TIRANA TIMES – TIRANA, April 9
Albania’s minister of Economy, Trade and Energy Dritan Prifti said this week that building a nuclear power plant in Albania is a long-term project because a lot of time is needed to make sure the country is ready.
“Do not think that the reality of a nuclear power plant in our country is close because we need time to prepare for the legislation and establishment of institutions necessary for this type of industry,” the minister said, adding that project could come only when the country is ready to guarantee the general security.
Following the idea pronounced from Prime Minister Sali Berisha during his previous four-year mandate, the government created the National Nuclear Agency in January. That is the proper institution to take care of a nuclear energy program.
There is an interest expressed from nearby Italy to build a nuclear power station abroad, in the neighboring countries, and Albania could be one of them. There have been media reports quoting Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi of a possible nuclear plant in Albania.
That seems a far-way project or idea but the opposition Socialists have also said that a referendum may be needed to decide on such major issues.
Berlusconi cannot build one in Italy after a referendum decided against it.
