PR/CP (2006)150, 29 Nov. 2006

RIGA SUMMIT DECLARATION

Issued by the Heads of State and Government participating in the meeting of the North Atlantic Council in Riga on 29 November 2006

1. We, the Heads of State and Government of the member countries of the NorthAtlantic Alliance, reaffirm today in Riga our resolve to meet the security challenges of the 21stcentury and defend our populations and common values, while maintaining a strong collective defence as the core purpose of our Alliance. Our 26 nations are united in democracy, individual liberty and the rule of law, and faithful to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter.

2. The principle of the indivisibility of Allied security is fundamental, and our solidarity gives us the strength to meet new challenges together. In today’s evolving security environment, we confront complex, sometimes inter-related threats such as terrorism, increasingly global in scale and lethal in results, and the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and their means of delivery, as well as challenges from instability due to failed or failing states. This puts a premium on the vital role NATO plays as the essential forum for security consultation between North American and European Allies. It highlights the importance of common action against those threats, including in UN-mandated crisis response operations. It also underscores the importance of continuing transformation of NATO’s capabilities and relationships, which includes our operations and missions, strong investment in enhanced capabilities, and closer engagement with our partners, other nations and organisations. We have today endorsed our Comprehensive Political Guidance which provides a framework and political direction for NATO’s continuing transformation, setting out, for the next 10-15 years, the priorities for all Alliance capability issues, planning disciplines and intelligence.

3. From Afghanistan to the Balkans and from the Mediterranean Sea to Darfur, in sixchallenging missions and operations in three geographic regions, we are advancing peace and security and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with those who defend our common values of democracy and freedom as embodied in the Washington Treaty. We are working closely with our partners and other nations in these endeavours. We pay tribute to the professionalism and dedication of the more than fifty thousand men and women from Allied and other nations dedicated to these tasks, and extend our deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of the injured and the fallen.

4. We stand with the Government of President Karzai and the people of Afghanistan who seek to build a stable, democratic and prosperous society, free from terrorism, narcotics and fear, providing for its own security and at peace with its neighbours. Afghans have accomplished much in the last five years. Democratically elected institutions are in place, and the implementation of national reconstruction and development strategies is improving the lives of millions. We are committed to an enduring role to support the Afghan authorities, in cooperation with other international actors.

5. Contributing to peace and stability in Afghanistan is NATO’s key priority. In cooperation with Afghan National Security Forces and in coordination with other international actors, we will continue to support the Afghan authorities in meeting their responsibilities to provide security, stability and reconstruction across Afghanistan through the UN-mandated NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), respecting international law and making every effort to avoid harm to the civilian population. We reaffirm the strong solidarity of our Alliance, and pledge to ensure that ISAF has the forces, resources, and flexibility needed to ensure the mission’s continued success. Moreover, the Afghan Government and NATO are working together to develop democratically-controlled defence institutions. We have agreed today to increase our support to the training and further development of the Afghan National Army, and decided to make stronger national contributions to Afghan National Police training. We welcome the continued contribution of partners and other nations to the ISAF mission and encourage all members of the international community to contribute to this essential effort.

6. There can be no security in Afghanistan without development, and nodevelopment without security. The Afghan people have set out their security, governance, and development goals in the Afghanistan Compact, concluded with the international community at the beginning of the year. Provincial Reconstruction Teams are increasingly at the leading edge of NATO’s effort, supported by military forces capable of providing the security and stability needed to foster civilian activity. Guided by the principle of local ownership, our nations will support the Afghan Government’s National Development Strategy and its efforts to build civilian capacity and develop its institutions. We encourage other nations and international organisations, notably the UN and the World Bank, to do the same. NATO will play its full role, but cannot assume the entire burden. We welcome efforts by donor nations, the European Union (EU), and other international organisations to increase their support. We also welcome the steps already taken by the international community to improve the coordination of civilian and military activities, including dialogue between capitals and international organisations, and are convinced of the need to take this further. We encourage the UN to take a leading role in this regard in support of the Afghan Government.

7. We support the Government of Afghanistan’s work to demonstrate decisive leadership, including reaching out to the provinces, strengthening the rule of law, tackling corruption and taking resolute measures against illegal narcotics. We further recognise the need to disrupt the networks that finance, supply and equip terrorists who threaten the government and people of Afghanistan. We recognise the linkage between narcotics and insurgents in Afghanistan and will continue to support the Afghan Government’s counter-narcotics efforts, within ISAF’s mandate.

8. We call on all Afghanistan’s neighbours to act resolutely in support of the Afghan government’s efforts to build a stable and democratic country within secure borders. We particularly encourage close cooperation between Afghanistan, Pakistan and NATO, including through the Tri-Partite Commission.

9. In Kosovo, a robust UN-mandated KFOR presence has been crucial in helping to maintain security and promoting the political process. NATO will remain ready to respond quickly to any threats to the safe and secure environment. We will play our part in the implementation of the security provisions of a settlement, and cooperate closely with the population of Kosovo, the EU and other international actors to promote stability and to assist in building a Kosovo security system that is democratically controlled and ethnically representative, and that enjoys legitimacy throughout Kosovo. We attach great importance to standards implementation especially regarding the safeguarding of minority and community rights and the protection of historical and religious sites, and to combating crime and corruption. We fully support UN Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari in his efforts to conclude the process and we call on all parties to work together with the UN Special Envoy in a constructive manner, show flexibility in the process, meet the internationally endorsed standards and participate in local civic institutions. This should result in a settlement that improves stability in Southeast Europe, enhances the entire region’s prospects for integration with Euro-Atlantic institutions and is acceptable to the people of Kosovo. As in Afghanistan, success in Kosovo will depend on a concerted effort. Accordingly, NATO activity to provide a secure environment will continue to be coordinated with the activities of the UN, the EU and the OSCE to build governance and support reform.

10. Experience in Afghanistan and Kosovo demonstrates that today’s challenges require a comprehensive approach by the international community involving a wide spectrum of civil and military instruments, while fully respecting mandates and autonomy of decisions of all actors, and provides precedents for this approach. To that end, while recognising that NATO has no requirement to develop capabilities strictly for civilian purposes, we have tasked today the Council in Permanent Session to develop pragmatic proposals in time for the meeting of Foreign Ministers in April 2007 and Defence Ministers in June 2007 to improve coherent application of NATO’s own crisis management instruments as well as practical cooperation at all levels with partners, the UN and other relevant international organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations and local actors in the planning and conduct of ongoing and future operations wherever appropriate. These proposals should take into account emerging lessons learned and consider flexible options for the adjustment of NATO military and political planning procedures with a view to enhancing civil-military interface.

11. NATO’s policy of partnerships, dialogue, and cooperation is essential to the Alliance’s purpose and its tasks. It has fostered strong relationships with countries of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC), the Mediterranean Dialogue (MD), and the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI), as well as with Contact Countries. NATO's partnerships have an enduring value, contributing to stability and security across the Euro-Atlantic area and beyond. NATO's missions and operations have also demonstrated the political and operational value of these relationships: eighteen nations outside the Alliance contribute forces and provide support to our operations and missions, and others have expressed interest in working more closely with NATO.

12. With this in mind, we task the Council in Permanent Session to further develop this policy, in particular to:

· fully develop the political and practical potential of NATO’s existing cooperation programmes: EAPC/Partnership for Peace (PfP), MD and ICI, and its relations with Contact Countries, in accordance with the decisions of our Istanbul Summit;

· increase the operational relevance of relations with non-NATO countries, including interested Contact Countries; and in particular to strengthen NATO’s ability to work with those current and potential contributors to NATO operations and mission, who share our interests and values;

· increase NATO’s ability to provide practical advice on, and assistance in, the defence and security-related aspects of reform in countries and regions where NATO is engaged.

13. Together, we will pursue these objectives, subject to North Atlantic Council (NAC) decisions, by:

· making consultations with PfP Partners more focused and reflective of priorities, including by adapting the EAPC process and by making full use of the different formats of NATO’s interaction with Partners, as provided for in the EAPC Basic Document and agreed at our Prague and Istanbul Summits;

· enabling the Alliance to call ad-hoc meetings as events arise with those countries who contribute to or support our operations and missions politically, militarily and in other ways and those who are potential contributors, considering their interest in specific regions where NATO is engaged. This will be done using flexible formats for consultation meetings of Allies with one or more interested partners (members the EAPC, MD or the ICI) and/or interested Contact Countries, based on the principles of inclusiveness, transparency and self-differentiation;

· strengthening NATO’s ability to work effectively with individual countries by opening up for consideration those partnership tools currently available to EAPC countries to our partners in the MD and the ICI, as well as interested Contact Countries, on a case-by-case basis.

14. We will continue to follow closely how all Partners fulfil their commitments to the values and principles they have adhered to under the EAPC and the PfP. We reiterate the right of any Partner to seek consultations with the Alliance. We welcome the progress made by Individual Partnership Action Plan countries and encourage further reform efforts. We commend the initiatives to strengthen cooperation, security and stability in the Black Sea region and will continue to support the regional efforts to this end.

15. We welcome the progress achieved in implementing the more ambitious and expanded framework for the Mediterranean Dialogue (MD) agreed at our Istanbul Summit, and we remain committed to it, including through the decisions we have taken today.

16. We also look forward to using the new pragmatic approach we have adopted today to enhance our relationship with MD and ICI countries as well as interested ContactCountries.

17. Since our Istanbul Summit, NATO’s expertise in training has developed further while our partnership with the nations in the broader Middle East region has matured and grown in importance to NATO operations and missions. In this light, we have today launched the NATO Training Cooperation Initiative in the modernisation of defence structures and the training of security forces. The Alliance stands ready, in the spirit of joint ownership, and taking into account available resources, to share its training expertise with our MD and ICI partners from the broader region of the Middle East. Through an evolutionary and phased approach building on existing structures and programmes, we will set up to the benefit of our partners and NATO nations an expanding network of NATOtraining activities. An initial phase will include expanding the participation of these partners in relevant existing NATO training and education programmes, partnershipactivities, and Allied training facilities to meet Allies’ and partners’ needs, as well as the establishment of a Middle East faculty at the NATO Defense College. As a second phase, NATO could consider supporting the establishment of a Security Cooperation Centre in the region, to be owned by the MD and ICI countries, with regional funding and NATO assistance. A decision on contributing to the establishment of such a NATO supported centre would be based on overall political considerations, appropriate preparatory work by the Alliance and with partners, and experience gained in all aspects of the initial phase. Various sources of funding, including voluntary funding, for example trustfunds, will be considered. We look forward to the timely implementation of this initiative, in close consultation with our partners.

18. All Allies continue to contribute to the NATO mission in Iraq, consistent with UnitedNations Security Council Resolution 1546, to support the Iraqi security forces through training, in or out of the country, equipping, or contributing to trust funds. Our training mission is a demonstration of our support for the Iraqi people and their government, and for the stability, democratic development, unity and territorial integrity of the Republic of Iraq, in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. In response to a request from the Prime Minister of Iraq, we have asked the NATO Military Authorities to develop additional niche training options to support Iraqi security forces where military expertise is required, within the mandate of the NATOTraining Mission-Iraq. This demonstrates our continued commitment to help Iraq build effective and sustainable multi-ethnic security forces.

19. We are deeply concerned by the continued fighting in Darfur as well as the worsening humanitarian situation and call on all parties to abide by the ceasefire. We are concerned about the regional implications of the conflict. We welcome the conclusions of the 16 November 2006 meeting in Addis Ababa for an African Union (AU) / UN hybrid peacekeeping mission and urge the Government of Sudan to implement them. NATO continues to support the ongoing AU mission and is ready, following consultation with and the agreement of the AU, to broaden that support. The Alliance is committed to continued coordination with all actors involved, in particular the AU, the UN and the EU, including with respect to possible support for a follow-on mission with airlift and training.

20. We strongly condemn terrorism, whatever its motivations or manifestations, and will fight it together as long as necessary, in accordance with international law and UNprinciples. The Alliance continues to provide an essential transatlantic dimension to the response against terrorism. Operation Active Endeavour, our maritime operation in the Mediterranean, continues to make an important contribution to the fight against terrorism and we welcome the support of partner countries which has further enhanced its effectiveness. We remain committed to our dialogue and cooperation with our partners and other international organisations to fight terrorism, and reiterate our determination to protect our populations, territories, infrastructure and forces against the consequences of terrorist attacks. We commend NATO’s Defence Against Terrorism initiatives, including development of cutting-edge technologies to counter terrorist threats, such as defending Allied forces in Afghanistan from Improvised Explosive Devices. We call upon Allies to continue to develop and fully implement their national capabilities in this important area, and to strengthen the Alliance’s ability to share information and intelligence on terrorism, especially in support of NATO operations.

21. We support the promotion of common values, reform, and dialogue, among different peoples and cultures. In this regard, we acknowledge the initiative on an “Alliance of Civilisations” launched by the UN Secretary General, and the G8“Forum for the Future” initiative.

22. Continuing defence transformation is essential to ensure that the Alliance remains able to perform its full range of missions, including collective defence and crisis response operations. Our operations in Afghanistan and the Balkans confirm that NATO needs modern, highly capable forces forces that can move quickly to wherever they are needed upon decision by the NAC. Building on our decisions at the Summits in Prague and Istanbul, much has already been done to make Alliance forces more capable and usable. We will strengthen capabilities further in accordance with the direction and priorities of the Comprehensive Political Guidance.

23. The establishment of the NATO Response Force (NRF) which today is at full operational capability has been a key development. It plays a vital part in the Alliance’s response to a rapidly emerging crisis. It also serves as a catalyst for transformation and interoperability and will enhance the overall quality of our armed forces, not only for NATO, but also for EU, UN or national purposes. We support the improved implementation of the agreed NRF concept through mechanisms to enhance long term force generation, and steps to allow for a more sustainable and transparent approach to maintain the capability of the force in the future.

24. The adaptation of our forces must continue. We have endorsed a set of initiatives to increase the capacity of our forces to address contemporary threats and challenges. These include:

· improving our ability to conduct and support multinational joint expeditionary operations far from home territory with little or no host nation support and to sustain them for extended periods. This requires forces that are fully deployable, sustainable and interoperable and the means to deploy them;

· commitments to increase strategic airlift, crucial to the rapid deployment of forces, to address identified persistent shortages. Multinational initiatives by NATO members and Partners include the already operational Strategic Airlift Interim Solution; the intent of a consortium to pool C-17 airlift assets, and offers to coordinate support structures for A-400M strategic airlift. Nationally, Allies have or plan to acquire a large number of C-17 and A-400M aircraft. There have also been significant developments in the collective provision of sealift since the PragueSummit;

· the launch of a special operations forces transformation initiative aimed at increasing their ability to train and operate together, including through improving equipment capabilities;

· ensuring the ability to bring military support to stabilisation operations and reconstruction efforts in all phases of a crisis, as required and as set out in the Comprehensive Political Guidance, drawing on lessons learned and emerging from current operations on the added value of such military support;

· work to develop a NATO Network Enabled Capability to share information, data and intelligence reliably, securely and without delay in Alliance operations, while improving protection of our key information systems against cyber attack; · the activation of an Intelligence Fusion Centre to improve information and intelligence sharing for Alliance operations;

· continuing progress in the Alliance Ground Surveillance programme, with a view to achieving real capabilities to support Alliance forces;

· continuing efforts to develop capabilities to counter chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats;

· transforming the Alliance’s approach to logistics, in part through greater reliance on multinational solutions;

· efforts to ensure that the command structure is lean, efficient and more effective; and

· the signature of the first major contract for a NATO Active Layered Theatre Ballistic Missile Defence system which is a major step towards improving the protection of deployed NATO forces.

25. At Prague we initiated a Missile Defence Feasibility Study in response to the increasing missile threat. We welcome its recent completion. It concludes that missile defence is technically feasible within the limitations and assumptions of the study. We tasked continued work on the political and military implications of missile defence for the Alliance including an update on missile threat developments.

26. We are committed to continuing to provide, individually and collectively, the resources that are necessary to allow our Alliance to perform the tasks that we demand from it. Therefore, we encourage nations whose defence spending is declining to halt that decline and to aim to increase defence spending in real terms. As set out in the Comprehensive Political Guidance, the development of capabilities will not be possible without the commitment of sufficient resources. Those resources should be used efficiently and focused on the priorities identified in the Comprehensive Political Guidance.

27. We endorse the drive for greater efficiency and effectiveness in NATO Headquarters and its funding practices.

28. In the Western Balkans, Euro-Atlantic integration, based on solidarity and democratic values, remains necessary for long-term stability. This requires cooperation in the region, good-neighbourly relations, and working towards mutually acceptable solutions to outstanding issues.

29. NATO’s ongoing enlargement process has been an historic success in advancing stability, peace and cooperation in Europe and the vision of a Europe whole, free, and at peace. In keeping with our pledge to maintain an open door to the admission of additional Alliance members in the future, we reaffirm that NATO remains open to new Europeanmembers under Article 10 of the North Atlantic Treaty. The Membership Action Plan (MAP) is a crucial stage in preparing countries for possible NATO membership. All European democratic countries may be considered for MAP or admission, subject to decisions by the NAC at each stage, based on the performance of these countries towards meeting the objectives of the North Atlantic Treaty. We direct that NATO Foreign Ministers keep that process under continual review and report to us.

30. We welcome the efforts of Albania, Croatia, and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to prepare themselves for the responsibilities and obligations of membership. We commend their increasing contributions to international peacekeeping and security operations as well as their common efforts to advance regional cooperation. At our next summit in 2008, the Alliance intends to extend further invitations to those countries who meet NATO’s performance based standards and are able to contribute to Euro-Atlantic security and stability.

31. We welcome the improved conduct of Parliamentary elections in Albania in July 2005. Sustained efforts to combat corruption and organised crime are of critical importance. We encourage continued progress, particularly on the rule of law and defence reforms.

32. We welcome Croatia’s full cooperation with International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and its significant progress in furthering political, economic, rule of law and defence reform, which must be sustained, and encourage further efforts to ensure that its membership aspirations are backed by stronger popular support.

33. We welcome the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia’s successful conduct of Parliamentary elections in 2006, and the strong efforts to deepen political, economic, defence, rule of law and judicial reform, which must be sustained.

34. We firmly believe that Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia can offer valuable contributions to regional stability and security. We strongly support the ongoing reform processes and want to encourage further positive developments in the region on its path towards Euro-Atlantic integration.

35. NATO will further enhance cooperation on defence reform with Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia, and will offer advice and assistance as Montenegro builds its defence capabilities.

36. Taking into account the importance of long term stability in the Western Balkans and acknowledging the progress made so far by Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia, we have today invited these three countries to join Partnership for Peace and the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council. In taking this step, we reaffirm the importance we attach to the values and principles set out in the EAPC and PfP basic documents, and notably expect Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina to cooperate fully with the ICTY. We will closely monitor their respective efforts in this regard.

37. We reaffirm that the Alliance will continue with Georgia and Ukraine its Intensified Dialogues which cover the full range of political, military, financial, and security issues relating to those countries’ aspirations to membership, without prejudice to any eventual Alliance decision.

38. We reaffirm the importance of the NATO-Ukraine Distinctive Partnership, which has its 10th anniversary next year and welcome the progress that has been made in the framework of our Intensified Dialogue. We appreciate Ukraine’s substantial contributions to our common security, including through participation in NATO-led operations and efforts to promote regional cooperation. We encourage Ukraine to continue to contribute to regional security. We are determined to continue to assist, through practical cooperation, in the implementation of far-reaching reform efforts, notably in the fields of national security, defence, reform of the defence-industrial sector and fighting corruption.

39. We welcome the commencement of an Intensified Dialogue with Georgia as well as Georgia’s contribution to international peacekeeping and security operations. We will continue to engage actively with Georgia in support of its reform process. We encourage Georgia to continue progress on political, economic and military reforms, including strengthening judicial reform, as well as the peaceful resolution of outstanding conflicts on its territory. We reaffirm that it is of great importance that all parties in the region should engage constructively to promote regional peace and stability.

40. The NATO-Russia partnership remains a strategic element in fostering security in the Euro-Atlantic area. As we look towards the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Founding Act and the 5th anniversary of the NATO-Russia Council (NRC) in May 2007, we welcome progress made in intensifying political dialogue and practical cooperation between NATO and Russia, and believe that the cooperative agenda set forth in the May2002 Rome Declaration has not yet achieved its full potential. Much work remains to be done to this end, and we call on Russia to join us in enhancing our cooperation on key security issues, including the fight against terrorism. We look forward to Russia’s early ratification of the PfP Status of Forces Agreement, which would facilitate the further intensification of our practical cooperation, in particular military-to-military projects. We value Russia’s contribution to Operation Active Endeavour, and our practical cooperation in countering narcotics trafficking in Afghanistan and Central Asia. We are prepared to strengthen and deepen cooperation within the NRC by making its existing structures more effective, and to continue working together as equal partners in areas of common concern and interest where our cooperation can provide added value, as envisaged by the Rome Declaration.

41. NATO and the EU share common values and strategic interests. NATO-EU relations cover a wide range of issues of common interest relating to security, defence and crisis management, including the fight against terrorism, the development of coherent and mutually reinforcing military capabilities, and civil emergency planning. Our successful cooperation in the Western Balkans, including through the Berlin Plus arrangements regarding EU operation Althea, is contributing to peace and security. We will strive for improvements in the NATO-EU strategic partnership as agreed by our two organisations, to achieve closer cooperation and greater efficiency, and avoid unnecessary duplication, in a spirit of transparency and respecting the autonomy of the two organisations. A stronger EU will further contribute to our common security.

42. We reaffirm our commitment to the CFE Treaty as a cornerstone of European security and to the early entry into force of the Adapted Treaty, which would permit accession by new States Parties. The 3rd Review Conference underscored the vital importance we attach to the CFE Treaty and we are determined to maintain our constructive approach to conventional arms control. Fulfilment of the remaining Istanbul commitments on the Republic of Georgia and the Republic of Moldova will create the conditions for Allies and other States Parties to move forward on ratification of the Adapted CFE Treaty. We welcome the important agreement signed by Russia and Georgia on 31March 2006 on the withdrawal of Russian forces, and the progress made since then. We note with regret the continued lack of progress on withdrawal of Russian military forces from the Republic of Moldova and we call upon Russia to resume and complete its withdrawal as soon as possible.

43. We regret the persistence of regional conflicts in the South Caucasus and the Republic of Moldova. Our nations support the territorial integrity, independence, and sovereignty of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and the Republic of Moldova. We support continued efforts to achieve peaceful settlements to the conflicts involving these countries.

44. We fully support the United Nations Security Council’s determination that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s nuclear test constitutes a clear threat to international peace and security and the Council’s demand that the Iranian government suspend all enrichment-related and reprocessing activities including research and development to be verified by the International Atomic Energy Agency. We expect that both governments comply fully with the demands of relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. We express our support to ongoing diplomatic efforts in this respect. We reiterate that the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty remains the cornerstone of non-proliferation and disarmament, and call for the full compliance with it by all States Parties to the Treaty. We reaffirm that arms control and non-proliferation will continue to play a major role in preventing the spread and use of Weapons of Mass Destruction and their means of delivery. Current proliferation challenges underline the importance of strengthening national measures, implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540, and existing multilateral non-proliferation and export control regimes and international arms control and disarmament accords, including the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention, the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Hague Code of Conduct against the Proliferation of Ballistic Missiles.

45. As underscored in NATO’s Strategic Concept, Alliance security interests can also be affected by the disruption of the flow of vital resources. We support a coordinated, international effort to assess risks to energy infrastructures and to promote energy infrastructure security. With this in mind, we direct the Council in Permanent Session to consult on the most immediate risks in the field of energy security, in order to define those areas where NATO may add value to safeguard the security interests of the Allies and, upon request, assist national and international efforts.

46. We express our deep appreciation for the gracious hospitality extended to us by our Latvian hosts. Here in Latvia, a nation whose accession to NATO has strengthened security for all in the Euro-Atlantic area and brought us closer to our common goal of a Europe whole and free, united in peace and by common values, we have reaffirmed the indispensable link between North America and Europe, and underlined our commitment to the continuing transformation of our Alliance. The decisions we have taken together, along with the work we have directed, demonstrate that the Alliance is adapting to the 21st century security environment, through its operations, transformed defence capabilities and deeper engagements with countries in and beyond the Euro-Atlantic Area, as well as continued internal reform. These efforts will strengthen our mission in Afghanistan and the Alliance’s ability to meet further challenges. We will meet next in Spring 2008 in order to assess progress, and give further direction to NATO’s ongoing transformation, including our enlargement process.

1.Turkey recognises the Republic of Macedonia with its constitutional name.

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ICTY - TRIBUNALET I HAAG

Verserende sager vedr. Kosovo: Anklageskrifter og udskrifter af retsmøderne kan findes på: http://www.un.org/icty/cases-e/index-e.htm

ICTY vs Slobodan Milosevic, (IT-02-54). Sagen er afsluttet uden dom pga Milosevic' død 11.03.2006

ICTY vs Fatmir Limaj et al. (IT-03-66). Der er fældet dom, se nærmere i # 284

ICTY vs Ramush Haradinaj (IT-04-84). Haradinaj er løsladt (på visse betingelser) indtil sagen skal for Retten.

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BALKAN LANDE, LANDE VED ØSTLIGE MIDDELHAV

BALKAN GENERELT



Udsnit af EU's Europakort 2004. [Udsnittet kan forstørres ved at klikke på det]. Kortet indgår i en præsentationsbrochure, der kan downloades som pdf fra: http://europa.eu.int/comm/publications/booklets/eu_glance/20/da.pdf.

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KOSÓVA

Bynavne: Angives der to navne på samme lokalitet, er den Albanske nævnt først. Se oversigten på: http://bjoerna.dk/kosova/byer.htm • Rapporter fra FNs Generalsekretær • 040616 SG Kofi Annan udtaler at han agter at udpege Søren Jessen-Petersen som 5' SRSG. Søren Jessen-Petersen blev senere udpeget og tiltrådte i Kosóva 040816. Søren Jessen-Petersen fratræder igen i slutningen af juni 2006 • 0308 Harri Holkeri tiltrådte som 4' SRSG. Fratrådt 0406 af helbredsmæssige grunde. • 020214 Michael Steiner tiltrådte i Kosova som 3' SRSG og fratrådte i begyndelsen af 0307. • En biografi over 2' SRSG Hans Hækkerup kan læses på Danske Politikere. En anmeldelse af hans bog »Kosovos mange ansigter« indgår i »Albansk Almanak 2004« • Constitutional Framework for Provisional Self-Government. • Kosova's Regering. • Webside vedr. 2004-valgene


Parlamentsvalget 2004, se: http://kosovoelections.org/eng/. Præsidenten - Ibrahim Rugóva - blev genvalgt efter valget af Parlamentet the Assembly; han døde 21.01.2006. Ny præsident er Fatmir Sejdiu


PM Agim Çeku har offentliggjort flg. artikel:

Venstre side: PM Agim Çeku, SRSG Joachim Rücker, Police Commissioner Stephen Curtis og (højre side:) KFOR Commander Lt-Gen. Roland Kather. Photo:_ UNMIK/DPI.

Just as it seemed that the Balkans were finally turning the corner, we are instead entering another period of stagnation, delay and uncertainty. A United Nations decision on Kosovo's status, originally expected before the end of this year, has been postponed. The expectations in Kosovo are high. Kosovo is hungry for independence, Kosovo is ready for independence, and now is not the time to stop the clock.

We need to keep the process of statehood on track. Kosovo needs clarity to complete reforms and to attract vital international investments, but also so that our people -- and especially our Serb minority -- can escape the debilitating worries and uncertainty and start to build a future. Their home and future are in Kosovo.

There are two things we must do in Kosovo to succeed as a progressive and a modern independent state. First, we should further improve our institutions to achieve more transparency and a functioning legal system. Second, we need a broad political commitment to development and modernization.

Independence is only the first step and, in itself, is insufficient to provide for Kosovo's future. Kosovo needs a clear perspective for European Union membership. We can only succeed within this framework. This above all means prioritizing economic revitalization in the post-independence period. Nothing short of an economic boom will get us up to speed; the EU train will not wait for Kosovo, or the rest of the region for that matter. The biggest problem in the Western Balkans is economic malaise.

It is the Kosovars, not Belgrade, who have a real interest and stake in seeing Kosovo succeed. Moderate Serbs have long lost interest in Kosovo. Only those desperate for cheap, nationalist rhetorical points claim to care about it. Belgrade offers no vision, no economic or European agenda to the people of Kosovo. Increasing numbers of Serbs, especially those living in Kosovo, are beginning to see beyond this bankrupt world view.

I have no doubt that seeing Kosovo become independent will be a difficult new reality for Serbia. But it is the only way. Belgrade is not interested in investing in the development of Kosovo, and Kosovo is not interested in a political union with Serbia. But we are interested in developing a productive bilateral partnership with Serbia, just as we're doing with our other neighbors.

Social and economic progress in the region will be the big losers if we don't make the bold step forward to independence. The entire Western Balkan region needs a kick start in order to catch the EU train and catch up with the awesome economic growth of our EU-bound neighbors Romania and Bulgaria. This is the only way forward and the only way into the EU. Globalization is a reality which won't pause so we can get ready. The pace is being set in Asia, but transition will have to happen here in the Western Balkans if we wish to compete.

Most of us in the Balkans share a common vision about our future -- we want to get into the EU as fast as possible. The way to do it is through reforms. This wasn't an easy process for the Baltic countries. It wasn't easy for Eastern and Central Europe. And it won't be easy for the Balkan states either. The region needs to find its comparative advantage in Europe and in the global market. It will do so as soon as we settle the final status of Kosovo.

Can Kosovo survive? Sure. If we reform, we'll do very well. My government has adopted a proactive "3E" plan for Kosovo based on energy, economy and education. With large deposits of coal, Kosovo can in a few years become a net electricity exporter. With the right technology we can even do this with an environmental face.

The economy is picking up. There is no currency risk in Kosovo now that we've adopted the euro. We have privatized around 90% of the asset value of all state-owned enterprises. The financial sector has already been privatized, and we are now attracting new investments into the telecom and energy sectors. Much remains to be done, including cleaning up corruption in the courts, but we're on the right track.

We have a young population and a positive birth rate. Given the shortages in the EU labor market due to negative demographic trends, Kosovo can help fill the void. To do so, we need to retrain our work force. Hence we're now investing in education.

The EU is facing a crisis, and it needs time to consolidate and reset its internal political balances. However, this is no reason to lose sight of its strategic goal: a Europe whole and free. Right now this is still not the reality, at least not in the Western Balkans.

Pressemeddelelser fra UNMIK:

SRSG discusses with Prime Minister and COMKFOR Kosovo’s agenda in the context of the status process

PRISTINA – Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Kosovo (SRSG) Joachim Rücker this evening had a trilateral meeting with Prime Minister Agim Çeku and COMKFOR Lt.-Gen. Roland Kather. Discussions focused on the latest developments in the status process and the priorities that confront the Kosovo leadership, UNMIK and KFOR in the run up to a determination of Kosovo’s status.

The SRSG stressed that there are many compelling reasons to come to clarity on Kosovo’s status as soon as possible. “It is, therefore, important not to loose the momentum and to keep the status process on track. To this end, UNMIK welcomes the continued commitment of UN Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari and members of the Contact Group to seeing an early conclusion of the status process,” he said.

The SRSG briefed his interlocutors on his meetings with several Kosovo political leaders over the weekend where he underlined that it is imperative that all stakeholders in Kosovo remain committed to the process and continue to support the work of the Special Envoy through to its conclusion. “The Special Envoy has brought the status process a long way forward this year, and the constructive engagement and the unity of the Kosovo Negotiating Team have substantially contributed to this end. Kosovo’s engagement in the process must continue in the same spirit,” said the SRSG.

He added: “It is paramount that all Kosovo leaders continue to fully subscribe to the Guiding Principles set out by the Contact Group in November 2005. Any statements that allude to Kosovo taking unilateral actions are in contradiction to the Contact Group’s Guiding Principles. Such statements can undermine support for Kosovo at this crucial time.”

“It is important that Kosovo leaders continue to reach out to the minority communities and work to promote reconciliation and dialogue. All communities should exercise restraint and show understanding at this sensitive stage of the status process,” the SRSG said.


UNMIK Countdown

Note to Editors: With UNMIK in its final phase before status resolution, the Division of Public Information senses an increasing historical focus by local and international media on Kosovo. Therefore, in this special series of weekly press releases starting today, we offer news and information about the UN Mission in Kosovo during the past seven years. The press releases will seek to provide useful information about UNMIK, including quotes from officials as well as photos and web links.

In June 1999, following a 78 day-long NATO campaign, the United Nations was tasked to govern Kosovo through its Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), with an unprecedented sweeping mandate to provide Kosovo with a “transitional administration while establishing and overseeing the development of provisional democratic self-governing institutions to ensure conditions for a peaceful and normal life for all inhabitants in Kosovo”.

In accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1244, UNMIK established an international presence in Kosovo. Over the seven years since, as Kosovo’s Provisional Institutions of Self Government (PISG) were established and gained capacity to assume more responsibilities, UNMIK has moved back from an executive role to one of monitoring and support to local institutions. UNMIK, in its present form, is now into its final chapter before status resolution.

The transformation in UNMIK’s role is reflected in winding up of the UN’s two substantive Pillars dealing with the Rule of Law and Civil Administration, with these functions now assimilated within the Office of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG). Under the leadership of SRSG Joachim Rücker, UNMIK’s structure currently comprises the Democratization and Institution Building Pillar (OSCE) and the Reconstruction and Economic Development Pillar (European Union). Amb. Werner Wnendt heads the OSCE Pillar and Head of the EU Pillar is Acting Deputy SRSG Paul Acda.

Mandated to facilitate economic development in Kosovo, the EU Pillar includes the Central Banking Authority of Kosovo (CBAK), the Fiscal Affairs Office (FAO), the Kosovo Trust Agency (KTA) and the UNMIK Customs Service. The OSCE mission in Kosovo, currently the largest OSCE field operation, is mandated to promote institution- and democracy-building, human rights and the rule of law through its specialised Departments and a field presence across Kosovo.

As of 31 October 2006, UNMIK has 2,001 national and 506 international staff (not including the EU and OSCE staff), down from a peak of 3,626 national and 1,174 international staff in the early years of the Mission (for more UNMIK staff figures see attachment). In addition there are 1,895 UNMIK Civilian Police personnel including 500 from the Special Police Units. The UNMIK budget for fiscal year 2005-06 (until 30 June 2006) was US$ 239,889,800. For 200607 the budget stands at US$ 217,962,000.

Ugerapport fra Dansk KFOR. Hærens Operative Kommando skriver (på http://www.hok.dk/):

Vinteren står for døren

KOSOVO: Omslag i vejret betyder rysten i bukserne over aflyste flyafgange.

27-11-2006 kl. 11:43

Af forskellige

Temperaturen er faldet drastisk og de klare, men kølige solskinsdage er blevet afløst af gråt og diset vejr, hvilket har fået soldater med nært forestående leave til at ryste i bukserne, idet tåge kan forårsage, at flyafgange fra Pristina bliver aflyst med kort varsel, og det er ikke spor sjovt at stå forventningsfuld i lufthavnen og så få at vide, at flyet er aflyst.

To klare tegn på vinterens komme har manifesteret sig i og omkring den danske bataljons ansvarsområde: Oversergent Kjær fra administrationssektionen går ikke længere i de af forsvaret udleverede camouflageshorts, og der er observeret bjørne i nabolaget. Soldaterne har på udmærket vis kunnet håndtere oversergenten i shorts, hvorimod lokalbefolkningen har et lidt mere anstrengt forhold til bjørne… af ganske naturlige årsager.

En bjørn, der ikke havde kunnet tage sig sammen til at gå i hi, havde forvildet sig ned i nærheden af en lille landsby umiddelbart vest for det danske ansvarsområde, og ihærdige forsøg på at lokke dyret til de dybe skove var mislykkedes. Af hensyn til lokalbefolkningens sikkerhed blev det derfor besluttet at hidkalde nogle jægere, der med velrettede skud sendte den vrangvillige bamse til de evige jagtmarker.

To unavngivne majorer fra bataljonen mente sig ganske velkvalificerede til at kunne have løst denne opgave, idet den ene major kunne dokumentere, at han havde ombragt en mus med brødkniv, og den anden kunne føre flere vidner på, at han med sin tjenestepistol havde udfriet en trafikkvæstet hund fra yderligere lidelser.

Bortset fra disse drabelige begivenheder er situationen i danske ansvarsområde ganske rolig. Politikere på såvel albansk som serbisk side har kørt "det tunge skyts" i stilling for at overbevise især det internationale samfund om, at lige netop deres visioner for Kosovos fremtid er de rigtige. Imidlertid afstedkommer deres farverige manifestationer ikke den store respons blandt den lokale befolkning, hvor problemer med at skaffe til dagen og vejen fylder mest.

Fokus for den kommende uge vil være den kosovoalbanske flagdag, som finder sted 28. november. Dagen festligholdes med sportskonkurrencer, fester samt kransenedlæggelser ved forskellige monumenter.

Begivenheder, hvor store folkemængder samles, får naturligvis den danske bataljon til at skærpe opmærksomheden, og vi er klar til at være på pletten, hvis det måtte vise sig nødvendigt.

Militærpolitiet beretter fra en begivenhedsrig uge

Så er der igen gået et par uger her i Kosovo. Moralen er stadig høj, og om end det har været en forholdsvis rolig periode, er der altid opgaver for en MP'er. Militærpolitistationens facade har siden hold 15 kom her til Camp Olaf Rye trængt til en kærlig hånd. Sergenterne ved MP har således gennem den seneste tid både skiftet facadeplader samt ændret lidt på udsmykningen. Det har været hårdt fysisk arbejde, som har haft større indflydelse på nogen end på andre. Arbejdet har dog fra flere sider fået rosende ord med på vejen, og arbejdet vil fortsætte videre.

Foruden vedligeholdelse af egne gemakker, har der fra sanitetsdelingens side været tilbud om vedligeholdende uddannelse. Det er noget, der er særdeles velkommen hos MP, og alle har da også gennem den seneste tid gennemført øvelser i at anlægge drop. Det forholder sig sådan, at MP som "første mand" på et uheldsted skal være i stand til blandt andet at lægge venflon, altså et drop. Ikke alle fandt omgangen med de spidse nåle lige morsom, men som så meget andet er det et nødvendigt onde, for som sergent ved militærpolitiet at kunne varetage jobbet som MP'er.

Nok engang har der været der været fællesskydning. I denne periode har det dog i lige så høj grad været fremvisning af, hvilke våben dansk militærpoliti ligger inde med og vil gøre brug af i tilfælde af, at optøjer skulle opstå. Denne gang var det i selskab af det tyske civile politi, samt en mindre gruppe tyske soldater. Navnlig brug af tåregas blev forevist den solrige eftermiddag. De tyske kollegaer var imponerede over effekten og hvilke muligheder, det danske forsvar ligger inde med, når det kommer til bevæbningen af deres soldater. Endnu en succesfuld eftermiddag.

Støtte til Virksomheder, Italien og EBRD vil yde lån på 3 mio Euro til Kosovos Nye Bank:

EBRD and Italy support entrepreneurial growth in Kosovo

€3 million loan enables NBK to onlend finance to MSMEs

Entrepreneurs across Kosovo will have more access to finance to build new or expand existing businesses with the support of a total €3 million loan from the EBRD and the Italian government to the New Bank of Kosovo.

The loan will enable NBK to onlend finance to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). The loan is being provided under the EBRD-Italy Western Balkans Local Enterprise Facility, consisting of a €20 million EBRD commitment and €10 million Italian commitment to provide equity and debt financing to local enterprises in the Western Balkans. Technical assistance will also be provided to support NBK in its lending activities and to develop tailored credit skills, increase outreach to MSME clients, and to develop new loan products. It will also help improve risk management and strategic business planning.

NBK is also expected shortly to join the EBRD Trade Facilitation Programme, which supports trade to, from and within the Bank’s 29 countries of operations. By joining the TFP, NBK will optimise its trade services to its clients by offering trade finance products without cash collateral and support cross-border trade with longer tenors. NBK will become the second bank in the TFP programme in Kosovo, therefore increasing competition in the local market and providing more opportunities for local SME clients.

Claudio Viezzoli, EBRD Director for the Western Balkans, said this loan is helping to build a sector which is the main driver of economic growth in Kosovo. As well as helping the New Bank of Kosovo to finance more entrepreneurs, the loan is helping to fuel competition among the many institutions supporting micro and small businesses. This will ultimately benefit the entrepreneurs, said Mr Viezzoli.

NBK General Manager, Albert Lumezi, said the relationship with the EBRD confirms the progressive changes of the bank and it gives strong support for future development. Through the EBRD loan NBK will expand further its product range with competitive tenors for MSMEs. The Technical Assistance and Trade Facilitation Programmes will also help increase the bank’s efficiency and quality of products and services for NBK customers, he said.

The EBRD was one of the first International Financial Institutions to begin operating in Kosovo following the conflict in 1999 and set up a local office in Prishtina in 2001 to promote investments and economic growth. To date the Bank has supported five projects in the financial sector.

The New Bank of Kosovo is the fourth largest bank in Kosovo, operating as a commercial and savings bank offering products and services to all categories of customers. With its headquarters in Prishtina, the bank employees 255 staff members in 7 branches and fifteen offices across Kosovo.

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ØST KOSÓVA / PRESEVO-DALEN / SYD-SERBIEN


For nemheds skyld bruges betegnelsen Øst Kosóva / Presevo-dalen om det omstridte område med byerne: Presheva, Medvegja og Bujanoci (Albansk stavemåde). Ca. 75 % af befolkningen skønnes at være etniske Albanere - måske omkring 70.000. En modstandsgruppe har tidligere været i funktion, men synes nu at være »lukket ned«. Gruppen kaldtes i forkortet form UCPMB (som står for noget i retning af: Ushtria Clirimtare e Presheva, Medvegja dhe Bujanoci; på Engelsk: Liberation Army of Presheva, Medvegja and Bujanoci). Gruppen sagde at den intet havde at gøre med Kosova's UCK, og at den var en lokal gruppe.

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ALBANIEN




Klik på kortet, hvis du vil have det forstørret / click http://bjoerna.dk/kort/Albanien.gif to enlarge it


Info fra Albaniens Statistik: Befolkningstal: 3,1 Mio (1.1.2004). GDP (Gross Domestic Product): 630 Mia Lek (2002, current prices); GDP-structure: Agriculture: 26 %, Industry 10-11 %, Construction: 7-8 %, Services: 55-56 %. Export: 54 mia lek (2003) [heraf til Danmark: 23 mio lek; størrelsesorden 1,2 mio kr], Import: 226 mia lek (2003) [Heraf fra Danmark: 855 mio lek; størrelsesorden: 45-50 mio kr], Tradedeficit: 171 mia lek (2003). Største import fra Italien (75 mia lek) og Grækenland (45 mia lek), største eksport til Italien (40 mia lek). Unemployment: 14-15 % (2004-III)





Seneste handelstal: Maj 2006: http://bjoerna.net/sidste-nyt/313.htm#Handelsbalance [Bemærk ændring i farvekoder]


Meddelelser til udlændinge fra det Albanske Indenrigsministerium. Det Engelske Udenrigsministeriums 'Country Advice' til rejsende kan findes på adressen: http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket%2FXcelerate%2FShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029390590&a=KCountryAdvice&aid=1013618385522. Det Danske UM har pt ingen rejsevejledning, men henviser til det Engelske UM. Den Norske Ambassade kan findes på: http://www.norvegji.org/. Det Amerikanske UM har Juni 2004 offentliggjort en 'Background Note' om Albanien: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3235.htm


Mother Teresa: http://bjoerna.dk/albanien/Teresa.htm.


Parlamentsvalget i 2005 [Præsidenten vælges af Parlamentet for 5 år, næste gang i 2007]: Se nærmere i: http://bjoerna.net/sidste-nyt/265.htm


Præsident Moisiu's aktiviteter [Billederne i denne sektion kan som regel forstørres ved at klikke på dem (mens man er på nettet)]


Præsident Moisiu har ytret sig positivt om NATO's Riga-resolution, specielt pkt. 30 og frem. Præsidentkontoret har udsendt flg.:

President Moisiu hails the Riga Summit final declaration.

November 30, 2006

The President of the Republic, Alfred Moisiu hails and appreciates the final declaration of the Riga Summit, on November 29, 2006 in which the Alliance after positively praising the efforts of Albania in the framework of its preparation to take on the responsibilities and obligations in the Atlantic integration process, aims to extend to Albania, Croatia and Macedonia the invitation for NATO membership during the Summit of 2008.

We hail this as a very positive and expected signal which consists also at the same time an encouragement and obligation of our country in fulfilling the required standards by enabling this way the future membership of Albanian into NATO.

Uafhængighedsdagen 28.11.2006: Præsident Moisiu var i Vlora. Det var i Vlora at den Albanske Republik blev udråbt i 1912.

  

Uafhængighedsdagen 28.11.2006: Ved en anden ceremoni samme dag, sagde Præsident Moisiu:

THE ADDRESS OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC, ALFRED MOISIU ON THE NATIONAL DAY.

November 28, 2006

Distinguished Mr. Prime Minister,

Ministers and parliamentarians,

Distinguished politicians, diplomats and guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Five hundred and sixty-two years ago, our national hero Gjergj Kastriot Skënderbeu bestowed upon us the Flag – the symbol of our national unity and identity. At the very same date, but this time ninety-four years ago, the Albanian patriots raised the very same flag and proclaimed the independence of Albania in Vlora.

Tonight we commemorate the Flag and Independence Day: two major historical events that bind us together and express the highest feelings of respect for the Albanian state and nation.

Tomorrow we will also commemorate the liberation day of Albania which through its people’s fight against fascism honorably enrolled in the victorious coalition of the Second World War.

Today I was in Vlora: the city where the Flag was raised and where Independence was proclaimed. Vlora has become a pilgrimage site for millions of Albanians all over the world. There, amidst common people of various ages, professions and social groups, I witnessed how powerful and inspirational remain for the citizens the messages of patriotism, unity and vitality inherited from our history which was written with their blood by the men and women that made possible the Independence of Albania and the founding of the Albanian state.

We are a nation that has deep European roots, a resourceful history of fighting and resistance for freedom and survival in front of various threats and dangers. The Albanians never abandoned the national Flag and identity throughout their history.

Our Renaissance men proclaimed that in our country that boasts three religions and four religious faiths, the faith of all would be Albanianism. By these lapidary words, our Renaissance men conveyed to all the times the grandiose message that the Albanians, by deeply respecting the faith of one another, believe first of all that in their veins flows Albanian blood.

Conquered, partitioned, scattered in different countries and continents the Albanians viewed their Flag and Independence Day as rays of hope for moral resuscitation, as an incitement to move forward, an aspiration to build a prosperous and European Albania.

Our case of transformation from the most isolated and oppressed country of our continent into the country that enjoys the most popular support for the Euro-Atlantic values within a very short time, can find the roots in our distant past history when our National Hero, Skanderbeg, defended the European civilization in political alliance with the western powers of the time.

At the present the Albanians present a new reality: a vital and thirsty people that is trying and insisting to make up for the lost time, to make use of the chances offered by the era of democracy and to return with dignity into the European family.

The change of the political system, the many hardships and obstacles of the transition, the sensitivity to negative phenomena and the dissatisfaction with the pace of marked achievements in rapport to the needs and requests of the citizens, quite often creates a pessimistic tableau.

I would like to point out to my compatriots and to the friends of Albania that regardless of these problems and difficulties, the Albanian nation and state have numerous reasons to feel proud today for their achievements.

The oldest Albanian citizen cannot remember any other better period for Albanians as a nation. The Albanian state has taken positive steps to consolidate according to the model the Rule of Law and independent constitutional institutions; the democratic values are becoming part of daily life; the society, media, public and the citizens themselves are becoming more and more factors of progress and decision taking.

Thanks to the major efforts being made to put behind the past, the constructive role in the region, active partnership and values leading it, Albania today can count much more friendly countries and states than in any other period of its past.

Historical news is coming also from the Albanians of Kosova and other neighboring countries. Kosova is close to the formal act of independence which will legitimate the will of the people of Kosova to build a new, independent, democratic, multi-ethnic and European state. The last chapter of the disintegration of former Yugoslavia concludes with the state of Kosova and a new intensive and progressive phase begins directed towards the common integration of the countries of the region into the Euro-Atlantic structures.

Through their active presence in some Balkans states, the Albanians are demonstrating their culture and ability to coexist with their neighbors and other nationalities, by helping this way the peace, stability and Euro-Atlantic values of this part of Europe.

The image of the Albanians in the West a decade ago was that of the people who used to chase the vessels and trains of emigration while today the Albanian communities in Italy, Germany, Greece and United States are integrated in the respective societies, have founded businesses and deserve to be considered the youngest citizens of the great Euro-Atlantic family.

Today the Albanians have every reason to be proud also of the inexhaustible energies and vitality of a young generation which thirsty for knowledge and equipped with a deserved talent is demonstrating the capability to take upon itself the civil responsibilities needed to overcome the main challenges faced by the future of the country.

Distinguished participants,

The founders of the Albanian state faced no dilemma when they choose the future: Albania would be a democratic, independent and European state. They joined their forces, energies, minds and were led in their historic act by the supreme national interests.

Today, after ninety-four years we bow with respect in front of their deed and memory, we honor all those who gave their lives or who placed a stone in the foundations of the Albanian state. We are inspired from their noble deeds, we judge ourselves by thinking we must do much more to fulfill their ideal and have the good fortune to view the future filled with optimism.

The Albanians, especially those who are elected to take decisions on their behalf need to, alongside the deserved celebrations, take from the Flag and Independence Day the strength and willpower to give a new impulse to the country’s developments.

The citizens expect from politics in the upcoming elections and daily life to recognize and respect their will so we all together can shorten as much as possible our path towards fulfilling the national Euro-Atlantic aspirations. By placing the citizen and his concerns first on the political agenda, we would pay a precious service to our country and society.

I have faith in the positive energies, in the power of dialogue, cooperation and joint responsibility of every individual and decision making institution.

And that is why, pushed by a realistic optimism, I avail myself of this opportunity to assure, through Your Excellencies, Ambassadors, the friendly countries and international institutions about the full willingness of Albania to strengthen the friendship and cooperation ties and also to give a new impetus to the all sided reforms which enable our quickest development and integration.

At the mean time, I have the pleasure in the presence of this distinguished auditorium to address all the Albanians wherever they might be by wholeheartedly wishing to them: Happy Flag and Independence Day!

May honor be always paid to the sacrifices and the blood that was shed to reach these days!

Long live Albania and the Albanians throughout eternity!

Prosperity and joy to every family!

May God be with us!

Befrielsesdagen 29.11. (efter den Italienske og senere den Tyske besættelse fra 1939 til 1944). Præsident Moisiu besøgte en særlig udstilling på Natiponalmuseet på Skanderbeg-pladsen i Tirana. Præsidentkontoret har udsendt flg.:

President Moisiu commemorates the Liberation Day of Fatherland.

November 29, 2006

On the occasion of November 29, the Liberation Day of Albania from the Nazi-Fascists occupiers, the President of the Republic, Alfred Moisiu visited the Pavilion of the National-Liberation War in the National Historic Museum.

Accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Culture, Suzana Turku and the Director of the National Historic Museum, Beqir Meta, and the Head of state learned about the exhibitions of this Pavilion, listened with interest about the explanation of historical facts of the time, shared with those who were present his memories of the war time and exchanged views with them regarding the most remarkable moments in the history of the Albanian people during those years.

Then President Moisiu answering to the media inquiries stated that: “the clear message must be conveyed to the Albanians that the National-Liberation War enlisted Albania alongside the Great Allies, by giving us the right to be called victorious of the war against Nazi-Fascism. This is great merit of the youth of that time and of the Albanian people.”

On this occasion, the Head of state pointed out once again the significance held for the future of the country the transmission of the historic values of the Albanian people to younger generations and emphasized that: “we must go on with divisions. We are Albanians and must be united, because on this way we can reach our objective to be integrated with dignity into the North Atlantic Alliance and European Union which is the dream of all the Albanians.” President Moisiu called the attention of politics and historians to be very careful while dealing with history. “We must not play around with traditions; they must be respected because they have to do with the feelings and contribution of the people.” – stated President Moisiu by stressing that “the deepening of contradictions is not in the interest of the Albanian people.”

At the conclusion of his visit to the National Historic Museum, the Head of the Albanian state wrote these words in the book of impressions and expressed: “the deep respect for those who contributed and shed their blood for the liberation of the country and enabled Albania to be enrolled in the side of the great anti-fascist coalition.”

Præsident Moisiu opfordrer til at vejsikkerheden forbedres. Præsidentkontoret har udsendt flg.:

President Moisiu appeals to establish stricter legal rules aiming to increase road safety.

November 17, 2006

Under the auspices of the President of the Republic, Alfred Moisiu, in Tirana on November 13-19 it is being held the conference on the sensitizing the citizens about the problem of road safety with the topic “Road Safety – The Challenge to save lives.”

In this framework the Head of state participated in today’s meeting organized at the Palace of Brigades where there were also invited the Deputy Minister of Health, Arben Ivanaj, the General-Director of the State Police, Bajram Ibraj, the representative of the PAMECA Mission, Klaus Schmid, the Chief of World Health Organization, Debora Kestill, OSCE Ambassador Pavel Vacek and also other representatives of state institutions, international organizations and diplomatic missions to our country.

On this occasion, President Moisiu addressed the conference by pointing out the serious features taken by the problem of road safety and more concretely, the problem of human lives loss are too serious and that their solution requires the sensitizing, commitment and common national action of the state bodies, civil society, media, public opinion and citizens themselves. The Head of state appealed for the setting of more strict legal criteria for the road standards, traffic rules and movements within inhabited centers and strong rules for the projects, construction firms and every other subject that operate in this field.

By expressing his full support for the positive initiatives and actions in the service of increasing road safety and preservation of the lives of citizens, Mr. Moisiu underlined the fact that these events carry very meaningful messages and that they most be accompanied not only by campaigns, but also by daily action to successfully overcome this challenge. “For all these reasons every initiative of your organization and other state and civil actors aimed at sensitizing the citizens, society and responsible institutions about the concerns, rules and problems connected to road safety would be welcomed.” – stated President Moisiu at the conclusion of his address.

PM Sali Berisha's aktiviteter: [Billederne i denne sektion kan som regel forstørres ved at klikke på dem (mens man er på nettet)]


28.11. lagde PM Berisha blomster på mindesmærket for Azem Hajdari og besøgte hans familie. Desuden besøægte han slægtninge til frihedshelten fra 1912: Isa Boletin

       


Ny Præsident. Rygter og informationer svirrer, og det vil de blive ved med et godt stykke tid. Tidligere PM Fatos Nano er bragt i forslag og på det senere igen forfatteren Ismail Kadaré. Kadaré har været nævnt som en mulighed siden engang i 1990'erne; hidtil har han hver gang afvist at være interesseret. Fra international side sagde man ved det sidste valg for godt 5 år siden at man ville lægge vægt på at der blev valgt en konsensus-kandidat. Se også: # 324.


Før NATO-mødet i Riga havde UM Besnik Mustafaj og FM Fatmir Mediu indbudt Ambassadørerne fra NATO-landene i Albanien til et møde. UM skriver:

Meeting with the Ambassadors of NATO member states in Tirana

Today, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Besnik Mustafaj and the Minister of Defence, Mr. Fatmir Mediu, invited and had talks in Tirana Hotel, with the Ambassadors of NATO member states accredited in Tirana, on Albanian reforms for NATO membership and the prospects of this process in Riga Summit.

The meeting started with the address of Prime Minister, Mr. Sali Berisha, who expressed the conviction and determination of Albanian Government towards meeting the NATO integration standards, through the intensification of economic reforms, legal institutions, modernization of armed forces and the political will in the fight against corruption, organized crime, illegal trafficking, and others. Prime Minister Berisha expressed his deep belief that Riga Summit will show its appreciation for the achievements and progress to date in view of the multifaceted reforms in Albania; it will also give a clear and defined message to Albania for its membership in the upcoming enlargement Summit in 2008.

At the end of the meeting, the Ambassadors of NATO member states showed their appreciation for the accomplishments and the seriousness of the Government in the reform implementation, benefiting the country’s integration to Euro-Atlantic structures and expressed their belief that Riga Summit will give an encouraging message to Albania and A3 countries, in their aspiration for NATO integration.

UM Besnik Mustafaj er i Kina. Det Albanske UM skriver:

Ministri i Puneve te Jashtme Z. Besnik Mustafaj me Ministrin e Jashtëm të Republikës Popullore të Kinës Z.Li Zhaoxing


The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Besnik Mustafaj on an official visit in China

Today, on November 29.2006, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Albania, Mr. Besnik Mustafaj, was received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Li Zhaoxing.

During the meeting both ministers agreed that bilateral economic relations will recognise new developments in future. The Chinese side showed its readiness to regulate the import-export balance, through evident increase of Albanian exports towards China.

There will also be a new level of cooperation in various domains as education, culture, justice, customs and energy. To this end a number of agreements and cooperating programmes will be prepared and signed.

The political dialogue is another field whereto will also seek to enhance cooperation among Albania and the People’s Republic of China, singling out the exchanges on high levels between the two ministries of foreign affairs, parliaments and prime ministers. In the framework of multilateral organizations, particularly in UN, cooperation among respective diplomacies will be enhanced too.

During the meeting with the Chinese counterpart, Minister Mustafaj expressed his belief that the People’s Republic of China will keep on playing a constructive role to the benefit of peace all over the world and in this framework, as permanent member of Security Council of UN, China will maintain an appropriate stance regarding the solution needed for Kosovo, and that is independence.

Foreign Minister Mustafaj suggested to the Chinese homologue, Li Zhaoxing that high representatives of Kosovo institutions be invited in Beijing in order to listen to their comments on developments in Kosovo as well as on preparations the institutions are undertaking for the establishment of the democratic, multiethnic state opened for cooperation to all neighbours, including Serbia. All this, on the name of peace and stability in the region.

While continuing to recognize one-China, through Foreign Minister Mustafaj, Albania expressed its willingness to be the most important partner of the People’s Republic of China in Balkans region. To this end, it’s necessary to pass to a new stage of economic cooperation between the two countries, whereto apart from trade exchange enhancement will also be welcomed the Chinese investments in strategic sectors like energy or even in perspective ones like mineral industry.

Det Albanske Banksystem. Banken har offentliggjort en tale af Dr Fatos Ibrahimi som kan findes på: http://www.bankofalbania.org/include_php/previewdoc.php?file_id=1555. Nedenfor de første sider:

My presentation will focus on two issues:

First, the main steps followed by the reform in the banking area, presenting the problems related to commercial banks, omitting monetary aspects.

Secondly, the current situation of the banking system and some of the main problems it is faced with, which need solution over the short-term and medium-term period.

The banking system reform was part of the structural reforms undertaken by the Albanian authorities after 1992, which aimed at macroeconomic stability and Albanian economy transformation into a market economy, by privatizing the economy and creating financial and social protection institutions.

The banking system transformation in Albania followed the same path as in other former socialist countries.

The first important phase started with the passing from the one-tier banking system into a two-tier system, in which the former Albanian State Bank was divided into two banks, with a qualitatively distinguished activity from each-other. The Bank of Albania was given the conventional functions of central banks, such as: monetary policy, currency issuing, foreign exchange market; while the National Commercial Bank, together with other banks, were given the conventional banking functions, such as accepting deposits, extending loans and other banking services.

The Laws "On the Bank of Albania" and "On the Albanian banking system" adopted in 1992 constituted the grounds needed for this transformation.

It is worth mentioning that one of the fundamental elements of the Law "On the Bank of Albania" of 1992 was the granting of a relatively high degree of independence to the central bank, as a legal, institutional, financial and personal independence. This independence has been increasing constantly throughout these years, not only as a legal and institutional independence, by amendments made to the Law in 1996 -1997 and after the approval of the Constitution, but also as an independence in the real aspect.

Under the Law of 1992, the dependence of the Central Bank passed from the Government to the Parliament, being given simultaneously the functions of determining the volume of credit, issuing, banking interest rate, the payment system, etc. At that time, the reform in second-tier banks was focused on three main directions:

1. Introduction of a new regulatory and supervisory framework;

2. Institutional policies in treating the non-performing loans;

3. Plans related to the privatization of state-owned banks.

Notwithstanding the measures taken for the banking system transformation till 1997, when the collapse of pyramid schemes reached the climax, the banking system was not able to operate effectively in carrying out its intermediation function. Private banks, which consisted of small foreign banks or joint-stock banks and which did not have any subsidiaries, hesitated to extend loans and were focussed on foreign exchange transactions and trade financing.

The state-owned banks were engaged in domestic lending, but they operated as government agencies, with soft restrictions in funds management and failed to apply the lending practices in compliance with international standards. Also, the Central Bank's supervisory capacities of that time were limited. Some data indicate that the level of non-performing loans at end of 1996 reached to 60% of the total loan portfolio.

Besides the weak performance in credit intermediation, the range of services provided to the public was also limited. Many of financial activities in the economy were carried out outside the licensed financial institutions. The financial infrastructure, including the payment system of accounting and audit was also rather weak.

Lack of a formal operational banking system, associated with an insufficient structure of regulations and supervision, contributed to the flourishing of pyramid schemes. The 1997 events served as an encouraging element for deeper reforms in the banking sector.

The government of that time, in cooperation with the International Community and the Bank of Albania, affirmed the commitment to implementing a full program of reforms needed for the banking system. The government' commitment to carry out a full program of structural reforms in banking sector served as an instrument for re-establishing the public confidence in financial institutions and services.

The program of that period was focussed on four main objectives:

o Improving the legal and regulatory infrastructure;

o Building sound and reliable institutions;

o Strengthening the financial infrastructure; and

o Liquidating or privatising the state-owned banks.

Besides the adoption of new laws on the Bank of Albania, on the banking system, on bankruptcy, and on safe transactions, of importance was the program for a rapid change of the state-owned banks' ownership, which led to the liquidation of the ANB and the establishment of the Bad Assets Resolution Trust. The NCB was recapitalised and privatised in 2000. During 2004, the privatization process of the Savings Bank was finalized, being purchased by the Raiffeisen International Bank Holding, thus recording the transfer of 94% of the banking capital to private ownership.

Currently the Albanian banking system is composed of 17 banks, 14 of which are of foreign capital. The capital source is from different places, such as Greece, Italy, Austria, Germany, United States of America, etc. After the privatization process of the former Savings Bank was over and a 100% of its stock was transferred to the Raiffeisen International Bank Holding AG in August, the capital ownership structure during that period underwent significant changes, having the share of "domestic government capital" estimated at 6% from 32.1% at end of 2003, and the "domestic capital" at 12.75 from 35.15% it was in the same period of the previous year.

OSCE i Albanien har i November 2006 udsendt:

• Needs assessment mission report ahead of local elections in Albania: http://www.osce.org/item/22210.html

• Interview with Head of Presence, Klan magazine, 4 November 2006: http://www.osce.org/item/21972.html

• Analysis of the Criminal Justice System in Albania: http://www.osce.org/item/21952.html

Nedenfor følger 'Summary of Findings' af den sidstnævnte publ.:


General observations

The Albanian justice system has undergone radical changes and a significant improvement during the past decade or so. The present analysis, however, indicates that there is a need for further improvement in order to create a stable and transparent justice system based on the rule of law. As will be seen in both the case studies chapter and in the other chapters in this report, the legal rules are frequently not respected or are abused in order to achieve “desired” – but not necessary lawful – results. As a consequence, the rights and freedoms of individuals are frequently violated, and an impression of a justice system that is neither fair, nor independent, is created.

Rights and conditions during pre-trial detention

Deprivation of a person’s liberty puts the individual in an extremely vulnerable position. It is therefore important that any deprivation of liberty be kept to an absolute minimum and follow the strict procedures set out in international documents and domestic law. All actors involved have a crucial role to play in upholding those standards and in taking action against any abuse. In this respect, there is room for substantial improvement within the Albanian context. Thus, it has been noted that persons deprived of their liberty are in most cases not informed about the reasons for their arrest or about their rights; they are regularly maltreated by the police; they do not get timely access to a defence lawyer and they are not brought in front of a judge within the time period set by the Constitution. Decisions are poorly reasoned and give an impression that detention on remand is often ordered without legal grounds. Lawyers do little to challenge decisions or to bring into light incidents of abuse or other malpractice. Preliminary investigations are many times characterised by extended periods of inactivity and time periods for pre-trial detention are suspended without legal cause and for extended periods. They are also frequently exceeded without this leading to the release of the defendant. The conditions under which persons are kept in pre-trial detention are poor and fail to meet international standards.

Domestic violence and the criminal justice system

Domestic violence in Albania is under-reported, under-investigated, under-prosecuted and under-sentenced. Prosecution in most cases of domestic violencedepends entirely on the woman and sentences provided in the Criminal Code are low compared to the levels of punishment for other violent crimes. Neither the basic sentences nor the aggravating circumstances provided in the Criminal Code take into account the systematic nature of domestic violence or the impact on victims who may have suffered years of violence at the hands of their husbands. As a result, the overwhelming majority of perpetrators can behave with impunity, while women who seek redress against domestic violence get little or no support from the authorities. Police officers, prosecutors, judges and lawyers lack awareness and training regarding how to deal with cases concerning domestic violence.

The draft Law on Domestic Violence, and the strong popular support it has already received through the collection of signatures, shows that the Albanian society is ready to take concrete steps to fight the prevalence of domestic violence. By providing protection to women who are victims of domestic violence, implementation of the law could also serve to increase prosecution of cases concerning domestic violence. It is, however, important that the adoption of the draft law on Domestic Violence be seen only as a first step in the fight against domestic violence in Albania and that measures be taken to strengthen the legislative framework to fight domestic violence, which is a crime.

Transparency and access to information

Transparency and access to public information are key elements in a democratic society and serve to give media, civil society and other interested bodies the necessary tools to scrutinize how state power is used and resources are managed. The computerization of some of the main courts in Albania and the creation of internet pages where court decisions are posted in full is a significant step towards a more transparent justice system in Albania. Before continuing this development, however, rules that strike a proper balance between the interests of transparency on the one hand, and the security of personal integrity on the other, need to be established. Apart from this, however, much remains to be done to give media and the general public the insight into the Albanian justice system that is necessary in a democratic society based on respect for human rights and the rule of law. Thus courts and prosecution offices need to establish internal rules as well as to create structures to respond diligently to requests for access. The general public also needs to be made aware of their right to participate in trials and have access to court decisions as well as information about other official documents at courts and prosecution offices.

Corruption within the Albanian justice system

Both international and domestic studies indicate that corruption within the Albanian justice system is perceived to be very high and to seriously impede the functioning of the justice system. While the new government has shown serious commitment to fight corruption, few concrete measures have as of yet been taken to tackle corruption within the justice system. In order to come to terms with both the actual and the perceived corruption within the justice system, decisive measures need to be taken. A first step would be to put an immediate end to inappropriate contacts between members of the judiciary and parties to a trial or their representatives. Furthermore, each court and prosecution office should be asked to set up concrete strategies and undertake concrete measures to fight corruption within the respective institution. Any strategy contemplated also would have to take into consideration the levels of pay and other benefits of staff within the justice system in general and of judges in particular. An adequate level of pay and other benefits is probably one of the most efficient ways to “immunize” an employee against corruption.

Efficient Trials and Witness Issues

Trials in Albania are marred by frequent delays and as a result even simple cases may take months, or sometimes even years, to complete. This creates suffering and costs for the parties and costs for the justice system. Lengthy trials have a negative impact on public confidence in the justice system and probably also creates space to enter into corruptive agreements. Legislative and practical measures should therefore be undertaken to address unjustified trial delays. While increased efforts to ensure the timely participation of all involved, might require increased expenditure, shorter and more efficient trials would substantially reduce costs for all involved and would free resources to adjudicate more cases.

Witnesses are an important part of most trials and, as a consequence, for the functioning of any justice system. It is therefore necessary to ensure, to the extent possible, that witnesses appear in court and give correct and truthful statements, i.e., that there are measures that serve to prevent witnesses from being harmed, intimidated, threatened or otherwise influenced. While the Witness Protection Law and its secondary legislation represent a significant step forward, much remains to be done to ensure the security of other witnesses and to increase the credibility of witness testimonies in Albania.

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SERBIEN


Det Amerikanske UM har offentliggjort en 'Background Note' om Serbien - Montenegro: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5388.htm • Det Engelske Udenrigsministeriums 'Country Advice' til rejsende kan findes på adressen: http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket%2FXcelerate%2FShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029390590&a=KCountryAdvice&aid=1013618386622 • En biografi over tidligere Forbundspræsident Kostunica kan læses på Serbiske Politikere.


Præsidentvalg i Serbien. Boris Tadic blev i Juni 2004 valgt som Præsident. Seneste Parlamentsvalg: 031228.




Den Serbiske UM Vuk Draskovic besøger NATO's Generalsekretær Jaap de Hoop Scheffer forud for NATO-mødet i Riga, November 2006. Foto: NATO Photo. Billedet kan forstørres. Andre billeder, se: http://www.nato.int/multi/photos/2006/m061123a.htm


NATO har på Riga-mødet i November 2006 indbudt Bosnien-Hercegovina, Serbien og Montenegro til at komme tættere på, se ovenfor.


Kosovo / Kosóva: Elektricitet til Serbere i Kosovo Den Serbiske Regering skriver:

UNMIK accepts Belgrade’s offer to provide electricity to Serb enclaves

Belgrade, Nov 30, 2006 - President of the Coordinating Centre for Kosovo-Metohija Sanda Raskovic-Ivic said today that UNMIK chief Joachim Rucker has accepted Belgrade’s humanitarian offer to supply electricity to Serb enclaves in the province.

In a statement to the news agency Beta, Raskovic-Ivic said that in a letter addressed to the Coordinating Centre Rucker said that he is available for further discussion on supplying electricity to Serb communities in Kosovo-Metohija, regardless whether the energy crisis is solved by providing electricity or with adequate sums of money given by the Serbian government.

She explained that Serb enclaves would thus automatically be transferred from zone C into zone A, where consumers in Kosovo-Metohija receive a regular supply of electricity.

According to Raskovic-Ivic, in his letter, Rucker has forwarded a request to the Coordinating Centre to identify the locations in Kosovo-Metohija where electricity should be supplied and make offers regarding the method of transmitting electricity.

We have prepared a response proposing that a joint meeting be organised at the beginning of next week in Pristina, to reach final agreement on the issue, said Raskovic-Ivic, and added that the determination of the locations mentioned has already begun.

She said that Rucker’s letter signifies positive progress, adding that there is no hint of rejection in it, nor is it mentioned that the issue is one of discriminatory distribution of electricity.

Auktion over samfundsejede virksomheder. Den Serbiske Regering skriver:

Six socially-owned companies sold at public auction

Belgrade, Nov 30, 2006 – The Serbian Privatisation Agency held its 182nd public auction today, selling six socially-owned companies.

The companies sold are:

1. Minel Elvo, Belgrade

2. Minelpo, Belgrade

3. Univerzal, Majdanpek

4. Celik, Zitoradja

5. Leteks in restructuring, Leskovac

6. Uniteks, Smederevo

The auction sales of “Budimka” from Pozega, “Poljotehna” Holding from Negotin, “Krusevac” from Krusevac, “Beli Timok” from Knjazevac, “Standard” from Bor, “Vina” from Vina, “Lemind-Proleter” from Leskovac, “GIP” from Pancevo, “Sintetika” from Leskovac, “Zorka-Plastika” in restructuring from Bogatica, “Beogradski Vunarski Kombinat” in restructuring from Belgrade and factory of equipment and parts from Bor were declared unsuccessful.

The auction sale of MIN Holding “Vagonka Nis” from Nis was postponed until December 28, while the sale of “Vesti” from Uzice was cancelled.

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MONTENEGRO


Præsidentvalg 030611: Filip Vujanovic blev valgt. Forrige Parlamentsvalg 021020, seneste 060910.

Folkeafstemning 21.05.2006 om Montenegro's forhold til statsforbundet Serbien-Montenegro. Der var et mindre flertal for at udtræde af forbundet (55,4% mod 44,6%), hvilket er blevet anerkendt af EU m.fl. Serbien har accepteret den nye tingenes tilstand, skønt der var nogen murren efter at resultatet blev kendt.


NATO har på Riga-mødet i November 2006 indbudt Bosnien-Hercegovina, Serbien og Montenegro til at komme tættere på, se ovenfor.

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MAKEDONIEN

Det Engelske Udenrigsministeriums 'Country Advice' til rejsende kan findes på adressen: http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket%2FXcelerate%2FShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029390590&a=KCountryAdvice&aid=1013618386163 • Det Amerikanske UM har offentliggjort en 'Background Note' om Makedonien: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/26759.htm

Der er omkring 25 % etniske Albanere i Makedonien. Folketælling afholdtes 021101-021105.

Folkeafstemningen 041107 om decentralisering (= imødekommelse af Makedonien-Albanske interesser): Folkeafstemningen "faldt". Stemmedeltagelsen var kun omkring 26 %. Hvis afstemningen skulle have kunnet udvirke en ændring af decentraliseringslovgivningen, skulle deltagelsen have været mindst 50%, og desuden skulle der have været flertal mod lovgivningen. Det var ventet at stemmedeltagelsen ville have været noget større, selv om både Regeringspartierne og den Albanske minoritet anbefalede at man blev hjemme. Man kan nu gå videre i overensstemmelse med Ohrid-aftalerne.

Præsidentvalg i Maj 2004: Branko Crvenkovski - hidtidig PM - blev valgt (efter Boris Trajkovski som omkom ved en flyulykke). Parlamentsvalg fandt sted 020915. Der kan henvises til flg. OSCE/ODIHR-oversigtsside: http://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/field_activities/skopje2002/. Seneste Parlamentsvalg fandt sted i Juli 2006: Den hidtidige Regering led nederlag. Der kan henvises til: http://www.osce.org/item/19800.html og http://www.osce.org/documents/odihr/2006/07/19801_en.pdf

Makedonien forhandler med EU om optagelse. Aktuel status, se: http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/enlargement/fyrom/key_documents.htm. Se også den generelle side: http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/enlargement/index_en.html


NATO vil i 2008 indbyde Makedonien til at komme tættere på, se ovenfor.


MIA skriver at omkring 20 er anholdt for forskellige forbrydelser (hvidvaskning af penge, embedsmisbrug mv):

Skopje, November 30 (MIA) - Health Fund ex-director and current T-Mobile Macedonia director Rubinco Zareski was taken into custody late Wednesday and handed over to judicial bodies due to abuse of office and authorisation, the Macedonian Interior Ministry confirmed.

In addition to Zarevski, Efrem Naskov, former Commission for Public Procurement's director, was also taken into custody for allegedly being an accomplice in the crime.

Both Zarevski and Naskov have allegedly made an agreement on medical material procurement with unfavourable bidder "Delfino Medika", thus damaging the Health Fund for 1,6 million denars.

According to the Interior Ministry, 19 persons were taken into custody early Thursday for various crimes: money laundering, abuse of office and authorisation and for fraud in the Bacilo and denationalisation cases.

The former vice minister of economy Sasa Andonovski is a suspect and is reportedly abroad. The police is tracking his whereabouts.

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GRÆKENLAND

Seneste Parlamentsvalg 040307.

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TYRKIET


UMs rejsevejledning: http://www.um.dk/da/menu/Borgerservice/FoerRejsen/Rejsevejledninger/RejsevejledningTyrkiet.htm.


Seneste Parlamentsvalg blev holdt 021103. Det blev i December 2004 aftalt (med EUs Regeringschefer)at der i Oktober 2005 skal indledes forhandlinger om optagelse af Tyrkiet i EU.


Pave Benedikt XVI er for tiden på rejse til Tyrkiet. Hensigten er at fremme forståelsen på tværs af religiøse forskelle. Se evt. reportage på BBC: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6158811.stm; se også: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/5349808.stm

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LANDE UDEN FOR BALKAN OG ØSTLIGE MIDDELHAV. NATO-LANDE


ITALIEN


Mother Teresa. I anledning af saligkåringen ('beatificeringen') 031019 har Vatikantet etableret en internetside: http://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/saints/ns_lit_doc_20031019_index_madre-teresa_en.html


Pave Benedikt XVI er for tiden på rejse til Tyrkiet. Hensigten er at fremme forståelsen på tværs af religiøse forskelle. Se evt. reportage på BBC: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6158811.stm; se også: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/5349808.stm

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USA

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ENGLAND

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TYSKLAND

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FRANKRIG

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DANMARK (NORGE, SVERIGE)

Den Albanske Ambassade i København har holdt flyttedag. Man bor nu på Esplanaden , se nærmere på: http://miqesia.dk/adresser.htm


Ugerapport fra Dansk KFOR. Hærens Operative Kommando - se under: Kosova.


Xhemil Zeqiri har sendt UM Per Stig Møller dette åbne brev om Kosóva:

Xhemil Zeqiri. Photo: Bjoern Andersen, 2005

Åbent brev til Udenrigsminister Per Stig Møller

De udenrigspolitiske ordførere i alle Folketingets partier

Den 28. november er det Albaniens selvstændighed, hvor albanerne traditionelt fejrer udråbelsen af en selvstændig albansk stat i 1912. Men i år er det ikke alle albanere som fester på denne dag. I Kosovas hovedstad Prishtina har selvstændighedsbevægelsen indkaldt til protestdemonstrationer.

Dagen er ikke tilfældig valgt. Hensigten er at benytte den albanske nationaldag til at henlede verdensopinionens opmærksomhed på den absurde kendsgerning, at det albanske spørgsmål stadig ikke har fundet en varig og retfærdig løsning 94 år efter at den albanske stat blev oprettet.

Der findes vel næppe eksakte folketællinger, som giver et præcist billede af hvor mange albanere, der i dag bor i Albaniens nabolande. Uden for Albaniens grænser lever stadig det helt overvejende flertal af den albanske befolkning. Det er en af konsekvenserne af den historiske fornægtelse af albanernes nationale og sociale rettigheder. De undertrykkes eller gemmes bort under gulvtæppet, når stormagterne har tegnet grænserne på Balkans blodvædede jord.

Da Jugoslavien gik i opløsning var albanerne den tredjestørste befolkningsgruppe, som først og fremmest boede i Kosova, Montenegro, Serbien og Makedonien. I de seneste år har især striden om Kosova's fremtidige status været en smertefuld proces for albanerne, som – måske naivt – havde satset på at de efter krigen på Balkan, ville få ret til selv at afgøre Kosovas fremtid.

Nu har FN's finske mægler Ahtisaari barslet med en ny plan, som endnu engang som katten går uden om den varme grød. På den ene side vil denne plan betyde at Kosova frigøres fra Serbiens overherredømme. Men EU bliver den nye herre i Kosova. Planen nævner slet ikke ordet selvstændighed. Kosova vil med denne plan ikke få nogle af de myndigheder som kendetegner en selvstændig og fri stat. Kosova får ikke ret til selv at føre udenrigspolitik, ingen hær til at beskytte sine grænser med og bliver ikke repræsenteret i FN. Og de store naturrigdomme i Kosova vil fortsat blive udplyndret på en sådan måde, at de ikke bliver til gavn for den almindelige befolkning. Den er en af de fattigste i Europa, blandt andet som følge at den hidtidige politik har ødelagt Kosova's økonomi og skabt en arbejdsløshed på op mod 70 pct.

Stormagterne skændes stadigt om grænserne for Kosova's frihed og nogle korrumperede politikere afventer det gunstige øjeblik til at skrive under på de kommende aftaler, der vil efterlade Kosova med en uvis fremtid. Absurd nok fastholder man de etniske spændinger i Kosova ved at samle det serbiske mindretal i Kosova i en række kommuner indenfor Kosova's rammer. Samtidigt tales der nu om at flytte flere hundrede tusind serbere fra Serbien til Kosova. En stor del af disse har aldrig tidligere boet i Kosova. De kommer som nykolonialister og vil uundgåeligt skabe nye spændinger og puste til de etniske modsætninger. Disse kommuner vil få så store rammer for selvstændighed, at de reelt set vil få mere magt, end Kosova's parlament, som formodentligt slet ikke vil få nogen myndighed over disse områder.

FN har gennem UNMIK haft overherredømme i Kosova siden 1999. Da FN kom til Kosova blev de modtaget med blomster. Men i dag ser befolkningen tilbage på 7 spildte år. UNMIK's styrker mødes i dag med sten i Kosova's gader. Tilliden til UNMIK er væk. I stedet for demokrati og medbestemmelse gennemtvang UNMIK to valg, som var designet til at lægge magt i hænderne på politikere, som var i lommen på UNMIK. Derfor kom opstanden i Kosova i marts 2004.

Det skriger til himlen at Kosova's fremtid stadig skal afgøres af udenlandske magters spil om magt og indflydelse. Hvorfor er Kosova det eneste område i det tidligere Jugoslavien, hvor befolkningen ikke må afgøre sin egen fremtid? Hvorfor pustes der fortsat til de nationale modsætninger?

Og hvorfor er der ikke kommet gang i den omfattende økonomiske støtte til Kosova, som kunne skabe en positiv økonomisk udvikling, der vil være et helt afgørende afsæt for at skabe demokrati, dialog og en fælles fremtid for alle mennesker i Kosova?

Med venlig hilsen

Xhemil Zeqiri

2200 København N

Medlem i STS. International solidaritet og menneskerettighedsaktivist.

Repræsentant for selvbestemmelsesbevægelsen i Danmark.

København 25.11.2006

Se min hjemmeside http://www.diplomacia.dk for yderligere materiale

Kommentar, se: # 324

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LANDE UDEN FOR BALKAN OG ØSTLIGE MIDDELHAV. IKKE NATO-LANDE


RUSLAND

UMs Rejsevejledning: http://www.um.dk/da/menu/Borgerservice/FoerRejsen/Rejsevejledninger/RejsevejledningRusland.htm

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KINA


UM Besnik Mustafaj er i Kina. Det Albanske UM skriver:

Ministri i Puneve te Jashtme Z. Besnik Mustafaj me Ministrin e Jashtëm të Republikës Popullore të Kinës Z.Li Zhaoxing


The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Besnik Mustafaj on an official visit in China

Today, on November 29.2006, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Albania, Mr. Besnik Mustafaj, was received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Li Zhaoxing.

During the meeting both ministers agreed that bilateral economic relations will recognise new developments in future. The Chinese side showed its readiness to regulate the import-export balance, through evident increase of Albanian exports towards China.

There will also be a new level of cooperation in various domains as education, culture, justice, customs and energy. To this end a number of agreements and cooperating programmes will be prepared and signed.

The political dialogue is another field whereto will also seek to enhance cooperation among Albania and the People’s Republic of China, singling out the exchanges on high levels between the two ministries of foreign affairs, parliaments and prime ministers. In the framework of multilateral organizations, particularly in UN, cooperation among respective diplomacies will be enhanced too.

During the meeting with the Chinese counterpart, Minister Mustafaj expressed his belief that the People’s Republic of China will keep on playing a constructive role to the benefit of peace all over the world and in this framework, as permanent member of Security Council of UN, China will maintain an appropriate stance regarding the solution needed for Kosovo, and that is independence.

Foreign Minister Mustafaj suggested to the Chinese homologue, Li Zhaoxing that high representatives of Kosovo institutions be invited in Beijing in order to listen to their comments on developments in Kosovo as well as on preparations the institutions are undertaking for the establishment of the democratic, multiethnic state opened for cooperation to all neighbours, including Serbia. All this, on the name of peace and stability in the region.

While continuing to recognize one-China, through Foreign Minister Mustafaj, Albania expressed its willingness to be the most important partner of the People’s Republic of China in Balkans region. To this end, it’s necessary to pass to a new stage of economic cooperation between the two countries, whereto apart from trade exchange enhancement will also be welcomed the Chinese investments in strategic sectors like energy or even in perspective ones like mineral industry.

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Information om »Sidste Nyt« »Sidste Nyt om Albanien, Kosóva og Makedonien« hører til et web-site om de Balkan-lande hvor der lever mange Albanere: http://bjoerna.dk/albanerne.htm. Her kan du også finde »gamle nyheder«, anmeldelser, links og en Balkan Brevkasse. »Sidste Nyt« sættes på nettet senest hver fredag morgen, hvor der sendes besked til dem der ønsker det. Bestilling / afbestilling sker ved at sende en e-mail med teksten »Nyheder udbedes« / »Nyheder afmeldes«. The framework of The Latest News from Albania, Kosóva and Macedonia is in Danish - nevertheless, the news are mostly in English. You may send information, comments and questions to: »The Latest News« [please click]. Nyheder, materiale, kommentarer og spørgsmål modtages meget gerne, både om småting og større ting. Send en e-mail. Tilsvarende hvis du opdager en fejl. Fejl vil blive rettet hurtigst muligt. »Sidste Nyt« og http://bjoerna.dk/albanerne.htm drives non-profit og uden finansiering »udefra«. Hvis du vil være med til at fiansiere udgivelsen kan du lettest gøre det ved at købe én eller flere af mine bøger. Send gerne en mail hvis der er - små eller store - tekniske problemer. Bemærkninger om EDB-sikkerhed. Du må citere hvis du angiver hovedsidens adresse: bjoerna.dk Siderne om Albanerne finder du på: bjoerna.dk/albanerne.htm

»To skridt frem? Albanien i en brydningstid« Baggrundsmateriale kan findes via: http://bjoerna.net/to-skridt-frem/#Linksamling »Albansk Almanak 2004« Almanak'en for 2004 er udkommet i december 2005. Her finder du nyhedsbrevene fra 2004 og nogle kommentarer. Bogen udgives i et sæt bestående af et hæfte (de første 77 sider) og en CD (alle 1264 sider). På CD'en også supplerende materiale - ikke mindst »1912 - Med den serbiske Armé i Makedonien« - Fritz Magnussen's beretninger v/ Palle Rossen. Se indholdsoversigt på: http://bjoerna.dk/albansk-historie/almanak-2004.htm. Se pris på: Bestillingsliste. »Albansk Almanak 2005« Almanak'en for 2005 er udkommet i april 2006. Her finder du nyhedsbrevene fra 2005 og forskelligt supplerende materiale. Bogen udgives i et sæt bestående af et hæfte (ugeoversigterne) og en CD (med ugebrevene og det supplerende materiale - i alt omkring 2.150 sider). Se pris på: Bestillingsliste.

»Albanske Studier« bd. 1-2 Kommentarer til Bjøl, Huntington, Machiavelli, Sørlander, DUPI (Humanitær Intervention), Clausewitz, Mao Zedong, Lars R. Møller, Malcolm og flere andre. Englændere på rejse i Albanien: Edward Lear, Edith Durham og Robert Carver. Bøger om slægtsfejder og blodhævn. Diskussion af Anne Knudsen's disputats om blodhævn på Korsika og af Ismail Kadare's roman »Ufuldendt april«. Baggrundsmateriale om den Sønderjyske general Christian von Holstein, der deltog i Habsburgernes felttog ind i Kosóva i 1689-90. Sidst i bogen et forsøg på en sammenfatning i form af nogle 'grundlæggende synspunkter'. Desuden en kommentar til Hans Hækkerup's »På skansen«. På CD'en supplerende materiale om traditionelle Albanske klædedragter og om Holstein. Hans bog om Kosovo er omtalt i »Albansk Almanak 2004«. Du kan downloade indholdsfortegnelsen og kommentaren til »På skansen« fra: http://bjoerna.dk/albansk-historie/studier-2002.htm Bogen findes i trykt form og på CD (som pdf-fil). Papirudgave 368 A4-sider i 2 bind. Bogen sælges som papirudgave m/ CD og som CD alene. Se pris på: Bestillingsliste. Til dig der kigger på et ældre nummer af »Sidste Nyt«. Seneste udgave af denne »annonce« kan ses på: »Sidste Nyt« (klik)