Llazar Semini
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Ilir Meta, the new premier, takes an impartial line on Kosovo and promises quick results in the battle to restore order and root out corruption.
Macro-economic indicators are good in Albania, despite the impact of the Kosovo crisis. But rampant crime and corruption, combined with a questionable political will, continue to deter critical foreign investment.
Albania is reluctant to openly support the Kosovo Albanian demands for independence but Albanians on both sides of the border threw themselves into celebrations for Albania's first official Independence Day on November 28.
Tirana smooths over nationalist opposition to its decision to re-establish diplomatic ties with Belgrade.
A senior Albanian official has been implicated in a major drug trafficking operation.
Kosovo's first commercial bank pledges to promote economic growth in one of the poorest regions in Europe.
The Serb National Council decision to rejoin Kosovo's joint institutions has deepened divisions among the minority's leaders.
International officials shut down Dita after it failed to pay a fine for an article naming alleged Serb war crimals
Kosovo Albanians say they have little interest in Sunday elections, but the UN is preparing for trouble
Sali Berisha comes under pressure to step down as head of Albania's main opposition party after its poor showing in local elections.