Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a heartfelt video message to the nation, extending his condolences to the families of eight soldiers killed during operations in southern Lebanon. This statement came shortly after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced their deaths, marking a significant moment amid escalating tensions in the region.

In his address, Netanyahu expressed, “I want to convey my sincere condolences to the families of our heroes who fell today in Lebanon. We are in the midst of a fierce battle against the axis of evil led by Iran, which seeks to destroy us. This will not happen, because we will stand united, and with God’s help, we will triumph together.” His words resonated with a deep sense of solidarity and resolve as Israel faces growing threats from militant groups.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the issue of hostages, stating that approximately 100 individuals remain in the hands of Hamas in the Gaza Strip. He underscored the emotional and strategic implications of these hostages, noting the urgency of their situation. Furthermore, he mentioned the Israeli citizens who have been forced to evacuate their homes in the northern regions due to the threats posed by Hezbollah. “We will rescue our hostages in the south, we will return the residents to the north, and we will guarantee the eternity of Israel,” Netanyahu asserted, demonstrating a commitment to both the safety of citizens and the defense of the nation.

The backdrop of Netanyahu’s message is marked by the IDF’s recent operations in Lebanon, where military engagements have escalated, resulting in the tragic loss of life. On Wednesday, the IDF reported the death of one soldier, followed by the announcement of seven additional fatalities in separate incidents in southern Lebanon. This surge in violence has heightened the stakes for Israel, prompting an urgent response from its leadership.

Netanyahu’s remarks reflect a broader narrative of resilience and determination within Israel, emphasizing the need for unity in the face of adversity. As the nation grapples with the consequences of ongoing conflicts, his pledge to rescue hostages and protect Israeli citizens resonates deeply with those affected by the turmoil.

In conclusion, the Prime Minister’s message is not just a reflection of the immediate crisis but a call to action for Israelis to remain steadfast and united against threats that challenge their existence. As tensions continue to rise in the region, Netanyahu’s words serve as a rallying cry for a nation committed to its security and future.

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Yesterday, Iran fired a barrage of missiles at Israel in retaliation for Israel’s assassination in Beirut of Hezbollah secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah last week and its assassination in Tehran of Hamas’s political chief Ismail Haniyeh in July.United States President Joe Biden instructed the US military to assist Israel in neutralising the missiles – not that Israel is not already equipped with various layers of ultra-sophisticated protection against incoming projectiles, which permit it to go about slaughtering folks left and right while suffering minimal damage in return.During a news briefing at the White House, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan announced that US naval destroyers had “joined Israeli air defence units in firing interceptors to shoot down in-bound missiles”. Praising the “professionalism” of the Israeli military, Sullivan also lauded the “skilled work of the US military and meticulous joint planning in anticipation of the attack”.

Off course, not once has it occurred to the Biden administration to meticu

lously thwart Israel’s ongoing genocide of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, where officially more than 41,000 people have been killed in less than a year although the true death toll is without a doubt exorbitantly higher. Nor has the oh-so-skilled US military deemed it necessary to interfere in the wanton butchery currently going down in Lebanon, where Israel just killed more than 700 people in less than a week.And while many an international observer has sounded the alarm that the US could now be “dragged” into a regional war – warnings that will only increase after the Iranian missile attack – in reality the US is not really being “dragged” anywhere.Rather, the US is in a position entirely of its own making. And the fact of the matter is that the US is already at war.To be sure, even prior to the launch of the genocide, the US habit of flinging billions of dollars at the Israeli military on an annual basis long ago made it transparently complicit in Israeli efforts to disappear Palestine. Since October 7, the billions have only multiplied, despite Biden’s intermittent squawking about cutting off the supply of certain offensive weaponry to Israel.In August, the Biden administration approved a $20bn weapons package to its Israeli partner in crime. And on September 26, the Reuters news agency reported Israel’s announcement that “it had secured an $8.7 billion aid package from the United States to support its ongoing military efforts and to maintain a qualitative military edge in the region”.The package was said to include “$3.5 billion for essential wartime procurement… and $5.2 billion designated for air defense systems including the Iron Dome anti-missile system, David’s Sling and an advanced laser system”.

Sotiraq Filo, the mayor of Korçë: “On the occasion of the International Day of Older Persons, we visited one of the Senior Centers opened by the municipality in Korçë today.

We spent some time in their company, engaging in conversations and assuring them that the municipality’s support for this age group will continue not only through the Pensioners’ Card and Community Centers but also with other programs and projects aimed at enhancing services and improving their quality of life.

Often, it is the elderly who teach us to respect values, reminding us of our roots and the path of dignity, dedication, and generosity.”

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Deputies of the Democratic Party took an extreme action by burning chairs outside the Assembly of Albania, a protest that marked heightened political tensions. The flames briefly got out of control, posing a risk to the entrance of the parliament. Security guards quickly intervened to extinguish the fire, preventing a more dangerous situation. Following this incident, the deputies returned to the plenary session and blocked the podium, expressing their dissatisfaction with the government’s decisions.

This event highlights the turbulent political climate in Albania, where tensions between the opposition and the majority are on the rise. The deputies’ protest reflects their concerns and signals the deep disagreements that continue within the Albanian political system.

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Andrea Mano, the former chairman of the Democratic Party in Korçë, has secured a seat in the 140-member Parliament of Albania amid recent developments within the party. This comes after news that current deputy Ervin Salianji is facing potential imprisonment due to the charges against him. According to party procedures and the electoral system, Mano, who was second on the electoral list, will take over Salianji’s mandate upon his resignation.

Mano is recognized as a significant political figure in Korçë, known for his strong commitment to community development and support for right-wing policies. He has been active in local politics and is well-regarded for his dedication to addressing citizens’ issues. His election to Parliament brings renewed hope for increased support for developmental projects in Korçë and for strengthening the opposition.

Next week, the Assembly is expected to revoke Ervin Salianji’s mandate, paving the way for his legal proceedings. This development marks a new era for the Democratic Party and for the city of Korçë, where Andrea Mano is anticipated to play a crucial role in representing the interests of residents and promoting democratic values.

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Following the decision of the Appeals Court, which upheld the one-year prison sentence for Ervin Salianji, the Democratic Party announced an urgent meeting at its headquarters. Salianji expressed serious concerns about the transparency and fairness of the judicial process, labeling the court’s decision as premeditated and falsified. He emphasized that the hearing had a predetermined outcome and that the judges acted as representatives of the Socialist Party.

In his statement, Salianji made a strong accusation, claiming that one of the judges was “superordinary” and had a dubious role in the case. He added that the ruling was an attempt to attack the opposition and undermine the image of the Democratic Party, especially ahead of the elections. Salianji viewed this process as an organized attack against him and the party he represents.

Determined to continue his legal battle, he confirmed that he would appeal the decision and pursue all possible legal avenues. Salianji accused Fatmir Xhafaj of being an instrument used by Prime Minister Rama to manipulate the judicial system. He stated that he was willing to cooperate with the authorities and would gladly continue his fight for justice.

According to him, this process is a clear sign of the government’s attempts to control the system and influence the outcome of the upcoming elections. Salianji promised to commit himself to ensuring that these issues are addressed fairly and transparently in the future. He hopes there will be opportunities to rectify the injustices he believes are occurring.

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Prefect Nertil Jole:

“During my visit to Sovjan, where I observed the work being done on cleaning the collector by the Regional Directorate of Water and Drainage, I met several farmers and young people from the village.

Rami Dautllari and Shefki Dautllari are two experienced farmers who are deeply engaged in agriculture with their families, producing onions, potatoes, and corn on their family farms. The Korça region is home to many hardworking individuals who, despite the specific challenges they face throughout the production year, continue their efforts to ensure that the products with the excellent reputation of Maliqi are of the highest quality.”

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Korça’s Prefect, Nertil Jole, recently shared photos of the cleaning work on the Sovjan collector, writing the following:

“A significant effort by the Korça Directorate of Irrigation and Drainage to clean the Sovjan collector, the main drainage project for the Maliqi area, with a length of 9.3 km and a volume of 53,000 m³ of alluvium.

This intervention will conclude after 25 days and addresses a highly sensitive issue for the residents and farmers of the area. Respect for the challenging work of Petrika and Eriskeli, who are working as excavators alongside their colleagues.”

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The Albanian Parliament has opened its doors for tributes in honor of former deputy Gert Bogdani, who passed away unexpectedly a day earlier following a cardiac arrest.

Amidst tears and sorrow, the democratic deputies attended the memorial service on Thursday to pay their respects to their colleague.

Flamur Noka, Gazment Bardhi, Agron Gjekmarkaj, Jorida Tabaku, Ina Zhupa, Luçiano Boçi, and many other democratic deputies arrived with floral wreaths at the Parliament hall, where the tributes are being held, and wrote their final words in the memory book for their colleague.

Many attendees from the ranks of socialists were also present to honor the late politician.

The Minister of Education, Ogerta Manastirliu, was seen comforting opposition deputies over the passing of their colleague. Earlier, the Speaker of Parliament, Elisa Spiropali, the Minister of State for Relations with Parliament, Taulant Balla, and deputy Damian Gjiknuri, who could not hold back his tears while bidding farewell, also arrived.

Additionally, the President of the Republic, Bajram Begaj, was present at the farewell tributes and placed a floral wreath on the coffin of the late democratic deputy.

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Although the socialists view the resolution of Olta Xhaçka’s mandate saga through the Venice Commission, the opposition once again brought it up for debate at the Conference of Presidents.

During this conference, opposition representatives directed accusations at the Speaker of Parliament, Elisa Spiropali, alleging that she had undermined the Constitutional Court.

“We have referred to the constitution and justice regarding Olta Xhaçka’s mandate,” stated Gazment Bardhi, the chairman of the PD parliamentary group. “You have denied us this right and have disregarded the decisions of the Constitutional Court.”

According to Gazment Bardhi, the Venice Commission is an advisory body and does not have binding effects.

His socialist counterpart, Niko Peleshi, told the Conference of Presidents, “Of course, we have implemented the decision of the Constitutional Court by bringing the mandate to the session.”

Further, Niko Peleshi is quoted as saying: “We believe that an opinion from the Venice Commission would be beneficial for all of us, especially in a situation of conflict between two rights: the discretion of deputies to express their free will in the session and the obligation to implement the decision of the Constitutional Court.”

The debate also involved Ina Zhupa, the chair of the parliamentary media committee.

“You are dragging the issue of Xhaçka’s mandate along. There cannot be an opinion on the decision of the Constitutional Court. Opinions are given before or during the review, not after the Court has expressed its stance. You have undone the Constitutional Court,” she is quoted as declaring.

Peleshi responded: “Of course, we have implemented the decision of the Constitutional Court by bringing the mandate to the session. We have fulfilled all obligations; it is not just about the mandate of one deputy, but it is necessary to clarify all potential future cases. We believe that an opinion from the Venice Commission will benefit us all, especially in a situation of conflict between two rights: the discretion of deputies to express their free will in the session and the obligation to implement the decision of the Constitutional Court. This clarity will benefit us and will also be useful to you.”

Bardhi: “Madam Speaker, you personally decided to ignore the decisions of the Constitutional Court. You are the second speaker who has chosen to undermine the Constitutional Court, thereby also damaging the coexistence with the opposition. We have referred to the constitution and justice regarding Olta Xhaçka’s mandate. You have denied us this right and have disregarded the decisions of the Constitutional Court. The Venice Commission is an advisory body, and you know very well that it does not have binding effects. Your behavior undermines all your propaganda that you are supposedly constructive and open. This is propaganda because your actions are preventing us from fulfilling our duties. It has never happened that the parliament does not implement a decision of the Constitutional Court. The Court requested that you approve it quickly as there is no time available. Your practice of supposedly consulting the Venice Commission aims to save the mandate through procedure. This is not about the individual; for us, one Xhaçka goes and another comes. It is about constitutional principles.”

Tabaku: “Dear colleagues, Ms. Xhaçka is one of our colleagues. We are discussing the principle, not Ms. Xhaçka’s name. In 2010, every progress report stated that the PD government did not respect a decision of the Constitutional Court, and now we are talking about 9 other decisions that the government has not implemented, setting a dangerous precedent. We are not discussing whether there was a conflict of interest or not; we think there was, you don’t, but we leave it to the court to decide. However, if we use our vote to protect ourselves, we are sending a wrong message outside this hall.

We have sent the justice reform to Venice, a member of the Constitutional Court has gone there, and cases have been judged in Venice. We need to abandon political protection. If I were in your position, I would not want any political shield; let the Constitutional Court decide.

Why didn’t you send it to the Venice Commission earlier? Why is this happening for the first time now and not earlier? The standard set by the Constitutional Court should not be undermined.

We do not take pleasure in discussing this issue, nor in speaking against one side or the other, but we are discussing this matter on principle. We need to speak on principle and implement, on principle, the decisions of the Constitutional Court.”

Ina Zhupa: “You are dragging the issue of Xhaçka’s mandate along a path of delay. There cannot be an opinion on the decision of the Constitutional Court. Opinions are given before or during the review; you cannot seek an opinion after the Court has already spoken. You have undone the Constitutional Court.

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