Head of OSCE Presence urges prompt destruction of surplus ammunition in Albania

The Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, Ambassador Eugen Wollfarth, during a visit to a military factory in Gramsh on 13 July 2012, expressed his support for the finalization of surplus ammunition destruction by 2013, as envisaged in the country’s demilitarization action plan.

“The existence of dangerous chemicals, and old and unsafe ammunition and small arms and light weapons is a continuous danger for the Albanian citizens,” Wollfarth said. “The demilitarization process is strengthening the peace and security of Albania, as well as of the broader region.”

At the event, Wollfarth presented a donation of six security cameras and one digital video recorder, to improve the security at the Gramsh factory. “Their work in destroying weapons and ammunitions means that these dangerous materials cannot fall into the wrong hands and is building a safer future for the people of this country. This equipment will help the staff work under the safest possible conditions,” Wollfarth said.

Following the deadly explosion of ammunitions in Gerdec in 2008, the OSCE Presence has been assisting Albania in its efforts to safely destroy surplus conventional ammunition and dangerous toxic chemicals. The Presence has helped in the disposal of 34 tonnes of rocket fuel and of 120 tonnes of dichloroethane, a hazardous chemical. It also has provided the Defence Ministry with bandsaws and other equipment for the decommissioning of surplus ammunition.