ALBANIA ASKS FOR VICTIM IDENTIFICATION ASSISTANCE -- SECOND

UNCLAS TIRANA 000220 SIPDIS AIDAC SIPDIS DEPT FOR EUR/SCE and PM/WRA DEPT OF JUSTICE FOR OPDAT, ICITAP USAID FOR DCHA/OFDA, AID/W GENEVA PLEASE PASS TO USAID AND RMA BUDAPEST PLEASE PASS TO USAID/RFMC SOFIA PLEASE PASS TO LEGATT/PAULINE ROBERTS E.O. 12958:N/A TAGS: MASS EAID NATO SENV AL SUBJECT: ALBANIA ASKS FOR VICTIM IDENTIFICATION ASSISTANCE -- SECOND REQUEST REF: A) TIRANA 200, B) TIRANA 204 ¶1. (U) In the aftermath of the tragic Gervec munitions explosion (ref A),the MOI has now seconded PG Ina Rama's request (ref B) for USG assistance to identify victims' remains through DNA analysis. Interior Minister Nishani sent the following letter to Ambassador Withers on March 21. ¶2. (SBU) Begin text: Ref. No 2032 Tirana, 18 March, 2008 To: H.E. Mr. John L. Withers II Ambassador of the United States to Albania Tirana Subject: Request for the U.S. assistance on the tragedy in Gerdec Honorable Mr. Ambassador, I wish, at first, to express my kindly greetings and to convey my deep thanks and gratitude for most sincere and heartfelt condolences and support You have shown to the people of Albania, especially to the families of victims and survivors affected by Saturday's tragedy, 15th March 2008, in Gerdec. This expresses another gesture for the consolidation of the United States of America friendship and patronage to our people. Considering the very serious existing situation we are encountering insofar, after the blasts in the village of Gerdec, where there are some human bodies carbonized please make possible to provide assistance with experts in order to identify them through DNA. Distinguished Mr. Ambassador, Let me avail myself of this opportunity to express to You the assurances of my highest consideration. Sincerely, Bujar Nishani Minister signature End Text. WITHERS