NAAC Hosts Public Forum with State Department Officials to Discuss Kosova’s Future

Washington, DC, May 2, 2003: The National Albanian American Council (NAAC) issued the following press release regarding the Public Forum that will be held in New York on May 9th, 2003. An Albanian version of this release is enclosed at the end of this message.

The National Albanian American Council (NAAC) will host a Public Forum with State Department officials on “The Future of Kosova.” The forum will take place on May 9, 2003 at 7.30 p.m at Herald Square room, 3rd Floor of the New Yorker Hotel, New York City. The key speakers of this event are Mr. Donald Braum, Deputy Director for Kosova, US Department of State, Office of South Central Europe, Mr. Joshua Black, Kosova Desk Officer and Martin Vulaj, NAAC’s Executive Director. Head representatives of Albanian organizations and members of the Albanian American Community will participate in this event.

In this forum, State Department Officials will discuss the U.S. perspectives and policy approaches on Kosova’s future and will talk about the challenges Kosova is currently facing in setting up the democratic institutions and the market economy. After the remarks of the guest speakers, the floor will be opened to questions and answers.

Four years after NATO took control of the territory from Slobodan Milosevic’s forces, the foundations of credible self-governing institutions in Kosova are already in place. Kosova needs to establish more viable economic programs that can lead to development, political stability and an enhanced regional cooperation. This public forum will address the viability of these recently enacted institutions and their relationship with UNMIK authorities. Most importantly this forum will also discuss Kosova’s final status.

Martin Vulaj, NAAC Executive Director stated that “this forum is a continuation of NAAC’s efforts to bring Albanian American Community and US government closer and give them both an opportunity to exchange views. This is an example of NAAC’s positive influence in Washington and it demonstrates NAAC efforts to effect a better life for all Albanians in the Balkans.”

This forum is opened to the public and media. Please RSVP for your attendance to Valbona Sherifi at [email protected] or by phone 202-466-6900

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