Publication of the book "Mille et une Mine" into Albanian Language

Director of Popular Bank, French Ambassador and AMAE Director.

On 26 November 2007 her Excellency Françoise Bourolleau hosted at the premises of the French Embassy a reception on the occasion of the publication into Albanian Language of the book "Mille et Une Mine". In the activity were present representatives from the main Ministries in Albania, from Embassies and Media.
In the greeting words her Excellency avails her appreciation to the "Ecole Supérieure et d' Application du Génio" which formulated the French version of the book and extended her appreciation as well to the "Societe Generale Group - Banka Popullore" and to the Embassy of France in Tirana which made possible the publication of the book into Albanian Language. In her words the Ambassador stressed that this book is as well part of the journey conducted two years ago in the mine affected villages in North-East Albania and evidences that this book is dedicated to the children, whom are the most vulnerable part of the society, but as well to raise awareness against the threat of the anti-personnel mines and Explosives Remnants of War (ERW).
Her Excellency in her words added also that this book will play an important role in the reduction of this eminent threat as the demining operations hasn't yet come to an end.
The participants were greeted as well from the AMAE Director, whom expressed his consideration about the importance of this book. He used this occasion as well to thank you the French Embassy about their support towards our Programme for a Mine Free Albania and in particular to the Victim Assistance Component.
The book was printed in 2000 copies, which in cooperation with AMAE is going to be distributed to the schools in North-East Albania.

During 17-23 November 2007 was held at the shores of the Dead Sea in Jordan the 8th Meeting of the State Parties to the Ottawa Treaty. The 8MSP has converged for the first time the entire international community in the Middle East to discuss the humanitarian problems caused by the anti-personnel mines.
The aim of the meeting was to monitor and support the application of the Nairobi Action Plan by measuring the progress made between the Seventh and Eighth Meetings of the State Parties and to highlight the priority areas of the work. The meeting provided also an occasion for several side meetings on specialized mine action subjects as well as a chance for bilateral meetings among mine-affected countries, donors, international organizations and other Mine Action Partners. More than 600 to 800 delegates, representing over 100 States and International Organizations, NGOs and other organizations active in Mine Action attended the 8MSP. Albania has been presented by Mr. Saimir Repishti, Chief of the United Nations Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the quality of the Head of Albanian Delegation; Mr. Arben Braha, AMAE Director and Mr. Veri Dogjani, AMAE Victim Assistance and Mine Risk Education Officer.
The Albanian Delegation had a Statement by Mr. Repishti on the progress made and the future plans of AMAP in the fulfillment of the obligations on Art. 5 and by Mr. Dogjani in Victim Assistance and Social-Economic Reintegration on progress and future plans of AMAP.
The ninth meeting of the states parties was decided to be hold in Geneva the week of 24-28 November 2008.

The Ceremony of Decoration of Mr. Murphey McCloy Senior Deminig Advisor

Deputy Minister of Defence awards Mr. McCloy

At the premises of Ministry of Defence, the Deputy Minister of Defence / Chairman of the Albanian Mine Action Committee (AMAC) awarded Mr. Murphey McCloy Senior Deminig Advisor from the US Department of State with the motivation "For the great contribution in the support of the Albanian Mine Action Programme and the valuable assistance given in the establishment of capacities in this area".
On this occasion were present at the ceremony the Deputy Ambassador of the United States of America Mr. S. Cristina, represetatives from the Ministry of Defence, AMAE, DCA, VMA, and the Head of Regional Council Kukës.
The Deputy Minister of Defence expressed the appreciation of the Albanian Government and especially of the Ministry of Defence for the great contribution of the US Department of State toward our programme for a mine free Albania.
On this occasion greeted the participants and Mr. McCloy, whom expressed his gratitude to the Albanian Governemnt and particularly to the Ministry of Defece. In his word he added that this medal was part of the team work and matching of the priorities at inistitutional and regional level as well of the support of the Director of the Albanian Mine Action Executive.
Last but not least greeted the participants as well the Deputy Ambassador of the United States of America. He appreciated the fruitful collaboration among the Ministry of Defence, the American Embassy, International Organizations as well of the Albanian Mine Action Executive in fulfilling the obbligation toward a mine free Albania.
In his word he considered Albania a model country in fulfilling the international obbligations by eleminating the mine threat and establishing a safe environment conduicve to development. He assured the participants about the strong support of the US Department of State till 2010.