[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 60 (Tuesday, April 27, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E683]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE FIRST LADY OF ALBANIA, DR. LIRI BERISHA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 27, 2010

  Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the First Lady of the 
Republic of Albania, Dr. Liri Berisha, and to welcome her once again to 
the United States.
  Dr. Liri Berisha, a devoted mother and a diligent pediatrician, 
became the very first First Lady in the history of democratic Albania 
in 1992 when her husband, Sali Berisha, was elected President of the 
Republic. Throughout her husband's 5 years in office and since his 
election in 2005 as Prime Minister, Dr. Berisha has been distinguished 
for her involvement in public life and commitment to people in need.
  Among her many endeavors, I strongly commend the First Lady for her 
dedication to the women and children of Albania. Dr. Berisha is 
Honorary President of the UNICEF office in Albania. She actively 
promotes efforts to expand education and healthcare to marginalized 
women and children and is an outspoken voice against human trafficking. 
In 2009, the Women's Information Network named Dr. Berisha ``Woman of 
the Year'' for ``her commitment to make the world a better place for 
women and all citizens''.
  In 2008, Dr. Berisha founded the Mother Teresa Cultural Foundation 
which commemorates its namesake as a symbol of hope and human dignity. 
This week, the First Lady joins us on Capitol Hill to honor the 100th 
anniversary of the birth of Mother Teresa with a reception and special 
exhibition. As the Chair of the Congressional Albanian Issues Caucus, I 
look forward to participating in this celebration and again welcoming 
the distinguished First Lady of Albania to the United States.

                          ____________________