Albania's diplomatic brain drain

TIRANA, Albania -- Albania is suffering a diplomatic brain drain as ambassadors and officials are attracted by a better economic climate abroad.

The country's foreign ministry has sent an SOS after its 65th diplomat in four years decided not to return to his homeland after a tour of duty.

Sokol Gjoka of the foreign ministry told The Associated Press: "The state has invested in their education and careers, and when they refuse to come back, it's a great loss for the country."

Ten ambassadors have been among the estimated 65 diplomats who have refused to make the journey home from Western countries such as the United States, Britain, Italy, Austria, Germany and Spain.

Most of their terms expired in 1997, when Albania was plunged into chaos and anarchy, caused by the collapse of pyramid financial shares' schemes in which most citizens had invested.

Other diplomats failed to return to Albania after attending training seminars in Western countries, Gjoka said.

Foreign minister Paskal Milo has recognised his country's economic disadvantage in trying to keep staff.

An Albanian ambassador earns $1,000 a month, while more junior diplomats are paid between $600 and $800. The average monthly salary is the equivalent of $90.

Albania has about 180 diplomats serving in about 45 embassies.