(11 Apr 1997) Italian/Eng/Nat
The first troops of a multinational force -- charged with protecting humanitarian aid convoys -- have arrived in the Albanian capital and the western Albanian port of Durres.
Two Italian military planes arrived in Tirana, two Italian naval vessels arrived in Durres.
An elite group of 20 Italian paratroopers were part of the vanguard of a 6,000-strong force to reach Durres.
The remaining troops will arrive Monday, with the force expected to be operational within 13 days.
The first of the multinational force to arrive in Albania came by air and sea.
Two Italian naval vessels - The Rimini and The Pantellari - docked in the western Albanian port of Durres early Friday after sailing from the Italian port of Brindisi, Thursday evening.
They carried five radio communications vehicles, along with an elite group of 20 Italian paratroopers of the 9th Assault Regiment.
The other vessel remained offshore as The Rimini docked.
The unit's task is to secure the delivery of aid to impoverished Albanians who began rioting in January after high-risk investment schemes collapsed, depriving most families of their life savings.
The troops will begin by securing the main landing area in preparation for the remainder of the force, expected to arrive Monday.
They will also reconnoitre the road to the capital Tirana.
The man commanding the mission, Enrico Nardi confirmed that the operation had so far been successful.
He said his men would now deploy to the capital.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"They will now get off the ship and go to Tirana."
SUPER CAPTION: Enrico Nardi, Unit Commander
Italy will command the force and supply the largest contingent, over 2,000 men.
France is sending 1,000 soldiers, Greece 700, Spain 500, Austria 100 and Denmark between 50 and 100.
The force will be fully operational within 13 days.
Dock workers and local police watched the vessels sail in.
Most people seemed to view the first unit's arrival as a "friendly invasion".
VOXPOP: (Albanian)
"The Italian military must come here because it is very important for Albania."
SUPER CAPTION: Local of Durres
For their part, the Italian soldiers appeared eager to get to work and help those in need.
SOUNDBITE: (Italian)
"It is good that the military has arrived in Albania, because they will help us."
SUPER CAPTION: Albanian policeman
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"I hope it will be a successful operation. We will help the people here who need help."
SUPER CAPTION: Italian soldier
SOUNDBITE: (Italian)
"The trip was very calm and there were no problems. We are here to carry out our work calmly and rationally."
SUPER CAPTION: Italian soldier
Following the arrival of two transport ships, two Italian military transport planes carrying other advance units of the security force, arrived at Tirana airport.
The transport planes carried some 100 parachute troopers, also charged with keeping the peace in the unsettled country.
The situation in Albania remains critical after almost two months of looting and banditry.
More than 200 people have died and at least 700 have been injured since the uprising begun.
Thirteen thousand Albanians have fled to Italy.
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