Albanian American Civic League
The Albanian American Civic League (AACL, Albanian: Lidhja Qytetare Shqiptaro-Amerikane)[2] is the only Albanian American lobby group in Washington, D.C., representing the concerns and interests of the Albanian people in the United States and the Balkans. The Civic League was founded by former Congressman Joseph DioGuardi and a board of Albanian Americans in 1989. Since then, it has actively and effectively lobbied the United States Congress in an effort to influence U.S. foreign policy in the Balkans, including for the independence of Kosovo.[3]
| Formation | January 1989 |
|---|---|
| Type | Non-governmental organization |
| Headquarters | Ossining, New York[1] |
Official language | English, Albanian |
President | Joseph J. DioGuardi |
| Website | www |
History
The Albanian American Civic League was founded in January 1989 by former Albanian American Congressman Joseph J. DioGuardi and a handful of Albanian American businessmen who sought to influence the policies of the United States State Department with regard to the Balkans, particularly Kosovo. Over the years, the organization has raised millions of dollars to help promote its causes.[4] The AACL lobbied prominent U.S. senators such as Claiborne Pell, Al D'Amato, Carl Levin, William Broomfield, Larry Pressler and most notably Eliot Engel for its cause.[5]
Notes
- Ron Scherer (31 March 1999). "Pulling political and purse strings: US Albanians find themselves in un-familiar arena of rallies and TV". The Christian Science Monitor. Retrieved 26 March 2013.
- Elsie 2010, p. 6.
- "Albanian American Civic League". AACL. Retrieved 25 March 2013.
- Hockenos 2003, p. 203.
- Hockenos 2003, p. 217.
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References
- Elsie, Robert (2010). Historical Dictionary of Albania. Scarecrow Press, Inc. ISBN 9780810873803. Retrieved 8 June 2013.
- Hockenos, Paul (2003). Homeland Calling: Exile Patriotism & the Balkan Wars. Cornell University Press. ISBN 0801441587. Retrieved 25 March 2013.