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Two youths arrested for illegal sports gambling

Two people were arrested in Cerrik this Wednesday. The two citizens, 25 years old and 56 years old, were put in handcuffs after placing sports bets using mobile phones. Sports betting sites were found open on their mobile phones. Two mobile phones were seized as material evidence. /abcnews.al […] Read …

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Minister’s statement on Former PM Berisha’s process on corruption charges

Minister of Tourism, Mirela Kumbaro answered this Wednesday journalists’ questions regarding the security measure given by Special Court (GJKKO) to former Prime Minister Sali Berisha regarding the privatization of the Partizani complex. In her statement after the government’s decisions, Kumbaro emphasized that the majority, which established this new justice system, …

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Lezha teacher’s arm broken by student in chair fight

A serious incident happened at the high school “Hydajet Lezha” in the city of Lezha this Wednesday. Teacher Majlinda Palushi was hit with a chair by a student inside the school premises. She was sent by ambulance to Lezha hospital and it is learned that she broke her arm from …

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Persons who raped woman in Vlora left in prison

Court of Vlora decided this Wednesday the security measure ‘Arrest with prison’ for the three citizens accused of incitement and use of drugs and then the rape of the 26-year-old a few days ago. Two of them, Oltjon Tahiri and Albi Ceno, have been arrested, while Gentjano Mehmeti has been …

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Rama meets Varheleyi in Brussels

Prime Minister Edi Rama is in Brussels, where he will participate in the “Global Gateway” forum on the current challenges of Europe and the importance of international cooperation. The head of the government met with the commissioner for expansion Oliver Varhelyi. The Prime Minister’s visit to Brussels comes a few …

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Mayor Veliaj met ex-ambassador Arvizu in US visit

Mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj has met with a special friend of Albania, the former US ambassador Aleksandër Arvizu, in his last visit to the United States of America. As it can be seen from this photo published by Veliaj, he has got a great friendship with the former American …

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Former PM Berisha “willing” to testify at Special Court on corruption charges

The special court summoned Sali Berisha to a hearing today at 2:00 p.m. to inform him of the accusation and the security measure against him. But Berisha said he will not go to court. He stated that the decision was made in violation of the constitution. Former Prime Minister Sali …

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Igor Kokunov appears before Shkodra court after arrest

Court hearing against Igor Kokunov, the 59-year-old arrested at the Muriqani border point, wanted by the Russian International Interpol is being held this Tuesday in Shkodra. According to the local media, strict security measures have been taken due to information that Belgrade gangs may intervene for his release. On his …

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Five young drug dealers, over 160 cannabis doses seized in Tirana

Five people have been arrested by the police after selling drugs near schools in the capital. Following the investigations within the “Temple” operation, the police have provided information that these people were selling cannabis narcotics near schools in different areas of Tirana. The persons in question, two 19-year-olds, one 18-year-old, …

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Accused for corruption/ Berisha refuses the trial, sends the lawyers

Sali Berisha decided not to appear at the session at the GJKKO premises, at 14:00, where he was to be questioned regarding the privatization of the former “Partizani” complex, for which he is accused of passive corruption and money laundering. However, Berisha has sent his lawyers Genc Gjokutaj and Sokol …

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Archbishop Joani attends Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s 65th anniversary in Imbros

TIRANA, August 12 — Archbishop Joani of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania is in Imbros for the celebration of the 65th anniversary of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s entry into the clergy. Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa is also attending the celebration. Joani and Theodore II accompanied Bartholomew to …

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Customs revenue rises 3.7% in 7 months

TIRANA, August 12 – Customs revenue reached ALL 142 billion in the first 7 months of 2026. The figure marks a ALL 5.1 billion increase from the same period in 2025. The increase represents 3.7% growth. General Director of Customs Besmir Beja provided the figures today. He said the Customs …

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25 years since Ohrid Agreement, FM Hoxha: North Macedonia’s stability is part of Balkan security

TIRANA, August 12 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha has highlighted the importance of the Ohrid Framework Agreement ahead of its 25th anniversary on August 13. He described the 2001 accord as a major political and diplomatic achievement for North Macedonia and the Western Balkans. According to Hoxha, the agreement gave …

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Lura National Park wildfire, around 220 forces deployed on the ground, air and ground operations underway

TIRANA, August 12 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi said today that operations to manage the wildfire in Lura National Park continue at high intensity. The fire affects the Runja area above Borie Lura village. In a social media statement, Nufi said all relevant structures remain engaged in the operation. They …

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New draft law changes defence and security procurement

TIRANA, August 12 – The Ministry of Defence has opened public consultation on a new draft law on procurement in defence and security. The draft would replace Law No. 36/2020. The initiative takes into account comments from the European Commission and findings from the Support for Improvement in Governance and …

News
The Ibar River Should Carry Water, Not Nationalist Politics

Albania Serbia Diplomatic Clash Heats Up the Summer By Albert Rakipi, PhD Tirana Times, August 12, 2026 – The latest dispute over the Ibar River shows how quickly a real security issue in the Western Balkans can be transformed into a contest of nationalist narratives. When Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić …

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Apollonia Archaeological Park welcomes visitors from around the world

TIRANA, August 12 – Apollonia Archaeological Park remains one of the most visited destinations in Fier Municipality during the summer season. The site attracts domestic and foreign tourists interested in Albania’s history and cultural heritage. Meanwhile, many visitors are arriving in Apollonia during the August days to explore the ruins …

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Shkodër Art Gallery to resume rich artistic calendar in September

TIRANA, August 12 – Shkodër Art Gallery will resume an intensive programme of activities in September. The summer season also focused on presenting works from the gallery’s collection. The second half of the year will bring various visual art exhibitions and projects. Fatmir Juka, head of Shkodër Art Gallery, said …

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Perseid meteor shower to light up Tirana’s night sky

TIRANA, August 12 – The night of August 12 will bring one of the summer’s most spectacular astronomical events. The Perseid meteor shower will peak overnight. People can also observe the phenomenon with the naked eye. The peak will occur during the night between August 12 and 13. Meanwhile, viewing …

News
EU opposes Serbia’s plans to change the course of the Ibër River

TIRANA, August 12 – European Union officials have opposed Serbia’s plans to change the course of the Ibër River unless Serbia discusses the matter with Kosova. European Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper told reporters that statements from the Serbian side do not support the goal of normal relations between Kosova and …

News

Archbishop Joani attends Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s 65th anniversary in Imbros

TIRANA, August 12 — Archbishop Joani of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania is in Imbros for the celebration of the 65th anniversary of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s entry into the clergy. Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa is also attending the celebration. Joani and Theodore II accompanied Bartholomew to …

News

Customs revenue rises 3.7% in 7 months

TIRANA, August 12 – Customs revenue reached ALL 142 billion in the first 7 months of 2026. The figure marks a ALL 5.1 billion increase from the same period in 2025. The increase represents 3.7% growth. General Director of Customs Besmir Beja provided the figures today. He said the Customs …

News

25 years since Ohrid Agreement, FM Hoxha: North Macedonia’s stability is part of Balkan security

TIRANA, August 12 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha has highlighted the importance of the Ohrid Framework Agreement ahead of its 25th anniversary on August 13. He described the 2001 accord as a major political and diplomatic achievement for North Macedonia and the Western Balkans. According to Hoxha, the agreement gave …

News

Lura National Park wildfire, around 220 forces deployed on the ground, air and ground operations underway

TIRANA, August 12 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi said today that operations to manage the wildfire in Lura National Park continue at high intensity. The fire affects the Runja area above Borie Lura village. In a social media statement, Nufi said all relevant structures remain engaged in the operation. They …

News

New draft law changes defence and security procurement

TIRANA, August 12 – The Ministry of Defence has opened public consultation on a new draft law on procurement in defence and security. The draft would replace Law No. 36/2020. The initiative takes into account comments from the European Commission and findings from the Support for Improvement in Governance and …

News

The Ibar River Should Carry Water, Not Nationalist Politics

Albania Serbia Diplomatic Clash Heats Up the Summer By Albert Rakipi, PhD Tirana Times, August 12, 2026 – The latest dispute over the Ibar River shows how quickly a real security issue in the Western Balkans can be transformed into a contest of nationalist narratives. When Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić …

News

Apollonia Archaeological Park welcomes visitors from around the world

TIRANA, August 12 – Apollonia Archaeological Park remains one of the most visited destinations in Fier Municipality during the summer season. The site attracts domestic and foreign tourists interested in Albania’s history and cultural heritage. Meanwhile, many visitors are arriving in Apollonia during the August days to explore the ruins …

News

Shkodër Art Gallery to resume rich artistic calendar in September

TIRANA, August 12 – Shkodër Art Gallery will resume an intensive programme of activities in September. The summer season also focused on presenting works from the gallery’s collection. The second half of the year will bring various visual art exhibitions and projects. Fatmir Juka, head of Shkodër Art Gallery, said …

News

Perseid meteor shower to light up Tirana’s night sky

TIRANA, August 12 – The night of August 12 will bring one of the summer’s most spectacular astronomical events. The Perseid meteor shower will peak overnight. People can also observe the phenomenon with the naked eye. The peak will occur during the night between August 12 and 13. Meanwhile, viewing …

News

EU opposes Serbia’s plans to change the course of the Ibër River

TIRANA, August 12 – European Union officials have opposed Serbia’s plans to change the course of the Ibër River unless Serbia discusses the matter with Kosova. European Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper told reporters that statements from the Serbian side do not support the goal of normal relations between Kosova and …