A clearer picture is needed on the proposal to destroy Syria’s chemical weapons in Albania, but Albanians’ knee-jerk reaction against the proposal might not be entirely fair or right
TIRANA TIMES EDITORIAL
Many Albanians are having a knee-jerk reaction against a proposal to have some or all of Syria’s chemical weapons stockpile destroyed in Albania. Such reaction is understandable, but it might not be entirely right or fair in this case. A clearer picture and more information is needed on the matter as to the benefits and responsibilities of Albania in such a process.
Of course the concerns are understandable. This is after all the country where Gerdec happened – due to lack of standards and driven by alleged corruption. This is also the country where the government, with much popular support, banned all waste imports, because it admitted it could not fully control what came in and was worried organized crime would use Albania as a dumping ground for highly-toxic materials.
The matter of the Syrian chemical weapons, however, is entirely different. This is an international effort with big bright spotlight on it. Albania is not being selected as a dumping ground. It is being selected as a place where technology has in the past and can in the future be used to safely destroy highly dangerous chemical weapons. Let’s be clear. Albania might just be the place where the destruction is done. The technology and experts are likely going to be imported from elsewhere – just as they were for the destruction of Albania’s own Communist-era chemical weapons.
There would be clear monetary gains from the operation and Albania would show itself as a global player in international affairs. And this type of operation is clearly not designed to happen just anywhere – Albania is being selected because of its geographical location and experience. It is in good company in the proposal. The other countries in the list are some of the world’s most developed: France and Belgium. The place where such destruction usually takes place – Norway – turned it down because it said it cannot do it in the time-frame required.
Plus, Albanians also need to be aware that with the benefits of being a NATO member also come responsibilities. This might just be one of those responsibilities. For those that are entirely opposed to such involvement in the future, it is something to keep in mind before blindingly applying without any conditions for membership in other international communities, including the European Union, which next year will likely start negotiations dealing with exactly what Albania’s responsibilities will be before it can join the club.
This newspaper is not coming out in favor or opposing the proposal that Albania help in safely destroying Syria’s chemical arsenal without knowing all the facts first. All we are getting so far is a disjointed picture from different international media and a few reserved quotes from officials and diplomats. But those in the international community behind the proposal need to make the facts known quickly to the Albanian domestic opinion and leave room for some discussion before those opposing the involvement of Albania start filling in the puzzle in themselves.
