Kosovo, Albania "connect divided nation"

--" Tači continued to dub the road to be one of "hope and integration"."

Long time no see brothers. This is how it's done, not cheap talk. Now that Kosova has an outlet expect a tit for tat in the serbian embargo and many more Kosovars and Serbs to the beautiful Albanian shores.

USA - United States of Albania

Please €U, continue to pour your money into this colonial black hole of yours, one step closer to greater albania is one step closer to your disintegration as such...
(oud, 31 May 2009 16:19)

oud,

You all thought that Albanians will sit back and wait for things to happen. Sorry to say this, but no more sitting back for Albanians, they are working towards the future and moving on.
Why don't you guys make a tunnel to Russia?? You see Russia is far away. Albania and Kosovo are next to you. So if I was you I would seek to better my knowledge of Albanian language, because you will need it.

Instead of provincial envy people should judge this projects for what it is.

For Albanians means finally an integrated and dynamic national market.

For the region means an access to open sea with zero costs. Serbian, Hungarian even Romanian products now will have a quick access to the Mediterranean and moreover without bearing even a cent of financial cost.

Albanian Riviera will be close for Serbs, Hungarians, Romanians, Slovaks etc this means that in 5-6 hours you can reach the coast from Belgrade.

Vice-versa Albanian products can reach Serbian and Hungarian consumers- so ppl posting in this site will finally learn what olive-oil is ;)

And finally it is a moment of great pride for Albanians. Not many nations’ even rich one have highway that crosses the Alps. In valleys many - we too- but Alps no...

For majority of Albanians including myself this is most important event to happen in the last 100 years. I consider this more important than November, 28 1912, February, 17, 2008 and Albania's full membership in NATO.

Finally Albania is uniting her sons and daughters and I'll be driving on that very highway at the end of July 2009.
Thank you Mr.Berisha and Albania for doing such a magnificent work.

USA - United States of Albania
(alban, 31 May 2009 16:21)

Well said Alban, there is no more stopping to the prosperity of Albanians where ever they are. A sure inspiration to the whole of region.

And some here thought this was a joke! Serbia will benefit from this too, and that's a very good thing. Communications channels, either being roads or travelers like Marko Polo have always contributed in cultural growth of any region, if not for economic progress. To radicals, not neccessary everything good for Albanians is bad for Serbs, it's actually quite the contrary Very impressed with the pictures. Thanks village-bey.

Marvellous news for everyone, even more so for the drivers who used to drive up the old road. With north-south highway nearly complete and with east-west axis connecting Gjakova with the port of Shengjin next on the list, things are looking up.
Congratulations for this impressive piece of engineering.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/olsib/

I am so proud to be ALBANIAN

Please €U, continue to pour your money into this colonial black hole of yours, one step closer to greater albania is one step closer to your disintegration as such...

"for those going from Priština to Tirana via Durres".

Just a rectification B92, one can travel directly to Tirane from Prishtine, not via Durres. Just take a look at the map.

The new road starts from Milot, on the Mat river, till the border to Kosova (Morin/Vermice). For the rest (Fushe-Kruje - outskirts of Tirane, to Milot) two new belts are being added to the existing road.

I expect many Serbs of Serbia also to be happy with this event. I'm sure Serbian businessmen, especially from Southern Serbia are very happy right now. Without putting a single cent on a road with costs heading towards 1 billion Euro (exclusively Albanian taxpayers'money) they have gained access to the Albanian market (free circulation of goods and services is a prerequisite for the countries in the region) and the Adriatic Sea (may I remind that this was one of the main goals of Serbia in the two Balkan wars and in the WWI).

Anyway I expect more and more Serbians to be more familiar with Albanian geography soon.

For Albanian producers this will bring about the challenge to make their goods and production more convenient than the Serbian ones, if they don't want to get wiped out of their national market.

A last note: too bad this national event became overwhelmingly an electoral issue in Albania.

(di, 31 May 2009 18:56)

I didn't say that this project will get the 100% of trade volumes.

But from 10 trucks certainly can pretend that at least 5 go via Albania whose coast is closer to Hungary, Serbia and Romania than Greece- just watch the map. Moreover since the highway doesn't stop to Durres but goes down to Saranda via Vlore which with Albanian– Swiss- British investment will have one of the largest container ports in the Mediterranean employing tens of thousands of employees- a deal of 1.5b€ signed and works have already began.

Albania has a very important geo-strategic position. The fact that for 5 decades Albania was building the ‘real socialism’ instead of economy is another thing- but it is history now. You shouldn’t be mad on this. Albanians are only taking what belongs to them- the right economic and political weight on Balkans and Europe. If with that is leaving someone behind, is not the fault of today’s’ Albania but the stupidity of the yesterdays’ communist Albania.

go ALBANIA and KOSOVA .. Forward EVER , Backward NEVER.///

Congratulations!

I would just like to answer comment of OUD.
Are you to keep thinking that is more naturaly, to have 2-milion Albanians from Kosovo, united with Serbia, and to keep them away from their motherland and brother nation.
Please let's start being more realistic and obvious.

"Albanians' masterpiece" Just like all the Iraqi and Afghan masterpieces being built by the American Bechtel. They squandered billions there too.

When is/was the highway due to be complete?

A last note: too bad this national event became overwhelmingly an electoral issue in Albania.
(genc, 31 May 2009 20:52)

Well said Genc!

But with Berisha you cannot expect anything else. He is of philosophy of total war, ‘if you are not with me you are against me’.

this project started with 'Majko's tax' but yet Pandeli Majko- and no one from the cultural Albanian elite or civil society- was invited in the ceremony. The provincial Berisha never misses the chance to show how provincial he is- thought a very good administrator during these past 4 years.

Is express line for donkeys going to be toll free. Or they going American way, with I-pass.

"Why don't you guys make a tunnel to Russia??"
Patriota

Why don't you make a tunnel to Washington?
I think Republica Srpska is a little bit closer than Russia. Oops! I guess there already is a tunnel to Republica Srpska from Serbia. Tit for tat. Independent Kosovo, independent Republica Srpska!

Some guy said: "Tit for tat. Independent Kosovo, independent Republica Srpska!"

As an Albanian, I have no problem with that. Why don't you go ahead and do it?

"Alproud, Kosovo accounts for 80% of drug traffic in Europe. What kind of "roads of communication" do you offer? Be realistic, mate..."

I haven't heard of any state or institution where corruption and illegality doesn't exist, including here spiritual institutions.

You have to remember that no country was ever built without struggle, difficulties and over one night. Kosovo is no exception.

At once Germany accounted for millions of people around Europe being killed, but its not anymore. Napoleonic France accounted for millions of Europeans killed, but it didn't last forever.

Russia itself accounted for the greatest threat to Europe at some point, but its not anymore.

These are nontheless realistic views and do no more than prove that a people and more significantly a country can prosper and change its pace.

This is another reason why Europe is trying to build Kosovo. Trust me, no country invests pure money on charity bases, but to protect their interests through so called investments.

Its also important to remember that most of this drug comes from some current EU countries especially Bulgaria and Romania who are a transit of drug and human trafficking from former Soviet Republics and Asia.

I have never heard that Kosovo accounted for 80% because Spain, Italy, France and Greece hold a large percentage themselves, but even though on that assumption Kosovo is not exception in human history and historical record tells us that its nothing to fear us from a prosperous future.

What a colossal waster of money for one of the poorest countries in Europe, but a great way to funnel heroin, sex slaves and weapons.

"The main problem was North Albanian mountains, decent roads in Kosova have been built in the past 3-5 years and they are good enough for now"

Alban, thank you for the information. It's good that Albanians build roads for Serbian South.

So,if you are so proud about all the good things that happen in this region,why do you still live abroad?Why don't you come to your wonderful Kosovo and enjoy all the privileges of living here?And just one thing:Greece is way more closer to Romania and Hungary than Albania!And way much better developed.So,just forget it!

"Today, one of the Albanians' most beautiful dreams has become reality. This is a tunnel of the unification of the nation. Today we decided that there are no obstacles, that there is nothing that can divide us, not only spiritually, but also physically," Thaci was quoted as saying.

This is not said by Thachi, but by PM Berisha.

This is a very important project not for Albanians in Albania and Kosovo but for the whole region. Those who understand the pace that the world market is taking in its aim to get as much interdependent this is just a piece of it. For Albanians it has tremendous significance not just economically, but politically, strategically, socially and culturally.

Albanians benefits alone are the most important. It not only grows its strategic potential, but also implements its growing regional power and capacity.

I am very disappointed to see that many people see this with a prospective of times that have brought tremendous negative results to our region. Now its time to build bridges and roads of communication, cooperation and understanding rather than hatred, division, and negative national pride if we want to have a better future for all and forever.

"When is the missing link, aka Kosovo, going to be finished?

I mean, isn't it only the Albanian side that is complete?"

The highway to Merdare starts this year, money for paying land owners has been set aside.

The main problem was North Albanian mountains, decent roads in Kosova have been built in the past 3-5 years and they are good enough for now

'Just like all the Iraqi and Afghan masterpieces being built by the American Bechtel. '

Things go better when the local subcontractors aren't trying to blow you and the project up.

"So if I was you I would seek to better my knowledge of Albanian language, because you will need it."
(Patriota, 31 May 2009 16:50)

What exactly do you mean by that?

Thanks Albania for building Serbia with your money....

When is the missing link, aka Kosovo, going to be finished?

I mean, isn't it only the Albanian side that is complete?

"Now its time to build bridges and roads of communication"

Alproud, Kosovo accounts for 80% of drug traffic in Europe. What kind of "roads of communication" do you offer? Be realistic, mate...

Albania has a very important geo-strategic position. The fact that for 5 decades Albania was building the ‘real socialism’ instead of economy is another thing- but it is history now. You shouldn’t be mad on this. Albanians are only taking what belongs to them- the right economic and political weight on Balkans and Europe. If with that is leaving someone behind, is not the fault of today’s’ Albania but the stupidity of the yesterdays’ communist Albania.
(ben, 31 May 2009 21:27)


That's so true ben!, 5 decades is very long time to stay isolated and I'm glad that we Albos in general have learned from it. Same mistakes must not be repeated twice.

"Some guy said: "Tit for tat. Independent Kosovo, independent Republica Srpska!"

As an Albanian, I have no problem with that. Why don't you go ahead and do it?"

There is no analogy between these two cases. BiH is the most complex state in the world. It consists of REPUBLIC Srpska and Federation of BiH, while Kosovo legally is a Serbian province. Besides, as far as I know, not all Serbs want to separate and their position is understandable, because RS doesn't cover all Serbian territories.

And just to add - it was RS, who blocked Kosovo's recognition by BiH. Serbs are united, and you won't benefit from it..

For them who didn't know.Republic of Albania gave Kosovo "Shengjin PORT"
So,we have connection with sea now.I think countryes of region will use this as an option to make cheaper trade.
This will be a benefit for all of us.Don't make political this,let see economik way...

"Albanians' master piece", that will serve the well-being of the "entire region". Yeah right, you mean more efficient drug smuggling and human trafficing?! Great success, high five!

IMO: politics aside: the road looks pretty good, no need for "eTrolling" from our side of the fence - let's see, how it does drive on the practice.



Congratulations for this impressive piece of engineering.

(village-bey, 31 May 2009 17:23)

Village-bey, I was following that few weeks ago, but I did not know, it will be finished all the way to Kosovo that soon. Hopefully the road is of good quality indeed, like on the pictures and hope we don't need to pay some ridiculous tolls.

----------

I'll be driving on that very highway at the end of July 2009. 
Thank you Mr.Berisha and Albania for doing such a magnificent work.
(Nelli_Canada, 31 May 2009 17:30)

I am not sure from other postings, it's really thanks to Sali Berisha (I am very suspicious to that man) - but in any case, see you there. Just curious, will you drive your own car with Canadian plate? I am asking because I drive with US plate, so far no prob but it takes some legal "fine-tuning" (insurance) to drive in EU and Western Balkans without border guards freaking out at US license plate. The worst ones were the Germans at the port. The Dutch ports are much easier to deal with - ship to Rotterdam instead of Bremenhaven.

----------

Albanian Riviera will be close for Serbs, Hungarians, Romanians, Slovaks etc this means that in 5-6 hours you can reach the coast from Belgrade.
(ben, 31 May 2009 17:30)

Unfortunately not - it takes about 6 hours to reach PS from BG or even more. I usually go via scenic Ibar valley, not via Nis. Also saves 50 Euro on Kosovo "borderline" insurance. Just hope, these insurance agents won't mooch foreign cars at Albanian border.

I don't mind to drive longer, the scenery is really amazing - but the best would be some car-transporter passenger trains directly, at least to Pristina.

----------

Vice-versa Albanian products can reach Serbian and Hungarian consumers- so ppl posting in this site will finally learn what olive-oil is ;)
(ben, 31 May 2009 17:30)

Yes, my car is usually smelling very interestingly at the Schengen border. Oficially it is not allowed to bring in food from non-EU countries. But luckily the customs officials confiscate excessive alcohol and tobacco, not cheese, olive oil or milk. I would have big trouble to explain, that big case full of "Vinjak" is for children. Now I could try my luck with 'Skanderbeu' - but given our consumption levels (1 bottle hard liquor in 6 month) I will rather try cheese and olive oil.

Berisha hoped "that road will serve the well-being of the "entire region".
Infrastructural developments are always welcomed and a great service to the population that is being served by it.
Good job!

That's a great historical moment for all Albania and Albanians around the globe.Finally we are united after long sacrifices in our rode of freedom and civilization

a symbolic gesture for the formal introduction of the Greater Albania...

As of today, Kosovo is recognized by the (60 UN / 22 EU) countries that matter.

The Tunnel = Kosovo has a port!

You can sit here and type your lives away but the way I see it is Kosovo & Albania are going to boom and Serbia should forget about Kosovo, get over it and concentrate on its EU membership!

Some guy said: "Tit for tat. Independent Kosovo, independent Republica Srpska!"

As an Albanian I also have no problem with that!

But what About the Macedonians? Do they need to go through this!? Especially with the Greeks fed up with their name and the Albanians there having had enouugh of waiting for the stupid name issue to come to a conclusion.

We are very clear that the Macedonias of the past had nothing to do with the Macedonians of today be in in Greece or in Slav Macedonia!

The Serbian president should be there. As Kosovo is a Serbian province.

There is not such a thing as a Kosovo president.

We in the West really get sick of these Balkan games.

No new states, no new borders!

Thanks for your infrastructure investments in Serbia!

this road is a good chance for serbs and others to visit albanian alps and see side.
its not a road that shows nationalisem but chance for conntact between people.
its not "anti-serbian" project.

"A last note: too bad this national event became overwhelmingly an electoral issue in Albania."
by: genc, 31 May 2009 20:52

Hmmmmm......! However i do not see the need for you to bring politics in this blog too, by expressing your dislike of Albania's current PM. A PM that was elected democratically, maybe someone you don't agree but who is well-liked by the majority of Albanians. I recognize he isn't perfect, neither is the Socialist leadership. So lets leave politics to the appropriate forums and arenas because; by attacking the PM here you yourself become guilty of propagation of misplaced politics.

For us Albanians this issue is one that belongs in the national interest and security landscape. This is not the place to argue political tendencies.

Me rrespekt!

Please €U, continue to pour your money into this colonial black hole of yours, one step closer to greater albania is one step closer to your disintegration as such...

What a colossal waster of money for one of the poorest countries in Europe, but a great way to funnel heroin, sex slaves and weapons.

Is express line for donkeys going to be toll free. Or they going American way, with I-pass.

So,if you are so proud about all the good things that happen in this region,why do you still live abroad?Why don't you come to your wonderful Kosovo and enjoy all the privileges of living here?And just one thing:Greece is way more closer to Romania and Hungary than Albania!And way much better developed.So,just forget it!

"Albanians' masterpiece" Just like all the Iraqi and Afghan masterpieces being built by the American Bechtel. They squandered billions there too.

When is/was the highway due to be complete?

"Why don't you guys make a tunnel to Russia??"
Patriota

Why don't you make a tunnel to Washington?
I think Republica Srpska is a little bit closer than Russia. Oops! I guess there already is a tunnel to Republica Srpska from Serbia. Tit for tat. Independent Kosovo, independent Republica Srpska!

--" Tači continued to dub the road to be one of "hope and integration"."

Long time no see brothers. This is how it's done, not cheap talk. Now that Kosova has an outlet expect a tit for tat in the serbian embargo and many more Kosovars and Serbs to the beautiful Albanian shores.

USA - United States of Albania

Please €U, continue to pour your money into this colonial black hole of yours, one step closer to greater albania is one step closer to your disintegration as such...
(oud, 31 May 2009 16:19)

oud,

You all thought that Albanians will sit back and wait for things to happen. Sorry to say this, but no more sitting back for Albanians, they are working towards the future and moving on.
Why don't you guys make a tunnel to Russia?? You see Russia is far away. Albania and Kosovo are next to you. So if I was you I would seek to better my knowledge of Albanian language, because you will need it.

USA - United States of Albania
(alban, 31 May 2009 16:21)

Well said Alban, there is no more stopping to the prosperity of Albanians where ever they are. A sure inspiration to the whole of region.

For majority of Albanians including myself this is most important event to happen in the last 100 years. I consider this more important than November, 28 1912, February, 17, 2008 and Albania's full membership in NATO.

Finally Albania is uniting her sons and daughters and I'll be driving on that very highway at the end of July 2009.
Thank you Mr.Berisha and Albania for doing such a magnificent work.

"Now its time to build bridges and roads of communication"

Alproud, Kosovo accounts for 80% of drug traffic in Europe. What kind of "roads of communication" do you offer? Be realistic, mate...

Thanks Albania for building Serbia with your money....

Instead of provincial envy people should judge this projects for what it is.

For Albanians means finally an integrated and dynamic national market.

For the region means an access to open sea with zero costs. Serbian, Hungarian even Romanian products now will have a quick access to the Mediterranean and moreover without bearing even a cent of financial cost.

Albanian Riviera will be close for Serbs, Hungarians, Romanians, Slovaks etc this means that in 5-6 hours you can reach the coast from Belgrade.

Vice-versa Albanian products can reach Serbian and Hungarian consumers- so ppl posting in this site will finally learn what olive-oil is ;)

And finally it is a moment of great pride for Albanians. Not many nations’ even rich one have highway that crosses the Alps. In valleys many - we too- but Alps no...

"Albanians' master piece", that will serve the well-being of the "entire region". Yeah right, you mean more efficient drug smuggling and human trafficing?! Great success, high five!

Marvellous news for everyone, even more so for the drivers who used to drive up the old road. With north-south highway nearly complete and with east-west axis connecting Gjakova with the port of Shengjin next on the list, things are looking up.
Congratulations for this impressive piece of engineering.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/olsib/

"So if I was you I would seek to better my knowledge of Albanian language, because you will need it."
(Patriota, 31 May 2009 16:50)

What exactly do you mean by that?

I am so proud to be ALBANIAN

"The main problem was North Albanian mountains, decent roads in Kosova have been built in the past 3-5 years and they are good enough for now"

Alban, thank you for the information. It's good that Albanians build roads for Serbian South.

go ALBANIA and KOSOVA .. Forward EVER , Backward NEVER.///

"Some guy said: "Tit for tat. Independent Kosovo, independent Republica Srpska!"

As an Albanian, I have no problem with that. Why don't you go ahead and do it?"

There is no analogy between these two cases. BiH is the most complex state in the world. It consists of REPUBLIC Srpska and Federation of BiH, while Kosovo legally is a Serbian province. Besides, as far as I know, not all Serbs want to separate and their position is understandable, because RS doesn't cover all Serbian territories.

And just to add - it was RS, who blocked Kosovo's recognition by BiH. Serbs are united, and you won't benefit from it..

And some here thought this was a joke! Serbia will benefit from this too, and that's a very good thing. Communications channels, either being roads or travelers like Marko Polo have always contributed in cultural growth of any region, if not for economic progress. To radicals, not neccessary everything good for Albanians is bad for Serbs, it's actually quite the contrary Very impressed with the pictures. Thanks village-bey.

Congratulations!

"for those going from Priština to Tirana via Durres".

Just a rectification B92, one can travel directly to Tirane from Prishtine, not via Durres. Just take a look at the map.

The new road starts from Milot, on the Mat river, till the border to Kosova (Morin/Vermice). For the rest (Fushe-Kruje - outskirts of Tirane, to Milot) two new belts are being added to the existing road.

I expect many Serbs of Serbia also to be happy with this event. I'm sure Serbian businessmen, especially from Southern Serbia are very happy right now. Without putting a single cent on a road with costs heading towards 1 billion Euro (exclusively Albanian taxpayers'money) they have gained access to the Albanian market (free circulation of goods and services is a prerequisite for the countries in the region) and the Adriatic Sea (may I remind that this was one of the main goals of Serbia in the two Balkan wars and in the WWI).

Anyway I expect more and more Serbians to be more familiar with Albanian geography soon.

For Albanian producers this will bring about the challenge to make their goods and production more convenient than the Serbian ones, if they don't want to get wiped out of their national market.

A last note: too bad this national event became overwhelmingly an electoral issue in Albania.

"When is the missing link, aka Kosovo, going to be finished?

I mean, isn't it only the Albanian side that is complete?"

The highway to Merdare starts this year, money for paying land owners has been set aside.

The main problem was North Albanian mountains, decent roads in Kosova have been built in the past 3-5 years and they are good enough for now

A last note: too bad this national event became overwhelmingly an electoral issue in Albania.
(genc, 31 May 2009 20:52)

Well said Genc!

But with Berisha you cannot expect anything else. He is of philosophy of total war, ‘if you are not with me you are against me’.

this project started with 'Majko's tax' but yet Pandeli Majko- and no one from the cultural Albanian elite or civil society- was invited in the ceremony. The provincial Berisha never misses the chance to show how provincial he is- thought a very good administrator during these past 4 years.

The Serbian president should be there. As Kosovo is a Serbian province.

There is not such a thing as a Kosovo president.

We in the West really get sick of these Balkan games.

No new states, no new borders!

(di, 31 May 2009 18:56)

I didn't say that this project will get the 100% of trade volumes.

But from 10 trucks certainly can pretend that at least 5 go via Albania whose coast is closer to Hungary, Serbia and Romania than Greece- just watch the map. Moreover since the highway doesn't stop to Durres but goes down to Saranda via Vlore which with Albanian– Swiss- British investment will have one of the largest container ports in the Mediterranean employing tens of thousands of employees- a deal of 1.5b€ signed and works have already began.

Albania has a very important geo-strategic position. The fact that for 5 decades Albania was building the ‘real socialism’ instead of economy is another thing- but it is history now. You shouldn’t be mad on this. Albanians are only taking what belongs to them- the right economic and political weight on Balkans and Europe. If with that is leaving someone behind, is not the fault of today’s’ Albania but the stupidity of the yesterdays’ communist Albania.

Thanks for your infrastructure investments in Serbia!

'Just like all the Iraqi and Afghan masterpieces being built by the American Bechtel. '

Things go better when the local subcontractors aren't trying to blow you and the project up.

I would just like to answer comment of OUD.
Are you to keep thinking that is more naturaly, to have 2-milion Albanians from Kosovo, united with Serbia, and to keep them away from their motherland and brother nation.
Please let's start being more realistic and obvious.

Some guy said: "Tit for tat. Independent Kosovo, independent Republica Srpska!"

As an Albanian, I have no problem with that. Why don't you go ahead and do it?

"Today, one of the Albanians' most beautiful dreams has become reality. This is a tunnel of the unification of the nation. Today we decided that there are no obstacles, that there is nothing that can divide us, not only spiritually, but also physically," Thaci was quoted as saying.

This is not said by Thachi, but by PM Berisha.

This is a very important project not for Albanians in Albania and Kosovo but for the whole region. Those who understand the pace that the world market is taking in its aim to get as much interdependent this is just a piece of it. For Albanians it has tremendous significance not just economically, but politically, strategically, socially and culturally.

Albanians benefits alone are the most important. It not only grows its strategic potential, but also implements its growing regional power and capacity.

I am very disappointed to see that many people see this with a prospective of times that have brought tremendous negative results to our region. Now its time to build bridges and roads of communication, cooperation and understanding rather than hatred, division, and negative national pride if we want to have a better future for all and forever.

"Alproud, Kosovo accounts for 80% of drug traffic in Europe. What kind of "roads of communication" do you offer? Be realistic, mate..."

I haven't heard of any state or institution where corruption and illegality doesn't exist, including here spiritual institutions.

You have to remember that no country was ever built without struggle, difficulties and over one night. Kosovo is no exception.

At once Germany accounted for millions of people around Europe being killed, but its not anymore. Napoleonic France accounted for millions of Europeans killed, but it didn't last forever.

Russia itself accounted for the greatest threat to Europe at some point, but its not anymore.

These are nontheless realistic views and do no more than prove that a people and more significantly a country can prosper and change its pace.

This is another reason why Europe is trying to build Kosovo. Trust me, no country invests pure money on charity bases, but to protect their interests through so called investments.

Its also important to remember that most of this drug comes from some current EU countries especially Bulgaria and Romania who are a transit of drug and human trafficking from former Soviet Republics and Asia.

I have never heard that Kosovo accounted for 80% because Spain, Italy, France and Greece hold a large percentage themselves, but even though on that assumption Kosovo is not exception in human history and historical record tells us that its nothing to fear us from a prosperous future.

When is the missing link, aka Kosovo, going to be finished?

I mean, isn't it only the Albanian side that is complete?

Albania has a very important geo-strategic position. The fact that for 5 decades Albania was building the ‘real socialism’ instead of economy is another thing- but it is history now. You shouldn’t be mad on this. Albanians are only taking what belongs to them- the right economic and political weight on Balkans and Europe. If with that is leaving someone behind, is not the fault of today’s’ Albania but the stupidity of the yesterdays’ communist Albania.
(ben, 31 May 2009 21:27)


That's so true ben!, 5 decades is very long time to stay isolated and I'm glad that we Albos in general have learned from it. Same mistakes must not be repeated twice.

IMO: politics aside: the road looks pretty good, no need for "eTrolling" from our side of the fence - let's see, how it does drive on the practice.



Congratulations for this impressive piece of engineering.

(village-bey, 31 May 2009 17:23)

Village-bey, I was following that few weeks ago, but I did not know, it will be finished all the way to Kosovo that soon. Hopefully the road is of good quality indeed, like on the pictures and hope we don't need to pay some ridiculous tolls.

----------

I'll be driving on that very highway at the end of July 2009. 
Thank you Mr.Berisha and Albania for doing such a magnificent work.
(Nelli_Canada, 31 May 2009 17:30)

I am not sure from other postings, it's really thanks to Sali Berisha (I am very suspicious to that man) - but in any case, see you there. Just curious, will you drive your own car with Canadian plate? I am asking because I drive with US plate, so far no prob but it takes some legal "fine-tuning" (insurance) to drive in EU and Western Balkans without border guards freaking out at US license plate. The worst ones were the Germans at the port. The Dutch ports are much easier to deal with - ship to Rotterdam instead of Bremenhaven.

----------

Albanian Riviera will be close for Serbs, Hungarians, Romanians, Slovaks etc this means that in 5-6 hours you can reach the coast from Belgrade.
(ben, 31 May 2009 17:30)

Unfortunately not - it takes about 6 hours to reach PS from BG or even more. I usually go via scenic Ibar valley, not via Nis. Also saves 50 Euro on Kosovo "borderline" insurance. Just hope, these insurance agents won't mooch foreign cars at Albanian border.

I don't mind to drive longer, the scenery is really amazing - but the best would be some car-transporter passenger trains directly, at least to Pristina.

----------

Vice-versa Albanian products can reach Serbian and Hungarian consumers- so ppl posting in this site will finally learn what olive-oil is ;)
(ben, 31 May 2009 17:30)

Yes, my car is usually smelling very interestingly at the Schengen border. Oficially it is not allowed to bring in food from non-EU countries. But luckily the customs officials confiscate excessive alcohol and tobacco, not cheese, olive oil or milk. I would have big trouble to explain, that big case full of "Vinjak" is for children. Now I could try my luck with 'Skanderbeu' - but given our consumption levels (1 bottle hard liquor in 6 month) I will rather try cheese and olive oil.

For them who didn't know.Republic of Albania gave Kosovo "Shengjin PORT"
So,we have connection with sea now.I think countryes of region will use this as an option to make cheaper trade.
This will be a benefit for all of us.Don't make political this,let see economik way...

That's a great historical moment for all Albania and Albanians around the globe.Finally we are united after long sacrifices in our rode of freedom and civilization

As of today, Kosovo is recognized by the (60 UN / 22 EU) countries that matter.

The Tunnel = Kosovo has a port!

You can sit here and type your lives away but the way I see it is Kosovo & Albania are going to boom and Serbia should forget about Kosovo, get over it and concentrate on its EU membership!

Some guy said: "Tit for tat. Independent Kosovo, independent Republica Srpska!"

As an Albanian I also have no problem with that!

But what About the Macedonians? Do they need to go through this!? Especially with the Greeks fed up with their name and the Albanians there having had enouugh of waiting for the stupid name issue to come to a conclusion.

We are very clear that the Macedonias of the past had nothing to do with the Macedonians of today be in in Greece or in Slav Macedonia!

a symbolic gesture for the formal introduction of the Greater Albania...

Berisha hoped "that road will serve the well-being of the "entire region".
Infrastructural developments are always welcomed and a great service to the population that is being served by it.
Good job!

this road is a good chance for serbs and others to visit albanian alps and see side.
its not a road that shows nationalisem but chance for conntact between people.
its not "anti-serbian" project.

"A last note: too bad this national event became overwhelmingly an electoral issue in Albania."
by: genc, 31 May 2009 20:52

Hmmmmm......! However i do not see the need for you to bring politics in this blog too, by expressing your dislike of Albania's current PM. A PM that was elected democratically, maybe someone you don't agree but who is well-liked by the majority of Albanians. I recognize he isn't perfect, neither is the Socialist leadership. So lets leave politics to the appropriate forums and arenas because; by attacking the PM here you yourself become guilty of propagation of misplaced politics.

For us Albanians this issue is one that belongs in the national interest and security landscape. This is not the place to argue political tendencies.

Me rrespekt!