U.S. Treasury Dept. official discusses anti-terror measures with Albania

TIRANA, June 15 – Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism Financing, Patrick O’Brien, visited Tirana on Friday to meet with Albanian officials and discuss the fight against terrorism within Albania.
O’Brien, who is on a regional tour in southeastern Europe, met with Albanian Foreign Minsiter Lulzim Basha, who reviewed those government’s reforms which have a direct impact in the fight against organized crime, corruption and terrorism, including financial concerns, according to a statement.
O’Brien thanked Albanian authorities for the concrete steps taken in the fight against global terrorism.
Albanian authorities have opened investigations into certain Islamic suspects who might be involved in terrorist activities in the country.
Albania has seized assets, blocked the bank accounts, investments and other assets of Arab citizens living and working in Albania as well as some Islamic civic organizations accused by the United Nations of funding terrorist activities.
The government has also passed laws allowing it to seize assets believed to be linked to financing terror.
Tirana has also tried to duplicate legislation similar to anti-terror laws in other European countries.
O’Brien offered the assistance of his department in strengthening Albanian border management and also in checking the transparency of the work of non-governmental organizations.