Albania's outgoing Prime Minister Ilir Meta says he will not join the government being formed by his designated successor, Pandeli Majko.

The prime minister made the announcement Wednesday, after he declined Mr. Majko's request that he serve as interior minister in the new cabinet. Mr. Meta said he turned down the post to allow for the speedy formation of a new government and to prevent further political instability.

On Monday, supporters of Fatos Nano, the head of the ruling Socialist Party, had announced they would block any parliamentary vote on a new cabinet if it included Mr. Meta. The threat emerged despite last week's agreement between Mr. Majko and Mr. Nano to cooperate in forming a new government.

Last week, President Rexhep Meidani nominated Mr. Majko to replace Mr. Meta, who stepped down last month amid infighting within the Socialist Party, Albania's former communists.

Disputes between supporters of Mr. Meta and those of Mr. Nano had blocked the replacement of ministers who resigned following accusations of abuse of power.

Some information for this report provided by DPA.

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