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The Rector of SEE University, Prof. Dr. Zamir Dika, opened the conference with his remarks. Other executives of the University also spoke, notably Prof. Dr. Dennis Farrington, President of the University Board, and the Pro-Rector for Research and International Relations, Prof. Dr. Blerim Reka.
“The nations that characterize today’s Balkans, deserve to know what happened during this century, in what we might call "The Balkan Century!,” said the Rector.
“This was the first international conference that internationally recognized collectively the first Albanian state, but on the other hand this recognition of the Albanian state was of a very high price, or indeed too expensive. This state was recognized, nationally mutilated and territorially divided" said the Pro-Rector for Research and International Relations.
On the role of the U.K. in bringing peace to the Balkans, the U.K.'s Ambassador to Macedonia, His Excellency Christopher Yvon, pointed out that even a full century ago the United Kingdom was deeply interested in stability in the Balkans. Today as well, he observed, the U.K. remains the biggest supporter of security and prosperity of the region.
This conference analyzed the consequences of the London Conference in the Balkans, as well as reforms in their definitions of geopolitics.
“In the Balkans people still live with the consequences of the London Conference and the majority of these consequences have been negative, with the fact that the Albanian issue remained unresolved due to the lack of diplomatic support from the great powers," said Prof. Bernd J. Fischer, a professor from Indiana University.
Attending the conference were ambassadors, scholars and eminent professors from different countries of the world, like: Bernd J.Fischer from Indiana University (USA); James Pettifer (UK) Professor at Oxford University History Faculty; Albanian Former MFA Paskal Milo; Charles Ingrao (USA), Professor at Purdue University; Miranda Vickers, British writer and analyst of Albanian affairs; and Robert Wilton, Head of OSCE Mission in Albania.