Latest News from Albania
Albania, Greece Agree to End Forgotten 'War'
Albania and Greece are going to work together to abolish the technical state of war that has existed between them since World War Two.
Greece passed a law declaring a state of war between the two states after Italian occupation forces in Albania attacked Greece in October 1940.
Chinese Buy Rights to Oil Fields in Albania
Canada's Banker's Petroleum has announced the sale of oil exploration and production rights to affiliates of China's Geo-Jade Petroleum for a price of $442.34 million.
The Canadian company announced the news in a press release on Sunday, adding that the Chinese company is going to pay $1.69 per share. The board of directors of Bankers approved the deal unanimously.
Albania Opposition Signs Lobby Firm Before US Visit
Albania's opposition Democratic Party leader Lulzim Basha travels on Monday to the US with key aides for meetings with members of Congress and US officials to discuss democracy and the rule of law in Albania.
However, BIRN has learned that on the eve of the visit the Democratic Party signed a contract with the lobbying firm Podesta Group to secure access to Washington's top echelons.
Bust of Pope Francis unveiled in Albania
A bust representing the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis, has been installed in the center of Tirana, Albania.
Albanian agency ATA is reporting that the unveiling ceremony was attended by state and religious dignitaries and citizens.
Italy to Help Albania Stop Refugee Influx
Italian police are to help their counterparts in Albania stop a feared influx of refugees after countries on the so-called Balkan route closed their borders.
Worried that refugees may divert their route to Western Europe through Albania and the Adriatic Sea - ending up in Puglia - Italian authorities have decided to invest in preventing such a situation.
Youth in well-off nations smoke, drink less than in 2010: WHO
The number of teenagers trying alcohol or cigarettes before they turn 14 has dropped, especially among girls, according to a World Health Organization study of 42 well-off nations.
Terror Suspect Presents Albania With Huge Bill
Saudi businessman Yassin Kadi lost his business empire in Albania, built up in the 1990s, after his name was included on a UN black list of terror financiers in 2001.
Fifteen years later, Kadi has cleared his name following lengthy court proceedings in Europe and the US and has won back his properties in Albania.
Frontex Doesn't Rule Out Migrant Route through Bulgaria
Bulgaria might be affected to a bigger extent by the migrant crisis after the Western Balkans route is closed, EU border agency Frontex's Executive Director Fabrice Leggeri has said.
Greece more isolated than ever, turns to US for aid on refugee crisis
The Greek government is scrambling to find aid in its efforts to deal with the humanitarian refugee crisis.
Kathimerini: Bulgaria, Albania Take Action Fearing Refugee Influx
Bulgaria and Albania are beefing up security along their border with Greece in fear that "thousands of refugees may show up at their doorstep," Greek daily Kathimerini writes.
The development follows the "official" closure of the so-called Western Balkans route for migrants crossing into Europe from Turkey and heading further west to Germany.
Croatia's Tourism Not Influenced by Refugee Crisis
Since speculations of the refugee wave diverting to Albania from Greece have arisen, Croatia is preparing to prevent any refugees from entering the most south point on the border with Montenegro.
Albania Vows to Sort Muddle Over Religious Property
Albanian agencies in charge of property compensation and legalisation are creating a special joint unit to resolve the thorny issue of religious properties.
Bulgaria, Azerbaijan Presidents Discuss Energy Cooperation
Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev has told Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev that his country has advanced in the construction of gas links with neighboring states.
Plevneliev informed his counterpart that the Bulgaria is poised to complete the construction of the gas link with Romania and is to start building the interconnection with Greece.
Albania and Bulgaria seal their borders against refugees (pics+vid)
With Western Balkan route being officially closed, Greece’s neighboring countries are trying to seal their borders so as to prevent the 42,000 refugees and immigrants who are trapped in Greece to seek alternative routes so as to continue their journey to Europe.
Albania Mulls Refugee Scenarios With Neighbours
As Western Balkan states act together to stop the flow of refugees on the old land route through the Balkans, Albania is holding negotiations with neighbouring Greece and Italy about a possible influx across its own borders.