»Unexploded ordnance (UXO) Hotspots Programme in Albania« Coordination Conference held in Tirana, Albania

On 25 April 2013 a Coordination Conference »Unexploded ordnance (UXO) Hotspots Programme in Albania« was held in organization of Embassy of Republic of Slovenia in Tirana and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Albania. The aim of conference was to highlight excellent achievements in the field of Mine Action such as declaration of Mine Free Status of Albania in 2009 and in the field of Conventional Weapons Destruction, where excellent results were achieved in Gerdec clearance. All those achievements were underlined in opening remarks of Ms. Edith Harxhi, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and in contribution of Mr. Ekrem Spahiu, Deputy Minister of Defense. Mr. Dorijan Maršič, ITF Director presented ITF achievements in last 13 years of its presence in Albania and pointed out, that ITF will remain committed to help Albania in Hotspots clearance and Victim Assistance. Director of Albanian Mines and Munitions Coordination Office (AMMCO) Mr. Arben Braha in details presented Hotspots problem in Albania and underlined the role of Albanian Army in Hotspots clearance in the future.

The Ambassadors and Embassy representatives from 11 countries, International and National organisations and entities were present at the Conference, which are interested in activities in the field of Conventional Weapons Destruction. Conference raised the awareness of donor community about the remaining unexploded ordnance hotspots problem in Albania.