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TIRANA, Albania, Oct. 7 (UPI) NATO deputy commander Gen. Rupert Smith promised Albanian authorities a long-term presence in Albania Thursday.
"NATO will continue to be present in Albania in a long term," a press release issued from the Albanian prime minister's office quoted Smith as saying.
Albanian Prime Minister Pandeli Majko asked Smith to commit to a long term presence of NATO in Albania and in the region.
"Majko asked to general (Smith) to discuss the strategy of a long- term cooperation between Albania and NATO," the press released said.
Majko based his request on Serbia being an "uncontrolled centre in the Balkans which can generate instability again."
Albania takes part in the NATO Partnership for Peace Program and wants to become a NATO full member.
During the conflict in Kosovo, there were some 8,000 NATO troops in Albania, called AFOR. Some 1,800 NATO troops still remain in Albania, called Zone Communication West under the Kosovo Forces command, KFOR.