Friday, April 29, 2016

The Latest: Albania Stages Exercise to Prepare for Migrants


By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS BERLIN — Apr 29, 201
The Latest on Europe's response to migrants (all times local):



Albania's Defense Ministry says the navy and law enforcement authorities have held joint sea military exercises in preparation of a possible influx of refugees.

A statement Friday said some navy ships held the codenamed "Vlora Sarex 16" exercises at Vlora Bay, 145 kilometers (90 miles) south of the capital, Tirana, simulating "prevention of human trafficking and stopping traffickers ... and also a search-and-rescue operation."

Albania, a NATO member since 2009, borders Greece, where tens of thousands of migrants have been stranded after the closure of the Balkan corridor, and Macedonia.

Though it hasn't been a transit route so far, Albania is cooperating with the European agencies to prepare for a possible flow of migrants.

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