PM Berisha Says Albania Seeks Quick Euro Adoption - Reuters

"I think it is vital that negotiations start with the European Central Bank," Berisha said in an interview with Reuters. "We are a small country. It is very difficult to resist to the euro. It is an enormous pressure and influences very much our economy."

Berisha said the country should follow its neighbours Kosovo and Montenegro in adopting the euro and scrap its lek currency. He gave no timeframe how long it might take for Albania to adopt the euro.

Berisha told Reuters the worst of the economic crisis had already passed for Albania, and he expected a growth of 4.0% to 6.0% this year and at least 8.0% next year. He also said Albania did not need loans from the International Monetary Fund at present.

Berisha was reappointed for his second running four-year term as head of government earlier this week.