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
.