Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti has praised the contributions of Joe DioGuardi and his wife, Shirley, to the Kosovo cause in American politics.
“Every Albanian-American, regardless of political views or affiliations, acknowledges that Joe DioGuardi played a central role in giving Albanians a voice in American politics during a decisive time for Kosovo. He was the person who opened the doors of American politics to Albanians, when few were willing to hear about our suffering in the former Yugoslavia,” Kurti wrote.
Kurti emphasized that, alongside Joe DioGuardi, his wife Shirley played a special role, always supporting him in efforts for the Kosovo cause.
“While he stood by the truth and our people, his wife Shirley stood by his side. Together, they lobbied President Clinton to stop the genocide in Kosovo, ensuring that Bosnia’s tragedy would not repeat; they defended the KLA as a liberation army with a just cause; they convinced the Bush administration that Kosovo’s independence should not be delayed, which became a reality in 2008; and to this day, they have tirelessly worked in Washington, D.C., to ensure accountability is placed where it belongs, on those who undermine peace and security,” the acting Prime Minister added.
