TIRANA, April 1 /ATA/ The Chairwoman of the Authority for Files, Gentiana Sula, stated on Wednesday that, concerning the search for missing persons, a more complete set of evidence and documentation has now been compiled and must be submitted to the judiciary.
The search has entered a more advanced, yet more demanding, phase for decision-making.
“This time, there is a significant development: more comprehensive evidence, more structured documentation, and a stronger foundation for investigation,” Sula said at the conclusion of the AIDSSH–ICMP project, calling on the prosecution to examine the findings.
At present, AIDSSH is progressing with the verification of 17 suspected burial sites. In six of these locations, ICMP has scientifically confirmed the presence of human remains, a development considered plausible evidence for the continuation of investigations.
In parallel, a database of missing persons has been developed and consolidated, with approximately 410 cases registered to date, based on family requests and institutional verifications. This database serves as the primary foundation for investigations, identifications, and inter-institutional cooperation.
At the opening of the event, Samira Krehic, representative of ICMP, highlighted that the project has laid the foundations for a sustainable process aligned with European standards. She further noted, however, that thousands of families continue to await answers, underscoring that this remains an outstanding responsibility of the state.
Member of Files Authority Gjergj Marku stressed that while a solid foundation has been built, effective inter-institutional coordination is essential, and the next decisive step is political and institutional rather than technical.
Luigj Ndou, ICMP’s coordinator for Albania, affirmed the organization’s willingness to assist the Albanian government with technical expertise, while underscoring that the implementation of concrete measures and decision-making rests with the country’s institutions.
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