The chairman of the Freedom Party, Ilir Meta, says that he has given up the lawsuit against the Austrian magazine 'Kronen Zeitung', which had accused him of lobbying and corruption for economic reasons.
In an interview for Euroneës Albania from Jala, Meta said that companies that deal with media defamation issues in Austria had suggested him to give up as the reward would be very modest and the costs colossal.
"This was deemed unnecessary by companies dealing with media defamation issues in Austria. The trial was won, but according to Austrian laws the compensation would be modest, while the costs of the trial, which could last endlessly, were very high. 300 euros per hour for a law firm. What the newspaper wrote is slander, we have no intention of wasting energy. There is no need to reply, it is known as a newspaper that produces scandals. Giving up the lawsuit was the recommendation of my political friends in Austria," Meta said.
The Austrian media accused the head of the Freedom Party of having paid 700,000 dollars for lobbying in the USA.
Former president Ilir Meta said today that he has always signed documents as Ilir Metaj, just as his name is in the Civil Status and in the personal certificate. Meanwhile, regarding the name Ilir Meta, he said that it is for ease of communication and that he has no problem if they call him "Like".
Part of Ilir Meta's interview:
Your wife published your certificate, why did you use the last name Meta and not Metaj?
I think this is a completely silly question because I have it unchanged with the certificate, always Metaj. For convenience and communication with the public, this is another matter.
What about the declaration form, Meta or Metaj?
There is no connection. The certificate has been made public. The former LSI has prepared all SPAK files to facilitate his work.
What about the declaration form?
Whenever SPAK wants, I can watch him, from daycare. We continue to send documents about the blackest affair of the incinerators, of 430 million euros at least so far.
When did you become aware of the fact that SPAK has started the investigation?
I have no special knowledge and no kind of curiosity that started SPAK. You are all familiar with the statement of the head of the party-state for SPAK, for Ilir Meta, Sali Berisha, at the party Congress. Now with the opposition in front of him, he understands that he has been exposed.
Do you think SPAK is being used politically?
(Laughs)... I don't believe there is anyone in Albania who thinks differently. If they had done their homework, the situation would have been different. Albania would not be at the top of the ranking for crime and corruption.
How did you sign, Meta or Metaj?
I have been and always am Ilir Meta, in relation to matters related to civil matters. They can call me and Like then, I don't like it anymore.
Why didn't you report the Austrian newspaper?
This was deemed unproductive by some of the major defamation media companies in Vienna or Austria. The compensation would be modest and the expenses were high and for the sake of transparency, it was not worth 300 euros/hour for a law firm. The newspaper only produced slander. Even the person who made the report, look at TIMS, he has often been in Vienna.
What will happen in September?
What has begun to happen is clear, a reawakening of hopes, an activation of citizens to gain what they have lost. Not only because of an anti-national government that has driven out nearly 700 thousand citizens, but it is also a new energy to put the state on the constitutional tracks.
The file of the Authority for IM, the initiative of the socialists in the Assembly?
Since July 25, I have stood up to those who work against national interests. I'm looking forward to September 1st, September 2nd. Now we are in a field where the right, the truth will undoubtedly win. They have always slandered and always lost. This time they will be destroyed.
Have you asked to see the Authority's file?
On September 1st, I report the File Handling Authority. This battle will not only take place in Edi Rama's justice system, but also in international institutions. Why? To show the cruelty of this regime. These kinds of slanders do not divert us from the affair of the incinerators.
The Freedom Party document for Arben Kraja, is this blackmail?
I don't know that there was any concern from anyone about anyone else's statement. What I can say is that Edi Rama pressured and blackmailed SPAK. He said at the party Congress that "you are a creature of our party". I have always faced justice and won the challenges.