Albania “impossible” to get involved in destruction of Syrian chemical weapons: PM

TIRANA – It is “impossible” for Albania to be involved in the operation to dismantle Syria’s chemical weapons, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said Friday evening.

The announcement was applauded by numerous Albanian citizens crowding the square in front of the prime minister’s office in Tirana for days to protest against possible destruction plans of Syria’s chemical weapons in Albania.

“You who brought me in this office, not to kill you from the window any more, continue to protest today under the window of my office,” Rama said, describing the protestors as the only clean swallow out of this story.

The U.S. embassy in Tirana released Friday a statement, saying “We respect the prime minister’s decision. The United States appreciates that the government of Albania gave serious consideration to supporting the international effort to eliminate Syria’s chemical warfare materials in a safe and secure manner.”

“The United States will continue to work with Allies and partners as well as the OPCW and the United Nations to ensure the elimination of Syria’s chemical weapons program,” said the statement.

“We remain confident that we will complete elimination of the program within the timeline agreed upon. The United States and Albania have a strong and enduring friendship. We continue to support the government and people of Albania as they work to build a more just and democratic society,”said the statement.

According to earlier reports, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) adopted Friday a detailed plan for the destruction of Syria’s chemical weapons program in the first half of 2014.