‘Democracy doesn’t wait’ book launches in Tirana

Tirana Times
By Tirana Times September 13, 2018 11:40

‘Democracy doesn’t wait’ book launches in Tirana

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  • The book’s inauguration took place at the capital and was attended by various personalities and politicians, including former Prime Minister Sali Berisha, current president Ilir Meta, and persecuted victims of communism.

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Sept. 12 - On Tuesday, Sept. 11, coinciding with the 17th anniversary of the Twin Towers terrorist attacks, journalist Frank Shkreli, who is ex-director of Voice of America for Euro-Asia, released a book in three volumes titled ‘Democracy doesn’t wait.’

The work is a compilation of 10 years of journalistic analytical pieces, discussing themes of issues regarding the Balkans, Russian and Turkish influence in Albania and the region, democracy and transition. The book includes some pieces published in local newspapers as well.

“I tried to raise an issue on the increased influence of Russia and Turkey on Albanian lands. In my own way I have noticed also the danger of high Albanian authorities flirting with these nations’ authoritative leaders, as something not of long-term interests for our nation,” said Shkreli during the inauguration.

Shkreli has had an attractive career, not only as director and reporter of Voice of America for Euro-Asia and later Europe, but as an editor, radio host, one of the first Albanian missionaries to reopen its embassy in the United States of America, former director of the National Albanian American Council, and lately an analysis of relevant issues regarding our country published in Telegraf newspaper.

In his book, he compiles history of Albanian politics since the communist era, international relations and its implications on our nation’s economic and political environment, democracy in the Balkans, freedom and corruption.

The book’s inauguration took place at the capital and was attended by various personalities and politicians, including former Prime Minister Sali Berisha, current president Ilir Meta, and persecuted victims of communism.

He received recognition on his efforts to bring the truth through the American ideals of freedom and democracy since the communist era. He was also praised for his rich Albanian language and vocabulary in his writings, contrasting it with the anglicized wording of current Albanian journalists.

The constant effort to protect democracy, freedom of speech and thought, a liberated journalistic spirit, and the honest sought of truth, were other considerations made by the invitees, whereas a former politically persecuted, Simon Miraka, took his time to thank Shkreli and his former colleagues from the Voice of America for giving hope to a dictatorial Albania that democracy was reaching our nation, too.

Meta said that Shkreli’s work is a “jolt for all of us, regarding the importance of democracy.”

He said that democracy is not something given to have, but that should be preserved and protected so it can be cherished and kept.

“All of us could and should cooperate, by having a more humane and civil dialogue, especially in the grounds of political parties,’’ said Shkreli.

He remarked the necessity of a Kosovo and other Albanian regions’ collaboration, and how a lot can be reached without issues or expenses.

“I am optimistic that a new generation will accomplish much more in this direction,” Shkreli concluded.

 

Tirana Times
By Tirana Times September 13, 2018 11:40