Ambassador Lu: US priorities, reforms and fight against terrorism

13/01/2015 00:00

Two days after arriving in Albania, the new American ambassador, Donald
Lu, introduced his credentials to President Bujar Nishani and then he
held his press conference.

Speaking in a very good Albanian, Lu introduced himself and his family in front of journalists, before he spoke about the politics and the priorities of the US in Albania.

“They say in Albanai it is important where you are from, what city or village you are from. Allow me to tell you that I come from a coastal town in California, known as the city of surf. California is a multi-ethnic city where people from the entire world come for new opportunities. My father comes from China. His trip to the US, on a boat and with a few dollars in his pocket, was very difficult. He was a successful mechanical engineer and old cars are his hobby. My mother was born in San Francisco, USA, by immigrant parents. After university, she became a computer engineer. My brother, my sister and I, we were never rich. But parents saved money to educate us. My family still lives in California. My dear wife is here with me now. She is a talented specialist in public health. We have two children, 9 and 13 yeas hold, who are very happy to be in Albania”.

Lu showed the three priorities of Washington in our country: “Supporting the EU reforms; Albania’s development as a nATO ally; aids for reinforcing democratic institutions.

According to him, the EU candidate status is a big achievement that must make Albanians feel proud. I support the efforts of Albania for the NATO and EU accession. This is an encouragement for the efforts of Albania in the fight against corruption and the organized crime, and for improving the climate business. We want Albania to be a strong NATO ally, a country that has helped us so much with its military missions”.

Lu considered the judiciary reform and reinforcement of NGOs in Albania as very important. The relations between the two countries and governments are strong. I work to bring these relations forward. I know that Albanians expect a lot from our embassy, due to the friendship between the two countries. The US Embassy and the USA will keep being sincere friends of all Albanians”.

When asked if the American policy for Albania has changed, Lu answered without diplomacy: “The US ambassadors change, but the US policy stays the same. I respect my predecessors. Arvizu, Withers and Rise. But I think that our relation is more mature, being NATO allies”.

Lu mentioned the Charlie Hebdo attack in Paris and underlined the joint fight against terror.

“One of the important areas for which we need to work together is anti-terror and fight against extremism. The attack against Charlie Hebdo in Paris was not only against innocent people, but also against democratic vaues. The USA are concerned about the foreign fighters that participate in Syria. The partnership with their countries when they return home must be reinforced. This way we can avoid such negative events”, Lu declared.

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