The antique period and the Middle Ages. The history of Albania is connected with history of Illyria supervising internal areas in the west of Balkan p-ova from Istria to northern Greece up to 6 century AD Illirijtsy have been organised in homing communities in which head there were Sanhedrims. The Greek influence was strongly shown in coastal trading cities and in southern Albania which was a part of the state, formed in the end of 4 - the beginning 3 centuries BC in territory of Epirus. Aggressive illirijtsy, including considerable number of pirates, in 229 BC have entered the conflict to Rome, but in 167 BC have been subdued. Illyria which structure included Albania, under the power of Romans has achieved economic and cultural successes. Its ports, first of all Dirrahy, provided communication with the East; copper and silver deposits were developed, and ambitious people could promote, having arrived on service in the Roman legions. Claudia's Roman emperors, Avrely and Diokletian occurred from poor illirijtsev. However romanizatsija has a little mentioned illirijtsev, and at them it was saved breeding kvaziavtonomija. When in 395 Roman empire it was divided on East and Western, Albania has appeared as a part of East (Byzantian) empire. Possibly, during same time the Albanian language began to be allocated from illirijskogo. Falling of Roman empire in 5 century, destructive attacks of avars, gunnov also it is ready, and also occurrence of Slavs in 6-7 centuries have put an end to existence of Illyria. Many illirijtsy have been assimilated by southern Slavs, others, living in mountains, have saved the ethnic originality. From them there were modern Albanians.
Albania located on suburb of the Byzantian empire, it was hard to protect, in 9 century its central and southern areas were grasped by the extending Bulgaria. In 998-1019 Bulgaria again has got under the power of Byzantium revived at emperor Vasily II. The Byzantian empire has again revived in 1081, however northern Albania has appeared under the control of Serbs. At the same time southern coastal areas tested influence of the Normans who have located in the south of Apenninsky p-ova and in Sicily, and then - crusaders. In 1081-1082 Normans have grasped Dirrahy. Byzantines have won this city in 1083 by means of Venice which has in exchange received privileges on trade in the Albanian cities. Normans came back in 1107 and 1185, but each time managed to be superseded them from the Albanian earths. Southern Slavs too used weakness of the Byzantian influence in Albania. In 1180th years Serbs have grasped SHkoder, and apprx. 1200 Bulgarians have subdued east Albania.
After capture of Constantinople in 1204 during 4th crusade and time disintegration of the Byzantian empire Albania, having the important exits to the sea, became arena of struggle throughout almost two centuries, the power of Ottoman empire has not been established yet. In 1204 Venice has made demands of all central and southern Albania, but carried out the control only over key ports, switching on Dirrahy. Internal areas under the contract 1210 have been passed Greek vassal Michael Komninu who in 1213 has opposed Venetians, has grasped Dirrahy and before the death in 1215 has based Epirsky despotat. Its successor Feodoru Angela in 1216 managed to pacify the Albanian leaders, in 1217 it has reflected an attack of the western knights and the Venetian courts on Dirrahy and has set the armies on the east, but in 1230 has suffered defeat in struggle against the Bulgarian empire which has revived at Ivan Asene II. The Bulgarian armies have moved on the West through Macedonia and Albania and left to Adriatic sea, but have held on there not for long. In 1246 amplified Byzantian empire has crushed Bulgaria and has set the armies at coast of northern Albania therefore the union of local tribes with Epirsky despotatom has been interrupted. In 1256 Byzantines have grasped Dirrahy, but in 1257 have been compelled to concede to its king of Both Sicilies Manfred who in 1268 has won also Vlyoru and Berat. The western influence has amplified at successor Manfred Charles Anzhujskom which has made Albanians the vassals and in 1272 has grasped Dirrahy, that has served as the first step to an attack to Constantinople. However in 1276-1277 Byzantium has rendered it repulse in territory of Albania.
Then Albania has undergone to an impact of Serbs, and in 1346-1355 was a part of Serbian kingdom Stefana Dushana (rules with 1331 on 1355). Some Albanian divisions of army Dushana migrated on the south and have based colonies on territory of Greece - in Thessaly, on Peloponnese and in Epirus. After death Dushana in 1355 empire began to break up. Among feudal lords and breeding leaders struggle for the power in Albania was developed. Especially big influence used sort Balshej in the north and sort topija in the south. Southern Albania in 1367 has got to Serbian leader Thomas Preljubovichu.
Albania under the power of Ottoman empire. Turks have intruded for the first time in Europe in 1345 and began to move ahead on the West, submitting on the way the isolated Balkan states. Having reached Albania in 1381, they have acted on the party of sort topija which has won in struggle with it come Balshej in 1385. Though many Albanian tribes have at that time turned to nominal vassals of Ottoman empire, they came over to the side often of Venice which tried to prevent penetration a Turk to coast of Adriatic sea. In 1393 Dirrahy and Laying have been grasped by Venetians, and SHkoder in 1394 it is redeemed at sort Balshej. Ottoman empire, having gained a large victory over Serbs in fight on Kosovo a field in 1389, has directed armies against Albania in 1394 and 1397, and during campaigns 1415 and 1423 has won its central and southern areas. Because of direct affinity of Venice and Naples, and also reckoning with the rests of the Serbian and Greek power, Turks behaved in the beginning cautiously.
Strengthening of Turkish domination and especially preparation for distribution of the earths were the reason of revolt of feudal governors and mountain tribes in 1433, suppressed in 1434. Even more powerful revolt led by George Kastrioti (1403-1468) whom in Turkey have nicknamed Iskender-beem, more known as Skanderbeg However has soon flashed. The son of the feudal master, Skanderbeg has accepted Moslem and became the visible Turkish official. When from his family have taken away a patrimonial estate in Krue, Skanderbeg has renounced Moslem and has lifted revolt. Having concluded in 1444 union with Venice and leaders of different tribes and having the small cavalry group which was based in Krue, it has developed guerrilla war in northern Albania. Skanderbeg has died in 1468, but under the guidance of his son and at support of Venetians resistance to Turks did not stop, while the Turkish army has not grasped in 1478 Kruju, and in 1479 - SHkoder. Gradually Turks have won all other areas of Albania; In 1571 last strongholds of Venetians the Bar and Ultsin have fallen.
During Turkish sovereignty northern Albania with its impassable mountains, affinity to the foreign states and aggressive tribes gegov saved a semiindependent mode. Gegi did not suppose in the villages of Turkish officials and collectors of taxes. In each tribe intraclan relations were regulated at meetings and the descended Sanhedrims at bajraktare (the keeper of a banner). During wars gegi left service as soldiers of irregular army and in 18 - the beginning 19 century made rather essential part of army of osmanli Turks. However they were at war only under the guidance of the breeding leaders and basically for the sake of extraction (mainly cattle), that was the important help for their poor economy in mountains. Turks had bolshee influence in the centre and in the south of the country where raised moderate taxes and allowed to use to Christian masters the earths in exchange for service in a cavalry. With transition in Moslem for ambitious and capable people the way to the power opened. From the beginning 17 century increase of taxes osmanskimi the authorities and growth of requisitions in favour of local feudal lords have called excitements among the Albanian peasants. In 1645 and 1649 Turkish governors have suppressed plots and the revolts organised by Catholic leaders in coastal cities during war with Venice. Various northern tribes co-operated with the Austrian and Venetian armies during the several wars occurring between 1683 and 1739. Therefore Turks have strengthened pressure upon the Albanian Catholics, forcing them to accept Moslem.
In 18 century there was an easing of Ottoman empire. Some members of the North Albanian tribes have organised campaigns for recruitment of hired soldiers. Thousand Serbs after 1690 have left Kosovan plain, partly being afraid of reprisals from the party a Turk. At this time have got the big influence some families of the land owners raising taxes from peasants. Shkodersky pashas Bushati corrected in the north and in the country centre, and during Napoleonic wars and during the subsequent period Ali-pasha Tepelena (1744-1822) has based the semiindependent state in southern Albania, Epirus and the western Macedonia. Sultan Mahmud II afflicted with reformatory ideas and aspiring to centralise and strengthen the Osmansky state, has crushed in 1820-1822 armies Ali-plough, and in 1831 pashas Bushati. In 1830th years less prominent representatives of the Albanian nobility have opposed a Turk, but reorganised osmanskaja the army has subjected their locks to bombardment from artillery pieces and has forced to obey. The reforms 1826-1856 which have fixed regular payment of taxes, appeal on military service in a peace time and purpose of officials of not Albanian origin, have met strong counteraction and have appeared effective only in southern Albania. Resistance has outgrown in the national movement which has amplified after 1878.
Movement for independence (1878-1912). Disintegration of Ottoman empire and aspiration of the Balkan people to independence have received for the first time the response in Albania after Russian-Turkish war 1877-1878. On the Berlin congress great powers as one of peace treaty conditions have suggested to pass Serbia and Montenegro areas of northern Albania. Against this decision some Albanian leaders and representatives of the nobility, in the basic Moslems have acted, having organised Albanian, or Prizreksky league. In the beginning it got support from osmanskogo of the government, collected means, hired the armed fighters and prepared for struggle. The league has got more nationalist and independent character after joining of Catholic tribes from SHkodera and orthodox - from the south. In 1879-1880 resistance to attempts to concede even insignificant territories of Montenegro has been shown, and the League has agreed on transfer of area Ultsin of Montenegro in 1880 only after the Turkish army has inflicted defeat over Albanians. The southern branch of League resolutely rejected claims of Greece on the territories occupied by Albanians in Epirus. There were fears, that after definitive disintegration of Ottoman empire Albania can appear divided into parts the next states. For prevention of a similar outcome the League has demanded association of the Albanian districts in one independent province so that management, the school education and taxation were supervised by Albanians. Such national program has led to League split: Moslems of the central Albania have opposed programs, having saved fidelity to Constantinople. The sultan who has directed to 1881 armies for suppression of League was angry also: some of its heads have been arrested, others to Turks managed to be inclined on the party. National movement has gone underground, extending in the Albanian foreign diaspora and among political leaders in the Albania. However to movement growth stirred regional, religious and class contradictions. Catholics of the North aspired to save the traditional privileges. Moslems of Kosovan plain remained correct to the sultan supporting them in struggle against Slavs.
Moslems-land owners of the Center did not wish to concern dangerous pressure in borders where many orthodox Christians ranked themselves more likely as Greeks, than to Albanians. After overthrow of sultan Abdul-Hamida II in July 1908 there were newspapers and political clubs, especially in the south of the country. However political requirements of Albanians deviated mladoturkami, aspiring to strengthen Turkey, taxing and a compulsory military service exclusive national minorities. Such approach has revolted even the Albanian Moslems, both in the spring and in the summer 1912-1913 on northern areas revolts have swept. Weakness of Ottoman empire has induced Serbia, Bulgaria, Montenegro and Greece to enter the First Balkan war (October 1912 - April 1913) in which result Turkey has lost the most part of the territory in Europe. To prevent section of Albania between its neighbours, the Albanian leaders, having been going to in Vlyore, on November, 28th 1912 have proclaimed independence of the country and have generated provisional government.
Struggle for the sovereignty and independence (1913-1921). The most difficult problem for Albania was to achieve the international recognition of its sovereignty and borders, considering counteraction of some Balkan states. So, Serbia hoped to receive an exit to Adriatic sea, supervising the central Albania, Montenegro aspired to get SHkoder, and Greece wished to attach areas Girokastra and Posing. These applicants were supported by France and Russia. However Italy and Austro-Hungary have opposed. They preferred to deal with independent Albania which could neutralise east coast of strait of Otranto and save balance of political forces in the Adriatic region.
Great powers have authorised the ambassadors who were going to on conference in London, to consider the Albanian question along with other problems which have arisen as a result of the Balkan war. At this conference on December, 20th 1912 independence of Albania has been recognised by great powers. Under the London contract signed on May, 30th 1913, the commission which should solve a question on borders of Albania was established and make the definitive decision on returning of Albania of the city of Shkoder grasped by Montenegro during the First Balkan war. The Kosovan plain where lived some hundreds thousand Albanians, departed to Serbia. The border with Greece was established under the report signed the same year in Florence. Great powers guaranteed a neutrality of Albania, but actually they have established protectorate of Austro-Hungary, the Great Britain, Germany, France, Italy and Russia, having generated police forces under the guidance of the West European officers both civil and financial administration under the control of the international commission. To operate the country, under the decision of great powers, German prince Wilhelm Vid should. It has arrived to Albania in March 1914 and has found the country in a status of the chaos which was not stopping to 1921. Greece and Serbia have disengaged the armies from the country, but on February, 28th in the south at support of Greece revolt has flashed. Intrigues in the Kind government have led to the civil war which has begun on May, 21st, and the First World War has put Albania before split threat. On September, 3rd 1914 Wilhelm Vid ran from the country. During war the Italian, Greek, Montenegro, Serbian, Austrian and French armies interfered and occupied different areas of Albania.
After the First World War there were plans of section of the country, but the Albanian nationalists have received strong support from US president Vudro Wilson. It has opposed agreements on which Southern Albania departed to Greece, area Shkodera - to Yugoslavia, and Vlyora - to Italy which received the mandate on management of the central areas of the country. In the meantime on the congress in Durrese on December, 25th 1918 Albanians have generated provisional government. It has appointed elections in Legislative Assembly - the Albanian National congress. The new parliament was going to on January, 21-31st 1920 in Ljushne and has generated the government. In the spring the government and parliament have got over to Tirana, which shortly before it (on February, 11th 1920) declared capital of Albania. The High council from four persons has been created. The National board (Senate) as a part of 37 persons became the Supreme authority. The state loan has been let out, and also measures on creation of army and public institutions are taken. The Italian armies in area Vlyory after attacks of Albanians have been compelled to recede, Serbs in the northeast too have suffered defeat. On December, 17th 1920 Albania at support of England has been accepted in League of the nations. However the question on borders remained opened. In October 1921 Serbian armies have again made an attack and have been taken away only after strong diplomatic pressure from England and of some other states. On November, 9th 1921 at conference of ambassadors of four powers (England, France, Italy and Japan) in London independence of Albania in borders 1913 again has been confirmed. In the beginning 1922 last Serbian armies have been deduced from this country. To 1924 in Albania there was not numerous contingent of the Greek army.
The intermilitary period (1921-1939). To adjust political cooperation between the representatives of different regional, public and religious circles entering into Progressive and National parties, it has appeared rather hard problem. In the Progressive party reflecting interests of a conservative part of a society, tone was set by Muslim land owners and the tendency to an establishment of political balance prevailed. The people party represented a diverse coalition of middle class, first of all orthodox liberals led by the Fan Zeroes (1882-1965), the orthodox bishop Durresa who has got education at the Harward university, and nationalist adjusted Muslim officials and military men led by Ahmet Zogu (1895-1961), the son of the leader of a community.
Zeroes and Zogu were a part of the national government generated in December 1921. In the beginning 1922 Zogu has disarmed tribes in the centre and in the south of the country, has suppressed mutiny in the north and on December, 2nd 1922 became the prime minister. However soon it has displeased liberals in the south of the country, demanding carrying out of land reform, nationalists in the north, the opposing control of Serbs over area of Kosovo, and also the local leaders jealously protecting a traditional autonomy of the areas. Zogu has suffered defeat on elections in January 1924, has sent in the resignation in February, and in June ran abroad. Despite strong counteraction, the Fan Zeroes has generated on June, 16th the government. It had idealistic plans to spend upgrade of Albania by such reforms, as transfer of the earth to peasants and protectionism liquidation to administrative and judicial devices. In December 1924 with the financial and military help of Serbs the forwarding case led by Zogu has intruded in Albania. Zeroes and to its supporters it was necessary to run from the country.
Zogu has strengthened the position, having sent into exile and having arrested the basic opponents. On January, 21st 1925 Albania has been proclaimed by republic, and on January, 31st 1925 National meeting has selected Zogu the president for seven-year term. On March, 7th the new constitution of the country which have conferred to the president dictatorial powers has been promulgated. On September, 1st 1928 again selected Constituent assembly has proclaimed Zogu the king of Albanians under name Zogu I. The monarchic constitution accepted on December, 1st, has expanded powers of the king, first of all in foreign policy sphere. Direct elections in a legislature followed spend time in four years, but in view of absence of alternative deputies candidates from the governmental block invariably won.
Adhering to authoritative positions, Zogu as in the recent past and the Fan Zeroes, wished to carry out upgrade of Albania. He has achieved successes in struggle against gangsterism and in eradication of traditions of blood feud, promoted association of the separated tribes by building of roads, hospitals and schools, directed students to the European universities, has created administrative division system, has entered responsibility of officials before the Ministry of Internal Affairs and used the European samples by working out of codes criminal, civil and a commercial law.
Reforms demanded financial support and the technical help which Zogu received from Italy. In 1925 Italian companies the rights to working out of mineral deposits have been given, and the National bank which was under the Italian control began to let out the Albanian money and to execute exchequer functions. In Rome the Society on economic development of Albania which financed building of roads, bridges and other public objects has been founded.
In 1926, after easing of position Zogu as a result of powerful revolt in the north, Italy began to make active impact on foreign policy of Albania. On November, 27th 1926 in Tirana Italy and Albania have signed the Friendship treaty and safety, and after a year the Contract on the defensive union for a period of 20 years then from Italy the arms have arrived and there have arrived instructors for upgrade of the Albanian army totaling at that time 8 thousand of persons. Nevertheless in 1932 Zogu has rejected the offer on an establishment of the customs union with Italy and has sent many Italian military advisers, and in 1933 has closed the Italian schools. Maneuvers of the Italian warships near Durresa in June 1934 have not helped to receive new concessions in Albania, and as Italy waged wars in Ethiopia and Spain, Mussolini adhered to more reconciliatory course in relations with Albania up to 1939.
In the mid-thirties on a political arena there was the new generation which has got education in the West. These people hoped to transform Albania, to put an end to corruption and dependence on Italy. After powerful revolt in October 1935 Zogu has appointed the liberal government led by known nationalist Mehdi Frasheri. In 1936 government it has been dismissed.
The Second World War and civil struggle in Albania (1939-1944). The course on the stable development, proclaimed Zogu in 1925, has been interrupted in April 1939, after occupation of Albania by Italy. Zogu has rejected requirements about transformation of Albania into the Italian colony and ran to Greece, and then to London. The Albanian constitution has been cancelled, the local Fascist party, and the Albanian army in 1940 has been organised has been switched on in structure of the Italian. The National meeting of Albania was saved, the local government has been generated also. Both these of body submitted to the Italian vice-king and its officials.
Italy has got support of a part of the population of Albania, defending its claims on some areas of Yugoslavia and Greece. In October 1940 contingent of the Albanian auxiliary armies as a part of 12 thousand persons has taken part in campaign of Italy against Greece. After capture of Yugoslavia and Greece "Axis" powers to 1941 Albanias had been returned area of Kosovo and some areas of the western Macedonia belonging to Yugoslavia, and also district Chamerija in northwest Greece. Thus, treasured dreams of the Albanian nationalists were realised. Meanwhile at support of England and the USSR Resistance movement against puppet modes on occupied territories was developed. The separate groups of the Albanian communists incited by the Yugoslavian communistic emissaries, on November, 8th 1941 have created the party which secretary became Enver Hodzha (1908-1985), the former teacher who has got education in the West. Communists have organised guerrilla groups, first of all among toskskih peasants and intelligency. In the summer 1942 they have opposed Italians. In September 1944 nationalist Antiitalian groups have united with communists and have created National-liberation front in which dominating positions were occupied with communists. The competing organisation "Balls kombtar" ("National front") has been formed in November 1944. It has developed the ultranationalist westernized program directed against Zogu and switching on the requirement to return to Albania area of Kosovo.
The British officers of the communication who has appeared in the beginning 1943, tried to adjust cooperation of the National-liberation front totaling 8-10 thousand of fighters, with "Balls kombtar", giving to them the weapon and giving financial support. In process of disintegration of the Italian army Germans forced occupation of cities and coastal plain. They managed to bring split in Resistance movement, having headed on area transfer of Kosovo to Albania that has involved on their party of many members of group "Balls kombtar". Germans practically did not interfere with the events occurring in mountains. Having branded the main contenders as traitors, communists have made a campaign from toskskih the earths on the north. In May 1944 they have generated the Antifascist national-liberation council allocated with the rights of provisional government led by Enverom Hodzhej, have reorganised army (totaling 20 thousand person) and have turned the weapon against the contenders. Anticommunistic fractions to which had not enough unity, purposefulness, discipline and the weapon, have addressed for the help to the pro-German government in Tirana and by that definitively itself discredited. In October 1944 deviation of Germans from Albania has begun. On November, 28th 1944 communists have entered into Tirana.
Albania in a communistic mode. Communists tried to legalise the board by carrying out on December, 2nd 1945 elections in the Constituent assembly. The Democratic front of Albania supervised by communists, the successor of National-liberation front, has received 93 % of voices of voters. On January, 11th 1946 National (Constituent) meeting has proclaimed Albania republic, and on March, 14th the same year has accepted the constitution of National Republic of Albania (NRA). The country government has headed Enver Hodzha. On April, 29th 1946 titoistskaja Yugoslavia the first recognised the communistic government, to its example the USSR on November, 10th has followed. The Great Britain and the USA were going to recognise the new Albanian government under condition of participation in him and oppositional political parties. However it has not occurred, both missions of the Great Britain and the USA have been withdrawn from Tirana. In August 1946 England and the USA counteracted acceptance of Albania in the United Nations, and only on December, 15th 1955 as a result of the agreement between the East and the West Albania became a member of this organisation. On October, 22nd 1946 two English destroyers have received heavy damages from mines, shortly before it established in passage Corfu. Though mines have been put in pawn in the Albanian territorial waters, this passage was considered as the international. Albania has rejected requirements of England about damage indemnifications, and also the decision of the International court in the Hague about payment of England apprx. 2,4 mln. dollars From the end 1946 Albania assisted the Greek communists who waged guerrilla war in the country. The requirement of General assembly of the United Nations 1948 that Albania has stopped rendering of the such help has not been executed on November, 27th also. In turn, the Albanian authorities were indignant with claims of Greece on southern areas of Albania.
In 1948 in Albania the serious internal conflict has burst. For strengthening of defence of the country and realisation of arrogant plans of industrialisation and upgrade the financial and military help was required. This function was incurred by Yugoslavia. Six economic agreements, concluded during the period since July 1946 till June 1947, have crowned education of the mixed companies, arrival of the Yugoslavian experts and military advisers and reception from Yugoslavia of the equipment and grants.
On June, 28th 1948 supervised USSR the Information bureau communistic and workers' parties have fallen with rough attacks to Yugoslavia. Albania has immediately terminated economic agreements with this country and has sent the Yugoslavian advisers. In the answer Yugoslavia in 1949 has terminated the Friendship treaty with Albania. In November 1950 diplomatic relations between both countries have been broken off. They have been restored only on December, 21st 1953. Enver Hodzha and its supporters also have settled scores with influential Proyugoslavian grouping in the Albanian labour party (so since November 1948 the party of communists began to be called). To special attacks has undergone Kochi Dzodze, main contender Hodzhi, who was the Minister of Internal Affairs (i.e. headed police), and also the secretary of the Central party committee. In 1948 Dzodze has been arrested as follower Tito, and in 1949 it is executed. Political cleanings occurred and in 1950-1952.
The Yugoslavian influence was replaced by the Soviet: in 1949 37 % of the budget of Albania made receipts from the USSR and its allies. Despite difficult economic problems, Hodzha kept the power. In 1954 it has conceded a post of prime minister Mehmetu Shehu, to the native of military circles. After that Hodzha remained the first secretary of the Central committee of the Albanian labour party.
Stalin's death in 1953 and policy N.S.Hrushcheva directed on improvement of relations with Yugoslavia, have compelled Hodzhu to change a course sharply. Though in Stalin's 1955-1956 supporters lost the positions in the socialist countries of Europe and Tito demanded discharge Hodzhi, the last managed to be kept on the post, appealing, among other things, to the Albanian nationalists and urging to struggle with growing threat of the Yugoslavian domination. In 1957-1959 the economic help from the Peoples Republic of China has considerably increased, and since October 1959 Albanian press has taken of an accurate Prochinese position. On June, 24th 1960 Albanian delegation at the international meeting of representatives communistic and workers' parties in Bucharest has acted with condemnation of a reconciliatory policy of the USSR concerning the West. In completion Hodzha has acted at the international Meeting of representatives communistic and workers' parties in Moscow in November 1960 with sharp condemnation of policy Khruschev.
Split between communists of Albania and the USSR has occurred at 22 congress of the CPSU in October 1961 when Khruschev has given publicity to an essence of contradictions between both countries, and in December diplomatic relations of Albania and the USSR have been broken off. The same year the Chinese communists who have granted to Albania the loan for the sum 125 mln. dollars on development of the industry have used it and have directed to this country of the technical experts and advisers.
With 1962 Albania has stopped participation in actions of the Soviet block, in particular in job SEV, but supported on a minimum level diplomatic relations with Yugoslavia, and in 1963 has restored in full relations with Romania. Albania has stopped trade from the USSR, but the considerable part of its export still went to the East Europe socialist countries. On a share of China half of export and 3/5 import of Albania had. For 17 years China has given to Albania the help at a rate of 1,4 bln. dollars the improvement which has Outlined subsequently of relations of the Peoples Republic of China and the USA has put an end to friendship of Albania with China, and in 1978 the help from China has stopped.
Albania maintained relations with France, but had no relations with the USA and England. In 1971 diplomatic relations with Greece have been restored. In 1970th years in the Albanian capital the number of embassies of the western countries began to increase.
The internal policy of Albania remained without changes throughout more than 10 years after cleanings of 1960th years. In 1965 the aspiration to more effective decentralised control system was showed. In 1974-1975 the wave of reprisals in connection with ostensibly opened Prochinese plot has swept. In 1980-1981 during short time improvement of relations with Yugoslavia was observed, however their cooling was promoted by performances of the Albanian students against the Serbian domination in the Yugoslavian area of Kosovo. In December 1981 in the Albanian press there was a message on suicide of prime minister Mehmeta Shehu then statement Hodzhi that before suicide SHehu have exposed as the Yugoslavian agent has followed. In the country there has passed the next cleaning: many persons connected with SHehu and aspiring to improvement of relations with the West, have been executed.
In the end of 1982 president of the country there was a native of north Ramiz Alija selected successor Hodzhi then in small volume the help from China has renewed.
Albania after Hodzhi. Enver Hodzha has died on April, 11th 1985 a month later after an official statement, that SHehu really was the Yugoslavian, American and Soviet agent that is why has been liquidated. Leader APT Alija has gradually restored relations with foreign countries (except for the USA and the Great Britain). The end to enmity with Greece which with 1940 formally was at war with Albania has been put. The railway communication with Yugoslavia has been opened. Since January 1990 the market relations have been resolved, accused have acquired the right to protection of lawyers. In June after 5 thousand Albanians have taken cover in foreign embassies in Tirana, trip abroad and a free choice of creed have been resolved. Later to these people have allowed to emigrate. In July relations from the USSR have been restored.
Main recesses have occurred in December 1990. The student's demonstrations proceeding during three days provoked by disconnect warm - and power supply in hostels of Tiransky university, have been met by reprisals from members of secret police. Excitements amplified, and Central committee APT had to resolve formation of new political parties. The opposition has concentrated in Democratic party (DP) which were headed by the professor of economy Gramoz Pashko and doctor-cardiologist Sali Berisha, the demanded carrying out of general election in parliament.
On March, 31st 1991 the first have passed in Albania after 1923 open elections. APT has received 169 of 250 places in National meeting, and DP - 75 places. Alija has been again appointed by the president. Despite the majority in National meeting of members APT (thanks to support of countrymen and persons of advanced age), the government in June 1991, at the height of economic and political chaos has been compelled to retire. This resignation has formally finished almost 50-year-old board of communists. Coalition "the government of national stability", headed by members APT and DP and got support of three small parties, tried to resolve ripened problems, but these attempts have appeared unsuccessful and in the end of 1991 coalition has broken up. In the meantime APT it has been renamed into Socialist party.
Struggle for democracy. On elections in March 1992 Democratic party has won, having received 92 from 140 places in parliament whereas on a share of socialists 38 places were necessary, and on a share of small parties - the remained 10 places. Soon after that president Ramiz Alija has retired, and its post was occupied with the leader of democrats Sali Berisha. Albanians rested the big hopes that the country will follow a way of democracy and economic lifting, however they were waited by disappointment. Instead of long-awaited well-being many inhabitants of the country have lost the savings enclosed in financial pyramids. Simultaneously, when government Berishi has tried to apply compulsion methods, political instability has become aggravated. Thus, instead of the promised democracy the government has returned to severe dictatorial tactics, characteristic for a former communistic mode. Arrests of the former communists have been spent, switching on Aliju which judged for the crimes admitted in the past. The problems which have arisen in the country tried to fall down on foreign conspirators. The strict control over mass media and activity of oppositionists was carried out. Achievements Berishi were inflated and embellished. At last, results of elections 1996 have been forged to keep the power on purpose. In 1997 Berisha under the pressure of internal and external forces has been compelled to declare new elections, and the Democratic party has typed on them only 26 % of voices, having received 29 places in National meeting. The victory was gained by the socialists who have received 53 % of voices and 99 places. Having won the majority in National meeting, socialists have put forward the nominees on the higher posts of an executive power: the prime minister became Fatos Nano, and the president - Redzhep Mejdani. On a twist of fate to socialists, i.e. the former communists, it was necessary to deduce the country on a way of democracy and the free market. It has appeared very difficult problem. Nano and its Socialist party should return trust of the people, solve financial problems, revive economy, restore the law and an order and to accept the new constitution. Large-scale cleanings of officials and the judges convicted of corruption have been spent. However after the first successes socialists led by Nano, having faced infinite problems, have returned to former management methods. The new government did not manage to constrain an accruing wave of criminality; it has appeared helpless before falling of manufacture and prompt inflation.
To all these troubles transition to violent actions was added: in the end of 1997 deputy of National meeting from Socialist party during political debate has shot the deputy-democrat, and in September 1998 democrats have paid back the same, having killed the high-ranking official-socialist. By this time both parties were able to wars, and the country has been split: democrats led by Berishej, and in the south - socialists led by Nano in the north have become stronger. At the height of this opposition Nano has left from a post of the prime minister, to it on change has come Pandeli Majko. Legality restoration became a hard problem for Majko and Mejdani to which had to lay a way to democratic development of the country. In the end of 1998 position in Albania remains unstable.
Leaving from imperious stuktur Berishi, and then and Nano has marked the end of an era of "democratic romanticism" with installations inherent in it on the accelerated introduction of the market. On a threshold 21 century the country has faced system crisis and difficulties on a way to integration into the modern world community. To these Albania is the agrarian-industrial country in which on a share it is necessary the industry apprx. 12 % of the national income, and agriculture - 56 %. In the spring 1999 in the country the chaos and corruption were aggravated. Under slogan cover about approach of "an era of democracy" there was a transition from totalitarianism to authoritarianism and anarchical understood liberal state. On a referendum on November, 22nd 1998 the question on necessity of acceptance of the new constitution ("on the European norms has been solved, but taking into account the Albanian specificity") in which advantage 92 % of participants (in a referendum have expressed than half of all voters) have taken part the little more. In social sphere transition from a rural way of life to city (with not debugged infrastructure) has started to be carried out, and first signs of a withdrawal only are outlined in culture from an isolationism.
Orientation to the West (in the end of 1998 40 parties of the country acted for occurrence in NATO) is accompanied by complication of relations with neighbouring countries. Aggression of NATO against Yugoslavia has served in such conditions as the catalyst of an aggravation of internal problems. In the middle of April 1999 there was a severance of diplomatic relations to Yugoslavia. In the country the stream of refugees from Kosovo has rushed. Placing of refugees in the south of Albania has led to infringement of the rights of Greeks living there. Relations with Greece, Macedonia and a number of other states have become aggravated also.
The destiny of Albania in many respects depends on results of the decision of a Kosovan problem which will have important value for its political and economic stabilisation and adjustment of foreign economic relations.
