Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09TIRANA140
2009-02-27 13:40:00
SECRET
Embassy Tirana
Cable title:  

SECURITY ENVIRONMENT PROFILE QUESTIONNAIRE -

Tags:  ASEC PTER 
pdf how-to read a cable
R 271340Z FEB 09
FM AMEMBASSY TIRANA
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 7923
S E C R E T TIRANA 000140 


DS/IP/ATA, DS/IP/EUR

E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/26/2019
TAGS: ASEC PTER
SUBJECT: SECURITY ENVIRONMENT PROFILE QUESTIONNAIRE -
SPRING 2009

REF: STATE 33533

Classified By: RSO PATRICK LEONARD FOR REASON 1.4 (g)

S E C R E T TIRANA 000140


DS/IP/ATA, DS/IP/EUR

E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/26/2019
TAGS: ASEC PTER
SUBJECT: SECURITY ENVIRONMENT PROFILE QUESTIONNAIRE -
SPRING 2009

REF: STATE 33533

Classified By: RSO PATRICK LEONARD FOR REASON 1.4 (g)


1. (C) DEMONSTRATIONS


A. Yes, there are four major religious groups that in theory,
could carry out anti-American demonstrations. However, as
Albania has a long history of inter-faith tolerance and
almost all Albanians are pro-American, we judge the prospect
to be remote. Some radical elements within the Suni Muslim
community would be the most likely to demonstrate against the
U.S., if so provoked. There are several ethnic communities in
the country including Greek, Egyptian, Vlach and Roma.
Potentially any of these groups could carry out anti-American
demonstrations, however, none have done so. These potential
demonstrations could be significant in fervor but not in
number of participants, although so far, there have been no
significant religious demonstrations in Tirana.


B. No

C. No

D. N/A

E. N/A

F. N/A

G. N/A

H. N/A


I. Yes; there have been anti-government protests sponsored by
the opposition parties and organizations such as a
left-leaning civic organization, a former military officer
association and certain labor organizations. The rally
attracted over 1,000 people. There has been no violence
reported in these demonstrations.


J. No


K. The number of participants has been approximately around
1,000-5,000 (Note that the number above is unusual).


L. Demonstrations in recent years in Albania have been
generally peaceful, although, the 1990's saw a number of very
violent demonstrations, and there were two demonstrations in
early 2004 with some violence.


M. No


2. (U) MACRO CONFLICT CONDITIONS


A. No; if anything, Albania has played a moderating role for
ethnic Albanians in the region, particularly Macedonia,
Serbia, Montenegro, Kosovo, and Greece.


B. N/A

C. N/A

D. N/A


3. HOST COUNTRY CAPABILITIES


A. No; Albanian law enforcement officers are extremely
susceptible to bribery. Resources are extremely limited and
salaries are low. Basic police training is improving. A new
basic training program for "patrol generalists" was started
just recently through ICITAP. The goal is to train 6,000
incumbents over the next three years to "patrol generalist"
level. The training will teach recruits and veterans all

facets of police work/skills such as traffic patrol, crime
scene investigation and call response. Recently, the Albanian
State Police laid off nearly 800 police officers, some of
whom had seniority in the ranks and were trained through
various international training programs, to include DS/ATA
and ICITAP. The Albanian State Police (ASP) teamed up with DS
and FBI on an eight month joint fugitive task force that saw
the successful apprehension of five wanted fugitives. The
task force also was instrumental in helping arrest three
Albanian citizens who were in the United States and were
wanted by Albanian authorities. The Department of
Justice/OPDAT has implemented a joint investigative unit with
the ASP for financial and economic investigations as well.
The task force broke up a criminal ring suspected of robbing
numerous financial institutions in Tirana. Credit also has to
be given to the DS computer forensics lab who were
instrumental in digitally enhancing photos of crime scenes,
which led to numerous arrests.


B. Yes, under the auspices of the DS Anti-Terrorism
Assistance Program, Albanian police officers have
participated in numerous training opportunities such as vital
Installation Protection, Surveillance Detection, Crisis
Response, Police Executive role in Combating Terrorism, and
Post Bomb Blast Management. Some of the most recent courses
are: First Aid Instructor Training, Auto Theft Investigation
and TIMS (Total Information Management System) Training,
which is a law enforcement information management system
utilized at major border crossing points. The Advanced Crises
Response (SWAT) was the most recent training conducted by
ATA, held in North Carolina for 24 officers. In addition,
ICITAP has advisors in key areas of both the Ministries of
Interior and Transportation. The training effectiveness is
assessed as moderate at best.


C. Yes, Due to the average police salary being approximately
$250 USD per month and a tradition of taking bribes.
Effectiveness of specialized training and progress is
undermined by the Government of Albania and Minister of
Interior removing or transferring personnel who have been
trained and mentored.


D. Yes, they have aggressively thwarted terrorist and
extremists activities in Albania.


E. Yes, they are extremely responsive and have provided
support upon request.


F. Yes, there have been a number of successes.


G. Yes


H. Average. Albania's only international airport, under a
German-U.S. owned company, last year passed a TSA security
assessment to allow flights directly to the U.S. While
significant, only one U.S. carrier flew a direct route to
Tirana. They have since declared bankruptcy (ATA).


I. Average. However, border control is improving with the
implementation and utilization of TIMS and other border
control techniques. It also depends on where one is crossing
as some border points are more susceptible to human
trafficking, drug trafficking and stolen vehicles.


J. Ineffective.


4. (C) INDIGENOUS TERRORISM


A. No, but there are a few radical individuals who are
anti-American.


B. N/A

C. No

D. N/A

E. No

F. No

G. N/A

H. N/A


5. (U) OTHER INDIGENOUS TERRORIST GROUPS


A. Yes.


B. (1) The Albanian National Army (sometimes referred to as
AKSH).


C. No

D. N/A

E. N/A


6. (S) TRANSNATIONAL TERRORISM INDICATORS


A. No, affiliates of the Egyptian Islamic Jihad (EIJ) and
support groups to Al Qaida were expelled in action of the
late 1990's and after 9/11 respectively. There are radical
elements and non-governmental organizations that are being
monitored by local authorities.


B. The EAC assessment of level, intent and scope is low.
However, Albania has diplomatic mission fro Iran, Libya,
Russia, Serbia, and Palestine, some of which have an
intelligence presence. Some NGO's also host numerous
Sudanese, Egyptians, Syrians, and other potentially hostile
anti-American nationalities. Iran is more concerned with
influencing the Albanians through religious means in the
Mosques rather then the day-to-day activities of the
Americans. Despite their efforts, Iran has not gained much
operational traction in Albania.


G. Weapons and explosives are extremely easy to acquire from
within Albania as well as from neighboring countries. Recent
reporting indicates a rise in the availability and usage of
remotely controlled IEDs.


WITHERS