US Secretary of State John Kerry conducted a brief visit in Tirana this past Sunday. The expectations, explanations and assumptions from this important event caused a frenzy of discussions in the media, from various analysts and political actors. Some said that he came to talk about the commitment of Albania to host thousands of Iranian dissidents (Called Halk Mujahedeen), some said he is here to twist some arms for the justice reform, some said it’s because of Russia’s increasing power.
The noise made it difficult to provide the right contextualization of this visit form such a high ranking figure of the American diplomacy. Therefore it is important to point out the key messages of this visit, using the quieter aftermath.
First of all, John Kerry comes to Albania visiting a country which is a NATO member state, a committed ally in the fight against terrorism and a symbolic but still fully spirited contributor of troops and weapons in key military engagements of the alliance worldwide. In this sense for the US Secretary of State there are no small or large countries. There are countries aligned with the US national interest and against. And Albania has been clearly aligned in the right direction. Albania often does not get the credit it deserves for this committed pro-western foreign and defense policy especially from European partners. Hence the appreciation shown during this visit is welcome and should be highlighted.
Second, the US Secretary of State reaffirmed the special role of the Embassy and the Ambassadors in Tirana, dissipating the destructive assumptions of some thankfully isolated political actors that some positions of the American Ambassadors here are personal. He spoke with strength and clarity over the key expectations about the justice reform and put the key players well on their toes reminding them about their responsibilities. His tone was optimistic and his assertion was positive. ‘Albania is on the right track’- Secretary Kerry said. This is not only capital for the majority to boast. It is a statement directed to all Albanians in these days where difficulties and confusion may have people losing sight of the bigger picture. Hopefully a breath of optimism is just the right thing in to prompt new energy into the integration homework process.
Last but not least, Secretary Kerry held a meeting with some participants of civil society in Albania, independent young professionals which have benefited from US programs of education and exchange. This meeting was never mentioned before his visit in the discussions of his agenda. Yet it is the meeting which speaks loudest in terms of significance. It shows the importance placed over hearing independent voices of activist, the passion with which active defenders of human rights are encouraged by the United States and the comprehensive effort dedicated to social involvement. John Kerry with this hearing respect not only a certain segment of educated youth but most importantly his country’s investment in the elite formation in Albania.
The messages of the important visit of State Secretary Kerry were not difficult to decode. They are the firm and genuine words of Albania’s strategic and powerful ally across the ocean. They carry appreciation, hope and encouragement. In order to enjoy this, we should be listening rather than making noise.
