NationStates Jolt Archive

Tirana Times (January 1920): The Dawn of a New Decade

Joyful crowds filled the streets of Tirana today for the traditional festivals celibrating the new year. Despite the troubles of the last two decades, with the civil wars and tribal conflicts, the people of this great land refuse to give into fatalism. Despite fears of violence and poor planning, today celebration went quite well and much well-deserved praise should be offered to the Ministry of Culture for it's efforts.

President Turkhan Pasha gave a speech before Parliament.

"Our country has been through a lot in the last 19 years. With the collapse of the old European section of the Turkish Empire and our resulting ill-prepared independence, began two decades of terrable violence. But we have survived and moved forward (cheers). The current fighting in the East cannot last much longer, I'd say Zog and his criminal bunch are nearly out of the game (cheers). I promise that the Government shall launch an offensive this year which will deal with them Once And For All! (Cheers) We will soon establish a new peaceful order, a new world safe for Science, Reason, and Proggress! Remember we are Europeans!"

Turkhan Pasha, the former Ottoman diplomat and well respected old gentlemen, has long been praised as the father of the country. There are however concerns over his health and that the Central Government could not hold together with out him. There are also questions on whether the Albanian army, partialy made up of tribal and Peoples militia's, is capable of launching such an offensive...

The People of the Social-Democratic Union express their ardent hope that the Albanian struggle for justice and liberty be brought to a successful conclusion. To that end, the Union is extending an offer of material assistance to the legitimate and representative Albanian government.
Freedom is the natural birthright of all men and women, but there are those who have been perverted by their circumstances to seek dominion over others - and so our great struggle emerges. For the first time in history, the forces of liberty are gaining the upper hand, and Moskva would be most pleased to see the People of Albania joined to this most noble cause.

With hope,
L.B. Kamenev, Commissar for International Affairs

The German People also wish to extend the Right hand of Collaberation to the Albanian people, and also hope that the Albanian Government will assist the People in their struggle for justice, so that the Left hand of Revolution will not be necissary.

The Federated States of Yugoslavia would be more than happy to assist the Albanian government military against the Zog resistance. An economic or defence treaty would be proposed as well if the Albanians feel like they need the help to overcome the early hurdles of independence that Yugoslavia knows all too well.

We are prepared to send the 1st Volci(special forces basically) Brigade and the 1st Infantry Division to assist the stabilization procedure. Also should your nation require any help in construction projects we would be glad to send the 2nd Engineer Battalion.

The Federated States of Yugoslavia would be more than happy to assist the Albanian government military against the Zog resistance. An economic or defence treaty would be proposed as well if the Albanians feel like they need the help to overcome the early hurdles of independence that Yugoslavia knows all too well.

We are prepared to send the 1st Volci(special forces basically) Brigade and the 1st Infantry Division to assist the stabilization procedure. Also should your nation require any help in construction projects we would be glad to send the 2nd Engineer Battalion.

Albania accepts your offer of assistence. The 1st Volci Brigade and the 1st Infantry Division should be despatched to the interior at once (they will have to be technically be led by Albanian officers to prevent backlash, I hope that is all-right). The 2nd Engineer Battalion assistence is much needed for the building of roads in the south and a modern deep water port at Vlore (assisting the Belgians).

As for an Economic/Defense treaty, what is proposed?

Turkhan Pasha, President of The Republic of Albania

Tirana Times (Feb. 1920): Offers of Aid Fly In

The Government of Albania has accepted offers of aid from the German government. This year modern German farm equipment will arrive and be distributed to Albanian farmers (along with advisors) by the Agricultural Ministry. All Albanian students will be able to attend German Universities for free (the Education Ministry is already selecting potential candidates). Germany is also expected to begin construction on an offshoot of the Trans-Eurasian Railroad to connect Albania to the rest of Eurasia, which would bring significant economic benefits to our Nation.

The Government is currently in negotiation concerning loans from the Belgiun state banks. Meanwhile a deal has been struck with the Belgiun Durinckx Development Firm LLC and the BNP Paribas Private Investment Firm to construct crucial infustructure and invest in Albanian industry in exchange for certain concessions (listed below):

"In return for our funds and expertise, our investors would like the oppurtunity to purchase shares of all Albanian Industries aided and/or established, along with a fee of 5% of the total profits yielded by our new programs."

An Economic/Defense treaty has been signed with The Federated States of Yugoslavia. Yugoslavia has also provided the 1st Volci Brigade and the 1st Infantry Division to assist in the crushing of the Zog rebels. The 2nd Engineer Battalion has also been provided for construction projects in the south (roads/a port) and assistence to the Belgiuns.

Said President Pasha to Parliament, "The Nation's of Europe have been more generous then we could ever have hoped. The future looks bright..."

In related news the office of the Prime Minister has announced the formation of a committee to begin the process of land reform/redistribution and the draining of the swamps. This is a controversal issue that will most likly cause conflicts with the large landowners.

It is also announced that the armed forces will be reorganized into a standing proffessional force of 15,000 (all militia elements shall be disbanded or incorporated). No time line has been given as of yet...

The Turkish Embassy has been closed and the Albanian Ambassador has been withdrawn from the Turkish Empire after they refused to provide repirations for their years of oppression and misrule. Turkish companies shall be forbidden from investing in Albania until further notice.

I would not make demands of the Ottomans, they were nice enough to issue independence(Macedonia didn't demand anything). Please do not make such insults to my allies anymore as it could have negative effects on our relations.

I would not make demands of the Ottomans, they were nice enough to issue independence(Macedonia didn't demand anything). Please do not make such insults to my allies anymore as it could have negative effects on our relations.

(March, 1920)

Albania will return the ambassadors and remove all barriers to trade... Effective immediately.

-President Turkhan Pasha

The German Workers are pleased with the progress of Albania. However, Germany must demand that rights be given to the workers so that they may choose such basic things as working hours and wages.

Albanian workers already have the right too collective bargining and a living wage. However as Albania does not currently have an industrial economy or working banking system (as yet), workers rights are at present a moot issue.

The most pressing issue at present is to improve the living standirds of the countries farmers. German aid has been essiential and the Albanian government tends to go forward with land reform as soon as capital is availiable.

From the Office of:
The Minister of Trade
The Minister of Commerce
The Minister of Agriculture

Tirana Times (March 1920): Italy Lowers Tarrifs on Albanian Goods

Today the Italian government lowered tarrifs on Albanian Goods to 3%. This deal will have significant economic benefits for both Albania and Yugoslavia, as do to the Free Trade Agreement the two countries share a common market. Once the railroad and port projects are complete Albania will be the prefered transist point of Yugoslavian goods headed to Italy.

Tirana Times (April 1920): Italy Loans Money To Albania To Create a Central Banking System

Several Italian companies and banks have loaned the Government of Albania 100 million dollars to establish a central banking system, something this nation has lacked for 19 years. The loan will be payed back at 5% for 15 years after a grace period of one year. Construction crews broke ground in the capital today on the foundation for the new State Bank of Albania. Printing pressess and other macanical neccessities have been purchased and are expected to arrive once the bank has been completed/it's staff hired. The date of planned completion is sometime in August. Once completed the State Bank can begin making loans and investments to promote economic growth.

Tirana Times (April 19) Prime Minister Ilir Meta Speech Before Parliament

Today, Prime Minister Ilir Meta laid out for all to see the Governing Coalitions long term agenda. He was greeted with cheers by the governing Liberal, Conservative, and Socialist Parties; but was booed by the Proggressive Party.

"A spector is haunting Albania, and that spector is MY FIVE YEAR PLAN! Under this plan our country will soon shed the stigma of eastern barbarism and join the Enlightened West. We would have already if it had not been for the Turks stagnit rule of the past two centuries. But you are all asking, what does this plan mean to the people of Albania... It mean's prosperity, peace, and better living! The plan is as follows.

1. Establish a central banking system. This will soon be accomplished due to Italian aid. Without it we would not have the capital to go forward.

2. Land Reform! The Committee of Land Reform will have finished their first series of surveys by the begining of August. That land shall be redistributed to qualified and deserving peasants. The State Bank will provide them with capital so their new property can be properly developed."

At this stage, the Proggressive Party, which being primarly composed of large landowners opposes the Reform effort, attempted to disrupt the Prime Minister's speech with shouts of "No". After 20 minutes they subsided and the Prime Minister continued...

"3. Land Reclamation! The marlia infested swamps which cover this countries best farmland shall be drained! Not only would this open up quality land but also decrease our countries infant mortality rating and increase our nations productivity, as fewer people would fall prey to that horrible disease.

4. Education! Our nation shall build a modern school system for the nations young and a literacy program will be established for those too old to attend school.

5. Harvesting of our Natural Resources! That is neccessary for the payment of debts.

6. The development of a Modern Transportation network. Last month tracks were laid in a Railroad between Tirana and Vlore by Belgian companies. Those same Belgian companies, with aid from the Yugoslav. army engineers, are working on the development of a deep water port at Vlore and are in the process of constructing a modern road system throughout the south.

7. Reformation of the Military and the modernization of our armed forces so that they can properly defend the country and defeat once and for all the Zog Rebels who continue to plague isolated areas in the interior, and just two weeks ago killed a police officer.

8. The development of a functioning market economy built around the small business. Industrization and mining will not bring us wealth. We are too small to industrialize in any sustainable way. Wealth that comes from mining leaves the country, it does not stay here. We must grow wealth, become a nation of shop keepers. The State Bank will provide investment and capital for those individuals who wish help build a better future through commerce. This part will probably not be complete by 1925, but we must strive for it none the less."

The Prime Minister further promised that direct elections, the first in the nations history, would be held in Nov. 1922 for both Parliament and the Presidency.

Victor Ali Mohhamid, the only communist member of Parliament, called the plan "sham socialism" which would "enslave the nation to capitalist powers". Retorted the Prime Minister, "I don't care what he thinks".

The plan was approved by the Governing Coalition.

Tirana Times (May 7): Twenty Seven Die in Rebel Attack

Librazhd District- A government offical and seven police officers were killed in a rebel attack . The remaining 19 are believed to be citizens cought in the cross-fire of the gun battle. It was the most violent day of fighting in over a year, all in all 32 have died since January. Anger, fear, and outrage have gripped the country. President Turkhan Pasha declared martial law in the Librazhd, Diber, Bulqize, and Pogradec Districts. Earlier today he gave a statement.

"This attack is the work of the terrorist Zog, who has been a curse upon our country long enough. He was a secret police officer for the Ottoman oppressors and after independence it was his actions which played the greatist part in bringing civil war. Well he shall plague us No More. We will crush Zog and his rebels into the ground."

If there had been any doubt over the governments intent to launch an offensive this year, it has vanished.

(OOC: For more on the Conflict in Albania: http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=443048

Tirana Times (March 27): Albanian Military Reorganized With Italian Aid

In preparation for this summers offensive the Albanian government has reorganized the countries armed forces. This move effectively disbands or incorporates all Tribal and Peoples militias into the government army. Italy has provided valuable assistance and supplies without which this reorganization would not be possible.

The supplies/aid sent by Italy:
20,000 uniforms
16,000 rifles and subsequent ammunition (newest model)
100 machine guns and subsequent ammunition (newest model)
10 light artillery pieces and subsequent ammunition (newest model)
Italian military advisors to help train Albanian soldiers in the use of the new equipment

The Albanian Self Defense Army shall be organized into 15 regiments of 1000 each. Five of those regiments shall be cavalry, to be used for border patrol, scouting, and flanking. The remaining ten regiments shall be organized into infantry. Each infantry division is designed to operate independently of all other regiments in the event of separation.

Albania’s Self Defense Army as it currently stands

10 infantry regiments, of 1000 each. Each shall be equipped, in addition to rifles, with 10 machine guns* and 1 light artillery piece*.

The cavalry, which is organized into 5 regiments, 1000 each. They are equipped with sappers, lances, and rifles.

*represents aid from Italian advisors in the use of those weapons.

Currently 25% have training and combat experience. Another 50% have combat experience but no formal training. 25% have neither training nor experience.

The Self Defense force shall begin the long promised offensive after one months preparation. Further details are classified.

Tirana Times Special(June 11): The History Behind the Zog Revolt

Essad Pasha Toptani, now known as Zog; no figure other then President Turkhan Pasha has had so great an influence upon the modern Albania. As such his life shall be reviewed. During Ottoman rule Essad served as the head of their police in Shkoder, where he received a reputation for corruption and possible brutality. It is often said that although he spoke no European language properly, he knew the value of money in all of them. He worked at various projects for his Ottoman masters, Italian intelligence agents, and foreign extremists who had designs on Albanian territory. He was feared and hated by his compatriots. When his first wife threatened to poison him for taking a second wife (he was a poor Muslim but found his religion to be useful) she was greatly admired.

After the Young Turks came to power at the beginning of new century and abandoned their European processions as unsustainable, Albania was thrown into an unprepared independence. Four centuries of neglectful misrule had left Albania the poorest country in Europe, most of the country-side devoid of any improvement since the middle ages. In an attempt to stabilize the country Germany and the Great Powers threw into this mess Wilhelm of Wied, a German Prince. Wilhelm was a “feeble stick” who was devoid of energy and wholly ignorant of our country. In a move of Biblical stupidity Wilhelm made Essad defense minister. Six months later the Wilhelm fled back to Germany and the country collapsed into civil war.

Essad took full advantage of the breakdown in social order and become a noted criminal, involved in extortion and the smuggling of guns, drugs, and any other profitable contraband. During this time he would regularly claim to be President or King (not the only one). In his various attempts to gain power he allied with the powerful Zog family, a powerful group of tribal chiefs, with whom he was related. This is when he started referring to himself as a Zog in an attempt to curry favor. Eventually he crowned himself King Zog the First, with his nephew Ahmed Bey Zog as successor. He never processed any legal power or support other then his immediate family and followers. One of the interesting stories is that of his uniform, a dazzling piece covered with the many medals he awarded himself.

After the formation of the Provisional Government by Turkhan Pasha, who became the countries first true President, the good times ended for Zog. His attempts to disrupt the new order failed and he was forced into hiding to escape assassination from the Government or his many enemies (when Turkhan Pasha was asked whether Zog would be given a trial he at first thought the idea to be a joke, “someone will kill him”). Zog and his family (at least those still loyal to him) survived by fleeing into the Mountainous interior, where power was held not by the new government but by tribal leaders. All interest groups opposed to stability (extremists, fundamentalists, criminals, warlord tribalists) have coalesced around him, although he and his group never had popular support.

In the last four years he has been responsible for numerous attacks against the government and several assignation attempts on President Pasha and other government officials. He has been linked to organized crime groups in Macedonia and Kosovo, one reason why the Yugoslavian government provided us with the 1st division to track him down.

Recently violence has waned, but his presence is still felt with the occasional savage outburst. The attack of Librazhd is a chilling reminder that he is still here to torment us. The town was having a celebration to celebrate the opening of a new school, built with donations and volunteer work. The local district official in charge of education, Teki Bilota, was giving a speech when they came under attack. Thee official, seven police officers and 19 civilians, 6 of them children were killed in the resulting gun battle.

Time is however running out, as the newly modernized Albanian Self Defense Army is preparing to launch an offensive throughout the interior to purge him and his group. It promises to be only a matter of time before he is defeated and killed. Then the last great threat to a peaceful future for Albania will have been removed.

Tirana Times (July 1st): Government Launches Offensive Against Rebels

The Government has launched an offensive against the rebels in the interior. Victory is expected. President Turkhan Pasha has said that "we will search for Zog, we will find him, we will hang him!". An exact timeline has not been given and exact details are secret.

(OOC: Link to Conflict in Albania thread:
http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=9614301#post9614301

Tirana Times (July 3): Albania Signs Mutual Defense Treaty With Itlay

Albania has signed a mutual defense treaty with Italy, further cementing Albania's close relationship with Italy. Any attack upon Albania will be treated as an attack upon Italy and vice a versa. Reached for comment President Tarkhan Pasha has said, "This is not a change in policy or direction, this treaty has been in the works for months."

Yugoslavia must end it's defence treaty with Albania as Yugoslavia still has hard feelings against the Italians. This is not in anyway an agressive act against Albania and should not be taken as preparation for hostile actions against Albania. Also Yugoslavia would wish for it's troops to be returned to Yugoslavia by May 1921.

Tirana Times (July 4): Albania To Build Fortifications On Border

Due to the present state of an exposed Albanian border, open to attack from enemy nations or terrorists (Zog has smuggled weapons and drugs accross the Yugoslavian border with impunity, primarily the Macedonian portion), Albania has decided to erect fortifications along its Western Macedonian and Northern Yugoslavian border. The government has requested the assistence of Italy in the construction of these fortifications due to Albania's current economic status. To quote President Pasha, "we can't build or pay for them ourselves so we need help". Italian engineers have already arrived in the capital and construction is expected to begin within the month. Once the border fortifications are finished plans are in place to establish the proper coastal defenses.

In other news, Alfred Berisha, the Deputy Defense Minister, will be visiting Yugoslavia as part of an offical delegation to thank them for their efforts in aiding Albania against the Zog rebels. Victor Ali Mohhamid, the only communist member of Parliament, will be visting the Russian Union in an attempt to improve relations.

Tirana Times (August 5th): Holiday Stands in Contrast to Tensions

Early today a ceremony was held to celebrate the completion of Albania’s national banking system. The headquarters of the State Bank opened in Tirana, with lesser branches at Vlore and other population centers throughout the country. The project, objective one on the governments Five Year Plan, was completed on time but seven million over budget. Originally estimated to cost ten million, it instead has cost 17 million. Officials blame inexperience in cost estimation, although allegations of corruption and pork spending hang over the project. The Finance Committee has promised to hold hearings on the subject. The remaining 83 million loaned to the government by Italy was transferred to the State Bank. The Government plans to borrow 15 million from the State Bank for land reform and the draining of the swamps and another 10 million for the establishment of a national school system and literacy program. The Bank plans to loan out 40 million to qualified entrepreneurs and business owners at an interest rate of 2%. The greater availability of capital is expected to better facilitate economic growth and aid the establishment of a market economy. The remaining 18 million will be kept by the bank as hard cash for security and emergency.

What should have been a happy day was overshadowed by the prospect, real or imagined, of war with Russia. While appealing to the International community to stand with our nation, President Turkhan Pasha stated that Albania will not at this time take steps towards the preparation for war, but if the current Russian attitude remains unchanged we may be forced to. Italian Engineers have begun construction on Fortifications along the Yugoslavian and Macedonian border. These Fortifications are purely defensive.

In other news, Deputy Minister of Defense Alfred Berisha has returned from a conference with members of the Yugoslavian Parliament. There is no word yet on whether his visit accomplished anything.

With Albania becoming quite stable, Colombian investers are beginning to show interest. Said interest is expected to expand greatly over the course of this year alone.

The Union has begun mobilizing its European armies in Ukraine, Poland, and Western Russia, and is moving troops to Yugoslavia's borders with Italy and Albania. And both the Baltic and Black Sea Fleets have been placed on alert.
This will also be posted in the Yugoslavia, Main, and Italy Threads.
You can only push a bear so far into his den before there's trouble.
Just so everyone knows.

The French are urging for a delegation to meet in Paris to attempt to solve the problems peacefully and not give in to war.

Albania will send a delegation to Paris.

Tirana Times (Sep. 8th): Albania's Parliament Pass a Law Against Italian Troops Setting Foot on Albanian Soil

To prevent further conflict and prove that Albania's alliance with Italy is purly defensive, Albania's Parliament passed a law stating that "Italian and Russian troops may never be invited nor set foot upon Albanian soil"! The law was signed by President Turkhan Pasha.

Tirana Times (Nov. 1st): Relations With Greece Improve

Today 10,000 Greek troops crossed the border into our country on their way to the Librazhd, Diber, Bulqize, and Progradec Districts. Once there they will aid our military in peace-keeping and fighting the rebel elements that plague the all Balkin nations.

Also in Athens an Albanian trade delegation signed a Free Trade Agreement with Greece. This agreement will lower the cost of goods for Albanian citizens, force competeing nations to be more competitive, and contribute to growth in both the Greek and Albanian economies.

In other news, President Turkhan Pasha has left for a one week vacation at Vlore, last months stand off with Russia reportedly taking a lot out of him. While there he will inspect the progress being made on the Tirana-Vlore railway and also on southern road construction.

The Government barrowed one million from the State Bank to begin construction of the University of Tirana, which once completed would be the first University in the history of the country. The Bank's reserves now stand at 17 million.

Tirana Times (Dec. 20th) Loan from Belgium Negotiated

The Ministry of Finance has negotiated a 40 million Frank loan from the Bank of Belgium and several Belgian financial institutions to the State Bank of Albania. This loan will be paid back at a 4% interest over 10 years after a one year grace period. The money shall be used for development and investment. Repayment starts Dec. 1st, 1921.

Tirana Times (January 1st):

Parliament today returned from its Christmas recess. On the agenda are modernizations of labor laws, women’s issues and the policies aimed towards “growing” wealth by encouraging trade/entrepreneurship.

President Turkhan Pasha gave his State of the Republic speech before Parliament. He declared that the government was making progress on all goals outlined in the Prime Minister’s Five Year Plan. While he lauded recent economic growth and successes against the rebels, attention was less on what he said and more on the man himself. President Pasha has appeared tired and worn out ever since the end to the stand off with Russia, which threatened to plunge all Europe into war. While he achieved victory in preventing a Russian invasion, the stress has apparently put great strain on him. He walked into the Parliament leaning heavily on a cane, and some speculate he may be ill. Parliament member Essad Moisiv remarked that such signs of ill health were to be expected as “he is an old man who has worked tirelessly to save this country from all the forces that would destroy it, and he has succeeded”. Fortunately there is no fear of a return to chaos if Pasha should be forced to step down or pass away. Essad remarked that if such events happen the “Vice President will step into his place and the government shall continue. I think the only reason he is staying on is a loyalty to the country; that he will stay with it till the end”.

In other news the Ministry of Health barrowed one million Franks from the State Bank for the construction of hospitals and the hiring of doctors. Albania is currently without a working health care system. The Ministries of Trade and Finance in cooperation with the State Bank are considering investments in China and the Ethnic Albanian communities of Yugoslavia, such as Kosovo.

Tirana Times (June 19th): Parliament Finishes Up in Preparation for Summer Recess

Parliament is preparing for its summer recess after passing several laws aimed at social reform at the behest of Prime Minister Ilir Meta. Child labor was outlawed, as was a law designed to fight active restriction/discrimination against women. Both laws were passed by the governing coalition over the objections of the opposition Progressive Party. Communist Victor Ali Mohhamid joined the government in voting for the laws and praised them as “a step in the right direction”, although it should be noted that he had no role in the actual drafting of the laws as the government actively ignores him.

It was argued by the Progressives that making child labor illegal would hurt impoverished citizens, diminish economic growth and lead to communism. The Prime Minister dismissed such views as reactionary. “When Albania was under Turkish rule, child labor was a necessity of circumstance. Whether a family lived or died often depended upon how well one tilled ones feudal plot. Now the semi-feudal system which governed Albania has been completely abolished. Land reform has given the land to those who tilled it and modern tools have been provided. Albania now has a maternal government to help those in need; there will be no more famines. Capital is widely available to allow for the hiring of labor and the more productive use of ones land. Child labor now inhibits economic growth, as it leads to less employment among adults and discourages the use of labor saving devices. The next generation, instead of learning to read and write, spends their days toiling in a field or mineshaft, being doomed to an existence of poverty and ignorance….if they survive. For our economy to develop we must leave such primitive practices in the past”.

On the issue of women “The rights of women are enshrined in our constitution, I am aware of that. I am also aware of the steps taken by the civil society to combat the subjection of women. In the conference of 1914, even before the formation of the government, the Sunni community met and agreed to forbid the forced wearing of the veil and polygamy. Despite that, in isolated communities in the interior and, at times, in the south, reactionaries and fundamentalists still actively practice the exclusion of women from public life, forcing them to wear the veil and refusing to allow them to attend state schools, for example. Such people are very much in the minority but they hold us back. Women are presently in need of a more active protection from the central government, and we cannot ignore the needs of half the countries citizens and restrict half our countries work force. A hard working educated citizen is a value to the nation; an uneducated harem girl is a drain upon the country.”

State school attendance was also made mandatory for children in any community with a state school. Although private community schools are still legal, once the State Education system is complete, they will effectively be outlawed from competing with the state schools. It will however still be legal for those schools to supplement the education given by the state schools; all they have to do is teach class at a different time then the local state school. Excusal from public schools will be allowed if it can be proven that the private school one is attending is up to state standards. Critics charge this will allow the rich and connected to circumvent the public system at the expense of the less privileged. Said Victor Ali Mohhamid, “the politicians speak of the glory of public education while they make it so their own children will be free of that supposed glory. This will wound the system fatally”. Ilir Meta, dismissed such sentiments as “rambling nonsense”, and pointed out that the privileged will still be required to pay taxes in support of the public schools. “Why should those who can afford a better education then the government currently offers be denied?”

Once passed, both laws were promptly signed by President Turkhan Pasha.

In related news, a special commission was formed to investigate fully Albania's hydroelectric potential and make plans for its development. Said Ilir Meta, “in the future we may be able to produce enough energy from hydro power to provide electricity for all of Albania”.

Russia has agreed to provide debt relief to war-stricken Albania in the hopes of cementing a stable Balkan peace.

Tirana Times (July 22): Russia Agrees to Pay Albania's Foreign Debt

Prime Minister Ilir Meta announced today that The Russian Socal Democratic Union had agreed to pay off the Albanian Republics 231 million foreign debt. "Russia, impressed by the progress Albania has made towards enriching it's people and wishes to provide us with the financal security to continue with our peaceful development". This development leaves the State Bank with an unused reserve of 41 million. The Prime Minister admited when questioned that geo-political considerations also had a role to play in Russia's decision, but he refused to go into details.

The Financal Condition of the State Bank:
40 million being used as to provide cheap loans (2% interest) to Albanian business owners/farmers/inventers/est.
41 million in unused reserves.
15 million invested abroad.

Tirana Times (August 1st): Progressive and Socialist Parties Organize Rival Protests

The Progressive Party leadership arranged protests in Tirana to display their opposition to Russia paying off Albania's debt. The crowd, most of them paid to show up, shouted anti-communist slogans with mock enthusiasm and carried signs with anti-government statements. Not to be out done, the Socialist Party rented their own crowd to protest the Progressive Parties protest. The Socialist protesters shouted anti-Progressive slogans and carried signs calling the Progressives reactionaries. Prime Minister, and Socialist leader, Ilir Meta claimed victory as his parties protesters "were more sincere". President Turkhan Pasha is on the record calling the whole days events "silly".

Tirana Times (January 13th, 1922): President Turkhan Pasha Dies of Stroke

We write this with the heaviest of hearts. We must announce that our Great Leader, President Turkhan Pasha, who has served Albania as the Head of State for six years, died quietly during the night in his sleep. Vice President Fan S. Noli was sworn in as President this morning and has assumed all duties of the office. Xhafer Ypi the current defacto leader of the Conservative Party and Minister of Public Instruction, is expected to be sworn in as Vice President once he is confirmed by the Parliament.

Noli has been a driving force in our Nations reemergence. He founded the Albanian Orthodox Church in 1908, after disagreements with the Greek Orthodox Church, and served as the new churches first bishop. He graduated from Harvard in 1912 and returned to Albania to help the restoration of order. He joined with Turkhan Pasha and along with Ilir Meta became a prime figure in the Pasha’s inner circle. Noli is reputed to have written the majority of the Provisional Government’s Charter and the current Constitution. In 1918 he founded the Liberal Party and became Vice President. Since then he has played a largely behind the scenes role in the shaping of Albania’s foreign policy.


Editorial: Albania Gazes West

Noli has long been a pro-western voice in the government and has often been at odds with Ilir Meta on such issues as Albania’s relationship with Russia. While Ilir Meta favors cooperation with the East, Noli views the communist nations as “hypocritical soon to be dictatorships” to be “regarded with suspicion and not trusted”. The current policy of neutrality was a compromise between the two sides worked out by Turkhan Pasha. With the great synthesizer dead, the divisions are more likely to become more open and intractable. However, as the President has greater authority in the areas of foreign policy then does the Prime Minister, Noli has the advantage. The soon to be Vice President, Xhafer Ypi, is a reputed Italian-ophile and was a prime advocate behind Albania’s defensive alliance with Italy. Albania’s direction is most likely going to shift further to that of the West.


Editorial: Neutrality Here to Stay

Although Noli and Ypi have long been pro-western voices, the effect of their views will have on Albania’s current direction has been exaggerated. The current policy of neutrality and cooperation with the Russian/German Union, developed by Turkhan Pasha and Ilir Meta, is a proven success with economic and political benefits. Noli seems to have realized this and has softened his rhetoric of late. The much quoted remark in which Noli describes communist countries as “hypocritical soon to be dictatorships”, was made in 1919. More recent remarks have taken on a more reasonable tone, “the current dispute between the West and the Russian German Union is the product of a misunderstanding that must be overcome; least we fall into the darkness”. The geopolitical situation has also changed, with Russia having paid off Albania's debt. There currently is little reason to upset the status quo.

Tirana Times (January 19, 1922): President Turkhan Pasha Laid to Rest

Crowds of mourners filled the streets today to pay homage to the old president as his body was carried by procession through the city on the way to the mosque where it was to be buried. The casket was held aloft by the Presidents former inner circle, Fan S. Noli and Ilir Meta among them. Erected in the mosque was a massive stone monument onto which was chiseled;

HERE LIES
PRESIDENT TURKHAN PASHA
SAVIOR OF THE COUNTRY

Although a Muslim, eulogy was given not just by the Imam but by an Orthodox bishop, a Catholic Bishop and even a Rabbi. President Noli read several poems he personally wrote concerning the great mans accomplishments. Prime Minister Ilir Meta visibly broke down into tears several times while giving his speech; “He was the greatest of us! His only regret would have been that he was leaving this world before that rat Zog!”

Pasha’s death has quickly been politicized by the current electoral climate. The Progressive Party newspaper, the Vlore Tribune, ran an editorial cartoon lambasting the governing coalition’s adoration of him.

Editorial Cartoon: Ilir Meta stands with a picture of Turkhan Pasha behind him. To his right is a poster with the words, Remember Turkhan Pasha, Remember to Vote Government.
Ilir Meta: President Turkhan Pasha has died, vote Coalition in November!

The Socialist Party newspaper, Voice of the People, quickly followed with its own cartoon, portraying the Progressive leadership as a bunch of greedy warlords.

Tirana Times (Feb. 11th, 1922): Bomb Explodes in Elbasan

A bomb exploded without warning upon the streets of Elbasan yesterday, wounding two people. The government has issued a statement declaring the bomb to be the work of a "Zog terrorist". The police are in the process of investigation and have detained a suspect, whose name has yet to be released. It is believed by the local authorities that the suspect acted alone.

Tirana Times (April 13th, 1922): Parliament Approves Additional Funding for Education and Health Care

Calling the current funding "greatly insufficient" the governing coalition approved the barrowing of an additional three million from the State Bank. One million is to be used for further development of Tirana University, one million is to be spent on the construction of a university in Vlore and one million is to be spent on the further establishment of hospitals/clinics and the hiring of doctors.

The State Bank now has 38 million in unused reserves.

Albanian Election Results (November 6, 1922)

Competing Parties:

Governing Coalition (SLC): These are the current parties which make up the government and are running together to retain power.

Socialist Party:
Leader: Ilir Meta (current Prime Minister)
Presidential Candidate: Backs the Liberal Party Candidate
Party Details: The Socialist Party favors continued government inspired modernization and growth. The Party is running on the accomplishments of the last five years and the current Five Year Plan.

Liberal Party
Leader: Fan S. Noli
Presidential Candidate: Fan S. Noli (current president)
Party Details: Economically and socially liberal, the party is allied with the Socialists in the goal of bringing about a modern market economy for Albania. They are also running on the accomplishments of the last five years and the current Five Year Plan.

Conservative Party
Leader: Xhafer Ypi
Presidential Candidate: Backs the Liberal Party Candidate
Party Details: The Conservative Party, despite its name, is centrist. It is composed of those who do not fit into any of the other major parties. The Party was founded by Turkhan Pasha so as to have greater influence over Parliament (it pretty much supported what-ever he supported). With Pasha’s death the party has undergone identity crises, not helped by the unimaginative leadership of Xhafer Ypi. Fortunately they are part of the Coalition band-wagon.

Opposition Parties: These are the Parties opposed to the current government and are running against it.

The Albanian Communist Party:
Leader: Hysen Hoxha
Presidential Candidate: Hysen Hoxha
Party Details: The Communist Party holds that the land reform is not going fast enough and that the large land owners should be completely deprived of their land, which would be nationalized. The party favors the establishment of an economic system similar to that found in Russia and Germany.

The Progressive Party
Leader: Shefget Bej Verlaci
Presidential Candidate: Shefget Bej Verlaci
Party Details: The Progressive Party is a reactionary organization whose leadership is primarily composed of large land owners and conservative tribal leaders (its leader, Shefget Bej Verlaci, is the countries largest land owner, even after land reform). It opposes any further land reform, which it deems communist. It has little popular support.

The Greater Albania Party
Leader: Tefik Mborja
Presidential Candidate: Backs the Progressive Party Candidate
Party Details: The Greater Albania Party is an ultra-nationalistic organization which exists to unite the Albanian people throughout the Balkans and bring about a Greater Albania. The party has little in the way of a domestic agenda, it being composed of many diverse nationalistic elements, but is allied with the Progressive Party.

Democratic Union of the Greek Minority
Leader: No specific leader
Presidential Candidate: Supports the Liberal Candidate, even though it is technically running against the Coalition.
Party Details: Formed simply to represent the concerns of Albania’s Greek minority (2% of the current population) and advocate a closer relationship with Greece.

Election Summery: Throughout the campaign the governing coalition touts its recent successes, the economic growth, and the widely successful land reform project. Its slogan is Security, Land and Capital (hence the SLC coalition). The Coalition parties also have all the advantages of incumbency (they have led the country for five years).

The Progressive Party is demonized as “wanting to take away the peoples land” and is unable to attain mass support without resorting to bribes and thuggish tactics. Many members of the parties’ leadership have some past association with Zog and his family, which further ostracizes them.

The Communist Party makes inroads among those in the regions which have seen little development. Although it undercuts the Progressives, it is unable to compete with the Socialists, who insist that the Communist party will “undue the land reform by collectivization”.

The Greater Albania Party has a drastic affect on the election. Their demands that Kosovo and the areas of the Balkans were Albanians are in the majority should be joined with the Albanian State has wider resonance. To neutralize them, the Coalition promises to seek “self-determination for Kosovo, Montenegro and Western Macedonia”.

Democratic Union of the Greek Minority has little presence outside of Greek communities.

Election Results: These are the first direct elections held in Albania’s history (except in the districts of, which are still under martial law, there caucuses are held). There is some election related violence, bribery and vote rigging, but by the standards of the time the election is free and fair (OOC: ballot stuffing and vote buying were common in the USA until the late 1960s). The Coalition wins and is voted back into power with an increased majority. The Progressives are defeated and lose seats to both the Communists and the Coalition. Greater Albanian Party wins some seats and the Democratic Union of the Greek Minority win the vast majority of the Ethnic Greek vote.

The Albanian Parliament has 100 directly elected seats and 40 proportional seats.

Seats Won:
Coalition;
Socialist Party: 47 seats
Liberal Party: 31 seats
Conservative Party: 20 seats

Opposition Parties;
Communist Party: 11 seats
Progressive Party: 20 seats
Greater Albania Party: 4 seats
Democratic Union of the Greek Minority: 2 seats

Presidential Election:
Fan S. Noli (Coalition): 64%
Shefget Bej Verlaci (Progressive): 21%
Hysen Hoxha (Communist): 15%

The present Governing Coalition of Prime Minister Ilir Meta shall continue with increased legitimacy. President Noli shall begin his first elected term in January.

[for future use]

Tirana Times (April 20th, 1923): State of Emergency Declared

President Fan S. Noli declared a State of Emergency today due to the violence in Kosovo commited by Serb forces. The 1st-5th infantry regiments and the 1st calvary regiment of the Self Defense Army shall be dispatched to the Kosovo-Albanian border to deal with and protect refugees.

Furthermore any Serbian military unit which comes within artillary range of the fortifications on the Albanian border shall be fired upon.

The Government appealed further for help from the Great Powers in ending the violence.

Anti-Yugoslavian protests were held outside the Yugoslavian Embassy in Tirana.

Tirana Times (May 19th, 1923): Tropoje District Falls into Chaos; Martial Law Declared

The influx of Kosovo refugees into the Tropoje District has put an enormous burden upon the local government. As police, border guards and military regiments try to cope with human flood; government control seems to have broken down in many areas. President Noli, hoping to contain situation, has declared a state of Martial Law over the Tropoje District and dispatched the 6th -8th infantry regiments to there in the hopes of providing badly needed man-power. Noli further urged Albanians to open their homes and help provide food to the impoverished refugees.

(July 1923, Albanian border District of Tropoje)
The Kosovo Liberation Army has set up a head-quarters in Bajram Curri, with the cooperation of local officials (but not the Albanian Government). The Governor of Tropoje District has reportedly been forced to resign and been replaced with an individual subservient to the KLA. The KLA’s commander, Hasan-bej Prishtina, a former resident of Kosovo, has declared the KLA People’s Committee the legitimate government of the Republic of Kosovo. He has directly repudiated the National Socialist Albanian Workers Party’s current program of non-violent struggle, calling for violent revolution. “Let us meet bullets with bullets, bombs with bombs”.

The Kosovo Liberation Army has begun recruitment among the Kosovo refugees and Tropoje Albanians. They find many angry individuals willing to join their cause. They begin to train and arm them with the cooperation of local officials.

The 9000 or so government troops in the District have yet to be ordered to move against the group for fear of causing a return to civil war.

You cannot predict with such certainty the outcome of a military campaign. Do not even try to pretend to me that this is possible. You are evading justice and obstructing the peace process in an attempt to illegally seize the historically Serbian land of Kosovo. You have not answered any of the Council's concerns openly or honorably. The only obstruction to a solution is Tirana, which protects its terrorists behind the human shields of Albanian refugees. It sickens me, frankly.

You will permit French peacekeepers to do their jobs - which is to keep the peace, by effectively dealing with threats to it. Or the consequences will be dire for the current Albanian Government.

The Mediterranean Squadron of the Red Fleet is already returning from Spain to blockade the Albanian coast.

If you refuse, Red Army units will be ordered to fire on any Albanian that comes within range of our guns. After all, any of them might be a terrorist, and we must do whatever we can to keep the peace. And let me assure you, Mr. President, the range of our guns is long.

This is your final warning. Moscow has lost all patience with your obstinacy.

- Premier N.I. Bukharin, Union of Social-Democratic Republics

Emergency Decree

In Response to the Financial Panic in Belgium caused by the situation in Kosovo President Noli, the Economic Ministry, and the State Bank have declared a banking holiday.

The State Bank shall also assume the most critical debts caused by the financial flight.

(OOC: The State Bank had been offering personal loans to Albanian citizens at two percent interest, so I believe the Belgian pull-out mostly affects foreign holdings and stops some transport related development in it’s tracks. There should be no massive loss amoung Albanian small businesses or farmers. However details on exactly what was harmed from the Economic mod. would be helpful.

Jan. 1924: Government Nationalizes Trans-Eurasian Railway

The Albanian Government is hereby nationalizing the Albanian section of the Trans-Eurasian railway by Imminent Domain. Reasons given for this move include the stopping of internal service and the political use of the railroad by the German government. The Constitutional Court has ruled that the Albanian Government does not have to compensate the German government for the seizure, as that clause of the Imminent Domain only applies to private property, not to the property of a State Entity.

“This court has determined that Germany operates under a command economy with a collectivized ownership of property. Thus all German property belongs to the society and thus the State. The railroad is hereby determined to be a State entity and not entitled to any of the protections afforded private property under Albanian law.”

All German workers are given three weeks to leave the country, or police will escort them out. The government shall operate the railroad until it is privatized in June, during which private companies and individuals can bid for shares.

Official Left Hand Statement

The Worker's Railroad, or Trans-Eurasian Railroad, is property of the Worker's Republic and thus nationalization of it by a separate entity is illegal. It is due to the generousity that the Worker's Republic has extended such a hand of collaboration. However, if we choose to close it, it is our choice. It is not the choice of the Albanian Government.

Unless the Albanians revoke their previous statements, the Worker's Republic of Germany and the state of Albania will be at a state of war.

Statement from French Parliament

France fully supports the Republic of Germany in this matter. The railroad is German property and thus seizure of it by the Albanian governmnet is illegal.

Offical Statement

The Trans-Eurasian railroad could only be constructed if it met the standirds of Albanian property law. In building that railroad you automaticly agreed to that law. Germany cannot claim it is it's territory, so Germany has no grounds for war (such can only be limited to the Embassy). Furthermore we are only nationalizing the Albanian section, which is in Albanian territory. Legally we are in the right, if you disagree send a lawyer and present a case to our Courts.

OOC: This is a matter of internal politics in Albania, did Europe go to war when Germany nationalized all it's property? NO! And I suggest you talk to the Russians.

Statement from French Parliament

France fully supports the Republic of Germany in this matter. The railroad is German property and thus seizure of it by the Albanian governmnet is illegal.

OOC: Actually no, there is no international law at this time protecting property. Under Albanian law, as ruled by the courts, the nationalization is legal. Now leave me alone.

OOC: Wrong answer.

IC: The Ambassador, recieveing this word was furious. He feverishly sent a telegram to Hamburg, which then decided enough was enough.

30 Divisions were at Mobilization. 10 boarded trains and headed to Albania. Meanwhile, the German border guard marched across. The objective was Tirana.

Many Carrier Zeppelins began to hunt for rebels while 4 Paratrooper Companies headed for Tirana to begin takeover.

The Nationalization of the railroad is halted for "legal" reasons. The Albanian Fortifications will open fire (they have machine guns and artillery) unless the German border guard withdraws.

*forms ring in the playground*

fight! fight! fight!

Albania will also shell the railroad and destroy it unless Germany stands down. The nationalization has been halted.

OOC: A bit late, isn't it?

IC: The French parliament recieves word of the German movements and convenes an emergency session.

As the Albanian government has proven itself to be incompetent, unco-operative, and appear to actually be in league with the KLA it is hereby declared that a state of WAR is now existing between France and Albania.

French troops in Albania are ordered to deploy the Alpine division to tie down the KLA, while the two Infantry divisions and the single tank regiment are to sieze the railway depots and, of course, the Trans-Eurasian railway itself. The Russian divisions under French command remain in Yugoslavia.

OOC: Albania is not in league with the KLA! I have said that time and again! Also the railroad has nothing to do with this issue.

OOC: Albania is not in league with the KLA! I have said that time and again! Also the railroad has nothing to do with this issue.


OOC: Quite frankly the French government doesn't care. They are also fed up with Albanian obstructionism. Bsides, IC the French government doesn't know that the gov't isn't in league with the KLA. It seems that way to them.

OOC: Oh, and the railroad was going to be taken over in Jan., it is still Nov. we have not touched it yet anyway.

November 1923

The Red Fleet comes off station in Turkish waters, and takes up station in the Adriatic. Italian warships sighted near the Albanian coast will be warned off as being in violation of the Russo-Albanian agreement. If they enter Albanian waters they will be fired upon.

OOC:...Then why, for the love of Pete, are you posting events that happen in January in DECEMBER?

OOC: It's called transition (it was a declaration of intentions in advance). It takes time to take over a railway. People have to be broth over or trained. The Germans need time to leave, est. As I have not touched the German railway I say we declare the previous events another war scare and get back to dealing with Kosovo and the KLA.

OOC: How about...no? You reap what you sow.

OOC: Shut up and leave me alone! You are just picking on me and I'm tired of it! This is ooc revenge and not rp.

OOC; OOC revenge? You tried to confisticate Germany's railway. That can be seen as a grounds for war. You're governemnt is being obstructionist and refusing to co-operate. Then you try to confisticate a railway. Plus, you are the one who keeps talking OOC!

OOC: Governments try to confiscate things all the time, and I've stopped it. Plus Albania has no telegrams in the interior. The French troops would not have Parliaments decision for at least a week. By that time things will have calmed down! From a RP perspective this makes no sense.

OOC:This is like if Panama took the Panama canal for themselves before american allowed them too
IC:Yugoslavian troops will aide any French or German troops in the action in Albania. As such 3 infantry Divisions have been given over to French command. Two being in the Kosovo region and one in the Macedonia region.

OOC: The Albanian player refuses to recognize the French/German actions because they are not realistic:

1. It takes a week for paris to talk to it's peace-keepers (no telegraph lines in the North Eastern Mountains).

2. Germany did not try poltical pressure.

3. Albania did not touch the railroad, only made their intentions known to take it in January and then backed down.

4. The French will see little government pressence in the Eastern Mountains and know the Albanian government is not lieing when they say "that area is byound their control.

5. This current conflict could not result in armed conflict, it would be unrealistic for it to esculate further.

6. The French are peace-keepers and they cannot simply march into Tirana, they are in the Eastern Mountains. By the time Parliament was done debating the dispute would have passed.

7. The railroad was a matter of interanl politics and Germany over-reacted/ did nothing to solve what was essientialy a trade dispute. They instead threatened war, they only threaten war (and did not try to convince the Albanian courts they were wrong).

8. Everyone would know that moving against the Albanian government would only help the KLA (boost its support).

9. Had the Germans tried to cross the border they would have been mowed down by machine gun and artillary fire from entrenced postions!

10. War would cut off aid to the refugees and they would all starve.

11. Russia sent a fleet to blockade Albania to stop Italian troops which were not comming as Albania explained. The blockade would have taken to long to set up and by that time it would be clear no Italian troops were comming and the Albanian government was telling the truth!

12. This all takes place in a two week period, much to fast in for it to be realistic, especially with delays in communication and 1920s tech.

13. Everyone has been acting like the Albanian government and rebels are one, but they are not (they are just controled by the same person to make it easier on the mods>). Everyone has thus been unfair to me.

14. The French government, although Socialist, would not overthrow the Democratic government of Albania because it displeased the Germans.

15. It would take about a week (after the two weeks of talk) to get the spread out French force recollected.

16. The only reason everyone declared war was the railroad dispute, not a realistic conflict point. Also Albania backed down, within 24 hours (telegram to Berlin) and thus would have avoided conflict. The French parliament would have moved onto other bussiness and the Germans would have stood down. Because it would take three weeks for the French to get ready, war would not have broke out!

Colombia will move a division to bolster the two regiments currently in Syracuse. Several naval vessels and aircraft will also be relocated; The Colombian Carrier, Morality will be leading the group; Colombia is expected to support Russian, German, Yugoslavian, and French efforts. Much of the troops being sent will provide extensive logitistical support for the peacekeepers, and will not be partaking in offencive action.

OOC: Just in case GB rule against me. This will happen should the French?German response be ruled valid (though it is not!)

IC: In the event of war the 11,000 troops careing for refugees will assume positions of defense in the border fortifications.

The Trans-Eurasian railway will be shelled and destroyed by border artillary.

The nation's 20,000 National Militia will be called up and take to the hills/mountains, harrassing any enemy forces (it has been in the process of being trained and armed for year).

The Government will declare martial law, suspend the Consititution, and draft every adult in Tirana and Vlore. They will be issued weapons (Albania has been buying weapons from Italy for about a year) and man the fortifications around the cities (which Italy has constructed). All food will be gathered up from the countryside. All roads leading to the coast will be mined (land mines have been purchased from Italy!)

Government officals in the Eastern Mountains will join forces with the KLA and launch an immediate attack on the French rear. 4000 Albanian soldiers will march up from the South to help them.

The German and French Embassies will be stormed in Tirana and the ambassadors taken prisoner (to be killed if Tirana is attacked).

There will be popular resistence. People will throw themselves down in frount of the French troops and take part in sabotage.

OOC: Oh, and Colombia you have no troops in Europe! It will take over a month for them to arrive from South America, so just go away.

ooc: Do you know what the hell Syracuse is? Its in the mediterranian, and I own it. I was originally going to invade Albania, but instead I came to an agreement with Italy and the Ottomans for Syracuse. Shush when you don't know what you're talking about.

OOC: I tried political pressure. I threatened you twice before. That and I declared war on Denmark earlier. You've seen what a hot potato I am.

Also, this is IC revenge. You have made your allegiance known to Italy, a sworn enemy of the German people. Hell, you were threatening to bring them in. That in itself is grounds for war.

In Albania some hard decisions were made. The Army realized that they were about to conduct a gallant last stand as soon as spring came. Many officers were appalled by the governments backing of the rebels in Kosovo, who were committing atrocities. They were even more appalled because they realized that no one was going to save them except maybe the Italians, and as those were Russian ships offshore and not Italian ships, that looked hopeless.

There was only one thing to do. On Friday, December 23, elements of the army near the capital suddenly left their barracks and took up positions surrounding police stations. Other elements, generally intelligence officers and staff officers, went to the homes of the senior leaders of the government, backed up by troops and the few motor vehicles the government had. The Presidential Guard was surrounded in its barracks by artillery and infantry with machine guns and ordered to surrender. It swiftly did when it became clear that resistance was hopeless.

The President, and most of his senior leaders were killed as they rested in their beds or taken out and shot. By morning it was over. The commanders of the Army announced martial law on the radio as dawn broke over the mountains, and sent word to the Brazilian Embassy asking them to mediate a settlement.

Meanwhile orders went out to the army units on the border. Pull back 10 miles and secure all refugee compounds, and all villages. KLA members are to be ordered to surrender or shot if they resist. Captured KLA members will be held for trial for war crimes and murder.

This information is passed to the Brazilians to pass on to the Russians, French and Yugoslavs as well.

OOC
The Army is not interested in committing national suicide to save a bunch of bandits. It just spent a decade cleaning them out of their country, and they sure don't want to die defending new bandits who are worse than the ones they fought. They will fight if the French and Yugoslavs move past the 10 mile buffer zone, but only then. The Army mainly wants a deal that allows Albania to remain independent. The last straw was the order to storm the embassies.

Armestria, I am sorry, but this would certainly happen. Its not as if you have been invaded yet and had a chance to drum up a lot of nationalistic fervor. Your officers are going to be realistic, and competent, and smart enough to cut a deal to save the nation.

The Union immediately recognizes the new military Government of Albania.

The French also recognize the new government and order the troops to resume operations against the KLA.

attention: This Tread Is Hearby Closed For E19-20 Purposes

Please Make Your Own Albania Thread

Amestria']attention: This Tread Is Hearby Closed For E19-20 Purposes

Please Make Your Own Albania Thread

He is within his rights to state this, as he is the thread owner. Therefore, for now, use the E20 main thread or Yugoslavia news thread to post anything relating to Albania in the E20 roleplay.

The precedent has been established on several occasions that News/Diplomatic Threads belonging to E20 countries are the "property" of E20 rather than the original Player (see Brazil, Denmark, and German Threads especially).
Therefore, it is Amestria who is, even after having been ejected for trying to assume the authority of a Moderator, violating E20 policy by trying to assume the authority of a Moderator for a Thread he got kicked out of.
I am no longer surprised.
Amestria, the Forum Moderators have already received complaient about your behavior. I hope you grow up some day.
Good-bye.