(12 Apr 1997) English/Nat
A euphoric welcome for Albania's self-proclaimed King Leka I when he arrived in Albania's capital Tirana Saturday from exile in South Africa.
King Leka says he's returned to the strife-torn country to be a "unifying factor."
Pro-monarchy supporters are urging for Leka's return to be permanent - they want the exiled entrepreneur to bring political and financial stability to Albania.
The self proclaimed King Leka I of Albania arrived by private jet in the Albanian capital.
The 58 year old arrived from South Africa where he now lives with his Australian born wife.
Police could barely contain the crowd as they swarmed around the 'King' - many were waving the Albanian flag and carrying pictures of Leka and his father King Zog.
King Leka arrives in a divided country.
In February Albania plunged into chaos - after the collapse of pyramid investment schemes triggered widespread rioting.
But Albania has been plagued by economic and political woes since 1990 when the 46- year communist dictatorship collapsed.
King Leka told A-P-T-V he was thrilled to be back In Albania.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"I feel great, it's a wonderful time for me and it's a time of great happiness. Also, a time of great pain because of what Albania is going through."
SUPER CAPTION: Self proclaimed King Leka I of Albania
King Leka left Albania when he was just three days old.
He fled with his parents King Zog I and Queen Geraldine following the Italian invasion in 1939.
The family lived in Greece, Turkey, England, Spain and Egypt for short periods. They later settled in Paris until the death of King Zog in 1961.
Since 1980, Leka has been living in Johannesburg.
It's only the second time he's been to Albania -- his previous visit lasted just 24 hours after he was ordered to leave because he carried a passport from the 'Kingdom of Albania"
On Saturday - his reception was somewhat different - many pro-monarchy supporters are hailing him as Albania's only hope to achieve political and financial stability.
King Leka says he's here to be a "unifying factor".
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"I hope to add my presence and my weight to whatever we can achieve in bringing about as a unifying factor. And to help the Albanian people to come out of these troubles and find a solution."
SUPER CAPTION: Self proclaimed King Leka I of Albania
Although his father's palace now lies in ruins - Leka wants to revive the monarchy in Albania.
His supporters claim his leadership will secure democracy.
Leka wants a referendum to let the people of Albanian decide his fate.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"Well, that's up to the people of Albania isn't it."
SUPER CAPTION: Self proclaimed King Leka I of Albania
But whether his calls for a referendum will be heeded is yet to be seen.
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10 сен 2024
