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Arrest of former President Ilir Meta on corruption allegations sends second key opposition leader into detention

TIRANA, Oct. 21, 2024 – The arrest on Monday of former President Ilir Meta, who now heads the opposition Freedom Party, on orders of the Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) has sent shockwaves through Albania’s political landscape. Meta faces allegations of corruption, money laundering and asset concealment, …

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Albania’s Ex-President Ilir Meta Arrested on Corruption Charges

Former President Ilir Meta, now leader of the opposition Freedom Party, was arrested on charges of corruption, money-laundering and non-declaration of assets. Original post Here

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Italian Court Rules Migrants Shipped to Albania Must Be Sent Back

A Rome court dealt a blow to a controversial scheme to send migrants intercepted at sea by Italy to Albania, ruling that the first 12 migrants who were transported to an Albanian reception camp this week must be returned. Original post Here

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Albanians Scent Profit in Italy’s Costly Offshore Migrant Processing Plan

An Italian opposition MP has lambasted the start of the scheme to process migrants in Albania as a fiasco – but locals living near the new facilities are eying up potential economic benefits. Original post Here

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Albania Opposition MPs Claim Police Threatened Them in Parliament With Guns

After opposition MPs continued their protest in parliament on Thursday, clashing with the police and parliamentary guards, they claimed ‘armed persons threatened the deputies with weapons’. Original post Here

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Italian ship brings first migrants to Albania-based camp under controversial asylum-processing deal

TIRANA, Oct. 16, 2024 – An Italian military ship carrying the first group of migrants arrived in the Albanian port of Shëngjin early Wednesday, marking the launch of a controversial project to process Italian asylum applications on Albanian soil, drawing much international attention.  The initiative is part of a bilateral …

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First Italian Ship With Refugees Arrives in Albania

The first Italian ship holding 16 refugees intercepted at sea arrived in Albania early on Wednesday, as Italy’s controversial plan to ‘offshore’ the processing of migrants and refugees got underway. Original post Here

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Albanian Environmentalists See Red Over Green Sludge Coating Tirana’s Lake

The main artificial lake in the capital has been covered for weeks by thick green algae, which environmental activists blame on untreated urban sewage flowing into the water. Original post Here

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Could Michigan’s Albanian-Americans Swing the Vote for Trump?

Albanian-American supporters of Donald Trump are campaigning hard in the swing state of Michigan, where their numbers could sway the result. But some fear the return of Trump’s controversial Balkan envoy Richard Grenell. Original post Here

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Moldova Should Learn from Albania’s Mistakes in Justice Reform

As EU hopeful Moldova embarks on a complex process of judicial reform and vetting to root out corruption, experts advise it to note what has gone right – and wrong – in Albania, which began the same process a decade ago. Original post Here

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Prime Minister Rama at Tribute Ceremony: Servet Pëllumbi Will Remain a Reference Point in the History of Change

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”0af0416d-2ce5-4a23-b5c4-be2969589642″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-9″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> Prime Minister Edi Rama attended the farewell tributes for Servet Pëllumbi, which were held in the hall of the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet. *]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:35fffbfa-013d-412b-bc0c-4eb2743af375-4″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-10″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> Rama bowed before the coffin, …

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Servet Pëllumbi Laid to Rest with Tributes and Honors

*]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:35fffbfa-013d-412b-bc0c-4eb2743af375-5″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-12″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> Former Speaker of Parliament Servet Pëllumbi was laid to rest following tribute ceremonies held in his honor at the premises of the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet. Hundreds of people attended the final honors for the well-known socialist …

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Petition with Over 200,000 Signatures for Former KLA Leaders Reaches The Hague, Says Hysni Gucati

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”77dbc973-b507-4161-ab2d-4292ef43e4e8″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-19″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> The chairman of the Kosovo Liberation Army War Veterans Organization, Hysni Gucati, has submitted to the Special Court a petition containing more than 200,000 signatures calling for the release of former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army. *]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars …

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AADF and Ministry of Education Sign Agreement to Improve Educational Services in Albania

The Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF) and the Ministry of Education signed today a cooperation agreement marking an important step toward reforming Albania’s educational services system through the establishment and strengthening of the National Agency for Educational Services (AKSHA). The agreement aims to transform the institution responsible for administering national examinations …

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Kosovo Ombudsperson Sends Letter to International Officials: Concerns Raised Over Standards at the Specialist Chambers

Kosovo’s Ombudsperson, Naim Qelaj, has sent a letter to the financing states of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers, including the United States and other partner countries, forwarding the report titled “Preliminary Assessment of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers” prepared by the British organization Bar Human Rights Committee of England and Wales(BHRC), along …

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U.S. Embassy in Tirana Shares Post: American Artists Joined Albanians for “America Week”

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”2775d8ee-9a7d-4663-9486-c1a3a3ff393f” data-testid=”conversation-turn-17″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> The Embassy of the United States in Tirana has shared a post announcing that American Corner Tirana welcomed the modern music group Flagship as part of the launch of “America Week.” *]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:35fffbfa-013d-412b-bc0c-4eb2743af375-8″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-18″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” …

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Holding Banners in Their Hands, Durrës Residents March in Protest Toward City Hall: “Two Young Lives Were Lost”

Residents of Durrës began a protest march this Wednesday toward the city hall in response to the tragic accident in which two minors lost their lives. Residents from the area where the accident occurred, along with other citizens, joined the march, which started just minutes earlier. The protest began at …

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“Pass the Vetting First, Then Meet Me,” Rama Says at the World Law Congress

*]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:35fffbfa-013d-412b-bc0c-4eb2743af375-6″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-14″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> Prime Minister Edi Rama spoke this Wednesday at the World Law Congress, where he awarded the title of “Doctor Honoris Causa” to several distinguished academics and public figures. During his speech, Rama also shared an episode involving Ricardo Hausmann, …

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Automotive Fair Albania returns to Tirana for fourth edition

TIRANA, May 6 – Automotive Fair Albania returns for its fourth edition in Tirana from 21 to 24 May. The event brings together automotive enthusiasts and technology displays under the motto “Fueled by Passion”. Organisers confirm that the fair will take place at the same venue and will maintain its …

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Manjani: Draft Law on Foreigners Aligns Albania with EU Standards

Deputy Minister of Economy and Innovation Olta Manjani held a meeting with the inter-institutional working group on the draft law “On Foreigners.” She said the law forms an integral part of Chapter 2 on the free movement of people. She emphasized full alignment with European Union standards. She stressed continued …

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Prime Minister Rama at Tribute Ceremony: Servet Pëllumbi Will Remain a Reference Point in the History of Change

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”0af0416d-2ce5-4a23-b5c4-be2969589642″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-9″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> Prime Minister Edi Rama attended the farewell tributes for Servet Pëllumbi, which were held in the hall of the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet. *]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:35fffbfa-013d-412b-bc0c-4eb2743af375-4″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-10″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> Rama bowed before the coffin, …

News

Servet Pëllumbi Laid to Rest with Tributes and Honors

*]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:35fffbfa-013d-412b-bc0c-4eb2743af375-5″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-12″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> Former Speaker of Parliament Servet Pëllumbi was laid to rest following tribute ceremonies held in his honor at the premises of the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet. Hundreds of people attended the final honors for the well-known socialist …

News

Petition with Over 200,000 Signatures for Former KLA Leaders Reaches The Hague, Says Hysni Gucati

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”77dbc973-b507-4161-ab2d-4292ef43e4e8″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-19″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> The chairman of the Kosovo Liberation Army War Veterans Organization, Hysni Gucati, has submitted to the Special Court a petition containing more than 200,000 signatures calling for the release of former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army. *]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars …

News

AADF and Ministry of Education Sign Agreement to Improve Educational Services in Albania

The Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF) and the Ministry of Education signed today a cooperation agreement marking an important step toward reforming Albania’s educational services system through the establishment and strengthening of the National Agency for Educational Services (AKSHA). The agreement aims to transform the institution responsible for administering national examinations …

News

Kosovo Ombudsperson Sends Letter to International Officials: Concerns Raised Over Standards at the Specialist Chambers

Kosovo’s Ombudsperson, Naim Qelaj, has sent a letter to the financing states of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers, including the United States and other partner countries, forwarding the report titled “Preliminary Assessment of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers” prepared by the British organization Bar Human Rights Committee of England and Wales(BHRC), along …

News

U.S. Embassy in Tirana Shares Post: American Artists Joined Albanians for “America Week”

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”2775d8ee-9a7d-4663-9486-c1a3a3ff393f” data-testid=”conversation-turn-17″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> The Embassy of the United States in Tirana has shared a post announcing that American Corner Tirana welcomed the modern music group Flagship as part of the launch of “America Week.” *]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:35fffbfa-013d-412b-bc0c-4eb2743af375-8″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-18″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” …

News

Holding Banners in Their Hands, Durrës Residents March in Protest Toward City Hall: “Two Young Lives Were Lost”

Residents of Durrës began a protest march this Wednesday toward the city hall in response to the tragic accident in which two minors lost their lives. Residents from the area where the accident occurred, along with other citizens, joined the march, which started just minutes earlier. The protest began at …

News

“Pass the Vetting First, Then Meet Me,” Rama Says at the World Law Congress

*]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:35fffbfa-013d-412b-bc0c-4eb2743af375-6″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-14″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> Prime Minister Edi Rama spoke this Wednesday at the World Law Congress, where he awarded the title of “Doctor Honoris Causa” to several distinguished academics and public figures. During his speech, Rama also shared an episode involving Ricardo Hausmann, …

News

Automotive Fair Albania returns to Tirana for fourth edition

TIRANA, May 6 – Automotive Fair Albania returns for its fourth edition in Tirana from 21 to 24 May. The event brings together automotive enthusiasts and technology displays under the motto “Fueled by Passion”. Organisers confirm that the fair will take place at the same venue and will maintain its …

News

Manjani: Draft Law on Foreigners Aligns Albania with EU Standards

Deputy Minister of Economy and Innovation Olta Manjani held a meeting with the inter-institutional working group on the draft law “On Foreigners.” She said the law forms an integral part of Chapter 2 on the free movement of people. She emphasized full alignment with European Union standards. She stressed continued …