ALBANIA: Albania says highway project is example of working with neighbours to boost EU chances

Albania's prime minister says a new highway is a good example of ways his country can work with its neighbours to boost their chances of joining the European Union. The plan to build a highway from the Adriatic port of Durres to Kosovo -- the province inhabited mainly by Albanians who are seeking independence from Serbia in 2007 -- is the country's biggest project, at an estimated 418 million euros. Albania's prime minister, Sali Berisha, says countries such as Albania, Macedonia, Montenegro and Kosovo need to work together on projects such as roads and power links to be taken more seriously by Europe. Berisha says foreign investors are looking at a greater market than just one single country, and by working together, the market is more attractive. Berisha says the new highway goes through the poorest region in Europe and will work towards reviving it. "The road I think is fundamental, for the economic development of the poorest region of Europe, which is the territory in which it goes through. Second, it is of great importance for the port of Durres. It will enlarge its capacities, and that's very important for Albania. Third, it gives new access to the sea, to Kosovo, Macedonia, and also Southern Serbia I believe," he said. One road specialist from Kosovo is so pleased with the construction of the highway, he would be prepared to work on it without pay. "I am very happy that I was given the chance to work on this road construction and I am ready to work night and day, even without being paid at all. For the day has come for these two areas to unite, for this brotherhood to unite. This road carries great importance, because it unites the people of Albania and Kosovo together," Nasuf Binbashi said from the construction site. And at the border with Kosovo, truck drivers say it will make a huge difference to their driving times. "The Durres-Morine road is a miracle we have waited an eternity for," said Refki Morina. "So far I have travelled this distance in 12 hours, but in the near future it will take no more than four hours. It took the demolishing of the Berlin Wall to unite the two German states and it takes this highway to unite Albania. We will be immediately united as soon as this highway is functioning," he added. Albania is also planning to rebuild the road linking its northern city of Shkoder with neighbouring Montenegro, which has recently become independent, and roads to Greece in the south.

ITN Source | January 3, 2007

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