Albanian police increase security in Tirana ahead of Bush’s visit

TIRANA, May 31 – Albanian police said Thursday they had increased security measures in the capital, Tirana, after finding two explosives a day earlier, one close to the U.S. Embassy, just days before the U.S. president is due to visit.
A plastic bag with explosives was found in a courtyard at a university building, about 100 meters (yards) from the U.S. Embassy The bag was exploded by police, while half an hour later, a package containing 30 grams (1 ounce) of explosives was found at Mother Teresa Square, near the office of President Alfred Moisiu.
Police have created a special investigative group to follow-up, according to a statement.
Two weeks ago, an explosion at a coffee bar near the U.S. Embassy in Tirana injured a waitress, though the case, according to police, was not linked to the embassy.
Tirana police, in collaboration with specialized departments of the Interior Ministry and other institutions, “have planned and are following with priority a set of measures and duties of specific character to prevent such events and increase public security,” said the statement.
Such steps also included increasing police presence in public places, especially near schools and markets, public institutions and embassies. They also involved security in such national or international events such as Saturday’s soccer qualifying match with Luxembourg, and increased efficiency in cooperation with the secret police.
Albanian and U.S. intelligence services are collaborating closely ahead of the visit of U.S. President George W. Bush June 10.
On Thursday, a parliamentary commission approved the presence of U.S. military forces and their use of force if required in an emergency during Bush’s visit.