Former US President George Bush in Tirana We are returning to the highest level with Albania and we are proud of that Yesterday, yesterday morning, George Bush visited Tirana for the second time, together with his wife Barbara and with his Albanian friend, former President of the USA, George Bush, by ascending to the central podium of the ceremony organized especially for him. The door of the presidential plane opened and there appeared President Berisha with his wife, Mrs. Liri Berisha. They were welcomed with applause by the large crowd of Albanian people gathered in the square in front of the Palace of Congresses. Under conditions of strict security, George Bush greeted the numerous citizens present and then headed to the podium where the official ceremony would be held. In his speech he stressed that he felt honored to be returning to Albania and that he had seen with his own eyes the great changes that had taken place in the country. “It has been a difficult road, but you have made extraordinary progress. I came here as a friend of Albania and of Albanians and I am proud of your courage,” he said. Bush then mentioned the importance of freedom, the free market and democratic institutions, calling Albania an inspiring example for the entire region. He praised the new relations between Albania and the United States and underlined that these ties had now entered a new phase. President Berisha thanked Bush for the support given to Albanians in the most difficult moments and said that his visit was a great honor for the country. The ceremony was attended by many citizens, representatives of institutions and figures from political life. At the end, those present saw off the former American president with prolonged applause. George Bush with Sali Berisha during the ceremony in Tirana.

- Albanians did not vote “for the repeal of all laws,” as ZP writes - Socialist leaders are using other deceptions to abuse people’s votes - Albanians did not vote to bring to power the criminals and communists who today seek to wash their hands like Pilate Sali Berisha: “Albanians did not vote ‘no’ for the repeal of all laws, as ZP writes. Albanians did not vote to bring to power the criminals and communists who today seek to wash their hands like Pilate.” Neither through propaganda nor with the force of power will it be possible to stop the path of Albanians toward reforms and democratic institutions. In this framework, the President of the Republic underlined that the Albanian people have definitively chosen the Euro-Atlantic orientation and will not allow the return of the past. In his speech he attacked the positions of the Socialist opposition and its press, accusing them of misinformation and manipulation of the voters’ will. According to him, they were trying to exploit the climate created after the referendum in order to delegitimize the political and economic reforms of recent years. The President said that Albanians will vote again for Albania in Europe and for democracy, because this is the only path to prosperity, freedom and the rule of law.

. The President of the Republic decreed the decoration of Mr. George Bush with the high order “Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu”, whose motivation is: “As a sign of the deep gratitude of the Albanian people for his illustrious figure, as a great and distinguished friend of the Albanian nation, for the extraordinary contribution he has given to the freedom, independence, democracy and sovereignty of our country”. The decoration ceremony took place in a solemn atmosphere, in the presence of high state personalities and numerous guests.

Radojçiçi, the voice of Athens. Meanwhile, the “Minority Union” has also reacted, launching unfounded accusations against the Albanian government and its institutions. In the article published in a Greek daily, Radojçiçi attacks Albania’s efforts toward European integration and seeks to present a distorted reality about minority rights. The article calls his position unacceptable and considers him a voice serving Greek extremist circles.

“Radojçiçi”, the voice of Athens, Aqif Alqi, saraf of Xoxhinal In Kosovo, the issue of the referendum and political representation continues to be widely discussed. The article addresses the debates of recent days, the polemics between different groups and the reciprocal accusations in the press. The piece closes with a call for political clarity and for a firm national orientation.