UNIS/BIO/660
13 January 2003

New Permanent Representative of Albania Presents Credentials

VIENNA, 13 January (UN Information Service) -- The new Permanent Representative of Albania to the United Nations (Vienna), Zef Mazi, presented his credentials today to Antonio Maria Costa, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV).

Prior to his current assignment, Mr. Mazi served in the Department of Technical Co-operation of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) from 2000 to 2002. In June 2002, he was a Presidential candidate.

From 1998 to 2000, he served as Adviser in the Conflict Prevention Centre of the Department of Administration and Operations at the Secretariat of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). In 1997 he was Director of the UN Department in his country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Mr. Mazi was Minister Counsellor/Chargé d'Affaires as well as Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, the IAEA, the OSCE and other International Organizations in Vienna, from 1991 to 1997 and from 1991 to 1992 he served as Minister Counsellor and Chargé d'Affaires in his country's Embassy in Austria and Switzerland. From 1989 to 1991, he worked in the Department of Multilateral Relations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Albania.

From 1987 to 1989 he was Head of the International Relations Department of the General Directorate of PTT. From 1978 to 1986 he was translator and editor at the "8 Nentori" Publishing House. He also served as lecturer at the University of Tirana (1979-1988), as announcer and translator at Radio Tirana World Service (1975-1985) and principal English interpreter in his country (1980-1990).

Born on 27 January 1956 Mr. Mazi graduated from the University of Tirana in English language and literature (major field) and international relations and law. He received the "Grand Officier, Byzantine Order of the Knights of the Holy Grave". He has published a number of books, translations, articles and political analyses on international relations.

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