On this solemn commemoration of Albania’s Independence Day, the U.S. Embassy expresses heartfelt sympathy for the devastation and loss of life caused by the November 26 earthquake. The United States stands staunchly by our friend and ally, Albania. We will continue to support ongoing humanitarian relief efforts and are prepared to assist in other areas …

The United States sends its deepest condolences to all the families and communities affected by today’s earthquake. The United States stands with our friends in Albania, just as Americans and Albanians have always stood by each other during difficult times. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and stand ready to offer our support.

Judicial reform is among the United States’ highest priorities in Albania. On-going progress on reforms is essential for advancing our shared goal of Albania’s membership in the European Union. Albania is now on the cusp of reestablishing its constitutional court, a major step in the judicial reform process. This necessary progress is stalled, however, due …

Since justice reform passed unanimously in 2016, Albanian institutions, including new independent judicial bodies, have been working hard to fulfill the will of the people. Parliament’s vote today brings Albania forward in re-establishing the Constitutional Court, a vital judiciary body for democratic checks and balances. The United States remains committed to supporting the formation of …

The United States welcomes the decision of the opposition parties to send representatives to the electoral reform conference being coordinated by the Parliament and OSCE Presence in Albania.   We commend Democratic Party Chairman Lulzim Basha for convening the opposition yesterday.  His efforts demonstrate real leadership on an issue essential to the further strengthening of Albania’s …

Yesterday’s verdict against former Minister of Interior Saimir Tahiri demonstrates the growing independence of the judiciary and the beginning of the end of impunity for the well-connected. While Mr. Tahiri’s conviction on abuse of office charges signals an important step forward, the sentencing is discouraging given the seriousness of the charges. Those who abuse the …

The United States welcomes the conclusions of the ODIHR election observation mission, which found that the municipal elections of June 30 were conducted in a generally peaceful and orderly manner and offered an overall positive assessment of the vote counting.  We recognize, however, as the ODIHR mission noted, that the political standoff and polarization contributed …

The U.S. Embassy calls on all political leaders, government officials, security personnel, and citizens of Albania to ensure that the elections on June 30 are conducted in an orderly and transparent manner. We urge political leaders to reject any and all forms of violence, or any attempts to disrupt the electoral process or otherwise interfere …

The United States wants what the people of Albania deserve:  A rule of law that protects civil servants and schoolhouses from senseless attacks, that defends the integrity and the safety of the electoral process, and that keeps the promise of a citizen’s right to peacefully protest while holding accountable those who engage in violence.  We …

The U.S. Embassy condemns the violence taking place during tonight’s protest. Peaceful assembly and the right to petition the government are hallmarks of healthy democracies, but they are rights that must be exercised peacefully. The use of pyrotechnics, especially when aimed at police, is not a peaceful act, is unacceptable, and undemocratic. We call on …

The United States respects citizens’ democratic right to peacefully demonstrate. We call on all participants in today’s demonstrations – both citizens and law enforcement officials – to refrain from violence. Provoking physical altercations or using projectiles such as explosive devices, Molotov cocktails, and rocks, is undemocratic and unlawful. Those who engage in these violent activities …

Peaceful demonstrations are essential to healthy democracies, and the right of citizens to assemble and to protest against their government is fundamental.  Force and violence, however, have no place in the democratic process. We condemn the violence that took place during the May 11 protests in Tirana and those responsible.  The violence resulted in both …

While peaceful protest is a fundamental pillar of a democracy, inciting or committing acts of violence, including the destruction of public property, is unlawful.  We urge all stakeholders in Albania’s democracy to practice restraint during the upcoming March 16 protest.  The United States Embassy views the current government and parliament of Albania as legitimately elected …

A healthy democracy requires an opposition that operates constructively within constitutional institutions. Threats by the Democratic Party, the Socialist Movement for Integration, and other opposition parties to abandon their mandates in Parliament undermine the basic principles of democracy and subvert the important progress Albania has achieved on rule of law and responsible governance. The United …

The right to peacefully assemble, petition the government, and protest for positive change are hallmarks of a free and healthy democratic society. It is a right exercised often in the United States. However, this right must be exercised peacefully. Violence against people or property is unacceptable. We call upon all involved in Saturday’s protest, and …

We congratulate the Albanian State Police and partner law enforcement agencies for the arrest of international drug trafficker Klement Balili.  This marks a major step for the Albanian people on the path towards enforced rule of law, and serves as demonstrable progress towards opening EU accession talks.  We look forward to a swift and thorough …

We congratulate Albania on the positive decision regarding the opening of EU accession talks.  Albania has made significant progress, and now needs to step up efforts to conclude key reforms.  We encourage Albania to increase momentum on judicial reform, anti-corruption and anti-organized crime.

The United States condemns the terrorist attacks in Tehran today. We express our condolences to the victims and their families, and send our thoughts and prayers to the people of Iran. The depravity of terrorism has no place in a peaceful, civilized world.

Question: So, until now, Mr. Yee, you have met Mr. Rama, Mr. Meta, and then you are going to meet Mr. Basha. Do you have a political plan for this crisis? If it fails and the opposition continues its boycott of the elections, are you going to recognize the elections. And what if everything goes …

The U.S. Embassy supports the Prime Minister’s call for postponement of the Kavaja municipal elections in order to maintain the focus of the government and the opposition on the dialogue process.  We encourage the continuation and acceleration of the dialogue process as there is limited time remaining before the June 18 elections to resolve these …

Pentagon Spokesperson Capt. Jeff Davis provided the following readout: Secretary Mattis spoke today by telephone with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to reconnect and discuss the key role NATO plays in transatlantic security. The secretary, who previously served as NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander for Transformation, wanted to place the call on his first full day …

The Embassy of the United States welcomes the decision of the Central Election Commission and the request of the Prosecutor General to remove the mandates of three politicians, Elvis Rroshi, Shkëlqim Selami, and Dashamir Tahiri, under the decriminalization law. Today’s decision is a victory for the Albanian people and a warning for criminals considering whether …

The United States condemns in the strongest terms the apparent terrorist attack that has claimed innocent lives in Munich, Germany. We still do not know all of the facts, but we do know that this heinous act has killed and injured multiple individuals in the heart of one of Europe’s most vibrant cities. Our thoughts …

The United States Embassy is disappointed to note that after declaring an agreement between government and opposition, the head of the opposition, Mr. Basha, has introduced an unacceptable new demand.   This latest development forces us to conclude this an intentional effort by the leader of the opposition to block this reform.  The reform package …

Today, we honor refugees’ resilience and courage. We also recognize the tremendous contributions made by local and international non-governmental organizations on the front lines of delivering life-saving assistance. This year’s commemoration comes at a time when brutal conflicts are forcing record numbers of innocent people to flee, and challenging the world to find better ways …

In the most recent round of the Democracy Commission Small Grants Program, 20 local civil society organizations received a total of $ 312,000 in funding for projects that address issues such as anti-corruption and transparency, anti-trafficking, women’s empowerment, domestic violence, youth engagement, minority rights, environmental protections, and countering violent extremism. Democracy Commission supports initiatives of …

PRESIDENT OBAMA:  Good morning, everybody.  Let me begin by thanking Presidents Tusk and Juncker for the opportunity to meet today.  With your understanding, I want to begin with a few words about the situation back in the United States, specifically the situation in Dallas, Texas. My team has been keeping me updated throughout the morning …

PRESIDENT DUDA:  (As interpreted.)  Excellency, Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, thank you very much that in my capacity as President of the Republic of Poland, I can welcome the President of the United States, Mr. Barack Obama, to Warsaw, to NATO Summit.  It is my great pleasure because I hope that this summit will have …

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you!  (Applause.)  Hello, everybody.  Thank you so much.  Thank you.  (Applause.)  Thank you.  Thank you very much.  Thank you.  Everybody have a seat.  Thank you so much.  Thank you.  Thank you so much.  Well, this is a good-looking group.  Thank you.  (Applause.) Well, first of all, let me thank President Hennessy for …

Stanford University Memorial Auditorium, Stanford, California SECRETARY KERRY:  Thank you so much.  You’re the best.  I love you.  You are terrific. Thank you so much.  Thank you.  (Cheers.)  Patricia, thank you.  Thank you so much.  Good morning, everybody.  Are you all energized?  (Cheers.)  I saw that video.  I thought I’d quit as Secretary and become an entrepreneur …

THE PRESIDENT:  Four days ago, this community was shaken by an evil and hateful act.  Today, we are reminded of what is good. That there is compassion, empathy and decency, and most of all, there is love.  That’s the Orlando that we’ve seen in recent days.  And that is the America that we have seen. …

SECRETARY KERRY: Well, good morning, everybody. Borge, thank you so much for a very generous introduction. More importantly, thank you for a wonderful welcome back to Norway and to this pretty idyllic and appropriate setting for the discussions that you all are engaged in, and that I’m privileged to take part in this morning. I …

U.S. Welcomes Approval of Draft Constitutional Amendments by Judicial Reform Committee The United States welcomes the approval of the draft constitutional amendments by the Albanian Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee on Judicial Reform. This is an important step in paving the way toward the full passage of a deep and meaningful reform of Albania’s justice system. …

MRS. OBAMA:  Well, good evening, everyone.  How are you all?  Rest yourselves, you’ve been busy.  (Laughter.)  I understand it’s been a long day.  But it is a pleasure to be here with all of you tonight. Of course, I want to start by thanking Ayo for that very kind introduction.  And I have to say, …

THE PRESIDENT:  Today, as Americans, we grieve the brutal murder — a horrific massacre — of dozens of innocent people.  We pray for their families, who are grasping for answers with broken hearts.  We stand with the people of Orlando, who have endured a terrible attack on their city.  Although it’s still early in the …

The United States Embassy expresses its disappointment that the June 6 meeting between Prime Minister Rama and Opposition Leader Basha did not achieve a final decision on the judicial reform.  The government displayed flexibility, but ultimately the opposition did not. Therefore, the United States Government supports the efforts of the Albanian Government to move the …

On behalf of the United States Department of State, Teresa and I wish Muslims in the United States and around the world a happy and blessed Ramadan. Ramadan is a cherished month in Islam. It is a sacred period of prayer and fasting, offering hospitality, and remembering those who are less fortunate. Through our embassies …

Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Victoria Nuland today telephoned the leader of Albania’s Democratic Party, Lulzim Basha to encourage progress on the judicial reform effort. Assistant Secretary Nuland stressed that political party leaders should use the June 6 meeting between Mr. Basha and Prime Minister Rama to agree to quick passage …

THE PRESIDENT:  Good morning. AUDIENCE:  Good morning. THE PRESIDENT:  Secretary Carter, General Dunford, Mr. Hallinan, Major General Becker, members of our Armed Forces, veterans, and most of all, our Gold Star families:  I’m honored to be with you once again as we pay our respects, as Americans, to those who gave their lives for us …

PRESIDENT OBAMA:  Seventy-one years ago, on a bright, cloudless morning, death fell from the sky and the world was changed.  A flash of light and a wall of fire destroyed a city and demonstrated that mankind possessed the means to destroy itself. Why do we come to this place, to Hiroshima?  We come to ponder …

The United States Embassy welcomes the decision by the Ad Hoc Committee on Judicial Reform to accept in principle the final draft of the constitutional changes prepared according to the recommendations of the Venice Commission Final Opinion. The unanimous support for this decision should give the Albanian people hope that their political leaders are now …

Michelle and I extend our best wishes to members of the Orthodox Christian community here in America and around the world as they observe Holy Friday and the Feast of the Resurrection. For Orthodox Christians, this is a time to remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, to rejoice in the victory of the Resurrection and …

The United States Embassy and the European Union Delegation welcome the resumption of the dialogue in the parliamentary ad hoc committee on Judicial Reform. We call on all political parties to listen to the 91% of Albanians who support this important reform, by bringing it to successful conclusion without delays or obstacles. All political parties …

President Obama joined a meeting today between Vice President Biden and Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama.  The President, Vice President, and Prime Minister emphasized the importance of Albania’s partnership with the United States.  The President and Vice President expressed appreciation for the critical role Albania plays  in advancing regional security and reaffirmed the importance …

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I extend my best wishes to all Roma on International Roma Day. On April 8, we celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Roma people everywhere, and the contributions that Roma make to our societies, including the over one million Americans of Romani descent. …

Good morning, everybody, and welcome. And Cathy, thank you so much for the spectacular job that you are doing. I can’t think of anybody better suited to work on the State Department’s top priorities, and Cathy is really offering extraordinary leadership, encouraging every embassy, every consulate, every bureau, every Foreign Service and civil service officer …

Today’s abhorrent attacks in Brussels are an assault against the Belgian people and the very heart of Europe. Our thoughts are with all those in Brussels, including the injured and the loved ones of those who were killed, and with the first responders and security personnel who are working tirelessly to keep Brussels safe. The …

I am delighted to join President Obama in wishing a happy, healthy, and prosperous Nowruz to all our friends around the world who celebrate this holiday. As Americans, we rejoice along with all those from the Islamic Republic of Iran to Central Asia to the Caucasus to communities here in the United States, who come …

SECRETARY KERRY: Good morning, everybody. In 2014, the terrorist group Daesh began to seize territory in Syria and Iraq, overrunning major cities and committing atrocities. The United States responded quickly by denouncing these horrific acts and – more importantly – taking coordinated actions to counter them. In September of that year, President Obama mobilized an international …

Thank you very, very much.  Thank you so much.  You went from total silence to an unbelievable welcome.  Thank you.  (Laughter.)  I’m really very, very appreciative, deeply appreciative.  When I came in here, I said that I had a big pair of heels to fill.  (Laughter.)  And in fact, I think there was a certain …

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you!  Thank you so much.  Well, good morning, everybody.  I was in the neighborhood, so I thought I’d stop by.  Actually, you’re in the neighborhood. So I appreciate you for stopping by. I see a lot of friends and familiar faces.  I have visited a lot of the countries where you are serving. …

On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the world’s women—past, present, and future—and recognize their many contributions and reflect on what more needs to be done to empower over half of the world’s population. We remember the extraordinary achievements of women throughout history, and we applaud the women of today who lead, inspire, and work to …

Teresa and I join the nation in mourning the passing of Nancy Reagan, a woman whose grace, dedication and love ‎of family were inspirations to us all. President Reagan was one of our country’s greatest optimists, whose courage and foresight helped win the Cold War, and Nancy was his partner and confidante, helping guide him …

Background: During February 2015, Albania was hit by a severe and intense flood that caused significant damage to agriculture production areas.  Over the past year, USAID has introduced $750,000 worth of new technologies and inputs that will have a positive and long term impact on the quantity and quality of production, adding value and increasing …

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning, everybody.  In our fight against terrorists like al Qaeda and ISIL, we are using every element of our national power — our military; intelligence; diplomacy; homeland security; law enforcement, federal, state and local; as well as the example of our ideals as a country that’s committed to universal values, including rule …

KAMZA, ALBANIA – FEBRUARY 22, 2016 Today, U.S. Ambassador to Albania, Donald Lu, and Slovenian Ambassador, H. E. Lea Stančič, inaugurated the Vocational Education and Training Center at the Agriculture University of Tirana (AUT). USAID, Slovenia’s Center for International Cooperation and Development, and the Agriculture University of Tirana (AUT) have partnered  in a three year, …

The United States condemns airstrikes conducted in and around Aleppo today against innocent civilian targets, including a hospital run by Médecins Sans Frontières‎ and the Women’s and Children’s hospital in Azaz city. That the Assad regime and its supporters would continue these attacks, without cause and without sufficient regard for international obligations to safeguard innocent …

PRIME MINISTER RAMA: (Via interpreter) Hello, everyone. This visit of the State Secretary John Kerry is the best start of the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the reestablishment of diplomatic relationships between Albania and the United States. That is a fact that makes me twice as happy to have the Secretary with us today. Albanians …

SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you, Wolfgang. Thank you very much. Well, Wolfgang, thank you for reminding me that everything I’m doing now is a last. (Laughter.) It’s a little – depending on what I decide to do, so maybe not. (Laughter.) I am really happy to be back in Munich and I’m very happy to share thoughts …

SECRETARY KERRY: Well, good evening, everybody. Let me start by thanking Foreign Minister Steinmeier and the people of Germany for hosting this important meeting of the International Syria Support Group on the margins of the Munich Security Conference, and we’re very grateful to our colleague, Frank Walter, for his help and assistance in this process and …

Meeting in Munich on February 11 & 12, 2016, as the International Syria Support Group (ISSG), the Arab League, China, Egypt, the EU, France, Germany, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Oman, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United Nations, and the United States decided …

Technical experts from the United States delivered a presentation today at the Albanian parliament on U.S. best practices for investigating the backgrounds of government officials and political leaders.  The presentation was organized by the U.S. Embassy in support of Albania’s efforts to implement the recently passed decriminalization law.  The Embassy welcomes the efforts of parliament …

THE PRESIDENT:  Well, good afternoon.  And, Sabah, thank you for the wonderful introduction and for your example — your devotion to your faith and your education, and your service to others.  You’re an inspiration.  You’re going to be a fantastic doctor.  And I suspect, Sabah, your parents are here because they wanted to see you …

SECRETARY KERRY: For almost five years, the world has watched in horror as Syria has disintegrated into a brutal conflict, killing hundreds of thousands and displacing millions both within and outside the country. Syria today is an unfolding humanitarian catastrophe, unmatched since World War II. In recent months, a new and broad-based diplomatic initiative was launched, …

SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you, and good morning everybody. And weeks ago – and I did receive the invitation to come here weeks before we knew whether or not Jason would be able to be released, and the others – I really looked forward to being here for this celebration, special celebration of the opening of the …

THE PRESIDENT:  This is a good day, because, once again, we’re seeing what’s possible with strong American diplomacy. As I said in my State of the Union address, ensuring the security of the United States and the safety of our people demands a smart, patient and disciplined approach to the world.  That includes our diplomacy …

SECRETARY KERRY: Good evening, everybody. Thank you very much for your patience. And I apologize for the fact that I can’t stay to take questions, which I would like to do. But we are operating under some very tight constraints on the rest period the law allows for our pilots, because of some of the delays. …

Today, on International Migrants Day, we pay tribute to those who venture abroad in search of safety, dignity, and a better life. Refugee and migration crises have captured the attention of the world this year. In recent months, we have witnessed migrants packed into flimsy rubber dinghies, parents passing young babies over barbed wire, and …

SECRETARY KERRY: Mr. Secretary-General, Special Envoy de Mistura, distinguished colleagues, I want to begin by thanking the other P4 members who joined together to help fashion this resolution and who spent time this morning working with our colleagues in order to bring us here this afternoon, plus our non-P4 member, Germany, for whom we are very …

The U.S. Embassy welcomes the courageous decision of the Albanian Parliament to pass the law on decriminalization.  This law is the toughest law in Europe against criminals in politics.  While it is the result of the hard work by both the majority and the opposition, ultimately it is a victory for the Albanian people who …

SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you very much. Thank you. Well, we had a very constructive meeting. There are – there’s a lot of progress, progress made last night, a long night, but are still a couple of very difficult issues that we’re working on. And over the course of today, we’ll have some meetings with various …

“Today we bid a fond farewell to a great friend of Albania, Archbishop Rrok Mirdita. Monsignor Mirdita served faithfully for 23 years as the Catholic Archbishop of Tirana and Durres. He was born in Montenegro, but was a proud American and served for most of his life as a beloved priest in the Bronx and …

Today, on International Anticorruption Day, I call on partner countries, civil society groups, and business leaders to strengthen our common efforts to combat corruption. Simply put, bad governance is one of the biggest challenges globally. The cost of corruption is beyond debate: it fuels instability and robs innocent people of their due and their possibilities. …

Secretary Kerry: Thank you, Todd, extraordinarily for those more than generous words. I really, really appreciate them. I might have loved it if you found a less menacing notion than a ballistic missile. (Laughter.) But I appreciate it. At least it gets the job done. Ambassador Hartley, really nice to have you here, and Gina …

Press Statement John Kerry Washington, DC December 7, 2015 On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I offer my sincere congratulations to all Albanians as you celebrate National Youth Day, which this year marks the 25th anniversary of the student movement that led to the fall of communism on December 8, 1990. This …

The U.S. Embassy in Tirana welcomes yesterday’s conviction of five people for human smuggling. The criminal organization they are a part of is responsible for the illegal entry of over 600 Albanian citizens into the United States during the brief time it was in operation. It exploited the hopes and dreams of would-be migrants, placing …

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), whose 25th anniversary we proudly celebrated earlier this year, was historic, bipartisan U.S. legislation that played a huge role in making our country more accessible and inclusive. Just as importantly, it has inspired people and governments around the world to see disability through the lens of equality and opportunity. …

The United States Embassy welcomes the decision of Member of Parliament Arben Ndoka to resign from Parliament and the decision to allow the arrest of Member of Parliament Armando Prenga. These decisions represent real progress for Albania towards creating a political system with leaders of the highest ethical standards.

Press Statement John Kirby Department Spokesperson Washington, DC August 25, 2015 We congratulate the leaders of Serbia and Kosovo and their delegations for reaching important agreements today, facilitated by EU High Representative Federica Mogherini. We also commend the EU High Representative and her team. The agreements finalized today on energy, telecommunications, establishment of an Association/Community …

Following media queries on the 2015 State Department report on Trafficking in Persons, the U.S. Embassy would like to note that the report recognizes that the Government of Albania made some good progress and continued to make significant efforts to comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking.  We encourage the Albanian Government …

Today, USAID, the Ministry of Justice, and the High Council of Justice inaugurated the Central Archive, to store digital audio recordings of court sessions held in every courtroom in Albania. The Central Archive offers high levels of data security and the ability to access audio recordings remotely by authorized uses, such as judicial inspectors.  U.S. …

Assistant Secretary Nuland: Thank you everybody for joining us this evening. This the sixth stop on a seven country Balkan trip that I’m doing with our interagency team and this is the second year that we have done this trip. It is a chance to touch base with our partners and our allies around the …

We offer our deepest condolences to the family of police officer Ibrahim Basha—a veteran of the Albanian Special Forces, twice deployed with NATO forces in Afghanistan—who was killed in Lazarat today. Our thoughts are also with those officers who were wounded in the line of duty. The U.S. Embassy fully supports Albanian law enforcement efforts …

The United States congratulates the citizens of Albania for peacefully exercising their democratic right to vote in the local elections on June 21, 2015. Counting of the votes is continuing and we call upon democratic institutions to ensure a speedy and thorough certification of the results. The voting on Election Day was without major incidents or …

Seventy years ago today, the Allied Forces declared victory in Europe over tyranny during World War II.  After more than five years of brutal fighting that took the lives of some 40 million people across the continent—including six million Jews and millions of others murdered by the Nazi regime—the forces of freedom triumphed over oppression …

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the European Union as you celebrate Europe Day.Over 60 years ago, a handful of war-scarred countries started down a new path that united a continent. You did it not by force of arms, but by free movement of trade, ideas, and …

Treaty Room Washington, D.C. SECRETARY KERRY:  Well, good morning, everybody.  It’s my pleasure to welcome Foreign Minister Bushati of Albania, and particularly to do so because Albania is, first of all, a very strong friend and NATO ally.  Beyond that, they’ve been really deeply involved in working with the United States and our partners on …

The U.S. Embassy welcomes the Prosecutor General’s action to seek Parliament’s approval to arrest two Parliamentarians.   This is an important opportunity to show that no individual is above the law.  We reiterate our call for the Prosecutor General, Parliament, and judicial institutions to fulfill their responsibilities to ensure due process in accordance with the …

Today, Ambassador Lu met with former PM and DP MP Sali Berisha to discuss current developments in Albanian politics.  Ambassador Lu reiterated U.S. support for the process of decriminalization by all parties and the importance of the opposition’s constructive participation in that process to strengthen democratic institutions. Regarding the allegations made by Mr. Doshi against …

PRESIDENT OBAMA:  Thank you so much.  Thank you.  (Applause.)  Please, please have a seat.  Good evening.  Goede avond.  Bonsoir.  Guten abend.  (Applause.)  Thank you, Laura, for that remarkable introduction.  Before she came out she told me not to be nervous.  (Laughter.)  And I can only imagine — I think her father is in the audience, …