U.S. and Albania Commemorate Cooperative Effort to Destroy Munitions (December 12, 2007)

U.S. Ambassador John L. Withers and Ambassador Donald Mahley, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Threat Reduction, Export Controls, and Negotiations, who oversees the Bureau of International Security and Non-Proliferation (ISN) participated today in a Ministry of Defense ceremony commemorating the successful destruction of Albania’s stockpile of surplus munitions. Ambassador Withers congratulated the Albanian Armed Forces for the successful project completion resulting in a safer Albania. 

The destruction of these weapons eliminated a potential source of materiel that could be used by terrorists or illegally sold to state sponsors of terror and other states of concern.  As the majority of these weapons were stored in a dozen sites throughout Albania, most of which were in close proximity to homes and schools, they also posed a serious threat to public safety.

This project succeeded in destroying nearly 40,000 munitions, including fuses, detonators, sea mines, air bombs, and torpedo bodies, for a total exceeding 2,700+ metric tons. This endeavor was completed safely and efficiently.

Safety was a primary consideration throughout the destruction activity.  Albanian Armed Forces (AAF) Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams eliminated munitions on ranges and military installations approved by the Ministry of Defense.  The U.S. financed training of Albanian EOD teams.  Munitions were destroyed using approved Ministry of Defense procedures on designated military installations.  The U.S. and Albania worked closely together to ensure that the destruction occurred in an ecologically responsible manner.

The Ministry of Defense and Albanian Armed Forces did most of the work in eliminating these munitions.  It is noteworthy that many retired former AAF military personnel participated in this project.
 
This project was implemented by the Nonproliferation and Disarmament Fund (http:www.state.gov/t/isn/ndf), a fund available to the U.S. Department of State to address unanticipated nonproliferation and disarmament opportunities and emergencies.