An official of the embassy of the People's Republic of Albania in Washington, DC, explained, in a telephone interview with the DIRB, that the fact that an individual is born in Albania does not confer automatic citizenship on the individual (24 Jan. 1995). He also stated that Albania recognizes dual citizenship and anybody is free to apply for Albanian citizenship provided they observe the procedures stipulated in the attached Response to Information Request ALB18135.E of 11 August 1994.

This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

Embassy of the People's Republic of Albania, Washington, DC. 24 January 1995. Telephone interview with official.

Documentation, Information and Research Branch (DIRB), Immigration and Refugee Board, Ottawa. 11 August 1994.