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Publication of the book "One Thousand and One Mines" into Albanian Language |
| November 26, 2007 |
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Director of Popular Bank, French Ambassador and AMAE Director. |
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On 26 November 2007, her Excellency Françoise Bourolleau hosted a reception for the mine awareness comic book publication "One Thousand and One Mines" translated into the Albanian language. The event took place at the French Embassy and was attended by representatives from the main ministries in Albania, embassies, and the media.
Ms. Bourolleau voiced her gratitude to the "Ecole Supérieure et d' Application du Génio" which created the original version of the comic book in the French language, and extended her appreciation to the "Societe Generale Group - Banka Popullore" and to the Embassy of France in Tirana, who made possible the publication of the book translated into Albanian. The French Ambassador stressed that the publication of this book is a strongly influenced by her journey conducted two years ago to the mine affected villages in North-East Albania and her promise to provide support to Mine Action from the Government of France. She dedicated this book to the children in Northeast Albania, with the goal being to raise awareness against the threat of the anti-personnel mines and explosive remnants of war in the region. Ms. Bourolleau added that this book will play an important role in maintaining a 'zero-victim' baseline until all of the mines are removed from the region.
The AMAE Director expressed his belief in the importance of this book in educating the youth in northeast Albania about the mine threat. He also expressed his gratitude to the French Embassy for their ongoing support to the Mine Action Programme to establish a 'Mine Free Albania', and in particular to the victim assistance Component.
2000 copies of the mine awareness comic book were printed, which, in cooperation with AMAE, is planned to be distributed to the schools in North-East Albania. |
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| Participation of Albania at the 8MSP in Jordan Dead Sea |
| November 17-23, 2007 |
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The 8th Meeting of the State Parties (8 MSP) to the Ottawa Treaty was held in November 17-23, 2007 at the Dead Sea in Jordan to discuss the humanitarian problems caused by the anti-personnel mines.
The aim of the meeting was to monitor and support the Nairobi Action Plan (made in 2005) by measuring the progress made since the previous meeting of the State Parties and to highlight the priority areas of work that remain to be done. The meeting also provided the opportunity 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, International Organizations, and NGOs active in Mine Action attended the 8MSP. Mr. Saimir Repishti (Chief of the United Nations Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs),
Mr. Arben Braha (AMAE Director) and Mr. Veri Dogjani (AMAE Victim Assistance and Mine Risk Education Officer) represented the Albania delegation. Mr. Repishti, speaking for Albania, commented on the progress made and the future plans of AMAP in the fulfillment of the obligations on Article 5 and Mr. Dogjani commented on the progress and future plans pertinent to the victim assistance component.
The ninth meeting of the states parties is planned to be held in Geneva November 24-28, 2008.
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The Ceremony of Decoration of Mr. Murphey McCloy Senior Deminig Advisor |
| November 16, 2007 |
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Deputy Minister of Defence awards Mr. McCloy |
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The Deputy Minister of Defence / Chairman of the Albanian Mine Action Committee (AMAC) awarded Mr. Murphey McCloy, Senior Demining Advisor from the US Department of State, at the Ministry of Defense with an award "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". Other guests present at the ceremony included the Deputy Ambassador of the United States of America, Mr. S. Cristina, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Defense, AMAE, DCA, VMA, and the Head of the Regional Council Kukës.
The Deputy Minister of Defense expressed the appreciation of the Albanian Government for the significant contribution of the US Department of State towards the programme for a mine free Albania, and specifically the generous support of Mr. McCloy. In response, Mr. McCloy expressed that the progress made is a result of a team effort and matching of priorities at the institutional and regional levels, and also largely due to the support of the Director of the Albanian Mine Action Executive. In concluding, Mr. Cristina confirmed the continued support of the US Department of State to the Albanian Mine Action Programme until 2010 with the goal to eliminate the mine threat and establish a safe environment conducive to development. |
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