Arvizu: Thanking Albanians

Tomorrow will start a series of activities for all age groups, starting from 11:00, at the pedestrian street “Murat Toptani”. US Ambassador Alexander Arvizu has followed the preparations for this celebration in the heart of the Albanian capital.

Arvizu was asked by Top-Channel what this celebration symbolizes with the street fair.

“This activity is organized for the 20th anniversary of the reopening of the US Embassy. The reestablishment of the diplomatic relations happened in March, for which we organized a ceremony. But the embassy reopened in October and started working again. We wanted to have a series of serious activities for this celebration. The street fair is the first activity, together with others, such as the symposium with current experts and those that were here 20 years ago. We will also have a VIP reception at the embassy, but the main activity will take place tomorrow, with the street fair. I want to say that I have seen the TV spot prepared by Top-Channel. It was realized very well and we are grateful for your help in promoting this activity”, Arvizu declared.

When asked about what made the US Embassy to jump out of the usual official format in these occasions, Arvizu gave this answer:

“This is a very good question. We thought about many things that we could do for this celebration. We thought to organize something open for the public. Initially we thought to organize it inside the embassy, but we could not open it, for security reasons. The other side of the embassy is small and narrow. I thought that it would be natural to organize it in this road, which I know very well and is full of people. I presented this idea to my staff, and they told me that I was asking too much, and asked me how could we make this possible. I told them that it is important to make something for thanking the people of Tirana and people all over Albania. Therefore, it should be very public. I want to thank my staff for organizing it, and the close cooperation with the Tirana Municipality, the Ministry of Culture and the Police. There will be many elements. The scene is being built, and there will perform the Top-Channel orchestra, in presence of many other TV stations. We are enthusiastic, because we wanted a popular celebration. When people think about America, the first thing that goes through their minds is what is different with us. And this is not formal. All we want is to create a real celebration ambience for the families, the children and adults too. There will be entertaining things, covering many areas. Part of the celebration will be posters with President Obama and the State Secretary Hillary Clinton. There will be a karaoke bar, a mini zoo with animals. It will be a wide celebration and I hope that the citizens will be part of it”, Arvizu declared.

For the Ambassador, this Sunday’s activity is not only for the 20th celebration of the reopening of the US Embassy in Tirana, but also for thanking the Albanian citizens.

“This celebration is also for thanking Tirana’s and Albania’s citizens, for allowing us to be part of the history in these 20 years. Many Albanians have shown that even in the darkest days, within familiar environments, they hoped for the day when America would return in Albania. This is our opportunity for saying thank you”, the US Ambassador added.

Top Channel