DNS Name resolution (ping and ftp in compare)

Hello,

I have the following problem:

Environment:
SUSE Linux Server version 9, a router (DSL) --> public Internet.

When I am making a ping to a public server within the internet, the name resolution is working fine without any time delay.

As soon as I am using ftp to a server within the public Internet e.g. ftp <alias name to a server within the public internet>,
I am getting a time delay from 20 to 30 seconds because of the name resolution. The reason for this time delay is, that my Linux server is first starting to resolve an alias name with .local (alias name to a server within the public internet.local)at the end, which not exist. After the 20-30 seconds, he is trying to resolve the real alias name, which is successful.

Any idea what the reason could be that he is first looking for an alias name with .local at the end and how to change it?

Thanks