Tirana ATA: More Albanian soldiers to Herat

Defense Minister Says Albania Ready To Send Military Experts to Afghanistan

Tirana, 26 October (ATA) — The Minister of Defense, Fatmir Mediu, confirmed Albania’s willingness to send military experts to Afghanistan, who will assist to enhance professionalism of the Afghan Army and Police. This is the current NATO’s and ISAF priority regarding Afghanistan.

The Press Office in the Ministry of Defense reported on Friday (26 October) that on October 24, Minister Mediu attended the meeting of defense ministers of the NATO and partner nations, that take part in ISAF mission in Afghanistan, held in Noordvijk of Holland.

Mr.Mediu stressed that “Albania will stand in Afghanistan up to completion of ISAF mission. This is a serious and constant commitment to build a democracy through peace and stability.”

He acquainted the participants with the reforms the Albanian government has implemented in the threshold of NATO summit in the coming spring in Bucharest, where our country is expected to get membership invitation in the North Atlantic Alliance.

“In Riga summit, the NATO Secretary General demanded additional contributions by the participating nations in ISAF mission in Afghanistan. Albania responded immediately to this appeal, through sending additional companies under Italian command in Herat,” said Mr.Mediu, while he announced that “actually, Albania is present in Afghanistan with three important contributions, one squad under Turkish command in Kabul, a company in Herat and the joint medical team in the framework of the Adriatic Charter under Czech command.”
[Description of Source: Tirana ATA in English -- government press agency. OSC EUP20071026005009 Tirana ATA in English 1231 GMT 26 Oct 07]