Notes

Outline

KOSOVO CONFLICT Blace Refugee Camp in Kacanik (Kosovo- Macedonia Border) May 27, 1999  A speech by Krista Armanzi, UNHCR

“I do not know the method of drawing up an indictment against a whole people.” -Edmund Burke, 1775 How will all of the Serbs who have mistreated you be punished?  Are you still safe in Kosovo or will the Serbs continue to threaten you?

The UNHCR is here to aid all of the ethnic Albanian refugees who are being persecuted because they are Muslim.  There is a better life out there for you, and we in the UNHCR believe your best chance to live without fear of discrimination is in Albania.

Recently, I heard the sad news from his wife, who has now moved back to Albania, that this man was forced to watch his 16 year-old daughter, Besmira Teuta, brutally raped by a young Serb.  Then, he was used as a human shield in an attack by the Albanian rebels.

You should all be proud that you are Muslim and follow Allah.  In Albania, 70% of the population  (about 2,310,000 Albanians) is Muslim.  You do not have to be afraid of being victimized due to your religion because a large majority of Albania has the same convictions as you.  Albania can be used as your safe haven. You do not have to be afraid of being victimized due to your religion because a large majority of Albania has the same convictions as you.  Albania can be used as your safe haven.

The future, despite the past poor industrial output, does hold definite promise.  The stability of the country relies on the concreteness of its economy… Albania’s growth last year was the largest in Eastern Europe.

You will not be alone as you move to Albania.  The UNHCR is here to help and will support you the whole way.  Our annual budget is now up to more than  $1 billion dollars.

There are many more funds being invested into the success of Albania.  Soon, Albania will be a thriving country. For instance, money is being spent for expanding schools, building health centers, and improving water supply.  This increased funding should help Albanians and you, future Albanian citizens, have a better life.

The United Nations High Commissioner of Refugees is anxious to reposition healthy, ambitious refugees to Albania... If you are willing to work hard to ensure a successful future for yourself, apply to the UNHCR to be moved to Albania as soon as it is safe.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is working as hard as possible along with the World Bank.  We are exhausting all available funds.  The United Nations role in this situation was slow to start, but now is moving rapidly and effectively to fix this predicament.  I plead that you will request a placement to Albania.  I can assure you that you will be safe and successful.

Suggested Discussion Topics & Questions Is Is Albania a good place for a Kosovar refugee to relocate? Will Kosovo remain an Albanian ethnic area or will most Albanians want to leave? Why has religion become a basis of discrimination in Kosovo? Does religious difference always lead to discrimination and hostility?

Slide 12