OSCE Presence in Albania launches database on land restitution and compensation claims

TIRANA, 27 June 2007 - The OSCE Presence in Albania and the Albanian Property Restitution and Compensation Agency (PRCA) today launched a database of all restitution and compensation claims on immovable property submitted in the last 13 years.

"The variety and the amount of information in the database makes it a very useful tool for the Albanian authorities in the restitution and compensation process," said Ambassador Pavel Vacek, the Head of the OSCE Presence.

The database provides the Agency with an instrument to manage the claims process. It also provides accurate information on the total number of claims, their geographic distribution, type of land and the total amount claimed.

The database was designed and installed by an Albanian company through a technical assistance project headed by John Keefe, a Property Law Specialist of the OSCE Presence. The Czech Republic financed the project with a grant of 40,000 euros. The project also drew on support by the United States for the OSCE Presence's work on property reform.

The Czech Ambassador to Albania, Miroslav Sindelar, PRCA Director Justina Borici and Shaban Memia, the director of the Albanian Legalization Agency, attended the event, as did representatives of former property owners who have filed claims.

"The OSCE Presence will continue to provide assistance to the Albanian institutions in property reform, in line with its mandate," said Ambassador Vacek.