Education and Training Center/International

Negotiation and Diplomatic Skills Training, OSCE Presence in Albania

November 8-10, 2004

Ted Feifer of the Professional Training program led USIP´s first negotiations and diplomatic skills training workshop for the OSCE Presence in Albania in Tirana, November 8-10, 2004. The Presence´s mandate is focused on internal issues, such as democratization, media, human rights, elections and collection of weapons. It also continues a Kosovo border monitoring role taken on in 1997, and its Kukes Field Station works with UNMIK Police and KFOR. Mission training needs therefore included improving staff effectiveness in working with Albanian authorities, civilian and military, at all levels; and working with international and local non-governmental organizations.

There were 21 participants in this workshop, 14 Albanian national and 7 international members of the OSCE Presence. They came from all parts of the mission, including the five field stations.

Workshop objectives were to improve participants´ use of analysis and planning; strengthen their skills as communicators, negotiators and third parties; and share experiences and lessons learned in the prevention, management and resolution of conflict. Focus was placed on understanding positions and interests in negotiations, and defining priorities and goals as part of an effective problem-solving approach.

Participants were enthusiastic, and praised the practical utility of what they learned.