March 2009
Ambassador Engages School Children during Gjirokaster Visit
On March 31, Ambassador John Withers took the “Read with the U.S. Embassy” program to the children of Naim Frasheri Elementary School in the southern town of Gjirokaster. After reading “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” the Ambassador chatted with the children about the meaning of the story, how good wins over bad at the end. The children were thrilled and thanked him for taking the time to visit their school. Later, the Ambassador attended a performance in English of “Romeo and Juliet” by the Student Theater Club. He congratulated the whole crew for their hard work and perseverance in staging such a difficult play. Ambassador Withers’ visit to Gjirokaster was widely covered by local and regional media outlets.
Ambassador Opens Court's Public Information Office in Gjirokastër
On March 30, Ambassador Withers traveled to the historic town of Gjirokastër to take part in the official opening of the Public Information Office at the Gjirokastër Court of Appeal - a project jointly funded by the US Agency for International Development and the OSCE. He, along with the Minister of Justice, the Deputy Chair of the High Council of Justice, Deputy Head of Mission for OSCE, and the Chief Judge officially opened the office and agreed it would serve as a model for other courts around the country. During his visit, Ambassador Withers was also able meet with the Mayor and Prefect, and to enjoy the hospitality of Gjirokastër. Ambassador Withers’ visit was widely covered by local and regional media outlets.
America Presents: Professor George W. Gawrcyh
On March 31, Historian and Senior Fulbright Researcher, George W. Gawrych wrapped up a three-day visit to Albania, as part of the Embassy’s “America Presents” lecture series. Professor Gawrych lectured at the University of Tirana and European University of Tirana on renowned Albanian writer Sami Frasheri as an “Albanian for All Seasons”. Mr. Gawrych focused on Sami Frasheri’s views on the emancipation of Albanian women. He made a brief comparison of Sami to his brothers Abdul and Naim and their relevance for the twenty-first century. Professor Gawrych also visited the State Archive and met with Albanian scholars and historians. America Presents is a new program of U.S. Embassy Tirana that brings U.S. experts already in the region to Albania.
Ms. Maryruth Coleman and USAID Mission Director Roberta Mahoney Host Senior Female Diplomat s
On March 27, Ms. Maryruth Coleman, the spouse of Ambassador John Withers, and USAID Roberta Mahoney hosted a lunch for a group of senior female diplomats in Tirana. The guests of honor, Speaker Jozefina Topali and Ms. Valentina Leskaj discussed the upcoming elections and opportunities for women in politics in Albania. The group also discussed how to encourage women and young people to participate in the political process. Everyone agreed that this is a priority for Albania and they said their parties are seeking ways to increase political involvement.
Embassy's Secret Weapon: Ambassador's Wife
On March 27, as part of the Embassy Speaker’s Bureau Program, Ms. Maryruth Coleman was a featured speaker at University of New York in Tirana. Ms. Coleman addressed approximately 70 senior students of International Relations on the subject "Building Democracy: an American Diplomat's Perspectives on U.S. Foreign Policy." In comments taken from her personal experience as a career diplomat, Ms. Coleman answered questions from students ranging over peace and stability in the Balkans, the future of the new state of Kosovo, active civic participation, building democratic institutions, and respect for human rights.
U.S. Navy EOD Training Featured on Top Channel TV
On March 27, a U.S. Navy Explosive Ordinance Demolition (EOD) training of Albanian Army experts was featured on the prime time edition of top viewership Top Channel station. The story highlighted a statement by LTC Mike Buckley of the U.S. Army European Command that the trained Albanian EOD experts would be able to successfully carry out unsupervised elimination of hazardous stockpiles scattered throughout Albania if entrusted with the mission. The report showed footage of Albanian EOD experts’ maneuvers with live ammunition.
Embassy Political-Military Officer speaks on Albania's Integration into NATO
On March 27, Embassy Political-Military Officer Tony Baird was invited to be a guest speaker in the Conference “Albanian integration into NATO – challenges and realities.” As part of the Embassy Speakers’ Bureau Program, Pol-Mil Officer Baird talked to more than 80 students of Political and Communication Sciences about the new and changing role of NATO. He also explained Albania’s road to full NATO membership, as well as the important supporting role of the U.S in the integration process. His presentation provoked many questions from the intrigued students. The conference was organized by Kristal University in Tirana and the European Studies Institute in Paris.
Educational Exchange Outreach in Shkoder
On March 23, thirty faculty members of “Luigj Gurakuqi” University in Shkoder, center of higher education for North Albania, attended an information session on educational opportunities through Fulbright and JFDP Programs. Educational and Cultural Assistant Mirela Cupi and American Council Coordinator Linda Mëniku explained the application criteria, procedures, and benefits of each program. A second meeting followed with the students of High School of Foreign Languages “Shejnaze Juka.” During this session, ECA Cupi and Advisor Mëniku informed the students on Embassy efforts to reach out to youth through the Speaker’s Bureau, Meet America, Read with the Embassy, and the EducationUSA program. They also explained application procedures with suggested strategies for successful admission to U.S. universities. Prof. Lori Amy, on sabbatical, from Georgia University Southern, drew the attention of both audiences to the advantages of studying in the United States, resources available for research, and also highlighted the talents she is discovering among her Albanian students.
USS Nitze Hosts Albanian President on Board
On March 27, Commanding Officer Long of the USS Nitze welcomed aboard Albanian President and Commander of the Albanian Armed Forces Topi, Defense Minister Oketa, Chief of Defense Brigadier General Malaj, Parliamentary Security Commission Chairman Demi, and U.S. Embassy DCM Steve Cristina. During the visit, President Topi expressed appreciation and gratitude for the continuous assistance that “our greatest and most important strategic partner, the United States, is giving to Albania and our Armed Forces to fulfill the dream of becoming part of the political military North Atlantic Alliance.” Commanding Officer Long guided a tour for the visitors and said the ship’s visit is “a sign of our strong friendship with Albania and is intended to promote friendship and mutual understanding between our two countries.”
U.S. Expert on Women’s Issues with Students
On March 26, visiting U.S. expert Anne Stone talked to students of Tirana’s “Marin Barleti University” about the organization of electoral campaigns in the U.S., with a focus on lobbying for women’s issues. Stone engaged students in a lively debate on advocating women’s empowerment and their representation in all aspects of life. Ms. Stone will be doing print and broadcast interviews with leading media outlets. She will depart Albania on Friday.
U.S. Speaker Talks About Women Empowerment
Visiting U.S. Speaker Ann Stone is in Albania to discuss with women’s NGOs, political party women forum representatives, and media about women’s empowerment and increased representation in all aspects of life in Albania. Stone spoke with about 30 political party women representatives in view of the upcoming June parliamentary elections in the country. Participants in the workshops listened to U.S. expert views on campaign planning, public speaking, and message development.
NATO Accession Important for the Alliance and the Countries
DCM Steve Cristina’s participation and remarks in a March 20 NATO conference in Tirana were prominently reported in Albanian print and broadcast media. Reports highlighted Cristina’s remarks that, “NATO membership is not the end, but just the start of the process. We encourage Albania and Croatia to continue political, economic, and military reforms in order to make as great a contribution to the historic alliance as possible.” According to the DCM, Albania and Croatia’s membership “are an important and historic moment for the Alliance and the countries themselves.”
High School Students Learn About Educational Exchange Opportunities
The Petro Nini Luarasi high school library was overflowing with students highly interested to learn about the nuts and bolts of educational programs offered through the Embassy, including the all-important step of obtaining a visa. During the March 19 session, APAO Leigh Rieder, Educational Advisor Linda Mëniku, and Vice Consul Stephanie Boscaino informed the students on Embassy efforts to reach out to youth through various programs like Speaker’s Bureau, meet America, Read with America, and the EducationUSA program. They also explained application procedures with suggested strategies for successful admission to U.S. universities. The Q&A time focused heavily on issues related to financial assistance, visa procedures, and field of study. Approximately 70 students attended the information session.
Tirana PAO Shares Excitement of Rambouillet Talks
“How I Celebrated my 30th Birthday During Rambouillet Negotiations,” was the frontpage headline of mass circulation center-left daily Gazeta Shqiptare’s interview with PAO Bix Aliu. On 03/14, the daily, because of another story, had the highest circulation in 15 years: 23,000 copies. The PAO shared with readers the excitement and anxiety of the 22-day long negotiations between Albanians and Serbs in 1999, noting the situation was very delicate and a lot of work was needed. He recalled fondly how American and European diplomats and Kosovar leaders sang Happy Birthday for him. According to Aliu, simply watching former Secretary Albright and Ambassador Hill during those negotiations was a school of its own. Emphasizing that there was no other way for Kosovo but independence, Aliu said, “Like any other country, the institutions should be strengthened and a lot of work must go into trying to create good relations with as many states as possible.” Independence was just a start for Kosovo, the PAO noted, adding, “Same about Albania. NATO membership is a big step, but nothing ends here.” The interview was published to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the negotiations and then the NATO bombing campaign.
Speaker's Bureau Program features DCM Cristina
Deputy Chief of Mission Stephen Cristina spoke with 150 students and faculty at U.F.O. University in Tirana regarding U.S. Foreign Policy in Albania and the Balkans as it relates to stability, democracy, economic development, and rule of law. Following his remarks, Steve engaged in lively Q&A with the students on upcoming Albanian elections, application for EU membership, and GoA reforms. He pointed out that civic participation is crucial in resolving the problems of Albanian society. “These problems,” he emphasized, “will not go away unless you as citizens are ready to defend your institutions from corruption.”
Revisiting the Obama Election
Students, teachers, parents, and a representative of the Roma community gathered at American Corner Tirana on March 16 to do something personal: share their reflections on the meaning of the election of Barak Obama. Despite taking place on an official holiday, over 50 people joined Ambassador Withers, Galina Myev, Lauralee Dhabhar and moderator Leigh Rieder in a panel discussion of the significance of America’s first African-American President. The PAS-sponsored event also served to remind the audience that the right to vote in a free and fair election is precious and should never be voluntarily surrendered.
Ambassador Honors the First “Woman of Courage” from Albania
In observance of Women’s History Month, on March 12, Ambassador Withers hosted a ceremony to honor Ms. Vera Lesko as the “Woman of Courage” for Albania and as a finalist for the 2009 Secretary of State’s International Women of Courage Award. The ceremony included more than eighty participants, made up of members of the government and parliament, representatives of the civil society, international organizations, academia, and media. Ambassador Withers emphasized that he is proud to honor a woman hero like Vera Lesko and noted the sacrifices that she has made in order to save and protect over 1600 victims of trafficking. This is a clear example of the potential that Albanian women have in contributing to the progress of the country, and at the same time helping themselves to improve their status. The ceremony was extensively covered by prominent media outlets.
Book Donation at Hasan Prishtina Elementary School
On March 12, 2009, Ambassador John L. Withers visited "Hasan Prishtina" Elementary School in Tirana. The highlight of the visit was the donation of a set of 200 books for the school library. A group of 50 kids had the chance to meet and chat with the Ambassador as well as thank him for the books in English, much needed in their school. Ambassador Withers enjoyed the poems and songs in English performed by the kids. He chatted with them about his hobbies, his favorite book, Albania and Albanians but most importantly Ambassador Withers left the school by giving the students of Hasan Prishtina Elementary School with this message: "Study hard! Knowledge is the most powerful weapon for your future"
Speaker's Bureau Program goes to Elbasan
Political-Economic Section Chief Paul Poletes met with 100 students and faculty at Aleksander Xhuvani University in Elbasan. Paul spoke briefly to the students and faculty about the importance of free and fair elections and respect for independent institutions. Following his remarks, Paul answered questions from the students. Questions focused on the upcoming Albanian elections, with a number of questions focused on how young people can become more active in politics.
U.S. Navy Start Training Albanian Army on Disposal of Ammunition
On March 10, 2009, U.S. Navy Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) experts started a basic training course on Logistical Disposal of Ammunition with Albanian Army EOD experts. The training will last over two weeks, starting with classroom training at the Troop School and then proceeding to practice with live explosives. On the final day of practice, the Albanian Army demilitarization experts will demonstrate the techniques they will have developed during the training. The trainees will also undergo a final examination, to test both their ordnance identification and theoretical skills. This training is part of the continued U.S. assistance to enhance Albania’s capability to eliminate the threat of obsolete munition stockpiles.
Embassy Speaker's Bureau goes to ISSAT
On March 6, as part of the Embassy’s Speaker’s Bureau Program, Embassy Political Officer Michael Gray was the guest speaker at the Institute of Private Higher Education - ISSAT. Mr. Gray spoke to over 40 post graduate students on the new U.S. administration and how this will effect on U.S. Foreign Policies worldwide. Other discussion topics included life as a diplomat, how the U.S. Embassy operates in Albania, and the embassy perspective on recent developments in Albania, among others.
Albanians Participate in Town Hall Meeting Web Chat with Secretary Clinton
A group of journalists, researchers, and university lecturers took part in the Secretary’s “Europe-US: The Next Generation Takes the Floor” web chat on March 6. Hosted by the Embassy’s IRC the event was well very well received. The Secretary’s remarks were followed by a lively discussion with embassy officers. PAO Bix Aliu moderated, while Deputy Chief of Mission Steve Cristina and Political Officer Paul Poletes answered questions from the guests which included those on the priorities of the U.S. Government in the Balkans as well as its U.S. influence on the younger generation in Europe.
“Shejnaze Juka” High School Students Meet America
On March 5, 30 students from ‘Shejnaze Juka” Foreign Languages High School in Shkoder became the latest Embassy visitors to take part in the Meet America program. Students had a chance to 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 culture and especially folk music. Ambassador Withers answered questions from the students regarding the upcoming elections and encouraged the students to vote. The visit was concluded by an overview of diplomatic security given by ARSO Tony Pate. The Shkodra students and teachers expressed their gratitude and heartfelt thanks for the opportunity to learn more about the Embassy.
USAID Albania Director Outlines 2009 Assistance
In an interview with major circulation Gazeta Shqiptare daily on March4, USAID Albania Director Roberta Mahoney outlined the focus of USAID assistance for 2009. Ms. Mahoney noted that assistance for the upcoming elections is substantial, with special attention to vote counting monitoring, pre-election polling and media monitoring. She emphasized that the most important assets of Albania are its people, its historical richness and its strategic geographical position as the gateway to the Balkans. With the right combination of political and economic policies for the use of resources, she noted, Albania could make it to achieving steady economic growth.
Public Affairs Office Opens Besa Exhibit in Durres
On March 2, PAO Bix Aliu traveled to Durres to open Norman Gershman’s “Besa: The Muslims Who Saved Jews” exhibit, which is currently traveling throughout Albania. City officials, government representatives, and hundreds of citizens alike were on hand to view this extraordinary photo exhibit which is dedicated to those Albanian families that protected the lives of hundreds of Jewish families during the holocaust. The exhibit will be in Durres for the next two weeks.
Remarks by U.S. Ambassador John L. Withers at the Meeting of HCJ (March 2, 2009)
Good morning everyone.
It is a distinct honor and privilege to be here addressing all of you in this most distinguished company. The High Council of Justice is one of the most important, but it is also one of the most accomplished, knowledgeable and crucial bodies in Albania today. I have had the privilege of meeting with a number of you personally. I hope to be able to get to know all of you in a more direct fashion over time.
I want to thank Deputy Chair Spahiu both for inviting me to say a few words to you, but also for his insightful comments. (full remarks)
Ambassador Withers Appears on Portokalli in Double
In a show of good spirit and humor, Ambassador John L. Withers II appeared on Top Channel’s highly rated variety/comedy show “Portokalli (Orange)” on March 1. The Ambassador took part in a skit on the show that is in response to the Embassy’s highly-popular “Read with the U.S. Embassy” program. During the skit, the Ambassador’s double reads “The Giving Tree” to a group of school children. The Ambassador appears and thanks his double for doing such an excellent job and uses the opportunity to urge the Albanian people to continue with their tradition of being a giving nation. “Portokalli” has provided a high-profile spotlight for the “Read with the U.S. Embassy” program – a program dedicated to tackling illiteracy and promoting the learning of English at an early age.
Ambassador
Embassy Events
September_2009
