Vasilis Bolanos declares, he would run again for Mayor of Himara

Bolanos: "Omonia, more united than ever"

Photo: The Mayor Bollano with Olympic Championer Pyrro Dimas, down the flag of " historically Himara Independence"

In an interview to the newspaper Mapo, the Himara Mayor and President of Omonia, Vasilis Bolanos, has expressed the ambition to run for the fourth time, in administrative elections, which have to be held in May this year. "I can not hide, my candidacy to the nearly elections, and I would even be open for cooperation as the Socialist Party, and with the Democratic Party, but I will defend the interests of HURP. Omonia, is united than ever, says Bolanos, for the newspaper "Mapo".

On the occasion of the 20th annual anniversary of the creation of the organization "Omonia", in Tirana, Vasilis Bolanos, together with the chairman of HURP Vangel Dule, have welcomed members of the Greek political organization, to be in unity among themselves, avoiding any division in the ranks of Omonia.

In this anniversary, missed almost the representatives of political parties, emphasizes "Mapo", while organizers in Hotel Tirana, had thought that everything, the background was Greek, both in speeches with Greek music atmosphere. Among the participants, was the Greek ambassador in Tirana, Nicolas Patsios, notes "Mapo".

http://www.mapo.al/index.php?z=lexo&category=20&id=7347&titulli=une-kandidat-per-himaren-te-hapur-per-bashkepunim-me-pd-ose-ps

Next target anti-corruption in the Balkans, is Tirana

Albanian opposition has called people in a mass demonstration for the fall of Prime Minister Sali Berisha

by SManalysis

On 21 January, Tirana will face a revolt by the Albanian opposition warned, that in "the name of the people" would seek to topple the government of premier Sali Berisha. Cause is a video broadcast by a former minister to the current deputy prime minister of Albania, who is accused of corruption by public funds. But the deterioration of the situation, continued in the Albanian Parliament, when Prime Minister Berisha, with a dictionary at all offense, accusing top officials of the opposition as members of "Communist crime related".

A similar scene happened a few years ago, when former opposition leader Sali Berisha, sought to remove the government of Fatos Nano in 2003, occupying the Prime Ministry Building, but Washington on the diplomatic way, banned violent revolt. What I feel is the revolt, in the name of government corruption with public funds may be returned, as an instability for the entire country, and this fact, it seems that Prime Minister Sali Berisha, easy to submit, before the Albanian opposition demand, the which requires the country into early elections.

The point is this, how capable will appear NATO and regional security institutions, including OSCE and EU, to control the situation could escalate and that no influence outside the borders of Albania? Experience has shown that the uncontrolled Albania, has a direct impact on the Albanians to wear with Kosovo and Macedonia, which may also show signs instability in their countries.

But one thing is known, that those USA and European officials, have advised Tirana, be shown the demonstrations that governs attentive to the opposition, but at the same time reminding officials in Tirana, Albania is a sovereign country and should respect the bilateral agreements NATO, OSCE and EU. It is this fact that the inclusion of Albanian officials not only from government but also by the opposition, in massive corruption syndrome, can cause a deterioration of the situation as a result of "popular anger layers involved in this anti-government revolt".

Transparency International Albania seeks removal of immunity of senior officials in parliament

Transparency International Albania has asked today the development of an extraordinary parliamentary session to discuss amendments to the Constitution to lift the immunity of senior officials.

At a press conference today that TIA has asked government officials to be investigated without interference from the immunity of any charge of corruption. According to TIA members, ministers and judges, be stripped of immunity against charges of corruption investigations.

TIA also stated that justice must investigate any allegation of corruption to raise senior notes that while there are many such issues which are still without treatment and no proper response from justice.

Died, Kimon Bolanos

In Boston, USA, died in age 90 years, one of the oldest fighters of Himara in World War Second, Kimon Bolanos.

Kimon Bolanos, will be remembered along with all those fighters from Himara, who fought against the Fascist Axis, under the name of Himara Independent.

The small company "Himara", had composed by 22 fighters, who in 1944, joined the Italian anti-fascist front for the liberation of the city of Rimini, after in Greece, for the liberation of the city of Volos from the German invaders.

Greece - MFA - Deputy FM Dollis participates in the celebrations of the 20th anniversary of OMONOIA in Dervitsani, Albania

Deputy Foreign Minister Dimitris Dollis represented the Greek government yesterday, 16 January 2011, at Dervitsani, Gjirokastër, at the celebrations of the 20th anniversary of the Founding of the Organization of the Greek National Minority (OMONOIA) in Albania. Mr. Dollis met there with representatives of the OMONOIA and KEAD leadership, as well as with members of the Greek national minority who had gathered for the celebrations.

In his speech, Mr. Dollis conveyed the greetings of Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou, stressed the importance of OMONOIA and its work, and expressed a message of unity. “OMONOIA is an achievement of the Greek national minority; it is one, and it must embrace all members of the minority,” Mr. Dollis said, noting that OMONOIA was founded in Dervitsani 20 years ago to represent all the Greeks of Albania.

Mr. Dollis pointed out in his speech that OMONOIA’s goal is to unify representation of all the Greeks of Albania, secure self-evident and inalienable rights, maintain high morale and, mainly, consolidate the sense of confidence and security that derives from the existence of an agency that has a voice for the whole of the Greek national minority.

Albania, again in collapse

Albanian parliament holds heated debate over government changes

18/01/2011

TIRANA, Albania -- Parliament was the scene of heated debate Monday (January 17th) with the opposition Socialist Party (SP) insisting that the whole government step down. The catalyst was the resignation last week of Ilir Meta, deputy prime minister and minister of economy and trade, over a video alleging corruption in awarding contracts.

At the start of the session, the first of this year, opposition lawmakers immediately started accusing the government of corruption and asked for early parliamentary elections. Prime Minister Sali Berisha responded by accusing SP leader Edi Rama of deliberately preparing the video against his coalition partner, Meta. Following Berisha's speech, opposition lawmakers blocked the speaker booth for hours.

Eventually, the majority adopted the changes in the new government as they were decreed earlier in the day by President Bamir Topi. Nasip Naco will serve as economy, trade and energy minister, while Edmond Haxhinasto will take Meta's post as deputy prime minister.

Hillary and the Jewish lobby in Athens in February

Hillary and the Jewish lobby in Athens in February

In Athens you will find the "iron lady" of American diplomacy, U.S. Secretary of Mrs. Hillary Clinton in the first 10 days of February. Mrs. Clinton's visit which takes place in the days of the session on security in Munich on 4-6 February 50meli accompanied by a delegation of the Jewish lobby. The presence of representatives of the Jewish lobby in Athens assessed as particularly important given the way in Greece - Israel in a number of areas.

As stated very well informed sources, the presence of 50 representatives of the powerful Jewish lobby part in discussions with investment, beyond the symbolic reasons that require a visit to Athens and Thessaloniki. The agenda of discussions will be held in Athens will include defense industry issues, and matters affecting the interests of American oil companies.

Besides all this, however, Clinton's visit includes many symbols at a time when changes are found in Europe, in the context of the crisis is found in the eurozone, while Greek diplomatic sources assessed as particularly important given the geopolitical developments in a period the debate about the sources of gas and oil in the eastern Mediterranean at the center of attention.

In Turkey, U.S. foreign minister will meet with Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan as well as with his Turkish counterpart Ahmet Davutoglu. In both Athens and Ankara, Istanbul and Mrs. Clinton will discuss Greek-Turkish issues, the Aegean and on Cyprus in a bid to persuade the two sides should stop competitions. Indeed, during his visit to the Greek capital, Mrs. Clinton will discuss the name issue of FYROM, after the visit takes place on days that the special mediator Matthew Nimetz will meet in New York in the negotiators of Greece and Skopje. At the same time Mrs. Clinton will express support for the Greek government on its effort to exit from the crisis.

Albanian parliament approves under opposition pressing, new cabinet appointments

January 18, 2011

Albania's parliament approved on Monday two appointments to fill cabinet posts of deputy prime minister and economy minister.

In a 72-0 vote, lawmakers in the 140-seat parliament endorsed the appointment of current Foreign Minister Edmond Haxhinasto as the country's deputy prime minister, replacing Ilir Meta who resigned from the position over corruption allegations.

Nasip Naco was approved as the country's new economy minister, a post also left by Meta.

Meta resigned over the allegation that he pressured Albania's former Economy Minister Dritan Prifti into distributing favors to his friends. Meta took over the position of economy minister after Prifti was forced from office over corruption charges.

Both Naco and Haxhinasto belong to the Socialist Integration Movement (SIM) party, a small party led by Meta in the coalition government under Prime Minister Sali Berisha.

Opposition Socialist Party and its allies, which refused to vote, have called for a street protest on Friday.

EULEX, Albania to Discuss Organ Trade Report

A delegation from the Special Prosecutor’s Office of Kosovo is due to meet with Albania’s general prosecutor over allegations made by a Council of Europe rapporteur that top Kosovo officials were part of an organised crime network that trafficked organs.

Besar Likmeta

Tirana “The delegation composed of EULEX and Kosovo prosecutors is meeting the general prosecutor of Albania in order to discuss possible investigative steps in the context of the draft report by Mr. Marty,” EULEX spokesperson Karin Limdal told Balkan Insight on Monday.

Dick Marty, a Swiss MP, released a report in December that linked former Kosovo Liberation Army fighters, including Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaci, to organised crime and accused them of harvesting the organs of Serb prisoners and others in Albania.

The Council of Europe rapporteur criticised Albania for allegedly not cooperating in investigating the alleged abuses mentioned in the report. Kosovo and Albanian authorities have slammed the allegations as slanderous and said they will cooperate in an EULEX investigation.

A resolution based on the report, approved by the Council of Europe Legal Affairs Committee on December 16, is expected to go before the full assembly for a vote on January 25.

Both EULEX and the the Albanian general prosecutor’s office have previously said that they have found no evidence in their probes that would prove Marty’s allegations.

Following the release of the report, EULEX has sent an official request to Marty to come forward with evidence of the alleged crimes, with which they could launch an investigation, but so far have not received anything.

“We still await a reply from him,” said Limdal. “His office has confirmed that they have received our letter, but no reply yet,” she added.

ODIHR group of experts in Albania from January 17 to 21

17. January 2011. | 07:45

The main purpose of the mission is to evaluate the pre-electoral environment and the preparations for the elections. It should give a recommendation whether ODIHR’s intervention is needed or not, and if yes, it should specify the kind of intervention.

After taking the invitation to monitor the local elections in Albania, which are planed for May 8, 2011, ODIHR will send a group of experts in Albania from January 17 to 21, who will evaluate the needs.

The main purpose of the mission is to evaluate the pre-electoral environment and the preparations for the elections. It should give a recommendation whether ODIHR’s intervention is needed or not, and if yes, it should specify the kind of intervention.

For example, it should specify whether a monitoring or an evaluating mission is needed to fulfill the identified needs.

ODIHR will publish the report a little time after its mission ends.

The members of the evaluation mission will meet with representatives of the Central Election Commission (CEC), the Ministry of Interior Affairs, the National Council of Radio and Television and representatives of the political parties, the media, civil society and the international community.

Migrant boat found off Corfu, 22 missing

Sun Jan 16, 2011

ATHENS (Reuters) - A Dutch-flagged vessel rescued 241 immigrants stranded on a wooden boat about 30 miles (50 km) off the Greek island of Corfu and coastguards are searching for 22 missing migrants, coastguards said Sunday.

Greece has become the main gateway to the European Union for illegal migrants and asylum seekers. Over the past year migrants have increasingly chosen the safer land route via Turkey rather than crossing the sea on rickety boats.

"Searches are now being conducted by five vessels and search and rescue helicopters looking for 22 people who are missing according to statements making by those rescued," the Greek coastguards said in a statement.

The migrants rescued are all well and say they are Afghans, said a coastguard official who declined to be named. They called for help late in the evening and were found at about 0230 local time (12:30 a.m. British time).

An estimated half a million illegal immigrants and asylum seekers live in the Mediterranean state of about 11 million inhabitants, and an increasing share of those trying to reach the EU come in through Greece.

New Greek Turkish tensions on Aegean

Navy helicopters hunted for 7 hours "unknown" submarine north of Kea

15-01-2011

Unidentified submarine, which allegedly was one of the two Turkish for three days, "moving" north and south of Andros Island of Skyros (one is probably the 209/1200 S-352 TCG DOLUNAY), "intercepted" yesterday morning combined company four helicopters S-70, according to information from sources defencenet.gr Navy, 5 miles north of Andros. The General Staff confirmed the existence of Turkish submarines in the area north of men, but does not confirm the incident Kea. The sources, however, that transmit the relevant information is valid, but as we have said there is no official confirmation. The pursuit of the unknown submarine began yesterday morning and lasted until the afternoon. More specifically, two helicopters, S-70 B-6 Aegean Hawk which were sent to operational training routine maintenance discovered accidentally by the radar trace of the unknown submarine periscope. Indeed, yesterday confirmed that the same hours two such helicopters flew a similar mission on the same just hours stating that the incident occurred in this region. Then when the submarine became aware of the presence of Greek helicopters dived trying to escape from the area so the helicopters to drop sonar to continue tracking. The chase was continued for some time and in rushed two same type of helicopters on standby on the Kotroni to replace the first two already tried. The chase continued through the afternoon with a total duration of 7 hours. This fact, if we were to land referred to each other than is considered normal and could be regarded as aggression because the submarine was in a dive while international regulations is expected to be a diver. However, the information has been verified from two unofficial independent sources So far not identified the nationality of the submarine.

PM-Papariga clash on foreign policy

Athens (ANA-MPA) -- Prime minister George Papandreou and Communist Party of Greece (KKE) leader Aleka Papariga clashed in parliament on Friday over the government's policy vis-a-vis Turkey, with Papariga charging that the KKE has no confidence in the government's policy and the premier accusing her of slander.

The clash came during a discussion, during the "Hour of the Prime Minister", of a current question tabled by Papariga, addressed to the premier, concerning his recent visit to Erzurum, Turkey and government policy on Greek-Turkish relations.

Papandreou called the KKE leader a "common slanderer", accusing her of "adopting conspiracy theories and harmful speculation" and of "having become the best propagandist of the most extreme Kemalist general of the deep state in Turkey".

He denied charges of secret diplomacy with Turkey, explaining that he believes in building a sincere relationship with the neighboring country.

Papariga said that the KKE has no confidence in the foreign policy being followed by the PASOK government.

Albania and Bulgaria Top Destinations for 2011

Published on Jan 15, 2011 by Mihaela Lica Butler

CNN picked only 9 top destinations for travelers in 2011, and two Eastern European countries are on that list: Albania and Bulgaria. The list was made based on expert recommendations from Robert Reid, U.S. travel editor for Lonely Planet; Pauline Frommer, creator of Pauline Frommer’s guidebooks; and Martin Rapp, senior vice president of leisure sales at Altour. Other top 2011 travel destinations were New York, New Zealand, the Peruvian Amazon, Spain (Barcelona), Norway, Japan and Guatemala. Albania was ranked 6, and Bulgaria finished the list last.

Albania was also the top pick on Lonely Planet’s top ten countries for 2011, while Bulgaria ranked fifth. The two are the only Eastern European countries that got the media attention as potential travel destinations at the end of 2010, beginning of 2011. While Bulgaria has a strong tourism tradition, for Albania, the mention could be the beginning of a much needed trend.

In Focus: Albania

Albania gives travelers a taste of the Mediterranean without the crowds and the prices, writes CNN’s A. Pawlows, citing Robert Reid. Indeed, the country’s scenic beauty could make for an unforgettable romantic holiday. Its brave peaks are a challenge for hikers and backpackers, and the Albanian sea resorts rival in beauty with some of the best, and most popular in the world.

Main Square of Tirana, Albania - photo by Lassi Kurkijärvi

This is was the country Mother Theresa called home, and by the beauty of her heart you know the beauty of the people inhabiting these historic lands. Albania is a fascinating country, with friendly people, and a rich history.

Lonely Planet recommends that you visit Gjirokastra, a city whose historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site. We tell you to adventure to Butrint as well, one of the world’s archaeological wonders – and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

On the Adriatic Coast, don’t miss Vlora, a sea resort with a rich history, known in antique times as Aulona. Beautiful beaches, a lively harbor, and the proximity to the Sazan Island and Karaburun Peninsula, make Vlora a destination not to be missed.................................

http://www.argophilia.com/news/albania-bulgaria-top-destinations-2011/21201/.

Ieronymos receives Israeli FM

Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Ieronymos on Friday received visiting Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman at the Archdiocese in Athens.

The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere, with the top Israeli diplomat citing the particular importance of dialogue between faiths.

He also extended an invitation to Ieronymos to visit Israel.

Albanian deputy PM quits amid corruption allegations

By Benet Koleka

TIRANA | Fri Jan 14, 2011 1

TIRANA (Reuters) - Albanian Deputy Prime Minister Ilir Meta resigned Friday, saying he wanted to fight allegations of corruption, after the release of a videotape appearing to show him lobbying for favors.

"I resigned from my government jobs to fight against the accusations made by the monster Dritan Prifti," Meta, who replaced Prifti as economy minister in September, told a news conference.

Meta's party is the minority coalition partner in Prime Minister Sali Berisha's government and is important for the country's political stability. Berisha said the two parties would continue to cooperate after Meta's resignation.

Wednesday, Meta gave up his immunity from prosecution to allow an investigation of allegations of corruption made during a conversation filmed by then Economy Minister Dritan Prifti, a former ally who belongs to the same political party.

Corruption has bedeviled Albania's efforts to take the first steps toward membership of the European Union. Brussels refused last year to give Albania candidate status, urging Tirana to tackle corruption and other problems first, and has called for an investigation into the allegations against Meta.

Excerpts from Prifti's videotape show Meta, a former prime minister, entering Prifti's office at the economy ministry in March, and starting to give him orders on granting favors.

The video shows Meta asking Prifti to cancel a tender by state-owned Albpetrol to help another company take part, and to give a concession for a hydro-electric plant to another company despite an ongoing court review.

Berisha denounced the video, shown on a local television station, saying it was fabricated by opposition Socialists. Meta dismissed the video as a "fabrication" and an "ugly political and moral bluff."

That line of defense appeared to weaken when Prifti showed the entire 13 minutes of the footage on primetime television on Thursday and added a number of potentially incriminating accusations against Meta.

"It was my duty to document the mafia-style pressure Ilir Meta has applied against me for more than a year, asking me to grant public tenders to whomever he chose. It was my duty to show what kind of mafioso I had to deal with," Prifti said.

"That man is the most corrupt person on Albanian soil. He has been stealing, accusing, threatening and cheating for 12 years. He has not been caught so far."

Listing a number of alleged abuses of public money, Prifti said Meta did not really want to sell the state-owned Albpetrol oil firm because he wanted to use its tenders for illegal profit.

He also said he had many more videos.

(Editing by Adam Tanner and Tim Pearce)

THE HIMARA COMMUNITY
TIRANA, ALBANIA

PRESS RELEASE

Regarding the statement of former Minister Dritan Prifti, who accuses Deputy Prime Minister Ilir Meta as the owner of a resort, in Dhermi, Himara Region, the license taken by the Company "Merkaj Construction" in an area of 300 thousand square meters.

The Himara Community, calls the Albanian government, to explain fully transparent, all activities of the Council of Territorial Adjustment, in relation to giving out the title, "Villages and tourist resorts, in Ionian Coast area, and especially in Himara Region.

Also The Himara Community, asks Himara Municipality, to introduce transparence in the community, for the title of the property that the Company "Merkaj Construction" and other, related alleged affair with the policy of the Albanian mafia, possess the legitimate documents of a place called Dhrale, in Dhermi.

We emphasize that in a very decisive and a historic moment for Himara Region, and the inhabitants in the Ionian coast, remains the registration of properties by the OSCE, for which The Himara Community, is determined to contribute that the lands, to be taken by the legal successor in the basis of the constitution of the country.

Albania Opposition Calls Protest to Oust Government

Opposition leader Edi Rama has called for a massive protest to overthrow the government of Prime Minister Sali Berisha, as the minister at the centre of a corruption scandal announces his resignation.

Besar Likmeta

Tirana

“On January 21 those who want to be saved should rise up,” Rama said during a speech of the general assembly of the Socialist Party on Friday. “Berisha and his deputy, every additional day that they put off their resignation and early elections, they only further damage their position before the people,” Rama added.

The call for a mass protest on January 21 comes after the publication of a video allegedly showing deputy prime minister Ilir Meta and former minister of economy Dritan Prifti discussing corrupt deals.

The transcripts of the videotape, the authenticity of which has not been verified, allegedly show Meta asking the former minister of economy Dritan Prifti to intervene over a hydropower plant concession tender, naming an alleged recompense by a businessman of a seven per cent stake and €700,000 bribe.

In a press conference on Friday, Meta, who also serves as minister of economy, denied any wrongdoing and announced his resignation.

Prime Minister Sali Berisha called the tape a fabrication orchestrated by opposition leader Edi Rama and added that the government “would not collapse over [spying] bugs.”

Albania Deputy PM Resigns Amid Corruption Scandal

Albanian Deputy Prime Minister Ilir Meta resigned on Friday following the publication of a video allegedly showing him and former minister of economy Dritan Prifti discussing corrupt deals.

Besar Likmeta

Tirana

Meta, who is also Albania's minister of economy, told reporters in a press conference that he had presented his resignation to Prime Minister Sali Berisha in order to face justice and prove his innocence.

“I resigned because in order to face justice it’s very important that I forfeit my government duties in order to appear before prosecutors as a regular citizen,” he said.

The transcripts of the videotape, the authenticity of which has not been verified, allegedly show Meta asking the former minister of economy Dritan Prifti to intervene over a hydropower plant concession tender, naming an alleged recompense by a businessman of a seven per cent stake and €700,000 bribe.

Meta also allegedly asks Prifti to hire activists of their party, the Socialist Movement for Integration, LSI. Meta, who is the LSI head and at the time of the recording served as deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs, also allegedly brags in the videotape about influencing a Supreme Court trial over the same hydro-power plant concession,.

Meta is overheard saying that because he is on good terms with Chief Justice Shpresa Becaj - after having hired her daughter as a diplomat at an embassy - he can influence the ruling of the court.

In repeated media appearances over the last two days Meta has denied any wrongdoing and has attempted to explain some of his comments in the videotape.

Dritan Prifti: Ilir Meta owner of a resort in Dhermi

Continues the Albanian government corruptions scandals in Himara Region

Former Government Minister Berisha, Dritan Prifti, denounced, among others, the Deputy Prime Minister of Albania Ilir Meta, even as the owner of a resort to be built in Dhermi, Himara Region.

During an interview on National Television "Top Channel", Dritan Prifti, said that, "Ilir Meta also has some illegal activity, as a tourist village in Dhermi that is building with the Company "Merkaj Construction".

The denunciation is one of the documents necessary for the Region f Himara, in wake of registration of property in this area, for which residents complain that their properties are taken from the mafia and illegal activity groups, with the help of the government and Albanian institutions.

The Statement of former Minister Prifti, opens more complicated cases, in which not only community, but also Greece, has sought through OSCE, to have a transparent process and the return of their properties in Himara Region, to legitimate owners.

The issue in this case of Prifti, opens here some questions:

1. Is aware, the Municipality of Himara, and where is the transparency for the construction of the resort from "Merkaj Construction" Company and that has taken land ownership documentation?

2. Are the property owners, a part of them live in USA and Greece, informed for "Merkaj Construction" Company, which owns an area of 300 thousand square meters in Dhralea area of Dhermi (Drymades)?

3. When it is adopted and with what permit "Merkaj Construction" Company, will start work in Dhermi?

Meanwhile, remain to denounce tourist villages in the region of Himara, for which, Dhermi, Palas, Yale and Qeparo, the Albanian Mafia in government has approved in collaboration with the Municipality of Himara, with ouit trasparence for Himara Community, during the Berisha government.

see, more:
www.shekulli.com.al
www.panorama.com.al
www.gazeta-shqip.com
http://www.merkaj-construction.com/eng/new.html