Historic U.S. Senate Vote on Albania (September 26, 2008)

Yesterday marked a historic moment in U.S. Albanian relations: the U.S. Senate voted to approve Croatia’s and Albania’s NATO Accession Protocols to the Washington Treaty.  As one of the first countries in the NATO Alliance to vote in favor of this important document, the United States eagerly looks forward to welcoming Albania as a full partner in NATO. 
This action by the Senate has unparalleled significance.  It represents not only a vote of confidence in one of America's staunchest partners, but a sincere acknowledgement of the determination of the Albania government, the opposition, and most of all, the Albanian people in achieving this important milestone.  The Albanian nation undertook a major program of reform to accomplish this goal.  Many reforms, however, remain to be completed and others to be launched.  We, the American people, look forward to working with Albanians to finish, as President Lincoln put it 'a task so nobly begun.'  The American commitment to Albania, so clearly demonstrated in yesterdays vote, remains strong and forward-looking.