Remarks by U.S. Ambassador Withers at BKTF Roundtable (October 2, 2008)

Mr. Prime Minister, Ministers, Deputy Minister Zajmi, honored guests, and especially President Bozo of the coalition Together Against Child Trafficking.

In a little over one year since I have been in Albania, I have participated in many events and given remarks at many events. I have spoken about NATO.  I have spoken about Kosovo independence.  I have spoken against corruption.  I have spoken in favor of religious tolerance.  I have spoken about the importance of independent institutions in a democracy.  It is likely, I believe, that I will speak on such subjects again.

But, I consider being here at this event and giving these remarks, in a fundamental sense, more important than any other in which I have participated or spoken.

This round table is about children.  It is about the future of this country and the future of our world.  It is about a better world that we all hope to see.  This coalition, which is working hard both with the private sector and the public sector to fight this terrible cancer that exists in this society and in others, is engaged in heroic work.

One can think of no more terrible crime than the exploitation of the young and the innocent.  One can think of no more terrible conditions than a child defenseless against these criminals.  One can think of no more terrible conditions than the poverty, the poor mechanisms for child protection, and the inadequacies of law enforcement, which allow these things to happen.

We live in countries, in America and Albania, that have known a great many dramatic successes over this past year.  My country has recognized the tremendous successes in your country, through the act, just last week, of the ratification of Albania's NATO protocols. That act has great significance and great symbolism.  That symbolism is rooted not so much in the geopolitical alliances that we have rightly forged and proudly forged, but in the bond that we have made with each other that we will improve our societies even more.  I can think of no better, no more important starting point, than the rescue of children.

When we see children begging here, along the Lana river, when we see children roaming the streets rather than going to school, when we hear the stories of the cruel exploitation of children in the most horrible and criminal ways, I think we all agree that there is more to be done.

I look at the people in this room and I think here are the real heroes and heroines.  Here are the people who will speak for those who otherwise would have no voice.  Here are the people that will stand up for those that are too weak to stand up for themselves.  Here are the people who will defend those who are as yet defenseless.

So, I congratulate and I salute all of you, who have undertaken this noble work, who have developed this national strategy to prevent child trafficking and child exploitation in the future.

It is indeed noble work.  It is indeed a task in which we cannot fail.  This is an area in which implementation will be vital.  My promise to you is that my Embassy and I will stand by you in every way that we can to see that this national strategy, so well conceived, so well explained to us today, becomes reality.

In conclusion, let me tell you a little story.  Two days ago I had the honor and privilege of visiting Kruja, with the Prime Minister and with our visiting Deputy Secretary of Defense Mr. England.  As our group was moving past those glorious historical sites and museums there, there were three or four little girls watching this with great curiosity.

As I walked by, one of the little girls said to me in perfect English, “How are you?” I turned to her and I said, “I am doing well, how are you?” She said, “I am fine, what is your name?” I said, “My name is John. What is your name?” She said, “My name is Alketa. Where are you from?” I said, “I am from America.” She considered it and said, “How old are you?” I had to admit to her that I am very, very old.

I mentioned this story because when I think of children, I will always think of young Alketa.  She and her friends are how children should be: curious, honest, fearless, and looking towards, dreaming about, and considering a future without fears.  I think and hope that the work that you are doing here will help create a future for all Albanian children as bright as the smiles of little Alketa.

Thank you.