The union is the latest group to distance itself from the Communists, who have ruled Albania since 1944.

Many towns with historical Serb population derive their name from the early Middle Ages when Slavs ruled Albania.

Zogu ruled Albania using four military governors responsible to him alone.

Mr. Zogu's father ruled Albania autocratically until 1939, when the invading Italian fascists forced him to flee.

They are members of the 26 families of the Communist elite that for more than four decades ruled Albania, the poorest country of Europe.

So isolated and poor was the Dukagjin that the Islamic Ottomans who ruled Albania for 400 years barely bothered with it.

President Alia assumed power in 1985 after the death of Enver Hoxha, who ruled Albania for four decades.

Two weeks ago Mr. Pashko was very pessimistic about his party's chances against the Communists, who have ruled Albania since 1944.

He was sent in Neuwied to meet the Prince Wilhelm of Wied, chosen to rule Albania.

Enver Hoxha, who ruled Albania for four decades, died on 11 April 1985.