APRIL 2009
U.S. Speaker: Don’t Make Our Mistakes
In a May 2 interview for Albania's top circulation daily Shekulli, U.S. Speaker Kathleen Rogers, President of the “Earth Day Network,” responded to questions about Albania's plans to build coal and nuclear plants. Rogers told the paper, “There is nothing good about using coal,” and “A nuclear plant is an accident waiting to happen.” Speaking about her meetings with Albanian environment specialists, GOA officials, and students, Rogers said, “Albania has the extraordinary opportunity to avoid the mistakes that the U.S. made,” and recommended a strong role for the press, the NGO community, and an open and honest government. During the interview with the top daily and during her May 1 appearance on the morning show of news-based TV Ora, Rogers highlighted the benefits of businesses and communities in “going green.”
USAID Releases Report on Corruption
The April 30 release of an USAID-sponsored report on corruption perceptions and experiences with corruption attracted extensive attention from leading print and broadcast outlets. Reports highlighted remarks by USAID Country Director Roberta Mahoney, “Corruption is undermining all that is being gained.” The report found some signs of progress in public trust in judges and prosecutors, while showing the public saw members of parliament and ministers as “the most corrupt.” Media reports highlighted the poll’s finding that media is seen as the greatest contributor to the fight against corruption.
Speakers Bureau at Faculty of Foreign Languages
On April 30, Political-Military Officer Tony Baird visited the Foreign Language Faculty of Tirana State University to discuss Albania’s recent accession to NATO. The visit was a part of the Embassy’s Speaker’s Bureau Program. Mr Baird gave an overview of the history of NATO and how Albania’s membership fit into the historical and global context of NATO. Students posed very insightful questions concerning the relevance of NATO in the changing global security climate, the potential influence of smaller members, and current threats to NATO’s security.
Dr. Coleman Speaks at European University Tirana
As part of the Embassy’s Speakers Bureau Program, Dr. Maryruth Coleman was the key note speaker at the European University of Tirana on April 30. Dr. Coleman addressed an audience of over 50 Political and Social Sciences students, explaining her unique experience as an U.S. Diplomat. She touched also discussed democracy, human rights issues, women’s rights, and role of the media. Dr. Coleman mentioned active civic participation as an important tool in democracy building. She noted that citizen’s must take part in society's decision-making processes and encouraged youngsters to make the effort to influence their own lives.
Albania: A Green Economy Waiting to Happen
On April 29, Earth Day President Kathleen Rogers discussed green economic opportunities and sustainable development with the Ministry of Environment, the American Chamber of Commerce, urban planners, environmental activists, students, and media. The fruitful discussions centered on her call for local environmental organizations to work with the private sector and government on green development initiatives, as the way to develop while avoiding costly clean-ups. According to Ms. Rogers, “Albania is a green economy waiting to happen. It can and should be leading the world in green economic development.” Several follow-on activities to Ms. Rogers’ visit are in the works with the American Chamber of Commerce, local NGOs, and Peace Corps Volunteers.
Weekly Eco-Gram -- Meet the Embassy Gardeners
Walking through the Embassy compound, only the most work-obsessed among us could fail to notice the natural beauty everywhere: hundreds of flowers, decorative plants, and well cared-for trees. All of that loveliness is the handiwork of two men, Isuf Alla and Eduard Braja, who have been the Embassy’s gardeners for 12 and 14 years, respectively. When asked what they like about their work,
they responded, “It is a passion, a connection with the planting, growth, and beauty of living things.” Even those of us who do not make a living as gardeners can learn to see our connection to the natural world. The same plants that feed our bodies and souls also need our protection. When we treat nature gently and care for it, we are protecting ourselves and our children. (more photos)
Historical Time in the Development of Albania's Democracy
During the April 28 annual plenary session of the International Consortium – a group that includes Embassies, international missions and NGOs that offer concerted development assistance in the area of law enforcement and rule of law in Albania – DCM Steve Cristina highlighted that by achieving the benchmark of NATO membership, Albania “has increased both its accountability and responsibility to democratic principles and ideals” and that foremost among these is “a fully functioning rule of law arena with the independent institutions of the police, prosecutors, judges, and the courts.” Cristina congratulated Albania's progress so far, while pointing out that “Another significant and historic event is just ahead of us – the upcoming elections set for June 28.” The event triggered extensive attention by all leading broadcasters.
Embassy Launches Facebook PAGE: BECOME A FAN!
U.S. Embassy Tirana announces the launch of its facebook page. New media and social networking are integral components of public outreach initiatives. This page will bring our activities to a broader audience while giving fans of our facebook page greater access to Embassy events, announcements, and forums. The U.S. page features a host of material, including: embassy contact information, events, announcements, activity updates, as well as great videos and pictures. You can find the Embassy facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tirana-Albania/US-Embassy-Tirana/74591195837. Become a fan today!
Breast Cancer Walk
On April 26, Ambassador Withers was the main speaker at the first ever “Breast Cancer Awareness Walk” in Albania, organized by the Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) with the support of the Public Affairs Office, Ministry of Health, Institute of Public Health, and the Municipality of Tirana. The event featured Speaker of the Parliament Jozefina Topalli, First Lady Teuta Topi, Mayor of Tirana Edi Rama, representative of YWCA, a survivor and a well-known medical doctor of the field. Ambassador Withers emphasized that “We can’t allow this illness to continue to spread and take the lives of our mothers, wives, and sisters.” Hundreds of women, youngsters, students, professors, doctors, members of the parliament, artists joined the walk, which turned out to be a very enthusiastic and informative activity. The organizers distributed promotional and educational materials to the participants under the slogan “Breast cancer - Early detection, the best protection”. The event generated a very positive print and broadcast media coverage, noting that “Breast Cancer Event Unites Politics.”
Weekly Eco-Gram – Kathleen Rogers to Discuss “Green New Deal”
APAO Leigh Rieder announces the visit of Kathleen Rogers, President of the Earth Day Network, to discuss with Albanian audiences new trends in sustainable development in the context of climate change and the economic crisis. On April 30 and May 1, Ms. Rogers will discuss issues collectively known as the “Green New Deal” that simultaneously address economic opportunities and climate change mitigation.
"Miti Zoi Zaka" and "Aleksander Moisiu" High Schools Students Meet America
On April 24th, students from "Miti Zoi Zaka," and "Aleksander Moisiu" High Schools in Kavaja and Divjakë became the latest to visit the Embassy as part of the “Meet America” program. The students had a chance to learn more about the Information Resource Center and its services as well as chat in person with Public Affairs Officer Bix Aliu, who gave them an introduction to the activities of the Public Affairs Section. Consul Abby Aronson explained student visa regulations and answered many questions. The students were honored to meet Ambassador John Withers, who talked to them about how much he appreciates Albanian people, the difficult road toward democracy and the change that youngsters can bring to the country. Ambassador Withers answered questions from the students regarding the Obama presidency and the recent entry of Albania into NATO, considering the latter a huge achievement for the country. The Kavaja and Divjaka students and teachers expressed their gratitude and heartfelt thanks for the opportunity to learn more about the Embassy.
Ambassador Withers and Albanian Interior Minister Send-Off Senior Police Officers
On April 24, Ambassador Withers hosted Interior Minister Nishani and senior Albanian State Police (ASP) officers at a ceremony to send off 12 Albanian police officers to the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Anti-Terrorism program at the International Law Enforcement Academy in Budapest for a two-week training on Critical Incident Management. Ambassador Withers told the police officers “Courses have fostered an exceptional working relationship between the Embassy and Albanian law enforcement, as well as helped Albanians improve inter-agency communication and resource management.” The Interior Minister greeted the senior police officers, noting, “I am confident that at the end of this course, we will have added value in our capacities to enable a critical incident management plan that could then serve as a platform for a comprehensive national plan.” Broadcast media reported on the event.
Embassy Sponsor's Regional Model NATO Conference
Deputy Chief of Mission Stephen Cristina and Public Affairs Officer Bix Aliu participated in the closing ceremony of the first ever Regional Model NATO conference in Albania, held on April 23 in Tirana. The conference was organized by two local organizations, Balkan Youth Link Albania and MJAFT and funding was provided by the Embassy’s Public Affairs Office (Support for Eastern European Democracy Regional Funding). University students from the region (Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosova, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia.) came together to take part. Mr. Cristina emphasized that youth leadership and participation is crucial for a prosperous future of the Balkan region. Former Prime Minister Pandeli Majko also attended, and noted that communication among youngsters of the region is an important step for a stable and peaceful future.
Dr. Coleman Addresses Students at Lady of Good Council University
As part of the Speaker’s Bureau Program, Dr. Maryruth Coleman was the key note speaker at Our Lady of Good Council University in Tirana on April 23rd. Dr. Coleman addressed an audience made up of students, academics, young diplomats and journalists during the open forum titled: "Building Democracy and Respect for Human Rights." She spoke on the difficult, but not impossible, road to democracy and noted “Through respect of human rights, civic participation, and a free press, Albania will make its way to progress, prosperity, and democratization.” The presentation was followed by a lively Q & A session with the participants.
Speaker's Bureau at Luarasi Faculty of Law
On April 23, Political – Military Officer Tony Baird was the guest speaker at Luarasi Faculty of Law, as part of the Embassy’s Speaker’s Bureau Program, to give students more information on Albania’s Accession in NATO, the benefits and responsibilities of this membership. Tony noted “Albania is now a member of NATO with full rights and this is a historic achievement for the country.” Questions from the audience were diverse ranging from the role and position of the U.S. in this perspective to comments on Albania’s role as a stability factor in the Balkan region. The students were eager to learn if this membership would speed up Albania’s accession in other Euro-Atlantic institutions as well.
America Presents: Sean Thomas Dougherty
On April 21-23, as part of the Embassy’s “America Presents” program, American Poet Sean Thomas Dougherty completed a world-wind tour of Albania, reading his work and sharing his experiences with hundreds of students, writers, local poets, and admirers. He is the author of nine books including Nightshift Belonging to Lorca , a finalist for the Paterson Poetry Prize and Except by Falling winner of the 2000 Pinyon Press Poetry Prize from Mesa State College. His awards include two Pennsylvania Council for the Arts Fellowships in Poetry. Sean’s visit culminated with a reception held by Ambassador Withers in honor of the playwright and as a tribute to Albanian poetry.
Broadcast Media Trainer to Visit Tirana
PAO Bix Aliu announces that Dr. Sam Swan, Director of Internationalization and Outreach and Professor, of the University of Tenessee, will be visiting Tirana April 26 – May 5. He will be working closely with news managers, directors, and reporters of popular station Vizion+ on newsroom organization, field reporting, election reporting and other TV news related topics. During previous visits in the past years, Dr. Swan worked with Top Channel and TV Klan on similar topics.
Children of Tirana Celebrate Earthday 2009
On April 22, Public Affairs Officer Bix Aliu and Deputy Mayor of Tirana Albana Dhimitri participated in the inauguration of the exhibition “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle”, an event organized in celebration of Earth Day 2009. The exhibition of children’s artwork made with recycled materials is part of a Democracy Commission funded project, implemented by the EDEN Center in cooperation with the Municipality of Tirana. Bix emphasized the importance of environmental education for children and youngsters, as well as the civic responsibility for a clean and healthy environment. The event had extensive media coverage.
Let's Walk Together
The US Embassy and the ‘Young Women Christian Association of Albania” (YWCA), Ministry of Health, Institute of Public Health and the Municipality of Tirana, are organizing the first ever walk against breast cancer titled “Let’s Walk Together”. We hope that all of you can make it on SUNDAY, APRIL 26, at 9:30 at the “Mother Teresa” square in front of the Tirana University building, located near the Sheraton. The walk will end at the National Art Gallery. The Ambassador, representatives of central institutions, First Lady of Albania and the Mayor of Tirana will also take part at the event.
PAO Featured in Leading Variety Show
PAO Bix Aliu was the special guest of “E Diell,” which aired on April 19. The popular variety show airs on leading national private broadcaster Top Channel. Bix responded to a variety of questions, including those regarding his work as the first Albanian-American serving at the U.S. Embassy in Albania, how U.S. foreign policy is translated into action by embassies, and how the Public Affairs Office works to ensure that America is understood. The interview was also printed in full in the April 20 edition of mass circulation daily Shqip.
Ambassador Explains America’s Love for Baseball
The April 21 edition of mass circulation daily Gazeta Shqiptare printed an interview with U.S. Ambassador Withers in its weekly insert “VIP Boulevard.” The Ambassador talked about being a Boston Red Sox fan, the impact baseball has had on American culture and society, as well as the desired return of baseball to the Olympic Games. “Had the Red Sox listened to me, they would have always won. But, they don’t,” Withers said during the interview, while explaining America’s connection with baseball. The interviewer opined, “His profession is diplomacy; however, he considers baseball one of the greatest loves of his life.”
Embassy Anti Trafficking Advisor Lectures at Kristal University
On April 21 , as part of the Embassy’s Speakers Bureau Program, USAID’s Anti – Trafficking Advisor Kelly Cronnen spoke to a group of over 40 students at the Social Sciences Department of Kristal University in Tirana. Kelly discussed USAID anti-trafficking programs, the progress Albania has made in its anti-trafficking efforts, and the results of recent studies in the field completed by USAID. Kelly explained that human trafficking is a wound of society and that further steps should be taken to raise awareness, to address the issue correctly, and to protect the victims. The session was followed by a lively questions and answer session with the students.
WEEKLY ECO-GRAM -- English Teaching as a Tool in Environmental Awareness
Although some participants in the April 17 English Language and Culture Conference may have been surprised by the topic chosen by Fulbright Scholar Candace Calsoyas, they responded with interest and enthusiasm to her discussion of using environmental literature in English teaching.
Emphasizing the “protest” nature of the genre, Candace explained how environmental literature epitomizes democratic thinking and grass-roots organizing. She clearly tied the publication of key environmental critiques in the U.S. with current societal attitudes toward civic action to protect community health and wellbeing. By using environmental literature in English teaching, conference participants can teach language skills, contemporary American culture, and environmental awareness in one fell swoop.
Nobody Should Be Denied the Right to Vote
Print and broadcast media devoted frontpage headline coverage to U.S. Ambassador Withers’ April 16 interview with top viewership national private broadcaster Top Channel. Speaking about Albania's NATO accession at the Strasbourg Summit, Withers said all Albanians, including the political class should be credited for NATO membership, adding that Albanians, as a nation had made endless sacrifices to arrive at the day of NATO membership. Regarding Albania's elections, Withers emphasized, “The responsibility for holding free and fair elections lies with the Albanians,” not the international community. Speaking about concerns about voters without ID cards, the U.S. Ambassador noted, “There are concerns about 700,000 citizens without passports or IDs. It is very important that this group be focused upon.”
PAO Supports Role of Women in Politics
On April 15, Public Affairs Officer Bix Aliu, gave remarks at the launching ceremony of the “Women and Politics” project, funded by the Embassy’s Democracy Commission Small Grants Program. The ceremony featured Members of the Parliament Lajla Pernaska and Diana Culi. The project, dedicated to increasing women’s participation in politics and decision-making, is a collaborative effort between the Women’s Network established with the support of the NDI program in Albania. The audience included women members of political parties, civil society, representatives of the diplomatic corps, and media.
Mission Collects Funds for Fallen Police Officers
On April 11, Darrel Hart, head of the Department of Justice ICITAP police assistance program in Albania, appeared on popular show “More Love” of second largest national private broadcaster TV Klan, to talk about funds collected by ICITAP staff that will go to the families of two police officers that were killed on the line of duty three weeks ago in northern Kukës. Hart told the show host, “There is a long tradition in the U.S. of law enforcement members having a feeling of brotherhood and that is why we decided to collect funds for the families.”
ICITAP Donates First Aid Teaching Aids to the Police Development Center of the Albanian State Police
On Tuesday, April 14th the Director of the Center for Police Development and the U. S. Department of Justice’s ICITAP Program in Albania Program Manager Darrel Hart signed donation documents for first aid training equipment that will be used by the State Police. The training aids, consisting of sets of adult, child, and infant manikins, will be used to teach police personnel CPR techniques and is valued at approximately 230,000 lek. The CPR manikins, breathing masks, and first aid kits being donated will be used at the Center for Police Development by certified police first aid instructors in the twenty-five hours of first aid training for the Patrol Generalist Basic Course.
Ambassador Inaugurates Art in the Embassies Exhibit
On April 10, Ambassador Withers and Ms. Maryruth Coleman invited guests to view the “Art in Embassies” collection at the Ambassador’s residence. The very enthusiastic crowd, which included the First Lady of Albania, viewed the art work of Albanian-American artists, the first time the art has been displayed as one exhibit. Media was also present and covered the event.
Embassy Donates Easter Baskets to Children with Autism
The US Embassy received a donation of Easter Baskets which was forwarded to the "Dove School" for autistic children. The children sang songs along with big smiles and some hugs. The school staff was most appreciative of the support shown. A special thank you to the Ambassador's executive staff Bridget Kissinger and Brenda James for all their help in making this possible.
ICITAP Completes Instructor Course
On 10 April 2009, the US Mission in Albania through ICITAP, in cooperation with the Albanian State Police Professional Development Center and the OSCE Presence in Albania, completed a four-day Advanced Instructor Course for police instructors from the Balkan region. The Advanced Instructor Course was designed to provide police instructors advanced instructional skills and knowledge to teach law enforcement courses in a more effect manner. The Advanced Instructor Course has built upon the basic Instructor Development Course and in the end the trained police officers will be able to return to their respective police academies to teach basic instructor development courses with their newfound knowledge.
PAO Visits Durres to Promote Civic Activism
On April 09, the Forum of Free Thought, a USG Program Alumni association, as part of their environmental Initiative organized an open public discussion in Durres city. The event, which marked the creation of the Durres Branch of the Albanian Corps of Volunteers, brought together representatives of the NGOs, journalists, environmentalists, students, professors and political activists. PAO Bix Aliu, a great supporter of this initiative, underlined that citizens’ participation is very important for a clean and healthy environment. Durres Mayor joined the initiative and expressed his will to work with citizens and the volunteers to address the environmental concerns and contribute to the sustainable development of the city.
Speakers Bureau at European University
On April 9, Mindy Michels, an American anthropologist and spouse of the Embassy's Resident Legal Advisor, lectured at the European University of Tirana on "Communication and 'Coming Out of the Closet'" in Professor Ermal Hasimja's class. Michels discussed the experience of being gay in Albania and in the United States, and talked about the linguistic aspects of disclosing gay identity. Students engaged in a lively discussion after the lecture.
PAO Attends Premiere of "Light in the Dark"
On April 08, Public Affairs Officer Bix Aliu participated in the premiere of the documentary “Light in the Dark”, made possible in part by a grant by PAS. The movie, dedicated to one of the victims of communist persecution, is a tribute to all those people who suffered and died during dictatorship because of their love and devotion to freedom and democracy. The premiere had a huge audience that involved politicians, representatives of the ex-persecuted people, artists, NGOs, and journalists. Print and broadcast media covered the event extensively .
THE WEEKLY ECO-GRAM -- U.S. Embassy Dedicated to “Green”
This is the first in a weekly series that will highlight positive actions being taken to respond to climate change. An important step that the U.S. Embassy took during the past year was the start of a recycling program. In the beginning, cans, glass, and plastic were collected in special bins located in the cafeteria and near the gas pump within the embassy compound. Employees who collected items for recycling at home brought them to the Embassy and deposited them in the bins. More recently, collection bins have been added at some embassy housing, further encouraging the community to recycle whenever possible. Economic benefits of recycling are reduced disposal fees and the inherent value of the materials when they are recycled. Less demand for virgin materials means less carbon released into the air from production processes. Both the economy and the environment win.
Peace Corps Health Education Volunteer Launches HIV/AIDS Prevention Campaign
Beginning in January of this year, Rebecca Mueller, a Peace Corps Health Education Volunteer, launched an HIV/AIDS prevention campaign by working with high school seniors in Divijake on the prevention of HIV/AIDS. She visited senior level classes and began the lesson hour by leading a discussion about the basics of HIV/AIDS. The students discussed conditions in contemporary Albanian society and determined that HIV/AIDS is a problem in their country and that educating friends and community members is important. Nearly 100 high school seniors had the opportunity to watch some interesting films and apply the dry facts they hear over and over to real life, maybe for the first time. There are over 16 Health Education Peace Corps Volunteers working in Albania in collaboration with the Directories of Public Health.
Embassy Welcomes New Albanian Intern
The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy welcomes Ira Salataj for a two-month internship, April-June 2009. She was selected from among other qualified and talented applicants for a pilot internship program opening for the first time to Albanian university students. Ira is a third year student at the English Department of Tirana University majoring in British and American Studies. Aside from her student responsibilities, she has also been involved in translation of movies and documentaries for research study with the Institute for Development and Research Alternatives (IDRA). Ira has participated actively in debate groups and attended conferences in Albania and Kosova. She brings with her another internship experience from the Albanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in the OSBE and CoE Departments. Ira is interested in pursuing a career in diplomacy.
Embassy Tirana Supports a Traveling Exhibit of "Costumes"
A Public AS grant supported the travel of four Albanian art students and their teacher, renowned Albanian artist Najada Hamza to take part in an exhibition at the Danna Center of Loyola University in New Orleans. The students traveled to the U.S. for the first time and were very well received by the U.S public. The exhibition is on display until April 10th. The group was escorted by Embassy Cultural Envoy Lea Cristina, the spouse of the Deputy Chief of Mission.
Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Welcomes Albania to NATO
Paul Poletes, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, appeared live on Albanian National Television to welcome Albania to NATO. On April 4, during NATO's 60th Anniversary Summit, Paul congratulated the citizens of Albania on becoming a full member of the alliance. Paul spoke in Albanian and noted Albania's hard work and dedication, explained the conditons that being a NATO member entails, and once again reitterated U.S. support for Albania's ongoing efforts down the path for full Euroatlantic integration.
Ambassador Withers Addresses Students at Epoka University
Ambassador John L. withers II held an interactive session with over 150 students at Tirana’s Epoka University on April 2. During the session, students gave their views on Albania’s new role as a NATO member and asked the Ambassador questions ranging from those on U.S. domestic politics to those on U.S. society and values. Epoka University is one of the longest running private universities established in the country.
Albania and Croatia Deposit NATO Instruments of Accession
At a ceremony today at the Department of State, Deputy Secretary Steinberg accepted Albania’s and Croatia’s instruments of accession to the North Atlantic Treaty for which the United States is the depositary government. At the moment the Deputy Secretary received the instruments of accession, Albania and Croatia became NATO Allies. Albanian Ambassador Aleksander Sallabanda and Croatian Ambassador Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic represented their countries in this ceremony. We welcome the completion of the accession process prior to NATO’s 60th Anniversary Summit on April 3 and 4, where Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha and Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader will take their seats for the first time representing their countries as members of the Alliance.
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Embassy Events
May 2009
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