TIRANA, Sep. 6 – Albania’s 10th army contingent was sent last week to Iraq to replace another Albanian unit.
Albania’s 120 army troops, based in the Iraqi city of Mosul, stay there in six-month rotations, being among the first countries to support the U.S.-led Iraqi Freedom operation.
Prime Minister Sali Berisha said these soldiers were Albania’s best diplomats to show the world that the tiny Balkan country was part of the international bloc fighting terrorism and helping with peacekeeping missions.
“You go to Iraq alongside our most valued ally and friend, the U.S. You will stay alongside the best sons and daughters of this nation who are in a secured mission in Iraq, a mission that is to be finalized with a free and democratic Iraq,” said Berisha.
Albania has also army peacekeeping units in Bosnia and Afghanistan.
Tirana hopes to receive an invitation for full NATO membership in Bucharest next year.
“We are determined to be present with you wherever the Northern Atlantic Alliance is, wherever the United States are. You fulfill a national mission. You have turned into a powerful factor in moving ahead the process of our country’s integration into NATO as the safest future of the Albanian nation,” said the premier.
