1、1Sources for this report include the Europa World Yearbook, the Economist Intelligence Unit, theForeign Broadcast Information Service, and news wire services.Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS Web98-974 FUpdated June 29, 2000Albania:
2、 Country Background Report(name redacted)Specialist in International RelationsForeign Affairs and National Defense DivisionSummaryAlbania has avoided direct involvement in neighboring Balkan wars, but continuesto seek political stability and economic recovery. In 1998 and 1999, Albania was on thefro
3、nt line of the Kosovo crisis that culminated in the NATO air campaign againstYugoslavia. Over 400,000 Kosovar Albanian refugees flooded across the border intoAlbania, though most have since returned to Kosovo under an international protectorate.Albania strongly supported the NATO operation and seeks
4、 closer integration with thealliance and with the European Union. In early 1997, Albania went through a majorfinancial and social crisis that brought down the Democratic Party-led government.Elections held in June 1997 brought the Socialist Party to power. In 1999, fierce rivalsFatos Nano of the Soc
