Himarioton Lobby, a special interest in the State Department 

Continue the efforts of Himarioton Lobby of USA, for the territorial reform in Albania 

Himara - Lukovo and Provincial Autonomy, is in the right track



State Department Meeting 8.22.2014

A new chapter has begun in HSA's efforts on behalf of the Himarra community in both the United States and Albania, as it meets with Stephen Banks, Deputy Director, Office of South Central Europe, and Benjamin Rinaker, Albania Desk Officer, to discuss the recent Albanian territorial reform draft-law. Working with Andy Manatos of the public policy firm Manatos and Manatos, HSA was able to present to the Department of State a fresh perspective as to some of the underlying issues behind the Albanian government's drive for inclusion of Vranisht in a territorial alignment with Himarra and Lukovo.

The Himarrioton Society of America remains firm in its oppostion to the current draft-law map, and encourages the Albanian government to take progressive steps in line with international norms, including the European Charter of Local Autonomy, and return for vote a territorial map that respects the will of its citizens, including the the will of the citizens of Himarra. HSA supports Himarra and Lukovo as the only alignment which respects the rights of the local populace. The Department of State was receptive to the information provided, and additional discussions concerned Himarra's land and property issues.