Costett: America will never give up on Kosovo

Reflection on the last 20 years of the Albanian Diaspore's engagement, what we learned from the past, and what the future holds in the next 20 years, and have we done enough to build our communities systematically were some of the questions that raised structured debate in the 5 sessions that were carried out on the topic of persecution and diplomacy.

President Jahjaga questioned about migration phenomenon said migration should be a solution and not a duty influenced by internal factors. It called for a commitment and a seriousness by the political elite to treat the diaspora as national wealth, eventually expressing humility towards the diaspora and its assistance in building Kosovo.

Recognition of the diaspora's role in various stages was also said in the second panel, on the subject of diaspora commitment 20H20 ) strengthening co-operation. A reflection on the past, confession on the lobbiing of Albanians abroad, resistance and the role of the diaspora today were discussed along this panel, where speakers were Avni Mustafaj, Edita Tahiri, Shenasi Rama, Venus Rakipi and Besnik Pula.

As regards the diaspora's political representation, it was stressed that there is no political will to integrate the diaspora into daily and state policymaking.

The panel also mentions the Diaspora bill and their voting in diplomatic missions.

According to former President Korab Sejdiu, what happened was that the status politicians decided to hold this bill hostage because they knew they couldn't calculate in diaspora votes. Meanwhile, Pandeli Majko said the relationship with the diaspora is returning from quantitative to quality. Lisa Gashi, speaker on this panel, stressed that political parties should not be present in diaspora, but should include it within its programmes. Mark Gjona, New York City Municipal Council once chairman of the National Diaspore Council (KKD) said Albanian states should be co-ordinated for the diaspora's engagement as a global and unique community.

The inspired discourses as well as the inspired debate on art and diplomacy were not lacking on this day. Ylfete Foy, Loshaj Hope, Osman Osmani, Ori Hoxha, Ermal Sulaja, Desar Sylmjan, Ariana Kosova and Adelaida Matuka, professionals from the diaspora, through 5-minute messages told their inspiring stories. Ylefette Fanay began speaking with the beautiful song "Lady," and said she does not live in a divided Swiss world and a divided Albanian world, but in a unique world where she sees the commons before differences.

World-renowned artists like Fadil Berisha, Emina Cunmulaj and Ermonela Jaho on the panel for art & diplomacy showed how they boast and are proud to show Albanian values and constantly work at promoting them. World-renowned soprano said that through the voice, she expresses her feelings, sacrifices and travel as Albanian on the world stage. She confessed how difficult it has been to break up the barriers, but now she feels proud to have contributed to new generations of Albanians that allow the glow at global levels. Albanian model and philanthropist Emina Cunmulaj confessed to her journey and called for young people, especially young people, to believe in their dreams and never stop before any challenges. <x)

The first day of the conference ended with debate between American ambassadors in Kosovo and Albania, Costett and Kim respectively.

According to the communiqué, both expressed readiness to eucle initiatives related to the return of professionals abroad or other initiatives. According to them, any administration that is at the helm of the state will have no impact on the reports between Albanians and Americans, because they say they will always be close.

Ambassador Costet said he wants to ensure all that America will never give up on Kosovo.

He added that he wants to leave a sign of the diaspora' commitment through a separate programme that engages young people abroad.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Kim spoke of the situation in Albania and the role of the Albanian diaspora. The latter, Kim said, should play an important role in the development of democratic institutions, with an emphasis on justice. “Diasspora must focus on several pillars and push ahead those”, Kim concluded.