Statement by U.S. Senator Richard G. Lugar (August 25, 2006)

Introduction by Ambassador Marcie B. Ries

It is my great pleasure this morning to introduce to you Senator Lugar. The senator has been in Albania before, about two years ago, for a special purpose, which I think he will explain to you. But what I would like to say about him is that he is one of the most experienced politicians and leaders in the United States of America, both as a local official – a mayor at his capital city, Indianapolis for eight years- and now as the highly respected chairman of the Senate’s Foreign Relations Committee. I have the special honor of introducing him before you today.

Statement by Senator Richard G. Lugar

I would like to say, to begin with, that I welcome the high priority that the Albanian government and more importantly the Albanian people place on NATO integration. I noticed once again very strong public support for meeting the accession requirements for NATO. The 2006 Riga Summit will be focused on transforming NATO to confront new challenges. Those challenges will include terrorism, unstable states and weapons proliferation. At the 2008 summit, it is our hope that the Alliance will consider new countries and we are hopeful that Albania will be among those that will be extended an invitation. The two processes of transformation, of NATO, and enlargement are complementary.

We appreciate especially Albania’s willingness to participate in deployments in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Bosnia. Albanian forces have contributed to our common goals of counterterrorism and regional stability. Furthermore I understand that Albania is working toward having a NATO-deployable unit, the Rapid Reaction Brigade. That is an especially good idea for having a special niche function, which would benefit NATO. We commend Albania’s constructive role and moderate voice in this region. We especially appreciate the support of efforts of the international community in Kosovo and in rejecting extremism.

NATO is not just a military organization. The North Atlantic Council is also a forum for Euro-Atlantic community discussion of political and security needs. And the United States strongly supports Albania’s aspirations to meet the standards required for membership. We want to work with Albania for success. Let me simply say that we also appreciate the remarkable success in combating weapons of mass destruction. We appreciate the opportunity to work with Albania on the Millennium Challenge. We are encouraged by the successful fight against corruption and [the efforts] for more jobs and more wealth for the Albanian people.

And we are especially proud of our Ambassador. Ambassador Ries is an important person in this community in bringing the United States views and in listening to the views of all Albanians.