Tabor points to reasons why the US chose Albania to build a Special Operations Force base

Tabor indicated that after many countries were reviewed, what was first observed was the geographical position Albania has, according to him, reinforced by the excellent partnership the US has had with Albanian Special Operations Forces, adding here to the extraordinary support of the Albanian government and Albanian people.

According to him, this will be a relatively small military base -- approximately 10 to 15 people -- expected to settle in Albania to help the commitment the US has not only here, but also in countries like Kosovo, Bosnia, Serbia, Croatia and throughout the region.

Major General David Tabor, thank you for finding the opportunity and time for this interview to answer many questions raised after your decision.

Major General David Tabor: Let me tell you, Thimi, that I am very grateful that you are giving me the opportunity to speak with you and communicate with the Albanian people and everyone about our intentions and plans. Let me start by saying that none of this would have been possible without the extraordinary support of the Albanian government and the Albanian people. We are very grateful for this opportunity for the next few years. I thank you again for your time, and I welcome the questions. I hope, too, we'll meet one day, very soon I believe.

And the first question is why the US Special Operations Command for Europe chose Albania to establish a Special Operations Task Force headquarters?

General Tabor: Yes. I know this is an important question for everyone. I think it's important to stress that this is a regional command that will serve the engagement of our forces with many allies and partners across the region. Frankly, after examining many countries, we noticed Albania's central position, also reinforced by the excellent partnership we have had with Albanian Special Operations Forces, adding here to the extraordinary support of the Albanian government and the Albanian people to make this reality.

What will be the role of this unit?

General Tabor: As I mentioned, this will be a command in support of the operation and control of our forces engaged throughout the region. It will be a relatively small base -- approximately 10 to 15 people -- that will be deployed in Albania on the rotating basis of helping engagement we have not only in Albania, but also in countries like Kosovo, Bosnia, Serbia, Croatia and throughout the region. In attendance, we will be able to build a more solid relationship throughout the area.

Is this mission short-term or long-term?

General Tabor: As far as we're concerned, this is a process that doesn't have a deadline. We think that we are starting as a long-term process and on this basis we will work together with our wonderful allies there in Albania. As I stressed, this has come as the request of the Albanian government. So as long as Albanians are happy with our presence there, as happy as we will, of course, stay.

Was the decision to install an advanced headquarters in Albania under the wider competition of powers in the region? Russia already has an advanced base in southern Serbia for example.

General Tabor: Yes, we know what many countries are doing, but that is not what motivates us. What really motivates us is our training with our allies and partners to build even greater capacities. What other countries do is not really important to us. What our allies care about is, it means a lot to us. So we will continue to strengthen these relationships whenever and wherever we can.

What kind of interaction would you have with the Albanian Armed Forces?

General Tabor: I am very excited about the opportunity we have to further develop the excellent relations we have with the Albanian armed forces. As you know, Albania has made an extraordinary contribution to previous commitments, both in Iraq and Afghanistan. In addition, we have had a series of exercises with Albanian Special Operations Forces. Thus, we look forward to the opportunity to train and learn from each other and to build the necessary capacities for Albania to continue to be contributing to the stability of the region and even to NATO and beyond.

What are the security implications for both Albania and its territory?

General Tabor: As I said before, Thim, this is an opportunity to strengthen our relations, and I hope that this will increase the sense of security and stability throughout the region, the sense of confidence others have in this region, and even in NATO and beyond. It is very important to realize that each one is much stronger if we are all together than each other.

Under the legal framework, what are the legal agreements between the Albanian government and the Special Forces command for conducting operations inside and outside Albanian territory?

General Tabor: Interesting question, Thim, which has simple answers. Nothing's changed. We will continue to operate through our presence there under the responsibility of the Albanian government and the Albanian people, working through our Embassy and our Office there for Co-operation in the Defence Field. So it's very simple for us. We look forward to being there.

Will you assist the Albanian Special Forces? Like. In terms of special equipment and any other means that enables them to increase their operational skills?

General Tabor: The opportunity already exists and we are willing to use our proximity with this opportunity to reinforce contact with Albanian special forces. As I said, we will work through the American Embassy, the Office for Co-operation in the Defence Field to assess and really improve the capacities based on the will of the Albanian Army in general and special operations forces in particular. /Tch