NATO to help Albania evacuate population in flood-hit regions

Greek Air Force sends assistance to flood-stricken Albania

04 December 2010

Tirana. Albania has asked NATO to help it cope with the floods, the Albanian media report.
The Alliance is expected to send two helicopters and equipment to help evacuate the population in the region of Skodra and some other areas.

“Albania has asked NATO for help. We expect help for transport. We are providing all regions with supplies, except for Velipoja,” said Albanian Defense Minister Arben Imami.

Greek Air Force sends assistance to flood-stricken Albania

A Hellenic Air Force Super Puma all-weather helicopter was dispatched to Tirana on Saturday afternoon, carrying 11 people, to provide assistance in flooded areas in Albania, it was made known by the Air Force General Staff (GEA).

Hellenic aid to Israel

Greece sends more aid to Israel

Greece on Saturday evening sent a second dispatch of assistance to Israel to tackle a massive wildfire in Haifa that has claimed at least 42 lives.

A C-130 military helicopter departed from the Elefsina military airport carrying a team of 36 firefighters and equipment to help contain the blaze.

On Thursday, Greece dispatched five Canadair fire-fighting aircraft to Israel after a telephone call between Papandreou and Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier in the day.

Israeli foreign minister Avigdor Lieberman later called Greek foreign minister Dimitris Droutsas to thank Greece, on behalf of the Israeli government, for its immediate response to Israel's request for help in putting out the massive forest fire near Haifa, while he also praised the efficiency of the Greek forces.

In Creta arrives the American nuclear-powered aircraft carrier "Harry Truman"

In Creta arrives the American nuclear-powered aircraft carrier "Harry Truman"

By Monday, is expected to remain at the port of Souda, the nuclear-powered U.S. aircraft carrier Harry Truman. The ship call at the pier of the naval base at Akrotiri Marathi as supplies and recreation for the crew.

"Harry Truman" was built in 1996 in Norfolk, Virginia, two years after he joined the 6th Fleet and then performing missions in the Mediterranean and the Persian Gulf. Indeed, this aircraft carrier set sail late last May from the naval base in Norfolk as flagship of the strike force of ships that were sent to travel to the Persian Gulf to do to carry out inspections of weapons to Iran.

The Truman aircraft carrier has a displacement of 90,000 tons, moving at 4 propeller speed 30 knots, and power given by the two nuclear reactors. The length of the aircraft is 333 feet, width 78 and height reaches 74 meters. The size of a deck of more than 4.5 acres.

At 2,500 booths Truman's 3,500 members live crew and another 2,500 people, who are the crew and technicians of 80 military aircraft, to climb aboard from 4 catapults. A typical size of the aircraft is that the daily consumption of drinking water reaches the 1,500 cubic meters, 18,000 meals are prepared daily. Also, the board issued daily, and also has its own television station.

The aircraft has air missiles - air Sea Sparrow, and antiaircraft guns, carrying cluster bombers, 4 F/A-18 Super Hornet and 3 F/A-18 Hornet, spy planes and small aircraft early warning E-2 Hawkeye all-weather, cluster electronic attacks to interfere with radar and flock 7 helicopters destroyed submarine.

Along with the call at Truman in Marathi and the accompanying rocket cruiser Normandy displacement of 10,000 tons. Normandy is equipped with air-to-air missiles, air-ground and anti-submarine warfare, while on board ship a total of 400 people.

On the day of arrival under draconian security officers and crews of both ships frequented by the old town of Chania and other parts of the island. Without such communication, the Communist Party protested the arrival of two warships, as well as the continued operation of foreign bases in Akrotiri. Communication protest the presence of the aircraft carrier, and adopted by the Committee at the bases.

http://www.e-typos.com/content.aspx?cid=15862&catid=7

Research Institute for European and American Studies (RIEAS)

KOSOVO AND KURDISTAN: TWO PAWNS AT THE SERVICES OF THE USA FOREIGN POLICY

Georgios Protopapas
(Journalist and RIEAS Research Associate)
Copyright: www.rieas.gr

The USA foreign policy is undoubtedly playing a predominant role in the formation
of balance of power in the Balkans and the Middle East. Kosovo and Kurdistan are
two most vivid examples of the USA interference in the regional security.
For many, Kosovo and Kurdistan are considered organised projects of Washington in
order to control energy reserves and pipelines in Middle East and Balkans,
respectively.

The collapse of the Soviet Union changed dramatically the balance of
power and revealed new territories in the geopolitical map; the absence of balance
created new geopolitical priorities and needs on the complex map of global security
and energy: Central Asia, Caucasus, Black Sea, Balkans increased their geostrategical
importance, either as producers of vast energy resources or as transporters of energy
via pipelines.

In the case of Kosovo and Kurdistan, Washington has been using a policy of "double
standards". On the one side, Washington promoted the full independence solution to
Kosovo, moving to the sidelines and securing the viability of new small state of
Kosovars. The United States have built a huge military base, Camp Bondsteel, in
Kosovo, covering 360,000 sq.m.1 On the other side, there are some 30 million Kurds
still without a country.

Eventually, Kosovo’s existence is proven to play a strategic role on the security of
planned oil pipeline AMBO (Bulgaria-FYROM-Albania) that aims to reduce energy
dependence of Europe from Russia. According to the Guardian “the project is
necessary, according to a paper published by the US Trade and Development
Agency… because the oil coming from the Caspian Sea will quickly surpass the safe
capacity of the Bosporus as a shipping lane".

2. Looking back in time, the countdown for Kosovo's independence began in 1999
during the presidency of Bill Clinton and the bombing of Serbia by NATO. The target
of Washington’s strategy was the former President of Yugoslavia, Slobodan
Milosevic. The official reason for the NATO bombings was the ethnic cleansing
against Albanian-Kosovars by the Yugoslav national army and the paramilitary units.

The pretext has been given and the unfinished business left from the Yugoslav’s civil
war in the 1990s was finally settled. Working closely together, “in 1998 and 1999, the United States and its NATO allies engaged in collective action to end escalating
violence in Kosovo”.

3 Finally, the offspring of the US diplomacy, Kosovo declared unilateral independence on 17 February 2008 ignoring the risk to strengthen separatist movements in the entire world. There were fears that Kosovo example could be used as a precedent for other territorial disputes, but the U.N., the USA, and ome
European officials contended that Kosovo’s situation is unique.

4 Recently, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) declared that Kosovo's independence complies with international law. Kosovo’s independence has been recognised 69 countries - USA and 22 of the 27 member- states of European Union. The ruling of ICJ is non- binding. In contrast, Russia, China, Brazil, India and several states of the EU have denied to accept Kosovo’s new status. The major concern is whether the flood of Balkanisation may lead to new separatism movements and recognitions after the International Court of Justice decision; however a possibility like this is not remote.

5. On the other side, Washington maintains Kurdistan as part of Iraqi sovereignty, giving Kurds self-autonomy through Kurdistan Regional Government. The control of oil
reserves in Iraq have been one of main reasons for USA military intervention on
March 2003.

6 The alleged possession of weapons mass destruction (WMD) by
Saddam proved a groundless accusation. The Kurdistan Regional Government's
Representative to the USA, Qubad J. Talabani has underlined “Americans should be
proud of where Iraqi Kurdistan is today. He further lauded the Obama
Administration's decision to deepen and broaden relations with the Kurdistan Region
through opening a consulate in Erbil, the capital of the Region”.

7. The creation of independent Kurdistan is viewed as a major threat especially by
Turkey and the neighbouring states of Iraq: the Iran and Syria. The hot topic is the big numbers of Kurds population who the above states have within their borders and the fear of Kurdish uprising in order to create a Greater Kurdistan. So far, there are no immediate plans for granting autonomy to the nation of the Kurds. In contrast to the case of the Kosovo where the international community created out of thin air a nation of 1.8 million people, the possibility of redrawing the borders of Middle East seemspossible (for the moment at least) only if the Kurdish populations revolt; one has to, bear in mind that there are some 27 - 36 million Kurds living in neighbouring regions in the Middle East.

8. The cases of Kosovo and Kurdistan are a good example of how the powerful centres
of power can influence the international balance of power in crucial geopolitical
issues with regional consequences. It also shows that the balance still leans
westbound, as the East still lacks clear strategic vision. Nonetheless, beyond the
statements of officials in the mass media in order to influence public opinion
(regarding spreading of democracy, protecting the weak etc), for those who know, the
US priorities have been always clear and, in a way, honest: The reinforcement of their national interests and the vital access to energy sources.

The president of US Barack Obama have initially pledged for return to traditional
diplomacy from the neo-conservative “military diplomacy” of the Bush government.
But, in reality, the war in Afghanistan has evolved into a full military engagement bythe American coalition against the Taliban. In addition, Washington maintains an
aggressive rhetoric towards Iran and the option of a military strike against Tehran is possible if diplomacy be unsuccessful.

03.12.2010: “THE FUTURE OF EUROPEAN SECURITY STRUCTURE” - CONGRESS IN ATHENS

THE RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR EUROPEAN AND AMERICAN STUDIES (R.I.E.A.S.) AND THE HELLENIC CENTER FOR EUROPEAN AND INTERNATIONAL ANALYSES (ELKEDA), organizes in Athens a public event and discussion on: “THE FUTURE OF EUROPEAN SECURITY STRUCTURE”.

ATHENS - 14 DECEMBER 2010

Albanian TV: The Greek fear of Greater Albania

Some secret documents, which remained suspended a few hours, the closure of Wikileaks, revealed other information on Albania and Kosovo.

A letter of December 2006, referred to concerns expressed by the diplomatic adviser to former President Jacques Chirac, Maurice Gourdault-Montagne, during his meeting with U.S. Assistant Secretary for European and Asian affairs, Daniel Fried.

According to the French consultant, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, he feared that a partition of Kosovo would lead to the merger with Albania so that bordered the southern Serbia. "This will lead to the radicalization of a Muslim state in the heart of Europe, which until now have avoided if managed successfully," says the document.

Fried according to the same label claims that the Serbs and the Albanians had known that Kosovo would be independent and that at this point, the return would be a big mistake.

From another letter that was released a day earlier that Silvio Berlusconi has rejected Kosovo's independence and NATO expansion, calling Americans to not cause Russia.

The Albanian press also refers to another message, too short, which dates in May, 1999 and referred to a report of that he wrote the specialist U.S. State Department, Carol Migkntanovits. This report describes the situation in the region during the Kosovo war and the fear of Athens on the impact on the economies of Balkan countries.

A telegram was sent from Albania, says that Greece is afraid of a resolution on Kosovo to the Security Council that would lead to independence, which would encourage the creation of Greater Albania and causes collisions, causing instability in the region.

The biggest fear, however, Prime Minister Costas Simitis was the entrance of displaced Kosovo Albanians in southern Albania that would bring conflict with the Greek minority.

According to Athens, Greece in such a case would protect itself, while Turkey will immediately appear on the side of the Albanian government, taking advantage of the situation.

The same report claims that Athens is ready to use the army if the refugees from Kosovo tried to enter Greek territory.

http://www.top-channel.tv/artikull.php?id=199143&ref=lajme

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=__fqyRZikFs

Albanians Threaten To Boycott Macedonia Census

Two opposition parties representing the ethnic Albanian minority are calling for a boycott after their proposed amendments were rejected.

Sinisa Jakov Marusic

Skopje

Two parties representing the large ethnic Albanian minority in Macedonia have said they will not take part in the 2011 census after the government rejected their demand for the head count to be postponed from April to July.

The parties wanted the date put back so that more Albanians working temporarily abroad could get home over the summer vacation and participate.

The centre-right government, comprising the nationalist VMRO-DPMNE and an ethnic Albanian party, the Democratic Union for Integration, DUI, disagreed.

"This government is continuing with its stubborn nationalism," Imer Aliu, from the Democratic Party of Albanians, DPA, told Balkan Insight. “We will now call on Albanians to boycott the census."

The DPA accused the junior party in the coalition, the DUI, of being accomplice to a VMRO-DPMNE plot to falsely underplay the number of Albanians in Macedonia.

Parliament adopted the Law on Census on Tuesday with the support of the DUI and the opposition Social Democrats. The census will be monitored by Eurostat.

Another opposition party, the New Democracy, has also announced a boycott for the same reason. The party also proposed the amendment postponing the census, and its legislators left the session on Tuesday after the proposed change was rejected. "The law is harmful and goes against the interests of Albanians," a New Democracy legislator, Vlora Kadriu, said.

The last census in Macedonia was held in 2002. The results showed that 64.2 per cent of population were Macedonian while 25.2 per cent were Albanian. Roma, Turks, Serbs and other minorities made up the rest.

The census took place one year after the signing of the 2001 Ohrid Peace Accord, which ended a short-lived armed conflict in the country between ethnic Albanian insurgents and state forces. The Ohrid deal guaranteed more rights for ethnic Albanians.

Greek assistance dispatched to Israel

(ANA-MPA) -- Israel on Friday thanked Greece for assistance in tackling a massive wildfire in the north of the country, which has claimed at least 40 lives and caused extensive destruction to the natural environment.

The Israeli embassy in Athens, in an announcement on Friday, thanked the Greek government, prime minister George Papandreou and responsible ministers.

Greece dispatched five fire-fighting aircraft to Israel to join efforts to contain and extinguish the blaze, after a telephone call between Papandreou and Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday.

Israeli ambassador in Athens Arye Mekel said the direct contact between the two prime ministers and speedy decision to send help to Israel is in line with new, and very positive relations between Greece and Israel. (ANA-MPA)

The envoy also thanked the Greek people who contacted the Israeli embassy to offer support and express their condolences.

"The immediate communication between our two Prime Ministers and the swift decision to send assistance to Israel is befitting of the new very positive relations between Greece and Israel. The professionalism and experience of Greek personnel in combating forest fires is well-known and highly appreciated in Israel. I also want to thank all those Greek citizens who contacted our embassy to offer their sympathy and condolences to us. It is very important to have the help of our friends and neighbors during times of need," Mekel said in a statement.

Cypriot foreign minister visits Belgrade

3 December 2010 | Source: Tanjug

BELGRADE -- Cypriot Foreign Minister Markos Kyprianou has arrived in Belgrade for a one-day visit, during which he will meet with the country's top-ranking officials. Kyprianou and Jeremić in Belgrade today (Beta) Kyprianou has already conferred with his Serbian counterpart Vuk Jeremić. The two ministers were expected to discuss the bilateral relations, Serbia's European future, the issue of Kosovo and Metohija and the latest developments relating to the Cypriot issue. "No change" Before departing for Belgrade, Kyprianou told Tanjug that he hopes the Belgrade-Priština dialogue will start as soon as possible. The minister reiterated the stand of the official Nicosia that Cyprus fully supports and respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia and that it will not recognize the unilaterally declared independence of Kosovo. "Cyprus believes that the province of Kosovo-Metohija is an integral part of Serbia, and the UN Security Council Resolution 1244 entrusted UNMIK with the administration in the province," Kyprianou said.

Athens, away from Northern Epirus, seeing its economic interests in Tirana

Photo: Amb. Alexandros Mallas and Veton Suroi, during the Discussion ELIAMEP – “The future of Kosovo after Hague”, 12/11/2010

ELIAMEP: "We have no interest in Northern Epirus, with communities Came and labes"

Greek parliament debates, LAOS: "We want to know about a secret report that the Greek Foreign Ministry, which is in contradiction with the national interests of Greece, when George Papandreou at the time was foreign minister, about the future in Northern Epirus.

According to sources that refers to the Greek Newspaper "Elefterotipia", in 2000, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece, calls "ELIAMEP" to study the possibility of a union of Northern Epirus to Greece, regarding the Kosovo precedent union with Albania.

A team of 12 professionals Greek diplomat and journalist, came to Albania, to see how they can perform in peace, the union of Northern Epirus with Greece. From references to secret report was not made public by ELIAMEP, in connection with the national interests of Greece, specialists arrived in Albania and directed by the Greek ambassador in Tirana, Alessandro Mallias, came to the conclusion that "Greece does not concern a union with Northern Epirus, as it is impossible that the communities of labes and Chams, to join the Greek national interests."

But on the other hand, the ratio of ELIAMEP, suggests to invests with Greek business companies and banks that into Albania, and they must penetrate deep into the economy, headed by pro Greek governments in Tirana, the rule affect that Greece Albania economically, making it known that there appeared interests and its territorial claims to southern Albania. " Is fully explained, although the Greek Plan for Economic Development in the Balkans, Albania gave 600 million dollars since 2000, where about 95% of them were invested in the Tirana - Durres, and only 5% of their in area in Northern Epirus.

Is to be highlighted the fact that today in business and Greek economies in Albania, there are Albanian totally personnel, which is trained in Greek universities, especially in Thessaloniki and Janine, serve exclusively the Greek economic interest in Tirana. Regarding this scandal, the nationalist party LAOS, one year ago, debated with the head of government of PASOK, George Papandreou, accusing it has sold national interests of Greece in relation to Northern Epirus, favoring Greek companies, in exchange for their brothers in in Northern Epirus.

The death of a boy in Himare has obligated some pressure of Athens to Tirana to its Greek community rights in Albania, but without going as two months, the entire group of Greek business, accompanied by the brother of Prime Minister of Greece Nikos Papandreou, taken part on the occasional of the inauguration of a Greek private hospital in Tirana, declaring that the Greek Albanian relations, are at levels better than any time ever.

References:

http://smarkos.blogspot.com/2009/02/these-documents-is-presented-from.html

http://www.ana-mpa.gr/anaweb/user/showplain?maindoc=9161679&maindocimg=9153062&service=98

http://www.athensnews.gr/old_issue/12950/7584

The Newspaper "Gazeta Shqiptare"

Greek PM Simitis: "Greater Albania would destabilize the Balkans"

Simitis, "A union with Kosovo, Balkans break down boundaries"

"The Greater Albania would destabilize the Balkans" a Tirana-war Kosovo in 1999 and the possibility of creating a Greater Albania that has wrought by Greek PM Kostas Simitis in Athens.This was announced by a U.S. Congress report, published recently in the Wikileaks, announced today makes by the daily Gazeta Shqiptare.

The report on May 27, 1999 from the foreign affairs specialist at the State Department, Carol Migdalovitz, describes the situation in the Balkans during the Kosovo war and Greece fears that it could destroy the economy of the entire region and if a resolution with Kosovo can rely, promotes the possibility of creating a Greater Albania.

"Greece fears a resolution on Kosovo to the Security Council that would create an independent state, but in itself will encourage the creation of a Greater Albania, which would destabilize the region and provoke a wider war," written in this newspaper. But, according to the report edited today in Gazeta Shqiptare, in another scenario described by Athens, refugees may attempt to enter to Greek territory and in this case would come back by military forces, which would boost Turkey help for Albania in this conflict.

"Greece hosts about 400,000 Albanian immigrants would be hypersensitive their reaction to the mistreatment of immigrants. On the other hand, states the report, Greece fears the independence of Kosovo, which in itself will encourage the creation of a Greater Albania, which would destabilize the region and provoke a wider war.

PM Berisha: No to partition of Kosovo

The Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha, said for the foreign press that it is categorically opposed to the idea of partition of Kosovo and its change of borders in the Balkans. "Kosovo's independence and borders of the Balkans are issues that ultimately closed.

Albania and Kosovo will unite under the common values of the European Union, "Berisha said in the Swiss newspaper" Tages-Anzeiger ".

Asked about relations between Albania and Serbia, the Albanian prime minister stressed that his government has the necessary will to improve them. "We are ready to improve our relations with this country is a historic claim."

Referring to the Albanians living in Montenegro, Serbia and Vardarska said it should be treated with equality to the citizens of those States.

EPIRUS REGION NEWSPAPER "PROINOS LOGOS"

Confidential documents from U.S. can cause new
tensions ...Greece Albania!

Nationalist circles constantly cultivate the idea of "Greater Albania", while leaders of the Greek minority are penalized by albanian courts ... With the abolition of 'visa' thousand Albanians will invade to Greece...

Diplomatic circles believe that the next space between the two countries will create many serious problems will arise in terms of neighborhood, a "cold winter."

First, because the U.S. agencies are to publish secret documents that reveal the background of the recent diplomatic contacts between Albania and Greece.

Second, because the nationalist groups in neighboring countries, rather than restrict, growing more and more the idea of "Greater Albania". And so, with the connivance, if not the encouragement, of Prime Minister Sali Berisha. At the same time, the leading actors of the Greek Minority continue to penalize by Albanian courts, ignoring, in effect, the gravity of the situation.

Thirdly, because by mid-December will come without a visa, free Albanians in Greece, as we go and the rest of Europe, which, in fact, may contribute to increased crime. In addition to departmental guidelines increase the limit of stay of immigrants in Greece. And, the Albanian broadcast channel as the first item! Secret documents Confidential documents should be published, indicating in particular the role of Greece in the southern part of Albania.

But agreement on the territorial waters between the two countries, which was dismissed a few months after the Constitutional Court of Tirana. Meanwhile, the Greek Foreign Minister Droutsas requested clarification on how ended up in the hands of U.S. classified information, which were classified as "top secret" by the Greek government.Of course, the main problem is not how leaked documents, but what will come to light.

It is assumed that the Greek side is constantly decreasing and accept laminated "slaps" from Albania. See more........ www.proinoslogos.gr

The forgotten Orthodox Christians of Bosnia & Kosovo

Dec 2, 2010

By Lee Jay Walker

I come from a member state of the European Union which is meant to uphold the rights of all religions, political ideologies, acknowledge national and cultural rights, and is meant to spread “European brotherhood.” However, it appears that this does not apply to the Orthodox Christians of Bosnia and Kosovo respectively because not only have they been abandoned but outside Islamic powers are stepping up their Islamization agenda in both Bosnia and Kosovo.

In Kosovo the de-Christianization of the Orthodox Christian community continues and hundreds of Orthodox Christian churches have been destroyed but little was done to protect this community. It should be remembered that the Christian Serbs helped to preserve the shared European identity in history from the marauding Islamic Turks who enslaved countless numbers of Christians throughout the Balkans during the Ottoman Empire.

Bosnian Islamic fighters during their Jihad which was blessed by President Bill Clinton

Yet in modern times it is clear that Iran, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and other non-European nations, are intent on creating an Islamized Balkans and this applies to Albania, Bosnia, the Sandzak in Serbia, northeastern Bulgaria and the Rhodope Mountains region, Kosovo, Macedonia, and Montenegro. At the same time increasing Islamic immigration in Greece is creating tensions and Turkey is intent on preserving its armed forces in northern Cyprus.

The above mentioned places may sometimes have a continuous border line or they may be divided by geography and thinking because you have many branches within Islam. However, for pan-Islamists in Bosnia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and a host of other nations, it is a dream and clearly the European Union alongside America supported the “green flag of Islam” during the collapse of Yugoslavia..........more see:...................

http://www.pakistanchristianpost.com/headlinenewsd.php?hnewsid=2460

The influence of Sufi Islam in the Balkans

DAN ALEXE

01.12.2010 @ 13:37 CET

When Kosovo declared its independence in 2008, newspapers carried headlines such as "The birth of the first Islamic state in Europe" and "Muslim fundamentalist mafia obtain a state in Kosovo".

In fact, Islam did not play a role in the Albanian march to independence, either in Kosovo or in Albania when it became independent from the Ottoman Empire at the beginning of the twentieth century.

The ceremony hall of the Rifaiya brotherhood in Prizren, Kosovo. (Photo: Dan Alexe)

Contrary to some claims, Islam was not involved in the Kosovar pursuit of liberty because the branch of the religion in Kosovo, as in most of the Balkan region, belongs historically to the tolerant, mystical branch called Sufism. Sufism is still the main form of Islam practised in many parts of the Balkans, especially in Kosovo and Macedonia.

The majority of Albanians in Kosovo and Macedonia are Muslim, but a sizeable number of practising believers belong to Sufi brotherhoods. This is a contemplative brand of Islam based on collectives in which the members, called dervishes, practice mystical exercises through which they reach a communal trance.........................more see:

http://waz.euobserver.com/887/31390

Albania offers arms and ammunition to Afghan authorities

AFP, Dec 2, 2010

"Albania will offer for free some 30,000 automatic weapons as well as some 50 million pieces of ammunition to the Afghan police," the government said in a statement.

Albania became a member of NATO in April 2008 and has a 306-soldier contingent serving with the international mission tackling Taliban and other militants in Afghanistan.

Albanian army units have served within the European Union forces in Bosnia, as well as in other NATO peace missions in the world

GAZETA "SHQIP"

The head of the Municipality of Himara Bollano, expects in his home Spanish company representatives "Tracasa"

The Project for registering properties in the Sea Coastal area in Southern Albania, has entered a "operation", but not saved "supervision" and political interest. Sources from the government to know that just three weeks ago, representatives of the Spanish firm "Tracasa" which won the tender to develop the registration properties, have held a meeting with the head of the Municipality of Himara, Vasilis Bolanos.

According to "Shqip", this development, has the function of implementing the process, an element that stands out is not only "protocol" special, but also full of silence held in this case. Thus, according to information from sources to "Omonia"-s, made known that the meeting between representatives of the Spanish Company and Mayor Bollano, was developed at the House of Mayer Municipality of Himara head and not in his office, for itself health reasons..

Any way, regarding the importance of the issue, Mayor Bolanos represents in relation to citizens of Himara. Entire Region from Orikum to Ksamil, are waiting since 20 years to realise the registration process of properties, believing that the including of OSCE for this important process, must make under the old families document into generation after generation. Specifically are 1.5 million euros from the European Union and 186 thousand euros from the governments of Greece, Czech Republic, Switzerland and the U.S. money will be used in this regard. The Registration will serve as a database for the Albanian authorities, which are the only entities that are entitled to the issuance of a documentation of this nature, writes the newspaper "Shqip".

www.gazeta-shqip.com

Medvedev - Papandreou Meeting to discuss "all" Developments in the Greek-Russian relations after the dual acceptance of the President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev equal number of invitations sent to Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou, currently on the sidelines of the OSCE session in Astana, Kazakhstan: In principle agreed to meet with him today. Something had asked the Greek side, but it was not certain that it will accept the Russian, since until the last minute raised the "weary program of the Russian president." Second, the Russian president agreed in principle to visit Greece in 2011. The realization of the visit will depend on the course of Greek-Russian relations and especially the respect of those who have committed the Greek side to Russia (rapid implementation of the south Stream, pressure on Bulgaria for the Burgas-Alexandroupolis pipeline, military cooperation program BMP-3HEL etc.). On the Greek side bet many in cooperation with Moscow in terms of tourism and agricultural exports and help the Security Council and the Cyprus issue. At today's meeting, held in a warm climate, the two leaders discussed the Greek economy, the Russian president to speak positive words about the course. It also highlighted the availability of further cooperation between the two countries in economic, energy, defense issues and those of bilateral relations. It was broad reference in the program of BMP-3HEL and other outstanding issues Greek-Russian cooperation. From the Russian side is not expressed dissatisfaction with the delay, but requested timetable. Finally, reference was made in NATO - Russia, while it was positive, from both sides of an assessment of the NATO Summit in Lisbon.

Albania declares emergency, evacuates people from flooded areas

By: The Associated Press

TIRANA, Albania - Hundreds of people are being evacuated from northwestern Albania as their homes are threatened by widespread flooding.

The government declared a state of emergency Wednesday in northwestern districts following days of torrential rain.

Army and police are helping local authorities evacuate areas in the Shkodra district, 75 miles (120 kilometres) northwest of the capital, Tirana, along the Drini River delta. Evacuees are being taken to private hotels and public facilities as weather worsens.

Hydroelectric power generated from the river covers the bulk of Albania's energy needs. Prime Minister Sali Berisha says the flooding has resulted in an increase of energy output.

Albanians Question ‘Negative’ View of Ottomans

Gjergj Erebara Tirana, Albania

Aggressive invader or friendly administration? The portrayal of the Ottoman Empire in Albania’s history books remains the subject of fierce debate for Albanians and Turks alike.

When Dorina Zhupa decided to take advantage of free Turkish language classes in the Albanian capital Tirana, she found herself on the receiving end of a history lesson she had not bargain for at all.

While the 27-year-old expected to spend the lesson practising her Turkish, she was surprised to discover that Albania had never been a subject state of the Ottoman Empire. The Ottomans were not so much invader as friendly administrator, the professor declared.

“We were discussing Albanian history in the class and, at some point I said that Albania was freed from Turkish occupation in 1912. However, Professor Derjaj corrected me immediately by saying that, indeed, the Ottoman Empire administered Albania and had not occupied it,” says Zhupa.

And the professor in charge of the course, which was taught last year and was funded by the Turkish government, stands by his statement.

Adriatik Derjaj, professor of modern Turkish and Ottoman-era languages at the University of Tirana, says: “The Ottoman Empire was a conglomerate of nations with equal opportunities. There were 36 viziers who ruled the empire and were of Albanian blood [nationality].

“I think that living together with the Ottomans was welcomed by Albanians. If we analyse the language and customs of Albanians today, we can see that Albanians and Turks lived together and Turks were welcomed.”

The Ottoman Grand Viziers acted as de facto prime ministers and effectively run the empire. They came second only to the Sultan himself.

However, like most Albanians, Zhupa learned little about these Albanian-born viziers. Instead, she was taught that the Ottomans invaded Albania and occupied the country by force for five centuries until the 1912-1913 Balkans War.

As was the case with other nations in the Balkans, not only is the Ottoman presence in Albania seen as an invasion, it is widely regarded as a national tragedy. The Ottomans are still blamed for arresting Albania’s development to such an extent that Albanians still suffer the consequences today. To be told the Ottomans were friendly administrators came as something of a shock to Zhupa.....more see:

http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/albanians-question-negative-view-of-ottomans