February 2009
Educational Exchange Outreach
On February 27, U.S. Educational Advisor Linda Mëniku and Prof. Lori Amy, Director of the Women’s and Gender Studies Program at Georgia Southern University, met with approximately 60 faculty members of University of Durres ‘Aleksander Moisiu’ to discuss educational exchange opportunities. With support from Rector Agim Kukeli, Linda and Lori presented information on the Fulbright, Humphrey, and Junior Faculty Development Programs, as well as graduate degree study. The presentation included the application process for the exchange programs, selecting a graduate school, the graduate school application process, graduate financial aid and more. The day of outreach also included a presentation to students at High School Naim Frasheri on the YES Program for high school students and undergraduate study in the U.S.
Model UN Students Meet America
On February 27, over 40 high school students from throughout Albania visited the Embassy as part of the Embassy’s “Meet America” program. The students are currently participating in the 2nd Model UN Conference in Tirana sponsored in part by the Public Affairs Section. Consul Abigail Aronson explained the visa application process and touched upon how to study in the U.S. Assistant Security Officer Tony Pate described his role at the embassy and introduced the group to the function of the Marine Security Guards. Public Affairs Officer Bix Aliu explained the importance of diplomacy, the role of the Public Affairs Section, and encouraged the students to participate in Albania’s democratic development, as future leaders of the country. Ambassador John L. Withers II met with the students and discussed the historical importance of the Embassy building, shared his background with the group, and wished them success with the Model UN Conference.
Consul Speaks at UNY Tirana
On February 26, 2009, Consul Abigail Aronson visited the University of New York Tirana as the first guest of their Spring Semester FORUM series. In Ms. Aronson’s appearance as part of the Embassy’s Speakers Bureau Program, she shared her experiences serving in Albania as the Chief of Consular Services, discussed the various roles that diplomats perform serving overseas, and helped demystify the visa process with an overview on opportunities and requirements related to pursuing studies and travel in the United States. The students participated in a lively discussion with questions on issues ranging from the impact the current financial crisis will have on U.S. foreign policy and immigration reform, policies and procedures related to immigrating to the United States, and opportunities to gain work experience at the U.S. Embassy in Tirana.
Albania’s 2nd Model United Nations Conference Underway
Ambassador John L. Withers and Peace Corps Country Director Hill Denham, along with the Minister of Education and the UNDP Resident Coordinator, were the VIPS who opened Albania’s second Model UN (MUN) Conference on February 26th. The MUN encourages young people to take an active role in international affairs to promote peace and sustainable development. Albanian students from 15 mostly rural high schools across the country will tackle this year’s conference topics of human trafficking and climate change. The conference also empowers young women, who comprise 75% of this year’s participants. The MUN is a joint effort between the Ministry of Education and Science, the US Embassy, Peace Corps, and the UN system in Albania. The conference runs February 25-March1.
U.S. Department Human Rights Report - Albania
The Republic of Albania is a parliamentary democracy with a population of approximately 3.6 million. Legislative authority is vested in the unicameral People's Assembly (parliament), which elects both the prime minister and the president. The prime minister heads the government, while the presidency is a largely ceremonial position with limited executive power. (full report)
African-American Culture via Poetry and Music
On February 25, Ambassador John Withers and spouse Maryruth Coleman welcomed guests into their home for an evening of poetry and music to commemorate Black History Month. Guests went from enchanted to enthralled as they listened to dramatic readings of African-American poetry and beautifully rendered performances of African-American music by renowned Albanian pianist, Merita Rexha Tershana. Fulbrighter Chelsi West, Marine Security Guard Willie Knighten, and World Bank Representative Camille Nuamah joined Ambassador Withers in presenting poetry that conveyed the rich and complex layers of African-American culture and identity.
Ambassador Withers Stresses the Importance of Youth Activism
On February 25th, Ambassador Withers held a public lecture on youth participation in democracy and political processes. The event was organized by the European Movement of Albania and University of Tirana as part of a project funded by the National Endowment for Democracy. The Ambassador encouraged students and young people to be active in furthering and strengthening democracy in Albania. The audience of more than sixty students and young professors responded actively, asking questions that ranged from the elections and youth participation in politics, to independent institutions.
Ms. Lea Cristina Describes Intensified Embassy Cultural Programming
Lea Cristina, the spouse of Deputy Chief of Mission Steve Cristina, was featured in this week’s Cult magazine, the only culture-oriented publication in Albania. Lea explained the U.S. Embassy’s intensified interest in promoting cultural and art exchanges as a way to further enhance the multicultural understanding between Albanians and the American people, in particular among the countries’ youth. She gave an overview of the upcoming Embassy-supported events of U.S. art in Albania and Albanian art exhibits in the U.S., stressing it was particularly important for the Embassy to promote the richness of Albania art among Americans. On a personal note, Lea expressed her enthusiasm to be working with Albanian artists and Albanian people, which are full of joy and “joie de vivre.”
Ambassador Withers Keynotes Session on Adriatic Charter
On February 23, Ambassador John L. Withers II participated in the opening session of a Regional Parliamentary Conference on the Adriatic Charter. The session included keynote speeches from Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha, Speaker of the Albanian Parliament Jozefina Topalli, and Secretary General of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly David Hobbes. Also in attendance were Albanian, Croatian, Macedonian, Bosnian and Montenegrin Parliamentarians to discuss their countries’ reform efforts and NATO aspirations. Kosovar Parliamentarians also attended as observers. Ambassador Withers lauded Albania, Croatia and Macedonia for their achievements since the establishment of the Charter in 2003 and noted that the Charter was an unprecedented example of cooperation towards a common goal – NATO membership. He welcomed Montenegro and Bosnia Herzegovina into the Charter and encouraged all members old and new to continue their reform efforts and joint cooperation. (full remarks)
Ambassador Withers Donates Training System to Albanian State Police
Ambassador John L. Withers II attended a donation ceremony on February 23 handing over a total of over 111,000 USD to the Albanian State Police. The donation, made capable through the ICITAP-Albania program, consists of a state of the art interactive Fire Arms Training System. The system provides the state police with the capability of training officers on the use of firearms, measuring their basic and advanced shooting skills, and the ability to simulate real world conditions and situations where officers must decide when and how much force to use under stressful conditions.
Ambassador Withers Speaks on Accession of Albania into NATO
On February 21, Ambassador Withers spoke at the conference “NATO: De-securitization and re-securitization of Western Balkan relations”, organized by Albanian Institute for International Studies. The conference was cosponsored by the NATO Public Diplomacy Office and Public Affairs Office to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of NATO and the accession of Albania into the Alliance. The conference features Deputy Prime Minister Pollo, Foreign Minister Basha, and head of the Socialist Party parliamentary group Leskaj. Ambassador Withers noted that “In less than two months, Albania will be a full member of NATO with equal rights and privileges.” The audience included representatives of the Albanian state and political establishments, as well as scholars and representatives from NATO, European Union Member States, the United States of America and the Western Balkans. The event received extensive coverage by several prominent media outlets.
Besa Exhibit Travels to Berat
On February 20, Assistant Public Affairs Officer Leigh Rieder and Cultural Assistant Mirela Cupi traveled to Berat, Albania to open Norman Gershman's "Besa: The Albanians Who Saved Jews" exhibit. The traveling exhibit carries over 65 works by world renowned photographer Norman Gershman and celebrates those Albanian families who saved the lives of Jewish families during the holocaust. The opening was very highly-attended and included the Mayor of the city, artists, academics and journalists. The exhibit travels to Durres then on to Prishtina, Kosova in March.
Kosova's Independence Day Celebrated in Tirana
On February 17, Political Chief Paul Poletes joined the head of Tirana Borough Ten Gerti Bogdani and the Kosovar Charge d'Affaires Gazmend Pula, along with approximately 100 others, to celebrate Kosova's first-ever independence day. Paul Poletes signed a congratulatory banner and underlined to the media continued strong U.S. support for Kosova, while praising previous U.S.-Albanian cooperation in support of Kosova's independence.
Ambassador Withers and Maryruth Coleman Open the Doors of Their Home
“There are well-lit houses, modern homes, small ones…but there are also homes which hold different parts of the world within them. If you think this is impossible, wait until you’ve seen the American Ambassador’s home…” This is how prestigious monthly Jeta magazine begins its feature article on the Ambassador’s residence. The article, written on the narrations of Ambassador Withers and Maryruth Coleman, highlighted the fact that the Ambassador and Maryruth carry with them wherever they serve dozens of artifacts from around the world, each of them with a unique story and a solid reminder of a particular country that they studied or worked in. The article points to the couple's interest in Albanian traditional art. Albanian artifacts have already become an integral part of the “multi-national” home of the Withers-Coleman household.
Ms. Maryruth Coleman Addresses Women Activists at NDI Workshop
On February 14, as part of the Embassy’s Speaker’s Bureau 
Program, Ms. Maryruth Coleman was the guest speaker at a National Endowment for Democracy-sponsored workshop on “Women’s Political Participation in Albania.” Ms. Coleman shared with participants her experience as a woman in the United States Foreign Service and encouraged them to be actively involved in social and political life. The participants energetically welcomed her speech, which generated a lot of vivid discussion. The audience included women members of political parties, local government officials, civil society and the media.
Photography Exhibit Draws Crowds, Sparks Discussion
With cabinet ministers vying for a spot on the speaking schedule, the PAS-sponsored photography exhibit, “Besa: Albanians Who Saved Jews in WWII,” opened at the National Gallery of Art February 10. American photographer Norman Gershman’s heart-touching pictures focus on the Albanians and their families who rescued hundreds of Jews during the dark days of the Holocaust. Over two hundred guests attended the opening, which was also filmed for the upcoming documentary, “God’s House.” Extensive print and broadcast media coverage has so far resulted in six interviews, including on the high-viewership “Top Show.” In addition, the Prime Minister requested a private meeting with Mr. Gershman. The exhibit will travel to the towns of Berat and Durres, and continue on to Prishtina.
Albanian Media Focus on the Besa exhibit
On February 11, prime time TV program “Top Show,” broadcast throughout Albania and the region, featured a special segment on the photo exhibit ”Besa: Albanians Who Saved Jews in WWII.” Photographer Norman Gershman joined a panel discussion to explain what led him to create the portraits of Albanians and their families who sheltered Jewish families fleeing the Holocaust. Elaborating, Gershman said, “’Besa’ is a unique Albanian characteristic. It is a jewel, something to teach to the world.”
Koha TV also aired a 15-minute report on the exhibit during its February 12 morning show. The segment included stories that the photographer learned from his Albanian hosts on how their families risked their own lives to save the lives of Jews.
Modeling Religious Tolerance for the World
On February 11th the Institute for Balkan Studies organized the Conference “Albania, the Albanians and the Holocaust” as part of a Democracy Commission funded project. The conference featured scholars and students who evoked the unique efforts of Albanians in saving and supporting Jews during different historical periods, and particularly during the Second World War. PAO Bix Aliu, addressing the conference participants, underlined that Albanians, and especially the younger generations, should be very proud of their country’s history and cultural values. American photographer Norman Gershman, a special guest of the conference, emphasized that Albania’s case of saving Jews during WWII should serve as an example for other countries in the world. Mr. Gershman was in Albania to open his photography exhibit, “Besa: Albanians Who Saved Jews in WWII”.
English Language Fellow Reinforces Didactics of English
On February 6, 2009, a curriculum design poster fair was held at Elbasan University. The presenters were fourth-year English Teaching majors, who engaged in the project as part of their Didactics of English class, taught by English Language Fellow Celeste Coleman. The project began with students conducting a needs analysis with children in the target age range of 12 and 14. Once needs and interests had been identified, students organized into small groups, with each group deciding on a unit to contribute to the complete eight-week content-based curriculum. Within the unit groups, each student was responsible for designing one complete lesson plan, with all necessary materials. Emphasis was placed on interesting, interactive lessons that would prove highly motivating for children. At the conclusion of the project, each unit group prepared an interactive poster for the fair, demonstrating several activities. Atendees included younger university students, local teachers, university professors, and Peace Corps Volunteers. All class members were provided with a CD-ROM containing the entire 32-lesson curriculum so that they will be able to use it during their upcoming teaching practicum.
Peace Corps Trains Elbasan on How to Start a Business
In January Peace Corps Volunteers Kendra Bruce and Bill Trunk conducted a Training of Trainers session for the “How to Start a Business” seminar in Elbasan. This training session was split between a 16-hour seminar on “How to Start a Business” and another 8- hour seminar on how to effectively provide this training. The topics covered during this course include some of the key steps to starting a business in Albania such as personal and market assessment, purchasing, pricing, promotions, customer service, accounting, breakeven, financing, legal issues, and business plans. This Training of Trainers session was conducted at the municipality in Elbasan. The thirteen participants included other Peace Corps Albania volunteers, Elbasan municipality employees, and employees from two different Albanian NGOs.
U.S. Military Training Concludes with Special Commando Regiment Exercise
U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Steve Cristina attended a Commando Elite Exercise demonstration by the Albanian Commando Regiment at the Shengjin Naval Base. The exercise came after a second round of training by U.S. military instructors. The DCM encouraged commandoes to make the most out of the assistance and training they receive in order to contributing for Albania to fully deserve the NATO membership.
The exercise marked the conclusion of a second cycle of U.S. Army- funded Commando training. Commandoes demonstrated crowd and ambush handling tactics including live fire maneuvers. It was especially designed to test the Commandoes on how well they have retained the training and how well their able to execute.
The training was enabled by the United States Office of Defense Cooperation (ODC), a component of the U.S. Embassy and U.S. European Command. An eight-member training team has been training Zall Herr Commando Regiment since November 2008. This second round of training focused on basic skills, small unit tactics, marksmanship, and physical training.
ODC has been working closely with the Albanian Ministry of Defense to assist in training and equipping Albanian Forces for membership in NATO and for participation in worldwide military operations. Through a contract with General Dynamics Information Technologies, the U.S. has provided teams of military trainers who live and work closely with battalion size units for several months at a time. These teams provide training and expertise to the Albanian forces and have been instrumental in preparing Albania to participate in important multiforce operations like Iraqi Freedom.
U.S. Ambassador: Obama Election Will Further Bilateral Relations
A VOA Albanian Service interview with U.S. Ambassador Withers received extensive frontpage headline coverage in Albanian print and broadcast outlets. Media highlighted Withers’ statement that the election of President Obama will only further U.S.-Albania bilateral relations. Reports underscoring his statement, “Americans have always been at the forefront of the fight against communist dictatorships.” The U.S. Ambassador also pointed to the judiciary as a key institution that determines the boundaries of government power, authority, flexibility, and intervention. Reports also noted Withers’ recommendation that press freedom, the fight against corruption, and the upcoming parliamentary elections are key for Albania's future. (full interview)
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Embassy Events
September_2009
