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Ambassador Dell speaks with children at the inauguration of the new school playground in Klokot/Kllokot, in the Municipality of Klokot-Vrbovac/Kllokot-Vërboc.

Playground inauguration Vrbovac, Klokot, October 29, 2009

Dear children, respected teachers, representatives of the Klokot Municipality, members of the Municipal Preparation Team, Ladies and Gentlemen.

I would like to thank you for inviting me to this event to celebrate the opening of this newly refurbished school playground.  I just came from Mogila, where I visited a similar playground and had the pleasure of speaking with the school director and some of your neighbors.

It was wonderful to see such dedicated members of the community getting involved in local projects.  Improving the quality of life for our children is a rewarding task, and a noble goal for any community leader or politician. (more)

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Nenad Rasic, Minister of Labor and Social Welfare, shows Deputy Chief of Mission Michael Murphy a housing project for ethnic minority returnees in Dobrotin village.

DCM Michael Murphy visits Laplje Selo, Dobrotin, Donja Gusterica and Gracanica

Deputy Chief of Mission Michael Murphy on October 23 visited projects of the Ministry for Communities and Returns, and Ministry for Labor and Social Welfare undertaken for minority communities in Laplje Selo, Dobrotin, Donja Gusterica, and Gracanica.  Mr. Murphy was accompanied by Sasa Rasic, Minister of Communities and Returns and Nenad Rasic, Minister of Labor and Social Welfare.  The projects visited included housing for Kosovo Serb returnees in Laplje Selo and Gracanica, social welfare housing in Dobrotin, and a school in Dobrotin renovated with assistance from the United States Government.  Mr. Murphy also spoke to the village leader and a group of townspeople in Donja Gusterica about the development of their community, emphasizing the importance of municipal decentralization as a vehicle for Kosovo Serbs to take charge of their future, and the importance of electoral participation. 

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Soldiers at Camp Bondsteel take the oath of allegiance

Naturalization Ceremony

On October 9, 2009, Ambassador Christopher Dell had an opportunity to address  20 new American citizens-soldiers during a naturalization ceremony held at Camp Bondsteel.   This unique path to citizenship allows non - U.S. citizens to serve in the armed forces of the United States  and under the Expedited Naturalization Executive Order of 2002, receive expedited processing of their citizenship request.  Ambassador Dell remarked on how immigrants have made great contributions to the United States and how thankful he was that the soldiers have chosen to call the United States their new home.  This ceremony was especially poignant for Ambassador Dell since his wife, Theodora, had recently become a naturalized U.S. citizen.   Also on hand for the ceremony, were Brigadier General Keith Jones, Task Force East Commander and Ms Holly Taghavi, Field Office Director of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services – Rome.

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Kosovo Breast Cancer Walk in Mitrovica, October 24, 2009

Second Annual Kosovo Breast Cancer Walk Gets Word Out on Importance of Early Detection

Photo Gallery

A crowd of about 100 braved gray skies to participate in the second annual Kosovo Breast Cancer Walk in the southern part of Mitrovica on Saturday, October 24, 2009.  The motto of this year’s walk was “Early Detection = Survival” and speakers including the Minister of Health, PAO Puma and representatives of the Mitrovica Mayor’s office stressed the importance of openly discussing this serious health issue and regular screening.  Government officials acknowledged the strong support of USG and U.S. private donors, such as Dr. Richard Hirsch, who have contributed mammography equipment and shared their expertise.  The Minister of Health noted increased government investment in breast cancer awareness programs and wider availability of the most up-to-date screening equipment. 

The walk was organized by the Balkans Breast Cancer Initiative (BBCI) in cooperation with Community Building Mitrovica (CBM). 

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Ambassador Christopher W. Dell visited Serbian Orthodox Visoki Decani Monastery in Decan/Decane on October 17, 2009

Ambassador Dell visited Serbian Orthodox Visoki Decani Monastery where he met Bishop Theodosije Sibalic and Father Sava Janjic.  The Ambassador expressed the United States Government’s commitment to the Monastery’s welfare and his support for the Monastery’s positive engagement with the wider Decan/Decane community.

 

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Ambassador Christopher W. Dell met with community leaders in Gracanica/Gracanice, October 16, 2009

Ambassador Christopher Dell met with community leaders to exchange views and speak about issues of local concern.  In the 90-minute meeting, which took place at the studios of Radio KiM in Caglavice/Caglavica, participants shared with Ambassador Dell their personal observations and concerns about critical issues for Kosovo Serbs.  The Ambassador complimented the group on their work for their community and encouraged their participation in the process of municipal decentralization and upcoming elections.

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Prizren English teachers and Education Faculty students discuss teacher development with English Language Fellow Amy Schirmer

 

English Language Fellow Amy Schirmer Visited the American Corner in Prizren, October 19, 2009

Senior English Language Fellow Amy Schirmer visited the American Corner in Prizren on Monday to meet local English teachers and students of the education faculty.  While Amy outlined her plans for teacher development in Prizren in the coming months, and invited participants to join the next workshop, the current and future teachers expressed their needs in the classroom, and contributed ideas for their own development. 

 

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Ambassador Dell delivers his remarks at the inaugural ceremony of the Water Supply Network in Dobrotin.

Remarks by Ambassador Christopher W. Dell: Dobrotin Water Project Inauguration Ceremony, October 16th 2009

Dear Minister, Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and honored guests and members of the community:

Allow me to begin by thanking you for your warm welcome.  I am pleased to be here today to be part of this ceremony, celebrating the new water supply network for the people of Dobrotin.

Water is essential for life.  It is important for health and economic growth.  And it is one of the most tangible ways to improve people’s lives.

Through this project and others like it, the United States demonstrates our friendship with Kosovo and all of its people. (more)

 

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Ambassador Christopher W. Dell, Code of Conduct Signing

Kosovo Public Election Code of Conduct Commitment

On October 14th, USAID partner NDI joined with the U.S. Embassy and the office of the President of the Republic of Kosovo in a public event where the leadership of political parties publically committed to free and fair elections, and insisted that their members and supporters respect the rules of democratic elections. US Ambassador Christopher Dell, President Sejdiu, Prime Minister Thaçi, and Ms. Ingrid Johansson, Charge d’Affaires of Swedish Embassy (representing Sweden as current President of the EU), addressed the gathering at the President’s Office before witnessing the signatures.

Thirty eight political entities signed the document, copies of which will be sent to municipal party headquarters and posted in a prominent place to ensure all party workers, activists, and supporters are made aware of the Code of Conduct. Civil society will have leverage in drawing attention to any potential breech of the code, and has recourse to have leadership denounce any serious breech in the run up to the November 15th elections. Remarks

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DCM Michael Murphy congratulates the winners of the road race held as part of the Dedication Ceremony for the new road in Bushince/Busince village.

Deputy Chief of Mission Michael Murphy participated in the dedication ceremony for the new road in Bushince/Busince village (Kamenice/Kamenica Municipality) on October 13th

The USAID funded road construction project was identified as one of biggest issues in this part of Kamenice/Kamenica municipality, and ranked with high priority by municipal representatives and community. The new road will improve access to education and health services, and also improve the daily quality of life for members of the community. This project will not only serve residents of Bushince/Busince, but also will serve 4 other villages with around 350 residents. Remarks

 

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Ambassador Christopher W. Dell speaks to students at the American University in  Kosovo about Kosovo’s upcoming elections.

Ambassador Christopher W. Dell's Speech on Kosovo's Municipal Elections, American University of Kosovo, October 9, 2009

Thank you, Chris, students, members of the faculty, invited guests.  It's a pleasure for me to be here today to speak to you. 

In a few days, Kosovo will kick off its election season and the campaigns for municipal leaders will be in full swing.  Elections are an exciting time in any democracy, and a time to reflect on the responsibilities that all members of society share in safeguarding democracy.  More than that, elections embody the power – the magic even – of democracy:  in the simple act of choosing their leaders, people have the ability to change the course of history.  I think most would argue that such an event took place in my country eleven months ago with the historic election of Barack Obama as President of the United States. (more)

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Kosovo CEC Signs Mutual Cooperation Agreement with IFES Kosovo, October 1, 2009

The Republic of Kosovo Central Elections Commission (CEC) entered into a new mutual cooperation agreement with IFES Kosovo. The agreement was signed by the CEC Chair, Honorable Nesrin Lushta, USAID Kosovo Mission Director, Patricia Rader, and IFES Chief of Party, Chedomir Flego, October 1, 2009, during a press conference held in Pristina. Under the agreement, IFES will provide technical support to the CEC through a broad spectrum of initiatives in the areas of voter education and awareness, count and results center, media outreach, in addition to helping the CEC conduct efficient and transparent elections. (more)

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Ambassador Christopher Dell at BIRN Anniversary Celebration, September 25, 2009

Ambassador at BIRN Anniversary Celebration 

On September 25, Ambassador Dell was a featured spea  ker at the fourth anniversary celebration of the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN) news show “Jeta ne Kosove” (Life in Kosovo).  The show’s host, Jeta Xharra, used the event to thank Kosovo mayors who had appeared on her show and to present them with awards.  The Ambassador spoke about U.S. support for freedom of the press and the responsibilities of professional journalists. 

Remarks

 

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U.S. Embassy takes Second Place in Community Football Tournament, September 27, 2009

US Embassy Pristina competed in the 2nd Annual Pristina International Football Tournament organized by the German Embassy on Saturday, September 27.  The local and international communities turned out to watch teams from Pristina-based Embassies and the Government of Kosovo compete for the honor of being crowned International Champions of Pristina.  Although the ultimate honor went to the OSCE, the US Embassy clinched second place with a team that featured locally employed staff and American players from all sections of the US Embassy community. The team was supported by both enthusiastic colleagues and players’ friends and families.  The photo shows the US Embassy Pristina team displaying the personalized posters made for them by their American colleagues and supporters. 

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Ambassador Christopher Dell greets Mufti Naim Ternava at the Iftar dinner he hosted on September 18 for the KIC members.

Ambassador Christopher Dell hosted an Iftar dinner on Friday September 18 for members of the Kosovo Islamic Council.

Good evening everybody.

Mufti Ternava, Members of the Islamic Community of Kosovo, Academics:  Perhajr Ramazanin, Ramadan Kareem.

Thank you for joining us for this, the sixth Iftar dinner hosted by the American Embassy here in Kosovo.

Over the last year, the U.S. Embassy and the Kosovo Islamic Community have continued to collaborate on many meaningful projects.  For example, for the sixth year in a row as well, an American English Language Fellow continues to teach English at the local Medresa.  We are happy to sponsor this program which will help young Kosovars compete more effectively in the world’s global economy today. (click to read remarks)

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Kosovo Remembers 9/11 with a Memorial Concert and a Film Festival, September 11, 2009

The Kosovo Philharmonic Commemorates 9/11 Through the International Language of Music

 

Kosovo institutions honored the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks with both a concert and a film festival.  On Friday, September 11, and for the eighth year in a row, the Kosovo Philharmonic performed a memorial concert to honor the victims of the 9/11 attacks.  The classical music concert, which was performed by the Kosovo Philharmonic and a 90-voice choir, was sponsored by the Ministry of Culture and held at the Youth and Sports Center. 

 

Before entering the 9/11 Dedication Film Festival, Ambassador Dell lights a candle to remember those lost on 9/11.

 

Following the concert, the Ambassador attended the closing ceremony of the 7th annual 9/11 Dedication Film Festival.  The festival , held at Pristina’s National Theater, ran from Tuesday, September 8, through Friday, September 11, and featured 29 short films produced by Kosovar filmmakers.  The Ambassador gave brief remarks at the closing ceremony and presented the award for best film.

 

 

 

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Ambassador Dell signed a letter of agreement increasing US government support for Rule of Law programs for Kosovo.  The agreement will make available almost $13 million in additional funding.

Ambassador Christopher Dell's Remarks: Signing Ceremony, INL LOA, September 14, 2009

Photo Album

Minister Hyseni, honored guests.
It is a pleasure for me to be here today and to have signed this Letter of Agreement between the United States  of America and Republic of Kosovo.  This letter is one more page in the history of cooperation and support that exists between our two countries.  It is also further of the commitment of the institutions of Kosovo to work as equal partners with the United States and other allies and friends in advancing the rule of law in Kosovo. (more)

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DCM Michael Murphy, Mission Director Patricia Rader and Sahit Kurtaj, School Director perform the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Dëshmorët e Zhurit (Zhuri Martyrs) school in Zhur.

Deputy Chief of Mission Michael Murphy Spoke at USAID Dedication Ceremony, September 11, 2009

Mayor Muja, Municipal and Community Leaders, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls. 

It is a pleasure for me to be here in Prizren to celebrate the 10 year partnership between the U.S. Government, USAID and the people of Kosovo.   Our goal has been and remains to help you build a democratic, law-abiding, multi-ethnic, tolerant and prosperous country that can take its rightful place in the Trans-Atlantic community of nations.  We all should be proud of what this partnership has accomplished over the last ten years. (more)

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DCM Michael Murphy and local representatives (Goran Marinkovic, village leader of Dobrotin, Sasa Rasic, Minister for Communities and Return, Bojan Stojanovic, SLS caucus leader in Kosovo Parliament)perform the groundbreaking ceremony for the Water Supply Network in Dobrotin.

DCM Michael Murphy Celebrates 10 years of USAID Assistance in Kosovo, September 9, 2009

Photo Album 

DCM Michael Murphy commemorated the 10 year partnership between the US Government, USAID and the people of Kosovo by attending a groundbreaking ceremony for a new water supply system in Dobrotin village in the Kosovo Serb enclave of Gracanica.   The September 9th ceremony marked the commencement of a new $131,000 USAID project to build a water supply system serving 260 households in Dobrotin.   Mr. Murphy noted that the U.S. Government, through USAID, has funded over $1.5 million in projects in the greater Gracanica area over the last ten years. (Remarks)

 

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Ambassador Dell and USAID Mission Director Patricia Rader tour the photo exhibition in Peja for USAID’s 10 Year Anniversary.

Ambassador Christopher Dell's Remarks on USAID's Kosovo Justice Support Program, September 3, 2009

Mayor Berisha, respected ladies and gentlemen,

It is truly a pleasure for me to be back in Kosovo.  In many ways, it’s like returning home, uncertain of what one might find.  When I was here almost eight years ago amidst the destruction and disorder; I wondered when Kosovo would be able to stand on its own. (more)

 

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Mitrovica Rock School Musicians Make Music Together at Skopje’s City Park, August 28, 2009 

An interethnic rock band performs before a large audience in Skopje on Friday, Aug. 28

On Friday, August 28th, the Skopje Summer School, a weeklong summer music camp, held its final concert in Skopje’s City Park.  The Summer School, financed in part with a large grant from the Embassy, is part of the Mitrovica Rock School, which gives youth on both sides of Mitrovica’s divided city the chance to attend music lessons during the year. 

For the second year in a row, the Summer School brought the North and South Mitrovica Rock School branches together for week of lessons and practice in Skopje.  The 24 Summer School students spent the week learning new songs in specially formed ethnically mixed groups.  At the week’s end, the groups played their newly learned songs in the open-air concert, well-attended by parents, friends and Rock School students, as well as several hundred people from Skopje. The project is a cooperative initiative of Musicians Without Borders, Community Building Mitrovica, IKV Pax Christi and the Fontys Rock Academy in the Netherlands. 

See flyer for additional details.

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USEP “Delivers” for the Kosovo Security Force, August 28, 2009

Lieutenant General Sylejman Selimi, Kosovo Security Force Commander and Colonel John McDevitt, United States Defense & Air Attaché inspect the arrival of new uniform items that were purchased through US government funding, 28 August 2009

 

 

The United States is committed to helping build the institutions of Kosovo’s government and society.  On August 28, the United States delivered uniform items to the Kosovo Security Force (KSF).  The delivery of these uniforms was part of an ongoing U.S.-Kosovo partnership, in coordination with NATO KFOR, to establish a fully functional security force in Kosovo.  Lieutenant General Selimi expressed his gratitude for the help the United States continues to provide in creation of a professional security force for all the people of Kosovo.  

 

 

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Ambassador Christopher Dell Submits his Credentials to the President of Kosovo

President Fatmir Sejdiu and Ambassador Christopher Dell greet each other at the credentialing ceremony.

 

Ambassador Christopher Dell presented his credentials to President Fatmir Sejdiu  on Monday, August 24, at a Credentialing Ceremony held in the President’s office.  Both the Ambassador and the President gave prepared remarks. 

Remarks of the U.S. Ambassador to Kosovo, Mr. Christopher Dell upon presenting his credentials to the President of Kosovo, Fatmir Sejdiu

 

 

 

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Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi and Ambassador Christopher Dell discuss developments in Kosovo.

 

Following the meeting, the Ambassador met with Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi and Foreign Minister Skender Hyseni.  The Ambassador and Kosovo’s leaders all expressed their commitment to continued strong cooperation between the United States and Kosovo. 

 

 

 

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Embassy Training Session Attracts 50 Public Prosecutors and Police Investigators from Kosovo, August 24 - 28, 2009

The U.S. Department of Justice , through its Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (OPDAT) and International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP), conducted a week-long training exercise  (August 24 – 28, 2009) entitled, “National Task Forces Training on Public Corruption, Human Trafficking, and Narcotics Trafficking.”   Municipal, district, special and state prosecutors from throughout Kosovo participated in the training, as did police investigators from customs, border patrol, financial crimes unit, human trafficking, anti-corruption, and narcotics trafficking units.  This training session represents the first time that such a session was held in partnership with federal prosecutors from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina (“USAO-EDNC”).  For that reason, this collaboration, which will include more training sessions for local officials, has been entitled “The USAO-EDNC/Kosovo Initiative- Working Together for Justice.”  Practical skills wree the focus of the sessions; participants analyzed the Kosovo Criminal Code and Criminal Procedure Code, including covert measure provisions, asset forfeiture, and money laundering; interviewing witnesses; report writing; gathering and documenting evidence; and testifying and presenting evidence in court.  The goals of this training were to improve police officers’ investigative skills, to prepare cases for prosecution, and to develop a strong relationship between Kosovo and North Carolina prosecutors and police.