For Immediate Release

03/30/2008

NAAC gives condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in the munitions explodion in Gerdec, Tirane

National Albanian American Council
1133 20th Street NW, Suite 210
Washington DC, 20036
Tel: (202) 466-6900
Fax: (202) 466-5593
naac@naac.org
www.naac.org

The National Albanian American Council (NAAC) expresses it most heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in the munitions explosion on March 15, 2008, in Gerdec, Albania. NAAC wishes a full recovery to those wounded in this awful tragedy, and urges the relevant authorities to take all steps necessary in order to prevent such a disaster from ever happening again.

NAAC calls on the government of Albania to engage other governments and international institutions to provide as much assistance as possible. We strongly urge all Albanian politicians to demonstrate political tolerance and maturity by working together to help rebuild the lives of close to 10,000 of their citizens, as they will continue to be affected by this terrible tragedy for years to come. Repairing the destroyed homes and businesses will require cooperation and coordination from all political parties and government institutions, from both central and local authorities.

In the aftermath of the explosion, Albania’s Minister of Defense has resigned, individuals from the Albanian local companies contracted by the government have been arrested, and the Attorney General’s office has already launched an investigation. We implore the Attorney General’s office to do a thorough investigation, provide transparency of the proceedings, and to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law anyone found guilty.

Albania seems destined for NATO ascension later this week, where membership is based country’s being able to achieving certain military, political and legislative standards. The Albanian government must demonstrate that its legal framework is capable of performing at internationally agreed upon standards.

Repairing the infrastructure, distributing necessary items and paying just compensation for the damages caused are only the first steps in the long-term healing process. However, responding appropriately and responsibly to this crisis will give the Albanian people confidence that they can rely on their institutions to respond to disasters, natural or man-made, should be the ultimate goal. The Gerdec tragedy calls on each of us to contribute in thousands of small, meaningful ways, all of which matter.