Friday, October 02, 2009

ASPS organised the diploma-awards ceremony for the year 2009, in the premises of Hotel "Tirana International".
The ceremony was attended by Mr. Bamir Topi, President of the Republic, Mr Helmuth Lohan, Ambassador, Head of the EC Delegation to Albania, Mr François Friederich, General Coordinator of the Schools of Politics’ Programme of the Council of Europe, representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Tirana, senior State officials and representatives of political parties, media and civil society.
The Albanian School of Political Studies was established in March 2007, under the auspices of the Council of Europe, with the support of the European Commission. The mission of the School is to foster a modern political culture based on the shared values of pluralism, tolerance and open dialogue, thus encouraging the emergence of a community of young political and civic leaders, dedicated to implement a contemporary democratic model of government.
The ASPS aims to be of the most elite level. It is attended by young politicians and members of parliament, officials of central and local institutions, elected individuals of city councils, communes, and representatives from the judiciary, business, media and non-profit organizations.
The School consists of a series of annual lectures, conferences and seminars on the topics of democracy, human rights, rule of law, globalisation and European Integration etc. The annual program comprises national activities as well as a closing Summer University of Democracy hosted by the Council of Europe, in Strasbourg. 30 participants of the course 2009 were graduated at the diploma ceremony.