The Program Manager from the US State Department Mr. Edmund D. Trimakas, visits Albanian Mine Action Programme.

The Program Manager from the United States Department of State Mr. Edmund D. Trimakas accompanied by the USA Second Secretary at the US Embassy in Tirana Mrs. Dena D. Brownlow, visited the Albanian Mine Action Programme on October 30 - November 01, 2006. The main objective of this visit was to assess the progress of the various projects funded by US State Department under the Mine Action Programme in accordance with the National Strategy and to discuss the planning for 2007. The US State Department has been one of the main donors of the Albanian Mine Action Programme since 1999.
The Americans conducted a field visit to the mine action operation area of Kukes where they met with government officials, visited the Kukes Regional Hospital, and observed a demining presentation. The US representatives expressed commitment to continuing their support to the Albanian Mine Action program until it has completed its goal of a 'mines-free Albania'.

Military Attaches from various Embassies in Albania participated in a field trip to the Mine Affected Region

	Millitary Attaches

Military Attaches from the embassies of England, Italy, Czech Republic, China, Romania, Bulgaria and Switzerland participated in a field trip organized by the Ministry of Defense and the Albanian Mine Action Executive (AMAE) on October 26-27, 2006. AMAP presentations in Clearance, Mine Risk Education and Victim Assistance were conducted at the DCA base in Korenica and in the field in the mine action operating area. Local representatives and Mine/UXO survivors were present during the presentations in the field.

The military attaches expressed their overall appreciation for the organization of the field trip and commented on their support provided in the past and confirmed their continued support for the future in order to help solve the mine problem in Albania by 2010.

	US Ambassador Ries with mine survivor Ardiana Mani

On July 24 2006, the US ambassador hosted the annual worldwide charity event, the Night of a Thousand Dinners at her residence. The objective of the event was to raise awareness about the Mine Action problem in Albania and to raise funds to assist in providing support to victims of mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO). The Albanian Mine Action Executive with UNDP support provided the content for the charity event. Speeches stressing future collaboration and support for the Mine Action programme in Albania were made by the US ambassador Marcie Ries, the Deputy Minister of Defense Petrit Carrabina, and a 12 year old mine survivor Miss. Ardiana Mani.

Albanian private sector pledging funds to support mine/ERW victims in Albania

This was the third Night of a Thousand Dinners (N1KD) to take place in Albania as the event has also been successful in the past raising more than $38,000 in both 2003 and 2005, which was used to assist mine survivors in receiving specialized medical assistance, returning to their studies, and developing home-based economies.

The Night of a Thousand Dinners 2006 has to date received $16,870. Many of the donations made come from the Albanian private sector. The money raised this year will be used for the support of the socio-economic reintegration of youth mine survivors in attending their studies or learning a new vocation, as well as the physical rehabilitation of selected mine survivors.