THIS WEEK IN ALBANIA, DECEMBER 28, 2007-

UNCLAS TIRANA 000007 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR EUR/SCE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ECON PGOV SOCI PHUM AL SUBJECT: THIS WEEK IN ALBANIA, DECEMBER 28, 2007- JANUARY 4, 2008 ¶1. (U) The following is a weekly report prepared by Embassy Tirana's local staff to provide political and economic context and insight into developments in Albania. These updates will supplement post's DAR reports and reporting cables. -------------- ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENTS -------------- ¶2. (U) A New Year in Albania: Albanians of all ages celebrated the New Year in what is still the most important family holiday for Albanians. This day, which grew to prominence during the Communist years as all religious festivals were banned, is traditionally a time for Albanian families to come together, gather around the table with a large meal and stay up late to welcome the New Year. ¶3. (U) By custom, whole families exchange visits to greet each other at their homes and convey best wishes for the year ahead. In a recent break from established tradition, many young people have taken to celebrating the event outside of their home. This was seen most clearly in Skanderbeg Square this year, where thousands rang in the New Year New York style - dancing and celebrating in the square amidst fireworks and rock music. ¶4. (U) I'm Home!: Although hundreds of thousands of Albanians having emigrated to western countries, an estimated ten percent return from abroad to celebrate the New Year with family and friends. Albanian border police processed more than 100,000 returnees at the land crossings with Greece and the port of Durres, through long lines and unusually cold weather. Two aspects of the return of the diaspora don't go unnoticed: more cars and foreign currency. While the influx of the first creates intense traffic jams and an increase in accidents on Albanian roads, the latter strengthens the domestic currency. The Bank of Albania estimates that remittances have followed a rising trend over the last five years, reaching almost 1.4 billion USD in 2007. Remittances are expected to remain the main source of income for thousands of households faced with an ever-higher cost of living. ¶5. (U) Uphill Battle in the Fight to End Blood Feuds: In the wake of a series of murders for revenge during new year's week, Albanians were reminded of the persistent problem of blood feuds that continues to plague life in isolated areas of the country. A local NGO which fights the issue was interviewed recently by local media about the problem. The organization establishes local groups (comprised of a local village leader, school principal, and NGO representative) to try to reconcile warring families and tracks numbers and trends regarding the problem. According to this NGO, as many as 1,000 families nationwide fear reprisal related to blood revenge, although other organizations set the figure at less than ¶400. ¶6. (U) Although the concept of "blood feuds" is an ancient one, based on Albania's original code of law and honor (the "Kanun"),the sporadic modern application of the Kanun deviates from its original context, degenerating from even the specific reasons that were allowable for revenge at the height of its influence in the sixteenth century. However, as Albanian society continues to modernize, the government strives to demonstrate to all Albanians that justice is best served through a strong and competent judicial system rather than vigilante acts. ¶7. (U) Elvis Presley in Tirana: Hundreds of Albanians had a chance last week to rekindle their passion for Elvis Presley's legendary music in a highly publicized show entitled "The Las Vegas Elvis Revival." Organized by the most successful night club in Tirana, the concert drew a crowd of several hundred people to see the German impersonators, fresh from a series of successful appearances across Europe. While live Elvis impersonators are nothing new in the U.S. and other European countries, this was the first time that such a show performed in Albania. Proceeds from the tickets went to the Albanian Children Foundation, an NGO headed by the wife of Prime Minister Berisha who works to improve conditions for deprived children. (http://www.las-vegas-elvis-revival-show.de/a bout/) ¶8. (U) Quote of the Week: Excerpted from Prime Minister Berisha's address to the nation on the New Year's eve: "2007 was a good friend to every Albanian because our major national objectives, the independence of Kosovo and the integration of Albania into NATO and the EU are now closer than ever." CRISTINA