VOA Albanian Service Marks 70th Anniversary

07 maj, 2013

VOA's Albanian Service

VOA's Director David Ensor and DAS for European and Eurasia Affairs Philip Reeker

DAS for European and Eurasia Affairs Philip Reeker and former Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, Senator Dennis DeConcini

VOA's Eurasia Division Director Elez Biberaj, DAS for European and Eurasia Affairs Philip Reeker and former Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, Senator Dennis DeConcini

Former Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, Senator Dennis DeConcini meets delegation from Kosova

Former U.S. Ambassador in Tirana William Ryerson and New York Congressman Eliot Engel (D)

Former U.S. Ambassador in Tirana William Ryerson, Albanian ambassador in the U.S. and Eurasia Division Director Elez Biberaj

Former U.S. Senator Dennis DeConcini (right)

Former VOA's Europe Division Director Frank Shkreli (left) and former Service members Gjon Kadeli and Idriz Lamaj at the ceremony

IBB Director Dick Lobo, VOA's Eurasia Division Director Elez Biberaj, VOA's Director David Ensor, DAS Philip Reeker, former senator Dennis DeConicini and former US Ambassador in Tirana William Ryerson (left to right)

IBB Director Dick Lobo, and Deputy IBB Director Jeff Trimble

VOA's Eurasia Division Director Elez Biberaj speaking at the ceremony

VOA's Director David Ensor speaking at the ceremony

IBB Director DIck Lobo presents VOA Albanian Service Chief Arben Xhixho with the BBG's Certificate of Recognition

IBB Director DIck Lobo present VOA Albanian Service Chief Arben Xhixho with the BBG's Certificate of Recognition

New York Congressman Eliot Engel speaking at the ceremony

DAS for Europe and Eurasia, Philip Reeker says VOA'S Albanian Service has been vital news source to Albanians in the region

Albanian Nobel prize laureat Dr. Ferid Murad speaking at the ceremony

Former U.S. Senator Dennis DeConcini (D-Arizona) said the Voice of America remains critical, to report the news and “relate to the people of the region, that Americans care.”

In a lighthearted moment, former U.S. Ambassador to Albania William Ryerson recounted preparations for then U.S. Secretary of State James Baker’s 1991 visit to Albania after the two countries established diplomatic ties.

Zamira Edwards, VOA's Albanian Service member speaking at the ceremony

Ali Ahmeti, a political leader of Albanians in Macedonia speaking at the ceremony

Frank Shkreli, speaking at the ceremony honoring 70th Anniversary of VOA Albanian broadcasts

Envoys of Albanian president presented a presidential award to VOA

Envoys of Albanian president presented an individual award to former Albanian Service broadcaster Elez Biberaj, who is now Director of the VOA's Eurasia Division

Former and current members of the Voice of America’s Albanian Service