NATO Urged to Invite Albania as a Member

NCAFP urges NATO to invite Albania to join the Alliance. Its membership would have a calming effect at a time when Europe is adjusting to Kosovo's independence. Welcoming Albania — a multiethnic country with a large Muslim population — would also send a positive signal worldwide.

Tirana – “It is in NATO's interest to invite Albania to join the Alliance at its Bucharest Summit in April” maintains Dr. George Schwab, President of the National Committee on American Foreign Policy (NCAFP).

Today the NCAFP issued a research report – Albania: From Fragile State to Viable International Partner – asserting that Albania has proven its commitment to political, economic and security sector reforms since Prime Minister Sali Berisha formed a new government in September 2005 and pointing out that there are important strategic reasons for bringing Albania in from the cold.

According to David L. Phillips, project director and author of the report, “Albania's NATO membership offers immediate benefits by extending the zone of stability in Southeastern Europe at a time when the region is adjusting to Kosovo's imminent independence. Welcoming Albania into NATO would also be a strong positive signal to other religiously diverse and multi-ethnic countries with Muslim populations.” In addition, Phillips notes: “Albania's goal of EU membership will help guard against backsliding and ensure Albania's continued commitment to international standards.”

Copies of the report are available at www.ncafp.org. Mr. Phillips can be contacted at NCAFP or via email at dp2366@columbia.edu. His direct phone number is 1.917.733.7320