Meta: Albania has very good, relations with Greece

At the press conference where he spoke about the election campaign and introduced the LSI spot for the elections, the Speaker Ilir Meta denied the existence of tension between Tirana and Athens.

"I believe that relations with Athens are very good," said Meta, responding to media interest.

He expressed his belief that bilateral problems will be solved through dialogue.

Assembly leader's statement comes a day after the Greek Defence Minister, who said that the government will reopen Hellenic military outposts on the border with Albania.

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ISIS threatens Albanians and Balkans

This is the most recent video made from “Alhayat Media Center” known also as the ISIS media. In the video are shown two Albanians named as Abu Bilqis (Al Albani),  (5:50 min,) and Abu Muqatil (Al Kosova), (15:15 min.).

A short statement of the two Albanians joined ISIS: "There will come dark days for all of you. We do not forget what you have been doing to Muslims; you will be afraid to walk the streets; You will be afraid to work in your office. We will behave with you, same as we have done in Iraq with the host there. We will join people who love death more than life. We will fight until we raise the word of Allah in the country and it will happen soon".

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Statements on Facebook, fall lawsuit against Tahiri

Tirana Court bleach the decision which rejected the argument as to why the former interior minister, Flamur Noka and former Deputy Minister of Interior Arben Ristani, who along demanded a court battle for compensation from the Interior Minister Samir Tahiri due to a status he posted on Facebook.

For the Tirana Court, it has been rare since the parties that they were harmed by the expressions on Facebook and not as has occurred mostly along the judicial confrontation between MPs who have claimed they were harmed by the statements in Parliament.

It is a lay status in April 2013 on the Facebook profile of Tahiri, at the time deputy of SP, which cited a photo between the Minister of Interior Noka, his sub and the driver of Arben Frroku, the latter leading to murder suspect of the commissary, Dritan Lamaj.

In the status of that time, Tahiri stated that the minister Noka had obligation to account if Arben Frroku was discussed at the table, if he compromised the investigation of the murder of Lamaj in these meetings and what was the connection between the two officials of the Ministry of Interior with driver Frroku .

Civil Court dismisses lawsuit Noka and Ristani with the argument that Facebook is a social network completely widespread in wich are exchanged messages, posted statueses or recieved notifications.

But, says the court, as long as politicians have taken over the role to be exposed to the public,  they need a higher tolerance than an ordinary person, in terms of accepting the charges or labeling political opponents.

In this case, the murder of the comissary head Lamaj was too sensitive and Tahiri defendant, as part of parlamentary opposition of that time, except the law had an obligation under the circumstances that emerged during those days to make them public.

Tahiri in his posting on Facebook, says the court, in the light of these facts has cast doubts directing his political opponents seeking answers to those questions in those moments.

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Criminal charges for Sinan Tafaj

Minister of Social Welfare, Erion Veliaj, declared the making of a criminal report to the head of the Blind Associacion, Sinan Tafaj.

In a joint press Veliaj has announced that Tafaj is suspected for embezzlement. "Sinan Tafaj accused of disappearance of 1.2 million dollars," said Veliaj. 

Minister has warned that it would reconsider the ability for all those who receive disability pensions, as according to him there were many abuses. 

Sinan Tafaj is one of the heads of protests that persons with disabilities are developing to counter the government's reform this category.

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Albanian Army, 3.1 billion dollars

International Institute for Peace and Research in Stockholm, every year publishes and figures moneys spent by 171 countries of the world in use of the army. 

Referring to the report published by the Institute, Albania in the period 1992 - 2013 has spent 3.131 billion dollars for the military. According to the schedule, costs were lower in 1998, a year after riots in our country, where the government has spent 70.4 million dollars only in the military field. While a higher level of spending achieved in 2009, the year when Albania joined NATO. In this year in the "military spending" had raised at 251 million dollars.

Expenses were higher in 2008, where were exactly are disbursed 233 million dollars for military spending. While in the last year included in this report, in 2013 our country has spent 168 million dollars.

In comparison with other countries in the region, Macedonia, Montenegro or Bosnia, Albania shows that in total has spent more on the military, but for these countries report data start many years later. More specifically, Macedonia from 1996 to 2013 for the military, has spent 3 billion and 46 million dollars, which costs more numerous, are committed 436 million dollars during 2001, the year in which Macedonia was at war, or almost twice with more than our country in the year with higher costs.

Even Bosnia and Herzegovina is almost at the same levels. For the period 2002 - 2013, this state has investiuar 3 billion and 90 million dollars. Meanwhile, Montenegro has spent far less. In the period 2006 - 2013, this country has performed military spending around 626 million and 800 thousand dollars or five times less than Albania.

International Institute for Peace Research in Stockholm is an independent international institution dedicated to research into conflict, armaments, arms control and disarmament. Established in 1966, the institute provides data, analysis and recommendations regarding the level of armament in the world. Only 2013 worldwide 1.747 trillion dollars are spent where states have invested more are America, China, Russia, Saudi Arabia and France.

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Lorik Cana ends celibacy

The national team captain, Lorik Cana ended celibacy. He laid with Monica, the Italian girl with whom he has got a relationship for a long time. 

Marriage ceremony was held Friday night in one of the luxury resorts in Pristina combined with Albanian traditional marriage motifs.

Albanian Footballer of Lazio and his family had received the wedding plan several months before the wedding at the end of June.

Lorik himself says he feels good in Rome, while this marriage has joined Altin Lala and Erion Bogdani, two other national team captains that are married also with Italian girls.

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Brussels, police arrested six Albanian smugglers

Six Albanian traffickers have fallen in Belgian police handcuffs. After audits, Belgian police forces were able to catch the Albanians who were illegally transporting six illegal immigrants in Britain. This fact is made ​​known by the Public Ministry in Brussels.

More specifically, according to ministry sources, police had launched an investigation last November during a raid on the road E-40 to Grand-Bigard area. Police then discovered four Albanian citizens in the back of two trucks parked incorrectly. 

"The investigation then led to the identification of twelve Albanians suspected of working together in various operations," said a spokesman for the prosecutor.

People are illegally transported by truck through the Netherlands and France, or by plane with false documents. The truck driver, a Lithuanian, was also arrested in the Netherlands and to its being developed in a joint investigation between justice and Dutch police.

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Santo told friends: I suspect that a motorcycle follows me.

Two weeks before he was killed in an assassination attempt in front of the bank that ran guns, Artan Santo was talking about a suspicious motorcycle chasing after his car referring to Panorama newspaper.

On June 12 he went from Tirana to Mali i Robit in Durrës, where they dined with some friends. Throughout the road has detected a large engine sports motorcycle that always walked behind. He showed this to his friends, with whom he dined in a restaurant in Durres, but without giving much importance, since it could be a coincidence and nothing more. 

Given that there has assessed the situation, he has even closed in the table that conversation, preferring to not denounce this case. However, after the yesterday events have been some friends who have testified about what he had said over the dinner at Mali i Robit. Such evidence has not been obtained in the form of the official investigation team, however, is expected to materialize with people that will be asked during the investigation further. 

Sources said that it thoroughly checked every move Artan Santo had recently conducted, starting from the moment where he said to his friends that he had been chased by a motorcycle.

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Police seizes 1.7 tons of marijuana in Lazarat, one person arrested

Long operation of States Police continues in Lazarat, exercising checks on flats and environments against narcotics cultivation. According to information coming from the police learned that today were blocked 1.7 tons of marijuana, 14 guns and rifles, three shotguns and a considerable amount of ammunition.

Meanwhile, another person was arrested by the police, taken within the operation in Lazarat against narcotics cultivation. 

Police arrested Birbili Abas, 61 years old, after exercising control over police forces in his residence in the village yesterday were found a quantity of 22 bags filled with cannabis sativa plant, with a weight of 210 kg, and 4 packs wrapped natriban cannabis sativa plants with a weight of 2.8 kg. 

In the framework of this operation until now have been arrested and detained 30 people suspected of assault with a weapon against police forces, for the sale of narcotics production, cultivation of cannabis, contrary to police for destruction of property. It was also prosecuted and The Mayor Lazarat. 

State Police during this day continues the operation in the village Lazarat for control of the territory and premises, in order to find and destruct narcotics, illegal seizure of items, conducting procedural actions and investigations, and bring to justice those persons who have committed unlawful acts.

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Albania Recieves EU Candidate Status

After many unsuccsessful tries, Albania recieved today the European Union Candidate Status.

 The EU General Affairs Council meeting Tuesday in Luxembourg agreed to grant EU candidate status to the Albanian country, subject to endorsement by EU heads of states at their summit on Friday in Brussels.

"This is a clear step forward in EU-Albania relations, reflecting the progress the country has made in European integration and in implementing the necessary reforms. Today's decision underlines the EU's continued and credible commitment to support Albania in its efforts towards this goal," said the Council in a statement.
Albania, however, still needs to meet key priorities, with particular focus on administration and judiciary reform, fight against corruption and organised crime and fundamental rights, it noted.

Along with other Western Balkan countries, Albania was recognised as a potential country for EU membership in 2003. A Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) entered into force on 1 April 2009. In the same month, Albania submitted its application for EU membership.

The European Commission recommended that Albania be granted EU candidate status in October 2013.
Being recognised as an EU candidate country has a number of implications for Albania. It is an important political signal for Albania and its citizens, showing that the country is moving to the next phase of the European integration process.

The candidate status raises the relationship between Albania and the EU to a higher level. Albania will now receive invitations to EU Ministerial Council meetings open to candidate countries. Its access and cooperation with EU agencies will be easier.

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Durres, tragic accident, 36 year old dead

An accident resulting in the death of a 36 - year-old has recorded this morning at the site known as Mulliri i Bullgarit , road segment Taskin - Durres.

According to Durresi police , Fiat vehicle type , with AA834FO plates , driven by 40 -year-old Pajtim Smoqi , by Shijak collided with a motorcycle driven by 36 -year-old Alvin Muça from Xhafzotaj .

Bike collision with vehicle type Aprilia , with plates AF601 , has devoted 36 -year-old life .

The injured worker was sent to the emergency hospital in Durres , but the collision was fatal and he died at the hands of the doctors .

Meanwhile police station accompanied the 40 -year-old Pajtim Smoqi . Investigation team is working to shed light on the dynamics of the tragic accident .

It is thought that the humidity in the street and high speed may have been the cause of the fatal collision .

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Durres, Unlegal Palace Destroyed using C4 but caused damages

A palace blocked several days ago for lack of documentation and permission is undermined by INUK . About 150 kilograms of C4 were placed in 9 - storey building that was on the coast of Rock of Kavaja.

Police Inspectorate upheld the action . For an hour police blocked national road and after the evacuation of all residents of the area was conducted drone explosion .

The blast wave was too strong that damaged vehicles and different constructions that were up to 150 feet away . Many commercial units were damaged seriously .

" We were afraid that we do not collapse the house . Windows were smashed , we do not know who will pay the damages , "said a resident .

"I leave the car here and when I returned I found the broken glass . I do not know how to solve this job, " protested another .

After denouncing INUK committed to building on state land was arrested the head of the Building Inspectorate of Rroshbull municipality Fiqiri Dema , and proclaimed as a person who was doing construction without a permit , the businessman Enver Shala .

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Accident in Kukes caused two injuries

A serious car accident happened in the early hours of Friday morning, in Bicaj-Kukes road axis, near the northern city airport. 

A "Fiat Punto" vehicle with license plate "AA 845 EZ," directed by Hoda Toptan has wandered ending in the side channel.

Consequently were damaged the 24-year-old driver and his sister, Hoda Resmie. The injured were transported to the Kukesi Hospital.

More seriously injured was the driver, who was transported by helicopter to the trauma hospital in Tirana. While thr 30-year-old Hoda Resmie is more easily damaged and is receiving treatment at the Kukesi hospital.

Police located the scene and is working to clarify the circumstances of the accident. Previously suspected cause is moisture on the road and the high speed at which the vehicle was moving.

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Tirana, cannabis dealers caught

Two suspected drug traffickers, who traded cannabis being disguised as cupboard conveyors, were arrested by police in the capital during the early hours of Friday.

During the operation, codenamed "joinery" in the Siri Kodra way was arrested Nard Deliu, 29, and Hysen HYSA, 60 years old. Both arrestees were caught circulating with a "Volkswagen" vehicle and inside it were found narcotics hidden in a cupboard and divided into 10 packages.

For several months the police had put in tapping these two arrestees and their documented involvement in drug trading in various areas of Tirana. Police is investigating the two suspects for property or other criminal assets acquired.

During the last 24 hours, in Tirana, Durres, Lezha and Gjirokastra have been seized 218 kg and destroyed 3 thousand and 898 narcotic plant roots.

Lezha, cannabis farms discovered

Police in Lezha has discovered in the early hours of Friday morning a parcel planted with narcotics. The news comes from local police sources, according to which the plot was discovered in the village Krajen and about 400 cannabis sativa were planted.

Sources add that associated with the cultivation of these roots the owner of the field, George Brunga has been arrested. Lezha police currently is coordinating actions with the local prosecutor's office for further prosecution of this case.

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Albania-Greece, Universities Collaboration

With the main theme the collaboration co academic and research level and expanding bilateral prospects spirit between Greece and Albania, under the Greek presidency supporting the integration of Tirana into the European family is held in Thessaloniki Between the University of Tirana and the Aristotelis University of Thessaloniki.

Very interesting discussions have been two deans of academic institutions as well as the Dean of the Faculty of History and Philology, Professor Shezai Rokaj that the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Professor Cone posture and the Faculty of Economics at the University of Tirana, Professor Sulo Hader together with their Greek colleagues have focused on three major axes economy, civilization and education environment.

The symposium is supported by the Consulate which has been the pioneer in the signing of the cooperation between the two institutions, which began with the first teaching of the Albanian language in Aristotelis University.

Present were the rector of Athens University, Theodosis Pellegrini, Deputy Rector of the University Fan Noli of Korca Benita Stavre and thr Chancellor Ilir Sosoli.
The deepest and most important message in this event was that history teaches us that the healing medicine of coexistence of all civilizations has only a trinomial: dialogue, education, integration.

The next academic staff symposium will be held in June in Tirana.

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Albanian Super League, violence in Kavaja

Tough sports fight, that sometimes surpassed the allowed limits, numerous protests against the trial, lashing in to reap the Laci squad leaders, throwing strong objects on the field, and 2 cameras into the hit.

This is what produced the Besa-Laci match, which ended in 0-0 draw, a result that includes Kavaja team in the fight for survival. Besa dominated the game but everything limped into finalizing its stock. The team led by Mërgjyshi claimed two penalties, but for the master Sadiq wasn't like it.
 
Laci played for more than 20 minutes with 10 players due to red card punishment of Vuçaj, while at the end of the match referee booked with the wind continuing dispute of his decisions even of the Besa coach, Artan Mërgjyshi.

At the end of the match shields made ​​from the bodies of the policemen were needed so th three judges to pass without being damaged by strong objects thrown by fans kavajas.

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Durres, drug ring busted

Five drug dealers are put in Durres police handcuffs during the operation "Weekend 2". Group shot of heroin and marijuana distributors became part of a two-month anti drug investigation in cooperation with the Prosecutor of the District Court of Durres.

During the operation, were arrested in flagrante five teenagers while looking revelation became another person. Lico Nevrus 21 years, Haji Ruci 21 years, Ajgi Hysaj 19 years, 20 years old Tigris Kërtoçi and Ols Hajrula 22 years, all resident in Durres, accused of trading in narcotic cooperation of heroin and cannabis in various areas coastal city.

Also the arrested are suspected perpetrators of 6 cases the issue of drugs within the prison siege of Durres, the work was performed in different periods.

Police said that, during the investigation, it was documented proof of legal activity and distribution of the arrested person looking, and when they found the detention of persons were also seized 200 doses of heroin, 300 doses of cannabis sativa, military hand grenades,  and a quantity of ammunition fighter.

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Toponyms, Greece allows temporary movement

The Greek Ministry of Interior decided to allow movement of immigrants who have problems with toponyms. The news has been made ​​public by the Ministry, through a circular, which was sent to the Greek border with Albania.

In the circular stated that the movement will be permitted from 13 April to 5 May During this time will allow the movement of migrants with problems with toponyms. Police ordered to allow movement, but this category of immigrants passports will not be placed entry or exit stamp from Greece.

Greek Ministry announces that it is continuing to find a solution between the governments of the two countries. Meanwhile, associations of emigrants living in Greece, have announced a protest Tuesday afternoon outside the Greek Parliament, which will require final resolution of this problem.

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De Biasi talks for Euro 2016 qualifying

Albanian national team coach Gianni de Biasi has spoken for the first time for the group to our team will participate with a view to qualifying for Euro 2016.

De Biasi hopes to train a more tactical team and said he hopes the teams participating in the World Cup in Brazil, have after his completing physical problems. 

"I think it is a very demanding, difficult. Should be better prepared because if we want to have a chance to qualify, we must be better and more perfect in tactical terms. The start of the Portugal squad which has many quality players, most of them will go to the World. Our hope is to start well after the World Cup that some of them have physical problems, "says De Biasi. 

Albania is part of the group along with Portugal, Denmark, Serbia and Armenia.

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Plays with guns, killed 14-year-old boy

A tragedy occurred Friday night in Vlora, where a teenager was killed as a result of a firearms incident. 

The news comes from local police sources, in which event the bitter victim of 14-year-old left Endri Malaj Selenice village. 

According to sources, Malaj was shot accidentally by a peer while they were playing together with a firearm. 

Efforts to save him were futile, as his wounds was fatal for 14-year-old, have added further resources.

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