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Police: 587 citizens arrested in October

The State Police has made a work balance sheet for the month of October for the identification and attack of illegalities, the prevention of criminal events and the capture of wanted citizens, to guarantee the rule of law, which brings order and security to the citizens. It is reported that …

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Elez Biberaj announces retirement from VoA after 43 years of service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2, 2023 – Elez Biberaj, the prominent Albanian-American journalist, is retiring after an illustrious 43-year career at the Voice of America (VoA), according to a message he sent to colleagues.  He will continue serving as the VoA Director of the Eurasia Division until the end of year.  VoA …

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Bank of Albania increases key interest rate, again, aiming to tackle inflation 

TIRANA, Nov. 2, 2023 – Albania’s central bank supervisory council has announced another hike in Bank of Albania’s key interest rate, up by 0.25 percentage points, bringing it to a rate of 3.25 percent. Inflation has seen a declining trend in 2023, but it is still higher than what the …

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Analysis: Corruption probe involving former prime minister seen as litmus test for Albania’s new justice system

TIRANA, Nov. 2, 2023 – Albania’s former prime minister, Sali Berisha, is being investigated for “passive corruption” by Albania’s Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK), with a specialized court ruling that he cannot leave the country and must present himself to court authorities twice a month. The same …

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New investigation offers proof Russians owned shell company that paid for Basha’s 2017 lobbying in Washington

TIRANA, Nov. 2, 2023 – A new investigation published Thursday by Finance Uncovered in cooperation with the BBC has offered proof that Russians were behind the company that paid for lobbying in Washington that led to a brief meeting and a photo of Lulzim Basha, serving as leader of the …

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Albert Rakipi and the College of Europe: The bold idea that brought EU’s venerable institution to Albania

How a think-tanker’s vision, backed by Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, secured the College of Europe’s presence in Tirana. TIRANA, Oct. 26, 2023 – More than a year ago, Albert Rakipi, a prominent figure in Albania’s international relations and think tank circles, contemplated a pressing question. With the European Union …

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Albania’s removal from FATF money laundering gray list met with optimism

TIRANA, Oct. 29 – Albania’s recent removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) gray list of countries grappling with money laundering deficiencies has garnered cautious optimism, with financial experts emphasizing the need for continued vigilance.  The decision, made by FATF, an intergovernmental organization created through a G7 initiative, has …

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Begaj congratulates counterpart Erdogan on Turkey’s National Day

President of the Republic, Bajram Begaj sent this Sunday a congratulatory telegram on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic of Turkey to the President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. In his telegram, President Begaj expressed full confidence in the excellent future …

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Mayor Veliaj’s statement as Tirana prepares for halloween

Atmosphere on the eve of the Halloween holiday is already more tangible for all the fans, adults and children.  In the framework of this day, the Mayor of Tirana Erion Veliaj shared this Sunday morning pictures from “ZooParkTirana” on social networks. “GOOD MORNING. From ZooParkTirana, which was buzzing with kids …

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Two drug dealers arrested in Lezha, Mirdita

Lezha Police has cracked down on two more cases of selling narcotics, in doses, in Lezha and Mirdita, as informed this Sunday.  In the city of Lezha, Salvator Luka, a resident of Pukë, while in Mirdita, Ndue Rregji, was arrested. During this operation, two citizens were handcuffed and 68 doses …