Albania–United States relations

Last updated
Albanian – American relations
Albania USA Locator.svg
Flag of Albania.svg
Albania 		Flag of the United States.svg
United States
Diplomatic mission
Albanian Embassy, Washington, D.C. United States Embassy, Tirana

Albania and the United States formally established diplomatic relations in 1922, a decade after the Albanian Declaration of Independence from the Ottoman Empire. German and Italian occupation of Albania during World War II severed cooperation, and the establishment of an Albanian communist government in 1946 kept diplomacy paused for most of the 20th century. During the fall of communism in Albania and the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the two nations re-established relations in 1991.

Contents

The countries are both members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

History

Relations from 1800 to 1939

Fan Stilian Noli Fan Stilian Noli.jpg
Fan Stilian Noli

Albanian immigrants first arrived in the United States in the mid-19th century, mostly focused in Boston. In Boston, the first Albanian weekly newspaper, Kombi (The Nation) started publication in 1906. The Albanian-American Pan-Albanian Federation of America-Vatra was started in 1912 by Fan S. Noli and was politically active in World War I. Following the war, the Paris Peace Conference (1919–1920) was held and the International community debated the partition of Albania. [1] [2] US President Woodrow Wilson intervened, vetoed the plans and supported Albanian territorial integrity by stating on May 6, 1919 that "Albania ought to be independent." [3] [1] [2]

The Congress of Lushnja, held in January 1920, was a bicameral parliament that appointed members of its own ranks to an upper chamber. There was also an elected lower chamber, which had one deputy for every 12,000 people in Albania, and also one deputy for the large Albanian-American community. The regency council declared: "heartfelt thanks to President Wilson for his defense of the rights of Albanians. They remain convinced that the great American Republic will continue to support their rightful national claims." [4]

The United States supported Albania's current borders, and in December 1920 Albania became a full member of the League of Nations. [5] The United States officially established bilateral diplomatic relations with Albania in 1922, [6] with plans to give concessions to US oil companies. [7] In February 1925 Ahmet Zogu became President of Albania and sent Faik Konica as the Albanian minister to Washington, Konica was the first official representative (his first office was located in the Mayflower Hotel in Washington D.C.) of the Albanian government to the United States. Then, when Ahmet Zogu became King of Albanians in 1928, the American government quietly recognized the political shift. [8] King Zog's government was closely tied with the United States. King Zog opened an office for the Albanian consul general in New York, which was also the Albania representative in the World Fair Organization, as well as a consulate in Boston. From the late 1920s and early 1930s, there were four bilateral treaties and eleven multilateral agreements signed between Albania and the United States.

Occupied Albania (1939–1943)

The increasing influence of Italy into Albanian politics led to Senator Robert R. Reynolds' visit to Tirana in 1937. But the relations were soon cut short when Italy invaded Albania in April 1939, which drew the criticism of Secretary of State Cordell Hull. [9] The Albanian legation in Washington was officially closed, though Hull continued American support of a liberated Albania. the United States supported a common advance of Albanians against their occupiers, [10] but had little military influence in the Balkans. Allied command denounced the nationalists (Balli Kombetar) as Nazi collaborators and supplied the Communists (National Liberation Movement) with weapons, leading to the Communists gradually gaining complete control over the Albanian resistance. [11] On May 24, 1944 the Albanian National Liberation forces commissioned a conference in Permet, which forbid King Zog reentry to Albania, and also annulled all international treaties signed before occupation. [12]

A joint American-British team known as Military Liaison Albania, coordinated civilian relief in liberated Albania. Enver Hoxha, leader of the Communists, also requested that a military representative be sent to Washington to coordinate military cooperation between the United States and Albania. He also wanted to send a fiscal representative to coordinate assistance from the United States. An American mission was also sent to Albania by the UNRRA.

Communist Albania (1944–1992)

After the liberation of Albania, American-Albanian relations turned bleak due to Hoxha's insistence that members from Balli Kombetar and Legaliteti be returned for trial; instead the Allied military authorities put them into a camp in Santa Maria di Lucca. Midhat Frasheri, leader of Balli Kombetar, declared Hoxha to be illegitimate and sent a letter that stated that an impartial plebiscite be held "for the regions that belong to us [Albanians] ethnographically, because Albania should not be divided in two for the sake of imperialism and injustice." The initial years of Communist rule however were approved by the American government, as they publicly declared their democratic principles and appreciation of human rights, holding one general election December 2, 1945; which The National Liberation Front won by 97%. However, the Allied Powers eventually did recognize the government of Enver Hoxha on November 10, 1945.

The Albanian government very quickly[ clarification needed ] went into the orbit of the Soviet Union, making it hard for the United States to maintain its own position. [13] This was strange, since many in the Communist government were educated abroad, including one Koço Tashko, who was educated at Harvard. Relations further deteriorated when the economic adviser of the U.S. mission, Harry T. Fultz, and employees of the American mission (who Fultz taught), along with the UNRRA's representatives, were charged with sabotage of a draining project in Lake Maliq. The United States considered the situation unacceptable and wanted a withdrawal of the mission, which occurred on November 2, 1946. [14] All in all, the decision to disengage with Albania was in large part due to it not being important to the United States political or economic interests. The U.S. trade balance in the nation was $280,000; while the total assets amounted to $1.3 million.

America turned hostile against the Hoxha regime; it also turned to indirectly support the division of Albania, which gave the Communist government a reasoning for its hostility. After a rather embarrassing incident in 1947, a mutual hostility remained between the two countries, even as Albania moved from Yugoslavian to Soviet to Chinese dominination. On October 5, 1966, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Austria, Lujo Toncic-Sorinj, explained that Albania wanted to meet with Secretary of State Dean Rusk. Minister Toncic referenced Hoxha's approaches to him, stating that: "Albanians have indicated a desire to move nearer the West but they appear not to dare take any plunge and seem to be afraid of being repulsed by the West." Toncic asked the secretary if he expected any change in Albania's diplomatic position. Rusk speculated that Albanians could become restless under their monopolization by China and indicated "it would be a great mistake for the United States to try to probe the intentions of the Albanians."

While trade was almost nonexistent between the two countries, in 1978 Albanian traders attempted to sell chromium to the United States by using a Swedish trading company as a middleman.[ citation needed ]

Relations with the west began to thaw after Hoxha's death in 1985, but the Communist government was still in power. Ties between the two nations were reestablished in 1990 when the first contacts were reestablished. Albania returned to warm relations with the United States, especially after the Secretary of State James A. Baker visited Albania in 1991. The United States was also important in the landslide victory of Sali Berisha in the 1992 elections, ending the last Communist dominated country in Europe.

Post-Communist Albania (1992–1997)

Prior to the special elections of 1992, the main opposition leader, Sali Berisha, visited the United States twice and was able to receive the full support of the U.S. government and various Congressional leaders. Understanding the challenges to democratization, the United States publicly supported the opposition parties in Albania. The U.S. support proved to be of critical importance for the landslide victory of the opposition in the March 22 elections. On April 9, 1992, the new Albanian Parliament elected Berisha as president of the republic, Albania's first noncommunist president since the end of World War II. [15]

The new government created after the election of 1992 introduced an ambitious, Western-oriented program of much-needed economic and democratic reforms to overcome Albania's longtime isolation and economic stagnation.

The cooperation continued in major fields like economy, defense, and agricultural aid.

Modern Albania (1997–present)

President Donald Trump meeting with President Ilir Meta at the United Nations General Assembly (2018) President Trump and First Lady Melania met with President of Albania Ilir Meta at the 2018 UNGA.jpg
President Donald Trump meeting with President Ilir Meta at the United Nations General Assembly (2018)

In the 1990s, Greece, Albania's southerly neighbour viewed US engagement in the area as anti-Greek and pro-Albanian, in addition to being pro-Muslim. [1]

President George W. Bush visited Albania on June 10, 2007 as part of his tour of Europe, making him the first US President to do so. [16] A street in the capital was renamed after Bush. [17] Even a statue of Bush was erected in the town of Fushë-Krujë in July 2011. [18]

In contemporary Albania, the US is regarded favourably as a longstanding ally since the conclusion of the First World War. [19]

In late February 2022, Albania and the US tabled a co-written resolution condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine at the 15 member UN Security Council, but failed to pass as Russia vetoed it. [20] At the UN Security Council, Albania cosponsored a resolution with the US for an emergency General Assembly session to be held regarding the invasion of Ukraine. [21] [22] As it was a procedural vote, Russia's opposition did not effect the outcome and the resolution passed. [21] [22]

Embassies and consulates

The Albanian embassy in Washington, D.C. Embassy of Albania, Washington, D.C..jpg
The Albanian embassy in Washington, D.C.

Albania maintains an embassy in the American capital of Washington, D.C., while the United States maintains an embassy in Albania's capital city Tirana. Since 2015 Albania's ambassador to the United States has been Mrs. Floreta Faber. Albania also has a consulate in New York City because of the Albanian diaspora in the U.S.

Public sentiment

Pro-American sentiment is strong and widespread among the Albanian population. [23] [24]

Even while the United States, which had closed its mission to Albania in 1946, was being vilified by communist propaganda during the regime of Enver Hoxha, ordinary Albanians remembered that U.S. President Woodrow Wilson had interceded on behalf of Albanian independence from 1919 to 1920, strongly arguing against a proposed partition of Albania by the Paris Peace Conference and subsequently enabling Albania to achieve statehood and international recognition by the League of Nations. [25] Many Albanian children to this day are named Vilson in the president's honor.[ citation needed ] Albanians also credit the Clinton Administration with saving Kosovar-Albanian lives in the Kosovo war, [26] and they greatly appreciate the U.S. Government's commitment to resolving the political status of Kosovo. [27]

According to the 2012 U.S. Global Leadership Report, 80% of Albanians approve of U.S. leadership, the second-highest rating for any surveyed country in Europe after the partially recognized Kosovo. [28] This nevertheless makes the Albanian people in general have an overwhelmingly positive view of the U.S.A, more than any other people group in the world, as Kosovo is also ethnically Albanian.

As of 2013, there were 649 international students of Albanian origin studying in the United States. [29]

Treaties

A statue of George W. Bush was erected at Fushe-Kruje after his visit Statue G.W.Bush at Fushe-Kruja.jpg
A statue of George W. Bush was erected at Fushë-Krujë after his visit

In 2003, Albania and the U.S. signed and ratified a number of agreements, including a treaty on the prevention of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the promotion of defense and military relations; the Adriatic Charter; and an agreement regarding the non-surrender of persons to the International Criminal Court. The U.S. strongly supported Albania's European Union and NATO membership goals. Working towards NATO membership, the U.S. and Albania signed a Supplementary Agreement to the Partnership for Peace Status of Forces Agreement, an important step in strengthening bilateral cooperation and enhancing security, peace, and stability in the region. In April 2008, NATO invited Albania to join the alliance, [30] and in October 2008, US President George W. Bush signed Albania NATO protocols, saying, "The people of Albania and Croatia are helping move the world closer to a great triumph of history — a Europe that is whole, a Europe that is free and a Europe that is at peace." [31] Albania joined NATO in 2009 along with Croatia, further strengthening Albanian–American relations.

Albania is eligible to export certain products duty-free to the United States under the Generalized System of Preferences program. The United States and Albania have signed a bilateral investment treaty. [32]

Developmental aid

The first American donations in current Albanian land date back to the 1890s, when Albania was still part of the Ottoman Empire. The protestant family Qirjazi, most notably the sisters Sevasti Qiriazi, Parashqevi and their brothers Gjerasim Qiriazi and Gjergj Qiriazi, had opened the first girls' school in Albanian language, in Korçë. After getting threatened by Turkish and Greek officials, the family demanded financial aid from American Protestant philanthropist groups. On March 26, 1908, the American Protestant charities arrived in Korçë;  Phineas Barbour Kennedy and his wife Violet R. Kennedy, daughter of the Protestant missionary Luis Bond. Therefore, the school remained opened with American financial and defensive aid until 1939. [33]

In the 1920s, the two first technical and vocational schools in Albania were founded with American support: The Harry Fultz Institute in Tirana was built with financial support from the American Red Cross in 1921, [34] in 1925 the "Albanian-American Schools of Agriculture" in Golem, Kavajë was founded by Charles Telford Erickson with support from the State Department and the American Embassy in Tirana. [35]

Since fiscal year 1991, the U.S. has provided Albania with more than $616 million in assistance, [27] not counting Foreign Agricultural Service food aid. In 2007, the U.S. gave over $21.1 million to Albania under the Support for East European Democracy Act program. Albania was among the countries selected to participate in the Threshold Program under the Millennium Challenge Account, receiving a grant of $13.8 million. [36] In September 2006, Albania began implementation of the program, which targets corruption and rule of law.

Arms trade

The United States sold $144,984,841 worth of weapons to Albania between 1950 and 2020. In 2020 alone, Albania purchased American arms worth $42,284,081, representing one third of the country's total historical purchases from the United States. [37]

Global War on Terrorism

President Nishani meets with John Kerry during his official visit in Tirana, February 14, 2016 Nishani and Kerry in Tirana.jpg
President Nishani meets with John Kerry during his official visit in Tirana, February 14, 2016

Albania has supported the U.S. in the global Global War on Terrorism by freezing terrorist assets, shutting down non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with possible links to terrorist financing, expelling extremists, and providing military and diplomatic support for the U.S.-led actions in Afghanistan and Iraq. [27] Albania has played a moderating role in the region and has fully supported UN mediation efforts in Kosovo. Albania also has 600 elite soldiers deployed in Afghanistan as part of the International Security Assistance Force, and 240 troops as part of Multi-National Force – Iraq.

Death of Osama bin Laden

The President of the Republic, Prof. Dr. Bamir Topi, through a message conveyed to U.S. President Barack Obama, commended the elimination of Osama bin Laden, considering it as one of the greatest victories in the war against international terrorism.

Please allow me to congratulate you on the completion of the mission justice restored, with the final elimination of Osama Bin Laden by American troops, thus achieving one of the most important victories in the long and difficult war against international terrorism! As President of the Republic of Albania, on behalf of the Albanian nation, I would like to express my most sincere congratulations for the achievement of this objective that gave me joy and at the same time made me proud that my country is lined up on the side of the greatest ally and friend of Albania; the United States of America, the country that believed in the war without compromise against evil, against terrorism, by defending the holy principles of freedom and democracy all over the world, as well as ensuring the security, peace and stability in all parts of the world. Allow me, Mr. President, on behalf of the Albanian people and me personally, to express to You once more the best wishes for this great victory and at the same time to ensure you that Albania will continue to complete with devotion its engagements in the framework of NATO, by giving its own contribution in the future challenges for freedom, democracy, as well as in constructing a better world for the nations and their future

— Bamir Topi, [38]

Prime Minister Sali Berisha reacted to the Al-Qaeda leader being killed by the U.S. forces in Pakistan by noting it as a great victory of the U.S. over terrorism. Speaking to reporters, Berisha said that Bin Laden got what he deserved and emphasized that his death relieves the pain of thousands of September 11 victims. Berisha said:

Today's headline of the international news is elimination of one of the blackest figures of the history of mankind. It's the death of the man who by his primitiveness and aggressive behavior took the lives of thousands of people in New York, but even in other countries worldwide; they were innocent people, on whom this cruel man, Bin Laden, wanted to realize his medieval and the most inhuman ends. But, now he got the deserved response while hidden in his den for years. This marks a great victory of the United States of America, President Barack Obama; it's the victory of peace and all those who consider terrorism the number one enemy of peace and their freedom. This is the most consoling news for families of thousands of innocent victims of the attacks that the chief terrorist Osama Bin Laden masterminded in many countries of the world.

— Sali Berisha, [39]

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania hailed the death of Osama bin Laden, saying:

On this day, the Albanian people joins the feelings and the solidarity of the peoples of the whole world, who have suffered from the unparalleled acts perpetrated by international terrorism, including the one on September 11. As one of the first countries to join the alliance against international terrorism, Albania expresses the confidence that the unwavering stance in encountering these terrorist acts and their masterminds is the key to the success of our common struggle to uphold peace and freedom worldwide.

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania, [40]

Libyan civil war

Prime Minister Sali Berisha supported the 2011 military intervention in Libya the decision of the coalition to protect civilians from the Libyan regime of Gaddafi. In a press release of the Prime Ministry, Berisha noted that these operations are considered entirely legitimate, having as main objective the protection of freedoms and universal rights that Libyans deserve [41] adding that Albania is ready to help. [42]

Syrian civil war

During a 2012 meeting with the new ambassador of Qatar in Albania, Prime Minister Sali Berisha said: "The government of Albania is following with concern the events in Syria where the regime of Bashar al-Assad is using its power as a permit to kill the innocent civilians and the Syrian people." [43] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Albania on February 18, 2012 strongly condemns the violence already spread throughout Syria, "as well as increasing the number of victims caused by the government of Bashar Al Assad on the innocent population of his country". [44] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs supports the conclusions of the meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the European Union, held on February 27 in Brussels, on developments in Syria, as well as the additional sanctions that the European Union has adapted against the Assad government, sanctions that aim to paralyze the apparatus and finances of the repressive machine against the Syrian people. The Albanian Foreign Ministry expresses sympathy and support for the progressive forces, which have embraced the aspiration to transform Syria into a democratic, open and pluralistic state, which respects the rights of all communities living in this country. By coordinating its contributions to those of the international community, the Republic of Albania joins the Friends of Syria Group, believing that this is the secure way to help the Syrian people. [45]

During the meeting on April 1, 2012 Friends of Syria in Istanbul the Minister of foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania, Edmond Haxhinasto too spoke in the meeting, emphasizing that the issue of human rights is not an internal affair belonging to the states, but a responsibility of all the international community. He expressed the need to intensify the pressure against the current government of Damascus not just politically, but also through a concentrated action of all international mechanisms. Haxhinasto stressed the position of the Albanian government to support the efforts of the U.N., the E.U., the Arab League and other international bodies in putting an end to the violence towards the civilian population from the Damascus government, and establishing the conditions for a democratic process. He praised the Mission of the UN Special Envoy, Mr. Kofi Annan and his plan to stop the bloodshed and violence, achieve national reconciliation and establish a democratic government in Syria. In conclusion, Minister Haxhinasto underlined the support of the Albanian Government for the Syrian democratic opposition represented by the Syrian National Council, as well as its war for freedom, human dignity and progress. [46]

Military intervention against ISIL

Albania has supported U.S. counter terrorism efforts and has contributed to the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL by freezing terrorist assets, shutting down non-governmental organizations with possible links to terrorist financing, and expelling extremists.

Albania was amongst the coalition of seven countries, led by the United States, which donated weapons to Kurdish militia Peshmerga, for their fight against ISIL.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Foreign policy of the United States</span> National foreign policy of the United States

The officially stated goals of the foreign policy of the United States of America, including all the bureaus and offices in the United States Department of State, as mentioned in the Foreign Policy Agenda of the Department of State, are "to build and sustain a more democratic, secure, and prosperous world for the benefit of the American people and the international community". Liberalism has been a key component of US foreign policy since its independence from Britain. Since the end of World War II, the United States has had a grand strategy which has been characterized as being oriented around primacy, "deep engagement", and/or liberal hegemony. This strategy entails that the United States maintains military predominance; builds and maintains an extensive network of allies ; integrates other states into US-designed international institutions ; and limits the spread of nuclear weapons.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Enver Hoxha</span> Ruler of Albania from 1944 to 1985

Enver Hoxha was an Albanian communist politician who was the ruler of Albania from 1944 until his death in 1985. He was the First Secretary of the Party of Labour of Albania from 1941 until his death, a member of its Politburo, chairman of the Democratic Front of Albania, and commander-in-chief of the Albanian People's Army. He was the twenty-second prime minister of Albania from 1944 to 1954 and at various times was both foreign minister and defence minister of the country.

"Rogue state" is a term applied by some international theorists to states that they consider threatening to the world's peace. These states meet certain criteria, such as being ruled by authoritarian or totalitarian governments that severely restrict human rights, sponsoring terrorism, or seeking to proliferate weapons of mass destruction. The term is used most by the United States ; in his speech at the United Nations (UN) in 2017, U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated this phrase. U.S. politicians have used the term to describe countries such as Iran, Syria, North Korea, Afghanistan, Cuba and Venezuela. The term has been applied by other countries as well.

The foreign relations of Albania are its relations with other governments and peoples. Foreign relations are conducted through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tirana. The current minister is Igli Hasani. The current Ambassador to the United Nations is Ferit Hoxha.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Prime Minister of Albania</span> Head of government of Albania

The prime minister of Albania, officially the prime minister of the Republic of Albania, is the head of government of Albania. The office of the prime minister is a core institution in the politics of Albania formed after the Albanian declaration of independence on 28 November 1912. Since that time, the nation has navigated a dynamic political evolution spanning distinct periods, encompassing a monarchy, a communist regime and the eventual democratic order. In 1912, Ismail Qemali was inaugurated as the first prime minister of Albania, guiding the nation toward sovereignty amidst the complex conditions in the Balkans. In 1944, Enver Hoxha implemented a radical change in government, transforming Albania into an authoritarian and isolationist communist regime. In 1991, the nation transitioned into a democracy that marked a notable shift, when Fatos Nano emerged as the first post-communist prime minister of Albania.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sali Berisha</span> Albanian politician (born 1944)

Sali Ram Berisha is an Albanian cardiologist and conservative politician who served as the president of Albania from 1992 to 1997 and 32nd prime minister from 2005 to 2013. Berisha serves as Chairman of the Democratic Party of Albania since 2022 and has held the position previously from 1990 to 2013. He also serves as the incumbent Leader of Opposition in the Albanian parliament.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Democratic Party of Albania</span> Albanian political party

The Democratic Party of Albania is a conservative political party in Albania. It has been the largest opposition party in the country since 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Foreign policy of the George W. Bush administration</span> Overview of the foreign policy of the George W. Bush administration

The main event by far shaping the foreign policy of the United States during the presidency of George W. Bush (2001–2009) was the 9/11 terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001, and the subsequent war on terror. There was massive domestic and international support for destroying the attackers. With UN approval, US and NATO forces quickly invaded the attackers' base in Afghanistan and drove them out and the Taliban government that harbored them. It was the start of a 20-year quagmire that finally ended in failure with the withdrawal of United States troops from Afghanistan.

The foreign policy of the Bill Clinton administration was of secondary concern to a president fixed on domestic policy. Clinton relied chiefly on his two experienced Secretaries of State Warren Christopher (1993–1997) and Madeleine Albright (1997–2001), as well as Vice President Al Gore. The Cold War had ended and the Dissolution of the Soviet Union had taken place under his predecessor President George H. W. Bush, whom Clinton criticized for being too preoccupied with foreign affairs. The United States was the only remaining superpower, with a military strength far overshadowing the rest of the world. There were tensions with countries such as Iran and North Korea, but no visible threats. Clinton's main priority was always domestic affairs, especially economics. Foreign-policy was chiefly of interest to him in terms of promoting American trade. His administration signed more than 300 bilateral trade agreements. His emergencies had to do with humanitarian crises which raised the issue of American or NATO or United Nations interventions to protect civilians, or armed humanitarian intervention, as the result of civil war, state collapse, or oppressive governments.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">People's Socialist Republic of Albania</span> Socialist State in Southeastern Europe from 1946 to 1991

The People's Socialist Republic of Albania, officially the People's Republic of Albania from 1946 until 1976, and from 1991 to 1992 as the Republic of Albania, was the communist state in Albania from 1946 to 1991. It succeeded the Democratic Government of Albania (1944–1946).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Italy–United States relations</span> Bilateral relations

Italy and the United States enjoy warm and friendly relations. The United States has had diplomatic representation in the nation of Italy and its predecessor nation, the Kingdom of Italy, since 1840. However, in 1891 the Italian government severed diplomatic relations and briefly contemplated war against the US as a response to the unresolved case of the lynching of eleven Italians in New Orleans, Louisiana, and there was a break in relations from 1941 to 1943, while Italy and the United States were at war.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fall of communism in Albania</span> Collapse of communist control of Albania in the early 1990s

The fall of communism in Albania, the last such event in Europe outside the Soviet Union, started in December 1990 with student demonstrations in the capital, Tirana, although protests started in January that year in other cities like Shkodra and Kavaja. The Central Committee of the communist Party of Labour of Albania allowed political pluralism on 11 December and the largest opposition party, the Democratic Party, was founded the next day. March 1991 elections left the Party of Labour in power, but a general strike and urban opposition led to the formation of a "stability government" that included non-communists. Albania's former communists were routed in elections in March 1992 amid economic collapse and social unrest, with the Democratic Party winning most seats and its party head, Sali Berisha, becoming president.

In 1991, the Socialist Party of Albania, with specific social democratic ideology took control of the country through democratic elections. One year later the Democratic Party of Albania won the new elections. After 1990, Albania has been seeking a closer relationship with the West. What followed were deliberate programs of economic and democratic reform, but the implementation of capitalism led to the proliferation of pyramid schemes. Chaos in late 1996 to early 1997, as a result of the collapse of these pyramid schemes, alarmed the world and prompted the influx of international peacekeeping forces. In 1995, Albania was accepted into the Council of Europe and requested membership in NATO and is a potential candidate country for accession to the European Union. The workforce of Albania has continued to emigrate to Western countries, especially Greece and Italy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Albania–Kosovo relations</span> Bilateral relations

Albania–Kosovo relations refer to the current, cultural and historical relations of Albania and Kosovo. Albania has an embassy in Pristina and Kosovo has an embassy in Tirana. There are 1.8 million Albanians living in Kosovo – officially 92.93% of Kosovo's entire population – and Albanian is an official language and the national language of Kosovo. Likewise, the peoples of the two countries have practically identical traditions and folklore. Kosovo is the birthplace of Albanian nationalism such as the League of Prizren. In addition, the strong relations are highlighted in successive polls showing majority of ethnic Albanians in both states wanting unification. Both countries and their citizens refer to the relationship as "one nation, two states" as highlighted in the popular pan-Albanian slogan "Jemi një".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Albania–NATO relations</span> Bilateral relations

The accession of Albania to NATO took place in 2009. Albania's relationship with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) began in 1992 when it joined the North Atlantic Cooperation Council. In 1994, it entered NATO's Partnership for Peace, which began Albania's process of accession into the alliance. In 1999, the country received a Membership Action Plan (MAP). The country received an invitation to join at the 2008 Bucharest Summit and became a full member on April 1, 2009.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Albania–China relations</span> Bilateral relations

Albania and China established diplomatic relations on November 23, 1949. Albania has an embassy in Beijing and China has an embassy in Tirana.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ilir Gjoni</span> Albanian politician (born 1962)

Ilir Gjoni is an Albanian politician. He served as the Minister of Defence of Albania from 7 July 2000 to 8 November 2000, and Minister of Internal Affairs from 8 November 2000 to 22 February 2002. He was appointed interior minister following the dismissal of Spartak Poçi and general reshuffle of the Cabinet. Gjoni oversaw an increase in the defensive readiness of Albania on its border with Montenegro following the 13 April 1999 Albania–Yugoslav border incident.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Albania–Palestine relations</span> Bilateral relations

Albania and Palestine established diplomatic relations in 1990. Albania had already recognized Palestine as a state since 1988. Palestine has an embassy in Tirana, but Albania does not have an embassy in Palestine. Both are member of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

The following lists events that happened during 1944 in the People's Republic of Albania.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Albania–North Macedonia relations</span> Bilateral relations

Albania–North Macedonia relations are diplomatic relations between the Republic of Albania and the Republic of North Macedonia. Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe and of the NATO. Both began European Union accession negotiations in March 2020. The Albanian language is an official language in Albania, while also being an official language in Macedonia on a municipal level, if the ethnic Albanian population exceeds 20%, and ethnic Albanians make up the second largest community in North Macedonia.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Hart, Laurie Kain (Feb 1999), "Culture, Civilization, and Demarcation at the Northwest Borders of Greece", American Ethnologist, 26 (1): 212, doi:10.1525/ae.1999.26.1.196, JSTOR   647505 "The role of the United States... it also intervened to safeguard the integrity of Albanian statehood in 1919 when the Powers were on the verge of dividing it among its neighbors. Certainly in recent times American involvement has been perceived in Greece as pro-Albanian (and pro-Muslim) and anti-Greek."
  2. 1 2 Chun, Kwang-Ho (2011). "Kosovo: A New European Nation-State?" (PDF). Journal of International and Area Studies. 18 (1): 94.
  3. ↑ Papers relating to the foreign relations of the United States, The Paris Peace Conference, 1919. Vol. V. Washington: Government Printing Office. 1919. p. 483.
  4. ↑ Nationalism in Eastern Europe. / Edited by Peter F. Sugar and Ivo J. Lederer. – Version details. Seattle: University of Washington Press. 1969. ISBN   9780295973425 . Retrieved 2017-05-05– via Trove.
  5. ↑ Akhund, Nadine (2012-12-31). "The Two Carnegie Reports: From the Balkan Expedition of 1913 to the Albanian Trip of 1921". Balkanologie. Revue d'études pluridisciplinaires (in French). XIV (1–2). doi: 10.4000/balkanologie.2365 . ISSN   1279-7952.
  6. ↑ "Albania". U.S. Department of State. Retrieved 2017-05-05.
  7. ↑ "Library Images" (PDF).
  8. ↑ "Recognition of Zog I, King of Albanians" (PDF).
  9. ↑ "ATTACK ON ALBANIA ASSAILED BY HULL; DIPLOMATS INVOLVED BY INVASION". The New York Times. 1939-04-09. ISSN   0362-4331 . Retrieved 2017-05-05.
  10. ↑ "Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1944, The British Commonwealth and Europe, Volume III – Office of the Historian". history.state.gov. Retrieved 2017-05-05.
  11. ↑ Rothschild, Joseph (2000). RETURN TO DIVERSITY: A Political History of East Central Europe Since World War II. Oxford: OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS.
  12. ↑ "Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1945, Europe, Volume IV – Office of the Historian". history.state.gov. Retrieved 2017-05-05.
  13. ↑ "Foreign Relations of the United States, 1946, Eastern Europe, The Soviet Union, Volume VI – Office of the Historian". history.state.gov. Retrieved 2017-05-05.
  14. ↑ "Efforts to reach a satisfactory basis for the reestablishment of diplomatic relations with Albania; withdrawal of the informal Albanian mission" (PDF).
  15. ↑ Dhimiter Binaj (December 2004). An Analysis of United States-Albanian Security Relations in Light of the War on Terrorism (MA thesis). Naval Postgraduate School.
  16. ↑ Stolberg, Sheryl Gay (June 10, 2007). "Bush is Greeted Warmly in Albania". The New York Times . Retrieved September 29, 2018.
  17. ↑ Itano, Nicole (June 11, 2007). "Why Albania embraces Bush". The Christian Science Monitor . Retrieved September 29, 2018.
  18. ↑ Cika, Leon (July 6, 2011). "Albanian town thanks George W. Bush with statue". Reuters . Retrieved September 29, 2018.
  19. ↑ Neofotistos, Vasiliki P. (2012). The Risk of War: Everyday Sociality in the Republic of Macedonia. University of Pennsylvania Press. p. 158. ISBN   9780812206562.
  20. ↑ "UN heads towards vote to condemn Russian invasion of Ukraine". The Australian. 7 March 2022. Retrieved 17 December 2021.
  21. 1 2 Lederer, Edith M. (28 February 2022). "UN to hold 2 meetings Monday on Russia's invasion of Ukraine". ABC News. Retrieved 7 March 2022.
  22. 1 2 Falk, Pamela (28 February 2022). "U.N. General Assembly emergency session hears overwhelming global support for Ukraine". CBS News. Retrieved 7 March 2022.
  23. ↑ Lucas, Peter: Why Albanians love America, Retrieved on January 14, 2009
  24. ↑ Albanians love Americans – and the feeling is mutual Denver Post 2010-08-14
  25. ↑ "Albania - Albania's Reemergence after World War I". countrystudies.us.
  26. ↑ Smith, Craig S. (2007-06-09). "For One Visit, Bush Will Feel Pro-U.S. Glow". nytimes.com. Retrieved 2009-01-14.
  27. 1 2 3 "Background Note: Albania". state.gov. Retrieved 2009-01-14.
  28. ↑ U.S. Global Leadership Project Report – 2012 Gallup
  29. ↑ International Students: All Places of Origin Institute of International Education
  30. ↑ John, Mark (2008-04-03). "NATO invites Croatia and Albania to join alliance". reuters.com. Archived from the original on December 15, 2008. Retrieved 2009-01-14.
  31. ↑ Klein, Kent: Bush Signs NATO Entry Protocols for Albania, Croatia, Retrieved on January 14, 2009
  32. ↑ "Albania". U.S. Department of State.
  33. ↑ Njekomb.com (2020-02-12). "Pse vetëm amerikanëve iu interesonte shkollimi shqip në jugun e Shqiperisë ? ose Pse grekët nuk i lejonin shkollat shqipe në Shqipëri ?". Njekomb.org. Retrieved 2022-03-20.
  34. ↑ Vickers, Miranda. The Albanians. A modern History, London/New York 2016, ISBN 978-1-78076-695-9, p. 123
  35. ↑ Charles Telford Erickson Papers , Biographical / Historical, Yale University Divinity School Library
  36. ↑ "Summaries of MCC Compacts in Europe, Eurasia and the Pacific" (PDF). mcc.gov. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 18, 2009. Retrieved 2009-01-14.
  37. ↑ "DSCA Historical Sales Book" (PDF). www.dsca.mil. Defense Security Cooperation Agency. 2020. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2021-03-23. Retrieved 2021-04-15.
  38. ↑ "President of Albania". Archived from the original on April 14, 2012.
  39. ↑ Keshilli i Ministrave i Republikes se Shqiperise Archived April 5, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
  40. ↑ "PRESS RELEASE, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania". Archived from the original on May 8, 2012.
  41. ↑ "Albania supports the attacks on Libya". Albeu Online Media. March 20, 2011. Archived from the original on March 23, 2011. Retrieved July 9, 2013.
  42. ↑ "Albania supports the attacks on Libya". March 20, 2011. Archived from the original on March 23, 2011. Retrieved July 9, 2013.
  43. ↑ PM Berisha receives new ambassador of State of Qatar Yossef Bin Hassan Bin Yousef Al Saai [ permanent dead link ], Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania, 2012-02-14
  44. ↑ Statement of Ministry of Foreign Affairs for approval of the Resolution for Syria in the General Assembly of U.N., Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania, 2012-02-18
  45. ↑ Albania joins the International Group of “Friends of Syria”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania, 2012-02-28
  46. ↑ "Minister Haxhinasto participates in the meeting of the "Friends of the Syrian People" Group". Mfa.gov.al. 2012-04-01. Archived from the original on 2016-03-05. Retrieved 2012-10-06.

PD-icon.svg This article incorporates public domain material from U.S. Bilateral Relations Fact Sheets. United States Department of State.

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.