Friday, November 07, 2008

Friday, 7 November 2008- The Albanian School of Political Studies organized the diploma ceremony for the year 2008. The ceremony was attended by the President of the Republic, H.E. Mr. Bamir Topi, the Ambassador of the EC Delegation in Albania H.E. Mr Helmuth Lohan, representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Tirana, senior government officials and representatives of political parties, media and the civil society.   In his opening word the ASPS Director, Mr Olsi Dekovi welcomed the participants and focused on the important role the School has started to play in educating a new generation of political and civic leaders, committed to the values of democracy, human rights and rule of law, by fostering a new culture of open dialogue and participation.   The President of the Republic, H. E. Mr Bamir Topi said he had noted with great pleasure the continuous progress of the School, from his personal contacts with the school laureates during this year, and emphasized the fact that the School laureates are not simple political leaders, first and foremost they are “political missionaries” in all fields of social life. He stated that it is a state’s obligation not only to encourage the School, but also to integrate these qualified leaders, as our society needs standards.   The Coordinator of the School of Political Studies’ program in the Council of Europe, Mr Francois Friedrich, concentrated on the mission of the Schools of Political Studies, including the ASPS, to achieve a greater unity across Europe by promoting together the European values of democracy, human rights and rule of law.   In his address to the School Laureates, the Head of the EC Delegation in Trana, H. E. Mr Helmuth Lohan called them “special laureates” because of “special expectations” on them and, including among others their contribution in the country’s road towards European Integration.   The ceremony followed with the diploma awards and closed with a small banquet in the premises of Hotel Tirana International.