Arvizu: Before Gerdec we offered 8.5 mln USD

04/10/2011 00:00

The US ambassador, Alexander Arvizu, declared that without the help of
the international community, the demilitarization projects in Albania
would be at high risk.

During his speech at the conference “Demilitarization of inherited Ammunition and Weapons Is a Contribution for Albania’s Safety”, Arvizu declared that USA has offered funds for destroying these weapons and will continue to help Albania.

“I will speak with simple words, open and honestly. I think that we feel tired or stressful sometimes, due to the lack of progress. But as regards the demilitarization, as you can see, we are able to achieve good results with the Albanian government, as international community. I would also like to remind that before the horrible tragedy of Gerdec, USA had given more than 8.5 million USD for destroying excessive ammunition. We have been continuing funding since then, and one week ago, I and the Minister Imami signed a new grant for cleaning polluted areas, not only in Gerdec, but all over Albania. It is important to know that without the help of the international community, these projects would be in danger. I would say that although the budget of the Albanian government is often in bad positions, the government is committed to progress with these projects”, Arvizu declared.

The Minister of Defense, Arben Imami, declared that they have destroyed 45.000 tons of ammunition up to now, and the same quantity will be destroyed until 2013.

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