Alia, Ramiz 1925- .
Albanian communist politician, head of state
from 1982 and party leader from 1985. He has
slightly relaxed the isolationist policies of
his predecessor Hoxha. Born in Shkoder in NW
Albania, the son of poor Muslim peasants,
Alia joined the National Liberation Army
1944, actively opposing Nazi control. After a
period in charge of agitation and propaganda,
Alia was inducted into the secretariat and
Politburo of the ruling Party of Labour of
Albania (APL) 1960-61. On the death of Enver
Hoxha he became party leader.