Minister of Interior Mr. Flamur Noka and U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Mr. Philip Reeker, visited today, on September 7th, 2012, the State Police elite unit “Delta Force” in Radhime, Vlore county. The two senior officials saw closely the efforts and the achievements of this unit in particular and the Border Police. The two senior officials praised the excellent results in the fight against trafficking and crime. During this visit in the logistics environments of this Unit, Minister Noka and Deputy Assistant Secretary Reeker were acquainted with the details of the work and activities of the unit and congratulated the heads and the effectives of the unit for the results achieved.
Minister Noka in his speech, among other things said:
“The Territorial Mobile Unit, Delta Force, created three years ago as a backup unit to support BMP, has become today the Albanian police elite unit. As an elite unit, the symbol of the modernization of the Albanian police, it has accomplished difficult missions, in land and sea, to apprehend criminal elements and drug traffickers, becoming an insurmountable barrier and a guarantor for the blue border. Let me go back not so many years back in time, not to make comparisons, but simply to remember and to not forget the fact that no later than 7 years ago, here where today is installed Delta Force, was operating the infamous industry of speedboats which trafficked people, weapons and drugs, and which shocked the civilized world. This deadly transport brought only disaster to Albanian families and tried to stain the dignity of the nation and the state.
Although it has been few years ago, now everything is just a bitter memory. Determined to make a reality the demand stemming from the soul of every Albanian, to be part of the big European family, our efforts, with the support of our natural and strategic allies, the USA and EU, are now a reality that speaks for itself. In the chain of the anti-criminal measures, as one of the main priorities of the Albanian Government, the moratorium of the boats was one of the most important decisions that the Government has taken, pointing above all the protection of the life of every citizen and the country’s image. The moratorium ended trafficking by sea and eventually removed Albania from the list of countries that allow any illegal traffic towards Western countries by sea. Time and numbers have proven the success of this decision.
Now Albanians move freely, without visas throughout the Schengen area and beyond, with the safest and most modern IDs. TIMS system, an efficient instrument, strongly supported by the United States Government, through ICITAP mission, has already been put into full efficiency. This system has enabled the border police in achieving maximum results in national and international wanted persons, stolen motor vehicles or false documents holders.
The iron will of the Albanian Government for fighting with zero tolerance against any form of crime, has removed Albania from the black list as a transit point for hard drugs, and to have positive achievement in seizing the assets of organized crime, trafficking of human beings, money laundering and in other sectors. The excellent cooperation at bilateral levels with the US and EU countries, but also with structures as Europol, Interpol, etc., have contributed significantly to the growth and the professional consolidation of all structures of the State Police.”
While, Assistant Secretary of State Mr. Reeker, speaking also on behalf of the Secretary of State Mrs. Klinton, among other things said:
“It is truly an honor for me to be here on behalf of the Secretary of State, Mrs. Hillary Clinton, Ambassador Arvizu, to congratulate you for everything you have done, particularly in these 100 years of Independence, in Vlore a city so important in the history of Albania. USA are very pleased to have a partner like Albania and we are very proud that we can call you ally. As an important member of NATO, you have made really important contributions in the framework of joint efforts, through the ISAF in Afghanistan. You have undertaken major reforms in the field of policing and have made great strides in the fight against crime. All this convinces us that Albania is able to make reforms and changes, needed to achieve the required standards in the EU. USA will be supporting you through ICITAP and other auxiliary programs. This requires work and efforts for political consensus to continue forward, and we believe that Albania is capable of this. Thank you for the hospitality and the wonderful organization of today and I wish you all the best.”
During the visit, the Minister of Interior Flamur Noka and Assistant Deputy Secretary of the State Department, Mr. Philip Reeker, were accompanied by the Director General of Police Burgaj, the US Deputy Ambassador in Tirana, Henry Jardine, Deputy Director General of Border and Migration, Pellumb Nako and high officials of State Police and the U.S. Embassy in Tirana.
129