From mentor at alb-net.com Tue Nov 11 11:53:58 2003 From: mentor at alb-net.com (Mentor Cana) Date: Tue, 11 Nov 2003 11:53:58 -0500 (EST) Subject: [Prishtina-E] [Kcc-News] Petition for Kosova Missing Persons Inquiry Message-ID: --------------------------------------------------------------------- Kosova Crisis Center (KCC) News: http://www.alb-net.com/index.htm --------------------------------------------------------------------- WE ARE ALL MISSING THEM Petition text Link: http://www.kan-ks.org/index1.html Sign it at: http://www.kan-ks.org/cgi-bin/gb1/guestbook.cgi?action=add Coordinating Council of Family Associations of the Hostages, Missing and families with war victims (KKAF), and the network of activists Kosova Action Network (KAN) consider that: Four years after the war in Kosova, the fate of over 3.500 persons who were kidnapped and kept hostage remains unknown. Families of the missing have the right to know about their loved ones. Revelation of the truth is needed urgently. The conflict is not over until what has happened to them is disclosed and justice is implemented. Until now, there were no arrests, accusations or sentences concerning this issue. Why from out of over 900 bodies found in mass graves in Serbia since the spring of 2001, only 153 of them have been returned to Kosova?! The Government of Serbia was in the past responsible for committing the crimes and nowadays it is responsible for concealing the truth. This Government does not open dossiers and leaves criminals walking around free. UNMIK has not produce any results, even though it is able to do so and is the responsible authority. Inhuman and groundless delay in returning the bodies is a violation of the 1949 Geneva Convention, which states that the disappearance and keeping secret the evidence about the location of war hostages is a form of psychological torture to families who are in a state of emotional strain and anxiety. The crime perpetrated towards those same families continues. By not seeking and restoring justice for its citizens, UNMIK has also breached many articles and protocols of the International Convention for Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) towards victims and their families. UNMIK as a peace mission can only create peace if it implements justice. Our main objective is justice and should, by all means, be upheld by those who govern our country and represent us. Solution of this criminal situation includes return of hundreds of exhumed bodies from mass graves in Serbia and bringing to light the fate of over 3.500 Kosovar citizens, with no ethnic, religious or racial discrimination. This should be of the highest priority which cannot wait any longer. Taking into consideration all these facts, we, the above-mentioned, are organizing collection of signatures for the following: PETITION that is addressed to the: - Secretary General of the UN, Mr. Kofi Annan - U.S. Secretary of State, Mr.Colin Powell - Commissionner in charge of European Commission External Relations, Mr.Chris Patten - EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, Mr.Javier Solana - Special Representative of the Secretary General of UN, Mr. Harri Holkeri - Assembly, Government, and President of Kosova and with which we demand: 1. Uncovering of the facts about the fate of Kosova kidnapped citizens and their return to Kosova. We ask that international aid and loans to Serbia be conditional upon the opening and publication of police and military dossiers. We also demand UNMIK should open the dossiers and initiate legal proceedings. 2. Return to Kosova of about 800 bodies exhumed from mass graves in Serbia by 24th March 2004. We request forensic evidence for more than 900 bodies to be submited to Kosova authorities and all further proceedure to be promulgated in Kosova. 3. An independent investigator to inquire into all issues related to the transportation and exhumation of these corpses and to initiate the conduct of the legal prosecution of these crimes. 4. The return of corpses and opening of dossiers, as a non-negotiable and non-technical issue, to serve as a priority prerequisite in all future talks between Kosova and Serbia, whenever they take place and regardless of whom will they be chaired and/or conducted by. KKAF Sheremet Ademi Nesrete Kumnova KAN Linda Gusia Albin Kurti ______________________________________________________________ If you wish to unsubscribe, send a blank message to: kcc-news-unsubscribe at alb-net.com , or visit KCC-NEWS's page at: http://www.alb-net.com/mailman/listinfo/kcc-news From vsherifi at naac.org Wed Nov 12 13:02:06 2003 From: vsherifi at naac.org (Valbona Sherifi) Date: Wed, 12 Nov 2003 18:02:06 -0000 Subject: [Prishtina-E] English/Albanian: Mayor Bloomberg to visit Kosova Message-ID: <000701c3a947$10c9ab10$6d01010a@VALBONA> National Albanian American Council 2021 L Street, N.W., Suite 402, Washington, DC 20036 481 8th Avenue, Suite 922, New York, NY 10001 Brigada e Krajishtes, No. 8, 38000 Prishtina, Kosova Telephone: (202) 466-6900 Fax: (202) 466-5593 Web: Email: naac at naac.org ________________________________________________________________________ For Release: November 11, 2003 Contact: Valbona Sherifi (202) 466-6900 PRESS RELEASE Mayor Bloomberg and representatives of the Albanian-American Community to Visit Kosova (Bloomberg to bring along an Albanian flag to be flown in Prishtina on Flag Day) Washington, DC, November 11, 2003: The National Albanian American Council (NAAC) issued the following statement regarding the visit that Mayor Michael Bloomberg plans to have in Kosova on the occasion of Albanian Flag Day. New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg along with several representatives of the Albanian-American community will be visiting Kosova on the occasion of Albanian Independence Day. Mayor Bloomberg, who will be arriving in Prishtina, Kosova on November 24 accompanied by leaders of the Albanian-American community including religious and cultural figures, announced his first visit to Kosova in front of thousands of Albanian-Americans attending the XIII Albanian Festival thast was hosted by the Albanian Catholic Church ?Our Lady of Shkodra? on November 9. Some of the activities Mr. Bloomberg will be engaged in during his trip to Prishtina, Kosova include visiting KFOR troops in Camp Bondsteel, a flag exchange ceremony with the local leaders, a cultural affair honoring Albanian Flag Day where the Mayor will likely make a few remarks expressing his feelings for the Albanian people and last, but certainly not least, he will participate in a ceremony at the monument of Mother Teresa in honor of her distinguished work. Former NAAC Chairman Richard Lukaj and Trustee Ben Celaj who met recently with staff members from the Mayor?s Office to discuss details regarding the upcoming visit to Kosova, stated that Bloomberg?s visit to Prishtina speaks for the significant potential of the politically active Albanian community in New York City and the important role it could play in the redevelopment of Kosova. Mssrs. Lukaj and Celaj said, ?We are proud supporters of the mayor and are extremely pleased that he has opted to express his appreciation and respect for his significant Albanian-American constituency by virtue of this visit.? This is not the first time that Bloomberg reaches out to NAAC and the Albanian-American community. On February 26, 2001 shortly before announcing his candidacy for mayor, this self-made man met with a number of NAAC members and representatives of the Albanian-American community to discuss the role New York City?s Albanian-Americans could play in his bid for mayor. Before becoming Mayor of New York City, Mr. Bloomberg was the head of financial media giant Bloomberg, LLC. He founded the company in 1981, turning an initial order for 20 terminals into a multimedia, analytical and news service supplying information in almost every country around the world, including the Vatican. NAAC is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advocating for Albanians and promoting peace and economic development in the Balkans by fostering democratic policy, promoting respect for human rights, and conducting educational and developmental programs. For more information on the National Albanian American Council please visit us on the web at www.naac.org ### K?shilli Komb?tar Shqiptaro Am?rikan 2021 L Str??t, N.W., Suit? 402, Washington, DC 20036 481 8th Av?nu?, Suit? 922, N?w York, NY 10001 Brigada ? Krajisht?s, No. 8, 38000 Prishtina, Kosova T?l?fon: (202) 466-6900 Fax: (202) 466-5593 W?b: www.naac.org ?mail: naac at naac.org ________________________________________________________________________ P?r Shtyp: 11 n?ntor, 2003 Kontakt: Valbona Sherifi (202) 466-6900 Deklarat? p?r Shtyp Kryetari i Bashkis? Bloomberg dhe p?rfaq?sues t? komunitetit shqiptaro-amerikan do t? vizitojn? Kosov?n Washington DC, 11 n?ntor 2003: K?shilli Komb?tar Shqiptaro Amerikan (KKSHA) l?shoi k?t? d?klarat? p?r shtyp n? lidhje me vizit?n q? Kryetari i Bashkis? s? New York-ut planifikon p?r n? Kosov? m? dat?n 26 N?ntor. Kryetari i bashkis? s? qytetit t? Nju Jork-ut Michael R. Bloomberg s? bashku me disa p?rfaq?sues t? komunitetit shqiptaro-amerikan do t? b?jn? nj? vizit? n? Kosov? me rastin e Dit?s s? Pavarsis? shqiptare. Kryetari i bashkis? Bloomberg, i cili do t? mb?rrij n? Prishtin?, Kosov? m? 24 n?ntor i shoq?ruar nga udh?heq?s s? komunitetit shqiptaro-amerikan duke p?rfshir? figura t? shquara t? artit e fes?, e b?ri t? ditur se do t? shkoj? n? Kosov? para mij?ra shqiptaro-amerikan?ve t? cil?t mor?n pjes? n? Festivalin e XIII Shqiptar t? organizuar nga Kisha Katolike Shqiptare ?Zoja e Shkodr?s? m? 9 n?ntor. Disa prej aktiviteteve q? z. Bloomberg do t? angazhohet gjat? vizit?s s? tij n? Prishtin? do t? p?rshijn? takime me trupat e KFOR-it n? kampin ushtarak ?Bondsteel?, nj? ceremoni t? shk?mbimit t? flamujve m? udh?heq?s lokal?, nj? ngjarje kulturore n? nder t? dit?s s? flamurit shqiptar ku kryetari i bashkis? pritet t? mbaj nj? fjalim p?r t? shprehur ndjenjat e tij p?r popullin shqiptar, dhe s? fundmi por sigurisht q? jo n? fund t? prioriteteve t? tij, ai do t? marr pjes? n? nj? ceremoni para monumentit t? N?n? T?r?z?s n? nder t? pun?s s? saj t? shquar. Ish-kryetari i K?shilli Komb?tar Shqiptaro Amerikan (KKSHA) Richard S. Lukaj dhe an?tari i bordit drejtues Ben Celaj q? koh?t e fundit u takuan me an?tar? t? stafit t? zyr?s s? kryetarit t? bashkis? s? Nju Jork-ut p?r t? diskutuar detajet n? lidhje me vizit?n e ardh?shme n? Kosov?, u shpreh?n se vizita e z. Bloomberg n? Prishtin? tregon dhe flet p?r potencialin dometh?n?s t? komunitetit shqiptar n? qytetin e Nju Jork-ut dhe p?r rolin e r?nd?sish?m q? mund t? luaj? ai n? zhvillimin e Kosov?s. Zot?rinjt? Lukaj dhe Celaj than? se, ?ne jemi mb?shtet?s krenar? t? kryetarit t? bashkis? dhe jemi jasht?zakonisht t? k?naqur q? ai ka zgjedhur t? shpreh vler?simin dhe respektin e tij p?r mb?shtetjen dometh?n?se t? komunitetit shqiptaro?amerikan n?p?rmjet nj? viziteje t? till?.? Kjo nuk ?sht? hera e par? q? Bloomberg takohet me KKSHA-n? dhe komunitetin shqiptaro-amerikan. M? 26 shkurt, 2001 pak para se ai t? shpallte kandidatur?n p?r kryetar bashkie, ky individ i suksessh?m u takua me p?rfaq?sues t? KKSHA-s? dh? komunitetit shqiptaro-amerikan p?r t? diskutuar se ?far? roli komuniteti yn? do t? luante n? fushat?n e tij p?r kryetar bashkie. Para se t? b?hej kryetar bashkie i qytetit t? Nju York-ut, z. Bloomberg ishte president i kompanis? gjigante t? medias financiare ?Bloomberg, LLC?. Ai e themeloi k?t? kompani m? 1981, duke e shnd?ruar nj? k?rk?s? origjinale prej 20 terminalesh kompjuterike n? nj? super-kompani t? multimedias, analitike me mij?ra terminale informacioni n? ?do vend t? bot?s, p?rfshir? dhe vatikanin. K?shilli Komb?tar Shqiptaro Amerikan (KKSHA) ?sht? nj? organizat? jo p?rfituese dhe jo qeveritare e dedikuar ndaj p?rkrahjes s? ??shtjeve shqiptare, promovimit t? paqes dhe zhvillimit ekonomik n? Ballkan p?r t? forcuar politikat demokratike, p?r t? inkurajuar respektin p?r t? drejtat e njeriut n?p?rmjet ofrimit t? programeve t? zhvillimit dhe edukative. P?r m? shum? informacion mbi KKSHA-n? luteni t? vizitoni k?t? faqe Interneti: www.naac.org ### -------------- next part -------------- HTML attachment scrubbed and removed From vsherifi at naac.org Fri Nov 14 13:18:23 2003 From: vsherifi at naac.org (Valbona Sherifi) Date: Fri, 14 Nov 2003 18:18:23 -0000 Subject: [Prishtina-E] English/Albanian: NAAC Asserts with Holkeri that Independence Is the Only Viable Option for Kosova Message-ID: <007701c3aadb$ac128340$6d01010a@VALBONA> National Albanian American Council 2021 L Street, N.W., Suite 402, Washington, DC 20036 481 8th Avenue, Suite 922, New York, NY 10001 Brigada e Krajishtes, No. 8, 38000 Prishtina, Kosova Telephone: (202) 466-6900 Fax: (202) 466-5593 Web: Email: naac at naac.org ________________________________________________________________________ For Release: November 12, 2003 Contact: Valbona Sherifi (202) 466-6900 PRESS RELEASE NAAC Asserts with SRSG Harri Holkeri that Independence Is the Only Viable Option for Kosova New York, November 12, 2003: The National Albanian American Council (NAAC) issued the following statement regarding the meeting that was held yesterday in New York with Special Representative of the Security Council (SRSG) to UNMIK Harri Holkeri. Full independence is the only viable option for Kosova, representatives of the National Albanian American Council (NAAC) told Special Representative of the Security Council (SRSG) to UNMIK Harri Holkeri at a meeting in New York City on November 12, 2003. The recent meeting was also attended by U.S. Congressman Eliot Engel, a long-standing supporter of the Albanian people, and members of the Albanian-American community. The event served as a forum for those present to address some of Kosova?s greatest challenges ahead as it looks with an eye toward full independence. Listing three options for the future of Kosova ? including permanent U.N. and NATO presence, reunion with Serbia and Montenegro within the framework of a loose federation, and full independence ? Congressman Engel emphasized that the only option worth pursuing is an internationally recognized independent Kosova as it would contribute to lasting peace and stability in the troubled Balkans. Mr. Holkeri, who is on a working visit to New York to meet with U.N. officials including the Security Council, called for the fulfillment of ?standards before status?, a list of benchmarks put forth by the international community that ranges from functioning democratic institutions, rule of law, freedom of movement, refugee return, economic progress, respect for property rights, dialogue with Belgrade, and a properly constituted Kosovo Protection Corps. He spoke of an unprecedented review process established by UNMIK to determine when it would be time to initiate status discussions. NAAC Trustee, Harry Bajraktari stated that UNMIK should work more closely with the Kosova leadership ? namely the President, Prime Minister, and Speaker of the Parliament ? especially when attending international meetings concerning Kosova. Mr. Bajraktari noted that inviting the top Kosova leadership along in meetings abroad would help legitimize the local institutions both internally and externally. Corporate lawyer Rezart Spahia, another NAAC trustee, agreed with Mr. Bajraktari?s remarks, adding that building a successful partnership between UNMIK and the Kosova leadership would only be possible if both parties are truly acting in partnership. Recognizing that as the head U.N. representative Mr. Holkeri is entitled to speak on Kosova?s behalf, Mr. Spahia argued that allowing Kosova?s President and Prime Minister to be heard in international forums, in particular in the quarterly reports before the Security Counsel, would provide the international factor with valuable perspectives from the democratically elected leaders of Kosova. Emphasizing the distinction between ?future status? and ?final status?, the top U.N. official in Kosova stated that, ?if everything goes well by 2005 we can review how the standards have been met. If the review is positive, the status discussions will begin, but not earlier than 2005.? Stressing the need for real progress, especially with regards to meeting the international benchmarks and empowering the Kosova institutions with greater competencies, Mr. Holkeri emphasized that Kosova must show that it is becoming increasingly capable of being the master of its destiny. Another NAAC representative, Dino Asanaj, expressed concern about the effectiveness of dialogues between Kosova and Serbia if the latter is allowed to have the upper hand in negotiations. Mr. Asanaj asked: how could dialogue with Serbia achieve anything constructive for Kosova if the Albanians do not have the necessary leverage in such negotiations. Listing multi-ethnicity, rule of law, and economic development as three of his main priorities, Mr. Holkeri asked for the attendees? support to ?meet the benchmark criteria as soon as possible.? He also vowed to fight corruption adding that it does not matter if you are a foreign official or a local one because wrongdoers will be treated ?equally.? Former NAAC Chairman Richard Lukaj cited concern that despite international investments, visible progress in Kosova is still lacking and basic infrastructure remains extremely poor. Mr. Lukaj also touched upon the need to improve law and order, stating that the failure of the justice system in many cases has caused the ordinary people to take matters in their hands. NAAC Vice Chairman Martin Shkreli inquired about UNMIK?s efforts to protect Albanian Kosovars from arrest warrants issued by Serbia. Mr. Shkreli recalled the recent cases when some of Kosova?s public figures such as Democratic Party Leader Hashim Thaci and KPC Commander Lieutenant General Agim Ceku were detained by international police acting on warrants issued by Serbia. Unable to provide any assurances about future events, Mr. Holkeri stated that in the case of the recent detainment of Lt. General Ceku, he had immediately sent a letter to the appropriate authorities and had made a phone call to make it clear that the warrants in question were invalid and that UNMIK was the institution with jurisdiction. Mr. Hokeri also pledged to circulate information to the international community about this matter with the intention of avoiding such embarrassing international incidents in the future. Congressman Engel, a staunch supporter of the U.S. intervention in Kosova and Co-Chair of the Congressional Albanian Issues Caucus, warned against subjecting Kosova Albanians to ?standards that can never be met, particularly if standards are included that are outside the control of Kosovars.? Congressman Engel underlined that the international community is applying double standards toward Kosova. Using examples, like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the U.S. sponsored roadmap, Congressman Engel said that Kosova too should be given a roadmap to its final status. If the international community does not state a year by which Kosova should be independent, argued Congressman Engel, then its citizens will feel denied their basic rights to self-determination. Privatization was another issue discussed between Mr. Holkeri and the Albanian-American community with certain individuals of US citizenship expressing concern at the fact that they have yet to obtain ownership titles to the enterprises that they have already purchased in Kosova. Drawing from personal experience, Albanian-American entrepreneur Florim Krasniqi stated that the words he hears about investment opportunities there are very encouraging but the concrete actions taken by the authorities overseeing the privatization process are rather discouraging. NAAC is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advocating for Albanians and promoting peace and economic development in the Balkans by fostering democratic policy, promoting respect for human rights, and conducting educational and developmental programs. For more information on the National Albanian American Council please visit us on the web at www.naac.org ### You are receiving this message because you have requested information about our organization directly from us or through an internet listserv. If you no longer wish to receive such information and would like to be removed, please notify us at naac at naac.org or the listserv that has distributed this information to you. K?shilli Komb?tar Shqiptaro Amerikan 2021 L Street, N.W., Suite 402, Washington, DC 20036 481 8th Avenue, Suite 922, New York, NY 10001 Brigada e Krajishtes, No. 8, 38000 Prishtina, Kosova Telefon: (202) 466-6900 Fax: (202) 466-5593 Web: www.naac.org Email: naac at naac.org ________________________________________________________________________ P?r Shtyp: 12 n?ntor, 2003 Kontakt: Valbona Sherifi (202) 466-6900 Deklarat? p?r Shtyp KKSHA-ja i thot? Harri Holkerit se pavar?sia ?sht? e vetmja alternativ? p?r Kosov?n New York, NY 12 n?ntor, 2003 ? K?shilli Komb?tar Shqiptaro Amerikan (KKSHA) l?shoi k?t? d?klarat? p?r shtyp n? lidhje me takimin q? u mbajt dje n? New York me P?rfaq?suesin e Ve?ant? t? K?shillit t? Sigurimit s? UNMIK-ut, Harri Holkeri. N? nj? takim t? mbajtur n? New York m? 12 n?ntor, 2003, p?rfaq?sues t? K?shillit Komb?tar Shqiptaro Amerikan (KKSHA) i than? P?rfaq?suesit t? Ve?ant? t? K?shillit t? Sigurimit s? UNMIK-ut, Harri Holkerit se pavar?sia e plot? ?sht? alternativa e vetme praktike p?r Kosov?n. N? k?t? takim mor?n pjes? edhe kongresisti amerikan Eliot Engel, p?rkrah?s prej koh?sh i popullit shqiptar, s? bashku me an?tar? t? komunitetit shqiptaro-amerikan. Takimi sh?rbeu si forum p?r pjes?marr?rsit, t? cil?t diskutuan disa prej sfidave m? t? m?dha me t? cilat ndeshet Kosova nd?rkoh? q? synon drejt pavar?sis? s? plot?. Duke renditur tri mund?si p?r t? ardhmen e Kosov?s ? pranin? e p?rhershme t? OKB-s? dhe NATO-s, ribashkimin me Serbin? dhe Malin e Zi n? kuad?r t? nj? federate, dhe pavar?sin? e plot? ? kongresisti Engel theksoi se mund?sia e vetme q? ia vlen t? konsiderohet ?sht? pavar?sia e plot?, si zgjidhja m? e favorshme n? dobi t? paqes dhe stabilitetit afatgjat? n? Ballkanin e trazuar. Z. Holkeri, i cili ndodhet n? New York p?r t?u takuar me zyrtar? t? OKB-s? dhe K?shillin e Sigurimit, b?ri thirrje p?r p?rmbushjen e ?standarteve p?rpara statusit?, nj? list? objektivash t? nxjerra nga komuniteti nd?rkomb?tar e cila p?rfshin q? nga institucionet demokratike funksionuese, sundimin e ligjit, l?vizjen e lirshme, kthimin e refugjat?ve, progresin ekonomik, respektin p?r t? drejt?n e pron?s, dialogun me Beogradin, dhe konstituimin ashtu si? duhet t? Trupave Mbrojt?se t? Kosov?s (TMK). Ai p?rmendi nj? proces rishqyrtimi t? nisur nga UNMIK-u p?r t? p?rcaktur se kur do t? jet? koha e duhur p?r t? nisur diskutimet rreth statusit. An?tari i Boardit Drejtues t? KKSHA-s?, Harry Bajraktari, tha se UNMIK-u duhet t? punoj? m? nga af?r me udh?heq?sin? e Kosov?s ? ve?an?risht presidentin, kryeministrin dhe fol?sin e Parlamentit ? sidomos gjat? pjes?marrjes n?p?r takime nd?rkomb?tare n? lidhje me Kosov?n Z. Bajraktari shpjegoi se duke ftuar edhe udh?heq?sin? e Kosov?s n?p?r takime nd?rkomb?tare do t? kontribuonte k?shtu n? legjitimitetin e institucioneve lokale brenda dhe jasht? vendit. Avokati i korporatave, Rezart Spahia, nj? an?tar tjet?r i Bordit Drejtues t? KKSHA-s?, mb?shteti mendimin e z. Bajraktari duke shtuar se nd?rtimi i nj? partneriteti t? suksesh?m nd?rmjet UNMIK-ut dhe udh?heq?sis? s? Kosov?s mund t? arrihet vet?m n?se t? dy pal?t do t? jen? pjes?marr?se aktive n? k?t? partneritet. Duke pranuar se si kryeadministrator z. Holkeri ka t? drejt? t? flas? n? em?r t? Kosov?s, z. Spahia argumentoi se lejimi i pjes?marrjes s? presidentit dhe kryeministrit t? Kosov?s n?p?r forume nd?rkomb?tare, ve?an?risht n? raportimet p?rpara Keshillit t? Sigurimit, do t?i ofronte komunitetit nd?rkomb?tar pik?pamjet e vlefshme t? udh?heq?sve t? zgjedhur t? Kosov?s. Duke theksuar ndryshimin midis ?statusit t? ardhsh?m? dhe ?statusit p?rfundimtar?, p?rfaq?suesi num?r nj? i OKB-s? n? Kosov? sh?noi se, ?n?se gjith?ka shkon mir? deri n? vitin 2005 ne mund t? rishqyrtojm? ecurin? e p?rmbushjes s? standarteve. N?se rishqyrtimi nxjerr rezultate pozitive, at?her? diskutimet rreth statusit mund t? nisin, por jo para vitit 2005?. Z. Holkeri n?nvizoi se nevojitet q? t? d?shmohet progres i v?rtet?, sidomos p?rsa i p?rket p?rmbushjes s? k?rkesave t? nd?rkomb?tar?ve dhe transferimit t? kompetencave qeveris?se tek vendor?t. Ai shtoi se nevojitet t? d?shmohet se Kosova po b?het gjithnj? e m? e aft? p?r t? qen? zot i vetvetes. Nj? p?rfaq?sus tjet?r i KKSHA-s?, Dino Asanaj, shprehu shqet?sim rreth efikasitetit t? dialogut nd?rmjet Kosov?s dhe Serbis? kur kjo e fundit ka m? tep?r kompetenca negociuese. Z. Asanaj b?ri k?t? pyetje: si mundet q? dialogu me Serbin? t? sjell? ndonj? gj? konstruktive p?r Kosov?n n?se shqiptar?t nuk kan? kompetencat e duhura n? k?to negociata? Duke renditur multi-etnicitetin, sundimin e ligjit, dhe zhvillimin ekonomik si tre prej prioriteteve kryesore t? tij, z. Holkeri k?rkoi p?rkrahjen e pjes?marr?sve p?r ?p?rmbushjen e kritereve t? objektivave nd?rkomb?tare sa m? par? q? t? jet? e mundur?. Ai po ashtu u betua t? luftoj? korrupsionin, duke shtuar se nuk ka r?nd?si n?se je zyrtar i huaj apo vendor sepse shkel?sit e ligjit do t? trajtohen ?nj?lloj?. Ish-kryetari i KKSHA-s?, Richard Lukaj, shpreshu shqet?simin se pavar?sisht nga investimet nd?rkomb?tare progresi i duksh?m n? Kosov? vazhdon te mungoj? dhe infrastruktura baz? vazhdon t? mbetet shum? e dob?t. Z. Lukaj gjithashtu theksoi nevoj?n p?r t? p?rmir?suar ligjin dhe rendin, duke p?rmendur se d?shtimi i sistemit t? drejt?sis? n? shume raste ka qen? shkak q? njer?zit t?i zgjidhin vet? problemet e tyre. Z?vend?s-kryetari i KKSHA-s?, Martin Shkreli, u interesua p?r p?rpjekjet e UNMIK-ut p?r t? mbrojtur shqiptar?t e Kosov?s nga urdh?r-arrestet e l?shuara nga Serbia. Z. Shkreli p?rmendi rastet kur disa nga figurat publike t? Kosov?s, si kryetari i Partis? Demokratike t? Kosov?s, Hashim Tha?i, dhe komandanti i TMK-s?, lt. gjenerali Agim ?eku, u ndaluan nga polic? t? huaj p?r shkak t? urdh?r-arresteve q? ishin l?shuar nga Serbia. Z. Holkeri tha se nuk ishte n? gjendje t? thoshte me siguri q? ngjarje t? tilla nuk do t? ndodhin n? t? ardhmen, po gjithsesi ai tha se n? rastin e ndalimit t? lt. gjeneral ?ekut u kishte ?uar menj?her? let?r autoriteteve p?rkat?se si dhe kishte marr? n? telefon p?r t? b?r? t? ditur qart? se urdh?r-arrestet e Serbis? jan? te pavlefsh?m dhe se UNMIK-u ishte i vetmi institucion me juridiksion mbi ??shtjen n? fjal?. Z. Holkeri gjithashtu mori p?rsip?r t? qarkulloj? informacion n? komunitetin nd?rkomb?tar n? lidhje me k?t? ??shtje me q?llim q? t? parandaloj? incidente t? ngjashme dhe t? turpshme n? t? ardhmen. Kongresisti Engel, nj? p?rkrah?s i flakt? i nd?rhyrjes s? SHBA-ve n? Kosov? dhe bashk?-kryetar i Grupit Kongresional p?r ??shtjet Shqiptare, paralajm?roi kund?r vendosjes s? shqiptar?ve t? Kosov?s p?rball? ?standarteve q? jan? aq t? larta sa q? nuk mund t? arrihen kurr?, ve?an?risht kur b?het fjal? p?r standarde q? nuk varen nga Kosovar?t?. Kongresiti Engel n?nvizoi se komuniteti nd?rkomb?tar po ushtron standarte t? dyfishta ndaj Kosov?s. Ai p?rdori si shembull konfliktin midis Izraelit dhe Palestin?s n? lidhje me t? cilin SHBA ka deklaruar nj? rrug? te qart? se si mund t? arrihet n? zgjidhjen e konfliktit, p?r t? v?n? n? dukje se edhe Kosov?s duhet t?i jepet nj? udh?rr?fyes drejt statusit p?rfundimtar. N?se komuniteti nd?rkomb?tar nuk cakton nj? vit brenda t? cilit Kosova duhet t? b?het e pavarur, argumentoi kongresisti Engel, at?her? qytetar?t e saj do t? ndjehen sikur u jan? mohuar t? drejtat e tyre themelore p?r vet-vendosje. Privatizimi ishte nj? ??shtje tjet?r q? u diskutua n? takimin nd?rmjet z. Holkeri dhe komunitetit shqiptaro-amerikan, me individ? t? caktuar me shtet?si amerikane q? shpreh?n shqet?sim ndaj faktit se edhe pse kishin paguar blerjen e sip?rmarrjeve t? ndryshme n? Kosov? ende nuk kishin marr? titullin e pron?s. Duke iu referuar p?rvoj?s personale, sip?rmarr?si shqiptaro-amerikan Florim Krasniqi tha se fjal?t q? ai d?gjon n? lidhje me privatizimin jan? tep?r inkurajuese, mir?po veprimet q? nd?rmerren nga autoritetet q? mbikqyrin privatizimin jan? tep?r dekurajuese. K?shilli Komb?tar Shqiptaro Amerikan (KKSHA) ?sht? nj? organizat? jo p?rfituese dhe jo qeveritare e dedikuar ndaj p?rkrahjes s? ??shtjeve shqiptare, promovimit t? paqes dhe zhvillimit ekonomik n? Ballkan p?r t? forcuar politikat demokratike, p?r t? inkurajuar respektin p?r t? drejtat e njeriut n?p?rmjet ofrimit t? programeve t? zhvillimit dhe edukative. P?r m? shum? informacion mbi KKSHA-n? luteni t? vizitoni k?t? faqe Interneti: www.naac.org ### -------------- next part -------------- HTML attachment scrubbed and removed From vsherifi at naac.org Fri Nov 14 21:32:38 2003 From: vsherifi at naac.org (Valbona Sherifi) Date: Sat, 15 Nov 2003 02:32:38 -0000 Subject: [Prishtina-E] English/Albanian: General Wesley Clark "Kosova Will Be Independent" Message-ID: <012101c3ab20$b538d650$6d01010a@VALBONA> National Albanian American Council 2021 L Street, N.W., Suite 402, Washington, DC 20036 481 8th Avenue, Suite 922, New York, NY 10001 Brigada e Krajishtes, No. 8, 38000 Prishtina, Kosova Telephone: (202) 466-6900 Fax: (202) 466-5593 Web: Email: naac at naac.org ________________________________________________________________________ For Release: November 14, 2003 Contact: Valbona Sherifi (202) 466-6900 PRESS RELEASE Kosova Will Be Independent, General Clark Says During a Meeting with NAAC Representatives Washington, D.C., November 14, 2003: National Albanian American Council (NAAC) issued the following statement regarding a meeting that was held yesterday in New Hampshire with democratic presidential candidate, General Wesley Clark Prominent members of the Albanian-American community participated in a delegation led by the National Albanian American Council (NAAC) that met with Democratic presidential candidate Wesley Clark to voice the community?s determination to keep the Albanian issues as a priority for U.S. foreign policy. The November 13, 2003 meeting between NAAC and the retired U.S. general that took place in New Hampshire ? a pivotal state in the presidential nomination?s process for the Democratic Party candidates ? was part of a series of meetings that the Albanian-American non-profit, apolitical organization has had with high profile politicians including leaders from the current administration and a number of presidential candidates to advocate for the rights of the Albanians. When asked by NAAC Trustee Harry Bajraktari about his policy on Kosova, General Clark said, ?As president, [Kosova] will be one of the top items on my agenda. Kosova is going to be independent because it is the wish of the majority of the people there, it?s the right principle, and we?re going to work for that because that will be our best assurance to avoid conflict.? Reminding the presidential candidate that the work in the Balkans is far from done, NAAC stressed that U.S. leadership in the troubled region now is more critical than ever. ?We believe that a peaceful transition that protects the basic rights of self-determination for Kosova is in the interest of U.S foreign policy and contributes to lasting stability in the region. Given his experience, General Clark provides a unique and valuable perspective to the current challenges facing U.S. foreign policy,? former Chairman Richard Lukaj said on behalf of the organization. General Clark noted that the U.S. should work very diligently in the Balkans to stitch together the economic ties that bind the area together while reducing the levels of enmity and historic hatred that in the 1999?s brought a series of bloody ethnic conflicts upon the mountainous region as a result of Serb nationalistic frenzy under the leadership of alleged war-criminal Slobodan Milosevic. Responding to a question by NAAC about his position on a Serb offer to provide the U.S. with 1,000 troops to assist the military effort in Afghanistan, General Clark said he was strongly opposed to engaging Serbia as part of the international effort against terrorism. ?I am very worried about proposals I?ve heard discussed to send Serb soldiers to Afghanistan to go against the Islamic extremists there I think it sends exactly the wrong message for the Unites States of America to be doing that at this time given the history of those soldiers. Until that is entirely cleared up and accounted for, we can?t invite Serbia [to participate in the war against terrorism],? General Clark said. Cautioning against any hasty decisions by the U.S. leadership to improve relationships with Serbia before this former foe shows any real progress vis-?-vis democratic reforms, the former NATO Supreme Commander called on the Balkan country to start cleaning the house without delay. ?Work is not done. Radko Mladic is still there. Karadzic, Radovan Karadzic, is still there, somewhere. Maybe he is in Montenegro, maybe he is in Bosnia. We don?t know. They and the others need to be fully turned in,? General Clark said. ?The Serb people need to hold accountable those that misused their uniform, dishonored the reputation of Serbia, and [conducted] the brutal ethnic cleansing that went one for more than a decade in the Balkans. I would be very worried about moving forward with any intensified military relationships until the [Serbian] government meets more fully democratic standards.? Following the meeting with the NAAC group, the Democratic presidential candidate spoke in front of a crowd and various media about his national security platform. Making several references to Kosova, the four-star general used his role as NATO Supreme Commander to illustrate ability to work with leaders from other nations. ?We worked with allies effectively during the campaign against Milosevic,? the retired general stated. According to him, the use of a full array of diplomatic, military and legal options were instrumental not only in securing the U.S. victory over Serbia and in putting an end to ethnic cleansing against the Albanians of Kosova, but also in toppling Milosevic who is now in The Hague standing trial for war crimes. NAAC is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advocating for Albanians and promoting peace and economic development in the Balkans by fostering democratic policy, promoting respect for human rights, and conducting educational and developmental programs. For more information on the National Albanian American Council please visit us on the web at www.naac.org ### You are receiving this message because you have requested information about our organization directly from us or through an internet listserv. If you no longer wish to receive such information and would like to be removed, please notify us at naac at naac.org or the listserv that has distributed this information to you. K?shilli Komb?tar Shqiptaro Amerikan 2021 L Street, N.W., Suite 402, Washington, DC 20036 481 8th Avenue, Suite 922, New York, NY 10001 Brigada e Krajishtes, No. 8, 38000 Prishtina, Kosova Telefon: (202) 466-6900 Fax: (202) 466-5593 Web: www.naac.org Email: naac at naac.org ________________________________________________________________________ P?r Shtyp: 14 n?ntor, 2003 Kontakt: Valbona Sherifi (202) 466-6900 Deklarat? p?r Shtyp Kosova do t? jet? e pavarur, tha gjenerali Clark gjat? nj? takimi me KKSHA-n? Washington D.C., 14 n?ntor, 2003 ? K?shilli Komb?tar Shqiptaro Amerikan (KKSHA) l?shoi k?t? deklarat? p?r shtyp n? lidhje me takimin q? u mbajt dje n? New Hampshire me kandidatin demokratik p?r president, gjeneralin Wesley Clark. An?tar? t? mir?njohur t? komunitetit shqiptaro-amerikan t? udh?hequr nga K?shilli Komb?tar Shqiptaro Amerikan (KKSHA) mor?n pjes? n? nj? takim me kanditatin demokratik p?r president gjeneralin Wesley Clark p?r t? shprehur vendosm?rin? e komunitetit q? ??shtjet shqiptare t? jen? p?rpar?si n? politik?n e jashtme t? Amerik?s. Takimi i mbajtur m? 13 n?ntor, 2003 mes an?tar?ve t? KKSHA-s? dhe gjeneralit amerikan n? New Hampshire, nj? shtet i r?nd?sish?m ky n? pro?esin e nominimeve presidenciale p?r kandidat?t e Partis? Demokratike, ishte pjes? e seris? s? takimeve q? kjo organizat? jo-p?rfituese dhe jo-politike shqiptare ka patur me politikan? amerikan? t? profilit t? lart? p?r t? mbrojtur t? drejtat ? shqiptar?v?. Takimet n? fjal? jan? b?r? me udh?heq?s t? administrat?s s? tanishme si dhe me nj? num?r kandidat?sh presidencial?. I pyetur nga Harry Bajraktari, nj? an?tar i Bordit Drejtues t? KKSHA-s?, p?r q?ndrimin e tij politik ndaj t? ardhmes s? Kosov?s, gjenerali Clark tha se, ?Si president [Kosova] do t? jet? nj? prej ??shtjeve n? krye t? axhend?s sime. Kosova do t? jet? e pavarur sepse ky ?sht? vullneti i shumic?s s? popullit atje. Ky ?sht? parimi i duhur dhe ne do t? punojm? p?r t? arritur k?t? q?llim, sepse kjo ?sht? m?nyra m? e mir? p?r t? m?njanuar konflikte t? tjera n? t? ardhmen.? Duke i kujtuar k?tij kandidati presidencial se puna n? Ballkan nuk ?sht? p?rfunduar ende, KKSHA-ja theksoi se udh?heqja amerikane n? rajon tani ?sht? m? e nevojshme se ndonj?her? tjet?r. ?Ne besojm? se nj? tranzicion paqedash?s q? mbron t? drejtat themelore t? vet?-vendosjes p?r Kosov?n ?sht? n? interes t? politik?s s? jashtme t? SHBA-ve dhe kontribuon n? stabilitetin afatgjat? t? rajonit. Duke marr? parasysh p?rvoj?n e tij, gjenerali Clark ofron nj? perspektiv? t? ve?ant? dhe t? vlefshme ndaj sfidave me t? cilat ndeshet aktualisht politika e jashtme e SHBA-ve,? tha ish-kryetari i KKSHA-s?, Richard Lukaj, i cili foli n? em?r t? organizat?s. Gjenerali Clark v?rejti se SHBA-t? duhet t? punoj? me v?mendje t? madhe n? Ballkan p?r t? bashkuar dhe forcuar lidhjet ekonomike dhe p?r t? ulur nivelin e armiq?sive dhe urrejtjes historike t? cilat n? vitin 1999 shkaktuan nj? num?r konfliktesh etnike t? p?rgjakshme n? rajon si rezultat t? nacionalizmit t? eg?r Serb n?n udh?heqjen e t? akuzuarit p?r krime lufte Sllobodan Milloshevi?. Duke iu p?rgjigjur nj? pyetjeje nga an?tar?t e KKSHA-s? rreth q?ndrimit t? tij n? lidhje me ofert?n e Serbis? p?r t?u v?n? SHBA-ve n? dispozicion 1,000 trupa p?r t?i ardhur n? ndihm? p?rpjekjeve ushtarake n? Afganistan, Clark tha se ishte plot?sisht kund?r pranimit t? Serbis? si pjes? p?rb?r?se e p?rpjekjeve nd?rkomb?tare kund?r terrorizmit. ?Jam i shqet?suar rreth propozimeve q? kam d?gjuar t? diskutohen se Serbia do t? d?rgoj? trupa ushtarake n? Afganistan p?r t? luftuar ekstremist?t musliman?... Mendoj se duke patur parasysh historin? e k?tyre ushtar?ve, Shtetet e Bashkuara t? Amerik?s do t? p?rcillnin mesazhin e gabuar n?se do t? lejonin nj? gj? t? till?. Deri sa kjo t? qart?sohet dhe shpjegohet, ne nuk mund ta ftojm? Serbin? [q? t? marr? pjes? n? luft?n kund?r terrorizmit],? tha gjenerali Clark. Duke paralajm?ruar kund?r ndonj? l?vizjeje t? nxituar nga ana e Amerik?s p?r t? p?rmir?suar marr?dh?niet me Serbin? para se ky armik i nj? t? shkuare jo shum? t? larg?t ka arritur progres t? v?rtet? n? reformate demokratike, ish-komandanti i NATO-s i b?ri thirrje k?tij vendi ballkanik q? t? nis? t? pastroj? sa m? par? vetveten nga mbeturinat e t? shkuar?s. ?Puna nuk ka mbaruar ende. Radko Mlladi? ?sht? ende atje. Karaxhi?i, Radovan Karaxhi?i, ?sht? ende atje, diku. Ndoshta ?sht? n? Mal t? Zi, ndoshta ?sht? n? Bosnje. Nuk e dim?. Ata dhe shum? t? tjer? duhet t? dor?zohen plot?sisht,? tha gjenerali Clark. ? Populli Serb duhet t?i mbaj? p?rgjegj?s t? gjith? ata q? e shp?rdor?n uniform?n e tyre, e ?nderuan Serbin?, dhe b?n? spastrime etnike n? m?nyr? brutale p?r m? shum? se nj? dekad? n? Ballkan. Do t? shqet?sohesha pa mas? rreth nd?rtimit t? marr?dh?nieve t? forta ushtarake me Serbin? derisa qeveria t?i p?rmbush? n? m?nyr? t? plot? standartet demokratike.? Pas takimit me grupin e KKSHA-s?, kandidati demokratik p?r president shpalosi para nj? turme njer?zish dhe nj? s?r? mediash platform?n e tij mbi sigurin? komb?tare t? SHBA-ve. Duke iu referuar shpesh Kosov?s, gjenerali me kat?r yje e p?rdori p?rvoj?n e tij si Komandant i Lart? i NATO-s p?r t? ilustruar aft?sit? e tij p?r t? bashk?punuar me udh?heq?s t? kombeve t? tjera. ?Ne punuam n? m?nyr? efikase me aleat?t tan? gjat? fushat?s kund?r Miloshevi?it,? tha gjenerali n? pension. Sipas tij, p?rdorimi i nj? s?r? mund?sish diplomatike, ushtarake dhe ligjore siguroi jo vet?m triumfin e SHBA-ve ndaj Serbis? dhe i dha fund spastrimit etnik kund?r shqiptar?ve t? Kosov?s, por gjithashtu ndikoi edhe n? p?rmbysjen e Milloshevi?it, i cili p?rfundoi n? Hag? ku po gjykohet p?r krime lufte. K?shilli Komb?tar Shqiptaro Amerikan (KKSHA) ?sht? nj? organizat? jo p?rfituese dhe jo qeveritare e dedikuar ndaj p?rkrahjes s? ??shtjeve shqiptare, promovimit t? paqes dhe zhvillimit ekonomik n? Ballkan p?r t? forcuar politikat demokratike, p?r t? inkurajuar respektin p?r t? drejtat e njeriut n?p?rmjet ofrimit t? programeve t? zhvillimit dhe edukative. P?r m? shum? informacion mbi KKSHA-n? luteni t? vizitoni k?t? faqe Interneti: www.naac.org ### -------------- next part -------------- HTML attachment scrubbed and removed From mentor at alb-net.com Sun Nov 16 12:29:58 2003 From: mentor at alb-net.com (Albanians-Today News and Information) Date: Sun, 16 Nov 2003 17:29:58 -0000 Subject: [Prishtina-E] [Albanians-Today] Greece: Immigrantion control-Human rights abuses against Albanians Message-ID: --------------------------------------------------------------------- Albanians-Today News and Information: http://www.alb-net.com/ --------------------------------------------------------------------- http://web.amnesty.org/library/index/engeur250082003 AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL Public Statement AI Index: EUR 25/008/2003 (Public) News Service No: 259 14 November 2003 Greece: Immigrantion control-Human rights abuses against Albanians Amnesty International is concerned by a persisting pattern of ill-treatment of Albanians suspected of being undocumented immigrants by Greek police officers and soldiers. Shpetim Shabani (28) from Lushnja district in Albania, who says that he was legally in Greece, was arrested on 10 November in the town of Agrinio. In a statement to Albanian border police on 12 November, he alleged that three Greek police officers, dressed in camouflage uniforms, entered the bar where he was drinking coffee, asked to see his papers, and then, in public view beat him with their guns, kicked and punched him. He was then taken to a police station, where he was held for two days, before being forcibly returned to Albania. Three days later, the bruises on his body were still reportedly visible, and his left shoulder was very painful. Two other men gave written statements to the Albanian police alleging ill-treatment. Albert Prifti, from Kucova district, and Vetiak Mane from Lushnja district, alleged that they were beaten by border guards or soldiers on border duties, after being arrested as they attempted clandestinely to enter Greece on foot. Another young man, Lisian Telhaj, also from Lushnja district, who claimed to be legally employed in Athens, told journalists that he too had been beaten by police after his arrest near the Greek-Albanian border. These incidents follow upon the tragic death in September of Vullnet Bytyci (18) from Has district in Albania, about whom Amnesty International wrote earlier to the Greek authorities. He was fatally shot by a Greek border guard on the evening of 23 September 2003 while attempting to enter Greece clandestinely. He was not armed. According to press reports, the guard was arrested but released several days later pending investigation on a charge of "reckless homicide". In the same letter, Amnesty International raised six other cases said to have taken place in the week from 15 to 22 September 2003 involving Albanian citizens who alleged that they had been brutally beaten by border-guards after being arrested. One of these, Gori Halili (46) from Elbasan district, who had been working in the village of Kalithea, alleged that he was beaten, kicked and robbed by guards serving on the Greek-Albanian border near Krystallopigi, before being returned to Albania. On his return he was admitted to hospital where he was found to have suffered a ruptured spleen, and had to undergo an operation for its removal. Another man, Rrahman Pashollari, who alleged that he had been similarly detained and ill-treated by border guards, sustained a fractured rib. At least two further such incidents have been reported in October and early November. Amnesty International has called on the Greek authorities to instruct police and soldiers on border guard duties to limit the use of firearms to situations involving imminent threat of death or serious injury, in line with international standards. It emphasized that torture and ill-treatment are absolutely prohibited by international human rights treaties ratified by Greece and by Greek domestic law. The organisation calls for all such incidents and allegations of ill-treatment to be promptly, thoroughly and impartially investigated, and for those responsible to be brought to justice, and the victims granted compensation. ______________________________________________________________ If you wish to unsubscribe, send a blank message to: albanians-today-unsubscribe at alb-net.com , or visit Albanians-Today's page at: http://www.alb-net.com/mailman/listinfo/albanians-today From vsherifi at naac.org Fri Nov 28 13:39:21 2003 From: vsherifi at naac.org (Valbona Sherifi) Date: Fri, 28 Nov 2003 13:39:21 -0500 Subject: [Prishtina-E] English/Albanian: Macedonian Prime Minister Crvenkovski " An Independent Kosova Is No Threat to Macedonia" Message-ID: <025601c3b5de$f3912a10$6d01010a@VALBONA> National Albanian American Council 2021 L Street, N.W., Suite 402, Washington, DC 20036 481 8th Avenue, Suite 922, New York, NY 10001 Brigada e Krajishtes, No. 8, 38000 Prishtina, Kosova Telephone: (202) 466-6900 Fax: (202) 466-5593 Web: Email: naac at naac.org ________________________________________________________________________ For Release: November 28, 2003 Contact: Valbona Sherifi (202) 466-6900 PRESS RELEASE Crvenkovski: An Independent Kosova Is No Threat to Macedonia New York, November 28, 2003: The National Albanian American Council (NAAC) issued the following statement regarding the meeting that was held in New York on November 26 with Prime Minister of Macedonia Branko Crvenkovski, Deputy Prime Minister Musa Xhaferi, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ilinka Mitreva. An independent Kosova with its own constitution, rule of law and which respects international principles would be no threat to Macedonia, Prime Minister Branko Crvenkovski stated at a meeting with the National Albanian American Council (NAAC) on June 26, 2003 in New York City. NAAC and members of the Albanain-American community including representatives from the Democratic League of Kosova and the Dibra Motherland Association met with Mr. Crvenkovski, Deputy Prime Minister Musa Xhaferi, and Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva to discuss the status of the implementation of the Ohrid Agreement, especially with regards to decentralization, education, public administration and inter ethnic issues in Macedonia. NAAC members articulated the organization?s concern over the slow pace of reform implementation and the destabilizing effect that it has on a still polarized society. NAAC stressed that the Ohrid Agreement was not merely a legal instrument that ended a conflict, but also a vessel that contained fundamental democratic principles based on individual sovereignty upon which all modern democratic nations are built. Mr. Crvenkovski stated that his government remains committed to the framework agreement and cited progress despite continuing challenges. Recognizing the need for greater integration of Albanians in public administration, the Prime Minister cited reform in the military and police as areas of success. Mr. Xhaferi who represents the Democratic Union for Integration in the coalition government invited the Albanian Diaspora to invest in Macedonia citing that stability, low tariffs, and cheap labor are important components of a business-friendly environment. However, referring to the framework agreement, he added that while having a positive vision is helpful, it is meaningless unless concrete actions are taken toward realizing that vision. Ms. Mitreva stated that the Adriatic Charter signed by Albania, Croatia, and Macedonia is a good example of successful regional cooperation. She said that joint efforts between Albania and Macedonia in fields like the economy, infrastructure, and military illustrate the aspirations of these two countries for integration into NATO and the European Union. NAAC is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advocating for Albanians and promoting peace and economic development in the Balkans by fostering democratic policy, promoting respect for human rights, and conducting educational and developmental programs. For more information on the National Albanian American Council please visit us on the web at www.naac.org ### You are receiving this message because you have requested information about our organization directly from us or through an internet listserv. If you no longer wish to receive such information and would like to be removed, please notify us at naac at naac.org or the listserv that has distributed this information to you. K?shilli Komb?tar Shqiptaro Amerikan 2021 L Street, N.W., Suite 402, Washington, DC 20036 481 8th Avenue, Suite 922, New York, NY 10001 Brigada e Krajishtes, No. 8, 38000 Prishtina, Kosova Telefon: (202) 466-6900 Fax: (202) 466-5593 Web: www.naac.org Email: naac at naac.org ________________________________________________________________________ P?r Shtyp: 28 n?ntor, 2003 Kontakt: Valbona Sherifi (202) 466-6900 Deklarat? p?r Shtyp Crvenkovski: Nj? Kosov? e pavarur nuk e c?non aspak Maqedonin? New York, NY 28 n?ntor, 2003 ? K?shilli Komb?tar Shqiptaro Amerikan (KKSHA) l?shoi k?t? d?klarat? p?r shtyp n? lidhje me takimin q? u mbajt n? New York m? 26 n?ntor me Kryeministrin Maqedonas z. Branko Crvenkovski, Z?vend?s Kryeministrin z. Musa Xhaferi, dhe me Ministren e Jashtme znj. Ilinka Mitreva . Nj? Kosov? e pavarur me kushtetut?n e saj, me rregullin ligjor dhe e cila respekton parimet nd?rkomb?tare nuk c?non aspak Maqedonin?, tha kryeministri Branko Crvenkovski gjat? nj? takimi me K?shillin Komb?tar Shqiptaro Amerikan (KKSHA) n? New York m? 26 n?ntor, 2003. KKSHA-ja dhe an?tar? t? komunitetit shqiptaro-amerikan p?rfshir? p?rfaq?sues t? Lidhjes Demokratike t? Kosov?s s? tri-shtet?shit dhe t? Shoqat?s Atdhetare Dibrane u takuan me z. Crvenkovski, zv. kryeministrin Musa Xhaferi dhe ministren e jashtme Ilinka Mitreva p?r t? diskutuar zbatimin e Marr?veshjes s? Ohrit, sidomos p?rsa i p?rket decentralizimit, edukimit, adminsitrat?s publike dhe marredh?nieve nd?r-etnike n? Maqedoni. An?tar?t e KKSHA-s? shpreh?n shqet?simin e organizat?s n? lidhje me ritmin e ngadalsh?m t? zbatimit t? reformave si dhe ndikimin destabilizues q? ai ka ndaj nj? shoq?rie ende t? polarizuar. KKSHA-ja theksoi se Marr?veshja e Ohrit nuk ishte thjesht? nj? instrument ligjor p?r t? ndaluar nj? konflikt, por nj? anije q? bart parime thelb?sore t? demokracis? t? bazuara n? sovranitetin individual mbi t? cilin jan? nd?rtuar t? gjith? shtetet demokratike moderne. Z. Crvenkovski tha se qeveria e tij mbetet e p?rkushtuar ndaj marr?veshjes korniz? dhe shtoi se ?sht? arritur progres pavar?sisht prej sfidave t? vazhdueshme. Duke pranuar nevoj?n p?r integrim m? t? madh t? shqiptar?ve n? administrat?n publike, kryeministri p?rmendi reformat n? ushtri dhe polici si raste t? suksesshme. Z. Xhaferi, i cili p?rfaq?son Bashkimin Demokratik p?r Integrim n? qeverin? e koalicionit e ftoi diaspor?n shqiptare q? t? investoj? n? Maqedoni, duke v?n? n? dukje se rritja e stabilitetit, tarifat e ul?ta dhe krahu i lir? i pun?s d?shmojn? p?r nj? mjedis t? volitsh?m biznesi. Mir?po, duke iu referuar marr?veshjes korniz?, ai shtoi se nd?rkoh? q? nj? vision pozitiv ?sht? i dobish?m, patja e nj? vizioni t? till? nuk ka kuptim n? rast se nuk nd?rmerren veprime konkrete p?r ta p?rmbushur at?. Znj. Mitreva tha se Karta e Adriatikut e firmosur nga Shqip?ria, Kroacia dhe Maqedonia ?sht? nj? shembull i mir? i bashk?punimit rajonal. Ajo tha se p?rpjeket e p?rbashk?ta t? Shqip?ris? dhe Maqedonis? n? fusha si ekonomia, infrastruktura dhe ushtria d?shmojn? p?r aspiratat e k?tyre vendeve p?r t?u integruar n? NATO dhe Bashkim Evropian. K?shilli Komb?tar Shqiptaro Amerikan (KKSHA) ?sht? nj? organizat? jo p?rfituese dhe jo qeveritare e dedikuar ndaj p?rkrahjes s? ??shtjeve shqiptare, promovimit t? paqes dhe zhvillimit ekonomik n? Ballkan p?r t? forcuar politikat demokratike, p?r t? inkurajuar respektin p?r t? drejtat e njeriut n?p?rmjet ofrimit t? programeve t? zhvillimit dhe edukative. P?r m? shum? informacion mbi KKSHA-n? luteni t? vizitoni k?t? faqe Interneti: www.naac.org ### -------------- next part -------------- HTML attachment scrubbed and removed From vsherifi at naac.org Fri Nov 28 16:50:15 2003 From: vsherifi at naac.org (Valbona Sherifi) Date: Fri, 28 Nov 2003 16:50:15 -0500 Subject: [Prishtina-E] Happy Flag Day and God Bless the Albanian Nation! Message-ID: <02c601c3b5f9$9d612760$6d01010a@VALBONA> The National Albanian American Council wishes to all Albanians Happy Flag Day 2003! Gezuar Festen e Flamurit 2003! Let us come together as a community and as a people during these trying times and work selflessly for a better future for Albanians everywhere. ****** NAAC and the Albanian Struggle ? A Year in Review By Martin G. Vulaj* 91 years ago, Albanian patriots representing various political views, religious faiths and Albanian geographic regions gathered in Vlora to proclaim independence after five centuries under Ottoman yoke. They demanded the treatment of the Albanian lands as a single unit, official recognition of Albanian nationhood, Albanian schools and officials, military service in Albania except in times of war, tax revenues to be used for local use only, and so on. In declaring Albania sovereign, the brave men of 1912 prevented the further partition of our nation and brought the Albanian question to the forefront of the international diplomatic arena as a formidable Balkans issue. Delayed by almost one decade, the recognition of their demands was only partial as two-thirds of the Albanian territory was handed over to Serbia, Greece, Macedonia and Montenegro while hundreds of thousands of Albanian nationals became stateless. Today, almost one century later, the Albanian issue is making headlines again. In this time of a new Albanian renaissance, the National Albanian American Council (NAAC) is proud to be with you at the forefront of our national struggle and to help carry the shining red and black banner that our founding fathers raised 91 years ago today. Coming into formal existence on October 1, 1996, NAAC is an apolitical, nonprofit organization made up of concerned individuals that have dedicated most of their lives to advocating for the Albanians. We promote peace and economic development in the Balkans by fostering democratic policy, promoting respect for human rights, and conducting educational and developmental programs. Headquartered in Washington, D.C. and with regional offices in New York, and Prishtina and chapters in Boston, Detroit. NAAC provides critical analysis to policymakers; sponsors public forums on Albanian issues; helps build democratic institutions; and secures humanitarian aid. The Albanian-American Voice in Washington Considered by many influential figures as the most respected voice of the Albanian Diaspora, NAAC provides timely information and analysis of Albanian issues to policy and opinion makers in Washington. In addition to issuing position papers and press releases on Balkan issues, our members also provide expert testimonies at hearings before the U.S. Congress. Prompted by the unlawful detainment of KPC Commander Lt. Gen. Agim Ceku, we recently urged the international community to take the necessary measures to vacate all Milosevic-tainted warrants. Prior to this, we pointed out that the difficulties in starting technical talks with Serbia illustrate certain prerequisites that must be in place for not only the successful outcome of the dialogue, but also for the processes that will determine Kosova's final status. Albanians must be able to negotiate from an equal bargaining position going forward; doing otherwise would only thwart fundamental principles of democracy and would ignore the will of the people of Kosova. When tensions increased in Macedonia last September, we urged that country?s government to immediately cease its military operations. Any return to military conflict would threaten the future of the Ohrid Agreement, which is seen by the Albanians as the last hope to a democratic, peaceful and multi-ethnic Macedonia. NAAC has also stood strong against any malicious attempts to manipulate our proud culture, history and heritage. Responding to a series of New York Times articles that cast doubt on Mother Teresa?s ethnic identity, we provided the Times with facts that refuted its baseless claims. In conjunction with the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and Albanica Institute for Albanian Studies last June we hosted in Washington a conference titled ?The Albanian Issue in Montenegro?. Sponsored by ?Malsia,? ?Ded Gjo? Luli,? ?Kraja,? ?Plave and Guci,? ?Ana e Malit? organizations as well as the Albanian-American community in Michigan, this two-day event was a historic initiative which brought together for the first time since the signing of the Memorandum of Gerca in 1911 representatives of the entire Albanian Political spectrum in Montenegro to clearly define the Albanian issue there. Earlier this year NAAC testified before the U.S. Congress at a Hearing of the House International Relations Committee on the Future of Kosova, where we asserted that the lack of final status has been a principle source of instability, fostering fear and distrust on the part of Albanians and false hope on the part of Serbs. The hearing, initiated by the AACL, was a shining example of how a coordinated Diaspora can better affect U.S. policy toward our issues. During a Balkans tour last February, additionally, we met in Montenegro with then newly elected Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic to urge him to deliver tangible results in empowering the indigenous Albanian population. Key issues addressed included decentralization, which would include the creation of the Tuzi municipality and local fiscal authority for Ulqin; education; healthcare; employment and economic incentives; and integration in governmental and other public structures. Sponsoring Public Forums Dedicated to increasing the involvement of Albanians in the democratic process, we routinely arrange meetings between community members and their elected representatives here in the U.S. and back home in the Balkans. NAAC also hosts public briefings by senior governmental officials and scholars of Balkan affairs at cities around the country. On November 13, 2003, prominent members of our community participated in a NAAC-led delegation that met with presidential candidate Wesley Clark in Portsmouth, NH to voice their determination to keep the Albanian issues as a priority for U.S. foreign policy. At a meeting two weeks ago with U.N. Special Representative of the Security Council Mr. Harri Holkeri we emphasized that a peaceful transition that protects the basic rights of self-determination for Kosova contributes to lasting stability in the region. We also noted that a successful partnership between UNMIK and the Kosova leadership requires that both parties truly act in partnership, stressing the need for Kosova to be provided with the necessary leverage to make decisions. At a forum with president of Albania Mr. Alfred Moisiu at the end of September, NAAC encouraged Albania?s head of state to secure the independence of the judiciary system from political influence and expedite the initiation of comprehensive reforms in the legislation on property rights. Together with the ?Dibra Motherland Association?, we hosted last June in New York City a forum with Mr. Ali Ahmeti, Chairman of the Democratic Union for Integration (DUI), and Mr. Agron Buxhaku, then Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Macedonia, where we reiterated that the Ohrid Peace Accord is the best guarantee to lasting stability. Last June over 800 people attended our Annual Awards Dinner on June 19, 2003 in New York City where we honored President Bill Clinton for his leadership role in ending ethnic cleansing in Kosova. ?The Future of Kosova?, a public forum held last May in New York, enabled our community and officials from the U.S. Department of State to exchange views on the perspectives and U.S. foreign policy approaches on Kosova, whereas an event with Deputy Prime Minister of Macedonia, Mr. Musa Xhaferi, enabled the public to hear first hand about the status of the Albanians? quest for greater rights in Macedonia. Building Democratic Institutions Recognizing the valuable contribution of the civil society could make to the strengthening of our institutions, last October we encouraged voters in Albania to actively participate in local elections in order to demonstrate political maturity and choose the representatives that seem best capable to fulfill their wish for progress. We also called on the Albanian politicians to put the nation's overall good above personal ambitions in these trying times. NAAC has repeatedly urged Albania?s leadership to intensify its efforts against corruption and organized crime. In a letter addressed to President Moisiu on April 29, 2003, we noted that organized crime and corruption are damaging the everyday livelihood of the Albanian state and its citizens while harming Albania's image abroad. A bi-partisan parliamentary commission on corruption and organized crime should be formed with full investigative powers in order to pursue vigorously its investigations wherever they may lead. Last February, we brought together in Washington Albanian politicians and renowned international scholars who explored the possibility of joining forces to come up with a roadmap for Kosova's final status. We also hosted a reception at the U.S. Congress for American politicians and dignitaries from Kosova and Albania ? including Kosova President Dr. Ibrahim Rugova, and Speaker of the Parliament of Albania Mr. Servet Pellumbi ? to encourage greater institutional cooperation. With funding from USAID, in 2001 we created the Hope Fellowship program to assist emerging leaders in developing personal, participative, and activist leadership skills. To date, 51 women leaders from Kosova have reinforced their leadership skills through a 10-week program in Washington. Providing Humanitarian Assistance NAAC has undertaken several humanitarian initiatives in response to the catastrophes that have plagued the Balkans. Through our Hands of Hope campaign we have worked closely with organizations like Doctors of the World, the Albanian Children?s Fund and the Albanian Aid Society to alleviate the suffering of our people. Some of our projects include sponsoring a much-needed Prenatal Diagnostic Center in Tirana, providing computers and school supplies to children in Montenegro, shipping nutrition packages and medical items to patients with special needs in Kosova, etc. This year?s Annual Golf Tournament, which provides most of the funding for our humanitarian work, featured a number of renowned personalities including former New York Mets manager Bobby Valentine, trial lawyer Mickey Sherman and MTV moderator Eric Niese. Shortly, we will be providing funding to an organization that is fighting the trafficking of Albanian children to Greece. Looking Ahead We have come a long away since November 28, 1912. Our trials have been great, but so have been our successes. Hope guided us in bringing down communism in Albania and in surviving Serbia?s bloodthirsty tyranny. We must always remember that we got here with the help of the U.S. and other countries that took the unconventional path of standing up for a small nation like ours. However, other challenges lie ahead as we continue to work for an independent Kosova, an Albania integrated into NATO and Euro-Atlantic structures, while striving for greater rights for the Albanians in Macedonia, Montenegro and Presheva Valley and recognition for the plight of the Chams. Instead of staving off foreign hordes like we have successfully done in the past, this time history is calling on us to rally around our institutions and strengthen them so they can serve us better. At this important juncture of our long, winding road we are being called to come together and do our part in taking full ownership of the very ideals of democracy: justice, individual sovereignty, freedom, and tolerance. More than a century ago, great poet Naim Frasheri captured the spirit of the Albanian renaissance with the following words: ?Ti Shqip?ri m? jep nder, m? jep emrin shqip?tar.? Today, as we draw ever closer to a new dawning for the Albanian nation, his words renew our optimism and hope for a better tomorrow. Happy Flag Day, and God Bless the Albanian Nation! *The author is Executive Director of NAAC -------------- next part -------------- HTML attachment scrubbed and removed