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Obituary: Ismail Kadare, the global writer who helped ‘making Albania’

TIRANA, June 1, 2024 – Albania’s greatest writer and perennial Nobel Prize candidate, Ismail Kadare, has died at the age of 88.   Kadare had permanently moved back to his homeland of Albania from France in recent years and died of a heart attack Monday morning, doctors at Tirana’s largest public …

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Drug trafficking and organized criminal group/ SPAK sends for trial Gezim Çela and 13 others

The Special Prosecutor’s Office (SPAK) has closed the investigations and sent Gëzim Çela and 13 other people to trial for drug trafficking and organized criminal group. Gëzim Çela and Arlind Ismailukaj are considered to be the leaders of the criminal group that were hit during the “Flame at Sea” operation. …

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Ismail Kadare, Greatest Albanian Writer, Dies at 88

The author of dozens of books translated into dozens of languages was feted abroad, in France especially – but some at home were less forgiving of his role during the communist era. Original post Here

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Albanian renown writer Ismail Kadare, dies age 88

The Albanian renown writer, poet and novelist, Ismail Kadare died this Monday in Tirana, age 88. Were his familiars that found him lifeless in his home. He is the only Albanian national who was many time a candidate to win the Nobel price in Literature. In 1992, Kadare was awarded …

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Oncology scandal, Rama: A crime against humanity

Prime Minister Edi Rama qualifies as a crime against humanity, the use of a doctor’s uniform, to extract money with blood for medicines of the sick, referring to the Oncology scandal. During his speech at the meeting of heads of services at QSUT, Rama said that nothing is missing in …

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Albania’s population shrank by 429,000,  census results show

TIRANA, June 28, 2024 – Albania’s population shrank by almost 14 percent in 12 years, losing about 429,000 residents, according to the country’s official 2023 census, the results of which were just released.  The census conductor, the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT), said the number of residents of Albania is now …

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Rama: We will forgive fines for illegal construction

Prime Minister Edi Rama has handed over the ownership titles of the houses in Theth and in some other areas of the North, where the inherited problems have been solved. During his speech, he said that fines for constructions without permission will be waived, as they were done out of …

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A 25 year old arrested for smuggling emigrants

A 25-year-old man was arrested as part of the police operation codenamed “Axis” The 25-year-old man was caught red-handed on the “Korçë-Pogradec” road axis, near the village of Vërdovë, Pogradec, transporting 17 immigrants from third countries, in the direction of Tirana, with an “Opel” van, against profit, with purpose of …

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The results of the exam for optional subjects in the State Matura are published

This Sunday, the results of the optional subjects exam for the state matura were released. The Minister of Education, Ogerta Manastirliu stated that graduates can see the results on the link provided by the ministry. “Important notice for Graduates. The results of the optional subjects exam of Matura 2024 are …

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Hasani: Albania’s integration in EU cannot be hindered by any single individual

The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani, in his speech at the Dubrovnik Forum, emphasized that we, in the Western Balkans, must start bringing solutions to the table, find a way to move forward from all the problems that hinder us , which will bring more prosperity, peace …

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Who Really Benefits from ‘Strategic Investor’ Status in Albania?

The cry of protesters that ‘Albania is not for sale’ is misinterpreted when it is portrayed as a rejection of all investment. Its proper interpretation is procedural: any transfer of common assets must take place in full transparency – with prices determined through competition, permits made public, and beneficiaries clearly …

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Local storms cause minor damage in Saranda and Himara

TIRANA, July 22 – Local storms hit several areas of Albania overnight, causing fallen trees and minor material damage, according to reports. Coastal areas, including Saranda, Himara and Vlora, experienced strong winds and storms during the night, following earlier weather forecasts. In Saranda, several people reportedly suffered injuries after a …

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Shkodër starts mountain trail inventory to improve visitor safety and promote tourism

TIRANA, July 22 – Albania has started the process of inventorying mountain trails to identify existing routes and map new itineraries, with work also underway in the Shkodër region. Tourism guide Kastriot Faci said the initiative aims to create a complete map of mountain trails across the country. He explained …

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Severe storms set to sweep across Albania on Friday

Powerful storm engulfs Albania after battering Kosovo and North Macedonia. The storms will affect almost the entire country. Central and southeastern regions face the highest risk, but severe weather may develop anywhere. Storm cells will form quickly and move over isolated areas. They may bring very heavy rain and powerful …

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Restoration project for Saint Nicholas Church in Upper Krutja, Lushnja

TIRANA, July 22 – The National Institute of Cultural Heritage (IKTK) has presented a restoration project for Saint Nicholas Church, a Category I Cultural Monument located in Upper Krutja, Lushnja. IKTK representatives held a working meeting at the Lushnja Municipality, where they discussed planned interventions for the protection, consolidation and …

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Justice reform enters consolidation phase as European Commission highlights vetting progress

TIRANA, July 22 – Minister of Justice Toni Gogu said the latest European Commission Rule of Law Report recognizes Albania’s progress in consolidating justice reform, highlighting the completion of the vetting process, the reduction of pending cases at the High Court and the start of justice system digitalization. Speaking at …

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KOKSH and TİKA Discuss Cooperation to Develop Sports and Infrastructure in Albania

President of the Albanian National Olympic Committee (KOKSH), Fidel Ylli, met with TİKA Program Coordinator in Tirana Murat Ölçenoğlu to discuss cooperation opportunities supporting sports development and infrastructure projects in Albania. The meeting focused on exploring joint initiatives that could contribute to the advancement of Albanian sports. Ylli presented KOKSH’s …

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President Begaj receives credentials from new Ivory Coast ambassador

TIRANA, July 22 – President Bajram Begaj received the credentials of Ivory Coast’s new ambassador to Albania, Nogozene Bakayoko, during a ceremony held in Tirana. Bakayoko, who is based in Rome, presented her credentials as she began her diplomatic mission in Albania. Begaj wished her success and expressed confidence that …

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Bad weather leaves 21 power feeders out of service as over 1,000 workers restore electricity

TIRANA, July 22 – The Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy said emergency teams have been working since the first hours of the severe weather that hit Albania on Tuesday evening to restore normal conditions. Heavy rain and strong winds caused disruptions in several areas, while responsible structures continue efforts to …

News
Albanian Iso-Polyphony becomes voice of Nolan’s “Odyssey” soundtrack

Albanian iso-polyphonic music has become a key part of the soundtrack for “Odyssey,” the upcoming Hollywood production directed by Christopher Nolan and produced by Universal Pictures. The film’s score comes from acclaimed composer Ludwig Göransson, who won an Oscar for his work on “Oppenheimer.” Speaking on the program “Në Radio” …

News

Who Really Benefits from ‘Strategic Investor’ Status in Albania?

The cry of protesters that ‘Albania is not for sale’ is misinterpreted when it is portrayed as a rejection of all investment. Its proper interpretation is procedural: any transfer of common assets must take place in full transparency – with prices determined through competition, permits made public, and beneficiaries clearly …

News

Local storms cause minor damage in Saranda and Himara

TIRANA, July 22 – Local storms hit several areas of Albania overnight, causing fallen trees and minor material damage, according to reports. Coastal areas, including Saranda, Himara and Vlora, experienced strong winds and storms during the night, following earlier weather forecasts. In Saranda, several people reportedly suffered injuries after a …

News

Shkodër starts mountain trail inventory to improve visitor safety and promote tourism

TIRANA, July 22 – Albania has started the process of inventorying mountain trails to identify existing routes and map new itineraries, with work also underway in the Shkodër region. Tourism guide Kastriot Faci said the initiative aims to create a complete map of mountain trails across the country. He explained …

News

Severe storms set to sweep across Albania on Friday

Powerful storm engulfs Albania after battering Kosovo and North Macedonia. The storms will affect almost the entire country. Central and southeastern regions face the highest risk, but severe weather may develop anywhere. Storm cells will form quickly and move over isolated areas. They may bring very heavy rain and powerful …

News

Restoration project for Saint Nicholas Church in Upper Krutja, Lushnja

TIRANA, July 22 – The National Institute of Cultural Heritage (IKTK) has presented a restoration project for Saint Nicholas Church, a Category I Cultural Monument located in Upper Krutja, Lushnja. IKTK representatives held a working meeting at the Lushnja Municipality, where they discussed planned interventions for the protection, consolidation and …

News

Justice reform enters consolidation phase as European Commission highlights vetting progress

TIRANA, July 22 – Minister of Justice Toni Gogu said the latest European Commission Rule of Law Report recognizes Albania’s progress in consolidating justice reform, highlighting the completion of the vetting process, the reduction of pending cases at the High Court and the start of justice system digitalization. Speaking at …

News

KOKSH and TİKA Discuss Cooperation to Develop Sports and Infrastructure in Albania

President of the Albanian National Olympic Committee (KOKSH), Fidel Ylli, met with TİKA Program Coordinator in Tirana Murat Ölçenoğlu to discuss cooperation opportunities supporting sports development and infrastructure projects in Albania. The meeting focused on exploring joint initiatives that could contribute to the advancement of Albanian sports. Ylli presented KOKSH’s …

News

President Begaj receives credentials from new Ivory Coast ambassador

TIRANA, July 22 – President Bajram Begaj received the credentials of Ivory Coast’s new ambassador to Albania, Nogozene Bakayoko, during a ceremony held in Tirana. Bakayoko, who is based in Rome, presented her credentials as she began her diplomatic mission in Albania. Begaj wished her success and expressed confidence that …

News

Bad weather leaves 21 power feeders out of service as over 1,000 workers restore electricity

TIRANA, July 22 – The Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy said emergency teams have been working since the first hours of the severe weather that hit Albania on Tuesday evening to restore normal conditions. Heavy rain and strong winds caused disruptions in several areas, while responsible structures continue efforts to …

News

Albanian Iso-Polyphony becomes voice of Nolan’s “Odyssey” soundtrack

Albanian iso-polyphonic music has become a key part of the soundtrack for “Odyssey,” the upcoming Hollywood production directed by Christopher Nolan and produced by Universal Pictures. The film’s score comes from acclaimed composer Ludwig Göransson, who won an Oscar for his work on “Oppenheimer.” Speaking on the program “Në Radio” …