Sokol Balla: Good evening and welcome to this second edition of Real Story here on Vizion Plus, every Monday and Thursday, at 9 pm. I am Sokol Balla. It’s a new studio, a new season, and we start the program with an invitee who comes here for the first time and, unfortunately, also for the ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 13 September, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, Embassy, Events, History, News, Policy, Political Affairs, U.S. & Albania
Minister Xhafaj, Director General Veliu, ambassadorial colleagues, Eight months ago, we met to hear Minister Xhafaj declare war on organized crime. At that time, we pledged our resources to support going after the big fish criminals. A lot has happened in eight months, but a lot more remains to be done. First, this government has ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 5 July, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, Embassy, Press Releases, Speeches
I am following closely the accusations against Minister Xhafaj and his brother Agron Xhafaj. The facts and evidence, including the veracity and circumstances surrounding the reported audio recording, deserve an independent investigation. But this cannot be a reason to interrupt the work of the police and prosecutors to arrest dangerous organized crime leaders. Now is ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 7 June, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, Embassy, Press Releases
Deputy Prime Minister Mesi, Mrs. Hoxha, ladies and gentlemen, Two years ago, I said at another Partners Albania conference: Civil society in Albania is strong and dynamic. Civil society is largely led by women and young people with energy, enthusiasm and optimism. And civil society can play an important watchdog role against corruption. When I ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 4 May, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, Press Releases, Speeches
Deputy Minister Mrs. Rovena Voda, Anti-Trafficking Coordinators from Montenegro and Macedonia, Terre des Hommes colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen, Some of the most emotional moments I have experienced in Albania have been during my visits to the amazing NGO trafficking shelters here in Albania. I have met young girls, some just 14-years old, who have already ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 30 March, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, News, Speeches
The U.S. Embassy and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration commend the Albanian State Police, Serious Crimes Prosecutors, and Customs officials for the seizure of 614 kilos of Colombian cocaine yesterday in Durres. This represents the largest single seizure of cocaine or heroin in several years. It is a welcome sign that Albanian law enforcement is ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 28 February, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, News, Press Releases
Minister Ahmetaj, Minister Nikolla, Amb. Ndisi, Mr. Ilirjani, Director Micko, Ms. Laçi, dear graduates, One of my first jobs was as a baker. It was my first year in university and I woke up every day at five in the morning and learned to bake bread, cookies, pies and cakes. It was a great job ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 6 February, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, News, Speeches, U.S. & Albania, U.S. Agencies
Minister Xhaçka, Director Premçi, brave men and women of the Albanian Armed Forces, Good afternoon. I come with a simple message from your American allies — We believe in the heroism of Albanian soldiers, sailors and airmen. We have seen this heroism in Afghanistan, in Iraq, in Bosnia, in Mali and in Latvia. We have ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 30 January, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, News, Press Releases, Speeches, U.S. & Albania
Rector Gjana, Professor Hajderi, Rector Teliti, religious leaders, professors, dear students, Good morning. I am joining you today to say bravo to you about your work on promoting religious tolerance. So I will begin with some comments about religious tolerance in my life and here in Albania. Then I want to talk about Holocaust Remembrance ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 30 January, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, Education, Fundamental Freedoms, Human Rights, Speeches, U.S. & Albania
On January 30, Ambassador Lu met with students from Bedër, Logos, Our Lady of Good Counsel, the Theological Catholic Institute in Shkoder, and the Orthodox Theological Academy in Durres for an open discussion. He congratulated students from different religious communities and universities on their work to advance the Albanian tradition of interfaith dialogue and noted ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 30 January, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, Education, Fundamental Freedoms, Human Rights, News
Honorable Deputy Head of the Parliament Hysi, honorable Deputy Prime Minister Mesi, honorable Advocate e Popullit Balanca, diplomatic colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, Many years ago when my wife was working on her academic research on domestic violence, she taught yoga at a shelter in Central Asia for women who had been trafficked or were victims ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 12 December, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, Embassy, Events, Human Rights, News, Press Releases
U.S. Embassy Tirana celebrated Albania’s Independence Day with a very special show. Embassy staff dressed in traditional folk costumes from all regions of Albania, showcasing not only their beautiful and unique craftsmanship, but also Albania’s culture and art that was passed from generation to generation.
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 28 November, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, Culture, Embassy, Events, History, U.S. & Albania
Minister Gjiknuri, Minister Ahmetaj, colleagues, My colleagues dared me to start today’s workshop with an energy joke. Here goes: Why did the gardener plant a light bulb? He thought he would get a power plant! Albania has been pulling energy from the ground for more than 100 years. Crude oil was first discovered at Patos ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 7 November, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, Events, Government Offices, News, Speeches, U.S. & Albania
Minister Xhafaj, Director General Cako, ambassadorial colleagues, In America, we have an expression, if you really believe in something – if you really support it – we have an expression in English “put your money where your mouth is” or in the Albanian language “veprat flasin më shumë se fjalët.” My colleagues from ICITAP police ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 7 November, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, Speeches
Minister Xhacka, General Kollcaku, General Cahani, brave members of the Albanian Forces, Albanian soldiers and sailors are true heroes. This has never been more clear than this week when Albanian sailors on the navy ship the Oriku saved the lives of 100 Syrian refugees, including 39 children. The Oriku has been serving in a NATO ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 6 November, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, Embassy, Events, News, Speeches
Dear students, dear Youth Council members, good morning! I want to commend the remarkable work you have done to fight corruption in the education system. But first, let me say two words about the current controversy surrounding former Interior Minister Saimir Tahiri. All of you are watching history being made in this country. What you ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 26 October, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, Embassy, Events, News, Speeches
Honorable former President Moisiu, Chairman Zaganjori, Minister Gjonaj, Minister Xhafaj, Mr. Sadushi, fellow ambassadors, ladies and gentlemen, Good morning! Today, I see two groups in this room. The first group is on the stage, they are some foreigners and some, with due respect, some seniors with a lot of experience in the justice system. To ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 2 October, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, Events, News, Speeches
* as prepared for delivery Mr. Kola, Mr. Kacorri, Mrs. Reci, dear students, Good morning. This is my first visit to Rrëshen and I love it here. This is also our first of many meetings with young people in towns across Albania. We have a message for you, but we also hope to learn something ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 28 September, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, Education, Embassy, Events, Public Affairs, Speeches, U.S. & Albania
Dear students and teachers, good morning. Corruption ends in a society when its people finally decide they have had enough and they take action. Often this is led by young people. When I worked in Kyrgyzstan 14 years ago, students in schools and universities faced terrible problems with corruption. Everyone had to pay for grades. ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 2 May, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, Embassy
Minister Harito, Amb. van de Weerd, Amb. Ndisi, Ms. Leskaj, ladies and gentlemen, I want to tell you the story of a brave young woman who touched my life and the lives of one billion people in India. The media called her Nirbayba (or fearless) because it is illegal in India to publish the name ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 30 March, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, Events, Gender Issues, Human Rights, News
On March 24th, Ambassador Lu hosted a reception to honor U.S. Embassy Tirana’s 2017 nominee for the Secretary of State’s International Women of Courage Award, Ms. Liljana Luani. The Award honors women around the globe who exemplify courage and leadership in advocating for human rights, women’s equality, and social progress, often at great personal risk. ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 24 March, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, Embassy, Events, News
On March 23, U.S. Ambassador Donald Lu and Chief of U.S. Office of Defense Cooperation, Lieutenant Colonel Robert Johnston joined local authorities to inaugurate the newly renovated Development Center for Persons with Disabilities in Shkoder. This project was made possible by the Humanitarian Assistance (HA) program of the United States Department of Defense. The HA ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 23 March, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, Embassy, Events, News, Press Releases
Minister Ekonomi, AmCham President Crawford, AmCham members, dear friends and colleagues, When I arrived two years ago, one of the first events that I participated in was the AmCham General Assembly meeting where we said farewell to Floreta Faber and welcomed Lorenc Gjoni. Times have changed. Ministers have come and gone. Floreta is in Washington ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 16 March, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, Commercial Affairs, Embassy, Events, News, Speeches
Ambassador Vlahutin, Ambassador Borshardt, Ambassador Graf, Mr. Gogo, Ms. Meta, Ms. Prifti, Ladies and Gentlemen, If we, civil society, international partners, and the media, are not eagle-eyed, corrupt politicians, judges, prosecutors and criminal bosses will try to steal this election, judicial reform and everything else in this economy. These people are particularly afraid of domestic ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 2 February, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, Speeches
U.S. Ambassador Donald Lu was the first guest of the Humanities Forum talk series with students and lecturers at the Faculty of History and Philology today where he discussed the new U.S. Administration and its Foreign Policy. In his remarks, the Ambassador noted that “the White House has defined the President’s foreign policy goal as ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 25 January, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, Education
Honorable Speaker Meta, Ministrja Felaj, Diplomatic colleagues, Dr. Totozani, ladies and gentlemen, Over the past five years, we have fought many battles for human rights alongside the Office of the Advocate of the People. Most of those battles we have lost because governments from the right and the left have not listened to the Advocate ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 14 December, 2016 | Topics:
Ambassador, News, Speeches
Hello everyone, I’ll would like to tell you a secret. If I had not joined the government, I would definitely have been an NGO person. After finishing two years in the Peace Corps and graduate school, I applied to several NGOs to do development work but the only job offer I received was from the ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 9 December, 2016 | Topics:
Ambassador, Speeches
The Honorable President Bujar Nishani, ladies and gentlemen, In the three days of this conference you have heard how corruption has been fought in Romania, Croatia and the United States. In each of these cases, it was not fought by foreigners, but instead it was fought by courageous prosecutors, policemen, journalists and judges from those ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 7 December, 2016 | Topics:
Ambassador, Speeches
“Eyes to the Future: Breaking the Corruption Barrier” Anti-Corruption Symposium Tirana, Albania The honorable Prime Minister Rama, diplomatic colleagues, judges, prosecutors, policemen, students and professors, There is a famous case of corruption in the United States that was uncovered in 2008. It involved two judges who received bribes totaling more than $2.6 million from ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 5 December, 2016 | Topics:
Ambassador, Public Affairs, Speeches
Minister Klosi, Dean Duka, Director Leskaj, Director Lurasi, Director Arqimandriti, talented video journalist Rusi, dear students and professors, Domestic violence is not something that happens to other people. It is something that happens all around us. Take a moment now. Look to your right, then to your left. Around the world, at least one in ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 23 November, 2016 | Topics:
Ambassador, Speeches
Deputy Minister Gjebrea, Mayor Dr. Leli, Prefect Hoxha, Rector Zisi, Vatra Executive Director Puka, dear students and professors, I have had the opportunity to visit the three NGO shelters in Albania that support victims of trafficking, in Elbasan, in Tirana and here in Vlora. One of my most powerful memories of my time in Albania ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 16 November, 2016 | Topics:
Ambassador, Speeches
Honorable President Nishani, members of parliament, young friends, ladies and gentlemen. Let me start this morning by offering our thoughts and our prayers for the victims of this terrible flooding that has been happening in Albania these past days. And, let me continue with a confession. I have several different versions of the speech today. ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 9 November, 2016 | Topics:
Ambassador, Speeches
Katerina: Hello to everyone following us live at the US Embassy Tirana Facebook page! I’m Katerina Hatija, the alumni coordinator for the State Department’s YES program, and a student of informatics. Merxhan Daci: Hello everyone! I’m Merxhan Daci, a recent journalism graduate and one of the participants of Embassy’s Investigative Journalism Lab project. Katerina: We ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 2 November, 2016 | Topics:
Ambassador, Featured Event, Press Releases, Public Affairs
Mayor Ademi, Mrs. Godaj, courageous breast cancer survivors, ladies and gentlemen, Shkodra is the perfect place for this Breast Cancer Walk because Shkodranet (female) are some of the bravest people on the planet. My family includes a breast cancer survivor and I know that it takes courage, both from the women and the men in ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 28 October, 2016 | Topics:
Ambassador, Speeches
Chief Justice Zaganjori, General Prosecutor Llalla, Director Sadushi, Dear Graduates, Ladies and Gentlemen, I have been to a lot of boring graduations in my life with long and boring speeches. There was one good one I remember, though. It was 1985 and I was not yet a graduate myself but everyone at my university was ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 4 October, 2016 | Topics:
Ambassador
Q: I’m Merxhan. I have finished my journalism studies. I am preparing for my diploma. May I start? We wanted to know about your attitude and your opinion about the cannabis situation in Albania and the political debate related to it. Thank you. A: The United States Government has pressed the government of Albania and ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 23 September, 2016 | Topics:
Ambassador, Events
*Dear friends, I was talking to an Albanian friend the other day. He said he took his family to the beach this summer. He and his young son were relaxing by the sea. My friend finished his Tepelene water with gas and through the empty plastic bottle into the sea. His little boy was so ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 15 September, 2016 | Topics:
Ambassador
The honorable Deputy Prime Minister Peleshi, Mr. Klosi, General Lleshi, friends from the faith community, diplomatic colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, I love that Mr. Peleshi quoted Malala Yousafzai. My daughter who is 11-years-old, this summer read Malala’s autobiography and it filled her with questions, questions about the conflicts and the world we live in. But ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 14 September, 2016 | Topics:
Ambassador
Ambassador Schütz, Ambassador Griffiths, Professor Vann, Professor Zaneli, ladies and gentlemen, When I served in Kyrgyzstan a decade ago, an organized crime boss was so bold that he set up a tent across from the gate of Parliament and threatened members of Parliament with violence unless they met his demands. In Georgia two decades ago, ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 7 September, 2016 | Topics:
Ambassador
The honorable Prime Minister Rama, Mr. Xhafaj, Mr. Bylykbashi, dear friends, Whose victory was the vote last Friday? This is the question everyone is asking in Tirana. Was it the victory of the political party leaders? The media? The international community? Or the individual members of parliament? I know who deserves the credit. And it’s ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 28 July, 2016 | Topics:
Ambassador
Chairman of the Muslim Community Brucaj, General Lleshi, Mr. Gurra, the honorable imams of Albania, I am a believer in God. As people who believe in God, whether we are Muslims, Christians, Hindus, or Buddhists, we have a duty to stand up for justice in our communities. To me, that justice includes: Standing against domestic ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 28 July, 2016 | Topics:
Ambassador
The passage of justice reform is above all, a victory for the Albanian people. Your commitment has made Albania a more just and democratic country. I congratulate parliament for finding a consensus under incredibly severe pressure. The United States is proud to have supported the drafting and negotiation of this strong reform package and we ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 22 July, 2016 | Topics:
Ambassador, Press Releases
Ministre Nikolla, Director Labi, hard-working teachers, dear students, Who can tell me what kind of hat this is? It’s a tri-corner hat popular in England and the American Colonies around the time of the U.S. war of independence. Who knows the name of the most popular musical now on Broadway in New York City? I’ll ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 21 July, 2016 | Topics:
Ambassador
Yesterday after the short meeting between Mr. Rama, Mr. Meta and Mr. Basha, our experts met for 8 hours of intensive negotiations until 2:00 in the morning. But they did not reach a deal. After 18 months of negotiating, why do we never reach a deal?” Why? Because, clearly, some of these politicians do not ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 19 July, 2016 | Topics:
Ambassador
Dear Albanian friends, I think there is one thing we can agree upon. We are all frustrated and tired with Albania’s political leaders. Today, Mr. Basha said that the opposition had put a valid proposal on the table. I told Mr. Basha that his proposal was unacceptable to the United States and shows that he ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 15 July, 2016 | Topics:
Ambassador, Press Releases
Minister Cuci, Director Pasha, Ladies and Gentlemen, One of the reasons I care so much about corruption and judicial reform is a story I heard about an Albanian woman and how a corrupt judge robbed her of her children. She married a man who beat her for many years. Earlier he had been convicted for ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 2 June, 2016 | Topics:
Ambassador
Advokat i Popullit Dr. Totozani, distinguished ambassadors, members of civil society, ladies and gentlemen, Before I talk about the important work of the Advokati i Popullit to defend human rights, I did want to acknowledge the important session being held right now in Ad Hoc Committee on Judicial Reform. Today they will debate and vote ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 9 May, 2016 | Topics:
Ambassador
Mayor Sejdini, host families, new and old Peace Corps volunteers, our talented Peace Corps staff, ladies and gentlemen, When I say old Peace Corps volunteers, I am reminded just how many years ago it was when I was in your shoes waiting to be sworn in by my ambassador. Being in the Peace Corps is ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 6 May, 2016 | Topics:
Ambassador
Mr. Xhafaj, Mr. Halimi, Amb. Vlahutin, members of the committee, I have a very simple message: If this reform fails, you, the members of this committee, will dishonor the people who elected you. And you will dishonor your relationship with the United States and the European Union. But, fortunately, we are not going to allow ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 4 May, 2016 | Topics:
Ambassador
Minister Ekonomi, Executive Director Gjoni, Members of the AmCham Board, ladies and gentlemen, What a difference a year makes. Since we all gathered together in the Sheraton last year, we have seen a lot of change. We have a brand new and fabulous new minister of economy. We have a new and also fabulous minister ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 20 April, 2016 | Topics:
Ambassador
Minister Harito, Mr. Hroni, ladies and gentlemen, Open Government Partnership is about making government more responsive and transparent by shining a light on corruption, fraud, and inefficiency. But you in this room know that these important efforts are empty without independent police investigators who are not afraid to go after the bad guys. When I ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 23 March, 2016 | Topics:
Ambassador
Glorjan Jahjaj: Hello Mister Ambassador. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to communicate with you. I had a question regarding the Albanian politics. Since you and the United States are fully aware that our politicians are so very corrupt, why don’t you intervene directly with them? Thank you. Ambassador Donald Lu: Great question. Corruption is ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 2 March, 2016 | Topics:
Ambassador
Mayor Ademi, Director Jahaj, dear students, ladies and gentlemen, My favorite cousin is my cousin Barry. He was a kid with different abilities and grew up to be a fine adult who is a talented athlete, has a good job, and has a very full life. He achieved all this because of his loving parents ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 25 February, 2016 | Topics:
Ambassador
Prime Minister Rama, Mr. Hamataj, Mr. Rapushi, ladies and gentlemen, Almost exactly one year ago, the Prime Minister asked Albania’s international partners what we might do together to support the hundreds of victims of last year’s terrible floods. I was not optimistic we could find any funds for this. We searched through our military and ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 24 February, 2016 | Topics:
Ambassador
Minister Panariti, Minister Klosi, Ministre Nikolla, Ambassadore Stančič, Rector Harizaj, dear colleagues, When I have the opportunity to travel in Albania, I always smile when we meet a flock of sheep on the road. It reminds me that Albania is not Tirana and that much of this beautiful country remains rural and agricultural. I would ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 22 February, 2016 | Topics:
Ambassador
Mirëmëngjes nxënës! Të mësosh një gjuhë të huaj është vërtet e vështirë. Unë vetë luftoj çdo ditë me shqipen time. Prandaj, sot do flas anglisht që edhe ju të praktikoni anglishten. Madje, kam sjellë edhe vajzën time Aliya dhe djalin tim Kip sot që të festojnë edhe me ju. Nëse nuk e kuptoni atë që ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 18 February, 2016 | Topics:
Ambassador
Voice of America: Mr. Ambassador, thank you for being with the VOA today. It’s been a year since you arrived in Albania. Can you share with us your experience during this time? Ambassador Lu: Thank you, Armand for the invitation to join you on VOA. What strikes me most about the past year are the unforgettable images ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 27 January, 2016 | Topics:
Ambassador, Press Releases
(As prepared for delivery) Speaker Meta, Prime Minister Rama, Chairman Basha, ambassadors, Ladies and Gentlemen, My mother is a saint. After raising three kids and working a full-time job, she still had time to volunteer as the head of an election precinct in California. We Californians are big complainers. She had to deal with angry ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 26 January, 2016 | Topics:
Ambassador
“On behalf of all of us who work at the United States Embassy, we wish our many friends in Albania a very happy New Year. I, personally, would like to thank the Albanian people for the warm friendship and hospitality offered to me and my family during our first year in this beautiful country. Professionally, ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 31 December, 2015 | Topics:
Ambassador
Zonja Bregu, Zonja Hysi, Zonja Doda, Professore Anastasi, Ladies and Gentlemen, One of the reasons I care so much about judicial reform is a story I heard about an Albanian woman and how a corrupt judge robbed her of her children. She married a man who beat her for many years. Earlier he had been ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 22 December, 2015 | Topics:
Ambassador
Honorable deputies, experts on judicial reform, ladies and gentlemen, A very happy New Year to everyone! I have a message for the experts, both Albanian and international, both appointed by the majority and opposition. I saw that last summer you did not have a summer vacation because throughout August you were working to finish the ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 22 December, 2015 | Topics:
Ambassador
On December 15, Ambassador Donald Lu participated in a live webchat with Embassy Facebook fans. The discussion was focused on anti-corruption and Ambassador Lu discussed ongoing efforts to tackle corruption and shared with fans what they can do to make a difference in Albania.
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 15 December, 2015 | Topics:
Ambassador
Hello everyone. This is Don and I’m glad we could have a conversation about corruption. You may not believe this, but I have lots of hope that things are changing with corruption in Albania. People in Albania are fed up and want to see change — from the decriminalization of parliament, to judicial reform, to ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 15 December, 2015 | Topics:
Ambassador
Chief Justice Zaganjori, Chief Justice Dedja, distinguished judges, Fifteen years ago an American judge from California visited China. During a lunch with judges, a young, Chinese judge asked her American counterpart, “What do you do when a politician tries to tell you how to rule, or someone offers you a bribe?” The American judge told ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 14 December, 2015 | Topics:
Ambassador
Prime Minister Rama, Minister Cani, Minister Ahmetaj, Governor Sejko, Mr. Katz, Mr. Ballta, ladies and gentlemen, The American Bank of Investments. That has a nice ring to it. As you know, it’s been a long time since there has been American representation in the banking sector – going all the way back to when Intesa ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 4 December, 2015 | Topics:
Ambassador
Minister Klosi, dear young people, basketball enthusiasts, ladies and gentlemen, I have learned that we are all born with certain abilities and certain limitations. It is up to each of us to make the most of our lives. Many people have reminded me of this throughout my life and I’d like to tell you about ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 3 December, 2015 | Topics:
Ambassador
Dr. Rakipi, Ambassador Vlahutin, Director Hantke, Professor Fischer, Mr. Biberaj, ladies and gentlemen, In every society there are events for which you ask, “Do you remember where you were when this happened?” As an American, in my lifetime, these have included landing on astronauts on the moon, the explosion of the Space Shuttle Challenger, and ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 25 November, 2015 | Topics:
Ambassador
Minister Tahiri, Director General of Police Cako, Members of the Albanian State Police, Ladies and Gentlemen, In America and in Albania, it is the dream of many, many kids to grow up to be a police officer. Boys and girls see the crisp blue uniform. They see the cars with the flashing lights. They imagine ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 20 November, 2015 | Topics:
Ambassador
Prosecutor General Llalla, Minister Tahiri, Judge Kuntz, colleagues: I wanted to start this morning by talking about what we know about concerning the attacks in Paris and whether foreign terrorist fighters from Syria, or those inspired by ISIS, may have been involved. ISIS has publically taken responsibility for the attack that has killed 129 people ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 17 November, 2015 | Topics:
Ambassador
Prosecutor General Llalla, Honorable members of parliament, Director Treshka, experts on judicial reform, Ladies and Gentlemen. Last week I asked who is most afraid of this reform? I said that many government and judicial officials were afraid. The other people who should be afraid are the serious criminals who walk the streets freely every day. ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 17 November, 2015 | Topics:
Ambassador
Ladies and gentlemen, good evening, I had an eccentric former ambassador once give a full-hour Marine Corps Ball speech about the late Boston Red Sox player Ted Williams (who may or may not have had his head cryogenically frozen). For 59 minutes we had no idea why our ambassador was talking emotionally about this late ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 14 November, 2015 | Topics:
Ambassador
Chief Justice Zaganjori, Deputy Minister Peci, Ambassador Vlahutin, distinguished experts, Ladies and Gentlemen, Who is most afraid of judicial reform? I know who — corrupt ministers , criminal deputies, incompetent judges, and prosecutors who take your money but never prosecute anyone. These people without face want to continue to fill their pockets with the money ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 13 November, 2015 | Topics:
Ambassador
The Honorable Prime Minister Rama, Minister Cuci, hard-working mayors, dear colleagues, I would like to talk about money. I would like to talk about how you mayors spend your money and how the government gives you money. First, I call upon every mayor to use the money of the municipality wisely. Bledi Cuci once told ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 30 October, 2015 | Topics:
Ambassador
Minister Tahiri, Deputy Minister Gjebrea, dear participants, I am first and foremost a father. When I travel around Albania I see faces that remind me of my children. I felt the same way when I visited the shelters for victims of human trafficking in Vlore, Elbasan and Tirana. I was shocked to see girls there ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 23 October, 2015 | Topics:
Ambassador
Minister Beqaj, Mayor Veliaj, Mrs. Godaj, courageous breast cancer survivors, ladies and gentlemen, Breast cancer has touched our family. We have gone through the trauma of a diagnosis and the joy of a successful treatment. If I asked who amongst us has a close family member or friend touched by this disease, I am sure ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 16 October, 2015 | Topics:
Ambassador
Honorable Minister Bushati, Minister Gjiknuri, Minister Petkova, Deputy Minister Giro, Director Kopac, Ladies and Gentlemen, The United States is strongly committed to European energy security, including energy security in the Balkan region. But we are not Europeans and we are not from the Balkans. Why should we care? It is in our strategic self-interest to ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 15 October, 2015 | Topics:
Ambassador
Comandant Haxhiaj, representatives from the Albanian Government, military officers, ladies and gentlemen, The Western Balkans is a incredible place, but it remains a complete mystery to me. Every day I spend in Tirana I realize how little I understand about Albanian society and culture. What I know is that this is very much a region ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 14 October, 2015 | Topics:
Ambassador
Minister Ahmetaj, President Crawford, Executive Director Gjoni, AmCham members, ladies and gentlemen, Congratulations on your 15th birthday. Being a teenager is hard work. I have one at home and another one just three years away. You have to grapple with dating, learning to drive, acne, peer pressure to drink alcohol, the right hair style, the ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 14 October, 2015 | Topics:
Ambassador
Honorable Prime Minister Rama, Chairman Granoff, Members of the AAEF Board, Ladies and Gentlemen, In July, the Prime Minister and I spoke to the graduating class of the University of New York Tirana. I told them that I wanted to come back to Tirana in the year 2025 with my children and described the kind ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 7 October, 2015 | Topics:
Ambassador
Special Advisor Heumann, Executive Director Cani, Ladies and Gentlemen, Welcome to our home. We are delighted that you are able to join us this evening. I had an opportunity to see Judy Heumann speak in March in Washington. I had no idea we had such an active special advisor on international disability rights. Her presentation ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 5 October, 2015 | Topics:
Ambassador
Chief Justice Zaganjori, Minister Naco, judges, inspectors, ladies and gentlemen, How do Albanian citizens figure out which judges and prosecutors are corrupt and which judges and prosecutors are honorable and doing their jobs well? How do Albanian citizens regain their faith in their court system to deliver justice without a big bag of cash? One ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 14 July, 2015 | Topics:
Ambassador
President Nishani, Speaker Meta, Prime Minister Rama, Deputy Minister Kospiri, ladies and gentlemen, Americans are more than just cowboy boots and Hollywood movies. We are a nation founded on the simple idea that all people are created equal. Today on this 239th birthday of the United States we celebrate the diversity of the American people. ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 1 July, 2015 | Topics:
Ambassador
The family of Police Officer Ibrahim Basha, officers of the Albanian State Police, members of the Albanian Special Forces, ladies and gentlemen, On behalf of Albania’s NATO allies that served with then-Special Forces nën tetor Ibrahim Basha in Afghanistan and Iraq, we honor him for his service to his nation. We also honor his service ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 25 June, 2015 | Topics:
Ambassador
Mr. Prime Minister Rama, Speaker of Parliament Meta, Chief Justice Zaganjori, Ambassadors, Ladies and Gentlemen, In your justice system, some people need to be fired for corruption and some people need to be put in jail. In a survey of judges financed by USAID, 25 percent of judges said the system was corrupt and another ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 8 June, 2015 | Topics:
Ambassador
The Honorable President of the Republic Bujar Nishani, Ms. Arta Dade, Mr. Eduart Selami, Dr. Edith Harxhi, ladies and gentlemen, good morning. On this 24th anniversary of our resumption of diplomatic relations, I wanted to remember for the moment the visit of Secretary of State James Baker to Tirana 24 years ago. Maybe some of you also remember ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 16 March, 2015 | Topics:
Ambassador
Minister Beqaj, ladies and gentlemen, good morning. I hope none of you get seriously sick. Many years ago when I was a Peace Corps volunteer, I had typhoid fever and malaria at the same time. I lost 20 kilos. I felt terrible. Fortunately, I was young and I recovered quickly. I needed a functioning health ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 10 March, 2015 | Topics:
Ambassador
Minister Kodheli, Former Minister Mediu, Dr. Starova, Dr. Luciolli, Ladies and Gentlemen, Like many of you, I grew up as a boy in a world obsessed with the Cold War. In school, we practiced hiding under our desks in the event of a nuclear attack. In Cub Scouts we wore military-style blue uniforms and learned ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 26 February, 2015 | Topics:
Ambassador
By Alexander A. Arvizu, U.S. Ambassador to Albania Today, Albania received some good news for its efforts on rule of law and for further integration into the Euro-Atlantic community. In the U.S. State Department’s 2014 Trafficking in Persons Report, released today, Albania improved its performance, moving up to a ‘Tier 2’ ranking and off ...
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 20 June, 2014 | Topics:
Ambassador, Press Releases
