Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09TIRANA50
2009-01-26 06:23:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Tirana
Cable title:
Embassy Tirana Weekly Report
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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 TIRANA 000050
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
STATE FOR EUR/SCE
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KDEM PHUM PGOV PREL KJUS AL
SUBJECT: Embassy Tirana Weekly Report
Obama Mania Hits Tirana
-----------------------
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 TIRANA 000050
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
STATE FOR EUR/SCE
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KDEM PHUM PGOV PREL KJUS AL
SUBJECT: Embassy Tirana Weekly Report
Obama Mania Hits Tirana
--------------
1. (U) An unusually high number of eyes were fixated on TV screens
on Tuesday across Albania, expressing both emotion and anticipation
as citizens from all walks of life tuned in to watch the
inauguration of President Obama. Local stations all aired the
ceremony live, and local bars and clubs were all showing it on their
TV screens. While the general mood was a sense of excitement for
the new administration, there was also a lot of focus on the
outgoing President Bush. Commentators were split between those
appreciative of Bush's support of Kosova's independence and
Albania's NATO membership, and those who also spoke of the more
controversial policies of the Bush administration. All were happy
to witness a new face and vitality at the helm of America's
government. Under an article headlined "Obama Hope in Tirana", a
local reporter commented on a photo competition "the Day of Change
1/20" organized by a Japanese magazine and the participation of a
Tirana local photographer. "I will take pictures of the Tirana Zoo",
the photographer said. "No one needs greater change in Tirana than
these poor animals living in this decrepit Zoo." A strange pick
perhaps, but an innovative take nevertheless on the inclusive
political agenda introduced.
2. (U) President Obama's election has generated a frenzy of
political reactions in Tirana's political scene as well. With an
opposition headed by Edi Rama closely associated with President
Obama's philosophy of change, the government has found it difficult
to align itself with the new administration. Both Berisha's recent
controversial actions taken in open opposition to the U.S. position
and also his close association with the outgoing administration have
made it hard for him to succeed in this attempt. The flop of the
effort has not come for lack of trying, however. Speaker Topalli
rushed to Washington in an unannounced trip to attend the
inauguration ceremony, and PM Berisha held a press conference
congratulating the new President. The ruling party has since
November slowly rearranged its position and embraced a number of
Obama campaign elements. "A friend is leaving the White House today
and a new one is coming. We express our determination for
comprehensive and excellent cooperation with the new administration
in defense of the common values which we share," Berisha said on
Tuesday. Nice words, if only they were sincere and matched with
action.
Gender Equality - Still Good
--------------
3. (U) The fact that in Albania's parliamentary republic, the
Speaker of Parliament, Ms. Jozefina Topalli, is a woman, is
definitely and without any doubt a good thing - in terms of gender
equality, at least. In terms of efficiency and performance,
however, most believe that Topalli has brought excessive
aggressiveness to the position. Memorable is her appeal to
parliament security guards to "grab him (an opposition MP) by his
rags and throw him out," after her party boss, PM Berisha, had just
threatened to kill the same opposition MP, shouting "I will kill
you!" during an open session of parliament and live on TV.
4. (U) Gender equality in Albania saw another big boost in December
007,we he President selected Ms. n ama, ayugjdeworking in a southern district,t ete country's new Prosecutor
General. h young PG camearss initially as uncomfortable with
th eia attention she attracted, but begant how persistence at
taking on high profile investigations invlving senior GOA officials
and their alleged corruption. With time, she has shown greater
confidence at public events. Again, in terms of gender equality,
her selection is absolutely and without any doubt a good thing. Ms.
Rama appears in the January edition of a magazine called "Jeta"
(Life),a reputable publication. The 9-page story (including the
cover) features 7 photos of Ms. Rama. The photos, unfortunately
typical of Albanian media, show Ms. Rama in jeans in one photo, in
a miniskirt in another, in a serious business suit showing her
thighs in another, and in corduroy a-bit-too-tight pants in another,
or in red-and-black shiny shoes in the last one. While the photos
themselves are not particularly offensive, they come across to many
as diminishing the serious role and responsibilities she carries as
Prosecutor General.
Gender equality is unquestionably good, but there is still a long
way to go.
The end of the Albanian transition? Not really!
-------------- --
TIRANA 00000050 002 OF 002
5. (U) The completion of the current agreement with the IMF marks an
important moment in the economic development of Albania. It should
be a sign of maturity for Albania, including state political and
economic institutions. It also allows the country to enter into a
new phase of relations with the IMF, as Albania theoretically joins
the pool of developed economies. However, not everybody is singing
hymns to this event. The opposition and economic experts consider
the IMF departure to be premature, and believe that the country is
not ready yet to act independently. It might even reverse some of
the achievements that Albania has accomplished over the last years.
6. (U) Leaving aside the bickering over the economic growth rate
between the GOA, opposition and IMF - bickering which is politically
motivated and should be seen as part of the upcoming parliamentary
electoral campaign - the departure of the IMF could have serious
consequences for Albania. The big issue remains whether Albanian
institutions have matured enough and Albania politicians have become
responsible enough to walk alone without tight supervision. The
general perception is we are not there yet. Albania is entering an
electoral year, while the global financial crisis shows no signs of
abating. How well the Albanian economy will weather the crisis is a
real test for the Berisha government. But a real economy needs real
actions, and not just wishful thinking and hope for the best.
Quote of the Week:
"From beyond the ocean yesterday, a new day has dawned for America -
one that will lighten the way for the free world and our little
Albania as well, at a time when like never before people need a new
politics." - Edi Rama, Chairman of the Opposition Socialist Party,
addressing the country on the wake of President Obama's
inauguration.
WITHERS
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
STATE FOR EUR/SCE
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KDEM PHUM PGOV PREL KJUS AL
SUBJECT: Embassy Tirana Weekly Report
Obama Mania Hits Tirana
--------------
1. (U) An unusually high number of eyes were fixated on TV screens
on Tuesday across Albania, expressing both emotion and anticipation
as citizens from all walks of life tuned in to watch the
inauguration of President Obama. Local stations all aired the
ceremony live, and local bars and clubs were all showing it on their
TV screens. While the general mood was a sense of excitement for
the new administration, there was also a lot of focus on the
outgoing President Bush. Commentators were split between those
appreciative of Bush's support of Kosova's independence and
Albania's NATO membership, and those who also spoke of the more
controversial policies of the Bush administration. All were happy
to witness a new face and vitality at the helm of America's
government. Under an article headlined "Obama Hope in Tirana", a
local reporter commented on a photo competition "the Day of Change
1/20" organized by a Japanese magazine and the participation of a
Tirana local photographer. "I will take pictures of the Tirana Zoo",
the photographer said. "No one needs greater change in Tirana than
these poor animals living in this decrepit Zoo." A strange pick
perhaps, but an innovative take nevertheless on the inclusive
political agenda introduced.
2. (U) President Obama's election has generated a frenzy of
political reactions in Tirana's political scene as well. With an
opposition headed by Edi Rama closely associated with President
Obama's philosophy of change, the government has found it difficult
to align itself with the new administration. Both Berisha's recent
controversial actions taken in open opposition to the U.S. position
and also his close association with the outgoing administration have
made it hard for him to succeed in this attempt. The flop of the
effort has not come for lack of trying, however. Speaker Topalli
rushed to Washington in an unannounced trip to attend the
inauguration ceremony, and PM Berisha held a press conference
congratulating the new President. The ruling party has since
November slowly rearranged its position and embraced a number of
Obama campaign elements. "A friend is leaving the White House today
and a new one is coming. We express our determination for
comprehensive and excellent cooperation with the new administration
in defense of the common values which we share," Berisha said on
Tuesday. Nice words, if only they were sincere and matched with
action.
Gender Equality - Still Good
--------------
3. (U) The fact that in Albania's parliamentary republic, the
Speaker of Parliament, Ms. Jozefina Topalli, is a woman, is
definitely and without any doubt a good thing - in terms of gender
equality, at least. In terms of efficiency and performance,
however, most believe that Topalli has brought excessive
aggressiveness to the position. Memorable is her appeal to
parliament security guards to "grab him (an opposition MP) by his
rags and throw him out," after her party boss, PM Berisha, had just
threatened to kill the same opposition MP, shouting "I will kill
you!" during an open session of parliament and live on TV.
4. (U) Gender equality in Albania saw another big boost in December
007,we he President selected Ms. n ama, ayugjdeworking in a southern district,t ete country's new Prosecutor
General. h young PG camearss initially as uncomfortable with
th eia attention she attracted, but begant how persistence at
taking on high profile investigations invlving senior GOA officials
and their alleged corruption. With time, she has shown greater
confidence at public events. Again, in terms of gender equality,
her selection is absolutely and without any doubt a good thing. Ms.
Rama appears in the January edition of a magazine called "Jeta"
(Life),a reputable publication. The 9-page story (including the
cover) features 7 photos of Ms. Rama. The photos, unfortunately
typical of Albanian media, show Ms. Rama in jeans in one photo, in
a miniskirt in another, in a serious business suit showing her
thighs in another, and in corduroy a-bit-too-tight pants in another,
or in red-and-black shiny shoes in the last one. While the photos
themselves are not particularly offensive, they come across to many
as diminishing the serious role and responsibilities she carries as
Prosecutor General.
Gender equality is unquestionably good, but there is still a long
way to go.
The end of the Albanian transition? Not really!
-------------- --
TIRANA 00000050 002 OF 002
5. (U) The completion of the current agreement with the IMF marks an
important moment in the economic development of Albania. It should
be a sign of maturity for Albania, including state political and
economic institutions. It also allows the country to enter into a
new phase of relations with the IMF, as Albania theoretically joins
the pool of developed economies. However, not everybody is singing
hymns to this event. The opposition and economic experts consider
the IMF departure to be premature, and believe that the country is
not ready yet to act independently. It might even reverse some of
the achievements that Albania has accomplished over the last years.
6. (U) Leaving aside the bickering over the economic growth rate
between the GOA, opposition and IMF - bickering which is politically
motivated and should be seen as part of the upcoming parliamentary
electoral campaign - the departure of the IMF could have serious
consequences for Albania. The big issue remains whether Albanian
institutions have matured enough and Albania politicians have become
responsible enough to walk alone without tight supervision. The
general perception is we are not there yet. Albania is entering an
electoral year, while the global financial crisis shows no signs of
abating. How well the Albanian economy will weather the crisis is a
real test for the Berisha government. But a real economy needs real
actions, and not just wishful thinking and hope for the best.
Quote of the Week:
"From beyond the ocean yesterday, a new day has dawned for America -
one that will lighten the way for the free world and our little
Albania as well, at a time when like never before people need a new
politics." - Edi Rama, Chairman of the Opposition Socialist Party,
addressing the country on the wake of President Obama's
inauguration.
WITHERS