Ismail Lleshi

Ismail Lleshi (born 2 October 1947) is an Albanian politician. He served as the Minister of Defence of Albania from 8 November 2000 to 12 September 2001. He was appointed Defence Minister following the promotion of Ilir Gjoni to the position of Interior Minister. He was a veteran of the Socialist Party of Albania at the time of his appointment, and was listed in the party leadership as far back as 1993. He was also a senior leader of the Labour Party, the predecessor to the Socialist Party. As Defence Minister, he frequently met with foreign military leaders.