Dielli | The Sun

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

US CONGRESSMAN ELLIOT ENGEL RECEIVES VATRA OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

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Rafaela Prifti/

US Congressman Elliot Engel was presented with Vatra’s Award for Outstanding Achievement by the Chairman of the Pan-Albanian Federation of America Vatra, Elmi Berisha, at New York Headquarters on February 29.

In the presence of Vatra’s Deputy Chairmen, Dr. Pashko Camaj and Mr. Ervin Dine, Treasurer Marjan Cubi. Secretary Nazo Veliu, several representatives of the Executive Body and Board of Directors, as well as long-standing Vatra members, Vatra’s Chairman Elmi Berisha introduced Congressman Engel “as a friend to all of us” whom “we cannot thank enough for what you have done for the Albanian people and nation.” The Representative of New York was accompanied by his old-time friend, Mr. Harry Bajrakari, a well-known community patron and influential Albanian-American entrepreneur. Providing a very brief summary of Vatra’s mission and role in the community, Dielli’s Editor of English encapsulated 108 years of the organization’s proud history in a few paragraphs whereas Mr. Harry Bajraktari highlighted Vatra’s place in the long journey for Kosova’s freedom and independence. Mr. Bajraktari credited the US policies and personalities like former President Bill Clinton, Senator Bob Dole along with many others for bringing Kosovo to the world stage. “Vatra is a continuation of the community making a difference for the Albanian nation for over 100 years,” said Mr. Bajraktari. In his first Vatra visit, Congressman Engel recounted the story of the first time “Harry” walked in Mr. Engel’s office in 1989, the year he had just been elected as the Representative of New York and how he had learned about Kosovo’s plight in the late 80s. “Ten years later, the US led NATO bombing campaign brought an end to Kosovo conflict in 1999. Since then, we continued to push for the independence of Kosovo,” said Mr. Engel. He pointed that as the current Chairman of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee, he is fully committed and vocal in supporting Kosovo in his meetings with statesmen, diplomats and foreign affairs officials representing countries from all over the world. “Although you may not have an elected official of Albanian descent in Congress yet, I do feel that the Albanian fight is truly my fight. Throughout the last decades I have seen the Albanian diaspora in New York flourish to become successful businessmen and professionals. Their stories are similar to the story of my family that immigrated to the US after World War I,” said Congressman Engel. As far as the close friendship with Mr. Bajraktari and the Albanian community, the 16 terms Congressional Democrat, said that Kosovo’s 10th anniversary of independence was another occasion when “Harry and I celebrated together.” Speaking for all Albanians here and abroad, Congressman Engel stated “I am watching your back. I feel that your family is my family.”

His concluding statement was greeted with applause and show of appreciation. Honorary President of Vatra Mr. Agim Rexhaj thanked Congressman Engel for visiting with Vatra. In acknowledgement of his continuous support to Albanians especially Kosovo, Mr. Rexhaj called him “a hero of Albanians”.  Vatra’s Deputy Chairman for Integration and Youth, Mr. Ervin Dine expressed gratitude to Mr. Engel’s decades-long work in advancing Albanians. Touching on the current situation in Albania, Mr. Dine raised the issue of the ongoing erosion of democracy in Albania and efforts that will be needed to address it. Expressing a similar concern, the US Congressman mentioned the troublesome signals coming from Albania’s government and its non-Western partnerships. Bringing in focus the Congressman’s role with regard to economic initiatives. Mr. Harry Bajraktari spoke of the Millennium Challenge Corporation, which unlocked a $50 million program for Kosovo’s economy. He mentioned that during his 2019 Balkan trip, Congressman Elliot Engel visited Serbia’s PM, Mr. Vucic in Belgrade, and then travelled to meet Albanian leaders in the Presheva Valley in support of the rights of ethnic Albanians. Also last July, the US Representative of New York attended the inauguration of the new US Embassy in Prishtina, and was honored at a special dedication ceremony that a roadway crossing from Bajram Curri, in Northern Albania to Gjakova, in Western Kosovo was named after him.

Drawing a historic comparison between Kosovo and Chameria, Vatra’s Secretary Mrs. Nazo Veliu spoke of her family members being forced out of their homes and lands in Chameria during the 1944 expulsion by the Greek forces. She implored protection of the rights for the Cham population of Albania reminding Congressman Engel of the strong friendship between the two people: “Albanians are the best friends of America in the world.” Echoing concerns about the installation of ‘a totalitarian system of government in Albania’ and its disregard for the country’s Constitution and rule of law, Mr. Asllan Bushati, long-time Vatra member, pointed out that the dire situation has forced America’s Foreign Affairs officials to choose between stability and democracy, in favor of the former. Mr. Agim Alickaj, Board member of the Albanian American Civic League praised the great work by the incumbent Congressman. He voiced concerns regarding Serbia-Kosovo talks, and the Serbian arbitrary conditioning of the lifting of the tariffs. Mr. Alickaj urged to put more pressure on the administration and called for organizing the diaspora in addressing the issue. In response, Mr. Engel expressed his disapproving view of ‘the selective criticism’ on the tariffs, “Serbia’s campaign in getting EU countries to derecognize Kosova, and blocking it from joining UNESCO, the UN, etc.” Speaking about the administrations, Congressman Engel said “It took great courage for Former President Bill Clinton to order the NATO bombing in order to save the lives of Albanians in Kosovo. Following his presidency, in the next eight years, Former President George W. Bush, of the Republican Party was a supporter of Albanians. Today, we don’t know where the administration stands. I want to be sure that President Trump gets all the facts about Kosova.”

A group of questions addressed the unpunished sexual crimes of the Kosovo war, addressed at a Congressional Hearing by US House Foreign Affairs Committee in February 2019, as the spinning by the Serb propaganda portrays perpetrators as victims; the International Court standards with regard to prosecuting Kosovo and Northern Macedonia cases; and issues of frustration in connection with the lack of public transparency by politicians who gloss over the talks between Prishtina and Belgrade with empty rhetoric and little accountability. Congressman Engel asserted his position of not taking sides in the country’s election, expressing his willingness to work with all parties and to be fair. He recognized that floating ideas of land-swapping and border changes cause more problems with no end in sight in the Balkans. Critical of the EU in the context of Kosova, the longtime Representative for New York said that in the case of the demarcation between Kosovo and Montenegro, Albanians are asked to compromise in return for visa liberalization, which is yet undelivered. At this point, Vatra’s Chairman Mr. Elmi Berisha raised the issue of work visas for Albanian nationals who are qualified professionals to be granted temporary employment by Albanian-American owned companies or businessmen in real estate, construction, restaurant, etc. He affirmed that the proposition benefits the businesses in the US, while contributing to the job market, currently in need of migrants and giving skillful Albanian workers the opportunity to pay taxes in compliance with the law. Congressman Engel, who is running for re-election, stated that he is resolute in supporting the rights of all the Albanian people and in his commitment to the Albanian-American diaspora in the US.  

To honor his decades long work for Albanian issues, the Chairman of Vatra, Mr. Elmi Berisha presented the award and read the citation: In recognition of the decades of service, The Pan-Albanian Federation of America Vatra, proudly presents Outstanding Achievement Award to Congressman Elliot Engel for your contribution to the independence of Kosova, democratization of Albania and advancing of Albanians in the Balkans.

February 29, 2020 New York

2020’s ‘wind of madness’ indicates growing instability: UN chief

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Rising instability and unpredictable geopolitical tensions have led to a “wind of madness” across the world, Secretary-General António Guterres said on Tuesday during his main annual press conference for journalists at UN Headquarters in New York.

Following recent flare-ups in some hotspots, the UN chief observed that although de-escalation efforts indicated progress, the situation has now changed.  

“I have spoken about winds of hope. But today a wind of madness is sweeping the globe.  From Libya to Yemen to Syria and beyond — escalation is back. Arms are flowing. Offensives are increasing”, he said.

Security Council Resolutions ‘Disrespected’ 

“All situations are different but there is a feeling of growing instability and hair-trigger tensions, which makes everything far more unpredictable and uncontrollable, with a heightened risk of miscalculation.  Meanwhile, Security Council resolutions are being disrespected even before the ink is even dry.” 

In laying out this and other “vicious circles” operating, the Secretary-General underscored the need for multilateral institutions like the UN to be more attuned to the global challenges of the 21st century. 

“In the year ahead I will press to break the vicious circles of suffering and conflict and push for a strong surge of diplomacy for peace,” he said. 

Coal Addiction ‘Dangerously Strong’

Mr. Guterres continued his push for climate action, as rising ocean temperatures and subsequent ice melt are worsening the crisis. With carbon dioxide concentrations set to reach new highs, he called on “the big emitters” to lead the way forward in adaptation, mitigation and financing. “We need a price on carbon, and an end to subsidies for fossil fuels. We are still seeing too many plans for coal plants – the addiction to coal remains dangerously strong,” he said. 

The vicious cycle of poverty and inequality also must be broken, noted Mr. Guterres who reminded journalists that the UN this year kicked off a Decade of Action to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals. The seventeen goals include ending hunger and poverty, providing quality education for all children, and achieving gender equality. 

The Secretary-General asserted “We know that progress on one goal can generate progress on all – the virtuous circle we know is possible and that can point the way toward growth and prosperity for all.” 

Source: UN News

HIGHLIGHTS FROM CELEBRATING THE 110th ANNIVERSARY OF DIELLI

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VECOJME NGA VEPRIMTARITE E VATRES TE VITIT 2019, PASQYRUAR NE GAZETEN”DIELLI”/

HIGHLIGHTS FROM CELEBRATING THE 110th ANNIVERSARY OF DIELLI/

BY RAFAELA PRIFTI/

The main events for marking the 110th anniversary of Dielli unfolded on April 6, 2019 in a midtown hall in New York City. Any production of this size includes several parts that require long-term planning, coordination and team work. Dielli’s editors wish to acknowledge the members of the Vatra Board and the Executive Council who did their part guided by the vision of Chairman Dritan Mishto. Further, we extend our thanks and appreciation to each of the contestants who participated with their essays, compositions, monographs, research papers and more. Lastly, we express gratitude to each of our dinner guests who joined the fundraising efforts to support Dielli. Seeing your commitment brings more pride to the name of the paper and made the celebration unforgettable. Kudos to the spirit and passion of our community! It was a vast undertaking to organize Dielli’s competition, the conference with three panels and the formal dinner, and also be able to present all of it in the same day. I will attempt to summarize the celebratory events starting with the conference, a list of the contest entries and a brief review of the evening. The readers’ indulgence is appreciated since there might be fragments, names, and details that are unintentionally disregarded or not mentioned.

The International conference was scheduled from 11:30am to 4:00pm, with three panels and twelve speakers. The Second Floor Room of at 3 West 51 Street was set up and furnished with accessories such as the customized vinyl banner and posters propped up across the room depicting several front page editorials from the issues of Dielli throughout the decades. As the participants were settled in and the panelists took their places at the podium, the moderators Frank Shkreli and I Rafaela Prifti welcomed all in attendance. In his opening, former director of VOA’s Eurasia Division and a career journalist, Frank Shkreli emphasized the importance of the conference beyond the scope of The Pan Albanian Federation Vatra and the Albanian American community, its contribution to the history of the Albanian press and the freedom of expression as it enriches the narrative of the country and the nation. The conference is an acknowledgement of the vision of the predecessors like Fan Noli and Faik Konica and an excellent lineup of editors and volunteers who rallied around VATRA and Dielli to defend the interest of the country, the rights of a nation and its people. In the broader sense, the conference should serve as a point of reflection for the leadership of both states, Albania and Kosova, and their media outlets, said Mr. Shkreli. Speaking as a moderator, I said that we all have a reason to be proud with such an achievement. Dielli has reached a respectable age of 110 years and an honorable place in our history which it has helped to write and record in its pages. In the span of one century and a decade, there have been glorious episodes and historical achievements, there have been frictions and divisions at the top, there have been periods of controversial decisions and righteous determination, and through it all Dielli has been and continues to be a reflection of us, a fair representation of the views and the positions within our community. My closing point was that if we truly appreciate Dielli’s journey of 110 years, then the right path of fulfillment is ahead of us. Next, Mr. Frank Shkrelil said that VATRA and Dielli are regarded as Albanian icons thanks to their leading role in key moments of our history. He invited Chairman Dritan Mishto to deliver his greeting remarks and officially open the conference. After the performance of the American and Albanian national anthems, the first panelist to take the floor was Nicholas Pano. Professor Emeritus of History at Western Illinois University also Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences from 1980 to 1999, Nick Pano is the author of the book, The People’s Republic of Albania and of numerous book chapters, articles, reviews, along with presentations at national and international conferences, pertaining to various aspects of Albanian history, politics, and international relations. His presentation provided an excellent analysis of the role of Dielli in the Albanian national movement, mainly between the years 1912-1924 and the impact in the lives of the Albanian people. “The newspaper Dielli, the organ of VATRA, enjoys an honored place in the history of Albania, the Albanian National Revival, the Albanian-American Community and Albanian journalism. Dielli which began publication in February 1909, along with the Albanian Orthodox Church in America (today the Albanian Archdiocese of the Orthodox Church of America) which was founded in March 1908, and VATRA which was organized in April 1912 comprise the three major institutions that transformed the Albanian colony in the United States into the most important external center of the Albanian national movement during the first two decades of the 20th century. These institutions have made significant contributions to the preservation of Albania’s independence –especially between 1912-24– and over a longer period to the political, cultural, and spiritual lives of both the homeland and the Albanian-American Community.” Professor Nick Pano outlined the program for Albania that DIELLI proclaimed in the front page editorial in its inaugural issue, which he said “in essence served as the platform first for Besa-Besen and then VATRA until the achievement of Albania’s independence in November 1912.” He stated that the successes of the period 1912-1924, “which can be termed the Golden Age of both institutions, owed much to the quality of leadership within both the organization and newspaper” with such prominent and talented personalities as Fan Noli, Faik Konica, Kristo Dako, Kol Tromara, Bahri Omari, Kostaq Kota, Koste Chekrezi, and Andon Frasheri, among others. A matter of great importance was the drawing of support from the American players and the financial backing of well to do compatriots along with the willingness to help by the community members. “Additionally, there were sufficient numbers of patriotic Albanians in the United States with either adequate incomes or the will to sacrifice financially to underwrite the range of activities in which VATRA and Dielli engaged in behalf of Albania.” In the next part of the presentation, the panelist gave examples of materials from American literature and original works published in Dielli, during the illustrious years. “From its earliest days Dielli not only printed news, editorials, and what would be termed op-ed pieces today that mainly focused on political issues, but it also published original Albanian as well as translations from other languages of poetry, essays, folk tales, along with literary fragments of various types.” Such content were intended to cultivate the language and educate the readers and above all inspire patriotic ideals. “In respect to its literary and journalistic quality, Dielli had few, if any peers during its Golden Years. Thus, in addition to its significant contributions in raising the national consciousness of the Albanian-American Community, mobilizing it in a variety of efforts to protect the independence and territorial integrity of Albania, Dielli also played a major role in enriching and elevating the intellectual and cultural lives and aspirations of numerous Community members.” In the end, Professor Nick Pano said “I am encouraged by the qualitative improvements in Dielli over the past decade or so and hope this progress will continue.”

The second speaker to be introduced was Mr. Grant Harris, Chief of the European Division at the Library of Congress, and curator the Library’s Albanian collections. His presentation was Dielli and its compeers: ethnic newspapers in the early 20th century Mr. Harris stated that his purpose was to discuss some of the early ethnic Albanian newspapers published outside Albania, also the very first Albanian-language newspaper published in Albania.  In the first part of the presentation, titled Four Native Sons from the Korça Region, Mr. Harris laid out some biographical data and background information on Christo Dako, who came to the United States in 1907, and in 1913 he became editor of Dielli and president of VATRA. Krsito Luarasi who moved to Sofia, Bulgaria to set up a printing press, and began publishing in 1897 an almanac entitled Kalendari Kombiar, which played an important role in advancing the cause of Albanianism, Shahin Kolonja, who was forced to escape to Sofia where he met with Luarasi, “Kolonja as editor and Luarasi as printer published what was probably the most influential Albanian-language newspaper for the Albanian diaspora during the 8 years from 1901 to 1908.  It was titled Drita” Drita in Sofia and Faik Konica’s Albania may habe been competing newspapers yet they were published for a number of years thanks to the financial support of Vienna, said Mr Harris citing as his source a French-language treatise by Nathalie Clayer titled Aux origines du nationalisme albanais: la naissance d’une nation majoritairement musulmane en Europe (Paris, 2007).  The next part of the presentation focused on Taraboshi, the first newspaper to be printed in Albania in the Albanian language, beginning on September 26, 1913, in Shkodër. There are some fascinated facts about the paper that will be of interest to journalism studies. In the segment on the Ethnic American newspapers,the presenter spoke about “the last of my four natives of the Korça region, Kost Çekrezi,”… who emigrated to the United States at the beginning of the first World War and became chief editor of Dielli from 1915 to 1919. In the part, he brought into focus the connection between different phases of immigration into America and the development of ethnic presses. Another interesting data revealed the five major divisions of the ethnic newspapers respectively, news about America, news of the particular ethnic group in America, country of origin news, international news, and editorials.  “As the immigrant population settled, the functions of the ethnic press changed to maintain and yet attract new markets and audiences.” Out of over 1,000 ethnic presses in America around 100 years ago, nearly all have perished. Therefore, “it is remarkable that Dielli is still here, still relevant.” The broader perspective as outlined by Mr. Harris’ helped to place Dielli into the landscape of early Albanian newspapers in America.

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The next panelist was Dr. Elez Biberaj, Director of VOA’s Eurasia Division since 2005, responsible for VOA’s multimedia programming targeting Russia, Ukraine, Armenia, Georgia, and the Balkans. He has authored books and numerous chapters and articles on Albanian affairs. The theme of Dr. Biberaj’s presentation was Dielli and the Challenges of Albanian Democratic Consolidation. In accordance with the agency requirements, it was stated that his views do not represent the position of the Voice of American. He began by highlighting the critical role of the newspaper in chronicling the history of the nation, supporting the Albanian cause, reporting the events in our community while facing its ups and downs over its long history. Dr. Biberaj said that “Dielli and VOA, of course, have different missions.  But they share common objectives of providing coverage of the Albanian-American community, its many contributions to the American society, the strengthening of bonds between American and Albanian peoples, and promoting democratic values in the Albanian lands.” Drawing from his personal beginnings, he said that he is very proud that his first writings were published in Dielli. Dr. Biberaj’s presentation was a tribute to Xhevat Kallajxhi, who had an expressed interest in bridging the gap between the older and younger generations of Albanian-Americans and provided young journalists and scholars with an outlet for their articles and informed comments. “Mr. Kallajxhi became editor of Dielli after his distinguished, three-decade carrier with the Voice of America and served in that position from 1976 to 1986.  He revived Dielli, raised its journalistic standards, broadened its scope of coverage, and focused prominently on the challenges facing the diaspora, Albania, Kosova, and Çamëria.”  Dr. Biberaj added that he is particularly proud of two pieces published during Mr. Kallajxhi’s tenure with Dielli. Owing to his integrity and great appreciation for the importance of objectivity and fairness, Mr. Kallajxhi was widely respected. His legacy of professionalism continues to be the highest standard of journalism in the media. At this point, the focus of presentation turned towards the current challenges facing the community. He noted that “the Albanian-American community has played a remarkable role in efforts to influence U.S. foreign policy on Albanian issues.” Yet in the years following Kosova’s independence, the community’s activism, has declined significantly. In his view, the newspapers like Dielli and Illyria are well equipped to keep the community engaged. Whereas “the potential role of diaspora newspapers on developments in Kosova and Albania is likely to be limited for many, and objective reasons”, they “can contribute by pursuing a fact-based approach to news and information, offering a wide range of spectrum of opinion on top issues, and providing a forum for public debate.” The presenter then gave an objective and well founded account of “the negative political, social and economic trends, which are corrosive for the establishment of a prosperous and truly democratic society” in Kosova and Albania. Albanians today lack a clear vision for the future as well as trust and confidence in their leaders and in themselves. As far as the status and role of the media in Albania, Dr. Biberaj said that “the environment has become less free and independent. The Prime Minister has steadily challenged the very notion of an independent media, launching his own, online outlet, ERTV. He has steadily undermined the media, using an increasingly aggressive and threatening rhetoric, and characterizing them as “trashcan media.”  His recent attacks on the VOA, for airing a report on collusion between Socialist Party officials and organized crime groups during the 2017 elections, were breathtaking in their audacity. Many journalists, vulnerable to political and economic pressure, practice self-censorship and avoid reporting about taboo topics.” He added that it is worrisome that in the year 2019, the Albanians must rely on the international media, including the VOA, for reporting on sensitive issues. In the end, Dr. Biberaj stated the urgency that is looming on the horizon: “The next phase could determine if Albania will evolve into a consolidated democracy or take a pro-authoritarian, one-party direction.”

The fourth presenter of the panel, Ilir Ikonomi is a career journalist at VOA since 1992. He has interviewed several International and Albanian personalities and high ranking representatives. Ilir is a researcher and a published author. His monograph Faik Konica –Jeta ne Uashington was published on Tirana in 2011 and a second book titled Esat Pahe Toptani Njeriu Lufta Pushteti was released in 2016. Ilir Iknomi was not able to attend the conference. He had made available for the event and donated to Vatra, the NBC Radio Broadcast Interview with Faik Konica on April 8 1939. The interview was conducted by Hilmar Baukhage, a veteran State Department reporter and NBC’s Washington commentator. This is believed to be the only known recording in existence of Konica’s voice. We hear the questions of the reporter and Konice’s answers in English. Reporter Baukhage talks about Italy’s seizure of Albania and introduces Faik Konica as the Minister of Albania in Washington. Konica condemns the Italian aggression and states that there is no reason why Italy attacked Albania after 20 years of friendly relations. Mr. Baukhage asks more questions about Albania’s previous relations with Italy, and the fact that a portion of funds was misdirected by the Italians to build roads. Listening to the interview and Faik Konica’s voice was a rare treat for everyone present.

Following a short break, the second panel was convened. The next presenter was introduced. Dalip Greca, a graduate from the Pedagogic Institute of Shkodra in 1971, completed his Literature Degree at Tirana University in 1976. He has a long career as a journalist with several newspapers in Albania. For a ten year period. Mr. Greca was the editor of the Albanian Language section at Illyria newspaper, New York From September 2009 up to date is Chief Editor of Dielli, a publication of Vatra. His book Albanian History in America is ready to be published and is completing the work on his second book DIELLI -the Last Newspaper of the National Revival – 110 Years, The Voice of Albanians of America.

The Chief Editor of Dielli placed the emphasis of the historic conference in terms of awareness for the newspaper’s history as well as the challenges for its future. “Dielli dates back from the National Renaissance. It started its path just over a month after its predecessor Kombi closed its doors on 10 January 1909.

Dielli was the organ of Besa-Besën Society (Shoqata Kombëtare Besa-Besën) that was founded on January 6, 1907 with Fan S. Noli as its chair. The program proclaimed in the first issue of the newspaper outlined the national agenda. The historians are in agreement about the significance and the strength of the program that is regarded as an historic document that sparked the National Movement.” Revealing some curious facts about the first issues of Dielli, Mr. Greca stated that despite the intentions of printing the newspaper using the letters of the alphabet adopted by the Congress of Manastir, the content was legible and comprehensible. “In the third issue of March 12 1909, the staff apologized to the readers who were promised that the newspaper would be printed with the new ABC. The newspaper had been unable to secure the umlaut –e- (ë) from the company where the order was placed. Starting with the fourth issue, the newspaper will be printed in accordance with the alphabet approved by the Congress.”

The presenter described the format and the graphic design of the front page of the first issue of the paper, where the left side was in Albanian and the right side in English. At the top, it said First Year, Published Weekly, and in capital letters: DIELLI – organ of National Albanians who seek self-government for Albania.

In his presentation, Dalip Greca elaborated on one particular point, the vision of Dielli as it was commented on the Golden Anniversary issue of the newspaper. On the festive occasion, the editor Qerim Panariti who held the title for more than two decades, wrote this commentary: “Dielli’s program is an historic document; a bugle call inviting the illiterate Albanian immigrants to rise up and save the country from the foreign invasion…According to Panariti, the author of the program was Fan S. Noli, born outside of Albania, but with the courage to seek an Albania for Albanians.” In his speech at the celebration of the 50th anniversary, Bishop Fan Noli credits Dielli’s program for securing the independence of Albania albeit the four regions named in it were divided among the neighboring countries. More historical facts were revisited in the context of the divide between Konica and the leadership of Besa-Besen which prompted his resignation from the paper. In the next part, the presentation touched upon Dielli’s survival over the years despite numerous obstacles. Mr. Greca provided a detailed list of the editors for their work. He also credited the managers who have not received much recognition. In the last part of the presentation, Dielli’s Chief Editor said that moving forward presents a few challenges for the paper.

The next panelist, Neka Doko, is the Archivist of Fan Noli Library and Cultural Center in Boston. She has made an invaluable donation of a rare collection of Dielli’s issues. Ms. Doko’s presentation: Dielli, Noli and Konica was read by the moderator at the conference. Drawing from Noli’s writings and her research work, the Albanian Chancery presented in a diary form the meeting between Noli and Konica and a poem accompanied with an original water-color painting.

The next panelist Mal Berisha, former Ambassador of Albania in United Kingdom (2012-2015) and Consul General in Instabul (1993-1997), has joined Vatra since 1998. Mal Berisha is a published author, translator, analyst and researcher of history and culture of Albania. His focus at the conference was to provide the media context for Vatra and Dielli struggle for independence via the articles and references of the time. The first book, Edwin E. Jacques’ book The Albanians: An Ethnic History from Prehistoric Times to the Present which “details the struggles of Albanians to maintain their cultural and linguistic integrity, the impact of the foreign influence on the country etc. The second book, Harris Silajxhiç Albania and Albanians in the Washington Archives grants a comprehensive view of the commitment of the Albanian intellectuals and the lobbying campaign led by Vatra in the United States to secure the independence of Albania and the territorial integrity of the country. Mr. Mal Berisha stated that the author of the study has captured the pro-Western views of the Albanians more specifically their pro-American attitude. Secondly, Silajxhic underlines the networking abilities of the Vatra members to place Albania in the winners’ camp and to make friends who care for Albania. The analyst said that the study references Dielli’s articles more particularly the impact of Vatra’s representative at the Peace Conference. This last point is revisited in the third book that the analyst cited, Southern Albania or Northern Epirus in European International Affairs, 1912-1923. The author, Edith Pierpont Stickney examines the facts with a cool-headed approach, said Mr. Berisha. Yet, the critical role of Vatra’s delegation at the Paris Conference comes again into focus. Along with effective lobbying, the publications and communications had a positive impact in thwarting the mounting Greek propaganda at the Peace Conference. For its commitment for the national cause, Vatra is deserving of its status as ‘government in exile’, said Mr. Mal Berisha.

TO BE CONTINUED IN THE NEXT ISSUE

“WE NO LONGER WISH TO BE VICTIMS OF COMMUNISM”

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The message of survivors of the Spac and Qafe Bar prisoners at the Victims of Communism Memorial/

BY RAFAELA PRIFTI

To honor the memory of the victims of communism, senior representatives of the Pan-Albanian Federation of America Vatra attended a commemorative service at the designated memorial site in Washington DC. The Albanian-American activists in the US organized the event in collaboration with the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation in memory of two prison uprisings in Spaç and Qafe Bari. More than thirty years later, the survivors of the riots that occurred on this day eleven years apart and crushed with barbarism by the forces of the regime had a strong message for the leading class, the institutions and the civil society of Albania: Standing with the survivors in remembering the victims and denouncing the crimes of communism is a step towards healing. The address of the key-note speaker at the ceremony, Pellumb Lamaj, a symbol of anticommunist resistance, was echoed by a number of survivors who attended the service like Mustafa Xhepa, Naim Staravecka, Marko Gjoni, Mark Mernacaj and Visar Zhiti, whose remarks were read at the ceremony. “Paying homage to the victims of communism including a number of Vatra members is an honorable act,” said the President of Vatra Federation, Dritan Mishto. He acknowledged that remembering them is as important as recognizing the destructive nature of the communist doctrine. The event serves as a reminder of the larger issue of inadequate social prominence for crimes of communism and the present attitude towards the perpetrators of the crimes.           

“I am honored to be able to join you in commemorating the victims of Albanian communism,” said Dr. Murray Bessette, Director of Academic Programs at the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation. He opened the ceremony with a brief history of the site and the birth of the agency that was mandated at the end of 1993 with by-partisan support. “All the voluntary agencies teamed up to dedicate a memorial to anti-communism. The Memorial of the Victims of Communism is the site that connects all forty countries in which the sad experiment of socialism has been tried, in the roll call of nations. The event started in 2007 and this year will be held on June 14,” said Dr. Bessette. He thanked Vatra for laying a wreath with the Memorial Foundation.  

Pellumb Lamaj, the key-note speaker addressed the guests and commemorators with a detailed account of the prison riots and send a message to the current political class that has handled poorly the issue of former political prisoners. He reminded everyone that the ceremony honored all the victims and martyrs of anticommunism of all the Albanian lands. As a survivor of the revolt and imprisonment, Pellumb Lamaj recounted: “On May 21, 1973, the first anticommunist uprising took place at the Spaç prison. It send shock waves to the Bolshevik Tirana government. The Western world would call the insurgents the first voices of freedom and sadly it turned its back on them. The revolt exploded like a volcano from a hellhole of the red hyenas where extreme conditions, hard labor, and physical tortures brought the uprising of the prisoners who raised the Albanian flag with the national symbol of the double headed eagle and ripped out the communist star, that had been imposed by communist Russia. The camp was taken over for three days. Left without food and water, surrounded by large numbers of police and security, the prisoners surrendered. Terror and barbarism were unleashed on them. Within twenty four hours, four inmates were sentenced to death Ajri Pashaj, Dervish Bejko, Skender Daja and Pal Zefi. Some hundred and ten prisoners received 25 years sentences. From that day onward, the Spaç camp was placed under the tightest grip of the Slavic communists’ terror. In 1979, the Tirana authorities arrested Xhelal Koprencka and two journalists Vangjel Lezho and Fadil  Kokomani, who were handed death sentences for sending a letter to the government to change its course. The Qafe Bari prison revolt on May 21, 1984 is the epilogue of the Spaç riots that resulted in hard physical labor. It is worth-noting that there was no Albanian legislation that officially sanctioned physical labor. The revolt of the prisoners was crushed by a large number of police and army who used brutal force and wounded several inmates. Among those arrests were Sokol Sokoli and Pellumb Ndoja who were massacred and killed.” The speaker called upon “Albania’s political class, institutions and the civil society, if there is one presently, the student movement, to know the past crimes of communism because there comes a day when they return in our midst. More than thirty years later, the sad reality of today is that the ones who have blood on their hands not only are revictimizing their victims, they go as far as to place the blame on us. You are all aware of the recent case between the assailant and the assaulted, the perpetrator and the victim. The message we are sending to the neo-communist class in Albania and Albanians everywhere is to Denounce and Condemn the Crimes of Communism.”

The President of Vatra Federation, Dritan Mishto, Member of Executive Council, Zef Balaj, Dalip Greca, Editor in Chief of Dielli and Rafaela Prifti, the English Language Editor joined Merita Mccormack and Cezar Ndreu, Members of Vatra’s General Council and co-organizers of the event at the site of the Memorial. In his remarks, Vatra’s Chairman said: “On behalf of the Pan-Albanian Federation of America Vatra, we are here to honor the memory of the victims of Communism at this Memorial, among them the names of some Vatra’s officials and editors of Dielli. For the post-communist generations is important to remember the crimes of the regime. Equally important is to acknowledge that communism was a destructive doctrine. As Doctor Bessette stated, the Foundation is comprised of Republicans and Democrats and standing up to the crimes of communism is a bipartisan issue in Washington DC,” said Vatra’s President Dritan Mishto. He noted that “the entire Albanian society needs to distance itself from the past in order to have a clear glimpse of the future.” He concluded his remarks by thanking the organizers: “It is with the deepest respect and gratitude that I thank the representatives of the Memorial Foundation, the hosts of the ceremony and the organizers Pellumb Lamaj, Mustafa Xhepa of the Albanian American Freedom House. Thank You!”

Mustafa Xhepa of the Albanian American Freedom House delivered his address with an appreciation for taking part in the commemorating ceremony dedicated to the fallen, the martyrs, and the survivors of communism. “The site of the memorial stands as a symbol of resistance and hope dedicated to the students’ riots crushed by the tanks of the communist monster on the Tiananmen Square. The dream of freedom did not die and the fight continues today. Decades earlier, the Albanian martyrs in the Spaç and Qafe Bari prisons, fenced in by barbed wire, armed police and military forces organized the two most memorable insurgencies in the prisons of the evil red empire. They freed the eagle on the Albanian flag from the dictatorship star and laid the foundation of a dream.  A terrified regime responded with executions and longer sentences in a desperate bid to quench the flames of freedom. We bow respectfully to the revolts that shine brightly in the history of our nation.” In ending Mr. Xhepa said that this tribune of freedom is a fitting place to call upon the justice system to decry the massacres on the prisoners and to hold accountable the communist criminals responsible for the deplorable acts. The heroism of the fallen will be honored forever!”

The remarks of Lek Mirakaj were concise and profound. His message related that Albanians are a good people but not a happy people. “Often time in our history we needed heroes such as Mic Sokoli, Adem Jashari and many more. A happy people have no need for heroes.” Lek Mirakaj stated that the gathering honors the victims whether the present day government likes it or not

Speaking as a survivor of imprisonment in the former-Yugoslavia, Shaqir Salihu said that the plight of the political prisoners of the regime inside Albania was similar to the suffering of the Kosova Albanians in Serbian Prisons. “There is hardly an Albanian family that has not been affected or did not have a member jailed by the regime in a prison like Nish, Pozarevac, Sremska etc. In 1966 I was arrested and detained by the Rankovic security forces, and later subjected to torture,” said Shaqir Salihu.  

Survivor Naim Staravecka compared the ruthless regime of communist Albania with North Korea’s. “The sacrifices for freedom were unfortunate what is more unfortunate is that they are being forgotten by the authorities,” indicated the speaker. “It was to be expected! The political prisoners opposed the system that was intended to be handed down by the communists to their heirs, and that is precisely what happened. The victims of the past regime have not seen justice! I have been asked by several TV outlets to give interviews and I have turned down all requests. I no longer want to remain a victim! We were victims of one regime that used us. Our social aspirations have not been achieved. Today we can only remember the sons of Albania who were persecuted, the ones who laid down their lives and the ones who survived to tell their stories in the name of freedom,” concluded Naim Staravecka. 

The remarks of Marko Gjoni started with his personal story. He delivered a sharp criticism to the present day society. “I am one of the pioneers of the prisoners of conscience. At 15 years of age, I was arrested and served time for attempting to flee Albania. In the public opinion, the fallen and the victimized by the past regime are regarded as perpetrators. How could this happen?” he asked. “By driving a wedge in among former prisoners and fueling discord,” he answered. “I appeal to the organizations here to establish a court to determine the claims such as whether Enver Hoxha was a criminal or not. There has not been a public court to adjudicate the crimes committed by Enver Hoxha. Today when one talks about one’s experience to the generation that knows no such suffering nor pain, one is met with dismay and disbelief. The facts of the past are silenced yet the suffering was real for all of them who lived under the same oppressing system, although some suffered more than others. The point is the Public Support should be on our side! The people should stand united against the crimes of communism!”

In the message that former political prisoner of Spaç and Qafe Bar, Visar Zhiti has sent to the ceremony it was stated that the revolts in two prisons were the only uprisings against the dictatorship in all of the prisons in communist Albania. “The prisoners rebelled against the brutal violence inside the prison/camp but also against the isolation of the country, seeking freedom and dreaming of a democratic Albania.” …”To remember the revolts means to honor the spirit that preceded the democratic changes in Albania, the protests that laid the foundation of the future movement for democracy. This is forgotten today. The forgetfulness benefits those who perpetrated and committed the crimes. What’s worse there are frightening signs of a comeback from the same supporters of the dictatorship and their successors, who having amassed wealth and positions, feel emboldened to persecute the subjects of their persecutions with deceptive practices,” noted Visar Zhiti. He greeted the ceremony that offers hope to the sufferers and disapproves of the present situation.          

The next speaker Mark Mernacaj said that attending is an honor as an act that remembers the victims and also commemorates their legacy. “Acknowledgement of the suffering inflicted upon the opponents of the regime and their families at the hands of the persecutors is the first step towards the reconciliation and healing. It is incumbent upon me to share and remember the story of my family who was persecuted from 1948 to 1989.”      

The last item of the agenda was delivered by Vatra’s Council Member, Merita Mccormack, and one of the organizers of the event. She read the poem of Pellumb Lamaj written in the Spaç prison in 1979 dedicated to the symbol of freedom, The Statue of Liberty.

AN ILLUSTRATED BOOK AS PART OF HISTORY

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By Rafaela Prifti/

Rafaela Prifti/

“Writing a graphic novel is a good way to learn history,” said Anna Di Lellio, the author of Dimri i Gjate i Vitit 1945 Tivari at the book party held at Fadil Berisha’s studio on April 18. In order to relate the story, she has chosen the visual format with the illustrations made by her Kosova based co-author and designer Dardan Luta. Secondly, she has based the story from the oral testimonies from survivors. And the purpose of the illustrated book is to bring to light the tragic events that occurred in Tivar in the last winter of World War II. The killing of the Kosova Albanians at the hand of the Serb-Montenegrin forces is ‘a footnote’ in the history books, says Anna, who has extensive knowledge of the region both professionally and personally. She is a co-founder of Oral History project in 2010. Indeed it was through the testimonies and accounts related to this project that gave rise to the idea of the illustrated book, in which the voice of a Kosovo young man tells the story of the march of unarmed foot soldiers heading for Trieste, Italy. Three groups of approximately 7,700 men left from Prizren on a difficult march towards the Montenegrin town. For most of them, the journey ended there in what is known at the massacre of Tivar. As is often the case with Balkan history, the facts surrounding the mass killings are disputed and even denied by Serbia. The co-author of the book Anna Di Lellio maintains that the massacre is an important event of the silent yet unforgotten part of Kosova’s history and as such should not be ignored by war historians. For Anna, this novel highlights the importance of the survivors’ story. She writes that the historians’ documentation of the massacre is incomplete without the eyewitness’ account. Although she understands trauma from her own previous work in refugee camps before the Kosovo war, Anna Di Lellio, who teaches at New York University and The New School, upholds the academic approach of a professor with a deep appreciation for historical facts. In the book released in 2011, The Bar Massacre and the Responsibility of the Albanian State, released in 2011, historian Uran Butka’s maintains that the Albanian State was involved in the Bar tragedy. I asked Anna to comment on it. She responded by saying that there was no Albanian state at the time.

The purpose of the novel is to make this part of history known to the young generation in the format of an illustrated account based on the oral testimonies of the massacre. 

Most authors know that releasing the book is only the beginning of its journey. The release book party in New York City, after its launch in Prishtina in March, was a good start. The gracious host, Fadil Berisha, a professional photographer and full-time social promoter in the Albanian community. The attendees included people of different generations and backgrounds. The event was supported by the Consulate General of the Republic of Kosovo in New York. Ambassador Teuta Sahatqija, and ranking diplomats of the Consulate were present at the book release in New York.

The authors Anna Di Lellio and Dardan Luta are hopeful that by including the survivors’ accounts, the historical documentation of the Tivari massacre will no longer be neglected. By choosing a graphic design, a medium favored by the millennials, the writers hope to reach out and impact the generation of fast communication but most importantly to not allow this chapter of history to be silenced from this point. Dimri i Gjate i Vitit 1945 – Tivari published by Oral History Kosovo is available in English. The price is $10.00