U.S. troops to operate during Bush’s visit

TIRANA, May 30 – The Albanian parliament on Wednesday decided to allow U.S. troops to operate within the country during U.S. President George W. Bush’s visit next month.
In a government meeting it was decided that U.S. military troops were free to operate in Albania to assist in providing security, including using force, in case of threat on the president’s life during his June 10 visit. The issue of U.S. military troops using force was contested by an opposition lawmaker.
Bush’s visit is considered historic in Albania, as he becomes the first sitting U.S. president to visit.
The parliament’s legal commission decided unanimously on allowing the U.S. troops’ to operate in the country. But Bashkim Fino of the opposition Socialists abstained on article 3 of the decision, which allowed the use of force by the U.S. military troops in case of an emergency.
Defense Ministry officials said that the U.S. military could act in cases such as the Sept. 11 attack, where Bush’s life could be directly threatened.
But Fino said he could not understand that article, as it was discriminating not only for the defense ministry but also for normal citizens at a time when the country remains calm.
During President Bush’s June European tour, which culminates with his participation in the G8 summit in Germany, he also will visit Italy, the Czech Republic, Poland and Bulgaria.
During his one-day stop in Albania, Bush is expected to meet with President Alfred Moisiu and Prime Minister Sali Berisha. He is also to meet other Albanian politicians.
The U.S. President will hold a summit with top leaders from Albania, Croatia and Macedonia, the three western Balkan countries that have joined in the Adriatic 3 Charter, supported by Washington, in an effort to speed up their integration as full NATO members, possibly next year. It is also said, though not officially confirmed, that Kosova leaders will be invited to come to Tirana to meet with Bush during the month when the United Nations Security Council will likely debate the province’s possible independence.