TIRANA, June 13 – The President of Albania, Ilir Meta greeted the celebrations of the 110th anniversary of the founding of the Pan-Albanian Federation “VATRA” (hearth), organized in New York.
Warmly received by the President of “VATRA”, Elmi Berisha and hundreds of compatriots, the Mayor of Pristina, Përparim Rama, Mark Gjonaj – former councilor in New York City, Richie Torres – representative of Albanian affairs in the US Congress, professor of “Columbia University” David Philips, the leaders of all Albanian religious communities in America, as well as many other personalities, the Head of State greeted as the guest of honor hundreds of members of the federation belonging to the old and new Albanian Diaspora in the US.
“The ‘VATRA’ is firmly rooted in the historical state-building memory of Albanians. The Federation would become the emblem of every patriot who aspired for a free and independent Albania,” Meta said, adding that the organization immediately became a promoter of the national movement and the declaration of Albania’s independence.
“The two giants of ‘VATRA’, Fan Noli and Faik Konica, as well as many other figures of our nation, have left an indelible mark on our historical memory through their patriotic, national, diplomatic, and journalistic activity,” said the president.
According to him, “VATRA” was the hearth of Albanians where the fate of the nation and the democratization of Albania were discussed even during the communist dictatorship in Albania.
“When Kosovo was in danger of extinction, you were the first to raise your voice to raise the awareness of the US administration regarding the danger that was threatening Albanians,” said Meta. /Argumentum.al
