Threat of terrorism in Albania ‘no less and no more’ than in rest of Europe, PM says

Tirana Times
By Tirana Times November 27, 2015 11:41

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  • Security officials hold meetings to discuss strategies to fight potential attacks

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President Bujar Nishani brought together Albania's National Security Council, which includes the country's highest political, military and security officials. (Photo: President.al)

President Bujar Nishani brought together Albania's National Security Council, which includes the country's highest political, military and security officials. (Photo: President.al)

TIRANA, Nov. 25 – Albanian authorities have increased security across the country this week, as part of a wider international anti-terrorism alert, but the country's highest officials have said there is no specific threat and Albanians need not alter their daily plans.

“Albania is no less and no more threatened than the rest of Europe,” Prime Minister Edi Rama said in a press conference this week.

Interior Minister Saimir Tahiri said Albania is not immune to the terrorism threat, which is why the increased security measures are being taken, however life must go on at a normal pace.

Tahiri reported to the Parliamentary Committee on Safety and Security on the terrorism, part of a series of meetings on the matter, that included President Bujar Nishani bringing together Albania's National Security Council, which includes the country's highest political, military and security officials.

President Nishani “praised the measures taken by the government and the very serious commitments of the country's law enforcement agencies to coordinate concrete actions with partners in the fight against international terrorism,” the president's press office said in a statement.

Following the terrorist attacks in Paris, Albania immediately increased the level of security, giving street patrols heavier weapons and increasing vigilance in public areas, institutions and at border entry points.

"There's a risk analysis about all people who have been identified to have different tendencies. Control is necessary and intensive," said police head Haki Cako.

"Police have undertaken extra security measures against terrorist threats, following the latest events in Paris," he said.

Experts believe as many as 140 Albanian citizens could have gone to Syria to fight alongside groups there, including ISIS. About 40 individuals are known to have returned home and police watching these and others who are perceived to pose a threat.

A NATO member, Albania is among the countries that joined the international coalition in the war against terrorism in its early days.

Tirana has strongly denounced the terrorist acts and has said it is “deeply committed alongside its allies in the fight against terrorism.”

Albania has a long history of religious tolerance between its Muslim and Christian communities, and religious extremism is extremely rare among the 59 percent of the country’s population, which self-declared as Muslim in the 2011 census.

A few Albanians are, however, believed to be fighting in Syria, despite mainstream religious leaders’ calls for them to not join rebel groups.

Nine Albanian Muslims, including two preachers, are currently in jail and on trial for recruiting people to fight in Syria.

Authorities said they are working in cooperation with international partners to identify and thwart any potential attack.

“We also call on citizens to cooperate … and not hesitate to call with any concern or problem, assuring for a quick and timely response,” the police statement added.

Tirana Times
By Tirana Times November 27, 2015 11:41