OSCE Presence, Albanian Defence Ministry conclude disposal of toxic rocket fuel component, agree on surplus ammunition dismantling

TIRANA, 8 December 2009 - The Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, Ambassador Robert Bosch, handed an official certificate to the Albanian Defence Minister Arben Imami today in a ceremony that marked the official conclusion of the disposal of 34 tonnes of a toxic rocket fuel component known as melange.

The OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation assisted Albania - at the government's request - dispose of its melange in a project, financed by the Governments of Greece, Denmark, Sweden and Finland. The toxic liquid was transported to a specialized plant in Sweden, where it was incinerated.

During the ceremony, Denmark also donated to the Albanian authorities' equipment that increases the country's capacity to dismantle ammunition.

"These equipments will modernize and speed-up the demolition process of ammunition," Imami said.

Bosch added: "With the disposal of all surplus ammunition, Albania will become a much safer country where its citizens will be able to live and prosper."

The six donated cutting machines will soon be used at the dismantling sites in Polican and Mjekes.