Newsletter, Issue No. 24 , June 2016

Issue No. 24, June 2016
3rd Joint Governmental Meeting between
Albania and Kosovo held in Pristina
ISSUE No.24, June 2016
Table of contents
The Third Joint Meeting between the Government of
the Republic of Albania and the Government of
Republic of Kosovo was held today in Pristina, cochaired by Prime Ministers Edi Rama and Isa
Mustafa.
Prime Ministers dwelt on the excellent and brotherly
relations between the two countries, highlighting the
importance of bilateral cooperation to deepen
political, economic, social and cultural interaction
and further advance the European integration
process, as a unifying fundamental project of the
Albanian space, serving peace, stability and
prosperity in the region.
The Third Joint Meeting of the two governments
follows a consolidated practice of previous meetings
held in Prizreni and Tirana. At today’s meeting,
parties noted current achievements and discussed on
finding new mechanisms to implement signed
agreements, facilitate procedures and improve
business climate, aiming at the harmonization of
markets between the two countries, improvement of
services, infrastructure, increase of trade exchanges,
etc. Moreover, several bilateral agreements and
MoUs were also signed, pursuant to the completion
of the legal framework, bilateral economic
cooperation in the region and beyond.
In his speech, Prime Minister Edi Rama stated that
“Since the last meeting in Tirana, an appraised joint
work has been carried out for the encouragement of
the economic and trade cooperation, further
completion of the legal framework and improvement
of the connecting infrastructure between our
countries.
Moreover, facilitative and coordinative sectorial
measures have been taken.
Our communication is constant and the volume
of trade exchanges is increasing. This has
improved our response in finding quick
solutions to specific problems and situations.
Prime
ministers
appraised
Kosovo’s
achievements, the signing of the first contractual
EU-Kosovo agreement,
Stabilization
and
Association Agreement and its entrance in force
on April 1, 2016. This agreement constitutes a
new stage in Kosovo - EU relations and an
important contribution to peace, stability and
prosperity in Kosovo and the region. It marks a
historical moment for Kosovo, which will
contribute to the progress of reforms, trade and
investments
in
the
country.
Kosovo’s
membership in UEFA and FIFA as well as the
recommendation of the European Commission
for the visa liberalization are clear indicators of
the European path of Kosovo, as a natural
process towards its Euro-Atlantic integration.
With regard to cooperation on foreign affairs,
Albanian Foreign Minister Ditmir Bushati
underlined that “our bilateral relations,
including intergovernmental cooperation and
interaction in the framework of European
integration have been strengthened and further
developed. We are committed to turning our
relations into a model for the whole region. Our
joint consulate in Munich will soon be added to
the map of our joint consular services”.

3rd Joint Governmental Meeting
between Albania and Kosovo held
in Pristina

Germany in support of judicial
reform

Mutual commitment to resolving
bilateral issues with Greece

Minister Bushati pays visit to the
Holy See

MFA launches #ColoursofAlbania
photo contest

Minister Bushati meets with
Foreign Minister of Poland Witold
Waszczykowski.

Minister Bushati pays visit to
Hungary

Meeting of Foreign Ministers of
SEECP held in Sofia

Minister Bushati hosts Iftar Dinner

Minister Bushati receives Albanian
national football team at MFA
premises

Symphonic Orchestra of Albanian
Radio-Television holds concert in
Ioannina

MFA provides information on the
progress of "Celepia 2" rescue
operation

Round table at Albanian MFA with
minority representatives, civil
society and international
organizations to discuss the draftlaw on minorities

Cultural&DigitalDiplomacy
Germany in support of judicial reform
Foreign Minister Ditmir Bushati met with Minister of Foreign
Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany, Frank-Walter
Steinmeier, who is paying a visit to Tirana.
Parties reaffirmed the excellent relations between Albania and
Germany, as well as the common will to further intensify them in
all areas of cooperation. Ministers also focused on the
importance of adopting the judicial reform, latest developments
in the region, security challenges and the European path of the
Western Balkans.
Minister Steinmeier noted that Albania is an important partner
for Germany and plays a special role in the region. In this
context, ministers highlighted the positive impact of the Berlin
Process, which has materialized a reinforced cooperation in the
region.
Minister Bushati informed his German counterpart on the latest
developments in the country and commitment of the Albanian
government to adopt the judicial reform, which is of primary
importance to strengthening rule of law in the country and has
direct impact on Albania’s advancement in the European
integration process.
"The judicial reform is our chance to overcome the point of no
return. This project aims at the ultimate detachment from the
transition era. It does not serve the contentment of political
parties, nor the safety of one or the other. The reform seeks to
bring the justice system to meet the demands of Albanians, as the
cornerstone of all our efforts for a European Albania", Minister
Bushati stated.
On his part, Minister Steinmeier reiterated Germany's continued
support for the reforms’ process undertaken by the Albanian
government in view of the country's European path. Moreover,
he underlined the need to adopt the judicial reform at the
Parliament, noting that "without the judicial reform, Albania’s
integration process to the European Union cannot gain new
momentum".
Minister Bushati focused on the quality of this reform and
its “strong impact on strengthening rule of law in economy,
the fight against corruption, organized crime, terrorism and
radicalism". "Albania has clear obligations, in order to
provide necessary support and take the next step, that of a
positive recommendation for the opening of EU accession
negotiations." he underscored.
Minister Steinmeier dwelt on Albania’s potential to become,
through the adoption of this reform, the region’s forerunner
in reshaping the justice sector in terms of the rule of law.
Hoping for the judicial reform to be adopted, without
creating obstacles that will have consequences for the
European path of the country, Minister Steinmeier stated
that "the reform does not always get gratitude, for often
times there is harsh criticism and perhaps its cost can be
reflected in the elections. I have learned that in opposition,
you cannot always win by refusing. There are situations in
which a government would have to take necessary risks to
move the country forward, but the same goes for the
opposition. Not think of short-term advantages, but longterm ones, to the benefit of the country ".
Furthermore, ministers underlined the importance of further
strengthening regional and multilateral cooperation, as well
as coordinating joint efforts to face security challenges.
In the framework of this visit, some archival documents on
bilateral diplomatic relations were displayed at the MFA
premises.
Mutual commitment
to resolving bilateral
issues with Greece
Minister of Foreign Affairs Ditmir Bushati met with Minister
of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic Nikolaos Kotzias,
who is on a two-day visit in Tirana.
This visit follows the ongoing process of intensifying and
boosting dialogue and contacts between heads of diplomacy
of both countries, with a view to increase trust, deepen
cooperation, explore opportunities and find common
solutions on a range of bilateral issues yet to be addressed.
This year marks the 45th anniversary of the re-establishment
of diplomatic relations between Greece and Albania as well
as the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of
Friendship, Cooperation, Good Neighborliness and Security
between
the
two
countries.
Talks focused on finding solutions to bilateral issues,
developments in the region, coping with security challenges
and the need for a better interaction among regional
countries in addressing them.
Ministers agreed that strengthening current relations of
strategic importance between our neighboring countries,
which are NATO members and always closer in the
European plan, is important not only at the bilateral level,
but also serves a region that is determined to look ahead and
build its European future through cooperation. Minister
Bushati praised and expressed gratitude for Greece's role
and support in the integration process of Albania and
Western Balkan countries.
After the meeting with his Greek counterpart, Minister
Bushati highlighted that the parties have established a
mechanism for addressing all bilateral issues, which will be
accompanied by a roadmap and a calendar, to achieve
tangible results. This aims at freeing bilateral relations from
unnecessary burdens that counterbalance the natural pace of
relations’ development between our two neighboring
countries and strategic partners of shared vital interests.
Albania highlighted the special importance of Greece
dismantling the War Law and all legal effects resulting from
it, as a key step in closing the chapter of World War II
between the two countries.
Both Ministers agreed that this absurd law reflects neither
the reality of current bilateral relations nor the common will
of the parties to bring these relations forward.
Finding mutually-accepted solutions, based on international
law and in accordance with the domestic legal framework,
will give a new impetus to our relations and will contribute
to strengthening and enhancing cooperation in all areas of
common interest.
With regard to the importance of addressing the Cham
issue, Minister Bushati stated that "the Albanian party has
no territorial claims against Greece. To us, the Cham issue is
a matter of fundamental freedoms and human rights, which
includes several components, such as freedom of
movement, the right to property and respect for the fallen,
based on the humanitarian law".
In the framework of this visit, ministers will also attend the
event organized in collaboration with the Faculty of Social
Sciences of the University of Tirana, entitled: "On the
importance of Greek-Albanian relations for the European
future of the region".
Minister Bushati pays visit to the Holy See
.
Under the auspices of Minister of Foreign Affairs
Ditmir Bushati and in cooperation with the IOM Office
in Tirana, in the framework of preparations for the first
Diaspora Summit and implementation of the project
“Harnessing the positive impact of Albanian diaspora
for the development of the country”, a meeting with the
Albanian community in Italy entitled ”I am Albanian”
was held in Rome on June 1, 2016.
Its proceedings, also assisted by IOM, focused on the
role of the Albanian diaspora in addressing important
issues of identification and utilization of capacities, by
raising awareness on the values and unique role of the
Albanian diaspora and its commitment, as a partner, to
improve and promote the country’s image.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Ditmir Bushati held a visit at the
Holy See, where apart from the meeting with his counterpart
Mons. Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with
States, he also had an audience with Pope Francis.
This visit was paid in the framework of intensification of
bilateral relations between Albania and the Vatican, as we
celebrate the 25th anniversary of reestablishment of diplomatic
relations.
During the meeting with Mons. Gallagher, Minister Bushati
appraised the excellent impressions following the visit of Pope
Francis in Albania.
“We are aware that relations between Albania and the Holy See
go beyond institutional. The upcoming sanctification of Mother
Teresa and beatification of the 38 martyrs of Albanian Catholic
Church by Pope Francis constitute an inspiration for all
Albanian people and strengthen our privileged relations with
the Holy See”, Minister Bushati stated.
Also, Minister Bushati thanked the Holy See for the initiatives
and implemented projects in education, health and social
welfare sectors in Albania, by providing ongoing support for
the preservation of European values and supporting Albania
and Albanian people in the region.
Furthermore, parties also discussed Albania’s stabilizing role in
the region and the special importance that the Vatican attaches
to integration processes in all WB countries, including Kosovo,
as well as current international developments.
“The cooperation initiated last year with a group of partner
countries, including the Holy See, in the fight against violent
extremism has marked tangible and positive results”, Minister
Bushati added.
During the audience with Pope Francis, Minister Bushati
expressed gratitude to His Holiness for his benevolence and
constant support to the Albanian nation and people, as a clear
and positive sign for the intensification of our relations.
“We are grateful for your messages of freedom, peace and
human dignity. The success of your moral leadership serves as
an encouragement for all Albanians”, Minister Bushati
underscored.
The meeting with the Albanian community in Rome
echoed the preparations for the First Diaspora Summit
which will take place in Tirana during November,
under the auspices of the Albanian Prime Minister and
in cooperation with the Foreign Ministry.
The Albanian Community was welcomed by Minister
Bushati, who thanked them for their contribution in the
political, social and economic developments of the
country.
Present at this meeting were also prominent Albanian
and Arbëresh personalities residing in Rome, interest
groups representing business communities, cultural
associations and representatives of the Arbëresh local
government.
Minister Bushati highlighted the crucial role of
Albanians in Italy, which intertwines the irreplaceable
contribution of the Arbëresh community in preserving
their identity, culture and best values with the
dynamism and energy of the Albanian community who
currently lives, works and studies in Italy.
In this context, Minister Bushati introduced the work
carried out in terms of the consular services’ reform.
The latter has had positive impact on Albanians
residing in Italy by launching the service of issuing
certificates, which will be provided by Albanian
Consulates in Italy. The improvement of consular
services aims at encouraging professionalism, quality,
transparency and accountability.
MFA launches #ColoursofAlbania photo contest
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in cooperation with Telekom Albania
organized a promotional activity for the photographic contest
#ColoursofAlbania.
This initiative, which follows #ColoursofAlbania 2015, invites the
foreign and Albanian public to participate in this photo contest on
social media, so that everyone can play their role as "ambassadors of
our country." It also aims to promote Albanian beauties through the
eyes of citizens, youth or photography enthusiasts.
Present at this event were Prime Minister Edi Rama, Ministers, Mayor
of Tirana Erion Veliaj and representatives of the diplomatic corps
accredited in Albania.
The #ColoursofAlbania contest is a platform which supports "digital
Albanian diplomats" around the world in promoting a vivid, historic
and cultural Albania.
The initiative was launched for the first time in 2015, at the end of
which 10 best pictures were selected and turned into a traveling
exhibition, still displayed at Albanian diplomatic missions around the
world.
The contest will be carried out in social media, on Instagram and
Facebook platforms, where photos of all participants will be collected
through the use of # (hashtags on Instagram) and @ (tag in Facebook).
#ColoursofAlbania Initiative will last for 6 months (May-October 2016).
The end of the contest and selection of the best pictures by a jury of
professional photographers will be in September. The subject of this
contest is free. Participants are invited to take pictures of nature, art,
culture, labor, tourism, everyday life in the city and villages of Albania.
#ColoursofAlbania is supported by ambassadors of the Albanian
culture and image in the world: the National Football Team, Saimir
Pirgu, Ermonela Jaho, Olen Cezari, Kledi Kadiu and Rafting Albania
Federation.
In his welcoming remarks, Prime Minister Rama dwelt on the
importance of this initiative in promoting the values ​and beauty of the
country, as well as opportunities that technology provides for
increasing human capacities to communicate with others.
Executive Director of Telekom Albania Dimitris Blatsios noted his
positive experience in Albania, full of bright and vivid colors in all
areas of life, focusing on the country's natural beauty, tradition, rich
culture of the people and hospitality of our society.
Address of Minister Bushati at the opening ceremony of
#ColoursofAlbania contest
Honorable Prime Minister,
Dear Mirela,
Dear Erion,
Ladies and gentleman,
Thank you for your participation in the promotional activity of the
photographic contest #ColoursofAlbania in Instagram.
Abraham Lincoln once said that "there are no bad pictures; that's just
how your face looks sometimes.”
With this in mind, I would like to say that "Colours of Albania" is not a
beauty contest. Although the first 10 winners will receive a modest reward
thanks to the generosity of Telekom Albania, I hope that pictures
published in Instagram reflect fragments of our Albania, thus displaying
our values, tradition, nature and geography, which are worth revealing to
others.
Photos are themselves tales frozen in time, where the instant dances with
infinity. Susan Sontag once stated that pictures are "memento mori" - a
reminder of your mortality. Capturing a moment gone forever, of
something unrepeatable - this is what makes photography, a unique form
of art.
"Colours of Albania" is a combination of the classic art of photography
with modern instruments of online communication.
Herein lies the uniqueness of this contest - the use of modern
communication channels, such as Instagram and Facebook, to reach not
only a wider audience, but also show another side to our homeland. A
welcoming Albania of breathtaking nature; a magical, transforming
Albania, full of generous people.
We are aware that the image of our country in the world calls for
improvement, for in the past 25 years, our homeland has undergone
radical changes. For our cities, until yesterday ghosts of an abandoned
cinematographic set, today, thanks to the Urban Renewal, have now been
revitalized.
Once, famous painter Salvador Dali stated that "we are all hungry and
thirsty for concrete images." And at this point, our contribution and
especially that of young people, is irreplaceable.
"Colours of Albania" - an exercise of public and digital diplomacy - is also
an exercise for Albanian citizens to promote themselves and their country
without fear or complex.
Public diplomacy, which constitutes one of the main pillars of our foreign
policy, consists of effectively communicating with the public and establish
a dialogue to inform and disseminate the ideas and values ​of our country.
We conceive public diplomacy as a tool to assist the process of Albania's
integration into the European family and underscore inalienable values of
Albanian inter-religious brotherhood, hospitality and generosity.
Monochromatic world master Ansel Adams stated:
'When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs.
When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence.'
Therefore, let us communicate among ourselves and with others through
our images!
Thank you!
Minister Bushati meets with Foreign Minister of Poland
Witold Waszczykowski
Minister of Foreign Affairs Ditmir Bushati met with the Minister
of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland, Witold
Waszczykowski.
Parties reaffirmed the good level of relations between Albania
and Poland and the common will to further boost them, focusing
mainly on economic cooperation.
Minister Bushati highlighted the progress made by the Albanian
government in addressing the 5 key priorities in the European
integration process. Moreover, he underlined the commitment to
adopt the justice reform, which is of extraordinary importance for
strengthening the rule of law in the country and has direct
impact on Albania's advancement in its EU integration path.
Minister Waszczykowski reiterated Poland’s continued and
unwavering support to the reforms’ process undertaken by the
Albanian government, following the European path of our
country.
Ministers also dwelt on the importance of further strengthening
multilateral, regional and inter-regional cooperation (V4-WB6), as
well as coordinating joint efforts to face security challenges.
Poland will hold the Presidency of the Visegrad Group and on
this occasion, parties highlighted the importance of regional
cooperation as a catalyst of integration processes, as well as
Poland's commitment to share its experience with Albania and
Western Balkan countries in this regard.
Focusing on cooperation in the NATO framework, Ministers
underlined the importance of coping with risks to Euro-Atlantic
security through collective engagement, which will be an
essential part of the Warsaw Summit agenda.
In the framework of this visit, some archival documents on
bilateral diplomatic relations were displayed at the MFA
premises.
Minister Bushati pays visit to Hungary
Foreign Minister Ditmir Bushati paid a visit to Hungary, at the
invitation of Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary,
Peter Szijjártó.
Ministers reaffirmed the excellent relations between Albania and
Hungary and expressed their will to further intensify them,
focusing on boosting economic cooperation and trade exchanges
in order to attract Hungarian investments in the Albanian market.
Parties praised the positive trend and increased level of trade
exchanges between the two countries in recent years, underlining
their commitment to further explore the existing high potential. In
this regard, Ministers welcomed the reestablishment of the direct
airline Tirana-Budapest to be launched this year, convinced on its
direct impact in promoting bilateral cooperation, in all areas.
Minister Bushati informed his Hungarian colleague on Albania’s
course of reforms in addressing the 5 key priorities in the EU
integration process including the judicial reform, which is crucial
for strengthening the rule of law and has direct impact on the
lives of Albanian citizens, rule of law in economy, fight against
corruption, organized crime, terrorism and radicalism.
Minister Szijjártó reiterated Hungary's continued and unwavering
support for the reforms’ process undertaken by the Albanian
government in the country's European path, offering, at the same
time, the Hungarian expertise in this regard. He highlighted that
"Hungary supports the immediate and timely opening of
Albania's accession talks, for the European integration process is
essential to the stability of the Western Balkans".
Referring to recent developments in the region, Ministers
dwelt on the importance of boosting regional cooperation,
which has gained a new momentum in the framework of
the Berlin Process. Minister Bushati praised the support of
the Visegrad Group, including Hungary, in establishing the
Western Balkans’ Fund, to be headquartered in Tirana
based on the model of the International Visegrad Fund,
thus underlining the importance of its launch as tangible
evidence of regional cooperation.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Szijjártó focused on the role of
our country in the region as a NATO member, assuring his
Albanian counterpart on the continuous support of
Hungary in the EU integration process of Albania.
In the framework of this visit, Minister Bushati held a
speech at the Institute of Foreign Affairs and Trade at the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, entitled:
"The European integration of Albania and regional cooperation".
Moreover, he replied to the interest of those present on
matters related to the latest developments in the Western
Balkans, role of the Albanian foreign policy and progress of
integration processes in the region.
Meeting of Foreign Ministers of SEECP held in Sofia
On May 31, 2016, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mrs.
Odeta Barbullushi, participated in the meeting of Foreign
Affairs Ministers of South Eastern European Cooperation
Process (SEECP) held in Sofia, Bulgaria.
During her address at the plenary session, Mrs. Odeta
Barbullushi underlined the importance of regional
cooperation and the SEECP role as a significant
instrument in the framework of European integration.
Attending this meeting were Foreign Affairs’ Ministers of
SEECP member countries, guests from the European
Commission and Regional Cooperation Council (RCC).
On the sidelines of this Ministerial, the Annual
Meeting of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC)
co-organized by the RCC Secretariat and the Bulgarian
Chairmanship of SEECP was also held, during which,
parties discussed the developments and achievements
of regional cooperation in Southeastern Europe and
adopted the Strategy and Work Programme 2017-2019.
The meeting was held on the occasion of the 20th
anniversary of the establishment of this regional
organization, currently chaired by Bulgaria.
Discussions focused on the political situation, latest
developments in the region and good neighborly relations,
as elements of substantial importance to the further
development of Southeastern European countries,
economic cooperation and good governance.
Deputy Minister Barbullushi praised the role of RCC in
transforming the common vision of regional
cooperation into concrete projects. She shared the
conviction that RCC will continue to offer its
substantial contribution in the joint efforts of its
member countries to boost and streamline this
cooperation.
Minister Bushati hosts
Iftar Dinner
In respect and honor of the holy month of Ramadan, Foreign
Minister Ditmir Bushati hosted for the third consecutive
year an iftar dinner, thus turning this sacred day into a
genuine tradition. Present at this dinner, in addition to
representatives of the Muslim community, were government
representatives and the diplomatic corps accredited in
Albania.
In his address, Minister Bushati stated that: "In our country,
celebrating the holy month of Ramadan is a tradition, together
with the celebration of Christmas, Easter or the Day of Ashura.
This shows something which our ancestors have nurtured for
centuries; tolerance and interreligious brotherhood, always in
the service of national identity.”
“Albania may not be a materially rich country, but our
spiritual bounty, conveyed through a mosaic of religions, can
and must be an added value to societies of EU countries,
where we aspire to become members”- Bushati noted,
underlining that inter-religious harmony and the way how
different religious communities have lived and live alongside
each other in our country is like a leitmotiv that permeates the
history of Albanian people and the Albanian state.
Minister Bushati receives Albanian national football
team at MFA premises
Minister Ditmir Bushati received the Albanian national
football team at the MFA premises, which qualified for
the European Championship, Euro 2016. He praised the
historic participation of our national team in such
competition, the worthy representation of our country,
exemplary behavior of Albanian fans and the memorable,
powerful emotions conveyed through the matches.
In his address, Minister Bushati underlined that this
national team “has written the history of a Europeanspirited Albania, which managed to upraise our country
on one of the highest pedestals of world football. This is
the best message which shows that we have every
opportunity to move forward as a nation, not just in
football. This has been a journey for all of us, mind and
soul, with you, towards Europe.
You managed to commendably represent all Albanians,
by becoming the national team of the entire country. You
have proven yourselves to be our ambassadors in the
world.”
National team captain Lorik Cana thanked Minister
Bushati for the hospitality, his kind words and the
outstanding support of all Albanians during the matches
and on their return home. "Like many other players, we
grew up abroad, in France, Germany, England, and we
all have received congratulation messages, but what has
made us most proud, in addition to the matches, was the
warm reception dedicated to all of us "- Cana stated.
Following the decision taken by the Albanian
government, members of the national football team were
provided with diplomatic passports, as a sign of
recognition and appreciation.
Symphonic Orchestra of Albanian Radio-Television
holds concert in Ioannina
The Symphonic orchestra of the Albanian Radio-Television (RTSH)
composed of 50 talented musicians, performed in a concert held on
June 24, 2016 in the city of Ioannina.
This activity, organized by the Cultural Center of Ioannina in
cooperation with the Institute of Book and Promotion in Tirana,
brought at the summer amphitheater of Epirus studies E.H.M,
pieces from the most prominent composers, such as
Puccini,
Verdi,
Tchaikovsky,
Franz
Lehar,
Çesk
Zadeja, Ferdinand Deda etc.
Among other artists, tenor Kastriot Tusha and soprano Eva Golemi,
under the direction of conductor Gridi Kraja, conveyed to the artloving audience of Ioannina a broad panorama of the Albanian
music.
The orchestra was accompanied by countless applause by
the audience, after performing some musical gems of the
Albanian traditional repertoire, the soundtracks of the
movie “Skenderbeu” and the “Albanian Rhapsody”.
The event was honored by the attendance of Greek local
authorities, such as Mayor of Ioannina Thomas Begas,
Chairman of the City Council Jorgos Papadiotis, Rector of
the Ioannina University Jorgos Kapsalis, Deputy Mayor
Thanasis Mandalovas, Director of the Epirus Studies
Institute Kostas Vllahos, Member of Albanian Parliament
Fatmir Toçi and other high officials of the local government.
This activity was organized and financially supported by the
Ioannina Municipality.
MFA provides information on the progress of
"Celepia 2" rescue operation
With regard to the rescue operation of the crew on the "Celepia 2"
trawler, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform the public
opinion that:
Immediately after receiving the information on the location and
containment of the trawler by the Egyptian Marina and its transfer
to a military port in Alexandria, our Embassy in Egypt contacted
local security and investigation authorities, which informed that
Albanian citizen Luan Mema was found aboard, and his health
condition is currently stable.
The Albanian Embassy in Egypt is working to provide the
necessary consular assistance, and in cooperation with Egyptian
authorities, upon the completion of the investigation, it will
provide all the necessary assistance for the return of Luan Mema to
Albania.
Egyptian authorities are working to locate the other Albanian
citizen, Dhimitër Malja and conduct all investigative procedures to
shed light on this matter. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and all
other relevant bodies involved in this rescue operation ensure the
public opinion on their maximal engagement.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs thanked the Egyptian authorities
for their assistance and cooperation in dealing with this situation.
Round table at Albanian MFA with minority representatives,
civil society and international organisations to discuss the
draft-law on minorities
A roundtable with representatives of minority associations,
members of the National Committee of Minorities, as well as
representatives of civil society and international organizations, was
held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs attended also by Deputy
Minister of Foreign Affairs Odeta Barbullushi, Secretary General
Qirjako Qirko and other high-rank representatives of the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs.
The roundtable aimed at expressing the will to improve the legal
framework on minorities, by introducing the new initiative to draft
a specific law on minorities, and thus receiving suggestions,
opinions, insights from the representatives of minority associations.
Opening the discussions, Secretary General Qirjako Qirko thanked
the participants, underscoring that their contribution is essential in
the process of drafting the law on minorities.
In her remarks, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Odeta
Barbullushi emphasized that the Albanian institutions are
committed to continuously improve the standards of
protection and respect for human rights in general and
minority rights in particular. Mrs. Barbullushi pointed out
the importance of successfully carrying out a
comprehensive and effective process, cooperation and
consultation of all stakeholders, including minority
associations, civil society and international organizations.
Discussions highlighted that a joint and firm commitment
of all stakeholders in the process of improving the legal
framework on minorities will serve to address issues and
further improve human rights standards, which converge
with the EU integration process criteria.
Representatives of minority associations unanimously
praised this initiative taken by the Albanian Government
and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They highlighted the
importance to address issues such as the legal recognition
of minorities, the effective respect of civil and political
rights, linguistic and education rights, public representation
etc. They showed their confidence that the new draft-law
and the secondary legislation will most likely address these
issues
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