Imami: The Special Forces are not only the pride of the Armed Forces, but also important ambassadors of Albania’s image, important ambassadors of the peace message. Defence Minister Mr. Arben Imami, accompanied by Members of the Parliament, Mr. Genti Strazimiri and Mr. Fatos Hoxha, held a two-day visit in Afghanistan to meet with the Albanian contingents located there in the framework of ISAF operation, as well as higher military authorities commanding the NATO operation.

Minister Imami had his first stop in Kabul, in the ISAF Central Command, where was received on a special meeting form the General Commander, Major General David Petraeus. “I am very pleased to meet you. The Albanian militaries are not only brave, but they are doing an excellent job making honor to Albania” - stated, among other things General Petreaus. “It's the second time, after Iraqi, that I have under command the Albanian troops and let me say that they are professionals and best prepared among the troops serving here.” He further informed Minister Imami about current situation in Afghanistan, areas of operations, as well as strategies and actions being taken by the coalition and NATO forces to achieve success. At the meeting closure, he thanked and appraised maximally the contribution that the Albanian Armed Forces are providing in Afghanistan as well as support given to them by the Albanian Parliament and Government.

For his side, Minister Imami thanked General Petreaus for the appraisements expressed for the Armed Forces’ contingents in Afghanistan, as well as for the support given by the Central Command for our troops in operation. “I take the opportunity, to express once again our willingness to stay in the NATO operation until its completion.” - added further Minister Imami. After acquainting General Petreaus for the measures being taken to prepare the AAF for participating in ISAF, Minister Imami on behalf of the Albanian Government assured that for 2011 will be preserved the current contribution of Albania in this operation as well as would enable the engagement with a OMLT and POMLT for training and exercises of Afghan Army and Police. Minister Imami also expressed gratitude toward the United States and allied countries, for their provided assistance and support for the successful completion of tasks by the Albanian contingents.

Currently our forces conduct joint operations in Kandahar, Herat, Kabul, North Regional Command, side by side with contingents of the U.S., Italy, Germany, Turkey and Hungary. Minister Imami and the MPs Strazimiri and Hoxha, met with a group of Albanian soldiers who perform duties in Kabul, which were saluted on behalf of Prime Minister Berisha, General Staff of Armed Forces, as well as commended for work done, good words and assessments made by the Central Command. He also prescribed them to act boldly, but cautiously, too, and wished success and a safe return home, at the end of the mission.

In a meeting with the Commander of South Regional Command, Major General Terry, General Terry expressed his higher appraisements for the Albanian Special Forces, for the courage and professionalism they show in performing their duties. General Terry thanked for Albania's contribution to ISAF and especially the one provided by the Albanian Special Forces fighting in this combat area with multiple risks. He expressed his satisfaction that American and Albanian specialists fight alongside each other and perform tasks as equals. He also promised his support and of the United States for the Albanian Special Forces contingent. In the meeting with the commander of 525th Brigade, Colonel Edwards and the commander of the battalion under which our Special Forces operates, LT Colonel Gaylord, Defence Minister, Arben Imami was briefed on the operation zone, joint activity of the Special Forces, successes achieved, difficulties and risks faced as well as future strategies in the fight against the Talibans and achieving success. Both American Commanders were glad to cooperate with the Special Forces as well as estimated above all their skills, preparation, and reliability in performing tasks.

Then, Minister Imami had a warm meeting and conversation with the contingent of Special Forces in Kandahar. After greeting them on behalf of the Prime Minister Berisha, General Staff, he commended them for all assessments made at all NATO and ISAF command levels to the Albanian Special Forces. “Continuously we think about you, - said Minister Imami - with your courage and professionalism, you show a unique image for Albania and the AAF. With bravery and intelligence you have faced danger; with elevated discipline you have completed your tasks and mission, getting high appraisements from the Central Command and General Petreaus.

Our Forces has completed successfully, with courage, with discipline, with strong commitment an important and difficult mission. Definitely I want to inform the whole public that the evaluation of highest commands, starting from the Commander of the Staff General Petreaus and all the others, have congratulated me as members of the Government and as representative of our Armed Forces, for the excellent work the Special Forces have done in Afghanistan and indeed we can boast about that and can say that our Special Forces are not only the pride of our Armed Forces, but are also important ambassadors of the Albania’s image, but are important ambassadors of the peace message, that Albania obviously intends and issues, and radiates today not only in the region but also in the world.

On the other hand, what I also notice with pleasure is that these months our militaries have raised up capacities, have grown-up, have matured and I am sure that in the very near future, this serious and potent force will be one of the best Special Forces within NATO. Of course for this, either the General Staff or the Ministry of Defence have important tasks, to equip them, to care in other areas, except the military, but also economic and social ones. Of course in this initiative I have the support of the Security Commission. Luckily, in this delegation of the Ministry of Defence I have two Members of the Parliament, both representatives of the National Security Commission who will become Special Forces lawyer, like all the other members of this commission.”

He also thanked the Special Forces Commander, LTC Dritan Demiraj, who is in charge of the contingent in Kandahar since the beginning of the mission, for the leadership and direction that he has led the contingent. While MP Genti Strazimiri, as a member of the parliamentary Security Commission said: “It is an impression and pride that we all feel, is the fact that all the U.S. commanders we met have said that their soldiers have learned a lot from the experience, will and courage of our soldiers. It was something honest, not simply a compliment. It was really as result of your courage, professionalism and work and for that all Albanians are grateful.”

After thanking the Minister for the visit, for the given support of the MoD and Government, than Commander Demiraj briefed the Minister and accompanying MPs, about the performing duties in Kandahar, problems and other aspects of the contingent activity. He promised to continue performing the task with discipline, dedication, professionalism, honoring Albania, the Armed Forces, their families to successfully return all safely home at the end of this mission.

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