Albania's first post-Communist constitution has come into effect today after President Rexhep Meidani ratified the document, which Albanians voted to endorse last week.

President Meidani said the new constitution, which enshrines basic democratic principles and human rights, was the symbol of Albania's European future.

The opposition Democratic Party, led by the former president, Sali Berisha, boycotted the referendum on the new constitution.

Mr Berisha has said he will not recognise the new constitutionbecause it was endorsed by no more than one third of the electorate.

Albanian officials dispute this saying the turnout was over fifty percent.