Albania–United States relations
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Albania–United States relations
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 Albania |
 United States |
Albania – United States relations are the international relations between Albania and the United States.
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Embassies and consulates
Albania maintains an embassy in Washington, D.C. USA maintains an embassy in Tirana.
Public sentiment
Pro-United States sentiment is strong and widespread among the Albanian population.[1] Even while the U.S., which had closed its mission to Albania in 1946, was being vilified by communist propaganda during the regime of Enver Hoxha, ordinary Albanians remembered that Woodrow Wilson had protected Albanian independence in 1919 and many Albanian children were named Wilson in president's honour. Albanians credit the Clinton Administration with saving Kosovar-Albanian lives in the Kosovo war,[2] and they greatly appreciate the U.S. Government's commitment to resolving the political status of Kosovo.[3]
Treaties
In 2003, Albania and the U.S. signed and ratified a number of agreements, including a treaty on the prevention of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the promotion of defense and military relations; the Adriatic Charter; and an agreement regarding the non-surrender of persons to the International Criminal Court. The U.S. strongly supports Albania's European Union and NATO membership goals. Working towards NATO membership, the U.S. and Albania signed a Supplementary Agreement to the Partnership for Peace Status of Forces Agreement, an important step in strengthening bilateral cooperation and enhancing security, peace, and stability in the region. In April 2008, NATO invited Albania to join the alliance,[4] and in October 2008, Bush signed Albania NATO protocols, saying, "The people of Albania and Croatia are helping move the world closer to a great triumph of history - a Europe that is whole, a Europe that is free and a Europe that is at peace."[5] Albania joined NATO in 2009 along with Croatia.
Developmental aid
Since fiscal year 1991, the U.S. has provided Albania with more than $616 million in assistance,[3] not counting Foreign Agricultural Service food aid. In 2007, the U.S. gave over $21.1 million to Albania under the Support for East European Democracy Act program. Albania was among the countries selected to participate in the Threshold Program under the Millennium Challenge Account, receiving a grant of $13.8 million.[6] In September 2006, Albania began implementation of the program, which targets corruption and rule of law.
War on terror
Albania has supported the U.S. in the global War on Terrorism by freezing terrorist assets, shutting down non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with possible links to terrorist financing, expelling extremists, and providing military and diplomatic support for the U.S.-led actions in Afghanistan and Iraq.[3] Albania has played a moderating role in the region and has fully supported UN mediation efforts in Kosovo. Albania also has 600 elite soldiers deployed in Afghanistan as part of the International Security Assistance Force.
References
- ^ Lucas, Peter: Why Albanians love America, Retrieved on January 14, 2009
- ^ Smith, Craig S. (2007-06-09). "For One Visit, Bush Will Feel Pro-U.S. Glow". nytimes.com. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/09/world/europe/09albania.html?ex=1339041600&en=d78c73ff251227b1&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss. Retrieved 2009-01-14.
- ^ a b c "Background Note: Albania". state.gov. http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3235.htm. Retrieved 2009-01-14.
- ^ John, Mark (2008-04-03). "NATO invites Croatia and Albania to join alliance". reuters.com. http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSL0389708220080403. Retrieved 2009-01-14.
- ^ Klein, Kent: Bush Signs NATO Entry Protocols for Albania, Croatia, Retrieved on January 14, 2009
- ^ "Summaries of MCC Compacts in Europe, Eurasia and the Pacific". mcc.gov. http://www.mcc.gov/documents/factsheet-040808-eurasia.pdf. Retrieved 2009-01-14.[dead link]
This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Department of State (Background Notes).
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