Tirana, Albania - When we decided to hold the National Peace Council meeting in our the meeting hall at our UPF headquarters, we did not expect that some 20 people would be standing, because of lack of seats.
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It was in November 2007 when the UPF was registered and elected members for a two-year term on the National Peace Council. Two years later, a meeting of the National Peace Council was announced for November 21, with three sessions followed by a lunch break and elections. We were surprised to see a full meeting hall at 9:50 AM. The atmosphere was filled with expectancy as Mrs. Lavdie Ruci opened the meeting. She was followed by H.E. Mr. Alfred Moisiu, the former president of Albania, who praised the growth of UPF and urged the participants to take action against the blood feuds which still plague Albanian society.
Then Mr. Robert Williamson, Regional UPF representative spoke. UPF-Albania presented special plaques of remembrances for two Ambassadors for Peace who passed away in 2009. The audience was moved as the relatives of those Ambassadors for Peace watched the video presentation and received the acknowledgment.
After the coffee break, Dr. Shezai Rokaj, outgoing UPF Chairman, presented the activities of UPF from 2007 to 2009. This was followed by Ambassador for Peace appointments for some distinguished people, including Kosovo MP Mr. Behgjet Pacolli and professor Arben Puto, a renowned historian in Albania.
After a delicious lunch we gathered again, this time in reduced numbers, to elect the new chairs and the new Presiding Council. The voting went smoothly, the new Chairman of Albanian UPF being Mr. Flamur Shehu, a well-known composer and member of the Ministry of Culture cabinet. Mr. Ali Lacej was elected chair of the UPF Presiding Council. Former President Moisiu stayed throughout the day, together with some key political and public figures.