Disputes - international:
the Albanian government calls for the protection of the rights of
ethnic Albanians in Macedonia while continuing to seek regional
cooperation; ethnic Albanians in Kosovo resist demarcation of a
small section of the Macedonia-Kosovo boundary in accordance with
the 2000 delimitation treaty, which transferred a small amount of
land to Macedonia; dispute with Greece over country's name persists
Refugees and internally displaced persons:
IDPs: 2,678 (ethnic conflict in 2001; most IDPs have returned)
(2004)
Illicit drugs:
major transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin and hashish;
minor transit point for South American cocaine destined for Europe;
although most criminal activity is thought to be domestic and not a
financial center, money laundering is a problem due to a mostly
cash-based economy and weak enforcement (no arrests or prosecutions
for money laundering to date)
This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005
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@Madagascar
Introduction Madagascar
Background:
Formerly an independent kingdom, Madagascar became a French colony
in 1896, but regained its independence in 1960. During 1992-93, free
presidential and National Assembly elections were held, ending 17
years of single-party rule. In 1997, in the second presidential
race, Didier RATSIRAKA, the leader during the 1970s and 1980s, was
returned to the presidency. The 2001 presidential election was
contested between the followers of Didier RATSIRAKA and Marc
RAVALOMANANA, nearly causing secession of half of the country. In
April 2002, the High Constitutional Court announced RAVALOMANANA the
winner.
Geography Madagascar
Location:
Southern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean, east of Mozambique