Foreign Policy Strategy of the Republic of Albania 1992 – 1997

Abstract

With the change of systems from Communist to Democratic, the first democratic government led by Sali Berisha faced overwhelming challenges. On one hand the Democratic Party Government was taking over an economically devastated Albania, on the other hand Kosovo’s issue was another difficult challenge falling on the shoulders of a democratic state in its road towards consolidation of democratic institutions. At the same time, Albania had to engage in the Euro Atlantic structures. This period would be described with ups and downs of its performance in relation to the internal relations but also with its foreign policy in the International arena in particular with its neighboring countries. Despite the crises and uncertainties the country was going through, both Internal and Foreign Affairs difficulties being were run in a consensual spirit regarding some priorities that remain constant throughout the post-communist period. These priorities were as follows: The opening of Albania with the World, Western Orientation of all foreign and development policies, normalization of relations with Great Powers, in particular Western Countries and Country members of Security Council of United Nations; balancing relation with neighbors based on new foundations grounded on National Interests as well as putting up Kosovo’s issue as top agenda item, until its declaration of independence. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n2s1p498