Thursday, September 2, 2010

Albania getting 3 coast guard patrol boats from the US

TIRANA, Albania - Albania says the United States has given it three coast guard patrol boats to help in its fight against terrorism, organized crime and illegal trafficking.

Albania's defence ministry says the first three vessels have already been handed over, while two more will arrive next year. The ministry statement Thursday said the US Coast Guard has trained Albanian crews to use the craft, which are worth a total €4.13 million ($5.3 million).

Former Communist Albania joined NATO last year, and the U.S. has been a main backer of efforts to reform the small Balkan country's military.

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