PM Berisha: Balkans need still US and NATO presence

Prime Minister Sali Berisha met today the ambassador of the USA to Albania, H.E. Alexander A. Arvizu. Ambassador Arvizu positively assessed Albania role as a worthy and active member of the North Atlantic Alliance in the operations that the NATO has undertaken in Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere in fight against terrorism and for protection of peace and global stability. In this context, he acquainted PM Berisha with the new Strategy of Defense of the USA as presented few days ago by President Barack Obama. Ambassador Arvizu focused on the main directions of the strategy carrying a great commitment of the USA in Asia, the continuation of commitment via partnership in the Middle East and the fundamental importance that Europe and NATO has in the global strategy of the USA. PM Berisha thanked Ambassador Arvizu for the presentation of the new U.S. Defense Strategy and positively assessed its main directions. In this context, the prime minister appreciated as important for peace and stability in the world the greater focus of the strategy on Asia. While appreciating highly the U.S. and the NATO role in Europe in the solution of the conflicts in the South-East European region over the last two decades, the prime minister highlighted the importance of continuation of the USA and NATO presence in the region, as a condition for ensuring peace, stability and democratic development. The prime minister reiterated the maximum commitment of the government of Albania to fulfillment of its obligations in the framework of the NATO and side by side with its strategic ally, the USA wherever it is necessary. 09/01/2012