Search continues for countries ready to host destruction of Syrian chemical weapons - Lavrov
MOSCOW. Nov 19 (Interfax) - The international community is considering different options for destroying Syria's chemical weapons outside the country following Albania's refusal to participate in this process.
"Everything was done correctly from a judicial standpoint. Opportunities to do so outside of Syria are being discussed today. As you know, Albania planned to consider such a possibility, but it backed out in the end. Discussions are currently under way with other countries. Other options are being considered. I would prefer not to say anything else because they are only being discussed," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in an interview with the Nezavisimaya Gazeta newspaper.
The United States had suggested that Albania should consider hosting the destruction of Syria's chemical weapons. However, it was announced on November 15 that the Albanian authorities rejected this request. The country's Prime Minister Edi Rama said then that "it is impossible for Albania to get involved in this operation."
Footage broadcast by Albanian television stations showed jubilant crowds cheering the prime minister's decision.