A 15 February 1998 ATA News Agency article refers to Shaban Memia as a deputy of the Democratic Party. Information on whether the other people mentioned above currently occupy positions with the Albanian government or military could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate. However, the following seven paragraphs mention how Bashkim Gazidede, Bujar Rama, Agim Shehu, Sokol Mulosmani, Gjergj Vladi, Adem Copani and Vladimir Beja are referred to in recent media reports.

A 12 February 1998 Deutsche Presse-Agentur article refers to Bashkim Gazidede as the "ex-secret police chief."

A 12 February 1998 ATA article refers to Bujar Rama as the "former deputy chairman of ShIK [National Intelligence Service]."

An ATA article of 28 December 1997 refers to Agim Shehu as the "former deputy Interior Minister."

A 27 November 1997 FBIS article contains an interview with "Lieutenant-Colonel Sokol Mulosmani, former police chief of Vlore" in which Sokol Mulosmani states that he is unemployed.

A 6 September 1997 Gazeta Shqiptare article states that "Gjergj Vladi,

commander of the Tirana Division, has been dismissed from his post." The article adds that "'The generals [Gjergj Vladi is also referred to as a general] who were removed from their posts have not been demoted. They remain at the disposal of the Defense Ministry,' official sources in the Presidency confirm."

An 18 August 1997 TVSH Television Network article states that "Mr. Rexhep Mejdani, commander in chief of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Albania, issued a special order today dismissing Major General Adem Copani from the post of the chief of the Army General Staff..."

A 6 September 1997 Associated France Presse (AFP) article states that "General Vladimir Beja was relieved of his position as commander of the Marines..."

References to Ali Koceku more recent than April 1997 could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate 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. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Agence France Presse (AFP). 6 September 1997. "Albania: President Sacks 17 Army Generals." (FBIS-EEU-97-249 6 Sept. 1997/WNC)

ATA News Agency [Tirana, in English]. 15 February 1998. "Armed Group Led by Opposition Party MPs Surrenders to Police." (BBC Summary 17 Feb. 1998/NEXIS)

_____. 12 February 1998. "Albania: Deputies Show 'Reserves' to Commission Report on Berisha." (FBIS-EEU-98-043 12 Feb. 1998/WNC)

_____. 28 December 1997. "Opposition Leader Urges Albania and Ethnic Albanians to Unite for Early Elections." (BBC Summary 30 Dec. 1997/WNC)

Deutsche Presse-Agentur. 12 February 1998. BC Cycle. "Albanian Opposition Rejects Parliament's Report on Unrest." (NEXIS)

FBIS. [Tirana, in Albanian]. 27 November 1997. Lutfi Dervishi. "Albania: Ex-Police Chief: Crime 'Institutionalised'." (FBIS-EEU-97-334 30 Nov. 1997/WNC)

Gazeta Shqiptare [Tirana, in Albanian]. 6 September 1997. "Albania: Mejdani Replaces Senior Military Officers." (FBIS-EEU-97-250 7 Sept. 1997/WNC)

TVSH Television Network [Tirana, in Albanian]. 18 August 1997. "Albania: Albanian President Appoints New Chief of Army Staff." (FBIS-EEU-97-230 18 Aug. 1997/WNC)

Electronic sources: IRB databases, Internet, LEXIS/NEXIS, REFWORLD (UNHCR database), World News Connection (WNC).

Resource Centre country file on Albania.