JUNE 2009
Statement by U.S. Ambassador John Withers on Albanian Parliamentary Elections
I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate the people of Albania on yesterday's Parliamentary vote and to offer my praise for elections that, overall, were well-regulated and calm. We now await the completion of the vote count and the official tabulation of the results in the same orderly manner.
The International Election Monitoring Mission has produced a thoughtful and objective preliminary report that characterizes these elections as an improvement over past practices, but that also expresses concern over remaining flaws in the process. I concur with these findings and urge the Albanian authorities to build on yesterday's success to meet higher, more demanding international standards on future occasions.
Again, I commend the people of Albania on yesterday's strong showing and offer my best wishes for the future.
Ambassador and Albanian President Topi Urge Albanians to Vote
On June 28, Ambassador Withers met with Albanian President Topi and Ambassador Bosch of the OSCE. The three discussed Election Day and how encouraging it was to see Albanians actively participate in their democracy by voting. The Ambassador urged Albanian citizens to vote and reminded everyone of the importance of the day not only for them, but for the future of Albanian children.
Ambassador Urges Albanians to Vote on June 28
One June 24, Ambassador John L. Withers participated in a ceremony where monitors from the two Albanian NGOs, ECA (Elections to Conduct Agency) and KRIIK that will carry out the Parallel Vote Tabulation were accredited. OSCE Ambassador Bosch and CEC Chairman Ristani also participated at the ceremony. Ambassador Withers highlighted the importance of the first parallel vote count ever to be conducted in an Albanian parliamentary election project, saying, “As elections monitors, I believe that you understand the role that civil society must play in these elections. You understand that public acceptance of results depends on a process seen as transparent, free, and fair.” Withers expressed US government support for a free and democratic process and encouraged all the Albanian citizens to exercise the most cherished of all civil rights - the right to vote. (full text here)
CDR. Moore: “The alliance and friendship between our countries is very strong”
American Defense Attaché CDR. Brian Moore gave a farewell interview for the Ministry of Defense official newspaper Ushtria. CDR Moore highlighted the positive reforms that Albania has accomplished in the military field and expressed his happiness to have been in the country during Albania’s NATO invitation and membership. Asked about his impressions of Albania, CDR Moore was quoted as saying, “I think Albanians are the most gracious people. I’m sad that I have to leave Albania but Albania will never leave our hearts.” On the country’s future collaboration, CDR Moore said that U.S. and Albania will continue to work side by side, for all those who want to live in peace and harmony.
Peace Corps Volunteer in Kukes leads students to leadership and intercultural exchange in UK
Through a grant from the European Commission and generous financial support from the US Embassy Public Affairs Office, Albanian secondary school teacher Aurora Haxhiu and Peace Corps Volunteer Tienmu Ma of Kukës successfully led 10 students from northeast Albania in an 11-day leadership and intercultural exchange held in the United Kingdom. The exchange was made possible by the European Commission's Youth in Action Program and was held at Green Templeton College of the University of Oxford. Along with 12 British youth, Albanian participants participated in seminars, presentations, and cultural events designed to broaden their cultural horizons and to enable them to serve their communities more effectively through activism and volunteer projects. The students from Kukes will share their experience on the leadership course with other students from several high schools in the region by organizing summer workshops and roundtables at the American Corner in Kukes.
Ambassador Meets Gold Medal of Honor Honorees
On June 24, Ambassador Withers met with a group of persons persecuted by the communist regime. They were awarded a Gold Medal of Honor by Albanian President Topi for their role in the movement against communism. During this meeting they discussed their contributions that led to the fall of the communist regime in Albania. The highlight of the discussion was the importance of documenting these testimonies as an important part of the Albanian history.
Future English Teachers Meet America
On June 24th a group of English Language students from the Foreign Languages Faculty in Tirana visited the Embassy as part of the Meet America program. They met with Public Affairs Officer Bix Aliu who talked to them about the Embassy’s activities as well as gave them an oversight regarding the U.S. Education system; the Political and Economical Chief Paul Poletes who talked about the bilateral relations between Albania and the United States and answered student’s questions. Ambassador Withers met with the students and welcomed them to the Embassy. He talked to them about his job as an Ambassador and answered their questions about his experience as a teacher once and advised them to always do their job with care and dedication. Ambassador Withers answered questions about the upcoming elections and he told the students how they are the future of Albania and the young leaders of the Albanian society.
Albanian Farmers Become Suppliers of the World’s Largest Food Retailer
Last week, with USAID assistance, a group of progressive farmers led by Bruka Seedling Company has supplied seedless personal-size watermelons to ASDA Supermarkets, the British subsidiary of Wall Mart; the world’s largest food retail chain. USAID sponsored a group of journalist from Albania's leading print and television stations to cover the preparation of the shipment. Journalist met with farmers to learn about how the project has trained them to grow crops to meet European standards requirements and had interviews with the exporter, project managers, and USAID's Mission Director, Roberta Mahoney. The media trip is the second organized by USAID/Albania to increase awareness and understanding of the impact of USAID assistance on the Albanian communities and citizens.
Members of Permeti Girl's Basketball Team Meet America
On June 22, the Permet Girls Basketball Team visited the Embassy as part of the “Meet America” program. The team met with the Ambassador and discussed their passion for basketball and the challenges they face due to a lack of funding. A women’s basketball fan himself, the Ambassador told the team about his favorite women’s basketball team in the United States - the University of Connecticut Lady Huskies. The girls invited the Ambassador to Permet to see them play and he promised a visit. The Ambassador then told the girls that the Public Affairs Office will also be sponsoring a trip for members of the team to attend a basketball summer camp in Montenegro where two representatives from Georgetown University’s basketball program will teach the girls new techniques. At the end of the visit, the Ambassador announced that he now has two favorite basketball teams, the UCONN Lady Huskies and the girls from Permet.
Weekly Eco-Gram -- Great Outdoors Month
With the end of June fast approaching, U.S. Embassy Tirana would like to encourage everyone to take advantage of the remainder of Great Outdoors Month. On June 1st, 2009, President Obama formally decreed the month of June to be known as Great Outdoors Month. Whether it is a visit to the beach, a walk in a park, or a trip up to the mountains, take advantage of the abundant natural beauty that is found throughout Albania and spend some time enjoying Great Outdoors Month. (more)
Ambassador Withers Meets Albanian Artist Ndoc Tusha
Ambassador Withers opened a special exhibit of Albanian Artist Ndoc Tusha at the U.S. Embassy on June 22. As part of the Embassy Exhibit series, the exhibit reflects Mr. Tusha’s work over the past 40 yrs. All of the pieces are unique – crafted in straw collected in Albania. Mr. Tusha has exhibited in Europe and New Zealand, however, this is the first time Mr. Tusha has exhibited at the embassy.
Speakers Bureau Addresses to the Forum for Democracy and Ethics
On June 19, as part of the Embassy’s Speakers Bureau program, Dr. Maryruth Coleman addressed the members of the Forum for Democracy and Ethics. The group consist of academics, members of political parties, professors and students, young civil society activists and media representatives. Dr. Coleman spoke about the qualities that make leaders grasp challenges and bring change and cited President Obama as an example. Dr. Coleman noted that “President Obama offers Americans a vision of finding practical solutions for problems that would build on bipartisan support and on the essential values of the American people. We will see him implementing broad-ranging changes. ” A lively Q & A session followed her presentation.
Fulbright Scholar Ends Grant in Albania
Students in Fulbright Scholar Candace Calsoyas’ Environmental Literature course filmed an end-of-the-year “Lessons Learned” documentary, focusing on how they plan to implement the things they learned in class. The students provided candid responses to the environment and the problems in Albania. Professor Calsoyas, whose course at the University of Tirana looks at American environmental history, was the first to bring this type of study to Albania. The documentary was shown on June 12 at the American Corner in Tirana. Professor Calsoyas, who finished her Fulbright grant with the last day of this class, leaves Albanian with great impressions of the country and its people. The U.S. Embassy was very proud to have played a part in her journey here.
Speakers Bureau at University of Tirana
On June 16, Mindy Michels, an anthropologist and spouse of Resident Legal Advisor Melissa Schraibman, presented a lecture to Professor Blerta Piceri's International Development class at the University of Tirana. Dr. Michels spoke on the history of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights movement in the U.S. and the connection between capitalism and the development of LGBT identity. Professor Blerta Piceri has been teaching at the University of Tirana for four years, and she also works at the Embassy's Community Liaison Office.
Weekly Eco-Gram -- Promoting Sustainable Tourism
Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries globally. It is the largest industry worldwide providing a source of employment for millions of people. The United Nations World Tourism Organization forecasts 1.6 billion yearly tourists by the year 2020. In response to these projections, the United States Department of State is seeking ways to minimize the negative impacts of this growth and use tourism as a tool for poverty reduction and environmental conservation. A great example of this is Peace Corps Volunteer Paul Mastin’s ecotourism initiative, the Bunker Trail Project, that was featured on the Embassy website in May. Click here to find out more.
Principal Dancer of Ballet Arizona Performs in Tirana
In line with continuing to strengthen the U.S. – Albanian bilateral relationship through the arts, the U.S. Embassy funded the travel of Astrit Zejnati, the principal dancer of Ballet Arizona, to Albania for a series of performances at the National Opera Theater in Tirana. Mr. Zejnati, an Albanian-
Astrit Zejnati Photo Courtesy Ballet Arizona |
American, will perform Raymonda and other works June 16, 17 and 18.
A Lady in Tirana
On June 15, documentary film producer Donika Mustafaji premiered “A Lady in Tirana,” a documentary film dedicated to the work that Lea Cristina, spouse of the DCM, has done supporting Albania through the arts during her tour here. The film details Lea’s life in the country and includes interviews with friends of the Cristina family. In the documentary, Lea speaks in perfect Albanian and shares her love of the country and its people and explains what how much this experience has meant to her. The film will air as part of a series on Albanian National Television (TVSH)
Embassy Volunteers Open Park and Playground in Fier
Dozens of volunteers from the U.S. Embassy, including the USAID Mission Director, Roberta Mahoney and Peace Corps Director, Hill Denham, participated in a community outreach event, inaugurating the “February 8” Neighborhood Park and Playground in Fier. Volunteers brought American cakes, cookies, and pies, painted faces, and helped install some pieces of playground equipment for the park. As a result of this project, funded by USAID, in partnership with the Municipality of Fier, local businesses, community organizations, and residents, 350 families with more than 100 children under the age of eight will reap the health and social benefits of a 700m2 safe and pleasant green space. In addition, the nearby residents and businesses who contribute cash or in kind will benefit from the heightened sense of community.
Ambassador Guest Speaker at Tirana International School Graduation
On June 12, Ambassador Withers told the senior graduating class of Tirana International School to follow their dreams. He explained his life as a Foreign Service child and how he never imagined possible that he would become an Ambassador one day. Dreams happen, he noted. He urged the students to do all they can to enrich their lives through education, because it doesn’t matter where you are, a proper education and hard work can make your dreams reality. The Ambassador wished the students luck in college and with their futures.
“Hasan Prishtina” Students Meet America
On June 12th a group of students from the “Hasan Prishtina” Elementary School in Tirana visited the Embassy. They met with Ambassador Withers and thanked him for the opportunity to visit the U.S. Embassy. Students watched the nine minute film titled “Welcome: Portraits of America” created by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Students then recited poems in English and talked about American Holidays and how they are celebrated. The visit was concluded by a lively Q&A session with the Ambassador. The students left the Embassy with the wonderful impression of having visited a piece of America.
International Day Against Child Labor
On June 12, the International Day Against Child Labor, Ambassador Wither spoke at USAID’s Transnational Action Against Child Trafficking (TACT) project’s launch of the third annual campaign on awareness of child exploitation. The campaign will run from June to October. The awareness campaign has two primary goals: 1) to raise public awareness on the violation of the rights of children that are forced to work and beg on Albania’s streets, and 2) to raise the awareness of key Albanian decision makers so that they include child protection policies in their policy planning and implementation.
Annual KULT Awards
The Annual Kult Academy Awards, dedicated to recognizing the annual achievements of Albanian artists, were held on June 10. Awards including best writer, director, and author, among others. PAO Bix Aliu was honored to give out the award for Best Cultural Activity in 2008. This year was the 5 year anniversary of the Kult Awards, one of the most prestigious in the country.
Ambassador's Mocking Bird Book Club Discusses Audacity of Hope
On June 10th, the Ambassador’s Mocking Bird Book Club gathered at the residence to discuss President Obama’s “Audacity of Hope.” The students discussed how the book takes its message beyond the borders of America, how the “American Dream” has returned, and the audacity it takes to lift up people’s hope and spirit. The discussion shifted to Albanian hero Skanderbeg and the audacity he had to come back to Albania and unite his fellow Albanians. President Obama’s speech in Egypt a few days ago and the message he delivered had impressed the students. They noted their desire for Albanian politicians to bring back hope to Albanians as Obama did for his fellow countrymen.
Maternity Hospital Unveils Plaque Dedicated to Ms. Laura Bush
PAO Bix Aliu took part in an unveiling ceremony at the Queen Geraldine maternity hospital in Tirana on June 10. Hospital director Dr. Halim Kosova unveiled a bronze plaque dedicated to former First Lady Laura Bush in honor of the two year anniversary of her visit to the institution. Bix highlighted the importance of the hospital and thanked the staff for their superlative dedication. Bix urged citizens to support the development of children, as part of everyone’s civic duty, so that “all children have the chance to live in liberty, with the same opportunities, and as global citizens.”
Albanian President Awards ICITAP's Darrel Hart
On June 9, the President of Albania Bamir Topi awarded the Medal of Recognition to Darrel Hart, head of the Mission’s ICITAP program, for his contributions and direction of the ICITAP mission in Albania. The Embassy takes this opportunity to congratulate Darrel and wish him and his family farewell. We thank him for all his work promoting bilateral relations as part of the U.S. mission in Albania.
Rooftop Gardens: Beautiful and Eco-Conscious
In urban environments it can sometimes be hard to find some green space. That is why in several big cities across the United States the popularity of rooftop gardens is skyrocketing. Rooftop gardens are great for a variety of reasons well beyond their obvious aesthetic value. Though they are beautiful, rooftop gardens are also great for insulating buildings, improving air quality, reducing urban air temperature, and protecting buildings from high levels of water runoff.
Ambassador Launches Domestic Monitoring
On June 8th, Ambassador Withers spoke at the launch of the domestic monitoring campaign for the 2009 elections. The Albanian Coalition of the Domestic Monitors, which will observe the process of the parliamentary elections of June 28th, has engaged 2,500 monitors all over the country. Ambassador Withers addressed the monitors by saying “You embody the spirit of volunteerism and civic responsibility that is at the core of democratic society”. This initiative is funded by Public Affairs Office through the Democracy Commission Small Grants Program. The audience included monitors of the Coalition, non-governmental organizations, officials of the Central Election Commission, and representatives of the international organizations. Leading broadcast media covered the event extensively. (full remarks)
Albanian Media Get a Close-Up Look at USAID's Local Governance Program
Last week reporters from eight of Albania's national media outlets took part in a special U.S. Embassy media trip in Fushe Kruja. The purpose of the trip was to showcase the efforts of USAID's local governance program to facilitate a $1 million loan between the Municipality of Fushe Kruja and Albania's National Commercial Bank that will be used to construct a northern ring road in the city. The road will divert traffic to and from several industrial companies operating on the outskirts of the town, thus reducing congestion and pollution in the city's center. Journalists visited the site of the road, interviewed businesses, and had lunch with the Mayor of Fushe Kruja, Ismet Mavriqi, and the USAID Mission Director, Roberta Mahoney. USAID received wonderful in-depth coverage of its project in print and T.V. media and journalists expressed their interest to learn more about other projects supported by the U.S. Embassy.
Ambassador Withers “No Barriers to Prevent Albanian Citizens from Voting”
On June 5, Ambassador John L. Withers held a press conference, addressing the upcoming election. “I’d like to say to the people of Albania who are eligible voters to take advantage of this great opportunity to register to vote,” the Ambassador said. “That one moment when you fill out your ballot and drop into the ballot box, the greatest person in the land and the humblest person in the land are exactly equal”. The Ambassador commented on the main debate regarding the postponement of the elections, the NGO report on the process of the ID Cards and the process itself, and spoke on the civic duty of voting. Ambassador Withers addressed the media’s enormously helpful role in getting out the word for the voters to come and participate in this wonderful process called democracy. (full text here)
PAO Supports Ending Blood Feuds
On June 05, Public Affairs Officer Bix Aliu spoke at a conference on blood feud issues organized by the Forum of Free Thought, the International Visitor Leadership Program alumni association. The conference was the concluding activity of the project “Fighting the Blood Feud Phenomenon” funded by Public Affairs Office. The organizers presented the results of their work in creating a data-base that includes comprehensive information on all the people affected by this phenomenon. They gave recommendations for future action and policies by government and law enforcement institutions to combat blood feud and help reintegrate children and confined families into the normal life. Bix congratulated the Forum of Free Thought for their devotion and civic engagement in fighting blood feud phenomenon, and encouraged cooperation among all actors of government structures, rule of law, civil society, and media to effectively address this issue.
President Obama Delivers Highly Anticipated Speech in Cairo
4 June 2009
On June 4, the President gave a speech in Cairo, Egypt, entitled “A New Beginning,” outlining his personal commitment to engagement with the Muslim world, based upon mutual interests and mutual respect, and discussed how the United States and Muslim communities around the world can bridge some of the differences that have divided them. The speech was delivered at Al-Azhur University, the oldest institution of higher learning in the Muslim world, which includes over one billion believers around the globe. The President stated that, “I have come here to seek a new beginning between the United States and the Muslim world based upon mutual interest and mutual respect…. We must act with the understanding that the challenges faced by people around the world are shared, and our failure to meet them will hurt us all.” President Obama described the role of positive role of Muslims through U.S. history and outlined the readiness of the United States to work with Muslim communities in countries around the world to improve economic, social, and educational conditions. Calling on all sides to embrace tolerance, he also urged Israel to stop building settlements, Hamas to eschew violence, and all countries of the Middle East to work toward peace. For the full text of the speech, please click here. To see the video, click here.
Ambassador Visits with High School and Madrassa Students in Duress
On June 4th Ambassador Withers spoke at the civic education showcase of students of the Maddressa and the public high school “Gjergj Kastrioti” in Durres. The event is part of an ongoing project funded by the Embassy to promote civic participation in public debate. The student’s public presentation of their projects and policy recommendations on community pressing issues related to health system and environment themselves showed that they are valuable assets in societal change. The audience included the Mayor of Durres, the Chairman of the Albanian Muslim Community, school directors, professors and students, local authorities, and nongovernmental organizations. The Ambassador used the opportunity to also reiterate the message of President Obama’s Cairo speech. Ambassador Withers congratulated the students and the Durres community on their proactive stance toward civic participation and religious tolerance. Leading print and broadcast media reported on the Ambassador’s visit and quoted the Ambassador as saying, “What President Obama mentioned as a dream in Egypt and beyond is a reality in Albania.”
In Recognition of Gay and Lesbian Pride Month 2009
Hillary Rodham Clinton, Secretary of State
June 1, 2009
Forty years ago this month, the gay rights movement began with the Stonewall riots in New York City, as gays and lesbians demanded an end to the persecution they had long endured. Now, after decades of hard work, the fight has grown into a global movement to achieve a world in which all people live free from violence and fear, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
In honor of Gay and Lesbian Pride Month and on behalf of the State Department, I extend our appreciation to the global LGBT community for its courage and determination during the past 40 years, and I offer our support for the significant work that still lies ahead. (more)
American Corner Tirana Hosts an Environmental Documentary Show
As part of Fulbright Scholar Candace Calsoyas’ Environmental Literature class at the University of Tirana, students gathered at the American Corner for a documentary film on Rachel Carson’s classic book, Silent Spring. Students actively engaged, asking questions about the impact of Carson’s work in challenging the American chemical industry and informing the public about the deleterious environmental effects of such chemicals as DDT. Students were motivated by seeing how Carson’s determination became the foundation of American environmental activism. They were also better informed about strategies to approach their research papers on environmental problems in Albania.
Patrick James Ends Run on Star Academy
The Embassy is extremely proud of Patrick James, the son of the Executive Assistant to the Deputy Chief of Mission, Brenda James, for his participation in Albania's top show for talent, "Star Academy." On June 3, Patrick was eliminated in the semi-finals, but during his run he shared American culture and values with all his fans and all those who watched him on the show, many times singing in Albanian. As one judge said "It was an extreme pleasure and special treat to see the bilateral connection between the U.S. and Albania via the interpretation of song." We congratulate Patrick and wish him luck with his future career!
Ambassador Withers Greets Postcard Contest Winners
On June 3, Ambassador Withers hosted at his residence some of the winners of the “Greetings from Albania” Post card competition 2008 and their parents. The students shared with the Ambassador their progress over the past year, as well as their plans for the future. Ambassador Withers gave the visitors a tour of the “Arts in Embassies” Collection, featuring Albanian-American Artists. “Art is a universal language” said the Ambassador “through which you communicate to the World and invite people to come and visit your beautiful country.“
Embassy Salutes Photography
Dr. Maryruth Coleman invited over 15 renowned Albanian photographers to the Embassy on June 3 for a special viewing of the Embassy’s internal exhibit “Albania Through the Eyes of Americans,” supported by the Public Affairs Section and the Community Liaison Office. The exhibit, made up of shots of Albania’s natural beauty and people taken by members of the Embassy community, is an effort of the Embassy to share common values with the Albanian people through photographs. The first in a series, the exhibit will be on display for Embassy visitors until the end of the week.
May’s Newsletter
Embassy Tirana announces the second issue of its monthly online newsletter, “Inside U.S. Embassy Tirana.” See all of the great highlights from this past month in one easy place. To access “Inside U.S. Embassy Tirana,” go to the "What's Going On..." sidebar on the right hand side of this webpage and click on "Embassy Newsletter." From there you can even subscribe to the newsletter to receive it automatically each month. Don’t miss out: Click here and check the newsletter out today!
Weekly Eco-Gram: Embassy Encourages Water Conservation this Summer
With the long, hot summer months looming ahead of us, U.S. Embassy Tirana would like to take the time to encourage water conservation. It is estimated that more than half of humanity will be living with water shortages within the next 50 years with severe water shortages affecting 4 billion people by 2050. The good news is that there are some basic behaviors that we can implement into our daily routines to do our small part in conserving this valuable and finite resource. Simply by: 1) washing our dishes by hand and not letting the water run while rinsing; 2) shortening our showers by a minute or two; 3) using a broom instead of a hose to clean our driveways and sidewalks; 4) turning off the water while brushing our teeth, and 5) turning off the water while washing our hair, we could save gallons of water each month.
Eli Yamin Brings Blues to Albania
The Eli Yamin Blues Band completed their whirlwind tour of Albania on June 1st with a concert hosted by Ambassador Withers at his residence. Guests sang along with the band even under the rain! On May 29, Eli Yamin held a performance at Academy of Arts club, the House of Arts. Distinguished guests enjoyed selected blues songs from the band repertoire and interacted during their performance. The band was also a special guest on Top Channel’s variety show “E Diell”. Before performing live, they talked about their music mission, the “Rhythm and Road” program and their impressions of Albania. The band was taken by the audience's overwhelming response to their songs and to Eli Yamin addressing the audience and viewers in Albanian. Show host Adi Krasta thanked PAO Bix Aliu and the Embassy for making possible the band’s performance as a special number for the variety’s final show. To see a great clip of the band's performance at the Ambassador's residence, check out the Embassy's YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/USEmbassyTirana.
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September_2009
