OSCE Presence supports preparation of Tirana value map for restitution and compensation of property

TIRANA, 13 June 2006 - The OSCE Presence in Albania and the Albanian State Committee on Property Restitution and Compensation today signed an agreement that provides for the preparation of a property value map for the region of Tirana in four months.

"This map, which will serve as a model for similar work in the rest of Albania, is a key element in accelerating the compensation process for the whole country," said Sokrat Sinaj, Head of the Committee. "The agreement signed today provides the necessary technical and organizational expertise to develop the map."

"Since the entry into force of the property restitution and compensation law in September 2004, the OSCE Presence's support on this issue had been crucial," Mr Sinaj added.

Previously, the OSCE Presence supported the preparation of a similar property value map only for the Tirana urban area, which was used for the compensation of expropriated subjects in December 2005. It also provided training for property commissioners, drafted sub-legal acts and donated office equipment to the Committee.

Ambassador Pavel Vacek, Head of the OSCE Presence, said that the Presence would continue supporting the property reforms in the country, in line with its mandate.