Albania reaffirms determination to fight crimes

The Albanian Interior Ministry on Sunday reaffirmed the government's determination in fight against street crime, organized crime and corruption. The ministry issued a statement in response to the opposition Albanian Democratic Party's accusation that the State Police have failed to bring down the crime rate. The statement noted the completion of an operation by the State Police to dismantle an infamous criminal gang, while criticizing the opposition for trying to "drag the State Police's reputation through the mud." Albanian Interior Minister Saimir Tahiri in December 2013 voiced the government's commitment to fight against organized crime and corruption. Tahiri said the issue remains one of the key elements in the process of Albania's bidding for the membership of the European Union.