Albania plans to sell its first international bonds to help repay bank loans, joining the busiest start to a year for emerging-market foreign-currency borrowing in a decade as borrowing costs plunge.
The Balkan country may offer 300 million euros ($431 million) of three- or five-year bonds and has started the process of hiring a bank to take the lead in managing the issue, the Ministry of Finance said today on its Web site.
The Philippines,
Mexico, Poland, Turkey, Indonesia and Slovenia have sold more than $13 billion in overseas debt this year, the most by developing nations for the period since at least 1999, data compiled by Bloomberg show. Developing-nation borrowing costs dropped to a 19-month low last week, spurring deals, as recovery from the global recession stoked demand for higher-yielding assets.
“There is no way Albania would have been able to sell bonds 12 months or even six months ago,” said Nigel Rendell, an emerging-market strategist at RBC Capital Markets in London. “People are now more positive about the global outlook. Albania will probably sell debt at an attractive interest compared with the next-to-nothing you get on securities out of the U.S. and Europe at the moment.”
Albania received a three-year, 95 million-euro loan in May last year and has $225 million of outstanding restructured bonds due 2025, Bloomberg data show. The yield on the restructured bonds was at 6.046 percent on Jan. 15, according to Standard Bank Group Ltd. prices. That compares with an implied yield on U.S. Treasury 10-year futures contracts for March at 3.89 percent today.
Vietnam, Slovenia
Slovenia sold 1.5 billion euros of 10-year bonds today at a yield of 4.125 percent, or 89.3 basis points more than similar- maturity German government bonds, according to Bloomberg data.
Vietnam will start marketing its first international bond sale in four years on Jan. 18, said a person familiar with the matter. Romania may sell 1 billion euros in euro-denominated bonds in the first quarter of this year, and more later in 2010, Finance Minister Sebastian Vladescu said Jan. 12.
Angola and Belarus are among countries planning their first international sales. Governments from both countries said in November they were seeking to sell international debt. Kenya’s Prime Minister Raila Odinga said in December the country plans to sell its first Eurobonds.
Prepaying Loan
Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha said in January 2008 the country envisaged issuing its first foreign-currency bonds in May of that year, a sign its economy had shed the legacy of a half-century of communist-imposed isolation. Emerging-market borrowing costs jumped more than threefold from the time of his remark through October 2008, while sales of developing-economy debt plunged as the global economy fell into recession.
Almost 200 million euros of proceeds from the planned bond sale will be used to pre-pay a syndicated loan, the Ministry said. The country has an issuer credit rating of B1 from Moody’s Investors Service, four levels below investment grade, putting it on par with Belarus and Mongolia. It was granted the rating in June 2007.
Albania’s economy is forecast to grow 2.2 percent this year after 0.7 percent expansion in 2009, according to an October report from the International Monetary Fund. The country joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in April last year and is a potential candidate for European Union membership.
The country remains one of the poorest in Europe, hampered by a large informal economy and an inadequate energy and transportation infrastructure, according to the CIA Factbook.
Democracy
Albania, located in southeastern Europe on the Adriatic and Ionian seas, was trampled first by Mussolini, then by Hitler in World War II. Enver Hoxha, who led the revolt against the Nazis, turned the country into a Stalinist fiefdom, then broke with the Soviet Union and allied himself with China.
When the communist regime was swept away in 1991, Albania had none of the economic links with the West that smoothed the transition to democracy in more advanced republics in southeast Europe, such as Slovenia.
Source:businessweek.com/
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
PACE suspends Albanian delegation's voting rights
TIRANA, Albania -- The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) on Monday (January 25th) suspended the voting rights of the Albanian delegation because its members were selected without parliamentarian procedure. Tirana insists the official regulations were respected in selecting members. They include Kastriot Islami, a lawmaker from the opposition Socialist Party, which has been boycotting Albanian parliamentary sessions since September.
Source:TIRANA, Albania -- The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) on Monday (January 25th) suspended the voting rights of the Albanian delegation because its members were selected without parliamentarian procedure. Tirana insists the official regulations were respected in selecting members. They include Kastriot Islami, a lawmaker from the opposition Socialist Party, which has been boycotting Albanian parliamentary sessions since September.
Source:TIRANA, Albania -- The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) on Monday (January 25th) suspended the voting rights of the Albanian delegation because its members were selected without parliamentarian procedure. Tirana insists the official regulations were respected in selecting members. They include Kastriot Islami, a lawmaker from the opposition Socialist Party, which has been boycotting Albanian parliamentary sessions since September.
Slovakia opens embassy in Albania
Slovakia has opened an embassy in Albania to boost cooperation between the two countries, the foreign ministry reported.
“This is truly an historical day for Slovakia and for Albania. I expect that our citizens will learn more about the great potentials your country offers, including in tourism,” Slovakian Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajcak told an inauguration ceremony in Tirana.
In a reciprocal move, Albania is to open an embassy in Bratislava, Slovakia in 2010, said Albanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ilir Meta.
“I am also certain that our excellent political and diplomatic relations will reflect in a quick increase of our economic and commercial cooperation, and in other areas too,” Meta (www.mfa.gov.al) added.
Source: Balkans.com Business News
“This is truly an historical day for Slovakia and for Albania. I expect that our citizens will learn more about the great potentials your country offers, including in tourism,” Slovakian Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajcak told an inauguration ceremony in Tirana.
In a reciprocal move, Albania is to open an embassy in Bratislava, Slovakia in 2010, said Albanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ilir Meta.
“I am also certain that our excellent political and diplomatic relations will reflect in a quick increase of our economic and commercial cooperation, and in other areas too,” Meta (www.mfa.gov.al) added.
Source: Balkans.com Business News
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Albania’s Tirana airport growing at 10% p.a.; Belle Air operates 20 routes mostly to Italy
Not many airports with over one million annual passengers have been able to report double-digit growth in both 2008 and 2009, but Tirana International Airport in Albania is one of them. The country, on the opposite side of the Adriatic from the heel of Italy, has the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Greece, Montenegro and Serbia as neighbours. It is similar in size to Belgium but with a population of just over three million people. The airport is currently managed by a consortium lead by Hochtief AirPort of Germany
Belle Air: Albania’s very own LCC
Traffic has been boosted in recent years by the arrival of Belle Air, a low-cost airline that started operations in November 2006. It operates to around 20 destinations (nearly all in Italy, plus Zurich) using a fleet of five aircraft, including two A320s, one A319, one MD82 and one ATR 72-500. According to the airport, Belle Air was by far the busiest airline at Tirana in the first nine months of 2009, accounting for 42% of passengers. This is well ahead of Alitalia (13.5%), Albanian Airlines (8.9%), Austrian (6.0%) and Turkish Airlines (5.3%).
Demand to and from Albania peaks in August. Despite the recent growth, the seasonality profile has remained remarkably consistent for the last three years.
Served by several flag carriers
For passengers outside of Italy there are a number of carriers providing non-stop flights to the Albanian capital. These include Adria Airways (to Ljubljana), Aegean Airlines (to Athens), Austrian (to Vienna), British Airways (to London Gatwick), germanwings (seasonal services to Cologne/Bonn), Lufthansa (to Munich), Malev (to Budapest), Olympic (to Athens) and Turkish Airlines (to Istanbul).
Albanian Airlines under new management
According to the airline’s website, Albanian Airlines has been under the ownership of the Azerbaijan-based Evsen Group since last August. The airline’s booking tool suggests that flights are currently on sale to Bologna, Frankfurt, Istanbul, London Stansted, Milan Malpensa and Turin. The website also indicates that the airline soon is hoping to operate a fleet of two 747-400s, two 757-200s and four 737-300s and plans to start services to several new destinations, including Berlin, Jeddah, Madrid, Paris and Rome. The acquisition of some Fokker 100s has also been indicated on the airline’s website. Anna.aero will be following the airline’s development with interest to see if it can usurp Belle Air as the country’s leading airline.
Source:anna.aero/
Belle Air: Albania’s very own LCC
Traffic has been boosted in recent years by the arrival of Belle Air, a low-cost airline that started operations in November 2006. It operates to around 20 destinations (nearly all in Italy, plus Zurich) using a fleet of five aircraft, including two A320s, one A319, one MD82 and one ATR 72-500. According to the airport, Belle Air was by far the busiest airline at Tirana in the first nine months of 2009, accounting for 42% of passengers. This is well ahead of Alitalia (13.5%), Albanian Airlines (8.9%), Austrian (6.0%) and Turkish Airlines (5.3%).
Served by several flag carriers
For passengers outside of Italy there are a number of carriers providing non-stop flights to the Albanian capital. These include Adria Airways (to Ljubljana), Aegean Airlines (to Athens), Austrian (to Vienna), British Airways (to London Gatwick), germanwings (seasonal services to Cologne/Bonn), Lufthansa (to Munich), Malev (to Budapest), Olympic (to Athens) and Turkish Airlines (to Istanbul).
Albanian Airlines under new management
According to the airline’s website, Albanian Airlines has been under the ownership of the Azerbaijan-based Evsen Group since last August. The airline’s booking tool suggests that flights are currently on sale to Bologna, Frankfurt, Istanbul, London Stansted, Milan Malpensa and Turin. The website also indicates that the airline soon is hoping to operate a fleet of two 747-400s, two 757-200s and four 737-300s and plans to start services to several new destinations, including Berlin, Jeddah, Madrid, Paris and Rome. The acquisition of some Fokker 100s has also been indicated on the airline’s website. Anna.aero will be following the airline’s development with interest to see if it can usurp Belle Air as the country’s leading airline.
Source:anna.aero/
Real disaster for Albanian PR as Galacticos left in dark
ALBANIA may not be renowned as a hotbed of European football but Real Madrid's stars certainly won't forget their brief midweek visit to the Balkan state.
Madrid were in Tirana to play a friendly against newly promoted Gramozi, with the Spanish giants receiving €2m, courtesy of the Albanian club's mega-bucks owner.
However, the much-hyped occasion (in Albania anyway) turned into a PR disaster when the stadium was plunged into darkness after the start of the second half due to a power cut.
Both teams were forced to wait 90 minutes until an emergency generator restored power. Considering Madrid had started all their big names, the power cut was extremely embarrassing for Gramozi, who had brought in players from other clubs to maximise their chances of causing an upset.
The Albanians actually took a shock lead in the second minute before Kaka and Benzema hit back for the visitors. The Spanish giants clearly didn't think too much of the occasion, though, as only captain Raul waited for the cup presentation.
Proceeds went to victims of a recent flooding incident in the country but it was the floodlight failure which made headlines, with the opposition party claiming: "Albania has been made a laughing stock."
However, one man who won't be seeing the funny side is the stadium manager, who was promptly sacked.
Source:independent.ie/
Madrid were in Tirana to play a friendly against newly promoted Gramozi, with the Spanish giants receiving €2m, courtesy of the Albanian club's mega-bucks owner.
However, the much-hyped occasion (in Albania anyway) turned into a PR disaster when the stadium was plunged into darkness after the start of the second half due to a power cut.
Both teams were forced to wait 90 minutes until an emergency generator restored power. Considering Madrid had started all their big names, the power cut was extremely embarrassing for Gramozi, who had brought in players from other clubs to maximise their chances of causing an upset.
The Albanians actually took a shock lead in the second minute before Kaka and Benzema hit back for the visitors. The Spanish giants clearly didn't think too much of the occasion, though, as only captain Raul waited for the cup presentation.
Proceeds went to victims of a recent flooding incident in the country but it was the floodlight failure which made headlines, with the opposition party claiming: "Albania has been made a laughing stock."
However, one man who won't be seeing the funny side is the stadium manager, who was promptly sacked.
Source:independent.ie/
Blackout In Albania As Real Madrid Beat Gramozi
Real Madrid beat Gramozi Ereske 2-1 last night in the 2010 edition of the 'Oil Cup'. The game, organised by Albanian oil tycoon Rezart Taci, saw a power outage that lasted for almost two hours at half-time.
Gramozi opened the scoring in the third minute, as young striker Xhafaj powered a header past the helpless Jerzy Dudek.
Real Madrid then took control of the game, but couldn't find a way through until the 37th minute when Cristiano Ronaldo chipped a delightful ball to Kaka, who found the back of the net with a precise header, to end the first half level at 1-1.
However, the game was not to resume for another hour and a half, as a power outage saw the electricity in the city of Tirana unexpectedly go out.
The blackout kept both sides in the dressing room until the electricty was restored by an emergency generator. However, it took the floodlights another fifteen minutes to fully turn on.
Despite angry cries from the fans in the stadium, the second half started quickly with Manuel Pellegrini bringing on Karim Benzema in attack. The French striker scored in the 80th minute to round off the game at 2-1.
In light of the incident, the Albanian Football Federation announced that the stadium manager was to be sacked, effective immediately.
While Real Madrid pocketed at cool €2.5 million from the match, the proceeds from the match were donated to victims of a flooding incident in north Albania.
Manuel Pellegrini and company hastily returned to the Spanish capital after the game, where they today begin preparing for Sunday's league clash against Malaga at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
Source:goal.com
Gramozi opened the scoring in the third minute, as young striker Xhafaj powered a header past the helpless Jerzy Dudek.
Real Madrid then took control of the game, but couldn't find a way through until the 37th minute when Cristiano Ronaldo chipped a delightful ball to Kaka, who found the back of the net with a precise header, to end the first half level at 1-1.
However, the game was not to resume for another hour and a half, as a power outage saw the electricity in the city of Tirana unexpectedly go out.
The blackout kept both sides in the dressing room until the electricty was restored by an emergency generator. However, it took the floodlights another fifteen minutes to fully turn on.
Despite angry cries from the fans in the stadium, the second half started quickly with Manuel Pellegrini bringing on Karim Benzema in attack. The French striker scored in the 80th minute to round off the game at 2-1.
In light of the incident, the Albanian Football Federation announced that the stadium manager was to be sacked, effective immediately.
While Real Madrid pocketed at cool €2.5 million from the match, the proceeds from the match were donated to victims of a flooding incident in north Albania.
Manuel Pellegrini and company hastily returned to the Spanish capital after the game, where they today begin preparing for Sunday's league clash against Malaga at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
Source:goal.com
Trans Adriatic Pipeline opens offices in Albania, Greece and Italy
The Trans Adriatic Pipeline project (TAP ) has completed registration of permanent country offices in Albania, Greece and Italy.
The offices will support TAP in liaising with authorities, preparing and submitting applications, and briefing the public and media, management said in a statement.
“The opening of the new offices ... is another sign of TAP ’s continuous progress. These permanent representations will help us develop stronger relationships with local stakeholders and further create trust in TAP,” said Michael Hoffmann, external relations director.
TAP (www.trans-adriatic-pipeline.com) is a 520km pipeline that will transport natural gas via Greece and Albania across the Adriatic Sea to Italy’s southern Puglia region, and then further into Western Europe.
The project aims to enhance security of supplies and diversification for European markets.
Source:balkans.com/
The offices will support TAP in liaising with authorities, preparing and submitting applications, and briefing the public and media, management said in a statement.
“The opening of the new offices ... is another sign of TAP ’s continuous progress. These permanent representations will help us develop stronger relationships with local stakeholders and further create trust in TAP,” said Michael Hoffmann, external relations director.
TAP (www.trans-adriatic-pipeline.com) is a 520km pipeline that will transport natural gas via Greece and Albania across the Adriatic Sea to Italy’s southern Puglia region, and then further into Western Europe.
The project aims to enhance security of supplies and diversification for European markets.
Source:balkans.com/
Albania rises to 53rd place in economic freedom index
Albania’s economy ranks 53rd out of 179 countries, up from 62nd place last year, in the 2010 Economic Freedom Index, compiled by US think-tank Heritage Foundation.
The Balkan country's economic freedom score is 66.0, top for the region, with Bosnia-Herzegovina the least free, and Bulgaria the sole regional country to show a decline.
“Albania is ranked 25th most free among the 43 countries in the Europe region, and its overall score is above the world average,” the report showed.
Albania's level of economic freedom increased by 2.3 points over the past year, due primarily to trade, property rights, labour, and corruption.
Albania’s economic freedom is comparable to that of other developing Balkan states like Croatia and FYR Macedonia, the ranking showed.
Fiscal freedom, investment freedom, and financial freedom rated significantly higher than typical levels. However, Albania’s overall score was reduced by weak property rights and pervasive corruption.
Money laundering remains a major problem in the cash-based economy. A low score for property rights is largely a result of political interference in the judiciary, according to Heritage Foundation (www.heritage.org).
Source:balkans.com/
The Balkan country's economic freedom score is 66.0, top for the region, with Bosnia-Herzegovina the least free, and Bulgaria the sole regional country to show a decline.
“Albania is ranked 25th most free among the 43 countries in the Europe region, and its overall score is above the world average,” the report showed.
Albania's level of economic freedom increased by 2.3 points over the past year, due primarily to trade, property rights, labour, and corruption.
Albania’s economic freedom is comparable to that of other developing Balkan states like Croatia and FYR Macedonia, the ranking showed.
Fiscal freedom, investment freedom, and financial freedom rated significantly higher than typical levels. However, Albania’s overall score was reduced by weak property rights and pervasive corruption.
Money laundering remains a major problem in the cash-based economy. A low score for property rights is largely a result of political interference in the judiciary, according to Heritage Foundation (www.heritage.org).
Source:balkans.com/
Albania Warns of Possible Credit Downgrade
In an internal memo obtained by Balkan Insight the ministry of finance says Albania needs urgent cuts in budget expenditures in order to improve its credit rating.
According to the document the Albanian government should revise its 2010 budget and cut its expenditure by ten per cent before March in order to avoid a very likely downgrade in its Moody’s credit rating
“We face high uncertainty in the revenue forecast, while a new credit rating that will take into account the macro-fiscal situation of the last year will be issued in March,” the report reads.
“In the current situation there is little possibility that the country's rating will stand at minus B1 with a stable outlook and the only way to avoid [the downgrade], is to demonstrate our will to manage the risks with a credible scenario,” it adds.
In December, the government forecast 5.5 per cent economic growth for 2010, but the Ministry of Finance says that such a forecast is unrealistic. The 2010 public budget forecasted 410 billion lek (2.97 billion euro) worth of expenditures and 360 billion lek (2.63 billion euro) in revenues.
Albania intends to issue 300 million euro sovereign bonds this year to repay old debts, but many analysts believe that the current economic forecast for the region does not bode well for an entry into the international bond market.
Source:balkaninsight.com/
According to the document the Albanian government should revise its 2010 budget and cut its expenditure by ten per cent before March in order to avoid a very likely downgrade in its Moody’s credit rating
“We face high uncertainty in the revenue forecast, while a new credit rating that will take into account the macro-fiscal situation of the last year will be issued in March,” the report reads.
“In the current situation there is little possibility that the country's rating will stand at minus B1 with a stable outlook and the only way to avoid [the downgrade], is to demonstrate our will to manage the risks with a credible scenario,” it adds.
In December, the government forecast 5.5 per cent economic growth for 2010, but the Ministry of Finance says that such a forecast is unrealistic. The 2010 public budget forecasted 410 billion lek (2.97 billion euro) worth of expenditures and 360 billion lek (2.63 billion euro) in revenues.
Albania intends to issue 300 million euro sovereign bonds this year to repay old debts, but many analysts believe that the current economic forecast for the region does not bode well for an entry into the international bond market.
Source:balkaninsight.com/
Albania to open embassy in United Arab Emirates
Albania is to open an embassy in the United Arab Emirates in the near future, reflecting the country's priority on cooperation with the Gulf state.
“The Albanian government will soon open an embassy of the republic of Albania in Abu Dhabi,” Deputy Prime Minister Ilir Meta said.
Meta, who is also foreign minister, was speaking after a meeting with UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed al Nahyan, who welcomed the move for future relations between the two countries.
Meta is attending the World Future Energy Summit 2010 in the UAE. His sideline meetings have included top officials from Tonga, Comoros, Kenya, Honduras and the Ivory Coast.
Source:balkans.com/
“The Albanian government will soon open an embassy of the republic of Albania in Abu Dhabi,” Deputy Prime Minister Ilir Meta said.
Meta, who is also foreign minister, was speaking after a meeting with UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed al Nahyan, who welcomed the move for future relations between the two countries.
Meta is attending the World Future Energy Summit 2010 in the UAE. His sideline meetings have included top officials from Tonga, Comoros, Kenya, Honduras and the Ivory Coast.
Source:balkans.com/
Water purification kits are a lifeline for flood victims
DERBYSHIRE charity workers have shipped 180 life-saving water purification kits to Albania after the country suffered its worst flooding in half-a-century.
Thousands of people living in the north of the country have been evacuated as a result of the floods, caused by heavy rain and melting snow.
Water supplies have been disrupted and the public water system has been contaminated by sewage, meaning that many people do not have access to safe drinking water.
But now, thanks to a Derbyshire charity, water purification kits capable of removing deadly waterborne diseases, including typhoid, dysentery and cholera, are on their way.
The Aquaboxes also contain essential welfare items, including tools and cooking pots.
The charity, a project of Rotary International, is currently being supported by the Derby Telegraph's Give Water, Give Life campaign and was asked to supply the boxes to Albania by Christian charity Blythswood Care.
The batch of Aquaboxes was picked up by DHL on Tuesday from the charity's depot, ready to be shipped to Albania, just days before the organisation sent out another 200 to earthquake-hit Haiti.
Phil Shorthouse, from Blythswood Care, which will distribute the boxes on behalf of Aquabox, said: "According to the national emergency task force set up to deal with the situation [in Albania], over 4,000 people have so far been evacuated from their homes and 2,200 homes have been flooded by rising water in the Shkodra district, north of the capital Tirana and close to the border with Montenegro. A total of 10,270 hectares of farmland is flooded and 9,830 livestock are at risk.
"Because of serious damage to the water supply system, many in the flooded communities don't have access to drinking water.
"There are damages to agriculture and transport infrastructure, making the area around Shkodra only accessible by small boats."
The severe floods were the result of recent bad weather. Heavy snow fell on the Albanian mountains in December and this month.
This was followed by a sudden shift of the winds to the south, bringing a sudden thaw, combined with heavy rain.
In addition, the strong winds caused unusually high tides, restricting the outflow of water from the Buna River.
Aquabox trustee David Haspel said: "We are pleased to be able to support the people of Haiti.
"The Aquaboxes can make a big difference in preventing the spread of diseases
Source:thisisderbyshire.co.uk/
Thousands of people living in the north of the country have been evacuated as a result of the floods, caused by heavy rain and melting snow.
Water supplies have been disrupted and the public water system has been contaminated by sewage, meaning that many people do not have access to safe drinking water.
But now, thanks to a Derbyshire charity, water purification kits capable of removing deadly waterborne diseases, including typhoid, dysentery and cholera, are on their way.
The Aquaboxes also contain essential welfare items, including tools and cooking pots.
The charity, a project of Rotary International, is currently being supported by the Derby Telegraph's Give Water, Give Life campaign and was asked to supply the boxes to Albania by Christian charity Blythswood Care.
The batch of Aquaboxes was picked up by DHL on Tuesday from the charity's depot, ready to be shipped to Albania, just days before the organisation sent out another 200 to earthquake-hit Haiti.
Phil Shorthouse, from Blythswood Care, which will distribute the boxes on behalf of Aquabox, said: "According to the national emergency task force set up to deal with the situation [in Albania], over 4,000 people have so far been evacuated from their homes and 2,200 homes have been flooded by rising water in the Shkodra district, north of the capital Tirana and close to the border with Montenegro. A total of 10,270 hectares of farmland is flooded and 9,830 livestock are at risk.
"Because of serious damage to the water supply system, many in the flooded communities don't have access to drinking water.
"There are damages to agriculture and transport infrastructure, making the area around Shkodra only accessible by small boats."
The severe floods were the result of recent bad weather. Heavy snow fell on the Albanian mountains in December and this month.
This was followed by a sudden shift of the winds to the south, bringing a sudden thaw, combined with heavy rain.
In addition, the strong winds caused unusually high tides, restricting the outflow of water from the Buna River.
Aquabox trustee David Haspel said: "We are pleased to be able to support the people of Haiti.
"The Aquaboxes can make a big difference in preventing the spread of diseases
Source:thisisderbyshire.co.uk/
EBRD estimes "fastest growing" Turkey in E.Europe in 2010
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development estimated that Turkey would be the fastest growing country in Eastern Europe in 2010
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development estimated that Turkey would be the fastest growing country in Eastern Europe in 2010.
In its twice-yearly report on 29 countries in which it invests, EBRD revised upwards its 2010 and 2011 growth forecast for the region that includes countries from central Europe to central Asia, including Turkey.
EBRD revised its 2010 growth forecast for Turkey from 3 percent to 4.7 percent with expectations for capital inflows following a recent rating upgrade. The bank predicted that Turkey would continue to grow in 2011 with an estimated 4 percent rate.
With an optimistic outlook on Turkish economy, the bank revised downward its negative growth forecast for 2009 from 6 percent to 5.6 percent.
According to EBRD prediction, Turkey will be the fastest growing country in Eastern Europe this year and it will be followed by Moldova with 4 percent growth, Russia with 3.9 percent, Belarus and Ukraine with 3 percent, Slovakia with 2.8 percent, Serbia with 2.4 percent, Poland with 2.3 percent and Macedonia and Albania with 2 percent.
Source:worldbulletin.net/
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development estimated that Turkey would be the fastest growing country in Eastern Europe in 2010.
In its twice-yearly report on 29 countries in which it invests, EBRD revised upwards its 2010 and 2011 growth forecast for the region that includes countries from central Europe to central Asia, including Turkey.
EBRD revised its 2010 growth forecast for Turkey from 3 percent to 4.7 percent with expectations for capital inflows following a recent rating upgrade. The bank predicted that Turkey would continue to grow in 2011 with an estimated 4 percent rate.
With an optimistic outlook on Turkish economy, the bank revised downward its negative growth forecast for 2009 from 6 percent to 5.6 percent.
According to EBRD prediction, Turkey will be the fastest growing country in Eastern Europe this year and it will be followed by Moldova with 4 percent growth, Russia with 3.9 percent, Belarus and Ukraine with 3 percent, Slovakia with 2.8 percent, Serbia with 2.4 percent, Poland with 2.3 percent and Macedonia and Albania with 2 percent.
Source:worldbulletin.net/
Albanians in US from Albania and Kosovo are shown extraordinary compassion helping Haiti.
Albanians in US from Albania and Kosovo are shown extraordinary compassion helping Haiti.
Haiti authorities estimated 200,000 dead and 1.5 million homeless in the quake-ravaged heart of this tragic land, where injured survivors still died in the streets, doctors pleaded for help
Albanians in US from Albania and Kosovo are shown extraordinary compassion helping Haiti.
Haiti authorities estimated 200,000 dead and 1.5 million homeless in the quake-ravaged heart of this tragic land, where injured survivors still died in the streets, doctors pleaded for help.
The world pledged more money, food, medicine and police. Some 2,000 U.S. Marines steamed into nearby waters. And ex-president Bill Clinton, special U.N. envoy, flew in to offer support. Six days after the earthquake struck, search teams still pulled buried survivors from the ruins.
Albanian people in US, from Albania and Kosovo are shown extraordinary compassion, donating, to Haiti,despite tough economic times.
I have personally witnessed the tremendous generosity and goodwill of the Albanian people and of my friends around the world to help in times of great need. There is no greater rallying cry for our common humanity than witnessing our friends in distress. And, like any good friend, we Albanian people have an obligation and desire to come to their aid.
The people of Haiti now need assistance more than ever. Thank you Albanian brothers and sisters for helping and we hope you will donate more to this worthwhile cause.
Albanian Minerals in NY a sister company of Bytyci company in Tropoje Albania, owned by Albanian family in NY have donated 100,000 dollars. Wee hope world will donate more to Haiti
Source:online.wsj.com/
Haiti authorities estimated 200,000 dead and 1.5 million homeless in the quake-ravaged heart of this tragic land, where injured survivors still died in the streets, doctors pleaded for help
Albanians in US from Albania and Kosovo are shown extraordinary compassion helping Haiti.
Haiti authorities estimated 200,000 dead and 1.5 million homeless in the quake-ravaged heart of this tragic land, where injured survivors still died in the streets, doctors pleaded for help.
The world pledged more money, food, medicine and police. Some 2,000 U.S. Marines steamed into nearby waters. And ex-president Bill Clinton, special U.N. envoy, flew in to offer support. Six days after the earthquake struck, search teams still pulled buried survivors from the ruins.
Albanian people in US, from Albania and Kosovo are shown extraordinary compassion, donating, to Haiti,despite tough economic times.
I have personally witnessed the tremendous generosity and goodwill of the Albanian people and of my friends around the world to help in times of great need. There is no greater rallying cry for our common humanity than witnessing our friends in distress. And, like any good friend, we Albanian people have an obligation and desire to come to their aid.
The people of Haiti now need assistance more than ever. Thank you Albanian brothers and sisters for helping and we hope you will donate more to this worthwhile cause.
Albanian Minerals in NY a sister company of Bytyci company in Tropoje Albania, owned by Albanian family in NY have donated 100,000 dollars. Wee hope world will donate more to Haiti
Source:online.wsj.com/
Albania will test Northern Ireland, says Kennedy
The Irish FA have accepted an invitation to play in Albania because international manager Nigel Worthington is determined to improve his team’s away record.
Northern Ireland have won only one of their last seven away games. The 3-0 win in San Marino last February being the only time Worthington has enjoyed a victory outside of Belfast while in charge of the team.
With the challenge of trying to take Northern Ireland to a first ever European Championship finals facing Worthington, who will put pen to paper on a new two-year contract today, he knows that points must be picked up on the road if the dream is to become a reality.
“We had other offers of matches, but none of them were what we wanted football wise,” said Kennedy.
“There were teams who wanted to come and play us at Windsor Park, but the manager wants to sort out the away form and thought it would be better to go and play somewhere else.
“We could draw Albania in the European Championships, but no matter what it will be a difficult game and a good test for the team going into those qualifiers.
“We tried to do our best in getting a game that was financially beneficial, but that is not always possible so you have to take the next best option that’s available to you.
“There was the possibility of holding a training camp, but it’s better to play a game and get the players involved in something competitive.”
Albania remains a European footballing outpost despite the end of communist rule in the country.
Northern Ireland haven’t played in Tirana since a 2-1 win in February 1993, with the last meeting between the sides — a 1-0 win for Albania — taking place in Zurich, Switzerland because of civil unrest in the country at the time.*
Source:belfasttelegraph.co.uk/
Northern Ireland have won only one of their last seven away games. The 3-0 win in San Marino last February being the only time Worthington has enjoyed a victory outside of Belfast while in charge of the team.
With the challenge of trying to take Northern Ireland to a first ever European Championship finals facing Worthington, who will put pen to paper on a new two-year contract today, he knows that points must be picked up on the road if the dream is to become a reality.
“We had other offers of matches, but none of them were what we wanted football wise,” said Kennedy.
“There were teams who wanted to come and play us at Windsor Park, but the manager wants to sort out the away form and thought it would be better to go and play somewhere else.
“We could draw Albania in the European Championships, but no matter what it will be a difficult game and a good test for the team going into those qualifiers.
“We tried to do our best in getting a game that was financially beneficial, but that is not always possible so you have to take the next best option that’s available to you.
“There was the possibility of holding a training camp, but it’s better to play a game and get the players involved in something competitive.”
Albania remains a European footballing outpost despite the end of communist rule in the country.
Northern Ireland haven’t played in Tirana since a 2-1 win in February 1993, with the last meeting between the sides — a 1-0 win for Albania — taking place in Zurich, Switzerland because of civil unrest in the country at the time.*
Source:belfasttelegraph.co.uk/
Brussels needs its own train to Bosnia
Ironically called the “Dayton Disagreement” by locals, the Dayton Peace Accords which ended the Bosnian War in 1995 encourages the international community, local governments and non-governmental organisations to promote reconciliation between the previously warring communities. The European Union is supposed to take a leading role in the process.
But lately, Bosnians feel that the EU is acting poorly, and that local institutions and individuals are contributing more toward re-integration and reconciliation than the EU. Bosnians’ primary concern is the EU’s decision in December 2009 to do away with visa requirements for citizens of Serbia, Macedonia and Montenegro visiting other EU countries. This decision excludes Bosnia and Albania, the only countries in the Balkans whose citizens still require visas for EU travel.
While the new rules apply to Albania as well, post-war Bosnia will be more negatively affected. After all, Albania does not have ethnically segregated areas, and its citizens have a common ethnic identity. Regardless of their religion, the majority of the country’s citizens declare themselves to be simply Albanians. Furthermore, such a decision by the EU might not seriously affect relations between the Balkan states, but it certainly does not aid in the reconciliation and the re-integration of Bosnia itself, because the country’s ethnic and religious composition is much more diverse than Albania’s and because Bosnian Muslims see the decision as discriminatory.
The reason is that this new visa rule also allows Bosnian Serbs to have dual citizenship—Serbian and Bosnian, so that they will be able to travel to EU countries without visas. Similarly, Bosnian Croats, who have had the right to dual citizenship for years—Croatian and Bosnian—can already travel across Europe freely.
But Bosnian Muslims, ethnically identified as Bosniaks, and other minority groups in Bosnia who can only carry Bosnian passports, now feel isolated and even frustrated by such rules.
Some local politicians are even afraid this might lead to more tensions in some already divided areas of Bosnia. What many people may not know is that the Croats, Serbs and Muslims of Bosnia are basically one folk. We have the same language, same race and, essentially, the same country of origin. Only our religion is distinct. But even religious distinctions in Bosnia are based more on cultural differences rather than spiritual, dogmatic or theological aspects.
EU politicians in Brussels claim their decision was made based on the levels of corruption in the Bosnian and Albanian governments, although rumors and accusations of corruption in Montenegro, Serbia and Macedonia’s governments are just as rife. They also claim that Bosnia did not fulfill all the conditions for becoming a visa-free regime, such as the introduction of biometric travel documents, better border controls and stronger enforcement against organized crime and corruption. But according to the Slovenian representatives in the EU council, the other three did not fulfill all these conditions either.
While there is fear that the new law will heighten tensions between the various religious groups in Bosnia, due to what many Bosniaks feel is religious discrimination toward them and preferential treatment for others, there are some surprising and positive examples of cooperation that are emerging in light of these new regulations: many pro-Bosnian Serbs and Croats who feel solidarity with Bosniaks and with Bosnia are openly criticizing the EU’s new regulation as an act of discrimination and calling for its reassessment.
Thankfully, in this post-war region, it is this kind of action that demonstrates that we can stand together in the face of adversity. And, as we make our way through this struggle for equal recognition of all Bosnians, that is what we need to remind us that inside, we are basically all the same.
Source:bikyamasr.com/?
Two Britons sentenced for paedophilia in Albania
TIRANA — A court in Albania on Tuesday sentenced two Englishmen to lenghty prison terms for sexually molesting and abusing children at an orphanage in Albania.
Dino Christodoulou, 45, and Robin Arnold, 56, received prison sentences of 20 and 15 years and six months respectively for sexually abusing children aged six to nine in the orphanage.
The two, who were extradited from Britain to Albania two years ago, were also declared personae non gratae and will be deported on completing their jail terms.
In 2008 a court sentenced their Scottish charity work partner John David Brown to 20 years in prison on the same charges.
The three Britons came to Albania in 1999 during the war in neighbouring Kosovo. They set up a charity organisation, His Children, in 2001, housing orphans and abandoned children found on the streets of the capital Tirana.
But the orphanage was shut down in 2006 on Brown's arrest.
Christodoulou and Arnold were arrested in London in September 2007 and were later extradited to Albania.
Judge Shefkie Demiraj mentioned six cases of sexual abuse for Christodoulou and one for Arnold, court officials said.
The defendants were planning to appeal the verdicts as they said during the trial they were innocent of the charges.
Source:AFP
Dino Christodoulou, 45, and Robin Arnold, 56, received prison sentences of 20 and 15 years and six months respectively for sexually abusing children aged six to nine in the orphanage.
The two, who were extradited from Britain to Albania two years ago, were also declared personae non gratae and will be deported on completing their jail terms.
In 2008 a court sentenced their Scottish charity work partner John David Brown to 20 years in prison on the same charges.
The three Britons came to Albania in 1999 during the war in neighbouring Kosovo. They set up a charity organisation, His Children, in 2001, housing orphans and abandoned children found on the streets of the capital Tirana.
But the orphanage was shut down in 2006 on Brown's arrest.
Christodoulou and Arnold were arrested in London in September 2007 and were later extradited to Albania.
Judge Shefkie Demiraj mentioned six cases of sexual abuse for Christodoulou and one for Arnold, court officials said.
The defendants were planning to appeal the verdicts as they said during the trial they were innocent of the charges.
Source:AFP
Balkans Becoming Economically Freer, Says Index
Balkans Becoming Economically Freer
Montenegro’s growing external debt and poor targeting of government spending were reported as specific problems, though the report recognized the country’s “impressive average economic growth” of over 7 per cent during the past five years. The small Balkan country, whose ongoing problems include high unemployment and the black market, was ranked 68th freest.
The report noted that Croatia had moved up 24 places and was now ranked as the world’s 92nd freest economy. However, its economic freedom score of 59.2 points was still below European and world averages.
“Croatia's overall weakness stems from excessive government interference that erodes the economy’s efficiency and flexibility,” the report said. “In addition to high levels of government spending, government intervention in other key areas of the economy is considerable,” it added.
Bulgaria was the only country in the region to register a fall in its economic freedom score. Following a 2.3 point fall, the European Union member country now scores 62.3 points and was ranked 75th in the index.
According to the report, despite “substantial progress” toward long-term stability and sustained growth, Bulgaria still suffers from “institutional weaknesses that could hamper macroeconomic stability and retard growth.
“Weak property rights, lingering corruption, and burdensome bureaucracy continue to reduce economic freedom, and developing a more independent judicial sys¬tem would appear to be a key area for reform,” in Bulgaria, the report said.
While recognizing the progress achieved by Romania, another EU member in the Western Balkans, the report warned that it continued to lag behind many other European countries.
This was attributed to the absence of deeper structural reforms and to “ongoing institutional challenges to overall economic freedom”, resulting from widespread corruption and a rigid labour market. Romania was ranked 63rd in the index.
Serbia’s economic freedom score registered the lowest increase in the region, of 0.3 points. With a score of 56.9, Serbia was ranked 104th freest economy in the 2010 index.
Source:balkaninsight.com/
Montenegro’s growing external debt and poor targeting of government spending were reported as specific problems, though the report recognized the country’s “impressive average economic growth” of over 7 per cent during the past five years. The small Balkan country, whose ongoing problems include high unemployment and the black market, was ranked 68th freest.
The report noted that Croatia had moved up 24 places and was now ranked as the world’s 92nd freest economy. However, its economic freedom score of 59.2 points was still below European and world averages.
“Croatia's overall weakness stems from excessive government interference that erodes the economy’s efficiency and flexibility,” the report said. “In addition to high levels of government spending, government intervention in other key areas of the economy is considerable,” it added.
Bulgaria was the only country in the region to register a fall in its economic freedom score. Following a 2.3 point fall, the European Union member country now scores 62.3 points and was ranked 75th in the index.
According to the report, despite “substantial progress” toward long-term stability and sustained growth, Bulgaria still suffers from “institutional weaknesses that could hamper macroeconomic stability and retard growth.
“Weak property rights, lingering corruption, and burdensome bureaucracy continue to reduce economic freedom, and developing a more independent judicial sys¬tem would appear to be a key area for reform,” in Bulgaria, the report said.
While recognizing the progress achieved by Romania, another EU member in the Western Balkans, the report warned that it continued to lag behind many other European countries.
This was attributed to the absence of deeper structural reforms and to “ongoing institutional challenges to overall economic freedom”, resulting from widespread corruption and a rigid labour market. Romania was ranked 63rd in the index.
Serbia’s economic freedom score registered the lowest increase in the region, of 0.3 points. With a score of 56.9, Serbia was ranked 104th freest economy in the 2010 index.
Source:balkaninsight.com/
American-Turkish Consortium Builds Kosovo Highway
American-Turkish consortium Bechtel-Enka has been chosen for a $1 billion deal to build a highway across Kosovo, the new country's transport minister said Monday.
Authorities are still negotiating details before signing a final agreement, Minister Fatmir Limaj told Kosovo's public broadcaster, without giving any more details.
He said the project to link Kosovo with Albania in the west and Serbia in the east could create 10,000 new jobs.
The Bechtel-Enka consortium — made up of San Francisco, Calif.-based Bechtel International Inc. and Istanbul-based Enka — built a 65-kilometer (40-mile) section in Albania's highway.
The runners up in the bidding, Austria's Strabag, could be approached if talks with Bechtel-Enka fail.
Source:abcnews.go.com/
Authorities are still negotiating details before signing a final agreement, Minister Fatmir Limaj told Kosovo's public broadcaster, without giving any more details.
He said the project to link Kosovo with Albania in the west and Serbia in the east could create 10,000 new jobs.
The Bechtel-Enka consortium — made up of San Francisco, Calif.-based Bechtel International Inc. and Istanbul-based Enka — built a 65-kilometer (40-mile) section in Albania's highway.
The runners up in the bidding, Austria's Strabag, could be approached if talks with Bechtel-Enka fail.
Source:abcnews.go.com/
Heavy floods sweep NW Albania
Source:xinhuanet.com/
Albania wants answers about plane diverted to Slovakia
TIRANA, Albania -- The government plans to file a complaint with the European Civil Aviation over an incident involving 110 passengers whose flight to Italy was unexpectedly diverted to Slovakia on Sunday (January 17th). The Civil Aviation office confirmed on Monday that the passengers were eventually flown to their original destination, Bologna, after spending 16 hours in a hotel near the Bratislava airport. "It is a very difficult case in the history of Albania's and international civil aviation," said Ervin Mazniku, of the aviation office. The same office in Slovakia will ask Air Slovakia for an explanation. The airline, meanwhile, said it will seek the maximum punishment for the pilot involved. Though the reason for the diversion remains unclear, local media reported that the Slovak crew was most likely protesting unpaid wages. (Lajmifundit, Top Channel, BBC, Ora News -
Source:setimes.com/
Source:setimes.com/
Kosovo Albanians apply for biometric Serbian passports
PRISTINA, Kosovo -- Many Kosovo Albanians have applied for biometric Serbian passports in order to benefit from visa free travel to EU member countries, local media reported on Tuesday (January 19th). Serbia, Macedonia and Montenegro were offered the privilege in mid-December, and a building run by Serb parallel structures in Gracanica, outside Pristina, is frequently visited by Albanians seeking Serb citizenship. Pristina residents tell Klan Kosova TV that Serbian passports offer more opportunity for travel and that they are frustrated with empty promises of free movement. (Klan Kosova, Kosovalive
Source:setimes.com/
Source:setimes.com/
Top NATO official calls Balkan countries to join
Visiting NATO military committee chairman, admiral Giampaolo Di Paola, on Friday called on more Balkan states to move towards membership in the alliance, AFP reported.
- Many Balkan countries have already completed their journey to Europe and the Alliance... Others are coming in different speed, Di Paola told reporters after talks with Montenegrin Defence Minister Boro Vucinic.
- It is quite clear that the overall future of the Balkans is to be part of the Euro-Atlantic community, Di Paola said.
While Croatia and Albania have already joined the Alliance, Montenegro in December was granted its request to join the membership action plan (MAP).
EU hopeful Macedonia was blocked from further progress because of the name row with Greece, while Bosnia was advised to achieve the "necessary process in reforms" in order to join the MAP.
Only Serbia, although a member of NATO Partnership for Peace programme, seems to be reluctant to pursue the process of integration.
Officials in Belgrade say the membership process is still far away, rejecting calls by several nationalists groups to organize referendum on the issue immediately.
Source:mia.com.mk/
- Many Balkan countries have already completed their journey to Europe and the Alliance... Others are coming in different speed, Di Paola told reporters after talks with Montenegrin Defence Minister Boro Vucinic.
- It is quite clear that the overall future of the Balkans is to be part of the Euro-Atlantic community, Di Paola said.
While Croatia and Albania have already joined the Alliance, Montenegro in December was granted its request to join the membership action plan (MAP).
EU hopeful Macedonia was blocked from further progress because of the name row with Greece, while Bosnia was advised to achieve the "necessary process in reforms" in order to join the MAP.
Only Serbia, although a member of NATO Partnership for Peace programme, seems to be reluctant to pursue the process of integration.
Officials in Belgrade say the membership process is still far away, rejecting calls by several nationalists groups to organize referendum on the issue immediately.
Source:mia.com.mk/
Real Madrid's Lassana Diarra: We Can’t Worry About Barcelona
Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra has urged his team-mates not to “worry” about Barcelona but to concentrate on their own game.
“We are five points behind, just two games. In football things can go very fast. We just have to concentrate on improving the results when we play away from home, keep our form at the Bernabeu and not worry of what Barcelona do," the former Chelsea and Arsenal midfielder told Marca.
While Lass was reportedly cautious to avoid certain topics, he did discuss the team's trip to Albania yesterday.
“It's a game we had to play and we did,” said the Frenchman in regards to the friendly match against Gramozi Erseke. “We went and came back the same day, it is true that we were late but now we need to recover and think about the next game."
When asked about the imminent exit of Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, Diarra admitted it was all just part and parcel of playing for a club as big as Real Madrid.
“Every day players arrive or leave Real Madrid. I do not think about it and concentrate purely on playing.”
Finally, the 24-year-old revealed he was not too downhearted following Madrid's defeat to Bilbao last week, saying it was important the club moved forward.
“These things happen in football. From Bilbao we will work to improve and look to score in our next matches."
Source:goal.com/
“We are five points behind, just two games. In football things can go very fast. We just have to concentrate on improving the results when we play away from home, keep our form at the Bernabeu and not worry of what Barcelona do," the former Chelsea and Arsenal midfielder told Marca.
While Lass was reportedly cautious to avoid certain topics, he did discuss the team's trip to Albania yesterday.
“It's a game we had to play and we did,” said the Frenchman in regards to the friendly match against Gramozi Erseke. “We went and came back the same day, it is true that we were late but now we need to recover and think about the next game."
When asked about the imminent exit of Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, Diarra admitted it was all just part and parcel of playing for a club as big as Real Madrid.
“Every day players arrive or leave Real Madrid. I do not think about it and concentrate purely on playing.”
Finally, the 24-year-old revealed he was not too downhearted following Madrid's defeat to Bilbao last week, saying it was important the club moved forward.
“These things happen in football. From Bilbao we will work to improve and look to score in our next matches."
Source:goal.com/
Greece, Austria's letter to EU
Alternate Foreign Minister Dimitris Droutsas and Austrian Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger stressed in a joint letter addressed to the European Union's Foreign minister Catherine Ashton and all their European counterparts that "Greece and Austria, neighbouring countries from the north and south to the countries of the Western Balkans, are observing the developments with special interest and note the progress achieved in past years, since these countries have adopted the European agenda. However, the political, economic and social problems remain and many doubts are being expressed about the European perspective of the Western Balkans."
The two ministers pointed out that a "new momentum is required now to make more effective the political messages that will be sent."
Greece and Austria, with their joint letter, welcomed the Spanish Presidency's intention to convene a high-level conference on the Western Balkans on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Zagreb Summit, while mentioning 2014 as the symbolic milestone for the path to the EU.
The text signed by the two ministers expresses the hope that 2010 will welcome specifically:
-The conclusion of negotiations with Croatia.
-A mutually acceptable solution to the issue of the name of FYROM, something that remains substantive, as well as the beginning of accession negotiations with FYROM.
-Progress by Serbia regarding its European expectations, including the defreezing of the ratification of the Association and Stabilisation Agreement.
-Specific progress for Kosovo.
-An enhanced role for the EU in Bosnia-Herzegovina with the ultimate aim of European integration and a sincere commitment on the part of all leaders to establish workable state institutions in the country.
-Increased efforts by Albania and Montenegro in cooperation with the Commission, in the frameweork of the evaluation of their application for accession to the EU.
-The fulfillment of the remaining targets in the road maps in the direction of the gradual abolition of the entry visa by Albania and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Droutsas and Spindelegger emphasised that the European Integration of the countries of the Western Balkans constitutes a priority and a guarantee for stability and for this reason the EU must encourage these countries to align themselves with the European principles and values.
Caption: Alternate Foreign Minister Dimitris Droutsas (R) and Austrian Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger(L) in the Foreign Ministry in Athens on Thursday 20 January 2010. ANA-MPA/ALEXANDROS BELTES
Source:ana-mpa.gr/
The two ministers pointed out that a "new momentum is required now to make more effective the political messages that will be sent."
Greece and Austria, with their joint letter, welcomed the Spanish Presidency's intention to convene a high-level conference on the Western Balkans on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Zagreb Summit, while mentioning 2014 as the symbolic milestone for the path to the EU.
The text signed by the two ministers expresses the hope that 2010 will welcome specifically:
-The conclusion of negotiations with Croatia.
-A mutually acceptable solution to the issue of the name of FYROM, something that remains substantive, as well as the beginning of accession negotiations with FYROM.
-Progress by Serbia regarding its European expectations, including the defreezing of the ratification of the Association and Stabilisation Agreement.
-Specific progress for Kosovo.
-An enhanced role for the EU in Bosnia-Herzegovina with the ultimate aim of European integration and a sincere commitment on the part of all leaders to establish workable state institutions in the country.
-Increased efforts by Albania and Montenegro in cooperation with the Commission, in the frameweork of the evaluation of their application for accession to the EU.
-The fulfillment of the remaining targets in the road maps in the direction of the gradual abolition of the entry visa by Albania and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Droutsas and Spindelegger emphasised that the European Integration of the countries of the Western Balkans constitutes a priority and a guarantee for stability and for this reason the EU must encourage these countries to align themselves with the European principles and values.
Caption: Alternate Foreign Minister Dimitris Droutsas (R) and Austrian Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger(L) in the Foreign Ministry in Athens on Thursday 20 January 2010. ANA-MPA/ALEXANDROS BELTES
Source:ana-mpa.gr/
CoE urges end to Albania's political stalemate
STRASBOURG, France -- The Council of Europe (CoE) issued a report Tuesday (January 19th) that in part urged an end to the political crisis in Albania. The CoE said the contested June 2009 general elections should be investigated, as the opposition, including the Socialist Party (SP), has demanded. The council also urged the SP to end its months-long boycott of parliament and return to work. It added that the lack of dialogue has contributed to the deterioration of the political environment. The report will be discussed by the Parliamentary Assembly of the CoE next week. (Gazeta Start, Lajmifundit, Shekulli, Top Channel, Telegrafi, Balkan Web
Source:setimes.com/
Source:setimes.com/
Power Firm Sues Albania Over Electricity Price
Albania's power utility firm OSSH is suing the country's Energy Regulatory Agency, ERE, after a decision to raise the electricity price by 13 per cent was deemed too small to save it from bankruptcy.
“We regard this as an attack against foreign investors, which is totally unacceptable,” OSSH said in a statement after ERE’s decision. “We will take all necessary legal steps to protect the interests of our consumers and investors,” the company added.
OSSH says that only 7.1 per cent of the new price hike will go to the utility firm, while the rest will be shared by the state-owned electricity producer KESH and electricity transmitter company OST.
OSSH, which is majority owned by Czech power giant CEZ, had requested a 24 per cent increase in the price of electricity for 2010. The company was privatised in May 2009 for 102 million euro.
According to the privatisation contract, the Albanian government will have to compensate CEZ for the shortfall in revenue that would result from the smaller price hike.
However, ERE has not accepted an independent audit of the utility’s losses, which means that even the compensation from the government for the lower price hike will not be awarded.
The lawsuit filed with the Tirana distrcit court aims to force ERE to accept the findings of the independent audit for the company's losses that are a result of electrcity theft, which would pave the way for government compensation.
Source:balkaninsight.com/
“We regard this as an attack against foreign investors, which is totally unacceptable,” OSSH said in a statement after ERE’s decision. “We will take all necessary legal steps to protect the interests of our consumers and investors,” the company added.
OSSH says that only 7.1 per cent of the new price hike will go to the utility firm, while the rest will be shared by the state-owned electricity producer KESH and electricity transmitter company OST.
OSSH, which is majority owned by Czech power giant CEZ, had requested a 24 per cent increase in the price of electricity for 2010. The company was privatised in May 2009 for 102 million euro.
According to the privatisation contract, the Albanian government will have to compensate CEZ for the shortfall in revenue that would result from the smaller price hike.
However, ERE has not accepted an independent audit of the utility’s losses, which means that even the compensation from the government for the lower price hike will not be awarded.
The lawsuit filed with the Tirana distrcit court aims to force ERE to accept the findings of the independent audit for the company's losses that are a result of electrcity theft, which would pave the way for government compensation.
Source:balkaninsight.com/
Real Madrid Will Have To Pay Roma €40m For Daniele De Rossi
According to fresh reports in Spain, Roma have now officially put a price tag on Italian midfielder Daniele De Rossi.
The 26-year-old is increasingly being linked with a move to Real Madrid and latest reports claim the two clubs are now in talks regarding a potential transfer.
According to Spanish daily AS, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez met with FIFA transfer agent Ernesto Bronzetti, who had recently denied there was any truth to the transfer rumours, in Albania last night where Real Madrid had travelled to take part in a friendly match.
The reports claim Perez was discussing a potential deal that would see De Rossi arrive in Madrid after the World Cup this summer. Roma are said to be extremely reluctant to sell the player but may be willing to discuss the possibility of a move if Real Madrid can meet their €40 million asking price.
The Merengues reportedly want to add an extra bit of bite to the midfield and see the Italian international as the perfect partner for Xabi Alonso.
Source:goal.com/
The 26-year-old is increasingly being linked with a move to Real Madrid and latest reports claim the two clubs are now in talks regarding a potential transfer.
According to Spanish daily AS, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez met with FIFA transfer agent Ernesto Bronzetti, who had recently denied there was any truth to the transfer rumours, in Albania last night where Real Madrid had travelled to take part in a friendly match.
The reports claim Perez was discussing a potential deal that would see De Rossi arrive in Madrid after the World Cup this summer. Roma are said to be extremely reluctant to sell the player but may be willing to discuss the possibility of a move if Real Madrid can meet their €40 million asking price.
The Merengues reportedly want to add an extra bit of bite to the midfield and see the Italian international as the perfect partner for Xabi Alonso.
Source:goal.com/
Croatia’s newly elected President wants better relations with Albania
Tirana. Croatia’s newly elected President Ivo Josipovic regards Albania and Kosovo as partners Croatia has very good relations with. He says he in favor of developing the ties with Serbia, although Zagreb recognized Kosovo, Alsat-M television channel reports.
I would like relations with Albania to be even better, Josipovic says in an interview with an Albanian television station.
We have friendship, common history and common sea and we are geographically close, the Croatian head of state adds.
He expects excellent cooperation between Croatia and Albania.
We have many open issues with Serbia, while with Kosovo we have no unsolved issues. We will build specific relations with Serbia, but with Kosovo too, Josipovic says in the interview.
Source:focus-fen.net
I would like relations with Albania to be even better, Josipovic says in an interview with an Albanian television station.
We have friendship, common history and common sea and we are geographically close, the Croatian head of state adds.
He expects excellent cooperation between Croatia and Albania.
We have many open issues with Serbia, while with Kosovo we have no unsolved issues. We will build specific relations with Serbia, but with Kosovo too, Josipovic says in the interview.
Source:focus-fen.net
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