Jozefina Topalli. Arkivfoto

This is the second time in six months that you evaluate and honour me with a 'motion', as you call it. As you admit yourselves, this 'motion' has nothing in common with the Constitution or with the Rules. Apart from this, none of its signatories have a problem with Jozefina Topalli, because the majority of you have been coming to my office privately and telling me that.

But I am here today, to explain the real reasons to the Albanians as to why I am faced with this motion again, something that didn't happen even when bullets ricocheted off the inside walls of the Assembly, not all that long ago either.

First, the target is not Jozefina, nor even the Ruling Majority. Today, an effort is being made to launch a motion against a culture, which for dozens of years, has been locked in combat against a culture of intolerance and violence.

This motion is not brought against the Speaker, oh no, this motion is against 3 July! This motion is not brought against the Speaker of the Assembly, oh no, this is against parliamentarian procedures, against pluralism, it is against reform!

The motion is against the strength of the Law, against Rules, this motion is against the sovereign. And I find myself here today, solely because it is my great fortune to be the Speaker, I have the privilege to speak on behalf of the latter.

Seeing that we are dealing with a motion today, I want to recount to you the reason why I am in politics.

Fortune dictated that I entered politics, 20 years before I was even born. Yes, yes, its true, in 1945! I entered the Assembly officially in 1996. realistically speaking I decided to dedicate my career to politics. And do you know why? Because, I could never remain silent towards those who were trying to divide Albania.

Because, never, never must I forget the Caushi-s , who, under the direction of the signatories of this motion, razed to the ground and brutally murdered our country. The same goes for the slaying of Bahri Omari in 1945, that is something I must never forget; all the slayings throughout all these years are something never far from my thoughts. The same signatories and even the same surnames, just as in '45, and in 97, and now in 2006. Ah, but today, the times have changed radically, today you cannot slay!

I am in politics today for no other reason than because of the struggle between the culture of the state and the culture of violence.

I am here today, precisely because of the conflict between the culture of the Law, of reform and that of violence and anti-law.

This is why I am here today.

One year ago, I promised you I would be the advocate of the Opposition. I still think the same today. This is why I am reaching out to the Albanians, and chiefly to the Albanians who voted for you, but especially to the youth; Never accept violence, never, ever reconcile yourselves to it.

Today, I am here to discharge an important duty which I view as a mission.

I do not conceal the fact that I am inspired by the MPs of Albania's first Parliament, Great Men, who sacrificed everything for their nation. They never kowtowed to vulgarity, pressure or violence.

They did not use whistles, they never cursed one another, they did not block processes, they never used politics for illicit personal gain.

The bulk of these men were executed by firing squads, but even if they were alive, they would probably be facing motions like this.

You cannot imagine what an exceptional inspiration they are for me. Just as I can probably never grasp what kind of phantoms lurk above the heads of given individuals, those who were not only signatories of motions, but signatories of death warrants issued following 1945, or the signatories of 1997.

Members of Parliament, Ladies and Gentlemen

Over the years of the existence of this Parliament, I have witnessed many governments. I have seen MPs, bought and sold, Cabinet Ministers, capable and incompetent, honest and swindlers; I have listened to mammoth mediocrity; I have witnessed theft and creation of wealth, I have seen the arrogance and irresponsibility, I have followed how laws are amended for the sake of the interests of the business interests of given MPs; I have watched how life has been breathed into the trafficking of influence, I have watched as the country sinks into corruption and poverty, I have felt how the state writhes in a strangle-hold.

I have witnessed many MPs speak, who have dared to, I have watched how so many others remain silent and conform. I have felt the sadness as governments topple and rise up again, not because of feelings of responsibility, but simply because a given clan within a given coalition is not profiting as much as another clan within the government.

I have witnessed the strength of money that buys, and the fear the ferocity of the MAFIA threat, strikes to the heart. It was because I was aware of the loss of my country, that, during the electoral campaign, my constant refrain was; the elections must not be based so much on political division, as on the division between corruption and the fight against it, crime and bringing it before Justice.

I have never seen "red" and "blue," but I have only striven to distinguish between honesty, correctness, the law, integrity, on the one hand, and theft, shame, corruption, crime, MAFIA that engineers state capture, on the other hand.

It is in this sense that the day after I was elected Speaker, I said: "I will be your advocate."

You laughed at that, but above all, you misunderstood. I do not regret in the slightest for what I said and that I showed flexibility regarding speaking times, above the norms and the Rules. Flexibility and tolerance are the finest values and means. But you misunderstood.

Some read this as weakness, the tolerance upset them, made them nervous. But, even today, I don't lay the blame on you for that, or for all your vulgar gestures, teeth grinding, either for…. But you were the ones who made the mistake, when you believed you could become the champions of corruption. But, in all sincerity, I cannot help you, even if after one year, you do accept the fact that you are no longer in office. Today, I am capable of understanding far better just how difficult it is for some of you to swallow that you cannot increase your wealth via your political careers.

Certain individuals among you just cannot accept this. They think it is unfair, they think it is impossible, they think it is intolerable.

Apprehension and refusal to accept 3 July is an enormous problem of the most sinister of mentalities, which, first and foremost, refuses to accept the basic principle of the functioning of democracy, the vote, and the fundamental rule of its functioning, which is the government of the Ruling Majority.

But, this is only one side of the coin, which I have had the responsibility of confronting recently.

During the current year I have witnessed happenings in the Hall of the Assembly which a normal and rational mind cannot even imagine.

I have seen former Ministers, who bang their fists on their benches, who jump to their feet, without knowing why and who crowd up to the dais and begin shaking it.

They are former ministers, whose names I had not even learnt, because in previous legislatures they had never taken the floor, however, I have pardoned them.

- I have sat through the majority of the sittings, where the minority had no idea why they were present, what agenda there was, what laws were to be debated. They only new one thing. The Political Bureau had adopted the decision that the sitting had to be paralyzed, that the laws must not be passed, that there must be no reforms, that the Ruling Majority must be gagged.

- I know that reform encourages debate, but never paralysis, never boycott. Why can we never see eye to eye over reforms? Why is the divergence between us so vicious.

- Together with the EU, we see them, reforms, as road maps, as the only hope of integration and wellbeing, while others, as a powerful incentive not to allow these reforms, to block them. Yes, this is something that fills me with sorrow. This is even creating powerful conflict.

- And still, deep inside me, I have never blamed the parliamentary group of the minority. I have known most of them for years. Some of them are personalities. Others did not go so far as to disgrace themselves, but even those who receive orders had never behaved like this before.

This brings us to the whistles and horns, the distorted faces of the MPs blowing furiously on their whistles. It was not just the one day, or two days, or even three days, but entire months. But these banalities could never stop me from passing articles, laws, agreements, conventions and resolutions.

Many opinion-makers wrote that the February-May 2006 whistle blowing-blocking process was aimed at sabotaging Albania's signing of the SAA. But, I never wanted to believe this.

Once again, I refuse to blame the Opposition parliamentary groups. I didn't blame them when they began ripping sockets out of walls, smashing computers, cutting power cables, attacking the staff. Not because my patience is unending.

Not because I wasn't fuming inside, or because I felt such sadness. No, no. There is no one on earth who wants the smooth running of plenary sittings more than I do.

No one has ever dreamt that the Assembly must become civil, more than I have. And it is not because I didn't feel the sadness, particularly because of boycotts, on the contrary, I did. But all this does is it gives me greater resolve against vandalism, banalities, the gestures and words of hatred.

And this is not because I am, "the Iron Lady", no, not at all. I am flesh and blood like you, but this duty that I regard as a mission, imposes nothing but patience and tranquillity on my person. Moreover, hatred is alien to me.

For all the above, you accuse me of being severe, you take resolve for harshness. Because I support reforms, you hurl allegations against me, attack me, leap up onto tables, jump over chairs, smash microphones, curse, offend, destroy and attempt to occupy the Hall of the Assembly.

You occupied our seats, demonstrating with gestures, unconsciously indicating that you never accepted the third of July.

And now, I want to tell you why I don't accuse you. Because you are not the architect, the producer, the inspirer. Not at all, the only one is your Leader.

Yes, today, I accuse Edi Rama, for every single shameful and unprecedented incident during this year in Parliament. He can never live with the fact that he is outside of these walls and certain others are inside.

He could never accept that here we speak about legislation, because he never mentions the words "The Law." He would never have permitted talk about reforms, because "we should not be doing reforms," so just like he did one year ago with the loudspeaker, he suggested that you imitate him on horns.

I accuse this "anti-communist", the leader of the Party of Enver Hoxha, because he ordered the plenary sittings to be blocked, because, according to him, the government program should not be discussed here in this hall, because, as he stated himself two weeks back, he does not have one of his own.

I know that this "leader," who never really became a leader de facto, curses and swears against you, cuts you down to size, terrorises you, astounded that you, 140 men, allow yourselves to be managed by a woman.

This is what I accuse this "crisis-creator" of. I accuse the person, who for one year, has had the one agenda, to generate tension, to block, to create conflict, to violate Parliament, and, in this way, sling mud on the sovereign.

No way, will I ever accept this. This is why I have defended parliamentary procedure, why I have stood by the decisions of the Assembly to also stand by the immense responsibility of never budging a single inch from my principles and beliefs.

At every moment, in every speech, my sole aim has been to save the Assembly from being violated. I have prayed to God, begging for him to give me the strength to cope with those people who are trying to besmear not only this Hall, but my nation too.

I can rightfully uphold that, for one year, this Assembly has passed important laws, the foundations of exceptional reforms, which could take another country 15-20 years to do, and in the face of outstanding hardships. But, thanks to this resolve, not mine personally, but of the ruling majority, we received special commendation from the European Commission which says:

"The role of Parliament as a central, political institution has continued to increase." and not only that, but technically too, in other words, in day to day parliamentary life, the Assembly has increased its efficiency and transparency."

And for this I am extremely proud.

I wish to thank the majority of the MPs, who with calm and patience, supported me in discharging this duty made so very difficult by the one, who is outside of this institution; by the person, who does not recognize Parliament, who has no idea of parliamentary procedures, by the person who refuses to learn what the word "State" means – and even less so, "rule of law"; by the person who will not accept the efforts against corruption, who cannot stand the destruction of the gangs, by the person who mocks the poor, by the person, who due to his own individualism tries to violate the sovereign, the nation, and his own party just as much, the leader of which he is striving to become.

And today, you sit there and accuse me of defending my own principles and beliefs. Because I shout out at the top of my voice what many of you whisper; because I stand up and declare that the State, in several segments is still captured; because I refuse to reconcile myself to corruption, the system of kleptomania; because I refuse to cover up theft, because I am so unyielding against crime, because I refuse to collaborate with the champions of the latter.

You astound me.

Do you think I am afraid of this thing you call "a motion?"! And you think that this should keep my mouth shut? You exert pressure against me through the seat of the Speaker and to you that is sufficient for me to cede? You attack me scathingly with verbal violence, and you really think that this is going to make me waver?

You are so very wrong, my colleagues. That "motion" of yours, which should be bringing me down because I dare to say what I think, because I do what I believe in, reminds me of Article 55 of the Constitution of Enver Hoxha. You have no idea!

But I am going to tell you today about that article of the Constitution which condemned three members of my own family; two of them were only 30 years old and they were executed by fire squad, because they had studied abroad and were against the Constitution. That article and that constitution, were the reasons why my father, the founder of the State Bank, here in Tirana, was exiled from the capital and ended up working as a manual labourer in a factory.

That article, that constitution, which not only wanted to prohibit you from speaking, but also from thinking freely, were the reasons why, at 18 years of age I was "exiled" and obliged to work outside of my own city, why I was never granted the right to study at university (although I did not have even a single nine in my marks), why I could not attend school, and today, when one of the signatories of this motion, is a former Minister of Education of the dictatorship [JT tænker på Skënder Gjinushi].

I have never spoken in-depth about this things and I don't want to go on and on about them today. But, believe me when I tell you that I was raised in an environment, when we had once been very, very wealthy, and we ended up, as a result of that Constitution, which you wish to reinstate, amongst the poorest of the poor.

I come from an environment where my grand parents and their children saw and touched the very summits of political power, just as they did the depths of prisons and execution, but in principle, they never, ever let go of their beliefs. I told you these things to remind you that no matter what you do, with 101 motions, I will never budge an inch from what I have declared.

On the contrary, I am profoundly conscious of the fact that I must continue with even greater determination and declare even more powerfully that:

The President, with his decree not to dismiss the General Prosecutor, has encouraged crime and corruption. He put his signature to that decree so he did not have to recognise the sovereign. This is exceptionally grave Mr. President, a hugely serious, historical incident, a sorrowful day, that confirms the degree of resistance there is in the offices of the state to carry the victory of 3 July into life.

I tell you with the most stalwart conviction that the government of the judiciary, which is the Higher Council of Justice, is primarily responsible for the frightening situation of corruption in the judiciary; let me tell you, out loud so that you hear this properly, because I am horrified, that the President refuses to take into consideration the shocking files of the state institutions on the scandalous circumstances of a certain woman Judge, and this is not all; on television, he even calls for her vote on the High Court.

This is why, I say to you this evening, that the reasons you are trying to sell as being against myself, are as far from the truth as they are ludicrous, but which, in every case, only enhance my honour.

You once again forget that this request of yours, has been preserved and filed away, and very soon it will be made public, but believe me, you will feel shame tomorrow that you accuse the Speaker of Parliament, for speaking out.

But the most absurd point in your request, is where you accuse me of allegedly appointing members of the CEC, the Albanian Territorial Regulation Council (ATRC), of the Steering Council of Albanian RadioTV, the Higher Council of Justice and so on.

Dear Colleagues,

Every appointment that is made, every dismissal, every law debated, every resolution that is commended, all goes through the procedures of Parliament; and only through the legislative incentives of the Government, a group of MPs, and then it is voted on and passed by the required Majority.

The Speaker only signs off on anything the plenary passes.

The Speaker has only the one vote, but also the duty, to sign off on the decision of the Majority, even when its vote may differ.

That is the duty I have. I have discharged this duty and will continue to do so [?].

But then you also forget things. You make accusations about the NCRT, as if this problem arose for the first time today, but what you forget is that eight years ago, Mr. Arbnori went on a hunger strike to save the NCRT from capture; are you not a little embarrassed at least, that you accuse me precisely over something the EU congratulates us on?

You accuse me about the Higher Council of Justice. It is a real horror-story that you defend the HJC. I will not remain silent on this issue. The very tip of the pillar, the foundations of the state which have been captured and I'm supposed to keep my mouth shut? Never!

I'm not going anywhere, I know I'll be dragged back to this point again, subjected to motions and, again, for the same reason. And I repeat to you loud and clear, that the Speaker of Parliament has and will always rise in defence of the decisions of the sovereign.

Hey you, there, who make these allegations against me - let me tell you that you do nothing but enhance my honour, because you are accusing me of doing my duty, defending standards, because I support the reforms of the EU. This makes me feel so proud.

This is where your dissatisfaction lies, Yes, yes, it is because:

What happens to be for us and the EU reform, to you is nothing but unravelling, usurpation.

What happens to be for us and the EU a constant battle against trafficking, to you is police terror against upright citizens.

What happens to be for us and the EU a reform in Justice to destroy its links with crime, for you is violation of independence.

What happens to be for us and the EU respiration and encouragement of professionalism in the Steering Council of the Albanian Radio Television, to you, is swallowing up the media.

Moreover, what happens to be for us and the EU the evaluation that, "parliament has made progress in the technical application of the Rules," to you, is violation of the latter.

You know as well as I do that your request not only has no grounds to stand on, but there is barely room for kneeling. The Parliament of the Youth and every senate in the 8 year schools know that much.

I never thought that, one day I would be appointed to this post, and even less so did I think that I would witness the kind of vulgarities that astounded the world, neither did my children think so. But I did not chose silence, nor conformism, because the interests of the country must always rise above every personal comfort.

Moreover, I have never been one to run away from trouble, I have never shrunk away from the pain of unhappy days.

And I have done this with the profound sense of responsibility. I have done this in the name of principles, of those principles which I have sought when I was fifteen and when I was twenty five.

But I have also felt that I have had the support of the Albanians, who are just as embarrassed as I am over the violations, the blocking, the boycotting, the calumnies, of the person, who bares his teeth on television, as it feeds these scenes to the public live, and he continues to direct efforts to hinder the holding of a normal plenary sitting.

But at the same time, I regard myself as being privileged that I have had to face several trials, that I have not surrended in the face of the efforts to obstruct the progress of the required reforms, that I have never been intimidated, when, as if in a mental home, men surged over tables and chairs, without knowing where they were heading.

But, as regards all of this, the only person I point an accusing finger at is he, whose faced scowled when Albania signed the SAA, the person who ordered the invasion of Parliament the day the Assembly was going to vote on the Supplementary Budget, the day when the Ruling Majority was transforming more than 500 million USD gained from anti-corruption efforts, into roads, jobs, schools, drainage systems, pensions and electricity etc.

He who lies through his teeth about… the Millennium Challenge Account.

- I accuse HIM, that person who hates the party he claims he is the leader of, he who feels contempt for his own group. This is why he has reduced the Opposition to a group, which for one whole year has not submitted a single amendment. Excuse me, I take that back, you did submit an amendment on the inquiry committee into the wealth of politicians, you even voted on it, but the next day, you no longer recognised it and you boycotted it.

- I will never forgive Him for the blocking he initiated and continues to maintain against the electoral reform.

- I feel nothing but disgust for the appeal he makes to the women of his group to attack the woman Speaker of Parliament.

- I feel nothing but scorn, moreover, because YOU, after committing all these acts, run for cover, like the coward you are.

During all these years I have been in Parliament, struggling through all the difficult moments of this transition, I have always fought for what I have believed in.

I have striven to carry out my duties as best I can and uphold my responsibilities with dignity.

I have frequently been successful, many times I have failed to achieve the targets, but always as a person who is in the arena, sometimes with enthusiasm, other times with pain, but always with passion and devotion, at least I have always tried to look the future face on, without forgetting the past.

Jozefina Topalli comprehends where you want to go. And so do many others. I am here now and always will be.

In three months time, I will be back again, facing another motion, a third one. I await that with pleasure, I will be here at whatever time of day he orders, and again I will have the opportunity to reveal other things. But there is one thing I would like to say now. Forget 1945; forget 1997. They will never happen again, ever!

Ever since 8 December 1990, Albania and the Albanians no longer depend on "your signatures, whether they be on expert opinions, prosecutor's arguments, or this, their later and more updated model…motions.

Albania and the Albanians have signed something else, they are noble signatories, signatories of Europe. They have signed the agreement of their dreams, the agreement of their existence with Europe.

Albania is progressing and it will continue to progress, even with you in its folds.

“Development and implementation of business and consumer confidence indices in Albania 2”. Ardian Fullani sagde bl.a.: The today’s seminar, on the confidence indices, has a special importance, due to the fact that it regards the evaluation and decision-making basic elements in economic policies, information and in its real dimension. As in any decision-making process information is the first step to reach a sound judgment on the right monetary policy for a central bank.

Speech by Ardian Fullani Governor of the Bank of Albania

At the Regional Seminar “Development and implementation of business and consumer confidence indices in Albania 2” Hotel “President”

Friday 01 December 2006

Dear participants,

The today’s seminar, on the confidence indices, has a special importance, due to the fact that it regards the evaluation and decision-making basic elements in economic policies, information and in its real dimension. As in any decision-making process information is the first step to reach a sound judgment on the right monetary policy for a central bank.

It is indispensable for the monetary authorities to prepare the analysis of the macroeconomic indicators, in order to prepare a monetary policy that ensures the stability of the internal indicators as well as the relations with the partner economies in trade affairs. On a more general view, the economy of a country can not achieve competitiveness and international standards, if development policies are built on a non complete information basis. The preparation of a complete information framework in the economic field is a challenge for the regional countries to reach occidental standards. At the current stage, for Albania this challenge is even more urgent.

The actual condition of the national statistics has room for spreading the statistical basis and for providing stable statistics over time. However, the progress in the statistics field, as well as in other related ones, needs time, funds and the right legal ground for undertaking substantial projects. Meanwhile, our decisions have to rely on as much as possible sound basis. Drafting the confidence indices, as indicators of economic expectations, does not substitute the lack of statistical information on the current situation of an economy. These indices enable monetary markets and authorities to rearrange in time the strategies that preserve balances of related goals. Confidence indices enable a central bank adjustment of monetary policy stance in the right time in order to preserve price stability, while the economy grows at a potential pace.

The developed countries are in frontward regarding the preparation of confidence indices as indicators of expected performance of the economy. Integration of the markets and the globalizing process increase the necessity of preparing these indices in our region, because the objective of monetary policy, the price stability, reflects stability and economic openness towards regional countries and further. It has already been 4 years that Bank of Albania has started the evaluation of business and consumer confidence indices. These surveys are being run on a quarterly basis, with the help of INSTAT, and involve over 600 businesses of production, construction and services sectors and about 1500 consumers. The information collected covers the performance of prices, consumption, income, production, employment, investments and some other indicators, which support the decision-making on the monetary policy stance.

In this important process, the Bank has from the beginning been assisted by the experts of Ifo Institute for Economic Research, witch is internationally renown in the field of business confidence indices. So far, the results of these questionnaires have been indirectly reflected in the periodical analysis and reports and in other different papers of the central bank. The further consolidation of these indicators, paves the path of their publication for the purpose of being used by the economic agents, as an extra way of communicating with the central bank. A preliminary step in this direction is also the consolidation of the applied methodology for calculating these indices, through a professional expertise as that of IFO.

The undertaken steps, in expanding and consolidating the statistical basis of the monetary authority in real time, will enable the management on time of the situations and challenges, which are lead by economic development and the further integration of the regional markets. Coordination of the work between regional central banks for adopting the methodology and the indices enables the maximal use of existing knowledge basis on the specific features of our region, against that of the most developed economies. The use of the same methodology for establishing the indices will make it easier to compare them to each other. In parallel, these indicators will serve as a communication tool with the international institutions, specialized in best presenting and identifying the priorities according to the countries and with the foreign investors interested in our country.

Our purpose is to maximally adapt the indices we are drafting to the best international practices in this field, far from voluntarily solutions. Without any doubt the main challenge remains their efficient use in our decision making process.

We do appreciate that the products, we have been discussing during these two days, the confidence indices in general, will be a successful mean of communication for the Bank of Albania with the market’s actors and the general public. I do not hesitate to declare that the launch of these two products, especially in the context of our purpose to adopt inflation targeting, will further improve the decision making process at the Bank of Albania.

Recently, the Bank of Albania has accelerated the development pace, regarding the improvement of the decision making process and the refinement of the mechanisms that lead to its decisions. The issue is how quickly the market’s actors will follow the current pace of the Bank of Albania. It is important that the difference between the two velocities reduces, in order that our dialogue with the market will be standardized and transparent. To enable an as much as possible contemporary communication, among others, an important part plays the cooperation between Bank of Albania, the financial market, Ministry of Finance, INSTAT and the other institutions. In addition, it must cooperate more with other groups of interest, such as Chamber of Commerce, Konfindustria, Medias and the general public.

At this point, I want to emphasize that the role the media plays is really special. A professional media would be able to construct reliable and comprehensible communication models, easily understandable by the public.

The products we are getting ready to launch soon, that means the confidence indices, have to justify their designation. Stated differently, the public must believe the product of the Bank of Albania is reliable, that product is the object and the real indicator of the public’s expectations. In the meantime, we expect to have back the echo of the public’s trust.

Støtte fra Tyskland til det Albanske Forsvar. Det Albanske FM skriver:

30 Nentor [November] 2006

Germany donates 28 vehicles for the Training and Doctrine Command The German Armed Forces, in the framework of the bilateral cooperation between Albania and Germany, have donated a considerable amount of assistances for the Training and Doctrine Command.

The donation ceremony was held in the facilities of that Command, where participated the deputy Minister of Defense Ms. Zana Xhuka, German Ambassador in Tirana Hans Peter Annen, Commander of TRADOC, Col .Sandër Lleshi, Defense Attaché of the German AF, Lieutenant Col .Stefan Miene and the German Coordinator nearby TRADOC Lieutenant Col .Bandahl.

The military cooperation in the field of defense between Albania and Germany has started since 1992 and it is being strengthened further more.

The Federal Republic of Germany is a partner and supports our armed forces to apply successfully the programs and curricula on the field of education, doctrine, training of the military and civilian personnel, on peacekeeping operations, logistics and etc.

The assistance provided by the Federal Republic of Germany consists of 28 vehicles, which reach the amount of 150 000 euros.

Deputy Minister of Defense Ms. Zana Xhuka, in her greeting speech, thanked Germany, the German Ambassador, and his country’s Armed Forces for the continuous assistance given to the Albanian Military on its reformation and integration into NATO. “This assistance is a significant part of the readiness of the German state and the permanent cooperation with it.”

She continued stating that: “This assistance is a way of expressing the encouragement and support, which will help to improve the quality of the whole educational and training process in TRADOC”.

The German ambassador Hans Peter Annen, in his speech, was confident for the further strengthening of the bilateral cooperation, stressing that: “this modest assistance initiates a new area of this cooperation”.

The ceremony was concluded with a group photo of guests and the TRADOC military personnel.

Albansk fagbevægelse sat på gaden. Mads Lund fra 3F skriver:

Bøller tog forskud på tilbagelevering af landsorganisationernes ejendom og smadrede trapper, tag og inventar. 3F-afdelinger i Odense klar til at indsamle brugt udstyr til de albanske fagforeninger.

Af Mads Lund, international programmedarbejder i 3F

De to albanske landsorganisationer, KSSH og BSPSH, er sat på gaden af bøller hyret af ejeren af den bygning de har kontorer i. Da Albanien i begyndelsen af halvfemserne begyndte omstillingen til fri markedsøkonomi med privat ejendomsret opstod der et væld af problemer med de ejendomme, der var nationaliseret af det kommunistiske styre efter afslutningen på 2.verdenskrig. De faglige organisationer - både dem med rod i det tidligere regime og de nye - fik af parlamentet tildelt de grunde og bygninger som var betalt af medlemmernes kontingenter.

Landsorganisationerne delte den kontorbygning i centrum af Tirana, hvor fagbevægelsen altid havde haft hovedsæde. Grunden havde før krigen været i privat eje, og familien gjorde deres krav gældende.

Inventar og udstyr ødelagt

Efter mere end 10 års tovtrækkeri i det albanske retssystem faldt den endelige afgørelse i foråret 2006.

Fagbevægelsen skulle tilbagelevere grunden (og dermed også bygningen) til den tidligere ejer. I den situation er den albanske stat forpligtet til at finde andre faciliteter til fagbevægelsen, og parterne indgik derfor den aftale, at de to landsorganisationer kunne blive i bygningerne til der var fundet en løsning. Den aftale ville ejeren ikke acceptere, og han hyrede derfor en flok bøller, der brød ind i bygningen, smadrede trapper og tag samt ødelagde inventar.

Da de faglige ledere, herunder formanden for KSSH, Kol Nikkolaj, forsøgte at standse bøllerne, gik volden blot ud over dem. Fagbevægelsen har forsøgt at få hjælp fra politiet, som pligtskyldigt møder op, når det tilkaldes, men som ikke vil etablere permanent beskyttelse.

Hjælp fra 3F i Odense

Under de vilkår har det været umuligt for albansk fagbevægelse at arbejde. Der er derfor ikke tvivl om, at det haster med at finde andre kontorer, så fagbevægelsen igen kan arbejde med det den er sat i verden til.

KSSH's computere og inventar er smadret, og organisationen får derfor brug for hjælp, når den skal genetablere sig i nye lokaler. De odenseanske 3F afdelinger har besluttet at de vil indsamle brugt udstyr og sende det af sted, så snart det kan installeres. Det er ikke første gang, at fynske 3F'ere hjælper i Albanien. I begyndelsen af halvfemserne var fynboerne blandt de første til at sende hjælp til det dengang hungertruede Albanien, og under krigen i Kosovo i 1999 indsamlede de to trailere med udstyr til flygtningelejrene.

Lagt på: 31. August 2006

Ejendomsforhold. Etablering af database. OSCE skriver:

OSCE Presence in Albania helps create property restitution and compensation claims database

TIRANA, 6 December 2006 - The OSCE Presence in Albania and the country's Property Restitution and Compensation Agency (PRCA) today signed an agreement that provides technical and financial assistance to design an electronic database of requests for restitution and compensation of property since 1993.

The electronic database will provide the PRCA with accurate and easily accessible information regarding the types and total amount of land claimed for restitution and compensation. Once the land value maps are completed, Albania will have a reliable estimate of the total cost of the restitution and compensation process. The database will also serve as a case management and case-tracking tool allowing the Agency to more efficiently adjudicate claims. It will provide technical capacity to identify and resolve claims in chronological order according to geographic locations.

"The database will improve the Agency's capacity to manage the restitution and compensation process and as a result, the Government will be better able to co-ordinate the legalization process," said the Head of the OSCE Presence, Ambassador Pavel Vacek.

"The gathered information will also assist us to co-operate with other public institutions administering public properties," said Director of the PRCA, Justina Boriçi.

The 40.000 Euro financing for the initiative was pledged by the government of the Czech Republic. The OSCE Presence has supported the property restitution and compensation process since 2004 when the relevant law entered into force. It has assisted in commenting on legislation and drafting sub-legal acts, supported the preparation of property value maps for the Tirana area, donated office equipment and has provided training for property commissioners. The Presence will continue supporting the property reforms in the country, in line with its mandate.

Det Albanske Medieinstitut har udsendt Nyhedsbrev for November 2006:

IMPROVING REPORTING ON GLOBALIZATION

The seminar that focused on the development of globalization in the world, its impact on Albania, and its future, took place at the Albanian Media Institute on November 6-7, with the participation of 15 journalists from both print and electronic media. The first lecturer was Kastriot Islami, ex-Minister of Foreign Affairs. He started by presenting a general overview of the phenomenon of globalization and its geopolitical component, and continued by explaining its various stages, such as universalism, globalization, etc. The lecturer addressed such essential concepts as the global village, geopolitics, and followed with the impact of globalization on Albania. He also paid special attention to the UN and the ongoing debate on the existing institutions. Other topics the lecturer discussed with the participants included the kinds of globalization, such as industrial, financial, political, cultural, etc.

The second lecturer was Albert Rakipi, director of Albanian Institute for International Studies. He focused his lecture mainly on the factors that brought about globalization, such as the economic aspect, free movement of people, Internet and communication, which brought to the shortage of distances. The lecture also addressed the cultural aspect of the globalization, the Huntington thesis on the clash of civilizations, etc. Other issues addressed were the thesis of the no-global movement, the preservation of the national identity. Finally, the lecturer focused on the good and bad effects of globalization on the Albanian culture. This course was organized by the Albanian Media Institute, with the support of Media-Im-Pakt, a part of the Institute for Foreign Cultural Relations, IFA, Germany.

JOURNALISM TRAINING ON ALBANIAN EU ACCESSION PROCESS CONTINUES

Although European integration is a very salient issue after Albania signed the Stabilization Association Agreement, very few people are aware of the complexity of this process. In this context, the Albanian Media Institute, with the support of British Embassy, is implementing a training project that aims to provide journalists with the basic aspects that this process entails. The third training course took place in Shkoder on November 14-17, with the participation of 15 journalists from both print and electronic media. The main aspects of the integration process were legislation, foreign policy, integration issues, and economical aspects that involve the impact of the integration process. The participants became familiar with the nature of legislation in EU versus member states, the attempts made in harmonizing Albanian legislation to EU standards, and the comparison of the present stage legislation to required standards.

Another topic of interest for participants was the foreign policy issues and the process of relations between Albania and EU in the last years, the changes in the political dialogue, the present position of the Albanian state in this context, Albania’s negotiating power in the region, the historical role of ASA, etc. In addition, the participants were briefed on the role of the Ministry of Integration in this process, the coordination efforts among government bodies, the plan for ASA implementation, the economic benefits and risks expected, the importance of further strengthening of independent institutions in the country, etc. Finally, the Interim Agreement was another major topic, briefing the journalists on the main aspects of this economic agreement, its impact on domestic business, the expected effects, the limitations and benefits that may derive, and Albania’s capacity to fulfill this agreement. Lecturers included high officials from the Ministry of Integration, Ministry of Economy, Commerce, and Energetics, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and international law experts. These courses will continue with other groups of journalists in Tirana and other cities.

NEW DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC BROADCASTER ELECTED

The Steering Council of the public broadcaster elected Petrit Beci as General Director of Albanian Radio and Television (RTVSH) on its meeting of November 10, with six votes in favor and none against. After ten persons presented their candidatures for this post, the voting came down to two names, and in the second round Beci won all the cotes of the Steering Council. This change came after the dismissal last month from this post of Artur Zheji, who had been general director of RTVSH for three years. Meanwhile, the Steering Council has also approved the changes in other posts, such as Deputy General Directors of RTVSH, directors of public radio and public television, as well as directors of information. The newly elected administration faces the difficult task of improving the performance of the public broadcaster and taking it closer to fulfilling its public mission.

TEAM TRAINING AND SUPPLEMENT PRODUCTION ON ADOLESCENCE

A team reporting training took place at the Albanian Media Institute on November 13-17, with the participation of eight journalists from both mainstream and local media. The reporters produced a supplement that was published in daily “Panorama.” The supplement focused on issues of reporting on the age of adolescence and the main problems this group of people faces. The participants worked as a team and covered different stories addressing topics related to generation gap, changes in legislation affecting teenagers, teenagers’ methods of expression, such as slang, social assistance offered in this area, etc. In order to assist their reporting, several speakers were invited to address this topic: Ilda Poda, from the Ministry of Social Issues and Equal Opportunities, focused on government programs and strategies for development. The second key speaker was Arjan Harxhi, from Tirana University Hospital Center, who discussed with the participants issues related to teenagers, sexual health, reproductive health and HIV/AIDS infection. On the second day Mirela Shuteriqi, from Terre Des Hommes, Tirana, addressed the difficulties teenagers face nowadays, bringing specific examples from migration, juvenile justice, street children, etc. Edlira Haxhiymeri, from University of Tirana, focused on the situation and perception of teenagers in relation to themselves and vis-à-vis the others. The last speaker was Ilda Londo, media researcher at the Albanian Media Institute, who discussed with the participants cases of media coverage of teenagers, coupled with the main principles of the Code of Ethics for journalists. This project was supported by UNFPA and organized by the Albanian Media Institute.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC REPORTING TRAINING

A training course targeted at economic reporters took place at the Albanian Media Institute on November 20-24, with the participation of 12 journalists. The main aim of the course was to introduce participants to the chief traits of economic reporting and train them on acquiring different skills and using several angles in this area. Trainer was Ross Tieman, from Cayssialis Business Communication, France. The training combined lectures with discussions and practical examples and assignments by the participants, enabling them to test their improved skills on field. Some of the main topics addressed during the training were the aims of business journalism and the writing skills needed in economic reporting, the different manners of gathering evidence, the importance of research in this field, introduction of different business frameworks, translating business data and developments into understandable news, use of particular terms and language targeted at different readers and publics, etc. The journalists also held interviews with well-known entrepreneur and analyst, in order to test the knowledge gained during the course. The training was organized by Albanian Media Institute and supported by International Institute for Journalism, Germany.

TRAINING AND SUPPLEMENT PRODUCTION ON CORRUPTION REPORTING

A team reporting training was organized at the Albanian Media Institute on November 6-10, with the participation of ten journalists from the main Tirana-based newspapers. The reporters produced a supplement that was published in daily “Shqip.” The supplement focused on salient issues related to corruption reporting in the country, such as the investigation on the income of high officials, the corruption in the judicial system, the problems with property issues and the causes that lead to corruptive affairs in the bodies that deal with these, the cases of corruption discovered in several state bodies, such as police, the electrical energy corporation, courts, etc. In order to assist their reporting, three key speakers were invited to address these topics: Artan Hoxha from the Institute of Contemporary Studies, who addressed the need to prevent the conflict of interest in different levels of the three state powers. The second key speaker was Fatbardh Kadilli, advisor to the Cabinet of Ministers, who explained the main trends and programs in the government’s strategy in the struggle against corruption. Third speaker was Didmir Bushati, research director at Agenda Institute, who provided a brief overview of the main issues related to corruption affairs in developing countries and the experience in Albania and abroad in this area. This project was supported by the Embassy of Kingdom of Netherlands and organized by the Albanian Media Institute.

COMPUTER ASSISTED REPORTING TRAINING FOR INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISTS

A training course on computer assisted reporting for investigative journalists was organized in Pogradec on October 31-November 2, with the participation of 15 journalists from print and electronic media. The course aimed to introduce journalists to the main principles and skills of computer assisted reporting, as well as provide them with the basic knowledge in using it for investigative journalism. Trainer Mitrulla Thodhori, IT expert, presented the participants to CAR methodology, its present development, and the main tools used in this regard, mainly using Internet efficiently as information source in investigative reporting. In her lecture she focused on search engines in Internet and their specific features, catalogues and databases, the diverse search strategies, and the practical usage of Internet in today’s reporting. Other topics included advanced usage of MS Office package and e-mail, working with tables and collection and selection of data, charts, etc. Introducing journalists to the main websites of interest to investigative journalists, the trainer provided practical examples for the participants. This training course was organized by Albanian Media Institute with the support of UNESCO.

TRAINING ON NARRATIVE JOURNALISM

Narrative journalism was the topic of a training course that took place at the Albanian Media Institute on November 20-24, with the participation of 15 journalists from mainstream and local media. The main objective of the training was to improve the reporting skills of journalists dealing with feature stories and profiles, combining lectures and everyday practical assignments. Trainer was Altin Raxhimi, freelancer, who introduced the reporters to the history of narrative journalism and its main principles, the different approaches to narrating a story, the main work elements and observations, such as voice, body language, characters, irony and humor, compassion, etc. The trainer also worked with the participants in writing different feature stories for their work, using different narrating lengths and techniques, and in discussing the future of narrative journalism in the country. During the training several materials and handouts on narrative journalism were distributed to journalists, along with the indication of different web pages that are useful in writing feature stories. This training course is part of an extensive project on professional skills training for journalists, organized by Albanian Media Institute with the support of Network Media Program.

JOURNALISTS TRAINED ON IMPROVING REPORTING ON CHILDREN

Two training courses on children reporting were organized at the Albanian Media Institute on the dates November 1-3 and 8-10, with the participation of 15 journalists from both print and electronic media, from Tirana and other cities. The main aim of these courses was to raise awareness on the children rights, their situation, and how they should be reported in the media. For this aim, lecturers introduced participants to a comprehensive overview of the Albanian legislation relevant to children and the media and other key international legal instruments and examined the current practices in representing children in the print and electronic media. In addition, ethical considerations were included in the framework in terms of media and children. The lecturers brought their expertise from different areas, mainly from media, justice and legislation, and civil society. The first lecturer was Florian Pustina, expert lawyer on international right of children, who focused on an overview of the international documents that deal with children rights, also including a history of the development of this right and the needs to fairly address children coverage. Second lecturer was Artur Lazebeu from People’s Advocate Office, who introduced to journalists the work his office had been doing on the area of children’s rights, explaining the legal background and bringing specific examples, as well as discussing the future of this office in this field. On the second day, Steven Ashby, director of Save the Children, introduced to the participants the main aspects of work of this organization, and the importance of familiarity of journalists with children’s rights and the need to observe ethical professional standards in this direction.

Afterwards Lutfi Dervishi, freelancer and one of the main persons involved in revising the Code of Ethics of Albanian journalists, summarized the main aspects of the Code to journalists, focusing especially on the section devoted to a fair and ethical coverage of children by journalists. Fourth lecturer was Arben Muka, Deutsche Welle correspondent, who focused his lecture on the cooperation between media and NGOs in covering events that focus on children, touching upon delicate ethical issues such as privacy and sensitivity of children. On the third day Arben Ristani, lawyer, informed the participants on the main legal provisions in Albanian legislation related to children and the importance for these journalists to become familiar with this aspect, in order to avoid any violation and suffering. Afterwards, Holta Kotherja, director of the Legal Clinic for Minors, shared with the journalists her own experience in working with minors, providing specific cases addressed in the media and focusing on the way these children are affected psychologically by media coverage. These training courses were organized by the Albanian Media Institute with the support of Save the Children.

REPORTING ON ORGANIZED CRIME TRAINING

A training course on improving reporting on organized crime took place at the Albanian Media Institute on November 13-17, with the participation of journalists from mainstream media. The main aim of the training was to improve the journalists’ coverage of organized crime in the media, focusing on several particular aspects of this genre. Trainer was Jason Kandel, reporter of Daily News, Los Angeles. Some of the main topics addressed during the course was finding the sources, building trust relations with them, and discussing several methods of following-up on previous stories. Interviewing skills, accessing official documents and sources, and pursuing investigative journalism were other topics discussed. The course involved both discussing and bringing specific examples and doing practical on-field assignments. The course was organized by the US Embassy in Tirana.

NGOS CAMPAIGN FOR WOMEN’S RIGHTS

A coalition of NGOs started a two-week campaign on November 25 related to the rights of women. The campaign will comprise several events, activities, and aims to raise awareness on the need to denounce and struggle against domestic violence and any other forms of violation experienced by women. Special focus of the campaign will be the need to assist to victims of trafficking as well as urge and educate women on the importance of denouncing domestic violence. Some of the organizations participating in the campaign include “Useful to Albanian woman,” “House for Protection and Culture of Women,” and Albanian Media Institute.

TRAINING ON COMPUTER ASSISTED REPORTING

A training course on computer assisted reporting and investigative journalism took place in Durres on November 14-16, with the participation of 15 journalists from print and electronic media. The course aimed to introduce journalists to the main principles and skills of computer assisted reporting, as well as provide them with the basic knowledge in using it for investigative journalism. Trainer Mitrulla Thodhori, IT expert, presented the participants to CAR methodology, its present development, and the main tools used in this regard, mainly using Internet efficiently as an information source in investigative reporting. In her lecture she focused on search engines in Internet and their specific features, catalogues and databasis, the diverse search strategies, and the practical usage of Internet in today’s reporting. Other topics included advanced usage of MS Office package and e-mail, working with tables and collection and selection of data, charts, etc. Introducing journalists to the main websites of interest to investigative journalists, the trainer provided practical examples for the participants. This training course was organized by Albanian Media Institute with the support of UNESCO.

Amerikansk bistand til Lezhë og Berat, Albanien. Den Amerikanske Ambassade i Tirana skriver:

The Public Affairs Officer Stephanie Wickes traveled to the northern town Lezhë and southern town of Berat to announce the latest Democracy Commission Small Grants Program season. Public Affairs staff met with NGO representatives, Peace Corps Volunteers and representatives of the local government, to present and discuss the priorities, objectives, and technical aspects of the Program. Public Affairs Officer Stephanie Wickes gave interviews with local TV stations at both sites, discussing the program and inviting NGOs to apply. The well-attended and publicized events will help to raise the visibility of the Democracy Commission Small Grants Program in Albania, generating new and innovative projects in regions where they are most needed.

»Tirana Times« bragte 01.12.2006 et interview med mig under overskriften: Danish sociologist’s thoughts on Albania’s past, present and future. Det kan ses på: http://bjoerna.net/articles/interview-TT-061201.htm

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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.


Kosovo / Kosóva: PM Kostunica har haft Fransk besøg. Frankrig lægger stor vægt at man når til konsensus, hvilket indebærer at der skal tages hensyn til det Albanske Flertal, det Serbiske Mindretal og Serbien. Franskmændene vil formentlig »stå på« vidtgående autonomi. Den Serbiske Regering skriver:

Compromise for Kosovo must be found

Belgrade, Dec 6, 2006 – Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica stressed today in a meeting with a delegation of the French parliament at the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly led by Michel Voisin that a compromise must be found for the future status of Kosovo-Metohija.

Kostunica stated that the solution must be reached by respecting international law, the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act from 1975 on inviolability of borders.

The Serbian Prime Minister also pointed out that Kosovo-Metohija should have the highest degree of autonomy within Serbia.

The French delegation supported the stand that a consensus must be reached on Kosovo and empahsised the importance of respect of human rights and rights of national communities in the province and protection of human dignity.

The international community should take part of responsibility for the future status of the province, they said.

Serbia and France have traditionally good historic and friendly ties, Voisin also noted and pledged for further development of these relations.

»Russia's announced veto guarantees Kosovo as part of Serbia«, Sanda Raskovic-Ivic said. Den Serbiske Regering skriver:

Sanda Raskovic-Ivic. Foto: Tanjug

Belgrade, Dec 7, 2006 – President of the Coordinating Centre for Kosovo-Metohija Sanda Raskovic-Ivic said in an interview for today's edition of the daily Vecernje Novosti that the announcement that Russia may place veto at the Security Council if Kosovo is granted independence is very encouraging and confirms that Kosovo will remain an unalienable part of Serbia.

Raskovic-Ivic said that Russia has on several occasions sent clear messages that it will strongly oppose a solution which would present Kosovo as a special case.

She stressed that Russia is still constructive when it comes to seeking a solution, adding that the veto might ensue if all other Contact Group members fail to show constructiveness on their part, that is, if they wish to cut off another country's territory and dismember a sovereign state.

Raskovic-Ivic said that the proposed solution which is to be offered by UN Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari will not be regarded as a verdict by Serbia, but as starting basis for the continuation of talks if demanded by the international community.

If the international community decides to continue the talks and the US support this decision, ethnic Albanian leaders must also comply, concluded Raskovic-Ivic.

Vojislav Seselj insisterer på at forsvare sig selv ved ICTY. Den Serbiske Regering skriver:

Government expects Hague tribunal's decision on the case of Vojislav Seselj

Belgrade, Dec 6, 2006 - Director of the Serbian government's Office of Media Relations Srdjan Djuric said today that the Serbian government expects that the Hague tribunal will decide as soon as possible to allow Vojislav Seselj to defend himself in the trial against him.

Djuric told the Beta news agency that in this way Seselj would be enabled to defend himself in a way he believes that suits him best. That would also put end to his hunger strike, which would protect his basic right - the right to life.

Interview med OSCE's Missionschef Hans Ola Urstad i »Blic«. Kan hentes fra: http://www.osce.org/documents/srb/2006/11/22234_en.pdf.


Growing special relationship between the United States and the Serbian Air and Air Defense Forces. Militært samarbejde mellem USA og Serbien. Den Amerikanske Ambassade i Beograd skriver:

December 4 , 2006

Embassy of the United States of America Belgrade

Serbian Military Officers Visit Ohio

The Commander of the Ohio Air National Guard, Major General Harry Feucht Jr, will be hosting the Commander of the Serbian Air and Air Defense forces, Colonel Dragan Katanic, and three of his senior staff in Ohio during the week of December 4. This visit represents the first State Partnership Program between Ohio and Serbia to take place in Ohio, and highlights the growing special relationship between the United States and the Serbian Air and Air Defense Forces.

The Ohio Air National Guard has twelve primary units in Ohio, consisting of a number of operations, training, and support wings and squadrons. Colonel Katanic and his staff will, among other places, visit the 180th Fighter Wing in Toledo, the 121s Air Refueling Wing in Columbus, the 179th Airlift Wing in Mansfield, and the 178th Fighter Wing in Springfield. The Serbian team will have the opportunity to observe F-16 flying operations, participate in air refueling events, and hold discussions on future engagements with the State of Ohio. Various cultural programs, and visits to the U.S. Air Force Museum at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, and Ohio National Guard Headquarters are also planned.

For more information on the State Partnership Program and U.S.-Serbia military cooperation, please visit the U.S. Embassy website at: http://belgrade.usembassy.gov/feature/200611.html

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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.

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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


PM Gruevski har været i Italien. PM Romano Prodi tilsiger Makedonien støtte mht optagelse i EU. Makfax skriver:

Italy affirmed its support to Macedonia in the country's efforts to acquire a date for launching negotiations with EU. Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi himself spelled out the pledge for support after today's talks in Rome with the Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski. I would like to express my support to Macedonia on its road to EU. The country has achieved a significant progress, Prodi said after the meeting. Italian PM also confirmed that he sent a letter to the leaders of the EU member-countries, asking them to set the date for start of membership negotiations with Macedonia, and to offer reassurance on the political agreement for accession of Croatia, once Zagreb fulfils its obligations.

Macedonian PM extended gratitude for the support, adding that Macedonia has a great friend in Italy, which will back the country at the upcoming EU Summit slated for mid December, as well as at the following summits in 2007. In the meantime, Macedonia will focus on meeting the standards and adoption of legislations necessary for setting the date for start of negotiations with EU as soon as possible.

The interlocutors also discussed the modalities of Italian assistance to Macedonia's battle against organized crime and corruption, Macedonian Radio reported. Previously, Gruevski held talks with the Italian Deputy National Anti-Mafia Prosecutor, Francesco Mandoi, focusing on the current Macedonian legislation referring to this area. According to Gruevski's statement, Mandoi is likely to accept the post of PM's Advisor for fighting organized crime.

Vice-Prime Minister in charge of European Integrations, Gabriela Konevska-Trajkovska, accompanies PM Gruevski on his visit to Italy.

Amerikanske Politikere på besøg i Makedonien: Den Amerikanske Ambassade i Skopje skriver:

A delegation from the United States House of Representatives Democracy Assistance Commission, led by Republican Chairman David Dreier (California) and Ranking Democratic Member David Price (North Carolina), arrived in Macedonia today for a three-day program with the National Assembly. The Commission's mission is to strengthen democratic institutions by assisting parliaments in emerging democracies. Central to the Commission's work is the provision of technical expertise to enhance accountability, transparency, legislative independence, and government oversight in foreign parliaments.

"It is a privilege for me to be here to work with my colleagues in the Macedonian parliament, sharing our experiences as legislators and working to strengthen the legislatures in both our countries," said Dreier. "Strengthening democratic institutions worldwide is a top priority for the U.S. House of Representatives, and I look forward to a continued partnership with the Macedonian parliament." Price added, "We look forward to learning from the experiences of our colleagues in the Macedonian parliament, and hope to build a long-term relationship between our institutions than can cement the bond between our nations." While in Macedonia, the delegation will conduct parliamentary strengthening programs related to such topics as constituent relations, parliamentary rules and procedure, committee oversight and the use of information technology (IT) in the legislative process. The Commission also has made a donation of IT equipment to the National Assembly to help facilitate the functioning and transparency of the parliament.

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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.

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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


PM Gruevski (Makedonien) har været i Italien. PM Romano Prodi tilsiger Makedonien støtte mht optagelse i EU. Makfax skriver:

Italy affirmed its support to Macedonia in the country's efforts to acquire a date for launching negotiations with EU. Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi himself spelled out the pledge for support after today's talks in Rome with the Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski. I would like to express my support to Macedonia on its road to EU. The country has achieved a significant progress, Prodi said after the meeting. Italian PM also confirmed that he sent a letter to the leaders of the EU member-countries, asking them to set the date for start of membership negotiations with Macedonia, and to offer reassurance on the political agreement for accession of Croatia, once Zagreb fulfils its obligations.

Macedonian PM extended gratitude for the support, adding that Macedonia has a great friend in Italy, which will back the country at the upcoming EU Summit slated for mid December, as well as at the following summits in 2007. In the meantime, Macedonia will focus on meeting the standards and adoption of legislations necessary for setting the date for start of negotiations with EU as soon as possible.

The interlocutors also discussed the modalities of Italian assistance to Macedonia's battle against organized crime and corruption, Macedonian Radio reported. Previously, Gruevski held talks with the Italian Deputy National Anti-Mafia Prosecutor, Francesco Mandoi, focusing on the current Macedonian legislation referring to this area. According to Gruevski's statement, Mandoi is likely to accept the post of PM's Advisor for fighting organized crime.

Vice-Prime Minister in charge of European Integrations, Gabriela Konevska-Trajkovska, accompanies PM Gruevski on his visit to Italy.

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USA




Senatet har tiltrådt udnævnelsen af Robert Gates som ny FM efter Donald Rumsfeld. Det Hvide Hus har udsendt flg.:

President Bush Pleased by Senate Confirmation of Robert Gates as Next Secretary of Defense

I am pleased the Senate has overwhelmingly voted to confirm Dr. Robert Gates as the next Secretary of Defense. In his confirmation hearing, Dr. Gates demonstrated he is an experienced, qualified, and thoughtful man who is well respected by Members of both parties and is committed to winning the War on Terror. Throughout his career, Dr. Gates has transformed the organizations he has led and empowered them to successfully address complex issues. I am confident that his leadership and capabilities will help our country meet its current military challenges and prepare for emerging threats of the 21st century.

I thank Chairman Warner and Ranking Member Levin for leading dignified and constructive hearings, and I thank the Senate for moving quickly on this nomination.

FN-Ambassadør John Bolton har oplyst at han ikke ønsker at fortsætte på posten. Bolton sad på et midlertidigt og tidsbegrænset mandat fra Præsidenten og havde ikke opnået Senatets godkendelse. Årsagen til hans retræte er givetvis at han må påregne ikke at kunne blive accepteret af Senatet efter de seneste valg. Bolton anses for at være én af Præsident Bush's håndgangne mænd, han er beskyldt for arrogance og for at ville gå for »radikalt« til værks mht en reformering af FN. Præsident Bush taler til gengæld om at nogle af Senatorerne har gjort sig skyldig i stubborn obstructionism. Det Hvide Hus har udsendt flg.:

President Bush Accepts Ambassador John Bolton's Resignation as U.S. Representative to the United Nations

It is with deep regret that I accept John Bolton's decision to end his service in the Administration as Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations when his commission expires.

Over a year ago, I appointed Ambassador Bolton because I knew he would represent America's values and effectively confront difficult problems at the United Nations. He served his country with extraordinary dedication and skill, assembling coalitions that addressed some of the most consequential issues facing the international community. During his tenure, he articulately advocated the positions and values of the United States and advanced the expansion of democracy and liberty.

Ambassador Bolton led the successful negotiations that resulted in unanimous Security Council resolutions regarding North Korea's military and nuclear activities. He built consensus among our allies on the need for Iran to suspend the enrichment and reprocessing of uranium. His efforts to promote the cause of peace in Darfur resulted in a peacekeeping commitment by the United Nations. He made the case for United Nations reform because he cares about the institution, and wants it to become more credible and effective.

I am deeply disappointed that a handful of United States Senators prevented Ambassador Bolton from receiving the up or down vote he deserved in the Senate. They chose to obstruct his confirmation, even though he enjoys majority support in the Senate, and even though their tactics will disrupt our diplomatic work at a sensitive and important time. This stubborn obstructionism ill serves our country, and discourages men and women of talent from serving their Nation.

I thank John Bolton for the dedication and skill with which he performed his duties, and his wife Gretchen and daughter Jennifer Sarah for their support as Ambassador Bolton served his country. All Americans owe John Bolton their gratitude for a job well done.

Ovenstående skal ses i lyset af Præsident Bush Irak-politik af mange - herunder af mange Amerikanske Vælgere - anses for at have været forfejlet. Baker-Hamilton-studiegruppen offentliggjorde Onsdag 06.12.2006 sin analyse. Den kan downloades fra USIP's netsted på: http://www.usip.org/isg/iraq_study_group_report/report/1206/index.html. Heri hedder det bl.a.:

The situation in Iraq is grave and deteriorating. There is no path that can guarantee success, but the prospects can be improved.

In this report, we make a number of recommendations for actions to be taken in Iraq, the United States, and the region. Our most important recommendations call for new and enhanced diplomatic and political efforts in Iraq and the region, and a change in the primary mission of U.S. forces in Iraq that will enable the United States to begin to move its combat forces out of Iraq responsibly. We believe that these two recommendations are equally important and reinforce one another. If they are effectively implemented, and if the Iraqi government moves forward with national reconciliation, Iraqis will have an opportunity for a better future, terrorism will be dealt a blow, stability will be enhanced in an important part of the world, and America’s credibility, interests, and values will be protected.

The challenges in Iraq are complex. Violence is increasing in scope and lethality. It is fed by a Sunni Arab insurgency, Shiite militias and death squads, al Qaeda, and widespread criminality. Sectarian conflict is the principal challenge to stability. The Iraqi people have a democratically elected government, yet it is not adequately advancing national reconciliation, providing basic security, or delivering essential services. Pessimism is pervasive.

If the situation continues to deteriorate, the consequences could be severe. A slide toward chaos could trigger the collapse of Iraq’s government and a humanitarian catastrophe. Neighboring countries could intervene. Sunni-Shia clashes could spread. Al Qaeda could win a propaganda victory and expand its base of operations. The global standing of the United States could be diminished. Americans could become more polarized.

During the past nine months we have considered a full range of approaches for moving forward. All have flaws. Our recommended course has shortcomings, but we firmly believe that it includes the best strategies and tactics to positively influence the outcome in Iraq and the region.

Som bekendt er Danmark, Albanien og flere andre medlemmer af 'Irak-Koalitionen' (såvel som af 'Afghanistan-Koalitionen').

Det Hvide Hus har udsendt flg.:

President George W. Bush addresses the press during a meeting with members of Congress about the Iraq Study Group Report and his recent foreign trips in the Cabinet Room Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2006. "Not all of us around the table agree with every idea, but we do agree that it shows that bipartisan consensus on important issues is possible," said the President. "It's really important for the American people to know that there are people of goodwill here in town willing to set aside politics and focus on the security of this country and the peace of the world." White House photo by Eric Draper

THE PRESIDENT: I just received the Iraq Study Group report, prepared by a distinguished panel of our fellow citizens. I want to thank James Baker and Lee Hamilton and the panel members for spending a lot of time on this really difficult issue. And I thank you for coming into the White House today to give me a copy of this report.

I told the members that this report, called "The Way Forward," will be taken very seriously by this administration. This report gives a very tough assessment of the situation in Iraq. It is a report that brings some really very interesting proposals, and we will take every proposal seriously and we will act in a timely fashion.

The commission is headed up to Congress, and I urge the members of Congress to take this report seriously. While they won't agree with every proposal -- and we probably won't agree with every proposal -- it, nevertheless, is an opportunity to come together and to work together on this important issue.

The country, in my judgment, is tired of pure political bickering that happens in Washington, and they understand that on this important issue of war and peace, it is best for our country to work together. And I understand how difficult that is, but this report will give us all an opportunity to find common ground, for the good of the country -- not for the good of the Republican Party or the Democratic Party, but for the good of the country.

We can achieve long-lasting peace for this country, and it requires tough work. It also requires a strategy that will be effective. And we've got men and women of both political parties around this table who spent a lot of time thinking about the way forward in Iraq, and the way forward in the Middle East, and I can't thank them enough for your time. You could be doing a lot of other things, you could have had a lot more simple life than to allow your government to call you back into service. But you did allow us to call you back into service, and you made a vital contribution to the country. Our fellow citizens have got to know that it is possible for people of goodwill to come together to help make recommendations on how to deal with a very serious situation.

And we applaud your work. We take it very seriously, and we'll act on it in a timely fashion. Thank you very much.

Amerikansk bistand til Lezhë og Berat, Albanien. Den Amerikanske Ambassade i Tirana skriver:

The Public Affairs Officer Stephanie Wickes traveled to the northern town Lezhë and southern town of Berat to announce the latest Democracy Commission Small Grants Program season. Public Affairs staff met with NGO representatives, Peace Corps Volunteers and representatives of the local government, to present and discuss the priorities, objectives, and technical aspects of the Program. Public Affairs Officer Stephanie Wickes gave interviews with local TV stations at both sites, discussing the program and inviting NGOs to apply. The well-attended and publicized events will help to raise the visibility of the Democracy Commission Small Grants Program in Albania, generating new and innovative projects in regions where they are most needed.

Growing special relationship between the United States and the Serbian Air and Air Defense Forces. Militært samarbejde mellem USA og Serbien. Den Amerikanske Ambassade i Beograd skriver:

December 4 , 2006

Embassy of the United States of America Belgrade

Serbian Military Officers Visit Ohio

The Commander of the Ohio Air National Guard, Major General Harry Feucht Jr, will be hosting the Commander of the Serbian Air and Air Defense forces, Colonel Dragan Katanic, and three of his senior staff in Ohio during the week of December 4. This visit represents the first State Partnership Program between Ohio and Serbia to take place in Ohio, and highlights the growing special relationship between the United States and the Serbian Air and Air Defense Forces.

The Ohio Air National Guard has twelve primary units in Ohio, consisting of a number of operations, training, and support wings and squadrons. Colonel Katanic and his staff will, among other places, visit the 180th Fighter Wing in Toledo, the 121s Air Refueling Wing in Columbus, the 179th Airlift Wing in Mansfield, and the 178th Fighter Wing in Springfield. The Serbian team will have the opportunity to observe F-16 flying operations, participate in air refueling events, and hold discussions on future engagements with the State of Ohio. Various cultural programs, and visits to the U.S. Air Force Museum at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, and Ohio National Guard Headquarters are also planned.

For more information on the State Partnership Program and U.S.-Serbia military cooperation, please visit the U.S. Embassy website at: http://belgrade.usembassy.gov/feature/200611.html

Amerikanske Politikere på besøg i Makedonien: Den Amerikanske Ambassade i Skopje skriver:

A delegation from the United States House of Representatives Democracy Assistance Commission, led by Republican Chairman David Dreier (California) and Ranking Democratic Member David Price (North Carolina), arrived in Macedonia today for a three-day program with the National Assembly. The Commission's mission is to strengthen democratic institutions by assisting parliaments in emerging democracies. Central to the Commission's work is the provision of technical expertise to enhance accountability, transparency, legislative independence, and government oversight in foreign parliaments.

"It is a privilege for me to be here to work with my colleagues in the Macedonian parliament, sharing our experiences as legislators and working to strengthen the legislatures in both our countries," said Dreier. "Strengthening democratic institutions worldwide is a top priority for the U.S. House of Representatives, and I look forward to a continued partnership with the Macedonian parliament." Price added, "We look forward to learning from the experiences of our colleagues in the Macedonian parliament, and hope to build a long-term relationship between our institutions than can cement the bond between our nations." While in Macedonia, the delegation will conduct parliamentary strengthening programs related to such topics as constituent relations, parliamentary rules and procedure, committee oversight and the use of information technology (IT) in the legislative process. The Commission also has made a donation of IT equipment to the National Assembly to help facilitate the functioning and transparency of the parliament.

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ENGLAND

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TYSKLAND


Støtte fra Tyskland til det Albanske Forsvar. Det Albanske FM skriver:

30 Nentor [November] 2006

Germany donates 28 vehicles for the Training and Doctrine Command The German Armed Forces, in the framework of the bilateral cooperation between Albania and Germany, have donated a considerable amount of assistances for the Training and Doctrine Command.

The donation ceremony was held in the facilities of that Command, where participated the deputy Minister of Defense Ms. Zana Xhuka, German Ambassador in Tirana Hans Peter Annen, Commander of TRADOC, Col .Sandër Lleshi, Defense Attaché of the German AF, Lieutenant Col .Stefan Miene and the German Coordinator nearby TRADOC Lieutenant Col .Bandahl.

The military cooperation in the field of defense between Albania and Germany has started since 1992 and it is being strengthened further more.

The Federal Republic of Germany is a partner and supports our armed forces to apply successfully the programs and curricula on the field of education, doctrine, training of the military and civilian personnel, on peacekeeping operations, logistics and etc.

The assistance provided by the Federal Republic of Germany consists of 28 vehicles, which reach the amount of 150 000 euros.

Deputy Minister of Defense Ms. Zana Xhuka, in her greeting speech, thanked Germany, the German Ambassador, and his country’s Armed Forces for the continuous assistance given to the Albanian Military on its reformation and integration into NATO. “This assistance is a significant part of the readiness of the German state and the permanent cooperation with it.”

She continued stating that: “This assistance is a way of expressing the encouragement and support, which will help to improve the quality of the whole educational and training process in TRADOC”.

The German ambassador Hans Peter Annen, in his speech, was confident for the further strengthening of the bilateral cooperation, stressing that: “this modest assistance initiates a new area of this cooperation”.

The ceremony was concluded with a group photo of guests and the TRADOC military personnel.

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FRANKRIG


Den Serbiske PM Kostunica har haft Fransk besøg. Frankrig lægger stor vægt at man når til konsensus, hvilket indebærer at der skal tages hensyn til det Albanske Flertal, det Serbiske Mindretal og Serbien. Franskmændene vil formentlig »stå på« vidtgående autonomi.

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DANMARK (NORGE, SVERIGE)

Irak: Det Danske UM har kommenteret offentliggørelsen af Baker-Hamilton-gruppens rapport:

Baker-Hamilton gruppen er en tværpolitisk gruppe nedsat på initiativ af den amerikanske Kongres for at komme med fremadrettede anbefalinger til justeringer af den amerikanske Irak-politik. Gruppen har udarbejdet sin rapport med støtte fra en række ekspertarbejdsgrupper og et panel af officerer. Statsminister Anders Fogh Rasmussen har i processen redegjort for de danske erfaringer i Irak overfor tidligere udenrigsminister James Baker.

Udenrigsminister Per Stig Møller udtaler :

”Dansk Irak-politik fastlægges af Folketinget. Men alle gode indspil til den løbende justering af Irak-indsatsen er naturligvis velkomne. Derfor vil vi nu studere anbefalingerne i Baker-Hamilton rapporten nøje, ligesom vi vil fortsætte koordinationen med vores koalitionspartnere og de irakiske myndigheder. Andet ville være uansvarligt.

Umiddelbart ser det ud til, at anbefalingerne fra Baker-Hamilton gruppen går godt i spænd med regeringens tanker om justeringer, herunder spørgsmålet om en gradvis mere tilbagetrukken rolle for de multinationale styrker. Den proces er allerede i støbeskeen. Efter mine samtaler i Bagdad i lørdags er jeg heller ikke tvivl om, at det også er, hvad den irakiske regering selv ønsker.

Den irakiske regering lægger tilsvarende stor vægt på at isolere ekstremister og fremme demokratiet gennem nationale forsoningsprocesser, som er et andet hovedpunkt i Baker-Hamilton rapporten.

Det flugter også godt med regeringens Mellemøsten-politik, når Baker-Hamilton rapporten anbefaler en intensivering af bestræbelserne for at opnå fremskridt i den arabisk-israelske fredsproces, hvor Danmark med køreplanen for fred har lagt en stor indsats.

Spørgsmålet om en konstruktiv inddragelse af Iran og Syrien er ligeledes i tråd med regeringens overvejelser, og vi har allerede haft kontakter. Men det skal ske indenfor rammerne af de beslutninger, der er truffet i FN, herunder vedrørende Irans atomprogram og Hariri-undersøgelsen”.

Mandatet for det danske styrkebidrag i Irak er fastlagt af Folketinget den 30. maj 2006 og løber til 1. juli 2007.

Udenrigsministeriet, 6. december 2006

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




Møde om ICTY i København. Tidligere landsdommer Hans Henrik Brydensholt var i årene 2004-2006 dommer ved ICTY. Institut for Menneskerettigheder, Den Danske Helsinki-Komité og Miqësia / Dansk-Albansk Forening holdet 20.11.2006 et møde i København med Brydensholt om ICTY. Referat af mødet kan findes på: http://miqesia.dk/ICTY-2006.htm




»Tirana Times« bragte 01.12.2006 et interview med mig under overskriften: Danish sociologist’s thoughts on Albania’s past, present and future. Det kan ses på: http://bjoerna.net/articles/interview-TT-061201.htm

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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


»Russia's announced veto guarantees Kosovo as part of Serbia«, Sanda Raskovic-Ivic said. Den Serbiske Regering skriver:

Sanda Raskovic-Ivic. Foto: Tanjug

Belgrade, Dec 7, 2006 – President of the Coordinating Centre for Kosovo-Metohija Sanda Raskovic-Ivic said in an interview for today's edition of the daily Vecernje Novosti that the announcement that Russia may place veto at the Security Council if Kosovo is granted independence is very encouraging and confirms that Kosovo will remain an unalienable part of Serbia.

Raskovic-Ivic said that Russia has on several occasions sent clear messages that it will strongly oppose a solution which would present Kosovo as a special case.

She stressed that Russia is still constructive when it comes to seeking a solution, adding that the veto might ensue if all other Contact Group members fail to show constructiveness on their part, that is, if they wish to cut off another country's territory and dismember a sovereign state.

Raskovic-Ivic said that the proposed solution which is to be offered by UN Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari will not be regarded as a verdict by Serbia, but as starting basis for the continuation of talks if demanded by the international community.

If the international community decides to continue the talks and the US support this decision, ethnic Albanian leaders must also comply, concluded Raskovic-Ivic.

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KINA

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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)