TIRANA, July 30 /ATA/ – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi said today during a briefing after the government meeting that the military and technology financing agreement with the United States, approved by the Assembly on Monday, does not violate the Constitution.
Nufi said that the agreement is evidence of the partnership between Albania and the United States of America.
“The agreement with the US does not violate the Constitution. The Democratic Party’s stance is unacceptable. National security cannot be a matter of political debate,” said Nufi.
The minister also said that the FMF (Foreign Military Financing) program is not only a financing matter, but also a process related to technological transfer, which requires political will.
“There are countries that want to acquire certain technologies, which, if not approved by the US Congress, they cannot receive them, even if they have the financial means to purchase them,” he said.
According to Nufi, defense agreements are not only related to funds, but also to credibility as an ally.
“When it comes to defense agreements, to the acquisition of military equipment and means, as well as military technology, it is not just a matter of money. It is also a matter of political will, credibility as an ally and the security that a country guarantees to its partners,” the minister said.
“Our relationship with the United States today shows that Albania is a reliable, stable ally and a country that stands by the alliance in terms of politics, strategy and the values that we share,” Nufi underlined.
Responding to questions about the interest on the loan, the minister said that this matter is up to the Ministry of Finance and that the details are confidential due to the nature of the agreement.
Nufi stressed that transparency is important, but some elements of national security cannot be published. According to the minister, persons who have a legitimate interest in obtaining information can do so by meeting the relevant security and confidentiality requirements. /a.f/p.s./
