Good morning. ASP Director Veliu, Director Nano, thank you for inviting me here today to participate in the final Antiterrorism Assistance Training Course of the year. Congratulations to all of today’s graduates! During the past year, you have deepened your knowledge of investigations and, with the assistance of the American trainers and mentors, have used …
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 13 September, 2019 | Topics: Deputy Chief of Mission, News, Press Releases, Speeches, U.S. & Albania, U.S. Agencies
High Judicial Council Chair Llagami, Director Sadushi, School of Magistrates Faculty, distinguished guests and chancellors, thank you all for being with us today at this important event. Today we are here to recognize another step forward towards implementing judicial reform in Albania: the successful completion of the Summer Court Administration Program*. Reform of Albania’s judiciary …
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 12 September, 2019 | Topics: Deputy Chief of Mission, News, Press Releases, Speeches, U.S. & Albania, U.S. Agencies
Minister Xhaçka, General Kollçaku, distinguished guests. Thank you for the opportunity to speak to you today. I could easily fill my time today listing all the line items of donations and cooperation among our defense establishments. Believe me, the list is long. It includes armored vehicles for your Light Infantry Battalion Group, a Cyber Response …
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 10 September, 2019 | Topics: Chargé D’Affaires, Events, News, Speeches, U.S. & Albania
Minister Gjonaj, distinguished guests, It is a pleasure to be here today to mark the 3rd anniversary of the passing of Justice Reform and the inauguration of this building that will house the High Prosecutorial Council, the High Judicial Council, and the School of Magistrates. July 21, 2016 began with expectations of a morning vote …
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 22 July, 2019 | Topics: Chargé D’Affaires, Embassy, Events, History, Public Affairs, Speeches, U.S. & Albania
President Meta, Speaker Ruçi, Ministers and Members of the Parliament, Representatives of the Diplomatic Corps, guests: It is an honor and a privilege for me, along with all our Embassy colleagues, to be joined this evening by our close friends and partners to celebrate 243 years of American independence and freedom. A warm welcome to …
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 11 July, 2019 | Topics: Chargé D’Affaires, History, Press Releases, Public Affairs, Speeches, U.S. & Albania
Are you a student who wants to help combat corruption? Apply to be a part of the investigative journalism lab! Selected students who demonstrate passion and courage for independent, investigative journalism will participate in a mentoring program and write investigative stories on important issues in Albania. Cutting-edge equipment and journalism training will be provided by …
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 9 July, 2019 | Topics: Embassy, News, Public Affairs, U.S. & Albania
Mr. Palmer, from your last visit in Albania with the regard of Albanian political crisis, has anything changed in your position? The U.S. position has not changed regarding the political situation in Albania. The burning of parliamentary mandates, the boycotting of elections, the violence we have seen in politically-organized rallies are fundamentally at odds with …
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 8 June, 2019 | Topics: Events, U.S. & Albania
We welcome the European Commission’s recommendation for opening accession talks with Albania and its recognition that Albania continues to make progress in implementing crucial and irreversible reforms. The United States remains committed to working with our Albanian and EU partners to ensure Albania’s successful EU integration, including our full support for the ongoing implementation of …
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 30 May, 2019 | Topics: Press Releases, U.S. & Albania
President Meta, Minister Xhaçka, honorable ambassadors, and distinguished guests, friends and colleagues. Thank you for the opportunity to speak to you on a topic we all hold dear: security challenges in the Balkans during the Euro-Atlantic transition. I will spend my brief minutes with you this morning discussing two of these security challenges: external threats …
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 22 May, 2019 | Topics: News, Speeches, U.S. & Albania
Honorable Deputy Speaker Hysi, Deputy Minister Treni, Coordinator Sojati, Mr. Hroni, distinguished guests. It is my honor to be here with you today. Allow me to begin today by congratulating not only IDM for the conclusion of the successful pilot, “Schools as Community Centers,” but also to all those who helped ensure the program’s success. …
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 17 May, 2019 | Topics: Chargé D’Affaires, Press Releases, Speeches, U.S. & Albania
Albanians are very interested in work visas. However, they have little information about it. Can you tell us about it? The work visas are divided into immigrant and nonimmigrant visas. With an employment-based immigrant visa, the foreign national will be issued the residency permit, also known as the “green card,” and will be able to …
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 16 May, 2019 | Topics: Consular Affairs, Exclude, Non Immigrant Visas, U.S. & Albania, Visas
Good morning. First, I would like to thank Chief Prosecutor Elizabeta Imeraj, Mr. Maasen, Mr. Mandoi, Ms. Jansen, Ms. Mehmeti and all of you. It is a true honor for me to be here with you today. I am very grateful to the Tirana Prosecution Office for organizing today’s event. You have probably heard time …
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 10 May, 2019 | Topics: News, Speeches, U.S. & Albania
Thank you to the University of Tirana’s Journalism Department for having us today. Today is a very important day around the world and specifically for you, as journalism students. It marks World Press Freedom Day. On this day, we celebrate the fundamental principles that are at the core of democracy and at the core of …
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 3 May, 2019 | Topics: News, Public Affairs, Speeches, U.S. & Albania
There is no question that, over the past two decades, Albania has made tremendous progress in strengthening its economic and democratic foundations. USAID has been proud to support these efforts, and we continue to do so. Further progress demands continued commitment to justice reform. The Albanian people deserve transparent institutions, especially independent judicial institutions that …
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 3 May, 2019 | Topics: Fundamental Freedoms, News, Press Releases, U.S. & Albania, U.S. Agencies
Honorable Guests, Coordinator Sojati, distinguished guests, it is my honor to be here with you today. Let me begin by congratulating the Albanian government, in the form of the National Countering Violent Extremism Center led by Agron Sojati. The Albanian government is a regional leader in countering and preventing violent extremism. The U.S. Embassy is …
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 2 May, 2019 | Topics: Events, Fundamental Freedoms, News, Speeches, U.S. & Albania, U.S. Agencies
AmCham Chairman Crawford, Board Members, Deputy Minister Haxhi, AmCham Members, Friends, and Colleagues: Good evening. It’s an honor to be here tonight. I’d like to start by bidding farewell to Mark Crawford, the Chamber’s outgoing chairman, and Enida Bezhani, AmCham’s former executive director. On behalf of the United States Embassy, allow me to extend my …
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 11 April, 2019 | Topics: Commercial Affairs, Deputy Chief of Mission, News, Press Releases, Speeches, U.S. & Albania
Good afternoon. First, I would like to extend my thanks to Rector Gjana for inviting me to speak with you all today. My message today is this: speak the truth. When asked to come today, I was asked to address freedom of the press, the relationship between media and politics and challenges faced by Albanian …
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 11 April, 2019 | Topics: Education, News, Public Affairs, Scholarships and Exchanges, Speeches, U.S. & Albania
Anila Hoxha: Mr. Palmer, what does justice reform represent for the U.S. Government in Albania and what assistance does it plan for the next steps of justice reform? DAS Palmer: Thank you for having me here and thank you for that question. Justice reform for the United States represents a path forward for the Albanian …
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 9 April, 2019 | Topics: News, Press Releases, Public Affairs, U.S. & Albania
Thimi Samarxhiu, Vizion +: Senior U.S. officials have stated in many cases that Russia’s influence in the Western Balkans has brought instability in this region. Do you see the latest events in the region, especially Albania, affected by this influence? DAS Palmer: I think it is important to put this in a broader regional context, …
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 9 April, 2019 | Topics: Events, Key Officials, News, Press Releases, Public Affairs, U.S. & Albania
(In Albanian) Dear Peace Corps trainees, Peace Corps employees, and host families, Good morning. I would like to start by thanking the host families for welcoming Peace Corps trainees into your homes. Soon, these trainees will take an oath in which they will promise to share American culture with an open heart and open mind, but …
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 5 April, 2019 | Topics: Events, Speeches, U.S. & Albania
Minister Xhacka, General Kollcaku, General Mullai, members of the Albanian Armed Forces (AAF), and distinguished guests. Thank you for allowing me the privilege to be here with you today. It is an honor to partake in this commemorative ceremony. A ceremony that exemplifies the United States Governments commitment to stronger ties with Albania, and is …
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 3 April, 2019 | Topics: Chargé D’Affaires, Press Releases, Speeches, U.S. & Albania
Minister Lleshaj, General Director Veliu, distinguished members of the Albanian State Police, members of the U.S. Embassy Tirana and friends, (In Albanian) I appreciate this opportunity to mark this significant milestone in the modernization of the Albanian State Police. I am proud to celebrate the continued success of the close partnership between the Albanian State …
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 2 April, 2019 | Topics: Chargé D’Affaires, Events, News, Speeches, U.S. & Albania
Deputy Prime Minister, Agency Representatives, Mayors, distinguished guests, Pershendetje! Thank you for the opportunity to be here today. The work you are doing is building the promise for a better and brighter future in Albania, for all Albanians. The United States is proud to contribute to that effort. Together, we are laying the foundation for …
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 29 March, 2019 | Topics: Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy, Events, Speeches, U.S. & Albania, U.S. Agencies
Good morning everyone, dear Deputies, dear Ministers, dear distinguished members of the diplomatic corps and other distinguished guests, friends and colleagues. As I begin these remarks, I want to take you back to April 4, 1949, the day the United States formally tied its safety and security to that of Europe for the first time. …
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 21 March, 2019 | Topics: Chargé D’Affaires, Embassy, Events, Exclude, Speeches, U.S. & Albania
You are a prosecutor by profession and I think this period in Albania has been enough to understand the difficulties of Albanian prosecutors, the kind of work they do here. What do you think is their main obstacle, their main difficulty they face in their work? I know you have been assisting some prosecutors from …
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 8 February, 2019 | Topics: Embassy, News, Sections & Offices, U.S. & Albania, U.S. Agencies
The U.S. Embassy in Tirana welcomes the establishment of the High Prosecutorial Council and the High Judicial Council. We congratulate the prosecutors and judges who took part in the voting for their courage and for choosing to change Albania’s history. The formation of the Councils marks a crucial step in the implementation of Albania’s justice …
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 12 December, 2018 | Topics: Embassy, Events, News, Press Releases, U.S. & Albania
Good morning and thank you to OSHEE CEO, Mr. Adrian Cela. I am honored to be here for this MoU signing and to mark the newest stage of partnership between our two governments. Not long ago, Albania faced a real energy crisis. Power outages, high import prices, and energy losses estimated as high as 45 …
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 12 December, 2018 | Topics: Economic Affairs, News, Press Releases, Sections & Offices, Speeches, U.S. & Albania, U.S. Agencies
People’s Advocate Ballanca, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. This past summer, several of my Embassy colleagues attended a ceremony at the site of the former communist labor camp in Tepelena. They gathered there with many others, including several of you here today, to honor the former inmates of that camp. During that ceremony, President Meta …
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 11 December, 2018 | Topics: Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy, Fundamental Freedoms, Human Rights, Press Releases, Speeches, U.S. & Albania
An independent, accountable, and professional judiciary will benefit Albanian citizens who have overwhelmingly expressed support for justice sector reform. A fully functioning justice system is also in the clear interest of Albanian judges and prosecutors. We call on Albanian judges and prosecutors to ensure a free and transparent election process for magistrates in the High Prosecutorial …
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 10 December, 2018 | Topics: Chargé D’Affaires, Embassy, News, Press Releases, U.S. & Albania
This year, the U.S. Embassy has called upon honest, patriotic judges and prosecutors with integrity to serve their country on the High Judicial Council and High Prosecutorial Council. With the formation of these justice institutions on the horizon, Albania is on the verge of creating a justice system that truly serves the interests of its …
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 7 December, 2018 | Topics: Embassy, News, Press Releases, U.S. & Albania
Prosecutor General Marku, students and faculty of the School of Magistrates, In December 1999, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 54/134, proclaiming November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. This day is the official start of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a yearly campaign where we …
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 6 December, 2018 | Topics: Chargé D’Affaires, Gender Issues, Human Rights, News, Press Releases, Speeches, U.S. & Albania
On behalf of the United States government and the American people, I congratulate the people of Albania as you celebrate your Independence Day. As you commemorate your 106 years of independence, we in America celebrate and recognize our enduring friendship with Albania. The United States values Albania’s commitment to NATO and the Global Coalition to …
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 28 November, 2018 | Topics: History, News, Press Releases, U.S. & Albania, U.S. Secretary of State
Download the full resolution Independence Day poster here .
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 27 November, 2018 | Topics: Embassy, Europe & Eurasia, Exclude, History, News, U.S. & Albania
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
In a ceremony held on June 21 at the U.S. Embassy, U.S. Charge D’Affaires Ryan Roberts and U.S. Defense Attaché James Hilton presented the U.S. Military Academy (USMA) Acceptance Certificate to Albanian Cadet Enea Hilaj who was accompanied by his family. Mr. Hilaj is the fourth Albanian Cadet to attend the Academy but the first …
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 21 June, 2018 | Topics: Chargé D’Affaires, Education, Embassy, Events, News, Public Affairs, Scholarships and Exchanges, Study in the U.S., Success Stories, U.S. & Albania
MS NAUERT: Good morning, everyone, and welcome to the State Department. Thank you for coming in so early this morning for the unveiling of the International Religious Freedom Report . I’d like to first introduce Secretary Pompeo, who will give some brief remarks and an announcement. And then Ambassador Sam Brownback, who is our global ambassador for religious freedom, will …
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 29 May, 2018 | Topics: Human Rights, News, Reports, Speeches, U.S. & Albania, U.S. Secretary of State | Tags: Michael R. Pompeo
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
Today U.S. Ambassador Donald Lu and Albanian Defense Minister Olta Xhaçka welcomed the delivery of the first shipment of U.S. disaster response equipment to Albania’s Directorate of Civil Emergencies to enhance their capacity to respond to future flooding. The shipment was sent from Livorno, Italy after extensive coordination with the European Command (EUCOM) Humanitarian Assistance …
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 30 January, 2018 | Topics: Events, Press Releases, U.S. & Albania
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, Exclude, Fundamental Freedoms, Human Rights, Speeches, U.S. & Albania
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, Exclude, History, U.S. & Albania
by Zylfie Braha, from “Bajram Abdiu” high school, in Bicaj, Kukes, who is currently placed at the “Three rivers” high school, in Michigan. The experience till now has been so exciting! At the begging I thought this was going to be the most exciting part but now I’m not really sure which is the most …
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 22 November, 2017 | Topics: Education, Exclude, Scholarships and Exchanges, Study in the U.S., Success Stories, 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
Good morning. It is a pleasure to back in Berat. This is the second of many meetings that we are having with young people in towns across Albania. When I was asked where I might want to speak to young people, my first answer was Berat – which is probably my favorite town in Albania …
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 7 November, 2017 | Topics: Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy, News, Public Affairs, Speeches, U.S. & Albania
* 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
Representatives Devin Nunes and Rick Crawford visited Albania, where they met with a variety of leaders to discuss a range of issues, including the NATO alliance, regional security, defense and counterterrorism cooperation, and other bilateral affairs. During their visit, Representatives Nunes and Crawford met with President Meta, Democratic Party leader Lulzim Basha, and other government …
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 2 August, 2017 | Topics: Embassy, Events, News, U.S. & Albania
From April 10 – 24th, the Public Affairs Section brought international NGO 10 Million Discs to Albania to spread the concepts of teamwork, conflict resolution, leadership, personal accountability, and mutual respect through the sport of Ultimate Frisbee. They worked with P.E. teachers and students from Shkoder, Lezha, Tirana, Durres, Kavaja, Vlora, and Fier. Ultimate Frisbee …
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 24 April, 2017 | Topics: Education, Embassy, Events, Exclude, Public Affairs, U.S. & Albania
U.S. Senator John McCain visited Albania on Friday, where he highlighted the U.S.- Albania military partnership, the importance of the country’s judicial reform, and efforts to defeat ISIS. Senator McCain, who serves as the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, met with President Bujar Nishani, Prime Minister Edi Rama, Parliamentary Leader Ilir Meta, and …
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 14 April, 2017 | Topics: Embassy, Events, Government Offices, News, Press Releases, Public Affairs, U.S. & Albania
What happens when you put an amazing Albanian band, Ambassador Lu and our U.S. Embassy staff in the same room? Check it out. Happy holidays to everyone!
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By U.S. Embassy Tirana | 31 December, 2016 | Topics: Events, Public Affairs, U.S. & Albania, Video
