Bin Laden, Arvizu: Significant Achievement

02/05/2011 20:05

US ambassador in Tirana, Alexander Arvizu, gave an interview for Top
Channel, commenting the most important news of the moment for the entire world, the
death of Osama Bin Laden.

The American diplomat declared that this event is the most significant achievement to date in the war against Al Qaeda.

Top Channel: The death of Osama Bin Laden, the most wanted man in the world, seems that will open a new page all over the world regarding security, and ends an era of fear that has lasted at least from 10 years. Do you think that the world today is safer? Do you think that the death of Osama Bin Laden, a single person, whoever he might be, will cause fewer terrorist acts in the world?

Arvizu: The death of Osama Bin Laden is the most significant achievement to date in the effort to dismantle and to ultimately destroy the Al Qaeda network. In that sense I can say that Justice has certainly been done. I should underscore that the United States is not and will never be at war with Islam. It’s not what this is about. Bin Laden and Al Qaeda are mass murderers of Muslims. There are countless victims all over the world. For anyone who believes in peace and security, and in human dignity, today’s development is a very significant achievement.

TCH: After the death of Osama Bin Laden, security level of US embassies all over the world has increased. What does this mean and why has it happened.

Arvizu: All I can say is that we are always vigilant about security, and today, as everyday, we take all necessary precautions. I would say that cooperation with the Albanian security authorities has been and continues to be excellent.

TCH: How will the death of Osama Bin Laden affect the conflict sources in the Middle East, more concretely in Afghanistan, a country in the midst of harsh battles between the governmental forces, the allies, NATO and the Talebans.

Arvizu: I think it is important to remember that we have seen a lot of popular movements in different parts of the Arab world, and a lot of these movements, the thoughts that they represent, are centered on human dignity, individual rights and these are the things that Bin Laden and Al Qaeda are directly opposed to. These movements should take courage by today’s development, and I would want to underline that the Al Qaeda movement is in opposition to what is happening in this part of the world today.

TCH: USA has been after Obama Bin Laben for more than 14 years. Do you think that this long manhunt has turned him into a greater factor than he really was?

Arvizu: The important thing is that what happened today is the most single significant achievement in the ongoing effort to first dismantle, to disrupt and then dismantle and destroy the threats caused by the Al Qaeda network. This is an ongoing effort and we should be under no illusions, because we will have a lot of difficult moments ahead. But in that context, I would like to express my appreciation to all people in Albania, because we have received many messages today, privately as well as via our FB page, expressions of support, expressions of solidarity, which I appreciate very much.

The Prime Minister, the President and the Foreign Minister have officially communicated with us. I have received telephone calls from Mr. Rama, the Parliament Speaker, all to express their support and solidarity as well. And these are very much appreciated messages by the USA.

Top Channel