Issue No. 30, January 2017

International Holocaust Remembrance Day commemorated in Tirana in a series of events

ISSUE No.30, January 2017

• International Holocaust Remembrance Day commemorated in Tirana in a series of events

• Speech of Minsiter of Foreign Affairs Ditmir Bushati on The Under the auspices of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Ditmir Bushati and in cooperation with the Holocaust Remebrance Day event Council of Europe and the Municipality of Tirana, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs organized a series of events on the occasion of the International Holocaust Remembrance Day. • Ministry of Foreign Affairs holds the oath-taking ceremony of new To honor all Albanian citizens who risked their lives to save Jews, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in diplomats for the second cooperation with the Municipality of Tirana and the Israeli Embassy in Tirana, inaugurated a park consecutive year named after the "Righteous among the Nations". 75 Albanians have been recognized by Yad Vashem among the "Righteous among the Nations". During the inauguration ceremony, Minister Bushati • Minister Bushati meets with and the Israeli Ambassador in Tirana highlighted the noble gesture of the Albanians in saving Jews Minister of Foreign Affairs of during the dark days of the War World II. Montenegro Srđan Darmanović

The event was attended by ministers, representatives of diplomatic corps accredited in Tirana, • Minister Bushati attends meeting parliamentarians, representatives of religious communities and civil society, as well as surviving of Foreign Ministers of the Union family members during the Holocaust. for the Mediterranean countries and holds bilateral meetings In his speech during the ceremony, Minister Bushati emphasized the importance of the historical memory of one of the darkest events of humanity, as the best way to prevent anywhere violation of • Minister Bushati pays official human rights by anyone. He also expressed his appreciation to all those Albanian families who visit to despite maximum risk, witnessed to the world the best Albanian values, sheltering and protecting Jews during the war.  Minister Bushati meets with the Italian Undersecretary for Following, the conference "We remember: Promotion of Human Rights through the lens of the Foreign Affairs and Holocaust and Remembrance" was held in collaboration with the . International Cooperation Vincenzo Amendola In his speech, Minister Bushati underscored that the education system remains very important in the prevention of such events and remains committed to the defense of universal values • A consultative meeting on the strenthened in its capacity as member of one of the most important bodies in this regard, the UN draft law "For the protection of Council of Human Rights. "Besa (the promise) given from the Albanians to the Jews not only made national minorities in the possible that not a single Jew in Albania was handed over to the Nazis, but generated an already Republic of Albania" held at the consolidated friendship between our two peoples. We, Albanians, take pride in the sacrifices of our MFA fathers and grandfathers, who although under the threat of death, sheltered the persecuted Jews throughout Europe "- Minister Bushati highlighted.

Panelists invited to the conference focused on the importance of education as a solid guarantee for never repeating the tragedy of humanity, and brought historical facts on the contribution of Albanians in rescuing Jews who lived before World War II and those who were sheltered in Albania during the war. Speech of Minister of Foreign Affairs Ditmir Bushati on the Holocaust Remembrance Day event

Good morning everyone! Dear professors, Excellency Ambassadors, Dear representatives of the religious communities in Albania, Dear students,

The Holocaust Remembrance Day takes on a particular significance which relates not only to the unprecedented inhumane act of a totalitarian regime and ideology, but also to the hope and seal of victory of humanity against evil.

Edmund Burke said that the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing. The prelude of the Holocaust was exactly the passivity and indifference to the extremist policies, coated with the glamorous guise of that populism time.

The fraternal bond between Albanians and Jews enabled not only that no Jews in Albania were handed over to the Nazis, but gave new impetus to the already consolidated friendship between our two nations. We Albanians take pride on the sacrifices of our ancestors, who despite being under threat of death welcomed and sheltered the persecuted Jews throughout Europe.

Any act of remembrance would be useless, if new generations were not aware that the most efficient way to prevent such unimaginable crimes against humanity is their education and institutional cooperation at international level. The Holocaust and its inconsolable history, is now part of our educational curriculum. In this manner not only we remember what has happened, but we hope to further strengthen our consciousness and protect the future of mankind from repeating of such tragedy.

Current events make us aware of the fact that other forms and types of radicalism are emerging in many countries and societies. Attacks over the past year, but also at the beginning of this year in France, Germany, Turkey and other countries show that anti- Semitism and violent extremism are increasing, indicating that anti-Semitism constitutes a threat to democracy, civilization values and security in general.

Hence, it is our political and moral commitment to enable younger generations to understand the causes of the Holocaust and reflect upon the consequences as a warning that what happened once can happen again in case we do not all stand determined against prejudice, exclusion, discrimination, religious intolerance and xenophobia.

The need for a genuine dialogue and interaction between different religions and cultures continues to occupy an important place in these turbulent times we are going through. The existing lack of dialogue and credibility encourages extremism in its efforts to divide the international community by creating artificial cultural and religious fault-lines.

In conclusion, for i know there will be a debate and a discussion between people who have much more than we do to talk about this tragic event, I would like to thank the team of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who organized this activity and show my joy that this event, which is commemorated at least officially for the fourth consecutive year, is already becoming a tradition with the participation of other stakeholders, not just institutional or official, because for us nothing is more important than conveying the message to future generations about what happened. As Fr. Zef Pllumi wrote: “When time comes of not being able to do anything, at least live to tell”

Thank you!

Ministry of Foreign Affairs holds the oath- taking ceremony of new diplomats for the second consecutive year

The oath-taking ceremony of the ten new diplomats, which This ceremony was a milestone in the Foreign Service of the represent the "Promotion 2016", was held at the Ministry of Foreign Republic of Albania but also in the new diplomats' career, as such Affairs on 20th January 2017. The ceremony which is foreseen by a career system, regulated by law, offers a continuous promotion law no.23 / 2015 "On Foreign Service of the Republic of Albania" is based on merit. the second to be organized since the return of the tradition created in the origins of this institution. Greeting the ceremony, Minister Bushati among other things stated that: “It is an honor for me to be part of this solemn oath- "Promotion 2016" bears the name of "Rauf Fico" in honor of the taking ceremony of the new diplomats which join the corps of distinguished diplomat and former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Albanian Foreign Service through a competitive admission for the Albania. second consecutive year”. He congratulated the new diplomats and wished successes in their mission of serving the country with In his speech, the Mentor of "Promotion 2016", Prof. Dr. Ksenofon devotion and dedication. At the end of the ceremony, the Krisafi underscored: "You are lucky to be diplomats of a NATO Secretary General of the MFA handed over to the new diplomats member state and represent with dignity our best values and work the "Promotion 2016" oath document. for Albania's membership in the European Union as well".

Minister Bushati meets with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro Srđan Darmanović

Minister of Foreign Affairs Ditmir Bushati received the Minister of On his behalf, Foreign Minister Darmanović confirmed his Foreign Affairs of Montenegro Srđan Darmanović, who paied a government's commitment to the continuation of intensive visit in Tirana. bilateral cooperation and to Montenegro’s Euro-Atlantic integration to the final end of NATO and EU membership. Minister Bushati expressed satisfaction as the first visit of his In this regard, Minister Darmanović thanked Minister Montenegrin counterpart soon after taking office was in Tirana, Bushati for the support that Albania has given to which showed the very close neighboring relations and the Montenegro during the process of accession into NATO. importance that both countries attach to enhancement of their "Albania has supported Montenegro on its path towards cooperation. NATO, considering it a merit-base process and a significant investment for the security of our region," Minister Bushati At meeting with Minister Darmanović, Minister Bushati said. underscored the importance of deepening relations between the two countries both in the bilateral and regional levels as well as in The two ministers dwelt on the geopolitical situation and terms of the common Euro-Atlantic perspective. He highlighted the the latest developments that the Adriatic Europe and the need for the realization of cross-border projects with direct impact Western Balkans are facing today, underscoring the need for on sustainable development and improvement of living standards better coordination in meeting common challenges. for populations on both sides of the border. The two ministers focused on the importance of enhancing cooperation in the framework of the Berlin Process and connectivity projects as a qualitative development to advancement of the region towards the European family.

Appreciating the role of the respective minorities as bridges of cooperation between our two countries, Minister Bushati welcomed the agreement reached among the parties of the ruling coalition in Montenegro, which includes the fulfillment of some of the requirements of the Albanian population. He also encouraged his Montenegrin counterpart on progress towards instituting municipality of Tuzi. In this context, Minister Bushati emphasized the need for a serious and comprehensive review of their legitimate right to representation, economic and cultural rights, a better integration in society, in accordance with the terms of this agreement. Minister Bushati attends meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Union for the Mediterranean countries and holds bilateral meetings

Foreign Affairs Minister Ditmir Bushati attended the meeting of During his stay in Barcelona, Minister Bushati held a Foreign Ministers of the Union for the Mediterranean countries meeting with the High Representative of the EU for organized in the format of a Regional Forum in Barcelona. The Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini meeting was chaired by two co-presidents of the Union for the talking about the progress of Albania's European path as Mediterranean, Federica Mogherini, High Representative for well as the latest developments in the region and Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union and deepening cooperation between the EU and the Western Ayman Al Safadi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hashemite Balkans. Parties dwelled on the stabilizing and European Kingdom of Jordan. It was also attended by the Commissioner for role of Albanians in the region as well as Albania's vision European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations for a safer region where state-consolidating democratic Johannes Hahn and Ministers of the Mediterranean region. The UfM processes carry on without being misused by third actors. Regional Forum consisted of two segments: meeting of the Ministers Minister Bushati underlined on Albania's commitment to of Foreign Affairs of the Member States of the Union for the continue its contribution to a region involved in current Mediterranean and the Conference with participation of Euro-Atlantic community. representatives of the private sector and civil society. Panelists at the forum stressed that young people are the most precious asset of the Furthermore, within the framework of this Ministerial, UfM region and the creation of an ideal environment for their fullest Minister Bushati held a meeting with the new Minister of participation and strengthening of human capital constitutes one of Foreign Affairs of Jordan Ayman Al Safadi. Interlocutors the main priorities of the Union for the Mediterranean agenda. discussed the very good cooperation in bilateral and Among topics addressed at the Forum panels were human multilateral level, and highlighted the very good development agenda and securing regional stability for the cooperation during the past two years in the fight against Mediterranean, sustainable development agenda, interconnection in violent extremism. the region etc.

In his address, Minister Bushati underscored that: “Because of its geographical diversity and inclusiveness, bringing together 43 countries, 28 of them members of the EU, the Mediterranean South and East countries, and three countries of the Western Balkans, the Union for the Mediterranean can help us find some collective purpose and action in addressing our common security challenges”.

Dwelling on the need to address the underlying causes of the phenomena of terrorism and migration, Minister Bushati said that: “These challenges also show the importance of the security- development nexus. This is not the time to forget human development, in particular as regards opportunities for youth. The political commitments we have expressed in this respect should translate into concrete action”. Minister Bushati pays official visit to Iran

At the invitation of the Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif, Foreign Affaris Minister Ditmir Bushati paid an official visit to Tehran. During the two-day visit, Minister Bushati held meetings with the President Rouhani, his counterpart Zarif, the President of the Parliamentary Iran-Albania Group of Friendship, the President of the Chamber of Commerce, Agriculture and Mines as well as the Chair of the Agency for Cultural Heritage and Tourism.

At the meeting with President Hassan Rouhani, parties agreed on the need for increasing cooperation between the two countries in areas of common interest. Minister Bushati expressed appreciation for the role of the Iranian government and of the President to reach an agreement on Iran's nuclear program with international actors, considering it as an agreement to the benefit of security and peace in the world. President Rouhani praised the friendship between the two peoples and underlined the importance of using the potentials to further develop bilateral relations.

In the course of their meeting, Ministers of Foreign Affairs signed a Memorandum of understanding on diplomatic consultations. Evaluating the steps undertaken to revitalize bilateral relations, the two ministers agreed on the need to strengthen the legal framework of cooperation, in particular in the field of trade exchanges, tourism and culture. In this context, parliamentary cooperation was seen as an important element in boosting relations between the two countries.

Parties also praised the importance of establishing contacts and encouraged the exchange of information between the business communities of the two countries Minister Bushati meets with the Italian Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Vincenzo Amendola

Minister of Foreign Affairs Ditmir Bushati held a meeting with the Italian Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Vincenzo Amendola, who is paied an official visit in Tirana in the framework of Italy’s Chairmanship of the Berlin Process for which he also had a Coordination Meeting with the Italian ambassadors accredited in the region.

On focus of the discussions were the preparations for the upcoming Summit in Trieste, the process of of Albania, the intensification of bilateral cooperation and regional developments.

Interlocutors shared the view that advancing the achievements of the Paris Summit requires joint efforts aiming at continuing that the Berlin Process provides further results in the implementation of the interconnection agenda and strengthening of the EU support for the integration perspective of the Western Balkan countries.

In this context, Minister Bushati extended appreciation for Italy's role as host country of the next Summit of the Berlin Process. He On his part, the Italian senior official emphasized the work in also thanked Italy for the unconditional support in Albania’s progress to ensure the full success of the Trieste Summit path towards the approaching the European family and assured through the fulfillment of tangible and comprehensive results Undersecretary Amendola that our country will continue to for the entire region. Highly appreciating Albania’s fulfill all the criteria required by the EU to quickly follow with government efforts in the fulfillment of reforms and the next step towards the opening of accession negotiations strengthening the rule of law, Amendola assured Minister Bushati for Italy's continuous support in the process of integration of our country into the European Union.

Dwelling on bilateral relations, interlocutors stressed the necessity of further strengthening the Strategic Partnership and further enhancement of the entire spectrum of bilateral cooperation.

Regarding developments in the region, interlocutors highlighted the importance of strengthening regional co- operation in favor of promoting good neighborly relations, inclusiveness and the joint European perspective. Undersecretary Amendola highly praised the active and constructive leadership of our country in the region serving peace and security in the Western Balkans and Adriatic Europe.

A consultative meeting on the draft law "For the protection of national minorities in the Republic of Albania" held at the MFA

On January 19, 2017 a consultative meeting on the draft law "For the protection of national minorities in the Republic of Albania" was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The meeting was attended by Mayors, County Prefects and the members of the Interagency Working Group on the draft, as well as representatives of the Council of Europe Office in Tirana, the EU Delegation, and the OSCE Presence.

Within the implementation of a more inclusive process on inter-institutional and public consultation, the meeting aimed at identifying the issues related to the protection and respect of the rights of national minorities at local level and at a more complete treatment of these issues in this draft law.

In her opening speech, Deputy Minister Barbullushi pointed out that MFA and Albanian institutions have been working on the draft law "For the protection of national minorities" over 2016 as an expression of the will of the Albanian government to fulfill the commitments on minorities.

Deputy Minister Barbullushi underlined the fact that this consultative meeting, as a continuation of the previous meetings with stakeholders and minority associations, serves for achieving an inclusive and effective process. The draft law on minorities is based on international commitments, the best practices of European and international expertise in this field.

The Mayors and County Prefects praised the commitment on the draft law and underlined difficulties related to minorities, which are vulnerable to the daily work of the local government units in order to address them in this draft law.

The public consultation process based on Law No. 146/2014 "On public notification and consultation" ends on January 20, 2017. ​ #Cultural & Digital Diplomacy

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