Upgraded Greek-Albanian police pact

TIRANA, March 14 – Albania and Greece signed an upgraded law enforcement cooperation protocol last week during the visit here by Greek Citizen’s Protection Minister Mihalis Chryssohoidis in Tirana.
The agreement anticipates the creation of a database for joint use by the two sides, as well as increased exchange of information, organizing of joint police operations, cross-border cooperation in combating organized crime and the implementation of educational programmes.
Albanian Interior Minister Lulzim Basha, speaking during joint press conference, also thanked the Greek minister for Athens’ support for Tirana’s request to allow Albanian citizens visa-free travel to Schengen Pact countries.
Chryssohoidis expressed satisfaction over the level of cooperation between the two neighbors in the security sector.
Chryssohoidis was also received by Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha, followed by talks with Archbishop of Albania Anastasios and representatives of the ethnic Greek community in the country.
Prime Minister Sali Berisha positively assessed the protocol of cooperation as another rather important step for strengthening of cooperation in the field of public order and security, but even in the consolidation of the rather good relations that exist between the two governments and countries in all the fields.
Berisha reiterated Albania’s willingness to sign every agreement and effectively fight crime to the benefit of strengthening security and keeping the public order as well as the life and wealth of the citizens of the two countries.
Berisha also thanked the Greek minister for the constant support Greece is providing to Albania in the integration into EU and especially for lifting of the visa regime for the Albanian citizens.
As a response to these very strong ties between two police forces, Albania’s top policeman Hysni Burgaj announced a day later how their authorities had noted a speed boat coming from the Greek island of Corfu to pick up a load of cannabis sativa in the Albania beach.