Deputy PM resigns in wake of EU decision

Source: Tanjug

BRUSSELS -- Serbia's deputy prime minister in charge of EU integration, Božidar Đelić, announced on Friday that he had submitted his resignation.

Božidar Đelić (Tanjug, file)

He said he had informed Serbian president Boris Tadic about the move.
Đelić stated that his resignation was "not a reflection of the defeat of state's policy but a personal decision", as he had announced earlier he would make such a move if Serbia did not become a candidate for EU membership.

Đelić did not wish to answer the question about "who could have done more for the country's EU bid", stressing only that Serbia should think about its future steps as the EU was "still in the best interests of Serbian citizens".

"We must continue our EU integration and protect our citizens in Kosovo," Đelić said in Brussels on Friday, in the wake of the EU announcement that it was postponing its decision on making Serbia a candidate for membership.

Former FYROM’s PM admits FYROM’s Slavs rewrite Greek History

December 9, 2011 | Filed under: Geopolitics

Macedonia News — FYROM’s former PM Ljubco Georgievski blasted his successor to the presidency of the currently rulling ”VMRO-DPMNE” party, Nikola Gruevski, in a recent interview to the Radio Free Europa.

The former FYROM’s PM attacked the “antiquization” policy of Gruevski and admitted publicly the fact that Gruevski attempts to rewrite Greek history.

“This history about ancient Macedonia which they want today to impose Us as a state policy, i call it a caricature of History, because its about unrelated events,” Georgievski stated.

“Our people is bombarded daily with Lies, Misinformation, documentaries where we see that Greek History has became Ours and is presented alike. For me its obvious that there is a clear distinction of the so-called ancient history of Macedonia and Slavic History. I still defend the thesis that we can rely on our Slavic Identity, our spiritual creators like St Cyrillos and Methodios, St Clemes and St Naum. This is our history where we can safely rely on. “, he added.

Regarding the ICJ’s judgement, FYROM’s former PM stated:

“The Judgement of the Hague will influence the negotiations between our country and Greece. For two months we are about to be full of happiness and will say how much powerful we are as the moral victors. But it wont be any will for the solution and this will risk in danger our country since it couldnt do anything into the next 2-3 years.”

When asked if Gruevski’s government is in position to compromise with Greece, so the country could enter NATO and EU, he replied:

«No, of course i don’t see any sign from our side. This is obvious by looking at the state’s journalists who preach the government’s policies. I don’t think there is anything else than what we see in the state’s Media with the government’s propaganda. For 4 years the government defends the name without having any other alternative.”

A couple of years ago, Ljubco Georgievski had publicly stated in FYROM’s TV that Alexander the Great is considered a Greek, while he built through his conquests and left behind a Greek world.