EUROPEAN COMMISSION ASSISTANCE FOR ALBANIA TOXIC

UNCLAS USEU BRUSSELS 003352 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS ALSO FOR EUR/ACE; PLEASE PASS TO USAID/EE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL CWC EAID SENV EUN NATO AL SUBJECT: EUROPEAN COMMISSION ASSISTANCE FOR ALBANIA TOXIC WASTE MANAGEMENT REF: STATE 153805 SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED; NOT FOR INTERNET DISSEMINATION. ¶1. (SBU) We raised concerns regarding hazardous waste cleanup in Albania (reftel) with Dirk Lange, European Commission (EC) Unit Chief for Albania, and Jose Castrillo, EC Desk Officer for Albania, November 14. We urged the EC to implement plans, particularly at the Fier and Rubik sites. In addition, we noted the gap in project managers and asked about EC plans to identify and hire a replacement. ¶2. (SBU) Lange and Castrillo stressed that the EC's focus is on waste water treatment, providing feasibility studies for various waste disposal projects, and institution-building regarding environmental protection. He also acknowledged "certain personnel shortages" at the EC's delegation in Tirana. Lange said he would keep our demarche in mind during his working visit to Tirana the first week in December to review implementation of existing EC projects. ¶3. (U) Post will follow-up with Lange upon his return from Tirana. GRAY .