Guides
index
INCORE guide to Internet sources on conflict in Albania
Compiled by Tanaz Khambatta (August 2004)
Contents
Inclusion in this guide
does not imply an endorsement by INCORE of the views expressed in any
of these sources. If you have a complaint about this guide or believe
that we have omitted a relevant source please read our information about the guides before writing
to us. You may find that this will answer some of your questions. This
includes a warning about the type of information included in the guide,
information about our 'criteria for inclusion' in the guides and about
our 'updating and additions policy'.
MapsPerry- Castañeda Library Map Collection at the University of Texas—Maps of Albania and the surrounding regions.
The collection includes general and detailed maps of Albania, maps of the Balkans region, and various thematic maps.
http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/albania.html (1)
ReliefWeb--Albania
A project of the United Nations Department of Humanitarian Affairs (UNDHA). Website provides a compilation of useful maps from different sources (listed below each map heading). Provides links to general maps of Albania, the Balkans region, and even an interactive map of Europe and Eurasia. Also has several different maps showing the Albanian diaspora in Europe.
http://www.reliefweb.int/w/map.nsf/Country?OpenForm&Query=Eu_Albania (5)
UN Systems Website-- Map of Albania
Provides a fairly detailed map of Albania (.PDF file).
http://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/map/profile/albania.pdf (6)
News Sources - Email ListsABYZ News Links--Albania
A useful source that provides links to several different types of news organizations broadly categorized by national and foreign Albania newspapers and news media and local Albania newspapers and news media. The website also lists the language that the media is published in.
http://www.abyznewslinks.com/alban.htm (7)
AlbaNEWS
A mailing list dedicated to the distribution of news and information related to Albania, Kosova, the Albanian populated regions in FYR of Macedonia and Montenegro, as well as the Albanian diaspora world-wide.
Past and current editions of AlbaNEWS, along with frequently asked questions, can be found at:
http://listserv.acsu.buffalo.edu/archives/albanews.html (8)
Albanian Daily News
Provides daily news reports from Albania. Although you can access one issue free, you have to subscribe to read all editions.
http://www.albaniannews.com (9)
BBC News—Country Profile: Albania
Provides a general country profile, as well an overview of politics, government, and media in Albania. The website also links to the major press, television, radio, and news agencies. The link to “Timeline: Albania” is particularly interesting.
Please note that this page was last updated in May 2004—a more up-to-date version than the one listed may become available.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/country_profiles/1004234.stm (11)
EIN News—Albania
A useful source that gives daily news from Albania and the surrounding area. Website provides a compilation of articles from various sources listed chronologically by date. The site also has as an archive, as well as links to articles from specific sectors. These include: business and economy, government and politics, industry, and miscellaneous.
* Please note that some links lead to websites which require registration to access articles.
http://www.einnews.com/albania/ (12)
Keston Institute--Albania
An institute that focuses on compiling “resources for the studies of communist countries and religious affairs.” The website provides links from a variety of news sources to many recent articles relating to Albania and the Balkans at large.
http://www.starlightsite.co.uk/keston/places/albania.aspx (13)
Moreover—Albania News
Provides a compilation of current articles from various international news sources.
http://www.moreover.com/cgi-local/page?page?o=portal&feed=396 (14)
OneWorld.net--Albania (Albania News)
Provides a compilation of news articles and working/position papers, documents, and reports from many international sources and organizations. Please note that some of these are not in the English language. To limit the search by language or topic, go to the light green box at the top of the page. There is also a country guide page, detailing the history, political situation, economy, and human development of Albania. To receive the Southeast Europe (SEE) Newsletter, go to the subscription page and type your e-mail address and name in the boxes, then create a password.
http://www.oneworld.net/article/country/8/ (15)
OneWorld.net--Albania - (Albania Country Guide)
Provides a compilation of news articles and working/position papers, documents, and reports from many international sources and organizations. Please note that some of these are not in the English language. To limit the search by language or topic, go to the light green box at the top of the page. There is also a country guide page, detailing the history, political situation, economy, and human development of Albania. To receive the Southeast Europe (SEE) Newsletter, go to the subscription page and type your e-mail address and name in the boxes, then create a password.
http://see.oneworld.net/article/archive/3265 (16)
OnlineNewspapers.com--Albania
Provides links to the main newspapers and agencies which provide news from countries all over the world, including Albania. Please note that some of the links do not work, and several sources are in the Albanian language only.
http://www.onlinenewspapers.com/albania.htm (17)
Public International Law and Policy Group (PILPG) - Balkan Watch
Balkan Watch is a twice-monthly publication, prepared by the Post-Conflict Political Development Practice of the Public International Law & Policy Group, which details and analyzes the various current events and conflicts in the Balkans region, including Albania.
For a free subscription, please send an e-mail to balkanwatch@pilpg.org with the following subject line, SUBSCRIBE BALKANWATCH.
Past and current editions of Balkan Watch can also be found at:
http://www.publicinternationallaw.org/programs/balkans/archives/ (18)
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL)—Balkan Report
Provides a weekly review of politics, media, and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty broadcasts in the Western Balkans. Also has an archive of recent newscasts relating to Western Balkan countries and regions.
*Please note that you can receive a weekly e-mail of RFE/RL Balkan Report. Just go to the webpage and type your e-mail in the “subscribe” box.
http://www.rferl.org/reports/balkan-report/ (19)
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL)—Southeastern Europe Newsline
Supplies up-to-date news from Southeastern Europe. The newsline also regularly provides features, analyses and special reports, some of which are relevant to Albania. To find articles relating to Albania throughout the entire website, click on the search form link on the right side of the webpage.
*Please note that you can receive a weekly e-mail of RFE/RL Newsline. Just go to the webpage and type your e-mail in the “subscribe” box.
http://www.rferl.org/newsline/4-see.asp (20)
Reuters
Provides current Albania-specific and Balkan regional news. Type in “Albania” in the light blue search box at the top of the webpage. Please note that you can also search for both news and pictures.
http://www.reuters.com (21)
Transitions Online (TOL), Southeastern Europe--Albania
Provides a compilation of articles, commentaries, academic papers, etc. pertaining to Albania and Southeastern Europe.
*Please note that you must have a paid subscription to view many of the reports.
http://www.tol.cz/look/TOL/section.tpl?IdLanguage=1&IdPublication=4&tpid=27 (22)
Washington Post
Provides current Albania-specific and Balkan regional news. Type in “Albania” in the google search box at the top of the webpage. Must fill out short subscription form in order to view news.
http://www.washingtonpost.com (23)
World News (WN) Network--Albania News
Provides current news on Albania, the Balkans, Europe, and even has links to world news. Website also has links to the major Albanian newspapers.
http://www.albanianews.com/ (24)
National and Local Governmental Institutions and AgenciesAlbanian Government Institutions on the Web
A great source. Provides a listing of all national institutions and political parties listed on the web. Also has links to sites that give general, political, and tourist information.
http://www.gksoft.com/govt/en/al.html (25)
Office of the President—Albania
Official webpage of the Presidency of Albania. Provides news, speeches, and interviews, as well as information on the Constitution and the President himself.
http://www.president.al/english/pub/default.asp (26)
The Albanian Parliament
Official website of the Albanian Parliament. Provides information on the Albanian Parliament, the Presidency/MPs, the Constitution, and other useful government institutions. The website even provides a link to Weekly Bulletins of the Assembly.
http://www.parlament.al/english/eng-ver.html (27)
Albania Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Official website of the Albanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A very useful resource detailing Albania’s position on organizations such as the EU, NATO, and the Stability Pact.
http://www.mfa.gov.al/english/ (28)
Bank of Albania
Official website of the central of the Republic of Albania. The website has links to monetary policy instruments and other statistical information. It also provides past and current publications of the Bank.
http://www.bankofalbania.org/ (29)
Albanian Economic Development Agency (AEDA)
AEDA is part of the Ministry of Public Economy and Privatization, whose function it is to create a favorable environment for both domestic and international investment. The website details the organization’s structure and activities and also has a link to publications.
http://aeda.gov.al/ (30)
External Governmental Institutions and AgenciesForeign and Commonwealth Office of the United Kingdom (FCO UK)—Country Profile, Albania
Provides very general information on Albania including: basic geography, short history, recent political developments, the economy, and international relations.
Also has a link for travel advice. Information sheets are updated and issued regularly throughout the year.
http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage (33)
U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)—Albania
Includes several links to the work of USAID in Albania, as well links to general information from sources such as the U.S. State Department background notes and the CIA World Factbook. The USAID Country Page link (on the right of the screen) provides a brief overview of the agency’s specific focuses within the country. Please note that this report can only be viewed as a PDF file.
http://www.usaid.gov/locations/europe_eurasia/countries/al/ (34)
U.S. Department of State, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs--Albania
Provides recent “highlights” from the area as well as links to general background notes about Albania from sources such as the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) World Factbook and the U.S. Department of State Consular Information Sheets. The latter is particularly relevant to persons wanting to travel to Albania. To receive up-to-date travel advisories. Send an e-mail containing the word “subscribe” to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.edu
The website also provides country information in the form of remarks, fact sheets, and quick links to major reports. The major reports link leads to annual Human Rights Reports and Religious Freedom Reports. Please note that Human Rights Reports and Religious Freedom Reports are updated annually, consequently, a newer version than the one listed may become available.
http://www.state.gov/p/eur/ci/al/ (35)
International Multilateral Organisations (IOs)European Union (EU) External Relations - Albania
Provides a brief overview of the main objectives of EU assistance in Albania as well as the main areas of ongoing support. The website has links to various Stabilization and Association Reports, as well as the EC Country Strategy Paper 2002-2006 for Albania. Please note that some of these reports may become updated.
http://europa.eu.int/comm/external_relations/see/albania/index.htm (31)
European Union (EU) — Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe (SCSP)
The Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe was adopted in Cologne in 1999. More than 40 partner countries and organizations agreed to work to “foster peace, democracy, respect for human rights and economic prosperity,” which would eventually lead to regional stability. The website offers background and constituent documents of the Stability Pact, as well as links to various “Working Tables” of different regional initiatives. There are also links to press releases.(SCSP website)
http://www.stabilitypact.org/ (32)
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) presence in Albania
Provides information about OSCE activities, including: anti-trafficking, democratization, media development, political affairs, rule of law/human rights, and security cooperation. Also has links to interviews, reports, and speeches relating to the OSCE’s work in Albania.
http://www.osce.org/albania/ (36)
The United Nations (UN) in Albania
Provides a listing as well as links to all of the UN organizations operating in Albania. Website also has links to the Millennium Development Goals, Newsroom, and Publications.
http://www.un.org.al/ (37)
International Financial Institutions (IFIs)International Monetary Fund (IMF)—Albania
A useful source that provides detailed information about the country’s financial position within the Fund as well as the work of the organization in Albania.
http://www.imf.org/external/np/tre/tad/exfin2.cfm?memberKey1=15 (38)
The World Bank Group—Albania
Provides a brief overview of the World Bank’s mission in Albania. Website has links to: News and Events; Data and Statistics; Publications and Reports; Development Topics; Projects and Programs; Public Information Center; and much more.
http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/ECAEXT/ALBANIAEXTN/0,,menu (39)
International Non-Governmental Organisation (INGOs), Research Institutes, Non-State ActorsAlbanian Helsinki Committee (AHC)
Has links to the history, mission, and structure of AHC. Website also has links to publications (in the Albanian language), statements, and projects of the Committee.
http://www.ahc.org.al/anglisht/ahc.htm (40)
Amnesty International (AI) - Albania
The website gives the AI 2004 Human Rights Report for Albania. There are also links to AI’s human rights agenda, the organization’s activities, and a report guide. The library link at the bottom of the page provides numerous articles relating to current and past political and social events and activities in Albania.
* Please note that the AI Human Rights Reports are updated annually, consequently, a newer version than the one listed may become available.
http://web.amnesty.org/report2004/alb-summary-eng (41)
Freedom House - Freedom In the World Report 2003, Albania
The report provides valuable information on political rights and civil liberties in Albania. Also has an archive of reports from previous years. The “Resources” link under “Research and Publications” provides links to organizations working on political rights and civil liberties issues.
* Please note that these reports are updated annually, consequently, a newer version than the one listed may become available.
http://www.freedomhouse.org/research/freeworld/2003/countryratings/albania.htm (42)
Human Rights Watch, Albania
Provides numerous articles relating to current and past political and social events and activities in Albania. Website also has links to annual overviews of human rights developments dating back to 1991.
http://www.hrw.org/doc?t=europe&c=albani (43)
Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR) - Balkans
Provides an overview of IWPR activities in the region. The Institute maintains the online “Balkans Crisis Report,” a compilation of articles from around the Balkans, including Albania. There are also links to past reports. To receive reports via e-mail, go to the top right of the page and click on the “IWPR Reports Subscribe Free” gray box—enter your e-mail, country, and tick the box of the reports you want to receive.
http://www.iwpr.net/balkans_index1.html (44)
International Crisis Group (ICG) - Albania project
ICG's Albania project is largely centered on: crumbling state institutions, weak security structures, rampant corruption, large-scale weapons distribution and drug trafficking, and pan-Albanian aspirations. The website has links to several useful articles focusing on a variety of these themes.
http://www.crisisweb.org/home/index.cfm?id=1241&l=1 (45)
Open Society Foundation for Albania
The Open Society Foundation for Albania – SOROS (OSFA) is a non-for-profit organization that focuses on the democratization process in Albania. The website provides links to its projects and programs, as well as annual reports.
http://www.soros.al/English/kryesore.htm (46)
SIL International - Ethnologue, Albania
Provides information about the various languages/dialects spoken in Albania.
http://www.ethnologue.com/show_country.asp?name=Albania (47)
United States Institute for Peace (USIP) - The Balkans, Albania
A great source that provides links to Institute publications as well as other online resources. The resource links include: Government Agencies; International Organizations and Regional Initiatives; and Primary Documents.
http://www.usip.org/balkans/research/albania.html#pubs (48)
University of Maryland, Center for International Development and Conflict Management - Minorities at Risk (MAR), Minority Group Assessment for Post-Communist States
MAR tracks “politically-active ethnic groups throughout the world, identifying where they are, what they do, and what happens to them.” The “Minority Group Assessment for Post-Communist States” details all Balkan countries, including Albania. Click on group name or group type to get more detailed information.
http://www.cidcm.umd.edu/inscr/mar/assessments.asp?regionId=2 (49)
Civilitas Research
Civilitas Research is an independent policy research centre (think tank) providing commentary and analysis on politics and society in South East Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean. The website offers many useful links on Albania, that are divided by headings including: diplomacy (i.e. U.S. embassy), government (i.e. Ministry of Information), international (i.e. UNDP) , and media (i.e. Albanian Telegraphic Agency).
http://www.civilitasresearch.com/ (50)
Local Non-Governmental Organisation (NGOs), Civil Society Organisations, Research Institutes, Non-State ActorsAlbanian Telegraphic Agency
Includes daily news and other news-related documents. Please note that you must subscribe to view most of the documents.
http://www.ata-al.net/index.aspx?lang=e (10)
Institute for Contemporary Studies—Albania
A public policy institute aimed at formulating policy on issues such as free enterprise, efficient and transparent government, individual freedom and democratic values.
http://www.ics-al.org/ (51)
Articles, Papers, Reports, AgreementsInternational Crisis Group (ICG)—Albania: State of the Nation 2003
A detailed report that covers many topics broadly divided into: political developments, the economy, social issues, and international relations—can only be viewed as a PDF file. Please note that these reports are frequently updated, consequently, a newer version than the one listed may become available.
http://www.crisisweb.org//library/documents/report_archive/A400917_11032003.pdf (52)
Report by the International Helsinki Federation on Human Rights in the OSCE Region.
Report focuses on: elections; freedom of expression and the media; judicial system and the rule of law; torture, ill-treatment and police misconduct; conditions in prisons and detention facilities; national and ethnic minorities; local self-government; labor rights. Must click on Albania link to access report—can only be viewed as a PDF file.
http://www.ihf-hr.org/documents/doc_summary.php?sec_id=3&d_id=1322 (53)
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) - Charter of Partnership Among Albania, Croatia, Macedonia and USA”
Focuses on the issue of Adriatic NATO enlargement and the potential for membership of Albania, Croatia, and Macedonia. The paper also addresses many issues relating to joint cooperation—can only be viewed as a PDF file.
http://www.mfa.gov.mk/upload/dokumenti/Partnership_final.pdf (54)
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) - For the Record 2003: UN Human Rights System, Albania
Website has useful information pertaining to a variety of UN activities. Links include: Treaties; Reports to Treaty Bodies; and Thematic Reports. The website also has an archive of past reports, as well as a “Human Rights Internet” box with links to various human rights websites.
*Please note that these reports are updated annually, consequently, a newer version than the one listed may become available.
http://www.hri.ca/fortherecord2003/vol5/albania.htm (55)
United Nations Development Program (UNDP)—Human Development Indicators (HDI) 2003, Albania
Website details the HDI for Albania in 2003. The HDI covers a number of issues including: human and income poverty, demographic trends, health access and services, education and literacy, unemployment, technology, gender issues, etc.
*Please note that these reports are updated annually, consequently, a newer version than the one listed may become available.
http://www.undp.org/hdr2003/indicator/cty_f_ALB.html (56)
United States Institute of Peace (USIP) - “Albanians in the Balkans”
The report, published in 2001, examines the Albanian populations of Serbia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Macedonia, and Albania, and outlines the major issues Albanians faces in each of these areas. The report also discusses the views of the governments and majority populations in Balkans states with large Albanian minorities.
To view a brief summary of the report go to:
http://www.usip.org/pubs/specialreports/sr77.html (57)
United States Library of Congress Country Study of Albania
Although the Federal Research Division has not updated this study since 1992, it still offers useful information on many aspects of Albania, including: history, society, economy, government, and politics.
http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/altoc.html (58)
The Washington Quarterly—“And the Winner is . . .the Albanian Mafia”
Although article was published in 1999, it still holds a relevant message about the past and current power of the Albanian mafia after the invasion of Kosovo. .
http://www.twq.com/autumn99/224Cilluffo.pdf (59)
Women’s Legal Rights Initiative—Albania Assessment and Analysis Report by Chemonics International Inc.for the Office of Women in Development, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
Paper reviews and makes recommendations about the legislative framework, judicial enforcement, and public awareness of various women’s’ rights issues including trafficking, domestic violence, and the ownership of property. Must be viewed as a PDF file.
http://www.usaid.gov ........ (60)
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