Declaration of the International Network of Albanian Student Associations, “Albstudent”

Dear Chancellor Merkel
Dear Federal Foreign Minister Steinmeier

By means of this declaration, we want to express our deep concern about the events in Kosova on February 10th, 2007 , the possible consequences, and lessons to be learned. 

After the publication of Mr. Ahtisaari's Plan, general appeals for a calm acceptance of this plan were directed to the people of Kosova and its main political organizations. The argument was that this plan implies in the long term independence for Kosova and that protests could endanger the whole process. On the other hand, it was announced vehemently that the United Nations' forces (the International Police of Kosova) would not tolerate any breach of the public order.

The Kosovar Albanians, who constitute over 90% of Kosova's population, do not consider Ahtisaari's Plan as the best possible. Most of them though, are ready to accept the plan given the current circumstances. We, as Albanian students abroad, support this plan and appeal to the people of Kosova to express their political will through their political parties and not through violent protests.

The President of the Republic, Alfred Moisiu received today in a meeting a representation the International Network of Albanian students associations ALBSTUDENT, composed of students who have graduated abroad in state and private educational institutions and held with them an open and wholehearted talk.

The Head of state, while pointing out the precious contribution that the elites, educated in the most noted world universities have given for the country at the most difficult historic periods,

With this declaration we, members of the International Network of the Albanian Student Association, would like to welcome the start of talks on the final status of Kosova and appeal to the United Nations and the governments of the United States and the European Union to support Kosova's independence.

For over six years now, Kosova has been making headway in the process of democratization. These developments were made possible by the intervention of NATO troops and the decision to stop the

The International Network of Albanian Student Associations "Albstudent" organised the now traditional "Albstudent Feast" on December the 28-th 2005 in "The Living Room" in Tirana. More than 300 students studying in many European countries and America participated.

We are grateful to "Vodafone Albania" for sponsoring this activity.

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The International Network of Albanian Student Associations "Albstudent" organised in "Villa Ambasador" on September the 6-th 2005 the closing coctail of "Praktika 2005". Representants of the most important Albanian private enterprises and state institutions participated.

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The International Network of Albanian Student Associations "Albstudent" organised on 25-27.08.2005 in "Chateau Linza", Tirana the workshop titled "Return to Albania - a challenge for all those who study abroad". Representants of the most important Albanian private enterprises and state institutions participated.

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The International Network of Albanian Student Associations "Albstudent" organised the now traditional "Albstudent Feast" on August the 22-th 2005 in "The Living Room" in Tirana. More than 500 students studying in many European countries and America participated.

album 1, album 2

The International Network of Albanian Student Associations "Albstudent" organised on July the 29-th and on August the 31-th in cooperation with the "Mjaft Foundation" the presentation meetings for the new interns participating in Praktika 2005.



album 1,  album 2

Fifteen years ago, with the collapse of communism, Albania opened its borders to other countries for the first time after fifty years of isolation. Every year has seen an augmentation in the number of young Albanians who have chosen to study abroad in Western nations. Albanian students are now present everywhere in Europe and North America. Today, they represent one of the biggest chances for future development in Albania. The experience and knowledge that these students are gaining from attending some of the best universities in the world, could be a strong catalyst for development in Albania if the students were to return home to implement these new tools. This conclusion can be accurately drawn because Albanian students have proved, in every place that they have studied, that they are among the best and most competitive students in the world. This impressive intellectual capital could have a positive effect on the development of our country. Unfortunately, however, after spending many years in the West, many Albanian students sever ties with their home country by losing contact with both the difficulties that the nation is undergoing, and even with the new opportunities that are offered every day to the graduates that have studied abroad.

On the 28-th November 2004 New AGE celebrated the Albanian Independence Day by organising the Day of the Albanian Film. In this activity several short works of emerging Albanian film directors and also the award-winning film "Dear Enemy" from the well known director Gjergj Xhuvani were shown. Subsequently a short lecture was held from Mr. Ibrahim Kasapi on the new Albanian cinematography emerging.
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