Albania hails Obama

TIRANA, Jan 21 – All public and private television stations provided live broadcasts of the inauguration ceremony for U.S. President Barack Obama in Washington.
That was followed the next day when Albanian newspapers published Obama’s speech.
At the same time, the country’s top leaders sent congratulation telegrams to Obama stressing that the United States remains Albania’s strategic partner.
US Ambassador John L. Withers said in a television interview to Klan TV that Washington would continue strong relations with Albania, even with a new president. Relations would even improve for the better, he said.
Withers also said that Obama was aware of the developments in Albania and the western Balkans. He reminded Albanians that Obama was head of the Senate committee that confirmed new ambassadors. After being questioned about his new post, Withers said he had met with Obama, then a senator, who asked many questions on Albania, and was well-informed.
“It was clear he had knowledge on the region and I believe that is very important, such a basic familiarity,” he said.
A number of Albania personalities were present at the Obama inauguration ceremony in Washington, including Parliament Speaker Jozefina Topalli, Socialist party parliamentary group head Valentina Leskaj, head of the Socialist Movement for Integration Ilir Meta and G99 association head Erion Veliaj.