Albania's new Cabinet ministers sworn in to begin duties

By Talha Ozturk

BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) - Albania's five new Cabinet ministers, proposed by Prime Minister Edi Rama and approved by parliament, were sworn in Tuesday to begin their duties.

In the capital Tirana, the new ministers were sworn in before President Bajram Begaj ahead of their officially taking office.

The Albanian parliament on Monday approved Igli Hasani as minister of Europe and foreign affairs, Albana Kociu as minister of health and social protection, Ogerta Manastirliu as minister of education and sports, and Anila Denaj as minister of agriculture and rural development.

Arbjan Mazniku was named the new minister for local government, replacing the state service standards minister post.

Rama on Sept. 4 proposed new ministers at the parliamentary group meeting of the ruling Albanian Socialist Party, which he chairs.