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Edi Rama stated construction of the billion-dollar resorts will continue. Protests have run for nine days and an investigation into land purchases has opened.
Al JazeeraAlbanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said Tuesday that construction of two luxury resort projects linked to Jared Kushner’s investment firm Affinity Partners will continue. Rama described the billion-dollar developments as a major opportunity for foreign investment as Albania seeks European Union membership.
He rejected accusations that the government had sold public land or granted preferential treatment.
The projects include a resort on the former communist military island of Sazan and a tourism complex in the coastal zone of Zvernec. According to government statements, both sites were previously used or privately titled land transferred through transparent procedures. Tirana maintains the approvals followed lawful processes.
Rama offered on Tuesday to meet representatives of the protesters. The offer was declined. Protests began after sightings of fencing and heavy equipment at both sites. On June 6, demonstrators gathered in front of the prime minister’s office in Tirana.
Clashes over the weekend resulted in several demonstrators injured by private security guards. Local authorities suspended police officers involved and revoked the operating licenses of two security firms. Albania’s special prosecutor’s office opened an investigation into the purchase of land titles at Zvernec.
Forty environmental groups called in January for the Sazan plan to be halted. Aleksandr Trajce, head of the Protection and Preservation of the Natural Environment in Albania, said there had been “a total lack of transparency” and no public consultation or permit documentation. He called for bulldozers and fencing to be removed and habitats restored before any further talks.
theiranproject.comThe United States and Iran reached agreement on a roadmap to conclude their conflict within 60 days following high-level talks in Switzerland. Technical discussions will continue this week at Burgenstock resort under mediation by Pakistan and Qatar.
dohanews.coHigh-level negotiations in Switzerland seeking a permanent end to the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran concluded after one round. Technical talks will continue for the rest of the week to address issues including Tehran's nuclear program.
news.sky.comShaun Burton, 60, was killed when two East Midlands Railway trains collided near Bedford on Friday. More than 100 people were injured, with 28 still in hospital and nine in critical condition.