Kodheli: “This year we will increase the level of participation in Resolute Support Mission, Afghanistan. We are in the process of exploring and sorting out the legal base to support the efforts of the anti-ISIL coalition on the ground. We are closely looking for involvement in the NATO maritime operation in the Aegean Sea, to assist in the migration crises. It's time now for NATO to open a new page of structured dialogue and partnership with Kosovo.
Defence Minister Mrs. Kodheli took part at the spring session of NATO Parliamentary Assembly, the proceedings of which is being held in our country.
During her presence at the Defence and Security Committee, minister Kodheli shared with the participants of the assembly, some of the most tangible issues for our Alliance, such as challenges and threats.
Speaking about NATO border security, minister Kodheli reiterated the position of our country by saying that Crimea’s annexation from Russia is illegal. She condemned Russia’s ongoing activity around the area of Ukraine, its threats and rhetoric against NATO.
In terms of Middle East situation, minister Kodheli stated that “Arab Spring” has turned into an “Arab Winter”. The devil found fertile terrain, appeared and grew up with extreme violence. The “so-called Islamic State”/DAESH and other terrorist groups, fed by the worldwide Foreign Fighters phenomenon, are a real threat not only to Middle East and North Africa, but to our societies, as well. Also, the tragic events in Ankara, Paris, Brussels and elsewhere are a clear message, to that end.” – She said.
Minister Kodheli stressed that regions can be easily influenced by the crisis and international turmoil, one of which according to her is our region. “Western Balkans is one of them, relatively far from Russia and the Middle East, but largely influenced by the money and ideology of Moscow and fundamentalism.” – said minister Kodheli, who extended her point of view about preventing this danger. “In times of such conflicts, other possible conflicts can be easily prevented by integration processes. Integration spreads stability and security, and provides a key incentive to aspiring countries to undertake democratic reforms.”
Minister Kodheli applauded the signature of the Accession Protocol by the NATO Foreign Minister’s and of Montenegro as well as she reiterated Alliance policy of “open doors”, by encouraging the efforts that all countries of the region are making to join NATO. Furthermore, she stated that “Its time now for NATO to open a new page of structured dialogue and partnership with Kosovo.”
Mrs. Kodheli pointed out the way should be addressed security challenges. According to her it’s very important to build a Common-Understanding and Standing Together in front of our adversaries and challengers.
Regarding Albania’s commitments at the Wales Summit, minister Kodheli pointed out the increase of defence budget.
“This year Albania stopped the 7-year decreasing trend on the defense expenditure. The 2016 defense budget has a 12% increase in real terms, compared to the 2015 and this is a signal that Albania stands to the decisions taken at Wales, regarding the Defense Investment Pledge.” – She declared, by following her speech referring on the contribution and engagements of our country in international missions. “This year we will increase the level of participation in Resolute Support Mission, Afghanistan, while in Kosovo we will maintain the current levels, in accordance with the NATO End State Deterrent Presence. When it comes to Readiness Action Plan implementation package, Albania is contributing to the enhanced NATO Response Force (Very High Readiness Joint Task Force) with an infantry company for the period 2016-2018. “We are in the process of exploring and sorting out the legal base to support the efforts of the anti-ISIL coalition on the ground and closely looking for involvement in the NATO maritime operation in the Aegean Sea, to assist in the migration crises. In EU context, since November 2015, we have sent an EOD team in Mali and contributing with staff officer in ALTHEA, Bosnia-Herzegovina.” – She said.
In the end, minister Kodheli expressed her concern regarding the phenomenon of so called “foreign fighters”, for whom she said that “they feed the terrorist organizations in the Middle East and North Africa.” She also briefed the lawmakers from parliaments of Alliance’s member countries, with the efforts of Albania in establishing a NATO Center of Excellence, in order to study this phenomenon. “After the discussions and coordination at bilateral and NATO level, we are now in the phase of accelerating our efforts to establish a NATO Foreign Fighters Center of Excellence in Albania against this phenomenon.” – said Mrs. Kodheli.
At the Defence and Security Committee of the assembly took the floor also the Chief of General Staff of Albania Armed Forces, Major General Jeronim Bazo.
Moreover, Defence Minister Mrs. Mimi Kodheli and Chief of General Staff of AAF Major General Jeronim Bazo followed the discussions and answered on the questions of NATO member countries parliamentarians participating in this assembly.
At the NATO Parliamentary Assembly which is holding her proceedings in Tirana, on 27 – 30 May, are participating around 260 delegates from 28 parliaments of NATO country members.
This assembly serves as a consultative inter-parliamentary organization for the North Atlantic Alliance (NATO).
