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Albania: Tough Security Measures for Bush Visit

16 05 2007  Tirana_ The Albanian authorities are planning major security precautions for the June 10 visit of the President of the United States George W. Bush to Tirana. Once in place, the measures should turn the Albanian capital into a high-security zone, officials said Wednesday.

Albanian prime minister Sali Berisha has created a special working group for the event, headed by Deputy Premier Gazmend Oketa. The group will be mainly tasked with the coordination of the security agencies.

The security measures that are being put in place for the arrival of the US president include a complete shut down of traffic in the capital and rooftop snipers on every major building along the route of the Bush motorcade, police said in a statement.

Details of the Bush’s visit to Albania are being coordinated by the American Secret Service, which will be present in Tirana on June 10, continued the statement.

Most residents of apartment blocks close to places Bush is expected to visit will be prohibited from appearing on their balconies.

According to the police statement, all policemen and security officials in the country will be on duty and on high alert during the visit.

Albania has been one of the strongest allies of the US in the Balkans. And though Tirana has struggled to introduce democratic reforms, Washington has supported its NATO ambitions.

Last month, President Bush signed into law the Senate bill restating his country's support for Albania’s NATO accession.

Commenting on the visit of the US president at his cabinet meeting, Berisha said, “Albanians are proud and grateful for the continuous support and assistance from the government of the United States.”