Sajmir Tahiri

Albania in January will start what is being called a "patriotic contract" - the registration of all Albanians who live outside the country.

The initiative is being prepared by the Interior Ministry and being conducted for the first time in 25 years, after countless Albanians emigrated, mostly to Western Europe and the United States.

Albanian Interior Minister Sajmir Tahiri told parliament that he does not intend to resign and called on the General Prosecutor to investigate oposition claims about his alleged crime links to drugs smugglers.

The opposition claims Tahiri has links to drug dealers and that the police have been infiltrated by criminal elements that protect the drug traffic routes.

Albania dismantles massive drug network

Experts say that a police operation performed in co-operation with Germany demonstrates Albania's capacity to identify and lead major operations against organised crime groups.

Albanian police officers search a drug laboratory in the village of Xibrake, near Elbasan, on January 15th. [AFP]

Albania, Italy create anti-terror task force

Italian authorities say that in fighting terrorism, it is important to engage Albania and Kosovo.

Roberto Della Rocca, a deputy director with the Italian police (left) visits Albania's interior ministry. [Albanian Ministry of Internal Affairs]