[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 43 (Thursday, March 17, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S1584]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE REESTABLISHMENT OF DIPLOMATIC TIES BETWEEN THE 
               UNITED STATES AND THE REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA

  Mr. KIRK. Mr. President, on March 15, we commemorated the 25th 
anniversary of the reestablishment of diplomatic ties between the 
United States and the Republic of Albania. Over 25 years ago, Albania 
emerged from nearly five decades of isolation and Communist rule to 
establish a multiparty democracy and forge closer ties with the free 
world. A quarter century later, Albania has made significant progress. 
Albania's economy grew and its people participated in elections judged 
as largely free and fair. Albanians enjoy freedom of religion, 
movement, unrestricted Internet access, and academic freedom. Today 
Albania is a NATO ally and a candidate for accession into the European 
Union, EU.
  Since its emergence from isolation, Albania has been an active and 
contributing member of the international community. Over the course of 
two decades, Albania deployed more than 6,500 military personnel in 
support of operations lead by NATO, the EU, and the United Nations. In 
2003, Albanian troops deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi 
Freedom. Between 2002 and 2014, Albania deployed over 3,000 personnel 
to support U.S. and NATO operations in Afghanistan. Albanian personnel 
continue to serve in Afghanistan.
  Despite a quarter century of notable strides, pervasive corruption, 
high unemployment, organized crime, and underrepresentation of women in 
business and politics, among other issues, prevent Albania from 
realizing its full potential. As a member of the Senate Appropriations 
Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs, I have 
consistently voted to support assistance to Albania to strengthen 
democratic institutions and the rule of law, promote sustainable 
economic growth, and assist with its regional and international 
integration. As co-chair of the Senate Albania Caucus, I will continue 
to work with my colleagues on to strengthen the U.S.-Albania 
relationship and support Albania's ongoing efforts to become a 
prosperous, democratic state and pillar of stability in the Balkans.

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