Albanians express sadness at Holbrooke’s passing

TIRANA, Dec. 14 – Richard Holbrooke, “The Bulldozer” — a U.S. diplomat with such a forceful persona he could drag politicians, military brass and even warlords to the negotiating table in a quest for peace, passed away following heart problems.
World leaders on Tuesday praised Holbrooke for engineering the end of the 1992-1995 Bosnia war — Europe’s bloodiest conflict since World War II — and for seeking to bring stability to war-torn Afghanistan.
Albanian officials also expressed sadness at his passing.
Albanian President Bamir Topi called Holbrooke a “distinguished American diplomat” in his letter of condolences to Holbrooke’s family.
“At these moments we share the pain of your loss and also our high esteem for Mr. Holbrooke, for his overall experience and activity, especially for his positive role in achieving peace at the Kosovo conflict, leaving a special inheritance for all Albanians. I would also like to remember his best achievement in the international arena, the Dayton Agreement, contributing for the peace process in the Balkan region and wider,” said Topi in his letter.
Prime Minister Sali Berisha said Holbrooke’s death “was very sad news Šfor all his many friends all around the world.”
“Richard Holbrooke left before his time, saddening but also making proud all those lucky enough to know his rare personality and qualities,” said Berisha in his letter to President Obama. “In my memory Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, his extraordinary contribution as President Clinton’s Special Envoy for the Balkans will remain vivid and be honored with deep gratitude.”
Albanians in Kosovo also remember Holbrooke for his role in helping the province gain independence from Serbia.