France boosts Albania force by 1,000

France is to offer 1,000 troops with armoured cars and armoured personnel carriers to join a multinational security force to protect humanitarian relief operations in Albania.

An aide to Defence Minister Charles Millon said Paris was offering to handle security in the port of Durres, and organise and escort supply convoys from there to the capital, Tirana. Italy will organise and lead the multinational force and is expected to provide 2,000 to 2,500 troops. Greece has offered 700 troops; Turkey, 500; Spain, 500 and Romania, 400 troops. Reuters - Paris