Saturday, December 19, 2009
Season's Greetings
Access of information
A couple of articles from USAID that aim at offering further transparency of information in Albania:
- Tirana Court of Appeals improves Access to Information
- Launch of the National Family Planning Protocol
- Tirana Court of Appeals improves Access to Information
- Launch of the National Family Planning Protocol
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Financial report
The Financial Times offers a report on Albania on an annual basis. Here is the pointer to the current one, appearing in its edition of December 7, 2009:
http://www.ft.com/reports/albania-2009
Interesting to note that Albanian cuisine, with its Turkish and Italian influences, is emerging a bit, and that frogs' legs export (which I remember started way back in the early 1990's) is still booming! Kudos to Albanian entrepreneurs!
http://www.ft.com/reports/albania-2009
Interesting to note that Albanian cuisine, with its Turkish and Italian influences, is emerging a bit, and that frogs' legs export (which I remember started way back in the early 1990's) is still booming! Kudos to Albanian entrepreneurs!
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York
Over 3 hours of delight for children and adults alike, with artists and performers of all kind, large school bands (of over 200 members each), music galore, and, of course, the magical, huge characters' balloons, masterfully piloted throughout Manhattan's building canyons!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Albania's Independence Day
The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
November 25, 2009
Statement by the President on the Albanian Independence Day
I send my warmest wishes to all those who will celebrate Albanian Independence Day on Saturday. Here in America, those that can trace their roots to Albania are an important part of this Nation. Abroad, I hope for continued friendship and strengthened ties between our two countries.
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
November 25, 2009
Statement by the President on the Albanian Independence Day
I send my warmest wishes to all those who will celebrate Albanian Independence Day on Saturday. Here in America, those that can trace their roots to Albania are an important part of this Nation. Abroad, I hope for continued friendship and strengthened ties between our two countries.
Greetings
Best wishes to everyone for a HAPPY THANKSGIVING and an enjoyable Albanian Independence Day.
Gezuar Diten e Flamurit!
Gezuar Diten e Flamurit!
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Commemoration
In case my friends have not watched today's CBS Sunday Morning News here is the link to the segment about Albania that you need to 'cut & paste' into your browser:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/11/08/sunday/main5574960.shtml?tag=cbsnewsTwoColUpperPromoArea
It's in printed form or just click here to go directly to the Video portion of the article, entitled "Hiding in plain site".
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/11/08/sunday/main5574960.shtml?tag=cbsnewsTwoColUpperPromoArea
It's in printed form or just click here to go directly to the Video portion of the article, entitled "Hiding in plain site".
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Bunkers
Anyone visiting Albania, still today, has noticed the thousands of bunkers scattered throughout the entire country since they are the last remnants of its communists era. They have been photographed and remarked about in many articles and travel blogs, but now there is a real comprehensive study about them online.
This is the outcome of two Albanian students' research at the Politecnico Institute of Milan, Italy, which they expertly presented as the "Concrete Mushrooms" project in the above highlighted, click-able site. Their down-loadable PFD file includes excellent statistics and mapping, in addition to clear visuals and easy to follow graphics. A project really well done, which, apparently, will end up as a documentary, also previewed in the above site!
This is the outcome of two Albanian students' research at the Politecnico Institute of Milan, Italy, which they expertly presented as the "Concrete Mushrooms" project in the above highlighted, click-able site. Their down-loadable PFD file includes excellent statistics and mapping, in addition to clear visuals and easy to follow graphics. A project really well done, which, apparently, will end up as a documentary, also previewed in the above site!
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Albanian tourism
There is no need to add more to this article from Balkan Travellers entitled "Five Places to Discover in Albania in October". The links from it also offer additional beautiful pictures enticing anyone to visit the mentioned sites.
The fall is not only the best season in New York, but also in Albania with its still pleasantly warmer Mediterranean climate. Tourism there has experienced quite a boom so far this year and the need for Tirana's airport expansion, being completed now, is the proof. The recent development of new highways also attracts a large number of east "inland-ers" from Kosova and Macedonia to the lovely welcoming country's shores.
The fall is not only the best season in New York, but also in Albania with its still pleasantly warmer Mediterranean climate. Tourism there has experienced quite a boom so far this year and the need for Tirana's airport expansion, being completed now, is the proof. The recent development of new highways also attracts a large number of east "inland-ers" from Kosova and Macedonia to the lovely welcoming country's shores.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Fall affairs
September is on the way out, fall is setting in, and the weather in NYC turns to gorgeous - just the way I like it: mostly sunny, and dry, and refreshingly cool (in the 60's and 70's F)!!
Yearly activities of all sorts are getting back in full gear, after the summer lull. Among these there is the usual N.A.A.C. annual dinner, when about 500 Albanian get together to celebrate accomplishments, and honor people that have played major roles in the lives of Albania, Kosova, and the entire Albanian Diaspora.
Albanians sharing my same table
The Bitici's family, owners of 'Macelleria' restaurant in the downtown trendy new area of Manhattan
This was the 13th annual awards gala, and the honorees were:
- Mr. Martti Ahtisaari, former President of Finland,2008 Nobel Peace Prize winner and Special Envoy of the UN Secretary General for the Kosova Status Talk, who was presented with the ‘Hands of Hope Award,’ for his historic contribution leading to Kosova’s Independence; and
- Mr. Fadil Berisha, world renowned Albanian photographer, and a delightful personality, who was presented with the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ for his superb artistic and philanthropic work to promote Albanian culture.
Honoring Mr. Anthiisari
This dinner was attended also, as usual, by various ambassadors, representatives of the Albanian and Kosova governments, artists, media and other personalities of the Albanian American community, who are present in NY this week for the annual U.N. General Aseembly. Among these it was a pleasure to greet and speak again with Pres. Sejdiu of Kosova, P.M. Berisha and new Min. of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Meta, Kosova and Albanian ambassadors to the U.N. and in Washington, and some of their spouses.
Unfortunately I cannot get good pictures inside this Cipriani restaurant, which serves great food, but is a cavernous huge hall, kept quite dark overall. It is located in an Italian Renaissance old building, dating back to 1921, which used to be the home of an old bank on 42nd Street many years ago. Its interior is a national and New York City landmark, with 65 foot ceiling, inlaid floors, glorious chandeliers and very ornate old teller windows, that can accommodate and serve very large gatherings.
Prime Minister Dr. Sali Berisha
(left to right)Mr. Bitici, Film producer Stan Dragoti, Mr. Neritani (recent ex Albanian ambassador at the U.N.)
Mr. Dragoti with Mrs. Bitici and her daughter Violeta
The entertainment portion of the program included musicians and singers from Albania, as well as this year's Miss Albania and Miss Kosova, on their way back home from the Miss Universe Pageant in the Bahamas.
Albanian musical entertainment with terrific bi-lingual singers
Another lovely couple at our table: the Gjelajs
Yearly activities of all sorts are getting back in full gear, after the summer lull. Among these there is the usual N.A.A.C. annual dinner, when about 500 Albanian get together to celebrate accomplishments, and honor people that have played major roles in the lives of Albania, Kosova, and the entire Albanian Diaspora.
This was the 13th annual awards gala, and the honorees were:
- Mr. Martti Ahtisaari, former President of Finland,2008 Nobel Peace Prize winner and Special Envoy of the UN Secretary General for the Kosova Status Talk, who was presented with the ‘Hands of Hope Award,’ for his historic contribution leading to Kosova’s Independence; and
- Mr. Fadil Berisha, world renowned Albanian photographer, and a delightful personality, who was presented with the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ for his superb artistic and philanthropic work to promote Albanian culture.
This dinner was attended also, as usual, by various ambassadors, representatives of the Albanian and Kosova governments, artists, media and other personalities of the Albanian American community, who are present in NY this week for the annual U.N. General Aseembly. Among these it was a pleasure to greet and speak again with Pres. Sejdiu of Kosova, P.M. Berisha and new Min. of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Meta, Kosova and Albanian ambassadors to the U.N. and in Washington, and some of their spouses.
Unfortunately I cannot get good pictures inside this Cipriani restaurant, which serves great food, but is a cavernous huge hall, kept quite dark overall. It is located in an Italian Renaissance old building, dating back to 1921, which used to be the home of an old bank on 42nd Street many years ago. Its interior is a national and New York City landmark, with 65 foot ceiling, inlaid floors, glorious chandeliers and very ornate old teller windows, that can accommodate and serve very large gatherings.
The entertainment portion of the program included musicians and singers from Albania, as well as this year's Miss Albania and Miss Kosova, on their way back home from the Miss Universe Pageant in the Bahamas.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Summertime fading away
A month has gone by since my last posting, but there was nothing exciting to convey about my life or Albania, for that matter.
Plentiful was the coverage in the media about the elections there on June 28th, which are still being debated, but it's only this week that the new government will be confirmed for the next 4 years, after the usual summer lull and everybody's vacation. With more people traveling in Eastern Europe, many new articles about Albania are appearing on all sorts of online newspapers and magazines. The same can be said about blogs written by people experiencing the little country, so mysterious to many for so long.
The beauty of having good reports online is that their cross references are so easily accessible, just by clicking the 'enter' key, if one is curious enough to investigate further. A good example of this type of dispatching is a series of 3 articles by Nathan Thrall that just appeared on the Slate website, entitled "Albania, The Muslim World's Most Pro-American State".
Summertime is coming to an end, and I have not left NYC to go anywhere, not even for a long weekend. Since my return from Albania in June, I've been continuously busy for a variety of reasons, which kept me at home for the past 3 months, hosting a young relative (perfecting her English for 6 weeks in NY), catching up with my annual medical checkups (with all the way around ok results, thank goodness!), coping with the unfortunate 'demise' of my trusted desktop, and then with the installation and quirks of its newest replacement, which never ends to challenge and amaze me on a daily basis.
The cool, rainy July, was followed by a mostly hot, and humid August, but September has started, as usual, with glorious days of perfectly dry sunshine and comfortable temperatures. Recently I spent a lovely afternoon and evening visiting some Albanian friends that live in the city, close to an area in the downtown West side, along the Hudson river.
Until 10 years ago this used to be the old Meatpacking district, full of smelling slaughterhouses and low level brownstones, now all remodeled into fancy boutiques, cafes, block long underground Chelsea market, restaurants, bars and night clubs.
The old elevated railway that ran all along this area was kept and transformed into an elevated long garden that offers a beautiful respite from the chaotic traffic of the city streets, and allows great views of the Hudson river, and the New Jersey coastline.
The project, called the Highline, includes a new hotel built over the old elevated line, and the gardens are being expanded to cover additional blocks northward, along the river.
This whole area of NYC is right across from the spot where, in the river, we recently had the tragic air accident of loosing 9 lives in the crash of a small plane and a sightseeing helicopter.
As the sun was setting, we walked to a nearby Thai restaurant for a leisure and delectable dinner.
Plentiful was the coverage in the media about the elections there on June 28th, which are still being debated, but it's only this week that the new government will be confirmed for the next 4 years, after the usual summer lull and everybody's vacation. With more people traveling in Eastern Europe, many new articles about Albania are appearing on all sorts of online newspapers and magazines. The same can be said about blogs written by people experiencing the little country, so mysterious to many for so long.
The beauty of having good reports online is that their cross references are so easily accessible, just by clicking the 'enter' key, if one is curious enough to investigate further. A good example of this type of dispatching is a series of 3 articles by Nathan Thrall that just appeared on the Slate website, entitled "Albania, The Muslim World's Most Pro-American State".
Summertime is coming to an end, and I have not left NYC to go anywhere, not even for a long weekend. Since my return from Albania in June, I've been continuously busy for a variety of reasons, which kept me at home for the past 3 months, hosting a young relative (perfecting her English for 6 weeks in NY), catching up with my annual medical checkups (with all the way around ok results, thank goodness!), coping with the unfortunate 'demise' of my trusted desktop, and then with the installation and quirks of its newest replacement, which never ends to challenge and amaze me on a daily basis.
The cool, rainy July, was followed by a mostly hot, and humid August, but September has started, as usual, with glorious days of perfectly dry sunshine and comfortable temperatures. Recently I spent a lovely afternoon and evening visiting some Albanian friends that live in the city, close to an area in the downtown West side, along the Hudson river.
Until 10 years ago this used to be the old Meatpacking district, full of smelling slaughterhouses and low level brownstones, now all remodeled into fancy boutiques, cafes, block long underground Chelsea market, restaurants, bars and night clubs.
The old elevated railway that ran all along this area was kept and transformed into an elevated long garden that offers a beautiful respite from the chaotic traffic of the city streets, and allows great views of the Hudson river, and the New Jersey coastline.
The project, called the Highline, includes a new hotel built over the old elevated line, and the gardens are being expanded to cover additional blocks northward, along the river.
This whole area of NYC is right across from the spot where, in the river, we recently had the tragic air accident of loosing 9 lives in the crash of a small plane and a sightseeing helicopter.
As the sun was setting, we walked to a nearby Thai restaurant for a leisure and delectable dinner.
Friday, August 07, 2009
Intriguing relationship
Almost half a century has passed since the breakup of China's involvement in Albania, but their relationship has resumed on a more even keel lately, as observed in today's article in the Wall Street Journal about:
Albania and China Business Relations
Albania May be China's Store Front in Europe. Economic crises in the world has shown that the one who is strong, fast and works hardest will definitely emerge in the world Economy. China and Albania--two former communist countries with nothing in common culturally or geographically, are perfect for each other in the economical marriage. A perfect marriage between two countries with economic growth, Albania with amazing untapped natural resources, China an industrialized nation looking to strongly capture the European Market and setting up strategic influence in the region. Making Albania a store front for Europe to purchase China's Products will be the best investment China ever made in Europe. In Albania, China will have amazing opportunities to trade their goods with the Balkans, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa and benefit from 100s of billions of dollars Albania and Kosovo have in minerals.
* Category: News
* Date Created:8/7/2009
* Sub-Category: World News
On my first return to Albania in 1993 I remember noticing a large number of greenish colored trucks on the streets of Tirana, remnants of a gone era.......and still displaying a Chinese star on top of their cabins. Now we see a variety of shiny new vehicles of all sorts and manufacturing brands, especially European, but I'm sure, they'll include soon enough machinery also from more far away places.
Albania and China Business Relations
Albania May be China's Store Front in Europe. Economic crises in the world has shown that the one who is strong, fast and works hardest will definitely emerge in the world Economy. China and Albania--two former communist countries with nothing in common culturally or geographically, are perfect for each other in the economical marriage. A perfect marriage between two countries with economic growth, Albania with amazing untapped natural resources, China an industrialized nation looking to strongly capture the European Market and setting up strategic influence in the region. Making Albania a store front for Europe to purchase China's Products will be the best investment China ever made in Europe. In Albania, China will have amazing opportunities to trade their goods with the Balkans, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa and benefit from 100s of billions of dollars Albania and Kosovo have in minerals.
* Category: News
* Date Created:8/7/2009
* Sub-Category: World News
On my first return to Albania in 1993 I remember noticing a large number of greenish colored trucks on the streets of Tirana, remnants of a gone era.......and still displaying a Chinese star on top of their cabins. Now we see a variety of shiny new vehicles of all sorts and manufacturing brands, especially European, but I'm sure, they'll include soon enough machinery also from more far away places.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Storms and clearings
I really don't know where the month of July went, but it was a busy one.
Beside hosting a younger relative visiting NY for the first time, I had to adjust my life and daily routines also due to the sudden loss of my old desktop, which is my trusted assistance for every thing I do, search, read, write, keep books, watch news, correspond, and even play with occasionally.
The new machine I've ordered is a real power, but its new operating system (which I am not fond of, but had no choice about it to obtain a free upgrade for the new one expected in the fall) requires much attention and an additional learning curve, as well as new versions of all the other applications. Most of the peripherals I have became operative very quickly with no problems except for the scanner. This unit, even though of the same manufacturer as the computer, needs a driver that is no longer available or supported by the vendor, thus it must be replaced by a new one.
Although it's fun to try new things every day, it will take quite a bit of time to get back to the full level of operation that I was used to on my old pc and update all my backlogged data. One new addition is the use of Skype, which comes very handy for international calls. I've ordered a webcam that will augment the enjoyment of conversing with people I deal with when I talk to them.
The weather in NY has been strange this year during this usually hot summer month. We have had, instead, a couple of weeks of lovely temperatures, but daily thunderstorms are back again, with the sun playing peekaboo, and producing high, and annoying humidity.
During one evening this week also had quite an experience due to an emergency situation caused by steam that affected the electrical grid in our building. The NY electrical company worked on our corner for several days in open trenches to replace some old pipes and eventually the digging and steam did hit phone and other wires.
The flickering of lights in our building produced an alert and the Fire dept. stepped in to solve the problem and avoid a possible explosion. Our system was completely shut off for a few hours, during which time I had the feeling of being back in Albania, where, for several years, I had similar experiences on a daily basis due to lack of energy in that country.
In the midst of all this I also go back to the pool for aqua aerobics, plus special hot water exercises, and physio-therapeutic sessions, which are a great help to my osteo-arthritis. No time to even think of any rest or vacation!
Beside hosting a younger relative visiting NY for the first time, I had to adjust my life and daily routines also due to the sudden loss of my old desktop, which is my trusted assistance for every thing I do, search, read, write, keep books, watch news, correspond, and even play with occasionally.
The new machine I've ordered is a real power, but its new operating system (which I am not fond of, but had no choice about it to obtain a free upgrade for the new one expected in the fall) requires much attention and an additional learning curve, as well as new versions of all the other applications. Most of the peripherals I have became operative very quickly with no problems except for the scanner. This unit, even though of the same manufacturer as the computer, needs a driver that is no longer available or supported by the vendor, thus it must be replaced by a new one.
Although it's fun to try new things every day, it will take quite a bit of time to get back to the full level of operation that I was used to on my old pc and update all my backlogged data. One new addition is the use of Skype, which comes very handy for international calls. I've ordered a webcam that will augment the enjoyment of conversing with people I deal with when I talk to them.
The weather in NY has been strange this year during this usually hot summer month. We have had, instead, a couple of weeks of lovely temperatures, but daily thunderstorms are back again, with the sun playing peekaboo, and producing high, and annoying humidity.
During one evening this week also had quite an experience due to an emergency situation caused by steam that affected the electrical grid in our building. The NY electrical company worked on our corner for several days in open trenches to replace some old pipes and eventually the digging and steam did hit phone and other wires.
The flickering of lights in our building produced an alert and the Fire dept. stepped in to solve the problem and avoid a possible explosion. Our system was completely shut off for a few hours, during which time I had the feeling of being back in Albania, where, for several years, I had similar experiences on a daily basis due to lack of energy in that country.
In the midst of all this I also go back to the pool for aqua aerobics, plus special hot water exercises, and physio-therapeutic sessions, which are a great help to my osteo-arthritis. No time to even think of any rest or vacation!
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Happy Independence Day
I've been offline for a while because my desktop failed me a few days ago. It has served me well for a long time and now I'm anxiously waiting for my new computer to arrive. I have researched what I want and need, and ordered a complete a new configuration, which hopefully will provide me with certain facilities for a long time ahead.
Meantime, unfortunately, I'll have to deal with the Vista operating system, until the new Windows 7 OS will become available in the fall, and have to load and use all new application software to match the latest level of bits of the newly ordered system.
Nothing much to report, except that I continue to be busy catching up with all medical checkups (so far good!), and hosting my young relative from Italy, who, like everyone else, has been fed up with the lousy weather we've been experiencing so far.
Today, however, is a glorious Independence Day, with sunshine galore, perfect temperature, and a lovely breeze. New York is 'heavenly' quiet in my residential area, but I know that downtown and the west side of Manhattan are gearing up to accommodate the huge crowds for tonight's firewall display along the Hudson river. Enjoy the holiday everyone!!
Meantime, unfortunately, I'll have to deal with the Vista operating system, until the new Windows 7 OS will become available in the fall, and have to load and use all new application software to match the latest level of bits of the newly ordered system.
Nothing much to report, except that I continue to be busy catching up with all medical checkups (so far good!), and hosting my young relative from Italy, who, like everyone else, has been fed up with the lousy weather we've been experiencing so far.
Today, however, is a glorious Independence Day, with sunshine galore, perfect temperature, and a lovely breeze. New York is 'heavenly' quiet in my residential area, but I know that downtown and the west side of Manhattan are gearing up to accommodate the huge crowds for tonight's firewall display along the Hudson river. Enjoy the holiday everyone!!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Rainy and foggy NY
Since my return to NYC last week I have not been able to see the sun shine!
Although it rained quite often even in Tirana, the sun would appear and re-appear, after sudden showers, and the temperature would reach 90F degrees by midday, with very pleasant evenings.
During most of my life here in New York City I don't remember seeing so much fog as during this past days. The rain falls steadily, and the humidity level is 100%, with winds and temperatures in the 60's. Very uncomfortable and disgusting weather, and not fit for touring!
One of my younger relatives from Italy has arrived to attend a language course next month, and getting around to get to know the city in these unsatisfactory conditions is pretty messy for everyone! Fortunately she brings with her a radiant smile!
Although it rained quite often even in Tirana, the sun would appear and re-appear, after sudden showers, and the temperature would reach 90F degrees by midday, with very pleasant evenings.
During most of my life here in New York City I don't remember seeing so much fog as during this past days. The rain falls steadily, and the humidity level is 100%, with winds and temperatures in the 60's. Very uncomfortable and disgusting weather, and not fit for touring!
One of my younger relatives from Italy has arrived to attend a language course next month, and getting around to get to know the city in these unsatisfactory conditions is pretty messy for everyone! Fortunately she brings with her a radiant smile!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
New Albanian motorway
A huge and important project that will provide a vital connection between Albania and the new Republic of Kosova, started a few years ago and still underway in the northern, most treacherous, mountainous areas of Albania, is coming to fruition.
The breakthrough of the tunnel between the two countries was celebrated by the respective Prime Ministers just a week ago. The challenges of this projects are immense. The following recent articles on N.C.E. (New Civil Engineer) English web site provide, with an overview, some excellent details and beautiful pictures of this engineering endeavor.
"Albania highway: Making the first move"
"Albania highway: Ain't no mountain too high"
"Albania celebrates motorway tunnel breakthrough"
The breakthrough of the tunnel between the two countries was celebrated by the respective Prime Ministers just a week ago. The challenges of this projects are immense. The following recent articles on N.C.E. (New Civil Engineer) English web site provide, with an overview, some excellent details and beautiful pictures of this engineering endeavor.
"Albania highway: Making the first move"
"Albania highway: Ain't no mountain too high"
"Albania celebrates motorway tunnel breakthrough"
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Upcoming Albanian Elections
The electoral campaign is in full swing in view of the next elections that will take place in Albania on June 28th.
Following, in its entirety, is an article by Ledion Krisafi, a Journalism student at the University of Tirana. as it appears on Worldpress.org.
The Pros and Cons of the Albanian Parliamentary Elections
Ledion Krisafi
June 1, 2009
Supporters of the ruling Democratic Party of Albania display placards as Prime Minister and party leader Sali Berisha speaks during the electoral campaign opening in Tirana on June 1. (Photo: Gent Shkullaku / AFP-Getty Images)
The Parliamentary Elections of June 28 will decide much about the future of Albania. The Democratic Party and the Socialist Party will seek to win the majority of the electorate votes. The new electoral system adopted in December 2008 will make it difficult for a single Party to form the government. The small parties like L.S.I. or the newly-formed G99 will decide who will create the government. Those are both Left Parties but their willingness to collaborate with the Socialist Party if it wins the election will depend on the offers they'll receive to be part of the government. The pre-election polls conducted by Zogby International and the "Gani Bobi" Institute in Pristina show the results being very close. The final result will depend on how the undecided electorate will vote.
The Democratic Party governing Albania hopes to win its second consecutive mandate. In the last four years a lot has changed in Albania. Not even the parliamentary opposition can deny it. In April the country was accepted into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The reforms undertaken in Albania during the democratic government has been praised by a lot of high officials in the European Union and United States.
During the last two years the world has seen a major economic crisis that has put both rich and developing countries into recession. But not Albania. The government has interpreted this as a result of her continuing reforms and good financial work. Last year the G.D.P. growth was 6 percent, according to the International Monetary Fund, and 9.9 percent according to the government. Salaries have increased significantly; more Albanians have jobs then four years ago. The tourists coming in the summer have increased from 300,000 in 2004 to 2.5 million in 2008. The construction of the Rreshen-Kalimash highway is close to completion. It will be the greatest construction project ever made in Albania. All these facts make the Democratic Party confident in winning a second mandate.
But there are weak points too. The Gerdeci explosion is difficult to forget. The subsequent events have revealed deep involvement by the government. The May Amnesty International report called it "governmental corruption." The media has revealed the involvement of the prime minister's son Shkelzen Berisha in the affair. The General Prosecutor's Office has been slow in revealing the case. A sexual scandal involving the Minister of Culture made a deep impression in the public. The minister was discharged from office but the image of the government was highly tainted.
On the other side, the Socialist Party hopes to win the parliamentary elections after four years in opposition. The major of Tirana and the chairman of the Socialist Party, Edi Rama, pledges radical changes for the country. Not just the way things are in Albania must change, according to Rama, but the way things are thought, have to change as well. He calls to the people to see beyond the left and the right. He talks about old and new politics. Not just new people in politics, but a new way of thinking. His job as city major of Tirana has secured him a good image in these elections. In the eight years as city major, Tirana has changed her face. From a dirty city in the beginning of the 90's, now Tirana is a big, clean European city.
In 2004 Rama was awarded the "World Mayor" prize. On October 2005 he was chosen as one of the "European Heroes 2005" by Time Magazine, a tribute to 37 people who were deemed to be changing the world for the better. Based on these facts, Rama hopes to win the elections by promising that the change seen in Tirana will be spread all over the country. But his work has had weak points too. He has constantly been accused of corruption in the granting of construction licenses.
Whoever wins the election, it will bring major changes in the country. On one side there are the slow but steady reforms of the Democratic Party. On the other side are the radical changes espoused by the Socialist Party.
Ledion Krisafi is a Journalism student at the University of Tirana.
Following, in its entirety, is an article by Ledion Krisafi, a Journalism student at the University of Tirana. as it appears on Worldpress.org.
The Pros and Cons of the Albanian Parliamentary Elections
Ledion Krisafi
June 1, 2009
Supporters of the ruling Democratic Party of Albania display placards as Prime Minister and party leader Sali Berisha speaks during the electoral campaign opening in Tirana on June 1. (Photo: Gent Shkullaku / AFP-Getty Images)
The Parliamentary Elections of June 28 will decide much about the future of Albania. The Democratic Party and the Socialist Party will seek to win the majority of the electorate votes. The new electoral system adopted in December 2008 will make it difficult for a single Party to form the government. The small parties like L.S.I. or the newly-formed G99 will decide who will create the government. Those are both Left Parties but their willingness to collaborate with the Socialist Party if it wins the election will depend on the offers they'll receive to be part of the government. The pre-election polls conducted by Zogby International and the "Gani Bobi" Institute in Pristina show the results being very close. The final result will depend on how the undecided electorate will vote.
The Democratic Party governing Albania hopes to win its second consecutive mandate. In the last four years a lot has changed in Albania. Not even the parliamentary opposition can deny it. In April the country was accepted into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The reforms undertaken in Albania during the democratic government has been praised by a lot of high officials in the European Union and United States.
During the last two years the world has seen a major economic crisis that has put both rich and developing countries into recession. But not Albania. The government has interpreted this as a result of her continuing reforms and good financial work. Last year the G.D.P. growth was 6 percent, according to the International Monetary Fund, and 9.9 percent according to the government. Salaries have increased significantly; more Albanians have jobs then four years ago. The tourists coming in the summer have increased from 300,000 in 2004 to 2.5 million in 2008. The construction of the Rreshen-Kalimash highway is close to completion. It will be the greatest construction project ever made in Albania. All these facts make the Democratic Party confident in winning a second mandate.
But there are weak points too. The Gerdeci explosion is difficult to forget. The subsequent events have revealed deep involvement by the government. The May Amnesty International report called it "governmental corruption." The media has revealed the involvement of the prime minister's son Shkelzen Berisha in the affair. The General Prosecutor's Office has been slow in revealing the case. A sexual scandal involving the Minister of Culture made a deep impression in the public. The minister was discharged from office but the image of the government was highly tainted.
On the other side, the Socialist Party hopes to win the parliamentary elections after four years in opposition. The major of Tirana and the chairman of the Socialist Party, Edi Rama, pledges radical changes for the country. Not just the way things are in Albania must change, according to Rama, but the way things are thought, have to change as well. He calls to the people to see beyond the left and the right. He talks about old and new politics. Not just new people in politics, but a new way of thinking. His job as city major of Tirana has secured him a good image in these elections. In the eight years as city major, Tirana has changed her face. From a dirty city in the beginning of the 90's, now Tirana is a big, clean European city.
In 2004 Rama was awarded the "World Mayor" prize. On October 2005 he was chosen as one of the "European Heroes 2005" by Time Magazine, a tribute to 37 people who were deemed to be changing the world for the better. Based on these facts, Rama hopes to win the elections by promising that the change seen in Tirana will be spread all over the country. But his work has had weak points too. He has constantly been accused of corruption in the granting of construction licenses.
Whoever wins the election, it will bring major changes in the country. On one side there are the slow but steady reforms of the Democratic Party. On the other side are the radical changes espoused by the Socialist Party.
Ledion Krisafi is a Journalism student at the University of Tirana.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Weekend escape (part 2)
Before leaving Tushemis, a couple hundred feet away from our hotel, I re-visited the fish farm I had seen in the year 2000.
The entire place was refurbished. Like all new constructions that stand out from the air, or from the ground, as one travels above or around Albania, water tanks, and solar panels are noticeable on every roof.
This establishment contains a modern hotel, a restaurant that surrounds a large pond with ducks and swans, and thousands of ‘koran’ fishes.
The area of Pogradeç is blessed with a natural, pure , and never ending supply of water from the surrounding mountains. This place, called ‘Ritja e Koranit’ takes advantage of this resource and raises his “precious" korans on its own premises. Its man built pond is fed by an entire system of water viaducts with a variety of gates that separate the fishes according to their sizes and stages of development. The largest ones end up in the pond from which they are retrieved for cooking at the latest moment.
The 'koran', called by some a trout, is not a salt water fish, although it belongs to the salmon family; it’s pink in color and absolutely delicious! It’s typical only of Lake Ohrid, and is not found anywhere else in the world, according to Unesco. This very large lake is shared between Albania and Macedonia, and it’s difficult to buy this fish elsewhere, even along the Macedonian side. On many occasions Queen Elisabeth has ordered a supply of this delicacy from Pogradeç, which was flown to her all the way to England.
At the border, private vehicles must purchase insurance coverage for all passengers, using euro, and then proceed, after a short neutral ground, through the Macedonian customs and passport control. The currency of this state is the dinar.
The lake views accompanied us along a nicely paved, but narrow, winding road, while we headed toward the town of Ohrid, which lends its name to the lake. Midway we visited "Shen Naum" park and tourist resort, which is an exact replica of "Volorec" in Albania (mentioned in part 1 below).
We found this place thriving with visitors from everywhere, and we climbed the hilly grounds to also see the old Orthodox church and monastery, now converted into a hotel, complete of facilities such as a gym, massage rooms, and a health spa.
On the ground a few peacocks, with their screeching calls and their gorgeous plumage, were attracting much of the visitors' attention.
Beyond one of the old gates, some refreshing water cascades, and further down the hill a calm and cool small lake with its own touring boats, and rustic cafes.
After Ohrid, we proceeded to Struga, a very Albanian town in Macedonia, and located along the lake, which by now we had circled around for almost 3/4 of its shores. Here, the lake feeds a large river that crosses the town, where we enjoyed some ice cream.
As we reentered Albania via the border pass of Qafe Thane, located 80km SE of Tirana, I realized that we actually encircled Lake Ohrid in its entirety.
We stopped for a late lunch on Albanian soil, where the old 'bunkers' came very much back into sight.
In the new restaurant of Hotel Odessa, along the highway, we found the waiters scrambling to serve all the unexpected customers that included an entire busload of French seniors.
The return to Tirana was shortened by about 40km, but it entailed driving over high mountain, very narrow, steep roads, many, many sharp curves, and no guard railings anywhere. Although my friends didn't particularly care to drive this route, which requires special concentration on the part of the driver, they took it to avoid the expected heavy traffic and road work when getting near the capital.
At one point, they even dared to make a brief stop along the edge of the road to buy cherries, for which this area is well known. They are sold by local people or children, who pack them around live tree branches in a very unusual way, using fine nylon thread, one by one.
They are sweet and delicious and the perfect ending of a wonderful weekend!
The entire place was refurbished. Like all new constructions that stand out from the air, or from the ground, as one travels above or around Albania, water tanks, and solar panels are noticeable on every roof.
This establishment contains a modern hotel, a restaurant that surrounds a large pond with ducks and swans, and thousands of ‘koran’ fishes.
The area of Pogradeç is blessed with a natural, pure , and never ending supply of water from the surrounding mountains. This place, called ‘Ritja e Koranit’ takes advantage of this resource and raises his “precious" korans on its own premises. Its man built pond is fed by an entire system of water viaducts with a variety of gates that separate the fishes according to their sizes and stages of development. The largest ones end up in the pond from which they are retrieved for cooking at the latest moment.
The 'koran', called by some a trout, is not a salt water fish, although it belongs to the salmon family; it’s pink in color and absolutely delicious! It’s typical only of Lake Ohrid, and is not found anywhere else in the world, according to Unesco. This very large lake is shared between Albania and Macedonia, and it’s difficult to buy this fish elsewhere, even along the Macedonian side. On many occasions Queen Elisabeth has ordered a supply of this delicacy from Pogradeç, which was flown to her all the way to England.
At the border, private vehicles must purchase insurance coverage for all passengers, using euro, and then proceed, after a short neutral ground, through the Macedonian customs and passport control. The currency of this state is the dinar.
The lake views accompanied us along a nicely paved, but narrow, winding road, while we headed toward the town of Ohrid, which lends its name to the lake. Midway we visited "Shen Naum" park and tourist resort, which is an exact replica of "Volorec" in Albania (mentioned in part 1 below).
We found this place thriving with visitors from everywhere, and we climbed the hilly grounds to also see the old Orthodox church and monastery, now converted into a hotel, complete of facilities such as a gym, massage rooms, and a health spa.
On the ground a few peacocks, with their screeching calls and their gorgeous plumage, were attracting much of the visitors' attention.
Beyond one of the old gates, some refreshing water cascades, and further down the hill a calm and cool small lake with its own touring boats, and rustic cafes.
After Ohrid, we proceeded to Struga, a very Albanian town in Macedonia, and located along the lake, which by now we had circled around for almost 3/4 of its shores. Here, the lake feeds a large river that crosses the town, where we enjoyed some ice cream.
As we reentered Albania via the border pass of Qafe Thane, located 80km SE of Tirana, I realized that we actually encircled Lake Ohrid in its entirety.
We stopped for a late lunch on Albanian soil, where the old 'bunkers' came very much back into sight.
In the new restaurant of Hotel Odessa, along the highway, we found the waiters scrambling to serve all the unexpected customers that included an entire busload of French seniors.
The return to Tirana was shortened by about 40km, but it entailed driving over high mountain, very narrow, steep roads, many, many sharp curves, and no guard railings anywhere. Although my friends didn't particularly care to drive this route, which requires special concentration on the part of the driver, they took it to avoid the expected heavy traffic and road work when getting near the capital.
At one point, they even dared to make a brief stop along the edge of the road to buy cherries, for which this area is well known. They are sold by local people or children, who pack them around live tree branches in a very unusual way, using fine nylon thread, one by one.
They are sweet and delicious and the perfect ending of a wonderful weekend!
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