Dielli | The Sun

Albanian American Newspaper Devoted to the Intellectual and Cultural Advancement of the Albanians in America | Since 1909

Partia Demokratike Duhet të Ripërcaktojë Misionin e saj

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1 mithat

Nga Mithat Gashi*/ Gazeta “DIELLI”/

Në zgjedhjet parlamentare të 25 qershorit, Partia Demokratike fitoi vetëm 29 për qind të votove, pra doli me 43 deputet, shtatë ma pak se në vitin 2013, LSI fitoi 19 deputet, tre ma shum se në zgjedhjet e maparshme, dhe Partia Socialiste fitoi 74 deputet në parlamentin me 140 vende, nantë ma tepër se ne zgjedhjet e vitit 2013.  Vëzhguesit ndërkombëtarë theksuen që votimet ishin përgjithësisht të rregullta, dhe ambasada e SHBAs në Tiranë deklaroi që “incidentet nuk ishin aq të përhapuna sa me ndryshue rezultatin e përgjithshëm të zgjedhjeve”.  Pjesëmarrja në këto zgjedhje ishte 46.7 për qind, 7 pikë ma pak se në 2013.

Ky rezultat ka shkaktue shum reagime mbrenda Partise Demokratike (PD).  Nji pjesë e anëtarëve të PDs, si Besnik Mustafaj, Eduart Selami, Selami Xhepa, Ilir Rusmajli, Jozefina Topalli, Astrit Patozi, Edith Harxhi, Genc Ruli, Majlindë Bregu, etj. kanë kërkue dorëheqjen e menjihershme të kryetarit të saj, Lulzim Basha.  Kritikët e quejnë marrëveshjen që bani Basha me Edi Ramën mbas protestës së vazhdueshme për tre muej në “çadrën e lirisë”, gabim dhe dështim.  Ish-kryeparlamentarja, Jozefina Topalli, në rrjetet sociale ka shkrue, “Nese Basha nuk jep doreheqjen e parevokueshme, demokratët duhet të marrin fatin në dorë, me protesta dhe forma të ndryshme demokratike ….” Majlindë Bregu ka theksue, “Kërkoj heqjen dorë nga një qasje qorre dhe shurdhe e drejtimit dhe funksionimit të PD-së. Nga një mënyrë që e ka në përmbajtjen e saj vetëshkatërrimin e ngadaltë, por të pandalshëm të çfardo organizate, pavarësisht emrit që ka…. Ta konceptosh këtë moment si momentin kur PD-ja duhet të ndahet: me Lulzimin “e ngrirë”apo kundër Lulzimit “të shkrirë”, është gabim. Ta kthesh sot, tani, PD-në në një shesh për përshesh, pasi shqiptarët na dhanë 190 mijë vota minus, më zi se në zgjedhjet e ’97-ës, është gabim.”

Siç shihet nga shum politikanë dhe analistë, Lulzim Basha asht ba nji objekt qitës për të metat dhe dobësitë e vetë PDs, e cila ka humbë besimin e bazes elektorale që ka pasë, tue përfshi të përndjekunit politik, dhe të shpronësuemit.

Heqja apo mosdoreheqja e Bashës nuk do t’a ndryshoje gjendjen e PDs. PD-ja duhet të rishqyrtojë dhe përcaktojë misionin e vet për të rifitue besimin e elektoratit që ka pasë për ma se 20 vjet.

Në nji takim me vatranët që pat Lulzim Basha me 20 mars 2016, në shtëpine e Vatrës në New York, vërejta që fushata elektorale e Bashës përqëndrohej në nji listë të gjatë me të këqijat që Partia Socialiste i ka prû vendit.  Nuk dukej qe PD-ja kishte ba vetë-reflektim.   Nga fundi i diskutimeve, mora fjalën përshendetëse dhe mbasi i dorëzova Bashës kopjen e nji peticioni për Kosovën shkrue nga une në vitin 1997 dhe nënshkrue nga ai (Basha) ndërmjet mikut tim, të ndjemit, Dr.Barend Cohen, thashe:“Duhet të theksojmë që të gjitha të mirat dhe të këqijat që ka tejkalue dhe po kalon populli shqiptar janë si rrjedhojë e politikanëve që kanë qeverisë vendin tone gjatë këtij nji-çerek shekulli.”

Dhe në vend te pyetjeve, shtova, “Kam disa shqetëtime për të cilat nuk kërkoj përgjegje nga ju Z. Basha, por shpresoj të reflektoni mbi qendrimin e Partisë Demokratike në lidhje me këto tema:

1) Vartësia e tepërt e qytetarit shqiptar në institucionet shtetnore: Qytetarët kanë krijue përshtypjen se po te veshën me karrigen e shtetit, pasunohen.  Kjo asht si rrjedhojë e propogandave partiake që u bahet votuesëve në mënyra tue (TE) ndryshme, sidmos gjatë procesit elektoral.  E keqja asht se çdo punë shtetnore, lidhet me mbështetjen politike që nji qytetar i jep apo nuk u jep nji partie politike gjatë fushatës zgjedhore. Qytetarët kanë përshtypjen se po të fillojnë nji punë në shtet, do të pasunohen dhe do të rregullojnë gjendjen ekonomike. Mvartësia në këtë mënyrë në institucionet shtetnore nuk e zhvillon ekonominë e vendit; e damton atue (ATE) dhe kjo lidhet me shqetësimin tjeter;

2) Pasunimi i zyrtareve ma të naltë të qeverisë që kalon çdo cak të normalës dhe etikës njerëzore. Ministra dhe zyrtarë të naltë që kanë qenë dhe janë në qeverisje kanë akumulue pasuni dhe po të përdorim metodat ma të fundit statistikore do te deltë që probabiliteti i akumulimit të miliona dollarëve në nji kohë shum të shkurtë të dhjetra zyrtarëve të shtetit shqiptar asht jashtë normalës.

3) Vonimi i ngritjës së nji tribune gjyqsore për të gjykue krimet e komunizmit:  Kanë kalue 25 vjet dhe ju, se bashku me kryesinë e Partisë Demokratike, duhet të keni nji pozicion të kthjelltë mbi këtë çashtje. Dekomunistizimi i vendit nuk mund arrihet pa nji tribunë gjyqësore që të merret me krimet e komunizmit, të paktën për hirë të historisë, dhe për hirë të së vërtetës;

  1. Kthimi i pronës, i tokave, që sistemi komunist i konfiskoi me dhunë: Ligji 7501 u vu në korrik të vitit 1991 në kushte jo normale, ku 170 deputetë socialist (komunistë), 75 deputet të partisë demokratike (nji pjesë ish-komunistë) dhe 5 të partisë Omonia. Mbrenda 8 ditëve u mueren vendime, për të cilat, edhe nga ana teknike nuk kemi informata të kthjellta se sa deputet ishin pro dhe sa ishin kundra, por dihet që të gjith deputetët kanë qenë të ndikuem nga mentaliteti komunist sa i përket konceptit të pronës private.

5) Forma e regjimit: Ne vitin 1997, në kushte të vështira dhe të pa-përshtatshme u ba nji referendum për të vendosë formën e regjimit. Shum burime tregojne që votat ishin me shumicë në favor të morarkisë, por pati manipulime. Pavaresisht bindjeve të mija politike sa i përket formës së regjimit, duhet të përsëritet referendumi. Populli ka të drejtë, që me vota të lira, të vendosë formën e regjimit.

6) Se fundi, asht keqardhje që reforma në drejtësi, për të cilën, debatohet sot, asht presion nga Amerika, dhe jo vullnet politik i shqiptarëve.

PD-ja, në sy të popullit, paraqitet si parti e djathtë. A ka veprue si e tillë?  Nuk e di a do te kishte ndryshue rezultati i votave me 25 qershor në qoftë se PD-ja do të ishte pozicionue kthjelltë në temat  e naltpërmenduna.  Por detyrimisht, PD-ja duhet të ripërcaktojë misionin e saj po të dojë me vazhdue si forcë politike në të ardhmën.  Për ndryshe, edhe atë elektorat që e ka do t’a humbe.

New York, 2 korrik 2017

*Mithat Gashi asht anëtar i Federates Panshqiptare të Amerikës, Vatra, dhe shërben si Charman i Vatra’s Educational Foundation.

 

In Memory of the Victims of Chameria

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1 Mithat gashi (2)1 Qafe Bote1 Trendafile Camerise

By Mithat Gashi/

 Today we commemorate the last act of genocide against the ethnic Albanians of Chameria by Greece.The Chams have a legal right to return back to their home.  Why?

The London Conference of Ambassadors (1912-1913) divided Albania in half: Chameria, the southern part of Albania, was given to Greece and Kosova to Serbia. The population of Chameria has always been ethnically Albanian. According to the census held by the Turkish Administration in 1910, Chameria was populated by Albanians.  The Ottoman Census of 1912 about Chameria illustrates the following: There are four major regions within Chameria.  Gumenitza (with 10,126 Albanians) Filati (22,348 Albanians), Paramithia (13,780 Albanians), Margariti (15,732 Albanians), Parga (800 Albanians).  The total number of people in these territories, the census states, was 71,983. Out of this population 62,786 were Albanians. The rest were Greeks and some Jews.

The Greek historian Herodotus in his book Historia recognizes that Albanians, not Greeks, lived in the territory we call today Chameria.

Since its occupation of Chameria in 1912-1913, the Greek government has utilized every effort to expel the Albanian population from Chameria. There were three phases of compulsory expulsions.  The first was the period when the Ottoman Turks retreated from the Balkans in 1912. The second phase of expulsions took place after the Treaty of Lausanne signed in 1923, in which Greece and Turkey agreed to the largest single compulsory exchange of populations known to that time. Under this agreement, Greece forced thousands of Albanian Muslims from Chameria to go to Turkey.  Turkey accepted them as Muslims, not as Albanians.

When the Convention for the exchange of Greek and Turkish populations was signed at Lausanne on the 30th January, 1923, “the Greek delegate had declared that Greece had no intention to proceed with an exchange of Moslems of Albanian origin who inhabited a district well defined….” [1] The Greek leaders and diplomats reaffirmed this statement by a letter sent to the League of Nations on August 6, 1923. [2] But the reality was different.  The Greek authorities used many methods of coercion to force the ethnic Albanians out of their homeland.  Aside from various oppressions, the Greek authorities passed a law that all landed property would be expropriated. The land was the source of income for the Chams. [3]

Before the Council on the League of Nations, Mr. M. Blinishti, Chief of the Permanent Albanian Secretariat accredited to Geneva, said that the “property of Moslem Albanians was confiscated, their harvest was requisitioned, they were prohibited from sowing their corn or from selling or letting their property to forestall its expropriation, Greek refugees [from Turkey] were installed in their houses, and their right to vote was suppressed.” [4]

Furthermore, British historian J. Swire noted that Mr. Blinishti begged that the League should constitute a special Commission to investigate the case of the Moslem Albanians, but this proposal was opposed by the Greek representative, M. Caclamanos.  The Greek representative contended that the League would act beyond its power in doing so. “No state,” wrote M. Blinishti, “has the right to drive out autochthonous inhabitants from its territory like a herd of cattle.” [5]

The third phase of expulsion took place at the end of the Second World War. Special military forces organized by the Greek government massacred thousands of Chams and forced them to go to Albania.

Seventy-three years ago, on June 27, 1944, Greek criminal bands resorted to the worst atrocities witnessed in this region. The Albanian parliament passed a law in 1994, designating June 27th as a date for commemorating the “Genocide of the Chams.”  June 27th is described as the last act of genocide against the ethnic Albanians of Chameria.  The cruelty included rapes, cutting different body parts, the nose, ear, etc.  Even pregnant women and babies were massacred. On June 27, 1944, within 24 hours, more than 600 men, women, and children were massacred in a town called Paramithia.  From June 1944 to March, 1945, 1286 people were killed in the town of Filat.  626 people were massacred in Margellic and Parga and 192 were killed in Gumenica. In total, 2900 men, 214 women, 96 children were killed.  745 women were raped.  32 children, who were less than 3 years of age, were massacred.  68 villages of Chameria were razed to the ground.  5800 houses and places of worship were burned down.  Valuable property that belonged to the Chams was confiscated. [6]

Barbara Harff and Ted Robert Gurr maintain that the most serious of all human rights abuses is genocide, an active state behavior that threatens the personal security of a target population. [7]  Michael Stohl and George Lopez further advance the argument that governmental pattern of repressive actions, such as imprisonment, torture, or murder by governments, conducted either arbitrarily or for political purposes is a form of active state behavior that leads people to perceive a threat to their personal security. [8]

The Greek officials have not denied the fact that they have expelled tens of thousands of Chams to Albania as WWII was ending.  The Greeks use as an argument an accusation -simply a fabricated invention- that the reason they expelled Chams from their homes is because according to the Greeks, the Chams collaborated with the Nazis and Italian occupiers.  The Greek contention is false. For the argument’s sake, even if it were true that some Chams collaborated with the Italians and the Germans, should this reason be used as a justification of the actions that the Greek authorities undertook to expel tens of thousands of people?  And should the same line of thinking be used in the 21st Century to prevent the Chams from returning to their home?

Today, there are over 200.000 Chams in Albania. The Cham refugees and their descendants wish to return to their ancestral homeland. The concept of the right to return home in article 13(2) of the Universal Declaration [9] is specific about those people who have been denationalized or expelled from their own homeland.  It states that “everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country.  The most universal provision on the right to return is codified in the 1966 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which states: “No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of the right to enter his own country.” [10]

Another organization, the Human Rights Watch, has continually supported the right of refugees to return to their own homes. Most of the Chams who initially fled the territory are dying of old age.  Should their descendants claim the right to return?  Human Rights Watch maintains that the “right [to return is] held not only by those who fled the territory, but also by their descendants, so long as they have maintained appropriate links with the relevant territory.” [11] In light of what we examined, we can state that the voluntary return or re-establishment is a reflection of relevant rules of customary international law.

The Orthodox Albanian population that remained in Chameria does not have the right to declare their nationality for fear of being imprisoned. The Greek authorities have continually denied the existence of ethnic minorities in Greece.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights article 13 reaffirms the right of every individual to leave and return to their homes and that the right of return is a human right;

It is troubling that various Greek government officials over the years have made it clear to Albanian politicians -that the compensation for the Cham’s seized property or the right of return are unacceptable and off any agenda of talks.

We call upon the International Community, the United States Government and the United Nations to intervene and put pressure on the Greek Officials to start negotiating the return of the Cham refugees and the compensation of their seized properties. It is in the interest of peace and stability in the region to engage in serious dialogue and negotiations. The Greek government should treat the Chams as Albania treats its Greek minority in the southern part of Albania. That is the right thing to do.

ENDNOTES

  1. Swire. Albania. The Rise of a Kingdom. New York: Arno Press, p. 415
  2. Ibid
  3. Swire. Albania. The Rise of a Kingdom. New York: Arno Press, 1971, p. 22.
  4. 416
  5. Ibid
  6. See Dokumente per Camerine. Drejtoria e Pergjithshme e Arkivave. Tirane, 1999, p. 222.
  7. Harff, Barbara and Ted Robert Gurr.1998. “Systematic Early Warning of Humaniarian Emergencies.”  Journal of Peace Research 35(5): 551-579.
  8. Stohl, Michael and Geroge Lopez, eds. The State as Terrorist: The Dynamics of Governmetn Violence and Repression. Westport: Greenwood Press, 1983, p. 22.
  9. Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 13 (2).
  10. International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Article 12(4).
  11. http://pantheon.hrw.org/legacy/campaigns/israel/return/
  12. Ibid

 

 

VATRA’S EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

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VATRA’S EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

Vatra’s Educational Foundation is currently accepting scholarship applications for the 2017-2018 academic year. Vatra has been providing financial support in the form of scholarships to hundreds of Albanian American students for over fifty years. This year, Vatra will be awarding several scholarships in the amount of $500-$1,000 to deserving students.

You can download the application by clicking here.

Scholarship Opportunity for Future Math and Science Teachers

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Scholarship Opportunity for Future Math and Science Teachers/

Prepared for “Dielli” by Mithat Gashi, Chair, Vatra’s Educational Foundation. /

The Annette Urso Rickel Foundation, Inc. is offering full or partial tuition scholarships for one academic year to future Math and Science teachers.  The Foundation’s mission is to enhance the quality of primary and secondary teachers by supporting their education and providing opportunities for individuals to realize their potential as Math and Science teachers.

Eligibility Requirements:
  1. Commitment to becoming a teacher with priority given to math or science majors
  2. Entering the first or second year of college
  3. A good academic record
  4. Financially needs based
  5. Must be a resident of New York State
Criteria for Winners:
  1. Attributes that demonstrate a well rounded individual
  2. Recommendations from teachers
  3. Involvement in extracurricular school activities such as sports, clubs, and the performing arts
  4. volunteer service in the community
  5. Work experience
Amount of Award: To be determined based on student needs for the academic year and consideration for future funding if student sustains an academic record in good standing and is committed to becoming a teacher.

To apply for a scholarship, download and print the Scholarship Application Form. www.theannetteursorickelfoundation.org.

Fill out the form and mail it to the address provided, along with all required documentation by June 15, 2016.

Note that in addition to the application form, you must also provide:

  • A copy of your college acceptance letter
  • A copy of the prior year’s federal tax return
  • A 250 word essay titled: “Why I Want to Become a Math or Science Teacher”
  • Two letters of recommendation from teachers (mailed separately by them)

2015-2016 Winners of Vatra’s Scholarship

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Prepared by Mithat Gashi/

The Pan Albanian-American Federation, Vatra, awarded scholarship to six deserving Albanian-American students for academic year 2015-2016. Each of the recipients was given a scholarship of $1,100 this year. This year’s scholarship winners excel in academic accomplishments, valuable extracurricular activities and, more importantly, future potential.

The purpose of Vatra’s educational foundation is to provide financial aid in the form of scholarships to deserving students of Albanian lineage. Vatra has awarded scholarships for over fifty years to Albanian American college students.

We call upon members of the Albanian American Community and previous recipients of the Vatra Scholarship to support Vatra’s Educational Foundation.  Make a donation today to:

Vatra’s Educational Foundation

2437 Southern Boulevard

Bronx, NY 10458.

Vatra would like to congratulate this year’s recipients for their academic accomplishments and for service to their community.

This year’s scholarship recipients are:

Merve Fejzula

Attending: University of Cambridge (UK)

Field of Interest: History

Anticipated Graduation: July 2018

Merve Fejzula, an Albanian American who comes from the birthplace of Mother Teresa (Shkup, Macedonia), is pursuing her graduate studies the University of Cambridge (UK). In her application for the Vatra scholarship, Merve wrote that her “thesis will explore an intellectual history of black and Third World intellectuals in and out of Paris from 1945-1975.” She completed her MPhil in Historical Studies in 2015, and her undergraduate work at Rutgers University’s Newark campus, where she graduated in 2011 as a double major in English and history, with a minor in philosophy. Before embarking upon postgraduate study at Cambridge, she served as program coordinator of the Diversity Research Center, whose aim was to expand the public understanding of diversity in higher education. As an immigrant to the US with her mother and father, Merve has had a longstanding interest in expanding access to education, particularly for immigrant communities and Albanians. To that end, she has volunteered in her local Albanian community to provide free tutoring and SAT classes. In her pursuit of a career as an academic and historian, she hopes to continue providing academic support to Albanians and help them towards success.

In her own words: “Both my parents did their best to contribute to my education, but in order to fund my studies, I also worked at my local library and as a research assistant. Despite these limits on my time, I was compelled to contribute to the campus, which I did through the editorship of the campus newspaper, The Observer. As a result, I was chosen twice for the Blumenthal Scholarship, the highest award at Rutgers-Newark for leadership and service to the university. Alongside this, I continued my involvement with the local Albanian community, many of whom struggle with entering college.”

Luigjino Kosmaçi

Attending: John Jay College of Criminal Justice

Field of Interest: Public Administration

Anticipated Graduation: May 2016

In his own words: “I express my highest considerations to the Vatra Organization and its mission in bringing the Albanian Community together, representing them properly, and protecting their rights. Based on my academic and work experiences, I see myself as an important addition to the Vatra Organization. As a future legal counsel, I am ready to put all my efforts for the best of the Albanian community. I find it as an obligation to assist this community for an equal treatment, despite their immigration status and to advocate for their rights. I want to see the Albanian community united in promoting its best values.”

Sabrina McCormack

Attending: James Madison University

Field of Interest: Biology

Anticipated Graduation: May 2017

“I was born in South Africa in 1995 to an Albanian mother and Irish father. After immigrating to the United States, we eventually established ourselves in Virginia. I currently attend James Madison University, where I am studying biology. My ultimate goal in whatever career I choose is to help others, following Blessed Mother Teresa’s example. As of right now, I hope to accomplish this goal by becoming a high school or university teacher. As I’ve learned through my mother, the Albanian-American community is flourishing and I am truly blessed to be a part of it. I have grown up in a household that cherishes Albanian culture and not only have I learned to appreciate it, but I also embrace it. I look forward to engaging with other Albanian-Americans like myself in order to get involved with Albanian organizations, like VATRA, that proudly express and advocate our Albanian heritage and culture here in the United States.

Sabrina is the daughter of Merita Bajraktari McCormack, a member of Vatra’s Board of Directors and President of Vatra’s Washington DC Chapter. Merita is also a poet and has authored several books, among others, “Dritaret e Shpirtit” (2006), “Lulet e Jargavanit” (2005),  “Vargje pertej Adriatikut” (2005), “Me Zërin e Zemrës” (2003), etc.

Arta Kaliçi

Attending: Mt. St. Mary College

Field of Interest: Psychology

Anticipated Graduation: May 2019

 

“I am a freshman at Mount Saint Mary College in upstate New York. I have always been interested in the study of psychology and my passion has always been to help others overcome their emotional distress.

I have participated in and been a volunteer at the Walk for Breast Cancer Awareness every October for the past 5 years at Woodbury Commons. I have met many cancer survivors and have discussed with them the trials and tribulations that one goes through when dealing with cancer. It is not only the person, but the whole family that is affected by this disease.

I have also participated in the Walk for Autism. I understand the challenges of families that have a person in their life diagnosed with Autism or being on the spectrum. I believe that I can help those with mental health issues. It was my privilege to be a part of these campaigns and I hope to continue as a professional one day, after I have received my degree in psychology. I also hope that one day I can be of service to the Albanian Community. I would like to believe that I can make a difference in this world and that I can be a positive role model to younger Albanian girls.”

Arta is the daughter of Dr. Nexhat Kaliçi, e long time Board Member of Vatra and President of Vatra Foundation Inc.

Angelena Mariano

Attending: Loyola University-Maryland

Field of Interest: Finance/Accounting

Anticipated Graduation: May 2019

Angelena is attending Loyola University Maryland. She plans complete a bachelor’s degree and pursue a master’s degree in the field of business.   Angelena’s long-term goals are to work with one of the Big Four audit firms of the world, preferably in New York City.

In her own words: “Growing up with my grandparents literally living across the street, my Albanian heritage has always been an important part of my life. These are the people who have supported me through thick and thin, and I am so grateful to have them so close to me. I am the first in my family to attend college. Even without degrees, my parents and grandparents worked extremely hard to support my 3 siblings and I. Recognizing their hard work and perseverance is what got me to where I am today. I will forever appreciate the amazing support that my family and my community have provided me the past 18 years, and I am going to provide them with all the help that I can once I am successful in my own life. For years now I have been trying to piece together the puzzle of my own life, thinking to myself that I can predict my entire future, although I know that is not the case. What I do know, however, is that 10, or even 50, years after graduation, I will reflect back on my life and my accomplishments with a smile. I recognize that my future is what I make of it, and I proudly accept that challenge.”

Nensi Mara

Attending: Pace University

Field of Interest: Biology/Pre-med

Ancticipated Graduation: May 2019

In her own words: “As a student awaiting to succeed in my career as a Physician’s Assistant, I hope to perceive my education from Pace University into the world of medicine. By focusing on studies, managing and balancing my time between educational and social aspects I will fulfill my career with courage and ambition to help all the people be a part of a healthy lifestyle. My mission is to help contribute into the Albanian American community. This mission consists of encouraging sanitation within medical cares by updating the quality of facilities throughout the Albanian region. As well as advancing technologies used to perform operations and procedures on patients being cured within hospitals located in Albania. With this in mind, my ultimate goal is to emphasize the importance of health care benefits throughout the Albanian nation for the advantage of our country and society as a whole.”

Nensi is the daughter of Dr. Elton Mara, a Board member of Vatra.