21 January 2011

ALBANIA: 23 Jan UPDATE: Arrest Warrants Issued For 6 Guards For 3 Deaths InTirana Riots.

BBC/
     Arrest warrants have been issued for six members of the republican guard over the deaths of three people during a recent protest.
  17 police and soldiers were also injured, along with 22 civilians after 20,000 protested, stoning police and burning cars in Tirana demanding the resignation of the conservative government.
     PM Sali Berisha has said there will be no Tunisia-style uprising in his country after Friday's clash. "No one can seize power by violent means in this country," he said.
   The opposition accuses the current government of corruption, abuse of power and rigging the 2009 election which has  left the nation in gridlock. They want a new vote, though none is scheduled until 2013.
   It was the worst violence since protesters stormed the same government buildings in 1998 following the death of a lawmaker.
   Reuters reports that Tirana Mayor Edi Rama is blaming PM Sali Berisha's government for the deaths and promised more protests to get rid of what he called an "intolerable regime of thieves." 
    Albania joined NATO nearly two years ago but late last year the EU rejected its application, demanding that it fight corruption and establish a real democracy. 

NEW VIDEO:  Graphic 2:45 YOUTUBE Video of Riot from RT:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iurQ13cc7wA&feature=player_embedded