Latest News from Albania

Seven Dead on Blazing Ferry Norman Atlantic, All Survivors Rescued

Seven people have lost their lives as a result of the fire that has raged on the Norman Atlantic ferry since Sunday morning, the Italian Coast Guard said on Monday.

The evacuation of all people aboard the burning ship is now complete. More than 400 passengers and crew have been rescued despite difficult weather conditions including strong winds and rough seas.

Norman Atlantic death toll hits five as dozens arrive on land

BARI, Italy — Helicopters defied high winds, stormy seas and darkness Monday to pluck hundreds of passengers from a Greek ferry that caught fire off Albania, as survivors told of a frantic rush to escape the flames and pelting rain. Five people died and dozens remained trapped on board a day after the fire broke out.

Hundreds Rescued From Burning Ferry in Adriatic

The Italian and Greek navies aided by the Albanian coastguard launched a risky operation involving helicopters and ships to rescue the trapped passengers, but scores of people remained on board the stricken ferry on Monday morning.

Belgrade resident arrested in Pristina in 30-day custody

Belgrade resident arrested in Pristina in 30-day custody

PRIŠTINA, BELGRADE -- Serbian citizen named as Slobodan Gavric, who was arrested in Pristina with 13 kg of explosives in his possession, was placed in 30-day custody on Saturday.

He is held "on suspicion of organising terrorist activities and bringing explosives into Kosovo," Tanjug reported.

Rescuers battle to help hundreds trapped on burning ferry

Rescuers battled in the dark to save hundreds of passengers still trapped on a burning Italian ferry in the early hours of Monday, as coastguards reported one man had died in the high-seas drama.
      
Ships and helicopters fought choppy seas, strong winds and billowing clouds of smoke through the night in a race to help 227 passengers left aboard the "Norman Atlantic".

Five dead as passengers recount terror on blaze-hit ferry

At least five people died after a car ferry caught fire in the Adriatic Sea, Greek and Italian officials said Monday, as survivors described a terrifying ordeal that could easily have been much more deadly.
      

Belgrade resident arrested in Pristina put in 30-day custody

PRISTINA - Serbian citizen named Slobodan Gavric, who was arrested in Pristina on Friday with 13 kg of explosives in his possession, was placed in 30-day custody on Saturday on suspicion of organising terrorist activities and bringing explosives into Kosovo.

Feuding Albania Parties Reach Deal to End Boycott

The ruling centre-left coalition of Prime Minister Edi Rama and the centre-right opposition, headed by the Democratic Party leader, Lulzim Basha, have agreed on a proposal to enable the opposition to end its prolonged boycott of the assembly.,

Euro MPs Try to Break Albania Deadlock

MEP Eduard Kukan of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D) bloc arrived in Tirana on Monday in the wake of last week's visit by Knut Fleckenstein of the European People's Party (EPP) bloc in an attempt to negotiate a solution that will see Albania's opposition return to parliament.

Members of Drenica Group released pending trial

PRISTINA - Members of the Drenica Group who are charged with war crimes committed against civilians in the prison camp of former (ethnic Albanian paramilitary unit) Kosovo Liberation Army in 1998 have been released pending trial, Pristina media reported.

"Serbia should become Albania's ally"

"Serbia should become Albania's ally"

BELGRADE -- Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama sayst Serbia "should become an ally of Albania, in order for the people in the Balkans to find peace."

Albania Arrests Thieving Santa Clauses

Albanian police said they had arrested two members of a gang who robbed a jewel store in a Tirana mall at the height of the Christmas season last year dressed as Santa Clauses.

The robbers entered the mall dancing and singing, with their guns hidden, but once inside the store they took the weapons out and pointed them at the shopkeeper.

Serbia and Albania recognize driving licenses

Serbia and Albania recognize driving licenses

BELGRADE -- An agreement was signed on Wednesday on the mutual recognition of driving licenses between Serbia and Albania.

Serbian Interior Minister Nebojsa Stefanovic and Albanian Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Edmond Haxhinasto signed the document.

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