Øget tilstedeværelse i ansvarsområdet - Kosovo: Offentliggørelsen af forslaget om Kosovo har betydet, at den danske bataljon har fået travlt.

05-02-2007 kl. 13:26

Situationen i det danske ansvarsområde har i den forgangne uge været præget af forventningerne til forslaget om Kosovos fremtidige status. Situationen har været rolig, og de danske soldater har igennem talrige patruljer, både til fods og fra køretøjerne, været i en god og konstruktiv dialog med befolkningen. Derved kan de opfange alle små forandringer i hverdagsbilledet, der kan indikere et stemningsskifte og derved optræk til uro.

Forslaget, som danner det videre forhandlingsgrundlag for udviklingen i Kosovo, blev fredag 2. februar præsenteret for forhandlingslederne og befolkningen. Der følger en række konsultationer, hvor alle parter kan kommentere forslaget med henblik på at opnå en fælles accept.

Herefter skal forslaget sendes i FN sikkerhedsråd, der så skal enten godkender eller forkaste forslaget.




Pompøse mindesmærker som dette er begyndt at dukke overalt i Kosovo og kan betragtes som markante politiske manifestationer.


De kommende måneder er derfor de måske vigtigste i hele processen omkring Kosovos fremtid. Det er netop i sådanne perioder, at ballademagere og ekstremister kan have en negativ indflydelse på den generelle situation, hvis det skulle lykkes dem at skabe optøjer eller uro.

Den danske bataljon vil imidlertid - om nødvendigt under indsættelse af sin fulde kampkraft - skabe sikrer rammer for såvel den demokratiske proces som den almindelige borger i Kosovo og er klar til at være pletten med få minutters varsel. Normalt optræder vi som diplomater i uniform, Men vi er også i stand til at reagere på anden vis, hvis det skulle blive nødvendigt.

Vi vil kort sagt leve op til teksten på vores skuldermærker: FRED, FRIHED og DEMOKRATI.

Missionen her i Kosovo har nok ført en lidt anonym tilværelse henset til den generelt fredelige situation, men i løbet af den seneste uges tid har vi imidlertid mærket, at pressen har fået fornyet interesse for, hvad der sker her i Kosovo.

De fleste journalister har valgt at ringe og bede om vores opfattelse af begivenhederne, men Ulla Terkelsen fra TV2 Nyhederne havde valgt en løsning helt i en feltherres ånd: Selvsyn er det bedste syn!

Den danske bataljon stillede sig beredvilligt til rådighed med råd, dåd, personel og materiel og kørte denne kampvante journalist og hendes fotograf rundt i ansvarsområdet. Der var arrangeret møder med både albanere og serbere, således, at hun kunne høre deres uforbeholdne meninger om Ahtisaaris forslag om Kosovos fremtid.

Ulla Terkelsen udtrykte dyb beundring for den professionelle og empatiske måde, hvorpå danske soldater løser deres vanskelige opgaver, og hun var meget imponeret over de gode relationer, der var skabt mellem danske soldater og lokale indbyggere, hvad enten det drejede sig om serbere eller albanere.

Panserinfanterikompagniet beretter: Ahtisaari er kommet med et forslag om Kosovos fremtid. Det er selvfølgelig noget KFOR skal tage højde for. Fremtidsplaner for Kosovo kan i sagens natur ikke gøre alle tilfredse, og muligheden for uroligheder er højere end den nogen sinde har været. På grund af de mulige ændringer i Kosovos forhold har panserinfanterikompagniet valgt at rykke 1. og 2. deling ud af lejren til henholdsvis Cabra og Montsegur. Hvis der skulle opstå uroligheder vil der kunne sendes styrker ud i løbet at 5 min.

Delingslejrene er nærmest en lille udgave af Camp Olaf Rye. Der er alt, hvad vi skal bruge for at få det hele maskineriet til at køre rundt på døgnbasis. Rundt om lejren er der lagt pigtråd, der kun er åben ved vores hovedvagt. Der bliver selvfølgelig sendt forplejning ud til de to lejre i løbet af dagen, så folkene ikke går sukkerkolde.

Vore sovesteder er store oppustelige 10 mandstelte med isat varmeapparat til de kolde nætter. Vi sover på feltsenge, der ellers ikke er kendt for at være de mest komfortable senge, men de er da selvfølgelig langt bedre end et liggeunderlag på jorden. Kommandodelingen bemander kompagniets kommandostation og holder styr på alle patruljer og sikrer at alle meldingerne bliver registreret.

Det ironiske i det hele er, at der har været en lang periode, hvor aktiviteten i Kosovo har været på et absolut minimum. Men selvom folk mentalt er på vej hjem, er der ingen, der brokker sig over den nye situation i Kosovo. Vi har jo en vis erfaring efterhånden, så opgaverne bliver løst på vores velkendte professionelle måde.

En gammel jysk profet har udtalt: "Når du tager barnet i hånden, lægger du hånden på moderens hjerte", og derfor bruger de danske soldater tid og kræfter på børnene i de landsbyer, hvor de kommer. Patruljen 11 Alpha er ingen undtagelse, og her er man gået et skridt videre, idet man har fremskaffet legetøj og tegneredskaber, som man så kan dele ud.

Militærpolitiet får det sidste ord i denne omgang: " Så er vi efterhånden nået så langt i vores mission, at vores forberedelser til overdragelsen til KFOR Hold 16 fylder mere og mere i vores hverdag. Overdragelsen bliver prioriteret højt på militærpolitistationen, så vi kan hjælpe Hold 16 til at få en god start på deres mission. Vi kan efterhånden også mærke, at Hold 16 ånder os i nakken, da de første allerede ankommer i løbet af denne uge. Vi alle glæder os til at se dem og sætte dem ind i dagligdagens rutiner.

I forbindelse med den kommende hjemrotation, er det militærpolitiet som står for kontrol af bagagen. Vi arbejder i øjeblikket på, at få assistance af nogle specieltrænede hunde som kan hjælpe med kontrollen. Selvom militærpolitiets næser er berygtet for at kunne opsnuse selv de mindste ting, så må vi se os overgået af de specialtrænede hundesnuder.

Da vi er ved at nærme os enden på vores mission, brugte nogle stykker af os forrige lørdag på at besøge vores gode svenske militærpolitikollegaer. Her brugte vi lejligheden til at takke for et godt sammenarbejde, samt at få snakket om løst og fast og ellers stod den på ren hyggeaften.

I den svenske lejr var der temaaften, og temaet stod i denne omgang på irsk aften. Det var otte irske soldater, som stod for arrangementet og skabte en rigtig irsk stemning med irsk mad og irsk folkemusik. Arrangementet var gennemført og utroligt hyggeligt, så vi havde mange gode timer i selskab med de svenske MP'er i den svenske lejr, Camp Victoria.

Som der tidligere har stået på HOK hjemmeside, så har bataljonen været i forhøjet beredskab weekenden over, pga. FN's særlige udsending Martti Ahtisaari fredag d. 2. februar løftede sløret for Kosovos fremtidsplaner, først i Beograd og dernæst i Pristina. Da der var mulighed for negative reaktioner i den forbindelse, var alle i Den Danske Bataljon på "dupperne". Her hos militærpolitiet havde vi pakket vores køretøjer med sikkerhedsudrustning samt de så meget omtalte Less Lethal Weapons, så vi med kort varsel var klar til at rykke ud til mulige uroligheder.

Grundet erfaringer fra tidligere missioner har vores uddannelse lagt meget vægt på, at Den Danske Bataljon skal være "100-meter-mestre" i det man kalder Kontrol med Større Uroligheder, så vi alle hernede er 110 % klar i tilfælde af, at nogle skulle blive utilfredse med det foreløbige resultat af forhandlingerne om Kosovos fremtid.

- - -

Med fuldt optrukket springben - KOSOVO: Den danske bataljon har pakket køjesækkene og er mentalt begyndt at berede sig på at returnere til fædrelandet [Herfra er taget det sidste afsnit].

12-02-2007 kl. 14:17

Chefen for DANCON KFOR 15 får det sidste ord:






Chefen, oberst Michael Wallin, sammen med general Helsø.


Overordnet har situationen været rolig gennem de sidste seks måneder, hvor begge parter har afventet Ahtisaaris forslag til "Final Status". Befolkningen er fortsat mest optaget af dagligdags problemer som arbejdsløshed og manglende strøm.

Siden den 2. februar har Kosovo Serberne holdt en fredelig demonstration i Mitrovica Nord og Kosovo Albanerne en demonstration anmeldt af MSD i Pristina den 10. februar.

Den sidste demonstration udviklede sig til sammenstød med lokalt- og FN-politi, men der har ikke været nogen negative reaktioner på denne hændelse og truslen er uændret lav for den danske bataljon (DANBN).

DANBN har bidraget væsentligt til et "safe and secure enviroment" og hermed rammerne for overgangen til et frit og demokratisk område. Dette gennem vores hyppige og udbytterige kontakter til parterne i ansvarsområdet, hvorunder panserinfanterikompagniet, den franske eskadron og Liasion Monitering Teams gennem deres patruljer er lykkedes at komme helt ind under huden på parterne.

Endvidere har DANBN gennemført et antal større operationer, Long Duration Patrols, multinationale operationer (Kosovo Wide Operations) og øvelser med god succes. Men uden støtte, fleksibilitet og professionalisme fra staben, stabskompagniet, militærpolitiet, Det Nationale Støtteelement og de danske repræsentanter i det multinationale hovedkvarter havde vi ikke kunnet gennemføre denne vedvarende stabile opgaveløsning.

Som afslutning kan jeg konkludere følgende:

* Trods et par voldsomme trafikuheld i terrænet samt et par vådeskud, så kommer alle hjem uskadte og uden "krigstraumer".

* DANBN har løst de stillede og identificerede opgaver - samt at KFOR indtil nu må betegnes som en succes.

* Alle ved kontingentet har formået at opretholde et højt aktivitetsniveau og har holdt humøret højt.

* Der har i staben og ved enhederne været et meget godt sammenhold og kammeratskab.

* Hvervningen til Stående Reaktionsstyrke er mere end 60%.

* Multinationaliteten er blevet styrket i perioden, hvorunder vi har fået dele af vores franske eskadron ind i Camp Olaf Rye, og vi har fået nogle udbytterige oplevelser med primært franske, men også tyske, svenske, finske og andre nationaliteter.

Og ja - vi har løst vores opgave, og vi har gjort en forskel!

Sluttelig vil jeg gerne takke for støtten og samarbejdet med den hjemlige struktur.

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ØST KOSÓVA / PRESEVO-DALEN / SYD-SERBIEN


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

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ALBANIEN




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


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





Seneste handelstal: September 2006: Se: http://bjoerna.net/sidste-nyt/330.htm#ALB-Handel-0609


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


Relationerne til EU: http://www.delalb.cec.eu.int/en/news/prog_report_2006.htm og http://www.delalb.cec.eu.int/en/news/Olli_Rehn_article.htm


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


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


Præsident Moisiu's aktiviteter [Billederne i denne sektion kan som regel forstørres ved at klikke på dem (mens man er på nettet)]. I Januar-Februar har Præsident Moisiu haft møder med Repræsentanter for Politiet, Efterretningstjenesten m.fl. om de forestående lokalvalg. Præsidentkontoret har bl.a. udsendt flg.:

President Moisiu meets with directors of the State Intelligence Service.

February 12, 2007

The President of the Republic, Alfred Moisiu received today directors of the State Intelligence Service (SIS). This meeting was held in the framework of other meetings that the Head of state has held with high ranking directors of the Albanian institutions regarding the progress of the electoral process about the local governing bodies on February 18.

President Moisiu praised the latest developments in SIS towards its independence and professionalism and expressed the conviction that during these local elections also, its effectives would be up to their job by not allowing any individual to abuse the law and demonstrate political partiality directly or indirectly during the exercise of legal duty.

After dwelling upon the importance of free and fair elections, according to international standards, the Head of state pointed out the SIS role in this direction and stressed the need to continue the cooperation among its respective structures and other institution of the Albanian state. During the meeting, President Moisiu expressed the view that a greater attention must be paid to security issues in general and not only to those related to the local electoral process.

On his part, the Director of the State Intelligence Service, Bahri Shaqiri expressed the gratitude about the interest shown by the Head of state and about the meeting held, and emphasized that SIS structures will continue to carry the duty prescribed by the law with professionalism and rigorously.

Præsident Moisiu har opfordret til at Albanerne deltog i lokalvalget. Præsidentkontoret skriver:

  


THE MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC, ALFRED MOISIU ABOUT THE LOCAL ELECTIONS.

February 17, 2007

Dear co-citizens, brothers and sisters,

The elections for local government bodies will be held on Sunday all over Albania. These are the elections of the turn and hold a great significance for you, your concerns and the entire country.

On February 18, the heads and councilmen of municipalities and communes will be elected. During the next four years they will be the administrators of the taxes paid by you, they will be the ones to make decisions about the education of your children, your sheltering, employment, roads and providing you with the necessary means of living. Hence, through your vote of February 18, you will trust to a sole person the responsibility of heading the municipality or commune where you live and also the right to make decisions that touches your personal and family interests.

Sunday is the day when each one of you has the right and opportunity to take decisions for the others. From Sunday on, begins the period when those that you will elect, would have the right and opportunity to make decisions for you. Thus the elections are the moment when the citizens hold in their hands their fate, when through their behavior and decisions will make a great service to themselves, families and country.

The participation in the elections and choosing the best program are the foundation of the functioning of democracy, for which tens and thousands of Albanians have suffered many years of imprisonment or their life. Now that we have gained and are living in democracy, it is the duty and responsibility of our generation to honor our forefathers and each one of us to do the best so their dream for a European, a development and integrated Albania to become a reality.

The elections are the moment when it is required from you to overcome petty things and together with friends and pals, acquaintances and relatives to massively participate in voting. By taking part in voting and by voting for the candidate and party you believe in, you will fulfill a constitutional right and a major civic responsibility. Albania is ours and if we do not work for it, if we do not help its development and its progress with our ballot, then no one else will do that.

The Constitution of Albania guarantees to each one of you the right of free and secret voting. No one can pass a judgment about your vote, every institution and any other individual is obliged to respect your free will. The political parties have accepted the Code of Conduct and have declared that they will uphold the law, will recognize the result of the elections and that the standards are more important to them than the winning the elections. Now is the time for these promises to be kept and that by respecting the free and secret vote of the majority we can manage to cure the wounds of the society and take forward the major aspirations of the country.

These elections hold another major significance for Albania. They come after the relatively good elections of July 3; they put behind entire months of skeptical debates and present an ideal opportunity to make the great leap forward towards meeting the democratic standards of the elections. If we do this, our chances for NATO integration and a closer cooperation with the European Union become greater. I believe that every Albanian, politician or voter wants the integration and loves Albania, and that is why I believe also that each one of us will carry out his civic and legal duty, staying away from possible forms of speculating with and threatening the will of the people. Albania has so many concerns and that is why we must not waste anymore time and energy with electoral debates, but to close once and for all this chapter and to return to the numerous tasks in service of the citizens and country.

Availing myself of this occasion, I would like to publicly appeal to the political parties and their candidates, to the State Police, media and especially to the state and constitutional institutions involved in the electoral process to rigorously uphold the Electoral Code and other laws in effect. Also the Central Elections Commission and Zonal Commissions, and especially the groups counting the ballots, regardless of the political pertinence of their members, must respect the law and only the law. Any individual, official or civil, that threatens the law, defrauds and touches the vote will face the penalty of the law. No one has the right and must not be allowed to threaten the will and sovereignty of the people.

Dear co-citizens! Once again I invite you to help through your participation and vote to make February 18 to be a successful and victorious day for Albania!

I invite you all to vast your ballot!

Doris Pack fra EU-Parlamentet (og flere andre) har været på besøg:


  

Præsidentkontoret skriver:

President Moisiu receives the Chairwoman of the European’s Parliamentarian Delegation to Southeastern Europe, Doris Pack.

February 17, 2007

The President of the Republic, Alfred Moisiu received today Mrs. Doris Pack, the Chairwoman of the European’s Parliament Delegation to Southeastern Europe, with whom he discussed about the holding of the electoral process in our country.

From the outset of the meeting, the Head of state praised the commitment and contribution of Mrs. Pack to the democratic developments in Albania and also the continuous support of the European Parliament for our country in the aspect of fulfilling the obligations that stem from the signing of the Association-Stabilization Agreement with the European Union. President Moisiu pointed out the great significance that the elections for the local government bodies hold for the future of Albania, expressed the conviction that these elections will be free, fair and according to the democratic standards and the optimism that they will demonstrate the positive progress of our country in the consolidation of democracy.

On her side, Mrs. Pack expressed the pleasure for this meeting with President Moisiu and her consideration for the role of the Head of state during the electoral process.

Præsident Moisiu har udtalt sig om Martti Ahtisaari-planen for Kosóva og senere - advarende - om situationen i Kosóva, se sidste afsnit i udtalelse # 2 nedenfor. Præsidentkontoret har udsendt flg.:

The statement of the President of the Republic regarding the Ahtisari Package on the status of Kosova.

February 3, 2007

The Package of proposals for the solution of the status of Kosova, presented by the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Marti Ahtisari marks a decisive step in the final stage of the serious efforts and engagement of the international community for a realistic and sustainable solution of the issue of Kosova.

It will be marked as an excellent case when the international diplomacy, while facing sides with different positions, managed to produce a document that will enable the closing of a difficult chapter in the Balkans turbulent history.

Albania, which alongside the entire Albanian factor in the region has demonstrated in an unwavering way that it stands for a peaceful and sustainable Balkans, hails and supports the Ahtisari Package, by praising it as a document of compromise for facing the new realities in the Balkans space, convinced that the sides involved and the international community can bring the issue of Kosova towards the final solution and by giving this way a major contribution to peace and security of the region and entire Europe.

President Moisiu has faith on the maturity and responsibility of the people of Kosova.

February 15, 2007

The President of the Republic, Alfred Moisiu expressed his deep sorrow about the even that happened in Prishtina on February 10, 2007, where during the protests organized by the Self-Determination Movement two persons lost their lives, to whose family members He expressed the sincere condolences about the sad loss of their beloved.

Answering to the inquiries of the media regarding the latest developments in Prishtina, President Moisiu answered that he praises the resignation of the Minister of Interior and the Chief of International Police in Kosova by viewing it as a gesture of high responsibility in respect of the people of Kosova and democratic liberties.

The Head of state also expressed the conviction on the transparent investigating by the respective structures and stressed that Kosova and the Kosovars, that Albania and Albanians wherever they are, must be conscious that these are historical moments for Kosova and Albanian nation. They are also critical moments that cannot allow anyone to damage even a little the decisive process of solving the status of Kosova, which is actually at its final stage.

UM Abdullah Gül (Tyrkiet) har været på besøg i Albanien for at drøfte det økonomiske og militære samarbejde mellem Tyrkiet og Albanien, men nok også for at drøfte Kosóva's fremtid. Præsidentkontoret har udsendt flg.:

President Moisiu receives the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdullah Gul [Gül].

February 2, 2007



The President of the Republic, Alfred Moisiu received today the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, Abdullah Gul [Gül] and the delegation accompanying him in the framework of the official visit to our country.

During this meeting the interlocutors praised once again the very good relations and strong friendship and fraternity ties that exist between our tow countries and peoples. Dwelling on the issues of the further development of reciprocal cooperation, both sides expressed the joint commitment to enhance and intensify this cooperation in fields of reciprocal interest, especially in the economic, infrastructure, telecommunication, power ones, etc.

During the talks, President Moisiu expressed to Minister Gul [Gül] the gratitude for the fundamental and powerful support that Turkey gave to our country in the Riga Summit and the conviction that Albania will continue to enjoy such concrete support in the future in order to achieve its major objective of accession into NATO structures. President Moisiu appreciated the Turkish collaboration and assistance to the Albanian Army. Also during this meeting the Head of state welcomed the investments of powerful Turkish firms and businesses contributing to significant sectors for the sustainable and all sided development of the country.

Regarding the issue of Kosova, President Moisiu praised the constructive role of the Albanian factor for the stability of the region and re-iterated that the just solution of the final status of Kosova would be a guarantee for peace and security in the Balkans.

The Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs while thanking for being received by President Moisiu, expressed the full support of Turkey to the integration of Albania into the Euro-Atlantic structures. Mr. Gul [Gül] pointed out also the interest and encouragement that his state is giving to the Turkish prestigious companies to invest in our country.

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


PM Berisha har ytret sig et par gange om lokalvalgene. Den Albanske PMs Informationskontor skriver:

[070209] Mr. Edvin Rama [= Edi Rama], the voice of manipulation, delivers every day - by means of televised versions of SP newspapers and other newspapers that he controls - lies, calumnies and figments to Albanian citizens.

One of these, according to which the Prime Minister was examined in the cardiology emergency room, published today in the SP controlled newspapers, does nothing but reflect the perversity of his political moral.

These last days, the Prime Minister has been at the peak of the electoral campaign and only in the last three days has met more people in the overcrowded town squares he has visited than Mr. Rama during the entire campaign. The Prime Minister has not had and does not have health problems of any kind. He has fulfilled every important national and international obligation as head of the Albanian executive apart from participating in the campaign.

These last days show to Albanian citizens that the campaign of the majority and of the Prime Minister is heading toward the victory of February 18th, a day which, by means of free and democratic vote, will set Mr.Rama free of his hallucinations and bring him back to what he is best at –a mediocre painter without a future.

   

Tv. PM Berisha til valgmøde i Shokdra. Th Demokraternes Borgmesterkandidat i Tirana - Sokol Olldashi - med PM Berisha


[070219] The government declared, and continues to be convinced, that holding of free and fair elections would be the ultimate victory for the ruling majority, as well as for all Albanian citizens. I can say, without wanting to play the referee, a role which belongs to the specialized monitoring institutions that will give the final evaluation for these elections, that the government and the right wing coalition parties demonstrated to the Albanian citizens their absolute will and commitment to free and fair elections.

The process is still underway. I call upon all the administrators of the electoral process to continue their work and finalize the process in the same way they have done until now. I would like to say once more that this is the most valuable and precious gift for Albania and every Albanian citizen, because the nation and the country needs to break away from the primitive and undignified issues with the electoral process.

I don’t want to comment the results, even though they are welcomed, but, as I said, I am here to welcome the first great victory. This is not a victory of the government; it is the victory of all Albanians.

Once again, I call upon all the respective parties to complete the voting process in a good manner.

PM Berisha har også ytret sig advarende om situationen i Kosóva. Præsidentkontoret har udsendt flg.:

The events that took place in Pristina on February 10th were indeed saddening and shocking. The government of Albania fully supports the position held by the government of Kosovo and the unity group concerning these events and expresses its deepest and most sincere condolences to the families that lost their beloved in the Pristina demonstrations. On behalf of the government, I call upon the citizens of Kosovo to avoid every act of violence. Kosovo is surely and irrevocably advancing in the path towards independence and violence is a factor that can harm this advancement.

I would also like to express my firm belief that the serious investigation started by the Kosovo authorities to determine responsibilities for the loss of life, will reveal the truth. But what Kosovo needs the most is the need for an open, calm and intensive dialogue on the proposal presented by President Ahttisari – a proposal explained to citizens of Kosovo and which will play an important role in the next talks to be held in Vienna.

UM Mustafaj har udtalt sig til BBC om Kosóva-spørgsmålet, generelt og specielt mht demonstrationerne og de to dødsfald (»Obviously, to my opinion, in this case there was a haste by the protesters; there was no reason to protest, as long as the process has not been brought to the end«): UM skriver:

Referring to the latest developments in Pristine, the Foreign Minister, Mr. Mustafaj declares: EU stance – A victory for Kosovo. On Monday, the EU Foreign Ministers unanimously backed the proposal on the future Kosovo status, presented by the UN Mediator Martti Ahtisaari. Meanwhile, the Western Balkans Forum was held in Brussels, where Kosovo issue was among the main topics. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Besnik Mustafaj was also in Brussels to attend that Forum. Seladin Xhezairi talked with Mr. Mustafaj, and asked him on his assessments for these two meetings in view of Kosovo issue:

Mr. Mustafaj: Generally speaking, my assessment is positive. I must mention that it was an important forum, held once a year among the EU Foreign Ministers and their counterparts from Western Balkans. This year’s forum is organized by the EU German Presidency; parallel with some other issues, it focused on Kosovo. I notice with delight that in general, the EU for the first time, albeit the long discussions, unanimously supported Ahtisaari’s plan of the recommendations for Kosovo’s final status settlement. We have stated and reiterated that, should Kosovo’s independence be backed only by a part of EU countries, it could not benefit the stability of Kosovo and the whole Balkans region and there would be a split among EU. It was noticed that Ahtisaari’s package is supported by all EU member countries and for me, this is a victory for Kosovo, for the region and Europe.

BBC: On Monday you had a meeting with Kosovo’s President, Mr. Sejdiu and some other European counterparts. What did you talk about?

Mustafaj: President Sejdiu was in Brussels yesterday too. I had a special talk with him prior to the start of our diplomatic contacts. I notice with pleasure that institutions in Kosovo are at the helm of their responsibilities. Likewise, I notice with satisfaction the good will and a realistic view of the proposals presented by President Ahtisaari. It does also exist a favorable will for a slight concession, as a postponement for a week or ten days of Vienna round talks, which makes Belgrade ridiculous; however, given the tolerance shown by Kosovo authorities, this currently boosts their dignity. Because, for a state that for fifteen months didn’t show any negotiating capacity, it’s ridiculous to ask for one week delay.

Nonetheless, from the talks with President Sejdiu, I noticed with delight, that the political class in Kosovo and its institutions are at the head of the relevant responsibilities.

BBC: Mr. Mustafaj,given the responsibilities you mentioned, which is the assessment of the Albanian Government and yours, with regard to unrests in Pristine during the last week – end and the two victims.

Mustafaj: I do not want to mix things up; I express my sincerest condolences to the families of the victims and I do hope, as it was highlighted in Pristine, that these are the last happenings of this kind in Kosovo. Actually, this event did not pass without its echo among the diplomatic environment in Brussels and this issue was also tackled in my bilateral talks, especially in the meetings with some Foreign Ministers, representatives of the Contact Group member countries, i.e. the Group that will be a key factor for the settlement of Kosovo’s issue. In these discussions, I said that such a protest is absolutely a testimony of a democratic country, which demonstrates that Kosovo represents such a democratic country. It is in the character of democratic countries, that some may be discontented and that there could be protests. Obviously, to my opinion, in this case there was a haste by the protesters; there was no reason to protest, as long as the process has not been brought to the end. What do I mean? I mean that Kosovo’s Government, its Negotiating Group and Parliament have not made their own comments on Ahtisaari’s document and proposals. So, against whom do they protest? However, the protests, as I said, are a virtue of democracy and freedom. It’s a great victory for Kosovo to achieve this freedom. Now, for the first time, after such a long time, the police forces were tested as an instrument to the service of the law, to the stability of the country. This case showed that police forces need further qualification, they need even more to be better reformed. I mean both the Kosovo and international police forces, in order to be capable to monitor the democratic protests in a democratic way.

BBC: And, naturally, because of what happened, there is room for responsibility, isn’t it?

Mustafaj: Yes, certainly there is room for responsibility. That is why the specialized institutions should make the necessary investigations, to reveal the necessary responsibilities, so that such things do not occur again. That is the most important, but first, those accountable should be brought to justice. That means to do justice and this is a target of democracy.

Viceminister Edith Harxhi har haft besøg af Valgobservatører fra ét Europarådets udvalg. UM har udsendt flg.:

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Edith Harxhi meets the Delegation of Election Observers of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe

On 15 February 2007, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Edith Harxhi met a Delegation of Election Observers of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, chaired by Mr. Jean - Claude Fre’con, Deputy President of the Chamber of the Congress Local Authorities.

The Delegation commended the conclusion of the accord among the different political forces within the constitutional deadline; it pointed out that political climate is effectively good, which shows that democracy in Albania is moving ahead; in addition, it showed its interest concerning the developments of the situation after the said accord.

Mrs. Harxhi thanked the delegation for coming to Tirana, in response to the invitation by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, considering this as a sign of governmental transparency and political will for free and fair elections. Holding the elections in compliance with international standards will be a big step for Albania towards meeting the obligations stemming from the Stabilization and Association Agreement and advancement of domestic reforms. Mrs. Harxhi highlighted as a positive campaign element, the fact that competition among candidates is chiefly based on the solidity of arguments and results.

Mrs. Harxhi brought also to evidence the two priorities of the Albanian Government till the termination of its mandate: 1. Providing the Albanian citizens with identity cards. The relevant billing procedures have already started and funding will be covered by the EU; 2. The provision with these cards will enable Albanians world - wide to vote in our diplomatic representations abroad, in the countries of their domicile.

18.2.2007 blev der (som ovenfor nævnt) holdt lokalvalg i Albanien. Entusiasmen er ikke stor blandt de Internationale: Det kunne man have gjort en hel del bedre. OSCE's formand - Miguel Angel Moratinos (UM/Spanien) - formulerer det således:

MADRID, February 20, 2007 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos, welcomed today the holding of local elections in Albania last Sunday 18 February, following an agreement reached by the political parties with the assistance of the OSCE last 13 January. He highlighted the role of the Albanian Central Elections Commission in the development of the electoral process.

Minister Moratinos called on Albanian institutions and political parties to continue their co-operation in pursuit of electoral reform and asked them to follow up on OSCE/Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights recommendations. In particular, "these elections have reconfirmed that determined efforts are required by the Albanian authorities to ensure that Albania gets a fully reliable electoral system", the Chairman said.

The OSCE Chairman reiterated the willingness of the Organization to work with all stakeholders on the implementation of recommendations which ODIHR will present in its Final Report, making all efforts to consolidate the Albanian electoral system according to international standards defined by OSCE, and offered OSCE'S assistance and support in that respect.

ODIHR/OSCE-overvågningsmissionen (der ledes af Jørgen Grunnet, Danmark) har udsendt en foreløbig rapport: »While the 18 February local elections provided for a competitive contest, they were another missed opportunity for Albania to conduct elections fully in line with OSCE Commitments, Council of Europe commitments and other international standards for democratic elections. Political parties fell short of respecting the considerable responsibilities granted to them by the law. While election day was calm overall, voting was marred by procedural shortcomings and in some places by tension.«


Biografi kan findes på: http://da.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jørgen_Grunnet.


Rapporten resumeres således:

PRELIMINARY CONCLUSIONS

While the 18 February local elections provided for a competitive contest, they were another missed opportunity for Albania to conduct elections fully in line with OSCE Commitments, Council of Europe commitments and other international standards for democratic elections. Political parties fell short of respecting the considerable responsibilities granted to them by the law. While election day was calm overall, voting was marred by procedural shortcomings and in some places by tension.

The electoral environment was marked by uncertainty and a lack of trust between key election stakeholders, particularly in the period before the 12 January agreement that aimed to resume the stalled process. This was underscored by the decision of the opposition to initially not participate in the process. The lack of constructive engagement by political parties resulted in a deadlock. This revived previous concerns regarding the willingness of the parties to ensure that elections proceed in compliance with international standards for democratic elections.

Albania continues to lack a reliable system for civil registration, and identification, and a uniform system of addresses. This caused, once again, disputes on the compilation of voter lists and the identification of voters in polling stations. Until these systems are thoroughly implemented, elections in Albania are bound to encounter such difficulties. A determined effort by the Albanian authorities is required, encompassing broad support across party lines, ahead of the parliamentary elections anticipated in 2009. Parties should refrain from misusing this issue in their political debates.

Generally, candidates and political parties could register without impediment, and were able to freely convey their views. Overall, media provided a balanced coverage of the campaign, which was dominated by issues of national significance rather than local issues. A genuine competition was evident, and voters were able to make informed choices among an array of competing options. However, during the week preceding the polls, the tone of the campaign degenerated due to personalized attacks against leading contenders. A few violent incidents were also noted.

Overall, positive developments include:

• The existing legal framework largely provides a basis for the conduct of democratic elections, if implemented in good faith.

• To date, the Central Election Commission (CEC) was able to manage the electoral process largely in line with the law, despite tight deadlines and an uncertain environment.

• The process of updating voter lists, although rushed in a number of local government units (LGUs), was generally satisfactory.

• Over 1,000 mayoral candidates and over 6,000 council lists were registered in the 384 LGUs, in an overall inclusive process.

• Both the CEC and the Electoral College have thus far handled complaints and appeals in a transparent and professional manner.

• The media provided voters with extensive election-related information, both before and during the official campaign period.

Shortcomings, including some resulting from the 13 January amendments, were noted:

• The 13 January amendments introduced new transitory provisions for voter identification. While these procedures were intended to enhance the integrity of the process, they also have the potential to disenfranchise eligible voters.

• Birth certificates, as a means of voter identification, remained contentious. Attempts to remedy the situation resulted in the adoption of procedures which proved cumbersome for civil status offices (CSOs), voting centre commissions (VCCs) and voters.

• Special provisions for the identification of emigrants, both in voter lists and on election day, were discriminatory, open to abuse, and may have led to the disenfranchisement of voters.

• The late and sometimes incomplete appointment of the election administration, including the two new members of the CEC, impacted negatively on the process, in particular in the absence of alternative mechanisms to fill vacancies in case parties do not exercise their right to nominate members of lower-level commissions.

• The possibility to re-rank candidates for councillors after the vote limits transparency.

• In a few instances, candidates who attempted to register as independents appeared to have encountered undue obstacles.

Election day was calm overall. However, this was overshadowed by procedural shortcomings and, at times, by tensions. It would appear that shortcomings were partly a result of aspects of the 13 January amendments, mostly the need of special registers for birth certificates. In a significant 13 per cent of Voting Centres (VCs) visited, such registers had not been provided. Late opening was frequently observed and some 75 VCs did not open. The visible ink used to mark voters raised controversy. In a high 31 per cent of VCs visited, there was group voting. In Tirana, the similar colours of the ballots for the various elections may have led to confusion. While the transfer of voting material to counting centres appeared to have proceeded accordingly, observers have noted that the vote count itself was being conducted at a slow rate. As of 12:00 hrs. on 19 February, the CEC had not published provisional results on its website.

The organizations represented in the IEOM stand ready to continue their support for the efforts of the Albanian authorities, political parties and civil society to improve the electoral process in Albania, in line with OSCE Commitments and other international standards for democratic elections.

Hele rapporten kan findes på: http://bjoerna.dk/dokumentation/ALB-ODIHR-070218-23347_en.pdf

Nugældende valglov: http://bjoerna.dk/dokumentation/ALB-Electoral-Code-070113.pdf

OSCE/ODIHR-dokumenter fra de senere år: http://www.osce.org/odihr-elections/documents.html?lsi=true&limit=10&grp=207


Foreløbige resultater vedr. valg af borgmestre: http://www.cec.org.al/2004/eng/zgjedhvendorefiles/2007/Rezultatet/rez%20paraprak_kry/tabelat_e_rezultateve_paraprake.htm




Valg af borgmester i Tirana. Det ser ud til at Socialisternes Formand, Edi Rama, genvælges. Foreløbigt resultat (information fra »Mjaft«). I Burrel ser det (foreløbigt) også ud til at blive genvalg, dér af Demokraternes Skender Lleshi (information fra Den Centrale Valgkommission).


Bombeattentat på Edi Rama, der skete kun materiel skade. »Tirana Times« [http://www.tiranatimes.com] skriver bl.a.:

TIRANA, Feb. 15 - An explosive devise on Thursday caused material damage to a restaurant in the Albanian capital only minutes after the opposition Socialist Party leader Edi Rama and 3 other parliamentarians had left, police said. The explosion occurred at 0100 GMT at pizzeria Te Joni located in front of the Prosecutor General’s office in downtown Tirana, said spokeswoman Laura Totraku. There was no one injured in the restaurant staff, she said, adding the police anti-explosive team and other forces were investigating.

“That was very shocking. These are nasty acts. I wish it has no links to the electoral campaign,“ said Socialist parliamentarian Arta Dade, who had accompanied Rama to the restaurant. Andis Harasani, also an MP present there, appealed to the citizens to help find the perpetrators of the crime. Rama said that he expected a phone call of solidarity from Prime Minister Sali Berisha. Rama also asked for a fast clarification of the incident and hinted of persons with “senior posts and mandates” involved with organized crime.

EU Udvidelseskommissær Olli Rehn udtaler:

"I take note of the preliminary assessment of the OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission on yesterday's local government elections in Albania. The assessment notes the overall competitive conduct of the elections but points to a number of shortcomings.

Respect for democratic principles is a fundamental commitment under the Stabilisation and Association Agreement which Albania signed in June last year. The shortcomings in the preparation and conduct of these elections reflect the need for improved cross-party co-operation to fulfil Albania's international commitments.

Albania's political leaders now need to improve the way they work together on electoral reform and on the many other challenging reforms Albania is facing in the EU integration process."

Energisituationen. »Economist« finder situationen problematisk, såvel økonomisk som politisk. »Tirana Times« [http://www.tiranatimes.com] skriver:

TIRANA, Feb.10 – The prestigious British magazine dedicated [8th February 2007] an article to the power crisis whose grip in Albania has been alleviated only from the two major cities, the capital Tirana and the largest port city on the Adriatic, Durres. The rest of Albania is still at grips with power cuts tat reach up to 12 hours and reportedly even worse in villages. The absurdity of the fact has not escaped The Economist who has given a rather gloomy picture of the situation of small businesses trying to come at terms with their economic losses. The magazine analyzed the reasons for the crisis and reflected that the situation is going to backfire at the government upon the election time.

Der skal bygges kraftværk i det sydlige Albanien. Kontrakt er tegnet med Italiensk foretagende. »Tirana Times« [http://www.tiranatimes.com] skriver:

TIRANA, Feb. 9 - Albania signed a contract with an Italian company on Friday to build an oil-fired thermo-plant in the south-west of the country, a first major attempt to diversify Albania’s power generation. Italy’s Maire Engineering SpA, that was awarded the 92 million Euro contract, is expected to start the construction this March in Vlora, a sea-port town on the Adriatic, and finish the job in 24 months. The plant’s energy production is estimated to reach up to 97 MW, covering 15 percent of the country’s power needs and making the country relying less on hydropower which stands for 99 percent of its electricity consumption. The Italian company, winner among four international bidders, will also maintain it for 12 years. The project is being funded by the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the European Investment Bank. The plant, the first major attempt at diversifying power generation in the country, will produce 15 percent of Albania’s energy needs and is aimed at securing reliable electricity supplies. The country’s domestic power production is based on hydropower stations in the north that have suffered from dry weather this autumn and winter, and Albania also has limited importing capacity. Albania, with a 3.2 million population, has been in a serious electricity crisis for more than two months due to difficulties in domestic output. Some rural areas have faced power shut downs of up to 18 hours a day. Since 1990, the former communist nation has suffered regular electricity troubles due to poor management, an outdated distribution system and lack of money because of unpaid bills. Following improvements to its management over the past four years, KESH has received hundreds of millions of euros (dollars) in loans to be invested in the power system.

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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: Det Serbiske Parlament har - ikke overraskende - taget afstand fra Martti Ahtisaari-planen. KIM Info Service skriver:

Leading members of the Serbian Negotiating Team: Prime Minister Kostunica, Prof. Samardzic, Prof. Batakovic, Prof Koen and President Boris Tadic during the Parliament session, Belgrade Feb 15


The Serbian Parliament adopted a resolution rejecting the plan by overwhelming majority last night.

The document rejects all provisions from UN Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari’s proposal which infringe on Serbia's sovereignty and territorial integrity as an internationally recognized state.

The resolution extends the mandate of the Belgrade negotiating team for the continuation of talks on Kosovo's status, due to begin on February 21 in Vienna, and provides a framework for the team to follow.

As many as 225 deputies voted in favor of the Resolution, 15 against and no abstentions. All deputies of the coalition gathered around the Liberal Party of Serbia cast their vote against the Resolution.

Riza Halimi, representing the Coalition of Preševo Valley Albanians as the sole Albanian deputy in the Parliament, took part in the debate voicing disagreement with the Resolution. He left the room during the vote.

Following the adoption of the Resolution, Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Koštunica said that the Parliament’s Resolution on Kosovo was more than clear in its statement against the violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia.

“The text of the Resolution explicitly calls for the compliance with the UN Charter and the international law. The basic principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity that apply to the whole world must apply to Serbia”, Koštunica said.

“We will go to Vienna to explain that Serbia is ready for every sensible compromise and agreement with everyone who respects principles that the international order is based on”, the Serbian PM confirmed.

According to the the AP, the new parliament's rejection of the plan dooms hopes of a compromise between Serbian and Albanian officials at a final round of negotiations scheduled to take place in Vienna. The AP adds that a resolution to the dispute over Kosovo's final status will probably have to be imposed by the UN Security Council.

Yesterday's Parliament session on Kosovo, Belgrade Feb 15 / Radical party members in the left side wear white shirts with the image of Vojislav Seselj

FULL TEXT OF THE RESOLUTION OF THE PARLIAMENT:

Resolution following UN Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari’s "Comprehensive Proposal for the Kosovo Status Settlement" and continuation of negotiations on the future status of Kosovo-Metohija

Reaffirming the Constitution of the Republic of Serbia, that in its Preamble states that “the Province of Kosovo-Metohija is an integral part of the territory of Serbia, that it has the status of a substantial autonomy within the sovereign state of Serbia and that from such status of the Province of Kosovo and Metohija follow constitutional obligations of all state bodies to uphold and protect the state interests of Serbia in Kosovo-Metohija in all internal and foreign political relations”,

Bearing in mind Article 8 of the Constitution of the Republic of Serbia stating that “the territory of the Republic of Serbia is inseparable and indivisible” and that “the border of the Republic of Serbia is inviolable”, as well as Article 182 which states that “substantial autonomy of the Autonomous province of Kosovo-Metohija shall be regulated by a special law which shall be adopted in accordance with the proceedings envisaged for amending the Constitution”,

Considering the main principles and norms of international law, and particularly the Charter of the United Nations, the 1975 Helsinki Final Act of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE) as well as other documents of international organisations in which state sovereignty and territorial integrity are set as foundations of modern international order,

Recalling that the UN Security Council’s Resolution No. 1244 (1999), with guarantees to sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY), established the position of Kosovo-Metohija as substantial autonomy within the FRY, whose international successor is the Republic of Serbia,

Assured that the issue of the future status of Kosovo-Metohija must be based on main principles and norms of international law, and vying for a peaceful, all-encompassing and durable solution through negotiations,

Bearing in mind that UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy for the future status of Kosovo-Metohija Martti Ahtisaari delivered his "Comprehensive Proposal for the Kosovo Status Settlement" to the Serbian state authorities which disrespects sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Serbia in relation to Kosovo-Metohija, and at the same time proposes that Kosovo-Metohija be given a series of rights and prerogatives that belong only to sovereign states,

Reconfirming the Resolution of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia adopted on November 25, 2005 on the mandate for political talks on the future status of Kosovo-Metohija, and particularly the paragraph stating that “the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia would proclaim any imposed solution of the Kosovo-Metohija future status illegitimate, illegal and void,”

Having confirmed the platform of the state negotiating team for talks on the future status of Kosovo-Metohija from January 5, 2006, basic stances stated in the speeches of the President of Serbia Boris Tadic and Prime Minister of Serbia Vojislav Kostunica delivered at Vienna talks on July 24, 2006, as well as the contents of the documents presented by the state negotiating team in the course of 2006 at the talks in Vienna (regarding decentralisation in the province and establishing new municipalities with Serbian majority, protection of the Serbian Orthodox Church, its churches and monasteries, its property and the Serbian cultural heritage in the province, economic and other issues),

The National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia hereby adopts the following:

The National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia concludes that the Proposal of UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari breaches the fundamental principles of international law since it does not take into consideration the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Serbia in relation to Kosovo-Metohija. In this Proposal, Kosovo-Metohija is beyond any doubt and against international law given the attributes of a sovereign state, thus illegally laying the foundations for the creation of an independent state on the territory of Serbia.

The National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia therefore rejects all articles in the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy's Proposal which breach the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Serbia as an internationally recognised state. The National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia warns that this questions the possibility of coming to a compromise solution reached through agreement which would represent the basic goal of talks on Kosovo-Metohija's future status.

The National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia once more emphasises that only through negotiations held under the auspices of the United Nations, without pressure and artificially imposed deadlines can a mutually acceptable and long-term solution be reached which will be in line with international law and democratic values built into the foundations of contemporary states and their mutual relations.

Considering this essential commitment, the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia hereby renews the mandate of the state negotiating team and places it under obligation so that at the upcoming talks in Vienna on the future status of Kosovo-Metohija it will represent The National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia's policy, adopted in parliament's previous Resolution and hereby confirmed anew, which includes the defence of Serbia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, protection of the rights and interests of the Serbian people and the Serbian Orthodox Church in the province, preservation of the entire Serbian religious and cultural heritage in Kosovo-Metohija, as well as the interests of non-ethnic Albanian communities.

The National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia particularly demands that in the course of the upcoming talks the Serbian state negotiating team presents Serbia's position regarding the whole of UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy's Proposal by formulating, in line with this Resolution, its concrete proposals and resolutions, as well as to submit a report to Serbia parliament immediately upon their return from the talks. The National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia will then decide on the further course of negotiations.

Advocating a compromise, consensual solution to the future status of Kosovo-Metohija, the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia emphasises that imposed independence of the province will have unforeseeable negative consequences. Such an outcome will have far-reaching consequences on the stability of the region, impede the European perspective of the entire Western Balkans and present an extremely dangerous precedent for resolving minority issues and territorial disputes throughout Europe and the world. The National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia therefore calls upon all states, international organisations and other international elements to oppose the imperilment of Serbia's sovereignty and territorial integrity and reject any imposed solution to the future status of Kosovo-Metohija.”

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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

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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.


UM Abdullah Gül (Tyrkiet) har været på besøg i Albanien for at drøfte det økonomiske og militære samarbejde mellem Tyrkiet og Albanien, men nok også for at drøfte Kosóva's fremtid. Præsidentkontoret har udsendt flg.:

President Moisiu receives the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdullah Gul [Gül].

February 2, 2007



The President of the Republic, Alfred Moisiu received today the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, Abdullah Gul [Gül] and the delegation accompanying him in the framework of the official visit to our country.

During this meeting the interlocutors praised once again the very good relations and strong friendship and fraternity ties that exist between our tow countries and peoples. Dwelling on the issues of the further development of reciprocal cooperation, both sides expressed the joint commitment to enhance and intensify this cooperation in fields of reciprocal interest, especially in the economic, infrastructure, telecommunication, power ones, etc.

During the talks, President Moisiu expressed to Minister Gul [Gül] the gratitude for the fundamental and powerful support that Turkey gave to our country in the Riga Summit and the conviction that Albania will continue to enjoy such concrete support in the future in order to achieve its major objective of accession into NATO structures. President Moisiu appreciated the Turkish collaboration and assistance to the Albanian Army. Also during this meeting the Head of state welcomed the investments of powerful Turkish firms and businesses contributing to significant sectors for the sustainable and all sided development of the country.

Regarding the issue of Kosova, President Moisiu praised the constructive role of the Albanian factor for the stability of the region and re-iterated that the just solution of the final status of Kosova would be a guarantee for peace and security in the Balkans.

The Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs while thanking for being received by President Moisiu, expressed the full support of Turkey to the integration of Albania into the Euro-Atlantic structures. Mr. Gul [Gül] pointed out also the interest and encouragement that his state is giving to the Turkish prestigious companies to invest in our country.

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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


Der skal bygges kraftværk i det sydlige Albanien. Kontrakt er tegnet med Italiensk foretagende. »Tirana Times« [http://www.tiranatimes.com] skriver:

TIRANA, Feb. 9 - Albania signed a contract with an Italian company on Friday to build an oil-fired thermo-plant in the south-west of the country, a first major attempt to diversify Albania’s power generation. Italy’s Maire Engineering SpA, that was awarded the 92 million Euro contract, is expected to start the construction this March in Vlora, a sea-port town on the Adriatic, and finish the job in 24 months. The plant’s energy production is estimated to reach up to 97 MW, covering 15 percent of the country’s power needs and making the country relying less on hydropower which stands for 99 percent of its electricity consumption. The Italian company, winner among four international bidders, will also maintain it for 12 years. The project is being funded by the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the European Investment Bank. The plant, the first major attempt at diversifying power generation in the country, will produce 15 percent of Albania’s energy needs and is aimed at securing reliable electricity supplies. The country’s domestic power production is based on hydropower stations in the north that have suffered from dry weather this autumn and winter, and Albania also has limited importing capacity. Albania, with a 3.2 million population, has been in a serious electricity crisis for more than two months due to difficulties in domestic output. Some rural areas have faced power shut downs of up to 18 hours a day. Since 1990, the former communist nation has suffered regular electricity troubles due to poor management, an outdated distribution system and lack of money because of unpaid bills. Following improvements to its management over the past four years, KESH has received hundreds of millions of euros (dollars) in loans to be invested in the power system.

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USA




UM, Dr Condoleezza Rice udtalte sig nyligt om Kosóva under en kongreshøring - Remarks Before House Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Washington, DC - February 16, 2007 - (se sidst på: http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2007/feb/80597.htm)

Finally, just a word on a couple of other places. Kosovo -- we are all preparing for the carrying out of the international plan that Martti Ahtissari has put forward. He is trying to negotiate this with the partners. But I think everybody understands that it's going to be a rocky road, as Kosovo attains a different status vis-à-vis Serbia and we want very much to be supportive of a Kosovo Government that is able to protect minority rights, that is able to rebuild after the terrible years after the war and frankly to be supportive also of a democratic Serbia because we don't need in this last piece of the unification of Europe around democratic principles to have Kosovo blow up.

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ENGLAND

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TYSKLAND

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FRANKRIG

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DANMARK (NORGE, SVERIGE)

UM skriver: Udenrigsminister Per Stig Møller besøger den 20.-23. februar Serbien og Kosovo for at erhverve sig et førstehåndsindtryk af, hvad der rører sig i de to samfund efter at FN’s statusforhandler, Martti Ahtisaari, den 2. februar fremlagde sit udkast til Kosovos fremtidige status for de to parter.


070221 Tilbagesendelse af psykisk syge til Kosóva. Den Radikale Morten Østergaard siger at Integrationsminister Rikke Hvilshøj har vildledt Folketinget, hun skal - i modstrid med facts - have hævdet at at forholdene var i orden, og at psykisk syge Kosovo-flygtningene bliver vurderet helt konkret, så ingen psykisk syge hjemsendte flygtninge kommer tilbage uden at få behandling eller medicin. - Socialdemokraterne, Radikale, SF og Enhedslisten mener at hun bør træde tilbage. Se også det følgende:

08-02-2007 R: "De udviste børn" skal i behandling i Danmark

TV2 viste torsdag aften dokumentarfilmen "De udviste børn" om forholdene for de traumatiserede familier, der er blevet sendt retur til en usikker fremtid i Kosovo. Hvis ministeren ikke løser problemet i løbet af to uger, vil Det Radikale Venstre have kosovarerne til Danmark. Det Radikale Venstre værdsætter, at integrationsminister Rikke Hvilshøj (V) erkender, at der er behov for mere hjælp til de svært traumatiserede flygtninge fra Kosovo.

Partiets udlændingeordfører Simon Emil Ammitzbøll er dog forfærdet over, at det tyder på, at ministeren har handlet i ond tro - eftersom den sande historie om kosovarerne længe har været ude i offentligheden. Samtidig peger han på to væsentlige problemer:

"Hvis man bare sender penge til Kosovo, som ministeren foreslår, så ændrer det ikke på, at der stadig mangler lægefagligt personale i landet. For det andet må vi stadig kræve, at de 140 kosovarer, som stadig er i Danmark, at de ikke bliver udsendt, før der er fuldstændig klarhed over situationen i Kosovo," udtaler Simon Emil Ammitzbøll.

Han foreslår helt konkret, at hvis problemet ikke løses inden for to uger, så skal kosovarerne have lov til at komme midlertidigt til Danmark for at få behandling.

Yderligere oplysninger: Simon Emil Ammitzbøll, rvsiea@ft.dk

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

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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





UM Lavrov insisterer på at en løsning vedr. Kosovo skal bygge på en aftale mellem Serbien og det Albanske Flertal i Kosovo. Det Russiske UM skriver:

UM Sergei Lavrov [foto: Det Russiske UM]


Question: You said we have "principled disagreements" with the US on Kosovo. Does Russia have a position on the resolution which the UN Security Council is due to adopt on Kosovo?

Foreign Minister Lavrov: The disagreements are truly principled - as distinct from any other conflict. Say, in the Middle East we want that the Palestinians and the Israelis would establish peace, and that the UN Security Council decisions on all aspects of the Arab-Israeli conflict, including the Palestinian, Syrian and Lebanese tracks, are implemented in full. On Iran's nuclear program we concur on the necessity to prevent a violation of the nonproliferation regime. On Iraq we have a common position regarding the necessity to preserve the territorial integrity of the country, end violence, and not allow it to become a hotbed of terrorism. The same holds for Afghanistan and practically for any conflict.

As to Kosovo, we are convinced that granting this province independence will have the most negative consequences both for this region and for Europe as a whole. Our Western partners are convinced of the opposite. So that, as you see, even the ultimate aims are absolutely opposed here, whereas in all the other situations it is rather a question of tactical nuances. As to immediate practical steps, the UN Security Council, in the final analysis, should not adopt anything. Our Western partners are somewhat obsessed with introducing a resolution as soon as possible which would approve the Ahtisaari plan. We will be able to consider that proposal only when we have understood that the Ahtisaari plan or its modification is the subject of agreement between Pristina and Belgrade.

Question: Are there any other countries supportive of this position of Russia?

Foreign Minister Lavrov: There are quite a few countries, including China, both within and outside the UN Security Council, who absolutely agree with us that a solution to this conflict, just as to any other, can be based only on the parties' agreement.

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KINA




Nedenfor et ældre 'news' om det Kinesiske standpunkt:

On June 6, 2006, State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan met in Zhongnanhai with UN Secretary General's Special Envoy for the Kosovo Status Talks & former Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari, who was here in China for a working visit.

Tang said that the Kosovo issue should be resolved within the framework of related resolutions of the UN Security Council. Any resolution should be conducive to safeguarding the equal rights and interest of people of all nationalities in Kosovo, as well as peace and stability of the Balkan region, and give consideration to reasonable concerns of related parties. China supports the UN to continue playing a constructive role.

Tang pointed out that negotiations and dialogue is a correct approach to resolving the Kosovo issue. The international community should continue pushing the Serbian government and the Kosovo interim autonomous institutions to seek a resolution acceptable to both sides through negotiations.

Ahtisaari introduced the progress of the Kosovo status talks, indicating that he will continue efforts for pushing for the proper handling of the Kosovo status issue and strengthen coordination and cooperation with China.

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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 én gang om måneden, 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)