Tirana, 12 January 2001 (RFE/RL) -- Responding to an offer made by Belgrade, Albania announced today that it is ready to renew diplomatic ties with Yugoslavia. Relations were cut off in April 1999 following the start of NATO's air campaign against Yugoslavia. The Albanian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that it hopes the renewal of ties will serve the interests of both countries and reinforce peace, security and stability in the region.