Dielli | The Sun

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

“KOSOVA TO HAVE REPRESENTATIVE AT STATE DEPARTMENT” ANNOUNCE MINISTERS HARADINAJ-STUBLLA AND SELIMI

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By Rafaela Prifti-

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora of Kosova Meliza Hardinaj – Stublla and the Minister of Justice of Kosova Selim Selimi, have begun a round of meetings with high-level government officials in the nation’s capital. Today both ministers confirmed on Facebook their joint meeting with the US Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs at the State Department, Matthew Palmer. Minister Haradinaj-Stublla announced that a representative of Kosova’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be send to the US State Department on her Facebook post:

“The Republic of Kosovo for the first time in political history, will be able to send the representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the American State Department. This was confirmed during the meeting of Deputy Assistant Secretary for European and Euroasia, Matthew Palmer.

The close coordination of our foreign policy with the US, and the professionalization of the Foreign Service according to the highest international and diplomatic practices remains our common dedication.

We discussed with Mr. Palmer also dialogue with Serbia, where together with Justice Minister Selim Selimi we stressed that only under the American leadership, the dialogue will have the right dynamics and clarity to end with mutual recognition at existing borders, preserving the unitary character and the constitutional orderof Republic of Kosovo.

Kosovo is determined in advance of special relations and permanent friendship with the US and always loyal to the strategic interests of the friend state.”

On his Facebook account, Kosova’s Minister of Justice Selim Selimi called it a “content meeting”:

“Today in Washington, along with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Meliza Haradinaj-Stublla, a content meeting with Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Euroasia, Matthew Palmer, for intensification of Kosovo’s state agenda in the approach of our country with Euro-Atlantic family, progress in empowering the rule of law and opening a new dynamic for reaching a comprehensive legally obligatory agreement with recognition at existing borders between Kosovo and Serbia.

Without America’s co-ordination and guarantee, it is difficult to reach any stable agreement. The active role and support of the US, as our strategic allies, is irreplaceable to close all issues open with Serbia.”

Minister Haradinaj-Stublla and Minister Selimi reconfirmed their strong faith in the American leadership to lead Kosova-Serbia dialogue resulting in mutual recognition. Each will continue with a full agenda of high-level meetings in Washington DC.  

ALBANIAN RYDER CUP IN ITS 10th YEAR STAYS IN NEW YORK – BUT THAT’S ONLY PART OF THE STORY

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By Rafaela Prifti-

In its 10th year, the Albanian Ryder Cup tournament contended with the Coronavirus pandemic and hurricane Isaias perhaps foreshadowing the future of community events defined by dignity, respect and pertinence in testing times. At least one team member believes that in the future, there might be a junior event or a girls’ edition for the Albanian youth. Next year’s competition will be held in August in Wisconsin, whereas an all-star team from both groups will pair together to compete against Albanians from Europe in Germany in 2021 for the Inaugural Kastrioti Cup.                

Embracing the opportunity to cover the 2020 tournament edition played over three courses at Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, New York from August 2 to 5 between NY and Detroit teams, I had the chance to interview New York team captains Zef Gjelaj and Sokol Selmani, and Detroit Team Co-Captain Gjon Sinishtaj, in addition to communicating with New York Team Coordinator Mark Curanaj, and members Pashk Berisha and Mark Tushaj. In terms of golf events, through the middle of the last decade, Dielli has covered fundraising efforts to support building the Mother Theresa Cathedral in Prishtina led by members of Vatra Council like Anton Raja along with Board members like Simon Qafa and others. This compilation of conversations on this week’s four-day golf tournament presents a brief history of the event originating in 2011, some highlights of the dramatic moments of the recent competition, exemplifies ways of adapting to new challenges of social gatherings and location adjustments, but above all it shows the power of human bonds. Each one of the golfers I talked to, valued the excitement of the game and the integrity of friendship. They also expressed their wish to pass down this gift to the younger Albanian generation.          

The captain of New York team, Zef Gjelaj, said that this is his 8th year in a tournament that runs continuously for 10 years. “This year is the first time NY team won back to back and more interesting the first time the team won cup on home course. Calling it “our NY team”, Mr. Gjelaj said that golfers’ backgrounds are from Albania, Kosova, Montenegro and vary in range from 21 to 65 years old. He was proud of their great chemistry, adding that most of them were friends before they started playing golf. In fact, over the years, they have played together for so long, the team has become ‘a golf family.” I asked how he carries out the functions of the captain for the New York team. “I don’t say much, only except to remind them to work together. To not care for individual success because we will win as a team. “Individual commitment to a group effort that is what makes a team work” is our guiding principle,” said Mr. Gjelaj. He described with excitement the clinching of the tournament by the first year player Christian Dedvukaj who made a 7 foot putt in the last hole 18 par 5 and also the team’s MVP who is none other than two-time Champion of Dancing With the Stars, Driton Dovolani known to all as Toni Dovolani.

For Pashk Berisha of the New York team participating in the tournament as a team compounds the pressure on the player yet it increases the intensity and thrill of the sport. “Playing as a team in an annual tournament is very rewarding because you are representing your team and in this case your community as well.  It is pressure packed and thrilling because you are playing for your team mates and community not just for yourself.  It’s a much different feeling when your team mates rely on you and vice versa so the pressure is amplified many fold,” said Mr. Berisha. When describing how different this year’s tournament was in the pandemic situation, he said that they had to change the venue from Whistling Straits to Turning Stone, where they had to abide by social distancing and mask restrictions.  “It limited the time we spent together outside smoking cigars and telling jokes because they would not allow gatherings,” commented Pashk, who explained that unlike previous years when the teams would get together in the evenings and spend hours as a group, this year the socializing was very limited due to pandemic. As far as the event, he noted that the early years had seen many controversies whereas the last few years it’s gone pretty smoothly. “The teams,” contented Mr. Berisha, “have developed friendships and bonds that will be long lasting. The competition is very serious but it has become more of an event with competitive golf than just a competition. Winning is very important but it is not the only goal; competitive golf played with integrity, dignity and respect in a gentlemanly manner that will make our community proud.”

Mark Curanaj, the New York Team Coordinator indicated to me that there are 100 Albanian golf players in the Tri-State area. While I am aware that Albanians have brought to their adopted country the passion for the popular sport of soccer, I wondered about the extent of golf’s popularity with the older demographics in the community. I asked him how he got into gold and if perhaps Mark’s father or any elderly family members who came from Montenegro were into golf. I heard him laugh cheerfully admitting that none of them particularly cared for golf. Then he explained that growing up in Westchester, meant that golf is part of your life. I asked about the discipline it requires mentally as well as physically.  Mark reinforced the point of mental toughness of the sport that is a natural ability more than a trained feature. He laid out the history of the Albanian Ryder Cup, created by two longtime friends Tony Gjokaj and Luvigji Lucaj from New York and Michigan respectively. “In the first iteration in 2011, eight players gathered from each state and played 54 holes over two days at Shephards Hollow in Michigan. Curanaj, who is the New York team coordinator, recalled “the two dramatic putts on the final hole singles match between Marko Gjolaj and Martin Vulaj that galvanized the cup and the bonds that continue today’ as he put it. It ended in a tie. Since then the format has remained the same. The only adjustment has been the increased participation which has seen the number of golfers swell from 16 to 28, making 14 on each side. Each year the venue rotates between the two states and each side has added or removed players. The current teams have remained unchanged in the last five years. In the course of the five years, the best golfer on both teams with over 70% win of his matches is Shkelqim Kukaj. New York team has been led by outstanding performances by Sokol Selmani, Zef Gjelaj, Toni Dovolani and Paul Martini, who have won over 70% of their matches, whereas the Michigan team has been led by Mark Kalaj, Mark Berishaj, Gjon Sinishtaj and Anton Sinishtaj. New York has had the cup three of the last five years and was the first team to retain it after a 14-14 tie last week,” said Mr. Curanaj. He described the 2020 edition played over three courses at Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, New York from August 2 to 5 for each team. Toni Dovolani, two time MVP and Mark Tushaj were undefeated for New York team. Team members raved about rookie and last-minute replacement, Christian Dedvukaj, who won two matches. In true golf commentator fashion, NY Team Coordinator remarked “Michigan was led by three undefeated individuals Mark Kalaj, Mark Berishaj and Dennis Perkaj, also MVP for Team Michigan. Team Captains Lou Lucaj and Gjon Sinishtaj. New York held a one point lead after the first day four ball matches. Here is how the local team got the 4-3 lead: Three matches ended on the 18th hole par 5 in dramatic fashion when Christian Dedvukaj got up and down from 40 yards for birdie to seal a victory and Sokol Selmani finished the final 3 holes: birdie, par, birdie after being down 2 with 3 to play.” In day two of the tournament, he said “we decided to play the alternate shot matches during tropical storm Isiais.” Acknowledging that this year’s golf was unique considering the conditions, Mr. Curanaj remarked that New York managed to split the seven points and maintain the one point lead going into the final day of singles.  “On singles day there were 14 points on the line, NY shot out to an early lead owing to putts made by Sokol Selmani, Toni Dovolani, Tony Gjokaj and Mark Tushaj. Michigan was able to win 5 of the final 6 matches thanks to impressive performances by Zef Deda. Marko Gjolaj, Dennis Perkaj, Mark Berishaj and Mark Kalaj. The final result 14-14. As previous year’s winner, New York retained the Cup, in accordance with the rules. Christian Dedvukaj, Rookie of the Year, made a Cup clinching 7 foot putt on the 18th to win his match and retain the Cup. Each team has 4 wins, 4 losses and 2 ties, as the home team has yet to win on its own turf,” commented Mr. Curanaj. While there is much focus on the competition like at any sporting event, Mark Curanaj and his fellow golfers value the “camaraderie and respect displayed and earned” at the event as defining features of the first decade of the tournament. In response to my question about next year’s event, Mr. Curanaj said that the Cup will be contested at Whistling Straits, with future venues including some of the world’s finest gold resorts Pinehurst, Sea Island and Streamstrong. In terms of future events, the team coordinator said that though 2020 was cancelled due to Covid-related issues, an all-star team from this large group will pair together to compete against Albanians from Europe in Europe at some point in 2021 for the Inaugural Kastrioti Cup, guided by Florim Bajraktari. 

For Mark Tushaj, such an event helps the community of golfers who love to participate and non-golfers who generate interest and are drawn to it, by reaching out to ask about it. “Aside from the 28 participants, 14 in each team, there are dozens of Albanians who would love to be part of it. It has really created a positive buzz in the community” To my question about sharing the excitement of the game now and in the future, Mr. Tushaj said that the hope is that “the event will continue into the next generation of young Albanian golfers. Perhaps we can develop a junior event or even a girl’s event for our youth.” He defined golf “as a great game that requires focus, independence and confidence, as well as athletic ability. The game of golf and this tournament would be a wonderful gift to give to our children.”  

Gjon Sinishtaj, co-Captain of Michigan team, shared that same sentiment. I asked him to relate what he appreciates most about the game. Without hesitation, he answered ‘Friendship building!” and having a unique opportunity to meet with fellow Albanians that he would not have the chance of encountering in life. He said that he regards them as “brothers’ and is proud to be part of a unique brotherhood.

Noting the impact of the pandemic, Sokol Selmani, Captain of New York Team, explained that they had to make adjustments and the original location was moved from Whistling Straits to Turning Stone, where he added “the team had never won” in prior competitions. Despite the changes and the wearing of the masks indoors as required, Mr. Selmani said that the team did not allow that to affect the good mood of the event. Echoing the fellow golfers on both teams, captain Selmani underlined that when the round is over they shake hands and sit together cheering for their team in a respectful manner, and when everyone is done competing they go to dinner together where in typical fashion one tries to pay the bill before someone else gets to take care of it and, when the tournament ends they hug everyone while wishing each other good trip home. He made sure to credit Mark Curanaj, for making all the arrangements from flights to sleeping quarters, from tee time reservations to dinners, thus allowing the team to focus on golf. Indeed in the course of the interviews I observed that each one credited the other team member for their role in the event and in the team. In its tenth year, the Albanian Ryder Cup stayed in New York, but I hope the golf culture spreads throughout the community.     

Below is the list of members: Team Michigan: Lou Lucaj – Captain Gjon Sinishtaj – Captain Luki Lucaj Luvigji Lucaj Gjon (John) Lucaj Kujtim Sinishtaj Mark Berishaj Marko Gjolaj Dennis Perkaj Nick Palushaj Zef Deda Anton Sinishtaj Frank Gjinaj Mark Kalaj

Team NY: Sokol Selmani – Captain Zef Gjelaj – Captain Mark Curanaj Martin Curanaj Pashk Berisha Simon Hajdaraj Florim Bajraktari Mark Tushaj Tony Gjokaj Shkelqim Kukaj Christian Dedvukaj Leon Gjoni Toni (Driton) Dovolani Paul Martini

HOW WE HONOR REGIS PHILBIN

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By Rafaela Prifti-

“Regis Philbin was class act who brought warmth, humor and wit to audiences for decades, and was a fine representation of both The Bronx residents and the Albanian community.” Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. for DIELLI.

Regis Philbin, American TV personality and icon passed away from natural causes at 88. Quickly after, the family made the announcement, a spokesperson expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love they have received and invited people to make donations to help the needy in his beloved New York.

In paying tribute to him, it behooves our community to honor the Albanian ancestry of Regis Philbin, as the son of Filomena Boscia, and grandson of Nicolamaria Boscia going all the way back to Francesco Boscia born in 1761 in Greci, Avellino, Campania, Italy.

In this article, I have reproduced his mother’s side of the family tree.  

Born on August 25, 1931, in the Bronx, Regis Francis Xavier Philbin, attended local schools and graduated from Cardinal Hayes High School. After receiving a sociology major from Notre Dame, Philbin joined the US Navy. In the 50s, Regis started working at local TV stations in California first as a stagehand then a news writer and years later a news anchor in San Diego, before gaining national exposure as a TV host. He moved to New York as a star of local morning television. In 1988 Regis teamed up with co-host Kathy Lee to have a national broadcast of the show. In 2001, Kelly Ripa was announced as the official replacement and went on to co-host the high-ranking program for another decade. Ripa paid tribute to her mentor Regis Philbin on the show by remembering Joy, his wife of 50 years and daughters J.J. and Joanna. His former wife Catherine Faylen, daughter Amy and son Daniel, who died in 2014. The crew also honored Regis as a “national treasure”. As a TV personality, Regis lived a good amount of his life in front of the camera. He was endowed with a gift of a charming storyteller. Philbin shared so much of his experiences, encounters and family stories with worldwide audiences. Most of his guests and people in his circle were aware of his Irish father roots. In fact, he was named after his father’s alma mater, Manhattan’s Regis High School.

Though Philbin had mentioned his Albanian ancestry from his mother’s side, and even pronounced a few Albanian words he learned from her as a child, he brought a complete family genealogy on the set of the show in 2010. His mother, Filomena was born in Manhattan whereas his grandmother Nicolamaria came from Greci, Italy and died in the Bronx in 1934. Holding a family tree poster on the set, an exited Regis Philbin, revealed that his mother’s side were forced to leave the home country, Albania, centuries ago and cross the Adriatic to settle in Italy in a small village called Greci. Through numerous records going back hundreds of years, it has been established that Greci was one of the settlements of the Arberesh community, early Albanian population that was forced out of Albania beginning in the last century of the Ottoman Empire. It is believed that a considerable number of the Arberesh community who have crossed the ocean and numerous families who live in the New York area originate from the same village. One documented example is the family of the former Congressman Joe DioGuardi. In fact, Philbin acknowledged the relation when he presented the genealogy diagram to his guest on the show, Kara DioGuardi, daughter of JoeDioguardi, whom he referred to as “distant cousin”. I was able to reproduce the family origins of Regis Philbin for the readers. *

Regis Philbin had a long and successful careers for decades leaving an indelieable imprint on American culture. He reached the hearts and minds of millions of Americans as host of Morning Shows and “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire”. He has been honored with Emmy awards and acknowledged by his peers, and received his Hall of Fame induction in 2006. 

It is upon us to honor Regis Philbin and his Albanian ancestry.

Regis Philbin – Walk of Fame in the Home Borough of the Bronx

The Bronx Borough President, Ruben Diaz Jr., who has hosted Albania Independence Day last November and has persistently honored the Albanian-American community as well as our historical and cultural personalities at varous events, frequently refers to the Bronx native, Regis Philbin.

“Regis Philbin was not only one the most recognizable media personalities of our time, but he never forgot his roots and was in the first class of inductees honored on the Bronx Walk of Fame in 1997,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. for DIELLI. “Regis Philbin was class act who brought warmth, humor and wit to audiences for decades, and was a fine representation of both The Bronx residents and the Albanian community.”

Regis Philbin Walk of Fame sign is located on the corner of 153st and Grand Concourse, right by his alma mater Cardinal Hayes High School in his home borough of the Bronx.

DIELLI EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH DEPARTING AMBASSADOR TEUTA SAHATQIJA, HEAD AT THE CONSULATE GENERAL OF KOSOVO IN NEW YORK

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By Rafaela Prifti-

I am grateful that we are able to have this conversation prior to your departure from your post as Head at the Consulate General of Republic of Kosovo in New York. This evening The Pan-Albanian Federation of America VATRA hosted a farewell event at its Headquarters. What is your message to VATRA as the oldest organization in the US diaspora and its leadership?


Ambassador Teuta Sahatqija:  Four years ago, I began my tenure as the Head of Kosovo Mission to New York by visiting VATRA’s offices. It was an emotional visit, not unlike walking in a sacred historical site, full of history, glory, stories, and patriots who did so much for Albanians all over the world. VATRA is the organization that has synchronized the Albanian voice in the United States. I think that carries a special importance. VATRA can bring even more coherence in the Albanian diaspora, and coordinate efforts to strengthen the Albanian position in America and thus helping the Albanian cause in Albania, Kosova and around the world.

DIELLI: During the war, you and your family were forced out of your home. Your plight is described in the issue of The Diplomat Washington of March 1, 2019, as follows: “on April 5, 1999, Sahatqija fled her home in the village of Gjakova with her husband and their four children — ranging in age from 4 to 10 — as neighbors’ houses were burning and corpses littered the streets. “I found myself in the middle of the road with all the kids, not knowing where to go,” she said. “Without food or security, we were forced to flee through the mountains, and ended up in Albania — first in Krumë, a town near the border, then to Tirana.” Then the article characterizes you as a seasoned diplomat stating: “Sahatqija’s objective: to get as many nations as possible to establish diplomatic relations with Kosovo, and have her small, struggling country admitted to the U.N. — and eventually NATO and the European Union as well.” How do you feel you have met the challenges?

Ambassador Teuta Sahatqija: As Kosovo’s UN envoy, it is particularly challenging since Kosova is still not a UN member and there are some countries that very “diligently” strive to prevent Kosovo from being present and from participating in events and in meetings. In fact, I have several Protest Notes from Serbia and Russia for such participations.

DIELLI: It has been one month from the cancelation of talks between Kosova and Serbia in Washington in late June and the publication of the allegations by the Special Prosecutors Office. How would you describe the present situation?


Ambassador Teuta Sahatqija: The dialogue between Kosova and Serbia has started. It is very important that it continues and even more important that it finishes with mutual recognition. It will help Kosova to remove obstacles in its way toward full recognition in world political, diplomatic and professional stage. It will enable the country to join the UN, EU and other international organizations as well as allow Kosovo to focus on economic development. I believe that the interest for this dialogue between US and Europe is increased as the guarantors of proper comprehensive agreement.

As for the Special Prosecutors Chambers, there is no court in the world that can change the history and glorious fight of Kosovo Liberation Army for freedom. Our fight was the right one and justice will prevail.  

DIELLI: Recalling the previous visit last February at Vatra’s Headquarters of Kosovo President Thaci, Her Excellency Ambassador Vlora Citaku and you. How do you remember it? What difference did six months make?


Ambassador Teuta Sahatqija: As always VATRA’s doors are open to all, high government officials and state dignitaries. It was welcoming and informative with regard to the developments and efforts in the United States by the community leaders. I do remember that some of the questions gave them a hard time. For me, I felt as a member in the Kosovo delegation and at the same time as part of the host diaspora delegation.

DIELLI: You are a diplomat representative of a non-member state of the United Nations and that is a challenging job. How have you managed to serve your country in the UN headquarters and under the circumstances that you have? In one instance, I recall the event in early 2019 held at the UN commemorating the contribution of the Albanian people in rescuing the Jews in World War II when you were not giving the floor. What can you tell us now about the episode?


Ambassasor Teuta Sahatqija: The task of the UN envoy of Kosovo which is not a member is particularly challenging. I have been involved and have participated in various events and commemorations. I remember the event honoring the selfless acts of Albanians who helped to rescue Jews during the WWII, in Albania, Kosova, Montenegro, South of Serbia or Macedonia. Helping the one in need is deeply ingrained in Albanian nation’s culture and tradition regardless of the country’s borders or rules of governments. The commemoration at the UN Conference Hall is an unfortunate event where I was not allowed to take the floor. Not being a UN member entails a number of obstacles for Kosova, but at least friendly UN members try to compensate that lack of presence by invitation to discussions and other ways of participation.

DIELLI: What are your most cherished memories from the time you served in New York? With your experience in political life of Kosova, what did you bring to the position as Head of the Consulate of Kosovo in New York? And what do you want your predecessor to know about the task that they have to carry?


Ambassador Teuta Sahatqija: One of my main tasks in New York was communication with UN Missions. I was Kosovo’s Envoy to the UN. I aimed to make Kosovo present within UN community, receiving and delivering diplomatic messages to my counterparts, participating in countless activities at the UN. It was a formidable and stimulating task since Kosova is still not a UN member and there are countries that work “diligently” to prevent Kosovo from being present and active on the world stage. I have several Protest Notes from Serbia and Russia for such participations.

I have been blessed with many friends among Ambassadors who invited me to conferences, asked me to deliver remarks, arranged meetings with Ambassadors of non-recognizing countries through lunches or dinners or invited me to receptions where I could network on behalf of Kosova. Those friendly Ambassadors helped reduce the frequency of UNMIK reporting to Security Council about Kosova from four times down to two times a year. They helped block some efforts of Serbia for de-recognitions and much more.  


I would like to say to my successor to be aware that the Mission in New York could probably be the most difficult diplomatic mission of Republic of Kosova in the world. But it is also an honor to serve your country. I would like to tell my successor to make as many friends as possible and to never give up. 

DIELLI: You have been a very outspoken advocate of the rights of survivors of sexual assault of the Kosova war. In January 2020 you co-organized an event at National Committee on American Foreign Policy titled: Silent No More: Perspectives on Combating Sexual Violence in Conflict. Your presentation laid out important campaign goals for survivors. There have been numerous events and rallies where you have championed the cause for justice on behalf of survivors. Are you proud of advancing the voice of the women that still feel stigmatized in Kosovo’s society?  What can you tell us about the mission as you move forward?

Ambassador Teuta Sahatqija:  The topic of sexual violence during the war has been one of my priorities. In Kosovo, as Member of Parliament, I worked with the survivors through several women organizations. I worked on the legislature to recognize the survivors and also provide them with the economic tools to empower themselves. In New York, I advocated to seek justice for them, to try to include Kosova in the annual report of Secretary General of UN for Sexual Violence during the conflict. I have continued to speak up with UN diplomats, through different organizations as NCAFP in NYU, speeches at Harvard, CUNY, Baruch and elsewhere. I am dedicated to stand with the survivors as I serve in my new position as Deputy Minister and shall do so throughout my career.

DIELLI: What are some of the most enduring memories during your mandate? And do you have any regrets as you take your next post?

Ambassador Teuta Sahatqija: I am going back to Kosova after four years with very fond memories, with a lot of new friends, a lot of achievements and pride. Could I have done more? Probably! I shall continue to serve with dedication in my new position as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora. I will serve my country, work the best I can and live the post in better condition than I found it. 

DIELLI: You have prioritized issues of social justice, gender equality and women’s rights while being a staunch supporter of the arts and culture including the culinary heritage of Albanians. As the Head of the Kosovo Consulate General in New York, you have hosted numerous art exhibits and the office space has accommodated shows and has been transformed into an art gallery with intense frequency. There must be a record number of shows, exhibits, book promotions, culinary festivals, movie-screenings launched and hosted by you in New York and around the country. You clearly value the impact of the art and culture. Can you please share your thoughts?

Ambassador Teuta Sahatqija: I am proud to have accommodated art shows at the Kosova Consulate. We have hosted six artists’ exhibitions in a span of two years, and numerous classical, jazz, popular music concerts that provided opportunities to young artists to perform for the community. We hosted or co-hosted numerous film premieres and plays. The moment Kosovo produced wine was placed at the Security Council table by Japan Ambassador, I knew we needed to organize wine tasting events. We had four such popular editions and it became an attractive event for the UN diplomats who joined with anticipation.

Also, seminars for Albanian language and culture were held in VATRA’s offices and on premises at the Kosovo Consulate. I send books to Albanian schools in New York and all over the country. We have launched book promotions and signings, business gatherings for Kosovo and American businesses and investors. We have had performances by Albanian school children. Every time Kosovo Consulate’s offices invited the Albanian diaspora, I always welcomed them with the same words: “Welcome home!”- “Mire se erdhet ne shtepine tuaj”!

DIELLI: Thanks to concerted efforts, Kosovo has gained international exposure through the education and business initiatives such as the orientation of RIT Kosovo (AUK) presentation last winter, and your keynote speech at a Convention in the US on telemedicine industry which has been set up in Kosova in 2002.   

Ambassador Teuta Sahatqija: The telemedicine industry connects the needs of the healthcare system and the technological advancements to better serve the people in Kosovo. I have received the President of the RIT Kosovo –AUK and supported the fundraising events, as well as donated to KAEF to benefit its scholarship program.   

DIELLI: You are the Head of Consulate General of the Republic of Kosovo in New York, a diplomat and very savvy in Public Relations. You are also a wife, a mother, sister, daughter. How have you been able to balance all of it?

Ambassador Teuta Sahatqija: I take every job very seriously and dedicate myself to do it well. I dedicate 100% of my energy and time and I do it with a lot of love and passion. My family is so supportive in all my efforts. I try to leave my post in better condition than I found it. I think that is my recipe.  

DIELLI: You have a great record in terms of relations with the community and the media. In recognition of such rapports, Kosovo General Consulate has awarded recommendations for members of the community and members of the press. Vatra and Dielli have been consistently acknowledged by the office and the government institutions of Kosova. To what do you attribute your good relations with the community?

Ambassador Teuta Sahatqija: Albanian community in America deserves eternal gratitude from Albanians in Albania, Kosova and wherever Albanian live. Albania and Kosova effectively became countries thanks to enormous efforts, the dedication and diligence manifested in the diplomatic and financial aspects. The least I could do was to show gratitude for all the work done in the past and present. Vatra and Dielli are the strong pillars, the beacons of Albanian presence in America, guardians of the glorious history that makes every Albanian proud regardless of where we live. The very first visit I made when I started my mission four years ago was at VATRA. I do close my mission in New York by visiting VATRA among friends I made during my tenure.

I have a lot of respect for the Albanian diaspora and I have committed to make them an important part of my work. My last event on the occasion of Kosovo Independence Day was co-organized with Albanian Diaspora organization and I am so proud of it.


I would like to wholeheartedly thank the journalists, media and Albanian press in New York and America who covered the events, reported the meetings and informed the diaspora and the people back home of the work of the team of diplomats in New York. Thanks a lot!

DIELLI: Thank you for the interview! Good luck!

EDUCATION IS A FORCE MULTIPLIER, SAYS KEN BIBERAJ, SPOKESPERSON OF BIBERAJ FOUNDATION

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By Rafaela Prifti*-

-The Biberaj Foundation started in 2017 and announced its first project of co-funding the Albanian-American Development Foundation Master’s Degree Fellowship Program in July 2018. It was a support of $2.5 million dedicated to Albanian Professionals in pursuit of graduate studies in the US. How did the partnership go? 

Our family was excited to create the Biberaj Foundation in 2017. From our first partnership with AADF to the scholarship program with RIT Kosovo (AUK), we announced this week, we have sought to give back through increased access to educational opportunity. 

-Yes, the recent announcement of the Biberaj Foundation of a $1.1 million Scholarship Program at RIT Kosovo (AUK) starting in 2021 through 2024 is a first time partnership. Can you share what attracted you to this particular institution? 

It is always important to have the right partner when implementing a program like this, and we are grateful to RIT Kosovo (AUK) for their support in creativity in developing this program. 

-The 2021-2024 Scholarship Program puts emphasis on women and minorities. Can you talk about that? 

This scholarship aims to ensure that between 50-75% of recipients are women, something that we take great pride in emphasizing. The goal is to cast a wide net and reach as many young people as possible, from various regions and demographics.

-How does your Foundation measure the success of the program? How do you weigh the risks?  

It will be important to reach as many applicants as possible, provide them with the resources to pursue higher education, give back to their communities, prioritize learning in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and journalism. Hopefully this initiative will encourage other donors from around the world to also support similar efforts. 

-I am a recipient of a US government scholarship for graduate studies and I can say from first-hand experience that it has changed my life. What are some of the stories you hear from the Biberaj Foundation recipients? 

Our family is in a position to provide this scholarship because of the incredible opportunities we received by being in the United States. That is why we are so excited to not only support this scholarship for enhanced access to educational opportunity, but to also tie it to a requirement that recipients also spend time studying in the United States. Education is a force multiplier, and when these young people return home, they will have the experience and background to truly give back to their community.

*PS. Also read my full interview with Visar Jasiqi of RIT Kosovo (AUK) in the upcoming July issue of Dielli.