ALBANIA CONTACT INFORMATION UPDATE

UNCLAS TIRANA 000565

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

DEPT FOR EUR/SCE, S/ES-O

E.O. 12958:N/A
TAGS: PGOV PINR PREL AL
SUBJECT: ALBANIA CONTACT INFORMATION UPDATE

REF: STATE 54250

Country: Republic of Albania
Date: 07/18/2008

Head of Government
--Last/Family Name: Berisha
--First/Middle Names: Sali
--Conventional Usage: Mr. Berisha
--Formal Title: Prime Minister
--Office Telephone Numbers: +35542228399; +35542250474
--After-Hours Official Numbers: +355682061332(chief of
cabinet)
--Residence Telephone Numbers: not provided
--Cell Phone Numbers: +355692099410
--Comments: The PM speaks English well. His secretaries are also
able to communicate in English (Ms. Eda, or Ms. Vali). His Chief of
Cabinet, Arben Imami, is also very helpful for after-hours.

Head of State
--Last/Family Name: Topi
--First/Middle Names: Bamir
--Conventional Usage: Mr. Topi
--Formal Title: President of the Republic
--Office Telephone Numbers: +35542228437
--After-Hours Official Numbers: +355682080291 (chief of cabinet)
--Residence Telephone Numbers: non provided
--Cell Phone Numbers: +355682080930
--Comments: The President understands English, but uses it
reluctantly, as well as his Chief of Cabinet, Dashamir Xhaxhiu. His
diplomatic advisor, Arben Cici, feels more comfortable using English
(cell +355682092692).

Foreign Minister
--Last/Family Name: Basha
--First/Middle Names: Lulzim
--Conventional Usage: Mr. Basha
--Formal Title: Minister of Foreign Affairs
--Office Telephone Numbers: +35542362170
--After-Hours Official Numbers: not provided
--Residence Telephone Numbers: not provided
--Cell Phone Numbers: +355682072070
--Comments: Minister speaks English very well. His secretaries also
speak English well (Ms. Elona and Ms. Mirjeta)