VZCZCXRO4745
PP RUEHAG RUEHAST RUEHDA RUEHDF RUEHFL RUEHIK RUEHKW RUEHLA RUEHLN
RUEHLZ RUEHNP RUEHPOD RUEHROV RUEHSK RUEHSR RUEHVK RUEHYG
DE RUEHTI #0050/01 0260623
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 260623Z JAN 09
FM AMEMBASSY TIRANA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 7811
INFO RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC PRIORITY
RUEHVEN/USMISSION USOSCE PRIORITY 2436
RHEFDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK PRIORITY 0785
RHEHAAA/NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY

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