TIRANA, June 8 – With warmth and enthusiasm, Albanians prepare to welcome U.S. President George W. Bush on Sunday in the first-ever visit from an American president to the tiny Balkan country.
Unlike other countries Bush visits during this European tour, Albanians will primarily hail his arrival as both a great opportunity, as well as a great moment, to show the world their image is different from what they often read or see in the international media.
An advertisement shown on Albanian television depicts America as having always been a great partner, a strong supporter of Albania’s existence, and that Bush’s visit is considered historic by all people in the country ranging from President Alfred Moisiu and Prime Minister Sali Berisha to the Albanian Nobel-prize nominated writer, Ismail Kadare, as well as people on the street.
It is a commonly heard opinion that the United States is Albania’s greatest strategic partner, though polls show they are at the same level with the European Union, which are considered Albania’s two main allies.
Bush’s visit is a clear sign that this country of more than three million people is a moderating factor that has played, and may continue to play, a significant role in the formerly troubled Balkan region.
Also, the fact that President Bush will lunch in Tirana with the prime ministers of Albania, Croatia and Macedonia, making up the Adriatic 3 Charter and seeking NATO membership, speaks of Albania’s growing influence.
For eight hours Albania will be at the center of world attention, but not for human, drug and weapon trafficking, not for corruption and poverty, not for its ever-squabbling politics, but for being a calm and happy country welcoming the American President in a dignified way.
Though predominantly Muslim, Albania has always provided an example to the world of religious tolerance and coexistence. That will be shown in abundance on Sunday.
It is yet to be seen whether the crowds will be as enthusiastic as 16 years ago when then-U.S. Secretary of State James Baker was honored in Skanderbeg Square.
Albanians expectations
However, Bush’s visit may bring about heightened expectations for the masses of Albanians.
First, the government and politicians find themselves flattered when hearing Bush saying he “is impressed by their commitment to democratic values.”
Tirana also expects that the visit will be a green light for its dream of becoming a full NATO member next year, which is normally considered an important step toward integration into the European Union as well.
But Albanians citizens also hope that the Bush visit may remind politicians’ that they should focus more on the country’s problems, that they should not constantly quarrel with each other and become paralyzed in Parliament, and that they should cease quarreling about a new president and seriously sit down to resolve this issue and move on to more serious national problems.
Kosova
Kosova is also hoping to benefit from the Bush visit. Indeed, their leaders consider it another sign that Washington will continue to be a decisive factor in their quest for independence, despite resistance from Belgrade and Russia.
Naturally, Kosova will be one of the topics Bush is to discuss with Moisiu and Berisha during his visit.
Celebrating Tirana
Tirana has been celebrating the Bush visit for the past week. Large U.S. and Albanian flags fly alongside each other with poster between reading “Proud to be partners.” The flags and posters have covered the front of the Palace of Culture and the spot where the bust of former communist leader Enver Hoxha was placed, and then toppled, at Skanderbeg Square. Flags also are in place at the pyramid, the former museum built for Hoxha, which is now an international cultural center named after the late Pjeter Arbnori, Albania’s Nelson Mandela.
The government also beautified the city, painting the walls of offices and also that of the villa where Bush is to lunch with the three premiers. The villa was built for the late communist premier, Mehmet Shehu, and then used by the last communist president, Ramiz Alia.
Albanians also see U.S. and KFOR helicopters and fighters ‘parading’ in the skies over their capital daily. Police have put in place tight security measures, which will likely not be needed due to the very warm and welcoming Albanian population.
