Albania’s political parties

Europe’s main security and democracy forum urged Albania’s political parties on Monday to improve a disputed new electoral code that has prompted 10 members of parliament to go on hunger strike.

Sitting in the debating chamber under a banner declaring “votes are sacred”, the MPs entered the seventh day of their fast as police manned cordons outside the building, where hundreds of protesters had gathered.

The lawmakers, all from small parties, believe the proposed new regional system of proportional representation will greatly reduce their number of seats at next year’s general election.

The ambassador of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Robert Bosch, told reporters it would “not rubber stamp” the election code.

The OSCE then issued a statement saying that “the draft Electoral Code, which was prepared by the Albanians themselves, was an achievement, but that it still needs some fine tuning”.

“For that reason, it needs to be discussed in the proper fora by the parties, but not under coercion by any one grouping,” the OSCE said, referring to the hunger strike.

The ruling Democratic Party and main opposition Socialist Party had been expected to force the new code through parliament in a vote on Monday.

But they postponed it until Tuesday, apparently in response to the OSCE comments and the protest by Socialist Integration Movement (SIM) and Christian Democratic (CHD) supporters.

CHD leader Nard Ndoka said they had asked for two weeks to re-negotiate the draft code.

The draft law does not formally require the OSCE’s approval, but its opinion is important because its observers will be the arbiters of whether the election, expected next spring, is free and fair.

The European Union has made it clear that the vote must be of a high standard if Albania wants to advance to join the 27-member bloc.

Albania, which for decades was one of Europe’s most rigid communist states, has yet to hold elections that meet international standards.

Albanian economy in 2008

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) told Albania on Tuesday it should strengthen economic fundamentals since its economy could not be completely immune to the global crisis that was slowing growth worldwide.

Gerwin Bell, the IMF mission chief, said the Balkan state’s limited integration in global markets was an important buffer but its exports were expected to fall, remittance payments could be affected and investors might re-assess risks.

“With a sharp deterioration of global growth prospects now under way, it is important that Albanian policy makers further strengthen economic fundamentals,” Bell told a joint news conference with Albanian Finance Minister Ridvan Bode.

“Obviously, the government cannot influence exogenous global events, but it can and should take extra steps to shore up confidence domestically as, in the current environment, policies should be erring on the side of caution,” Bell said.

“This would allow Albania to weather these turbulent times and still record significant growth of between 3.5 and 4 percent in 2009, with continued low inflation and an improved current account position,” he added.

Bell said the Albanian economy in 2008 had so far performed strongly and October’s annual CPI was fixed at 2.8 percent — in line with the central bank’s target range — while growth has remained buoyant and on track to reach 6 percent in 2008.

“However, growth in tax revenue has now slowed,” he added.

The IMF has monitored the Albanian economy since 1991, when the once isolated Stalinist Balkan nation toppled communism. The fund’s ongoing three-year programmes — worth together $27.9 million — expire in January 2009.

Once the current agreement expires in January, Bode said he expected the IMF to return to Albania after the 2009 spring elections to discuss a new agreement that had “less objectives”.

The IMF’s call for prudent policies in the current global turbulence have not dented the enthusiasm of the Albanian government that sees growth at six percent as its passes the biggest ever budget of five billion dollars.

“We are proud to keep preserving despite the turmoil and turbulence of the banking and financial system in the world a very high economic growth,” Bode said.

“The economic growth of 6 percent planned in the 2009 budget is again a powerful backing for the real economy to give hope and possibility to the Albanian economy,” Bode added. (Reporting by Benet Koleka, editing by Ron Askew)

source : guardian.co.uk

Lulzim Basha Albanian media in Tirana

Tuesday, 18 November 2008

Albania supports the decision of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo to reject the six-point plan, said Albania’s Foreign Minister Lulzim Basha during a statement for the Albanian media in Tirana.

Foreign Minister of Albania Lulzim Basha said that Tirana is carefully following with serious concern the latest developments in Kosovo.

“Prishtina has its aspirations to continue the implementation of the Ahtisaari Plan. Albania fully supports Prishtina’s stance against the six-point plan and calls for quick deployment of EULEX in the entire territory of Kosovo,” said Basha.

Albania’s Foreign Minister also criticized the way of dialogue has been conducted between UN, Belgrade by  largely ignoring Prishtina. “Kosovo is a sovereign country and has its legitimate power guaranteed by its sovereign constitution to accept or reject such decisions. Albania supports their decision to categorically reject this plan.”

This is the first reaction coming from a high Albania Government official regarding the six-point plan issue.

Albania’s capital expenditures

Tirana, Nov. 19, 2008 ( – Almost 89 per cent of Albania’s capital expenditures during 2008 have been spent for the Albania-Kosovo highway, – data published by Ministry of Finance suggests.

For the nine months ending on Sept. 30, Albania had spent 40 billion lek, (€328 million), from its 45.5 billion capital expenditures budget for the highway. About half of this sum was raised in the international market as syndicated loans. Albania will need to invest another €250 million to complete the 60 kilometer long highway.

The Albanian Government admitted in August that the highway linking the country’s coast with Kosovo will cost €630 million, more than €200 million than the original contract of €418 million.

The admission came in a letter by Albania’s government to the International Monetary Fund.

The highway, which links the port of Durres with Kosovo, is the country’s biggest public works project in decades, however its has been dogged by allegations of irregularities and corruption.

Prosecutor-General Ina Rama is probing alleged irregularities in the tender for the construction of the highway won by the American-Turkish consortium, Bechtel-Enka.

Former Prosecutor-General Theodhori Sollaku began an investigation last year into alleged irregularities surrounding the awarding of the tender.

The investigation led to a request by Sollaku that parliament lift the immunity of Foreign Minister Lulzim Basha, who was at the time of the tender, the Minister of Transport.

Basha’s immunity was lifted by parliament at the end of December.

A few weeks earlier, President Bamir Topi had dismissed Sollaku, following a call for his sacking by a parliamentary commission, and nominated Rama, a former Serious Crimes Court Judge, as his replacement.

Local media have reported that several other officials from the roads department of the Transport Ministry are being investigated along with Basha.

Although Basha has sought to characterise the investigation as a politically-motivated attack by Sollaku, since Rama took over, she has continued to push ahead with the probe.

Portugal vs Albania

Portugal’s erratic start in Group 1 continued as they failed to break down an Albania side reduced to ten men before half-time in Braga.

Teli dismissed
The home fans were wondering which Portugal would turn up after witnessing a 3-2 home defeat by Denmark in between a 4-0 rout of Malta and goalless draw in Sweden. Ervin Bulku might even have given the visitors the lead before Arie Haan’s team suffered a blow as Admir Teli received a second yellow card after a 42nd-minute clash with Cristiano Ronaldo. Danny and Hugo Almeida spurned the best of the hosts’ chances after the interval as they failed to win at home once again.

Organised defence
Portugal searched for the breakthrough from the first minute but had to negotiate supremely well-organised opponents. Carlos Queiroz’s charges explored all possible avenues to breach the defence, especially on the wings where Cristiano Ronaldo was always very active but also subject to special attention from the visitors. Midfielder Manuel Fernandes managed to find space on the right and drove a powerful left-footed shot just over on 18 minutes, yet that was as close as Portugal came in the opening half. By contrast, Albania could have scored ten minutes later when Klodian Duro’s cross found Bulku who almost converted.

Busy Beqaj
The second period began with Danny planting a great opportunity at the goalkeeper after a left-wing delivery from Paulo Ferreira left him free to beat Arian Beqaj. Then Miguel centred from the right and Hugo Almeida’s header forced a notable save from Beqaj. The Werder Bremen striker also headed against the post on 56 minutes with Beqaj grasping the rebound on the goalline. The result left Portugal with five points from four games – an identical record to that of Albania.

source:uefa.com

Its a win for 10-man Albania

Ronaldo – frustrated as a chance goes begging.Portugal’s disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign continued on Wednesday as they were held to a goalless draw at home to 10-man Albania.

Admir Teli was sent off for the visitors just before half-time after only coming on as a substitute in the 24th minute and, shorn of the creative talents of Maniche and Deco, Portugal could not find a way through.

It capped a miserable week for Carlos Quiroz’s men, who failed to find the target in Saturday’s 0-0 stalemate against Sweden, which followed a 3-2 defeat to Denmark last month.

Portugal and Albania sit level on five points with the Swedes, who have a game in hand, and behind the Danes and Hungary, who both have seven.

Albania even had the best chance of the first half when Ervin Bulku’s effort was cleared off the line by Miguel.

Cristiano Ronaldo came closest for the hosts, but his free-kick was comfortably saved by Albania keeper Arian Beqaj.

The Manchester United winger was then on the end of a hand in the face from Teli, who received a second booking after less than 20 minutes on the pitch.

Portugal upped a gear after the break in an attempt to make their numerical supremacy count and Hugo Almeida was twice denied by Beqaj, first with a header and then a fierce shot which was tipped on to a post.

Nani could have grabbed all three points four minutes from time but Beqaj saved brilliantly with his legs.

Besart Berisha also had a late chance for the visitors but fired high over the bar.

Teams

Portugal Quim, Miguel (Nuno Gomes 75), Pepe, Bruno Alves,Ferreira, Raul Meireles, Manuel Fernandes,Joao Moutinho (Quaresma 55), Danny (Nani 55), Ronaldo,Hugo Almeida.

Subs Not Used: Eduardo, Antunes, Fernando Meira, Carlos Martins.

Booked: Hugo Almeida.

Albania Beqaj, Beqiri (Teli 24), Curri, Vangeli, Bulku, Lala,Cana, Duro (Berisha 77), Agolli, Skela, Bogdani (Vrapi 45).

Subs Not Used: Hidi, Bakaj, Kapllani, Lila.

Sent Off: Teli (42).

Booked: Teli, Lala.

Att: 39,000

Ref: Knut Kircher (Germany).

source:sportinglife.com

Albania stops Portugal

Portugal – Albania 0 – 0

	2010 World Cup logo

BRAGA (SW) – Portugal haven’t been able to impress against Albania in Wednesday’s Group 1 qualifier, and dropped two valuable points on the road to the 2010 World Cup.

The most notable event at Braga’s AXA Stadium was a second yellow card for Albania’s Admir Teli in the 42nd minute, after having come on as a substitute eighteen minutes earlier.

But the Portuguese failed to take advantage, which keeps them stuck in third place in this group.

Semi finalists at the 2006 World Cup, Portugal have a long way to go with only five points from their first four matches. Denmark and Hungary currently occupy the top two spots.

Albania on the other hand, have the same amount of points as Portugal but a less positive goal difference.

source:soccerway.com

Portugal 0-0 Albania

BRAGA, Portugal: Portugal was held to 0-0 at home by 10-man Albania on Wednesday, knocking its World Cup qualifying campaign further off course.

The Portuguese haven’t won since their opening Group 1 match and have taken just five points from four games.

Albania’s defense held out for 50 minutes after Admir Teli was shown his second yellow card when his forearm hit Cristiano Ronaldo in the face as they were tussling for the ball. But Portugal once again couldn’t make its dominance tell on the scoresheet, and home fans jeered while the Albanians celebrated the point as if it were a win.

Portugal featured three changes from the starting lineup that drew 0-0 in Sweden last weekend but it still hasn’t found its form under new coach Carlos Queiroz, who took over in July.

“The players, like me, feel frustrated and disappointed. We never imagined we’d draw at home with Albania,” Queiroz said. “The game was mostly one-way traffic. We did everything we could to win, but sometimes football can be agony.”

The Portuguese took command, taking 26 shots at goal compared with four from Albania, but as the visitors held on the local fans returned to the jeering they produced during last month’s 3-2 home loss to Denmark.

The closest Portugal came to breaking the deadlock during the first half was a 35th-minute free kick from Ronaldo, which the goalkeeper couldn’t hold but the defense bundled away.

Albania’s sharp defending consistently choked Portugal’s forward moves, and numerous mishit passes by the Portuguese worsened the crowd’s mood.

Portugal piled on the pressure after the break. Queiroz cranked up the attack with a double substitution in the 54th, bringing on Nani and Ricardo Quaresma, but they made little impression.

Ronaldo, playing his second match for Portugal since undergoing ankle injury after the European Championship in June, failed to shine.

Portugal adopted a five-man forward line in the final 15 minutes as striker Nuno Gomes replaced a defender.

Gomes set up Nani for a close-range shot that Arjan Beqaj blocked with his legs, and Almeida’s header bounced off the post and into the goalkeeper’s arms. But it was late substitute Besart Berisha who almost ended the stalemate on the break.

___

Lineups:

Portugal: Quim; Miguel (Nuno Gomes, 74), Pepe, Bruno Alves, Paulo Ferreira; Manuel Fernandes, Raul Meireles, Joao Moutinho (Nani, 54), Cristiano Ronaldo, Hugo Almeida, Danny (Ricardo Quaresma, 54).

Albania: Arjan Beqaj, Elvin Beqiri, Kristi Vangjeli, Debatik Curri, Klodian Duro (Besart Berisha, 76), Ervin Skela, Ansi Agolli, Lorik Cana, Altin Lala, Erjon Bogdani (Endri Vrapi, 45), Ervin Bulku.

source:iht.com

Lojërat olimpike dimërore 2008

Lojrat olimpike dimerore 2006 në Torino ishte edicioni i XX i tyre ishte zhvillua nga data 10 Shkurt deri më 26 Shkurt 2006 në Torino dhe në 8 qyetete të tjera të krahinës së Piemontes. Nga 10 deri më 19 mars u zhvilluar dhe edicioni i nëntë i Paraolimpiades. Lojrat e fundit dimerore janë zhvilluar në Salt Lake City ndërsa për herë të fundit në Itali në 1956 në Kortina D’Ampeco.

Gjatë zgjedhjës për edicionët e viteve 1998 dhe 2002 kishte pasur shumë debate mbi korrektesine ne procesin e votimit. Skandalët e korrupsionit kishin perfshire dhe Komitetin Olimpik Ndërkombëtar, ështu që u pa e drejte krijimi i nje sistemi te ri votimi sipas te cilit: Më 19 Qershor 1999 pas kryerjes se votimit komiteti olimpik zgjodhi Torinon si organizator te Lojrave Olpimike Dimerore për vitin 2006. Qyteti italiano verior mori 53 vota kundër 36 të kandidaturës tjetër që ishte qyteti i Sion-it, Zvicër.

Janë 65 vendet, impiante sportive, infrastruktura te ndryshme, fshate olimpike për atletet dhe media. Vetëm ne qytetin e Torinos janë ndërtuar dy salla te reja dhe janë rikonstruktuar 4 ambiente ku do te zhvillohen ndeshje hockey apo gara patinazhi. Për komitetin organizativ te ketyre lojrave detyra nuk ka qenë gjithnje e thjeshtë. Punimet janë ndërprere shpesh nga shoqata te ndryshme ambientaliste te cilat ne fillim te ketij viti themeluan dhe “Comitato Nolimpiade” (Komitetin Jo-Olimpiada).

Ne keto Lojra do te jene te pranishem 85 Komitete Olimpike Kombetare midis te cilave është për here te pare ne historine e saj edhe Shqipëria. Skiatori ynë Erion Tola ka arritur kualifikimin duke kapur normat olimpike dhe ne Torino do te garoje ne Sllallomin Gjigand dhe atë Supergjigand.

Ekzistenca e lojrave olimpike ka cuar ne lindjen e dy betimeve ate te gjyqtareve dhe te atleteve

[redaktoni] Betimet olimpike

Betimi olimpik i atleteve është shkruar nga Pier dë Kubertë’ (Pierre de Coubertin), dhe është përdorur për herë të parë në Lojrat e vitit 1920 të zhvilluara në Anversa (Antverpen). Në 1920 teksti i betimit u lexua nga sportisti belg Viktor Boin (Victor Boin). Aty thuhej:

Betohemi se do te marrim pjese ne Lojrat Olimpike, me nje shpirt kalorsiak, për nder te vendit tone e për lavdi te sportit.

Disa vite me vone, “BETOHEMI” u zevendesua nga “PREMTOJME” ndersa “VENDIT” nga “SKUADRA”. Me rastin e Olimpiades se vitit 2000 qe u zhvillua ne Sidnei, për shkak dhe të ceshtjëve te dopingut u shtua teksti i betimit olimpik te atleteve.

[redaktoni] Betimi i atletit aktualisht është

Në emër të të gjithë sportistëve, premtoj se do te marrim pjese ne keto Lojra Olimpike duke mbajtur parasysh regullat dhe duke respektuar ato, për te ruajtur shpirtin e vertete te sportivitetit, për një spor pa doping, pa drogë, për lavdi te sportit e për nder te skuadrave tona. Betimi i gjyqtareve u perdor për here te pare ne Olimpiaden e 1972 ne Mynih. Ai sot është: Ne emer te te gjithe gjyqtareve dhe zyrtareve te garave, premtojme se ne keto Lojra Olimpike do te permbushim detyrat tona me paanshmeri te plote, duke mbajtur parasysh rregullat dhe duke respektuar ato për te ruajtur shpirtin e vertete te sportivitetit. Flaka Olimpike

Flaka Olimpike e Olimpides se Torinos u ndez ne qytetin e Olimpia, ne Greqi, me 27 nentor te 2005 me ceremonine tashme te zakonshme qe paraprin çdo zhvillim te Lojrave Olimpike qofshin keto dimerore. Flaka ndodhet ne altarin e tempullit te Estia-s, kalon perpara monumentit te Pier dë Kubertë’ (Pierre de Coubertin) . Flaka ka shkuar ne Itali me 8 dhjetor. Tedofori i pare për flaken e lojrave dimerore te Torinos ishte Presidenti i Italise Carlo Azeglio Ciampi i cili pas nje ceremonie te mbajtur ne sheshin Kuirinale (Quirinale) ja dorezoi ate, Stefano Baldini-it. Pasi te kete qarkulluar ne shume qytete italiane ne shkurt te 2006, do te ndizet dhe pishtari i madh Olimpik. Ceremonia e rastit do te zhvillohet ne Stadiumin Bashkiak te Torines qe për shkak te Lojrave ka marre emrin Stadiumi Olimpik. Pishtari Olimpik Pishtari olimpik, është prej c eliku dhe ka formen e nje ski-je. Ajo është e gjate 77 cm e gjere 10,5 cm, ndersa peshon 1,9 kg. Nga jashte është lyer me nje boje te vecante qe mundeson rezistence te madhe termike qe shkon nga -20°C deri 25°C. Pishtari ka nje autonomi prej 15 minutash dhe mund te funksionoje deri ne 5.000 m lartesi. Flaka e tij ushqehet nga nje perzjerje hidrokarburesh (40% propilen, 60% butan) qe ndodhet brenda pishtarit ne nje lloj bombole prej alumini.

Disa te dhena interesante qe kane te bejne me Lojrat Olimpike Dimerore qe do te zhvillohen vitin e ardhshem ne qytetin e Torinos. • 17 janë ditet qe ky eveniment do te zgjase: 10 deri 26 shkurt; • 15 janë disiplinat: biatlon, bob, kombinimi nordik(ecje dhe hedhje me ski), kurling, stil i lire snoubord, hokei ne akull, pattinazh artistik, gara shpejtesie ne akull, hedhje me ski, ski alpin, maratone me ski, short track, skeleton, gara me slite, gara ne snowboard. 7 qytete do të presin ekipet olimpike, ku do të zhvillojnë garat: Torino, Bardonekia, Kazana, Pinerolo, Praxhelato, Soz d’uls, Sestrie.

3 janë fshatrat olimpike qe do te presin atletët pjesëmarrës (Torino, Bardonekia e Sestriere)

85 komitete olimpike kombëtare do të ndjekin nga afër Lojërat Olimpike “Torino 2006″.

84 janë titujt qe do te jepen ne 17 ditet e ketij aktiviteti

2.500 është numri i atleteve do të përfaqësojnë vendet e tyre në 15 disiplinat e Lojërave Olimpike Dimërore.

2.300 është numri i përfaqësuesve nga Komiteti Olimpik Nderkombetar, komiteteve olimpike kombëtare dhe federatave qe do të jenë të pranishëm gjatë zhvillimit të lojërave.

650 janë gjyqtarët do t’i gjykojnë garat ne 15 disiplinat sportive.

10.000 përfaqësues të mediave nga gjithë bota do të transmetojnë ngjarjen më të rëndësishme të vitit, Lojërat Olimpike Dimërore “Torino 2006″.

1 milion mendohet te jete numri i spektatorëve qe mendohet se do ta ndjekin nga afër zhvillimin e lojërave. 1,7 miliarde euro është shifra e investuar për keto lojra.

Olimpiada apo Lojrat olimpike

Olimpiada apo Lojrat olimpike (nga greq: Olymp) është një manifestim i garave të ndryshme sportive që mbahej çdo katër vjet në Greqinë e lashtë sikurse mbahet edhe në kohën moderne. Për shumë autorë të lashtësisë ditët e mbajtjes së Olimpiadës kanë shërbyer si data referuese të shpjegimit të ngjarjeve të ndryshme.

Në kohët moderne ky manifestim si traditë nga lashtësia mbahet me disa ndryshime dhe në të marrin pjesë atletë e sportistë nga të gjitha vendet e botës.

Simboli Olimpik modern me pesë rrathët me ngjyra të ndryshme ashtu sikurse edhe flamuri olimpik u propozua nga Pjer de Kubertin në vitin 1914. Pesë rrathët e ndërthurur përfaqësojnë pesë kontinentet e jetuar nga njerëzit në rruzullin tokësor (kontinenti Amerikan konsiderohet si një i vetëm). Ndërthurrja e rrathëve është shenjë e përgjithshmërisë së Lojrave olimpike ku atletët e mbarë botës mblidhen sëbashku.