Press Releases

U.S. Ambassador, Chief Judge Cut Ribbon at Vlora District Court (Jan. 10, 2005)

United States Ambassador Marcie Ries participated with Chief Judge Artur Malaj in a ribbon-cutting ceremony today at the Vlora District Court to initiate and recognize recent improvements to the court. The event marked USAID's Albania Pilot Court Administration Reform Project. Also attending the ceremony were Minister of Justice Xhafa, Supreme Court Chief Justice Kondi, deputy chair of the High Council of Justice Panda, Prosecutor General Sollaku, USAID Director Birholz and others.

East-West Management Institute (EWMI), a New York non-profit organization that has been working with USAID funds to improve the Albanian judiciary and court system over the past six years, is implementing the project on behalf of USAID. The Institute is also working in the district courts of Tirana, Shkodër and Kavajë.

The $160,000 USAID-funded physical and operational improvements at Vlora District Court are designed to increase efficiency, transparency, and quality of public service at the country's fourth largest court.

The project involved general renovations, extensive training for judges and staff, telephone and computer network upgrades. As a result of the changes, the court will be better able to provide better service to the citizens of Vlora.