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 children 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 children. 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 a 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 U.S. Foreign Policies worldwide.  Other discussion topics included life as a diplomat, how the U.S. Embassy operates, 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 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 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 Officer 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.
  
  For more highlights visit our Embassy Events 2009