Berisha inaugurates Joint Maritime Operations Center

DURRES, May 17 – Prime Minister Sali Berisha took part Monday at the inauguration of the Joint Maritime Operations Center in Durres.
The center was created following a 2.4 billion lek investment.
Berisha said the center sets a model of high-tech and cooperation among several institutions while fulfilling the task of control over the Albanian sea space, a fundamental condition for the fight against criminality and trafficking, the consolidation of the rule of law, but also for the liberalization of the visa regime.
It has a very modern radar system which increases the capacities of the rescue-search operational opportunities.
The control of the coastline is important for prevention of trafficking and for the fight against organized crime, smuggling and trafficking.
Berisha said “we shall still keep in place the moratorium on the speed boats, which is already confirmed as the crime industry of the Mafia. The speed boats are not used as a hobby, but have been used for criminal trafficking.”
“We guarantee the government will make all the necessary investments so that it sets an example and the Adriatic is one of the safest, cleanest and calmest seas.”
He also added that Albania should cooperate with other countries like Montenegro, Slovenia, Croatia, Greece “so that our sea space becomes the safest in the region.”