NOVEMBER 2009
Anti-Terrorism Assistance for Albanian Police Officers
On November 19, Deputy Chief of Mission Deborah Jones and Minister of Interior Lulzim Basha distributed certificates to 22 police officers who completed the Fraudulent Travel Document Course. Part of Diplomatic Security’s Anti-Terrorism Assistance Program, the course was offered in cooperation with Albania’s Directorate of State Police. DCM Jones congratulated the police officers for taking the course, remarking that their experience will strengthen law enforcement collaboration between Albania and the U.S. Minister Basha noted that the training is an important component of the joint Albanian-U.S. fight against organized crime, trafficking, and terrorism. Assistant Regional Security Officer Ken Haynes also participated in the event.
U.S. Embassy Supports Role of Women in Politics
On November 18, Deputy Chief of Mission Deborah Jones gave remarks at the concluding ceremony of the “Women and Politics” project, funded by the Embassy’s Democracy Commission Small Grants Program. The ceremony featured Members of Parliament Albana Vokshi and Eglantina Gjermeni, as well as the Deputy Minister of Education, Nora Malaj. The project, dedicated to increasing women’s participation in politics and decision-making, is a collaborative effort of the Women’s Network established with the support of the National Democratic Institute program in Albania. The audience included women members of political parties, civil society, representatives of the diplomatic corps, and media. The event received wide media coverage.
American Corner Hosts Regional English Teachers Conference
On November 12, Ambassador John Withers opened the First Regional English Teachers Conference at the American Corner in the northern town of Kukes via Skype. Because of its remote location, American Corner Kukes has become a trend setter and regional hub in its use of online resources and programming. The conference took place with support from the U.S. Embassy and the Municipality of Kukes and brought together over 40 teachers of English as a Second Language. Information Resources Officer Catherine Marsicek and English Language Fellow Elizabeth Hepford also participated.
Local TV and Radio Coverage Highlights American Corner-Kukes Activity
The First Regional English Teachers Conference held at the American Corner was the leading story on Kukës TV's evening news edition on November 12. The coverage focused on the high participation level (40 teachers) and the need for such activities in the remote northern region. The broadcaster included interviews with Information Resources Officer Cathy Marsicek and English Language Fellow Elisabeth Hepford, both speakers at the conference. Both speakers were also interviewed live on Radio Kukës’ Daily Show, where they noted the dedication of the conference participants and their appreciation of Kukes' hospitality.
The Importance of Defending Freedom of Expression
On November 16, Ambassador John Withers was the keynote speaker at a ceremony marking the 65th anniversary of the assassination of 39 intellectuals by the communists in 1944. Noting that they were murdered for publicly differing from the communist regime, Ambassador Withers said, “We can best honor these people by keeping alive the principles for which they gave their lives… We can confer upon their ideals immortality through our rededication to what they believed in …” The audience included OSCE Ambassador Bosch, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the government, MPs, Mayor Edi Rama, former President Moisiu, academics, and family members of the intellectuals. The ceremony, organized by the Association of Formerly Persecuted People of Albania, received extensive media coverage.
Outstanding Academic Performance by 11 Week Incumbent Basic Course – Patrol Generalist
On 12 November 2009 ICITAP Program Manager Gary Bullard and Police Academy Director Nazmi Kotarja awarded ICITAP ribbons to Group # 9 & #11 at the Durres Training Facility for Outstanding Academic Performance during the first two quizzes and First Test during their Basic Training. Both groups received an overall average on the exams of 87.0% to receive the ribbons and demonstrate the best academic performance of the 13 Basic Course groups who make up the approximately 400 incumbent police officers attending the Basic Course.
University of Tirana students Videoconference with Students at Georgia Southern University
Fulbright Scholar Lori Amy was the driving force behind two videoconferences between public health students of Tirana University and students in anthropology and public health at Georgia Southern University on November 10 and 11. The two virtual discussions dealt with life in transition and global health issues and priorities, respectively. Especially concerned with developing public health infrastructure and emergency preparedness, the Global Health participants plan ongoing videoconferencing as part of strategic planning for Public Health projects and curricula. The videoconferences were made possible with the technical support of Nikolin Kola, owner of a local internet provider, and Professor Ilirian Malollari, Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, who hosted the events.
ICITAP Instructor Skills Certificate Ceremony
ICITAP Program Manager Gary Bullard awarded certificates to 70 ASP instructors and supervisors who successfully completed a series of workshops that were conducted over a three month period by the ICITAP Training Advisor for developing and enhancing instructor skills. Certificate award ceremonies were held at the Center for Police Development on Tuesday, November 10th and at the Durres Training facility on Thursday, November 12, 2009. Also attending both certificate ceremonies was the new Director of the Center for Police Development, First Leader Kotarja; Sector Chief of Training Fredi Agastra; and ICITAP Training Advisor Joseph Hauer.
Remarks by U.S. Ambassador John L. Withers, II
Conference “Between Violated Freedom and Informality” (November 6, 2009)
Ladies and Gentleman, my fellow diplomats, members of the press, members of the public,
It has been my intention for quite some time to speak to the membership of the Union of Journalists. It is a privilege and an honor for me to share this microphone with Mr. Çipa. Unfortunately, our first meeting is under the shadow of a tragic and unacceptable event. One of your colleagues, one of the members of the journalists’ community of Albania and one of my friends, Mr. Mero Baze, was assaulted in an unprovoked and inexcusable manner just a few nights ago. The alleged perpetrators of this assault are well known persons to all of us, to all of you, persons seemingly of high standing and high judgment until this incident showed otherwise. They were persons who have been the subject of Mr. Baze’s articles, in which he was quite critical of different things that they supposedly have or have not done. (full remarks)
ICITAP Equipment Donation
A donation ceremony was held today to provide sophisticated computer hardware and software to the Cyber Crimes Sector of the ASP that will greatly enhance the capabilities of the Forensic Analysis Section to recover electronic evidence. Also fifteen hundred copies of a newly developed service manual in handbook form that gives precise easy to follow directions on the recognition of possible electronic evidence, its protection and preservation, and methods of transporting it safely were provided to the ASP. These donations were done through the cooperative efforts of US Department of Justice OPDAT and ICITAP Programs and UNODC, who worked together with the Albanian police and prosecution offices to determine the best ways to assist in further building capacity to collect and use electronic evidence.
US Ambassador John Withers, German Ambassador Bernd Brochardt, Minister of Interior Lulzim Basha, ASP General Director Hysni Burgaj as well as many distinguished guests attended the ceremony.
Weekly Eco-Gram: Students Promote Environmental Protection at the American Corner in Vlora
On November 4, high school seniors in the coastal town of Vlora held a televised discussion at the American Corner to generate ideas for protecting the environment. Working from concrete examples of environmental pollution in Vlora, they brainstormed ideas for improving community behavior by making local residents more aware of environmental problems and the simple actions they can take to address them. The students also tackled unregulated logging in a local forest, including the litter and other debris left behind by the loggers. Realizing that destruction of the forest is having negative effects on community morale and tourism, the students are organizing a volunteer clean-up of the litter and are exploring possibilities for a TV spot to discourage continued deforestation. The discussion was held in English and covered by two local TV stations.
Ambassador's Book Club
Even though several members have finished their university studies and are now working full-time jobs, they made time on November 4th for a gathering of the Ambassador’s Book Club. Meeting for a year now, the Club has used films and books as springboards for discussions of racism, minority rights, and cultural values, among other topics. The latest meeting focused on the Albanian writer Migjeni’s "Poem of Poverty" and its message to the Poor: one's greatest strength is not to be found in religions or other institutions, but inside oneself. The meeting took place for the first time in the Ambassador’s office, giving the Club members a chance to learn more about a day in the working life of the U.S. Ambassador to Albania.
Statement by President Barack Obama on Iran (November 4, 2009)
Thirty years ago today, the American Embassy in Tehran was seized. The 444 days that began on November 4, 1979 deeply affected the lives of courageous Americans who were unjustly held hostage, and we owe these Americans and their families our gratitude for their extraordinary service and sacrifice.
This event helped set the United States and Iran on a path of sustained suspicion, mistrust, and confrontation. I have made it clear that the United States of America wants to move beyond this past, and seeks a relationship with the Islamic Republic of Iran based upon mutual interests and mutual respect. We do not interfere in Iran’s internal affairs. We have condemned terrorist attacks against Iran. We have recognized Iran’s international right to peaceful nuclear power. We have demonstrated our willingness to take confidence-building steps along with others in the international community. We have accepted a proposal by the International Atomic Energy Agency to meet Iran’s request for assistance in meeting the medical needs of its people. We have made clear that if Iran lives up to the obligations that every nation has, it will have a path to a more prosperous and productive relationship with the international community.
Iran must choose. We have heard for thirty years what the Iranian government is against; the question, now, is what kind of future it is for. The American people have great respect for the people of Iran and their rich history. The world continues to bear witness to their powerful calls for justice, and their courageous pursuit of universal rights. It is time for the Iranian government to decide whether it wants to focus on the past, or whether it will make the choices that will open the door to greater opportunity, prosperity, and justice for its people.
Farewell to USAID Mission Director
Prime Minister Berisha, Speaker of Parliament Topalli, and several GOA cabinet members attended a farewell reception for USAID Mission Director Roberta Mahoney and USAID Officer/MCC Project Manager Bruce Kay at the Ambassador's residence on Tuesday evening. Their attendance was an indicator of the close cooperative relationship between the GOA and the U.S. Government for USAID assistance efforts in Albania. Those efforts will continue, but Mission Director Mahoney and Project Manager Kay will be missed.
U.S. Embassy Statement (November 3, 2009)
The United States Embassy was appalled by the assault of journalist Mero Baze on November 2. Physical attacks on journalists and other forms of media intimidation cast a shadow over freedom of the press. All forms of pressure and intimidation of the media are unacceptable.
The Embassy supports the Government of Albania’s condemnation of this act and endorses the Prime Minister’s call that the appropriate authorities conduct a full and speedy investigation of this incident and that those who are responsible are held accountable. The Embassy will continue to strongly support freedom of the press in Albania.
A Proud History: Albania’s Religious Tolerance
Stressing Albania's longtime role as a model of religious tolerance, Ambassador John Withers praised the country’s latest recognition of this proud history in the recently released International Religious Freedom Report. The Ambassador hosted an event on November 2 marking the release of the Report attended by the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, and representatives from various religious denominations, including the Head of the Bektashis, the Chairman of the Albanian Islamic Community (AIC), and the Orthodox Church. The report has received positive coverage in the media and from the Albanian Government, and today’s event has already received extensive media coverage.
United States Embassy Hosts Young Student Art Contest – “Respect and Diversity through Art”
Tirana: The United States Embassy is launching a nationwide art contest entitled, “Respect and Diversity Through Art” from November 1st through December 15th. Youth 10 to 18 years of age are encouraged to submit original, unframed drawings and paintings on the theme of respect and diversity. This art contest celebrates diversity and interfaith and intercultural cooperation in Albania. Albania’s long tradition of tolerance and respect for diversity are themes that should be reflected in the artistic submissions.
Entries will be accepted at the U.S. Embassy Consular entrance gate until 5:00 pm on December 15, 2009. (more)
Porgy and Bess Premieres in Albania
George Gershwin’s finest work, “Porgy and Bess,” was performed for the first time in Albania, with the sponsorship of the U.S. Embassy. This powerful story of courage and American values was banned by the former communist regime as too subversive for Albanian audiences, and those who even mentioned the work were severely punished. This month, the balance was restored as Ambassador John Withers opened the premiere performance, joined by Prime Minister Sali Berisha and a packed opera house. Local artists and American performers and directors produced an especially moving “Porgy and Bess” that reflected both early 1930s America and post-transition Albania. Such cultural exchanges take advantage of Albania’s strong tradition of musical and theatrical excellence, offering an important medium to reach younger audiences. The musical received rave reviews and broad media coverage.
Model UN Students Meet America
On October 29, Petro Nini 
High School’s Model UN Team learned about the work of the Embassy and American culture in our latest “Meet America” program. One portion of the program turned out to be unexpectedly moving, as two members of the Marine Security Detachment explained their role in the Embassy, as well as their commitment to protecting America and democratic principles, including human rights for all people. One student thanked the Marines for correcting her misperceptions about the role of the U.S. Marines. The group also chatted with Ambassador Withers about different facets of American culture, and with Information Resources Center (IRC) Director Matilda Vangjeli, who explained resources available in the IRC.
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