Albanian police said on Saturday (August 19) that they had arrested four people in last 24 hour for causing fires just as soldiers and firefighter fought spreading wildfire in the country's touristic southern coastal area.

An army helicopter was seen taking water from the Ionian Sea to douse flames on the hills near the tourist village of Qeparo.

It is a practice of many farmers in Albania to set afire cultivated fields to clear stubble, weeds and waste prior to sowing a new crop. Fourteen people were identified and charged in the country in July for starting wildfires.

Two farmers were arrested over start of a fire close to Qeparo. The fire burnt dozens of hectares and endangered houses and olive tree plantations, according to the police.

A drone footage was released by the police showing two police officials running after one of the men on a hill before eventually arresting him.

Police said two other people in the eastern town of Elbasan were also arrested after they set ablaze their land but the fire soon went out of control burning large areas.

Albania's Ministry of Defence said 95 fires had been reported in the first two weeks of August, compared to 201 fires in June and July.

The country's army has said that 40 soldiers have been sent to help local authorities fight the fire. The soldiers have been provided with shovels and means to carry water on their backs on hills.

Police said two people in the eastern town of Elbasan were also arrested for burning their land after the fire went out of control and spread to other areas.

Police appealed citizens not to "light any fire under any circumstances because this action constitutes a crime and punishable by law."

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Albanian police said on Saturday (August 19) that they had arrested four people in last 24 hour for causing fires just as soldiers and firefighter fought spreading wildfire in the country's touristic southern coastal area.

Albanian police said on Saturday (August 19) that they had arrested four people in last 24 hour for causing fires just as soldiers and firefighter fought spreading wildfire in the country's touristic southern coastal area. An army helicopter was seen taking water from the Ionian Sea to douse flames on the hills near the tourist village of Qeparo. It is a practice of many farmers in Albania to set afire cultivated fields to clear stubble, weeds and waste prior to sowing a new crop. Fourteen people were identified and charged in the country in July for starting wildfires. Two farmers were arrested over start of a fire close to Qeparo. The fire burnt dozens of hectares and endangered houses and olive tree plantations, according to the police. A drone footage was released by the police showing two police officials running after one of the men on a hill before eventually arresting him. Police said two other people in the eastern town of Elbasan were also arrested after they set ablaze their land but the fire soon went out of control burning large areas. Albania's Ministry of Defence said 95 fires had been reported in the first two weeks of August, compared to 201 fires in June and July. The country's army has said that 40 soldiers have been sent to help local authorities fight the fire. The soldiers have been provided with shovels and means to carry water on their backs on hills. Police said two people in the eastern town of Elbasan were also arrested for burning their land after the fire went out of control and spread to other areas. Police appealed citizens not to "light any fire under any circumstances because this action constitutes a crime and punishable by law." You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Albanian deploys army to battles wildfires, police arrests four for starting blaze

An international forum is bringing together officials from the western Balkans and southern Europe to Albania's capital this week with the aim to promote sustainable regional tourism which is a main source of revenue for the region. Hem Kaur Saroya brings you the report.

Albania hosts forum promoting regional tourism | WION Climate Tracker

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms - Wildfire rages in Thailand's Khao Laem National Park, Scientists discover ultramassive black hole, Albanian man hides inches away from police, Will AI models relace human models.

Wildfire rages in Thailand's National Park; Scientists discover black hole | Trending on WION

Environmental campaigners scored a rare victory n Albania after authorities announced the creation of a national park to protect the Vjosa river, which is one of Europe's largest undammed waterways.

'Historic Moment': Albania's 'Wild River' granted new status | WION Climate Tracker

The Albanian city of Vlora could soon see a brand new airport. While residents have welcomed the plan but environmentalist are concerned about the construction of new Airport. @SehgalRahesha tells you more.

Albania Airport poses threat to birds

Plans put out by the Albanese administration in Australia would require banks and other large corporations to tell the public what they are doing to reduce emissions.

The government is also searching for measures to combat "greenwashing," which occurs when companies exaggerate their environmental policies in an effort to win over customers.

In a speech Monday in Sydney, the treasurer, Jim Chalmers, will state that Australian businesses "need to make credible disclosures to stay competitive in global capital markets."

“There’s now broad acceptance that proper disclosure of these financial risks and impacts isn’t a nice-to-have extra,” he will say, according to speech notes distributed by his office in advance.

“This information is need-to-know – essential to mobilising the weight of our financial system behind the net zero transition.”

On Monday, Treasury will publish a consultation document on the creation of an Australian mechanism for disclosing climate risk, as reported by the Guardian.&nbsp;

The government contends that in order for businesses and investors to manage climate risks and invest in new possibilities, they need clarity and confidence. It requests "more information and more openness on how they are reacting to climate change and assisting the transition to net zero" from big business and financial institutions.

The government says the reporting requirements are expected to be mandatory for large entities and phased in over time. It also plans to apply “appropriately tailored requirements to comparable commonwealth public sector corporate entities and investment funds”.

The government has also urged that Treasury create a thorough plan to expand Australia's green finance markets and take advantage of emerging global possibilities in sustainable finance.

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Plans put out by the Albanese administration in Australia would require banks and other large corporations to tell the public what they are doing to reduce emissions.

Plans put out by the Albanese administration in Australia would require banks and other large corporations to tell the public what they are doing to reduce emissions. The government is also searching for measures to combat "greenwashing," which occurs when companies exaggerate their environmental policies in an effort to win over customers. In a speech Monday in Sydney, the treasurer, Jim Chalmers, will state that Australian businesses "need to make credible disclosures to stay competitive in global capital markets." “There’s now broad acceptance that proper disclosure of these financial risks and impacts isn’t a nice-to-have extra,” he will say, according to speech notes distributed by his office in advance. “This information is need-to-know – essential to mobilising the weight of our financial system behind the net zero transition.” On Monday, Treasury will publish a consultation document on the creation of an Australian mechanism for disclosing climate risk, as reported by the Guardian. The government contends that in order for businesses and investors to manage climate risks and invest in new possibilities, they need clarity and confidence. It requests "more information and more openness on how they are reacting to climate change and assisting the transition to net zero" from big business and financial institutions. The government says the reporting requirements are expected to be mandatory for large entities and phased in over time. It also plans to apply “appropriately tailored requirements to comparable commonwealth public sector corporate entities and investment funds”. The government has also urged that Treasury create a thorough plan to expand Australia's green finance markets and take advantage of emerging global possibilities in sustainable finance. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Australia considers laws requiring large corporations to reveal their climate change initiatives

A Nigerian start up called Vinsighte is using technology to assist the visually impaired, with several products including "smart" reading glasses that convert text to audio.

Nigerian start-up using technology to help the visually impaired

Torrential rains in Albania led to floods that killed at least two people, prompted widespread evacuations and caused significant damage.

WION Climate Tracker: Floods in Albania kill two people

Thousands of protesters took to the streets of the Albanian capital, Triana against the country's cost of living crisis. The demonstrators blamed the country's economic woes on the center-left government. The Opposition leaders, supporters gathered in front of the main government building.

Albania: Anti-government protesters take to streets in Triana, scuffle with police

Does the capital of Goa have anything in common with the capital city of Albania? Master Architect Dikshu Kukreja meets Edi Rama, the Prime Minister of Albania, to draw parallels between Tirana and Panaji. Watch their conversation only on #TaleofTwoCities on WION.

Tale of Two Cities: Tirana and Panaji

Albania has cut diplomatic ties with Iran over a cyber attack which took place around two months ago. It has now ordered Iranian embassy staff to leave the country within 24 hours.

Albania freezes diplomatic ties with Iran over cyberattack, White House supports the former

Albania has detained two Russian and one Ukrainian national who allegedly tried to enter a military facility. The Albanian defence ministry stated that the two of its soldiers have been slightly injured.

2 Albanian soldiers injured while detaining 24-year-old Russian man

The Albanian defence ministry has said that two Russians and a Ukrainian have been arrested after an apparently bungled spying raid on a military base and arms factory in central Albania.

While trying to take photographs of the Gramsh factory, one of the male suspects allegedly attacked the guards with a paralysing spray.

Following the raid, two Albanian soldiers were injured while trying to get hold of the three individuals that were “suspected of espionage”, according to Prime Minister Edi Rama.

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Çfarë trishtimi që edhe kur bëhet fjalë për një ngjarje kaq delikate sa ajo e Gramshit, gjithëfarë gjelash laramanë ia marrin avazit majë plehut të interesave të tyre mizerabël! Po edhe çfarë krenarie për rojet ushtarake që i neutralizuan tre individët e dyshuar për spiunazh!
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The Balkan country's Defence Minister Niko Peleshi said that a Russian man along with a 25-year-old Ukrainian was also arrested in a car near the factory.

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The country's ministry said in a statement, "In an attempt to escape control, one of the Russian nationals, identified by the initials MZ, 24 [years old], used neuroparalysing spray on the two security guards.”

Many Russians and Ukrainian tourists visit Albania during the summer holidays and the Gramsh military base is more than 70km away from the beaches.

The plant, which provides manufacturing services for the defence industry, was used to produce the Russian type of rifle AK-47 and dismantle small arms and ammunition during communist rule.

Joining the United States and other western countries to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine, NATO member Albania had also introduced sanctions against Moscow.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Albanian defence ministry has said that two Russians and a Ukrainian have been arrested after an apparently bungled spying raid on a military base and arms factory in central Albania.

The Albanian defence ministry has said that two Russians and a Ukrainian have been arrested after an apparently bungled spying raid on a military base and arms factory in central Albania. While trying to take photographs of the Gramsh factory, one of the male suspects allegedly attacked the guards with a paralysing spray. Following the raid, two Albanian soldiers were injured while trying to get hold of the three individuals that were “suspected of espionage”, according to Prime Minister Edi Rama. Çfarë trishtimi që edhe kur bëhet fjalë për një ngjarje kaq delikate sa ajo e Gramshit, gjithëfarë gjelash laramanë ia marrin avazit majë plehut të interesave të tyre mizerabël! Po edhe çfarë krenarie për rojet ushtarake që i neutralizuan tre individët e dyshuar për spiunazh! — Edi Rama (@ediramaal) August 20, 2022 × The Balkan country's Defence Minister Niko Peleshi said that a Russian man along with a 25-year-old Ukrainian was also arrested in a car near the factory. × The country's ministry said in a statement, "In an attempt to escape control, one of the Russian nationals, identified by the initials MZ, 24 [years old], used neuroparalysing spray on the two security guards.” Many Russians and Ukrainian tourists visit Albania during the summer holidays and the Gramsh military base is more than 70km away from the beaches. The plant, which provides manufacturing services for the defence industry, was used to produce the Russian type of rifle AK-47 and dismantle small arms and ammunition during communist rule. Joining the United States and other western countries to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine, NATO member Albania had also introduced sanctions against Moscow. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

After suspected spying raid on Albanian arms factory, two Russians and one Ukrainian arrested

Albania has detained three foreign nationals: one Ukrainian and two Russians, as they were trying to infiltrate the Gramsh military facility.

“Three citizens with Russian and Ukrainian passports tried to enter the factory,” said the Albanian defence ministry.

Reuters reports that&nbsp;in a statement on Saturday, the defence ministry stated that two of its soldiers were injured while trying to stop the foreign nationals.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;Is Ukraine ready for another Chernobyl-like catastrophe?

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“The officers who were guarding the plant reacted immediately, but during their efforts to stop the three foreign nationals, two of our soldiers were injured."

It further said that the injured soldiers were in stable condition.

A 24-year-old Russian male who was only identified as a Russian national M.Z. was one of those detained. The man, breached the Gramsh plant's boundaries, attempting to snap pictures.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/allow-russian-shipments-to-move-unimpeded-or-we-face-a-global-food-crisis-warns-un-chief-508748" hreflang="en">Allow Russian shipments to move 'unimpeded' or we face a global food crisis, warns UN chief</a>

He sprayed a chemical on the security personnel as he attempted to flee after being stopped by the military, causing injuries. According to EuroNews, the guards are receiving medical care in a hospital.

A 33-year-old Russian woman, identified as S.T., and a 25-year-old Ukrainian male titled F.A. were also detained nearby.

The three foreign nationals have been detained, according to the government. Prime minister of Albania Edi Rama said the three people are "suspected of espionage".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-does-the-latest-775mn-us-arms-package-to-ukraine-include-508745" hreflang="en">What does the latest $775mn US arms package to Ukraine include?</a>

During the summer months, a lot of Russian and Ukrainian visitors travel to Albania for its beaches, they are at a distance of more than 70 kilometres from the Gramsh military base.

Back in Albania's communist era, the facility was used to manufacture the Russian version of the AK-49 rifle. The plant now offers manufacturing services to the defence industry, according to the website of the defence ministry, but no further information was given.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Albania has detained three foreign nationals: one Ukrainian and two Russians, as they were trying to infiltrate the Gramsh military facility. “Three citizens with Russian and Ukrainian passports tried to enter the factory,” said the Albanian defence ministry.

Albania has detained three foreign nationals: one Ukrainian and two Russians, as they were trying to infiltrate the Gramsh military facility. “Three citizens with Russian and Ukrainian passports tried to enter the factory,” said the Albanian defence ministry. Reuters reports that in a statement on Saturday, the defence ministry stated that two of its soldiers were injured while trying to stop the foreign nationals. Also read | Is Ukraine ready for another Chernobyl-like catastrophe? “The officers who were guarding the plant reacted immediately, but during their efforts to stop the three foreign nationals, two of our soldiers were injured." It further said that the injured soldiers were in stable condition. A 24-year-old Russian male who was only identified as a Russian national M.Z. was one of those detained. The man, breached the Gramsh plant's boundaries, attempting to snap pictures. Also read | Allow Russian shipments to move 'unimpeded' or we face a global food crisis, warns UN chief He sprayed a chemical on the security personnel as he attempted to flee after being stopped by the military, causing injuries. According to EuroNews, the guards are receiving medical care in a hospital. A 33-year-old Russian woman, identified as S.T., and a 25-year-old Ukrainian male titled F.A. were also detained nearby. The three foreign nationals have been detained, according to the government. Prime minister of Albania Edi Rama said the three people are "suspected of espionage". Also read | What does the latest $775mn US arms package to Ukraine include? During the summer months, a lot of Russian and Ukrainian visitors travel to Albania for its beaches, they are at a distance of more than 70 kilometres from the Gramsh military base. Back in Albania's communist era, the facility was used to manufacture the Russian version of the AK-49 rifle. The plant now offers manufacturing services to the defence industry, according to the website of the defence ministry, but no further information was given. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russian and Ukrainian spies detained while trying to break into a military facility in Albania

Which are European Union candidate countries and what's their status now?

Experts are blaming climate change and rapid urbanization for a rapid rise in sea level in Albania. The sea level is expected to rise by 40 inches and will recede the coastal line.

Climate Change: Albania sea level to rise by 40 inches & threaten communist-era bunkers

In Albania, communist-era bunkers built to withstand the nuclear attacks have now become the casualties of global warming and rising sea levels.

Sea rise threatens communist-era bunkers in Albania

In a recent development, Albania has accepted a request by the US to temporarily take in Afghan refugees seeking visas to enter the United States, Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Sunday,

As per Rama, US President Joe Biden's administration had recently asked fellow NATO member Albania to assess whether it could serve as a transit country for a number of Afghan refugees whose final destination is the US.

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-president-ghani-leaves-afghanistan-as-taliban-enter-capital-kabul-405579">LIVE: President Ghani leaves Afghanistan as Taliban enter capital Kabul</a></h2>

On his Facebook account, Rama said, "We will not say 'No', not just because our great allies ask us to, but because we are Albania".

Albania ready to temporarily house Afghan refugees, PM Rama says

Biden's administration, according to Reuters, has been in talks with nations such as Kosovo and Albania about the protection of US-affiliated Afghans until they are approved for US visas.

Luan Dalipi, chief of staff of prime minister Albin Kurti, said his government had been in contact with US authorities since mid-July about housing Afghan refugees.

"There's a lot of logistical, technical, security and social work that we are handling carefully," Dalipi said in a statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-captures-mazar-e-sharif-fourth-largest-city-of-afghanistan-405447" hreflang="en">Taliban captures Mazar-e-Sharif, fourth largest city of Afghanistan</a>

More than two decades after the 1998-1999 war with the then-Yugoslav security forces, hundreds of US troops remain in Kosovo as peacekeepers.

In 2014, Albania accepted some 3,000 members of the People’s Mujahideen Organization of Iran, also known by its Farsi name Mujahideen-e-Khalq, and they have settled in a camp near Durres, the country's main port.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a recent development, Albania has accepted a request by the US to temporarily take in Afghan refugees seeking visas to enter the United States, Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Sunday, As per Rama, US President Joe Biden's administration had recently asked fellow NATO member Albania to assess whether it could serve as a transit country for a number of Afghan refugees whose final destination is the US.

In a recent development, Albania has accepted a request by the US to temporarily take in Afghan refugees seeking visas to enter the United States, Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Sunday, As per Rama, US President Joe Biden's administration had recently asked fellow NATO member Albania to assess whether it could serve as a transit country for a number of Afghan refugees whose final destination is the US. LIVE: President Ghani leaves Afghanistan as Taliban enter capital Kabul On his Facebook account, Rama said, "We will not say 'No', not just because our great allies ask us to, but because we are Albania". Albania ready to temporarily house Afghan refugees, PM Rama says Biden's administration, according to Reuters, has been in talks with nations such as Kosovo and Albania about the protection of US-affiliated Afghans until they are approved for US visas. Luan Dalipi, chief of staff of prime minister Albin Kurti, said his government had been in contact with US authorities since mid-July about housing Afghan refugees. "There's a lot of logistical, technical, security and social work that we are handling carefully," Dalipi said in a statement. Also read | Taliban captures Mazar-e-Sharif, fourth largest city of Afghanistan More than two decades after the 1998-1999 war with the then-Yugoslav security forces, hundreds of US troops remain in Kosovo as peacekeepers. In 2014, Albania accepted some 3,000 members of the People’s Mujahideen Organization of Iran, also known by its Farsi name Mujahideen-e-Khalq, and they have settled in a camp near Durres, the country's main port. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Rama says Albania ready to temporarily house Afghan refugees

The UN General Assembly elected Albania, Brazil, Gabon, Ghana, and the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations Security Council on Friday for a two-year term starting on Jan. 1, 2022.

All five countries ran unopposed for a spot on the 15-member body, which is charged with maintaining international peace and security. They will replace Estonia, Niger, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Tunisia and Vietnam.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-a-first-indian-diplomat-nagaraj-naidu-to-be-unga-presidents-chef-de-cabinet-390683">In a first, Indian diplomat Nagaraj Naidu to be UNGA President's Chef de Cabinet</a>

To ensure geographical representation, seats are allocated to regional groups. But even if candidates are running unopposed in their group, they still need to win the support of more than two-thirds of the UN&nbsp;General Assembly.

Ghana received 185 votes, Gabon 183 votes, UAE 179 votes, Albania 175 votes and Brazil 181 votes.

The Security Council is the only UN body that can make legally binding decisions like imposing sanctions and authorizing use of force. It has five permanent veto-wielding members - the United States, Britain, France, China and Russia.

The UN General Assembly elected Albania, Brazil, Gabon, Ghana, and the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations Security Council on Friday for a two-year term starting on Jan.

The UN General Assembly elected Albania, Brazil, Gabon, Ghana, and the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations Security Council on Friday for a two-year term starting on Jan. 1, 2022. All five countries ran unopposed for a spot on the 15-member body, which is charged with maintaining international peace and security. They will replace Estonia, Niger, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Tunisia and Vietnam. Also read | In a first, Indian diplomat Nagaraj Naidu to be UNGA President's Chef de Cabinet To ensure geographical representation, seats are allocated to regional groups. But even if candidates are running unopposed in their group, they still need to win the support of more than two-thirds of the UN General Assembly. Ghana received 185 votes, Gabon 183 votes, UAE 179 votes, Albania 175 votes and Brazil 181 votes. The Security Council is the only UN body that can make legally binding decisions like imposing sanctions and authorizing use of force. It has five permanent veto-wielding members - the United States, Britain, France, China and Russia.

Albania, Brazil, Gabon, Ghana, UAE elected to UN Security Council

A man jumped&nbsp;into a&nbsp;moving car&nbsp;through the&nbsp;open&nbsp;window to stop an erratic and dangerous driver in the main square of Albania’s capital.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In the&nbsp;footage captured by dozens of cameras set up to report the country’s general election,&nbsp;the car’s wheels&nbsp;can be seen&nbsp;screeching as it reverses in circles around the&nbsp;Skanderbeg Square.&nbsp;

The various&nbsp;onlookers&nbsp;at&nbsp;the square&nbsp;tried to stop the car by grabbing the driver through the open door.&nbsp;But as&nbsp;the door slammed shut as it spun around, a man jumped with&nbsp;feet first through the driver side window to stop the&nbsp;car.&nbsp;It is also&nbsp;one of the main sites of the city’s coronavirus vaccinations.&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to the&nbsp;police,&nbsp;the&nbsp;32-year-old&nbsp;driver&nbsp;had previously crashed three other cars in other parts of the city, local media&nbsp;said.&nbsp;Citing police,&nbsp;a&nbsp;BBC report said,&nbsp;he was believed to be driving under the influence of drugs.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A man jumped into a moving car through the open window to stop an erratic and dangerous driver in the main square of Albania’s capital. In the footage captured by dozens of cameras set up to report the country’s general election, the car’s wheels can be seen screeching as it reverses in circles around the Skanderbeg Square.

A man jumped into a moving car through the open window to stop an erratic and dangerous driver in the main square of Albania’s capital. In the footage captured by dozens of cameras set up to report the country’s general election, the car’s wheels can be seen screeching as it reverses in circles around the Skanderbeg Square. The various onlookers at the square tried to stop the car by grabbing the driver through the open door. But as the door slammed shut as it spun around, a man jumped with feet first through the driver side window to stop the car. It is also one of the main sites of the city’s coronavirus vaccinations. According to the police, the 32-year-old driver had previously crashed three other cars in other parts of the city, local media said. Citing police, a BBC report said, he was believed to be driving under the influence of drugs. (With inputs from agencies)

Man jumps onto moving car to stop dangerous driver in Albania 

Albanians are voting in parliamentary elections on Sunday amid the virus pandemic and a bitter rivalry between the two largest political parties.&nbsp;

Some 3.6 million eligible voters, including Albanians overseas, will elect 140 lawmakers among some 1,800 candidates from 12 political parties or coalitions and those running independently. &nbsp;

No early or postal voting is allowed and people infected with COVID-19 cannot vote.&nbsp;

Following approval of electoral reforms last year, a new voters' electronic identification, a partial depoliticising of the electoral commission and a pilot project on full digitalisation of the voting and counting process are being applied. &nbsp;

The hope is that post-communist Albania's 10th parliamentary election will be free and fair. To date, voting always has been marred by irregularities.&nbsp;

Preliminary turnout at 11 am was 16.67 per cent.&nbsp;

Albania, which has a population of 2.8 million and has been a NATO member since 2009, is looking forward to launching full membership negotiations with the European Union later this year. Sunday's vote is considered as a key milestone on that path.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Edi Rama of the governing Socialists, who are seeking their third consecutive mandate, wants to turn Albania into a 'champion' in tourism, energy, agriculture and digital projects.&nbsp;

Pre-election survey polls showed Rama's left-wing Socialist Party likely to place first.&nbsp;

Lulzim Basha of the Democratic Party accuses the government of corruption and links to organised crime, and pledges lower taxes, higher salaries and more social financial support.&nbsp;

Confrontations between supporters of the two main parties culminated on Wednesday in central Elbasan city, where a leading activist of the Socialist Party died. &nbsp;

Police said the victim was shot, allegedly by a member of the opposition Democratic Party, during an argument.&nbsp;

Though officially impartial, President Ilir Meta has turned into a firebrand government opponent, accusing Rama of concentrating all legislative, administrative and judicial powers in his hands and running a 'kleptocratic regime' that has bungled pandemic response and delayed the country's EU integration.&nbsp;

Political leaders cast their ballots on Sunday morning and called on the people to vote. Kosovar Prime Minister Albin Kurti, also an Albanian citizen, also voted.&nbsp;

"For the Constitution, for the republic, for democracy, for Albania in Europe,” said President Ilir Meta as he cast his ballot, among the first when the polling station opened.&nbsp;

Scores of foreign observers from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and Western embassies are closely watching Sunday's polls.&nbsp;

"We hope that every Albanian citizen goes and votes, free of fear, free of interference," said US Ambassador Yuri Kim at a polling station in northern Shkodra. "This is your day."&nbsp;

Albania has seen a significant fall in daily coronavirus cases in the past week despite political rallies around the country. More than 400,000 people have received their jabs.&nbsp;

An overnight curfew has been enforced with restrictions on gatherings and mandatory mask-wearing.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Albanians are voting in parliamentary elections on Sunday amid the virus pandemic and a bitter rivalry between the two largest political parties. Some 3.6 million eligible voters, including Albanians overseas, will elect 140 lawmakers among some 1,800 candidates from 12 political parties or coalitions and those running independently.

Albanians are voting in parliamentary elections on Sunday amid the virus pandemic and a bitter rivalry between the two largest political parties. Some 3.6 million eligible voters, including Albanians overseas, will elect 140 lawmakers among some 1,800 candidates from 12 political parties or coalitions and those running independently. No early or postal voting is allowed and people infected with COVID-19 cannot vote. Following approval of electoral reforms last year, a new voters' electronic identification, a partial depoliticising of the electoral commission and a pilot project on full digitalisation of the voting and counting process are being applied. The hope is that post-communist Albania's 10th parliamentary election will be free and fair. To date, voting always has been marred by irregularities. Preliminary turnout at 11 am was 16.67 per cent. Albania, which has a population of 2.8 million and has been a NATO member since 2009, is looking forward to launching full membership negotiations with the European Union later this year. Sunday's vote is considered as a key milestone on that path. Prime Minister Edi Rama of the governing Socialists, who are seeking their third consecutive mandate, wants to turn Albania into a 'champion' in tourism, energy, agriculture and digital projects. Pre-election survey polls showed Rama's left-wing Socialist Party likely to place first. Lulzim Basha of the Democratic Party accuses the government of corruption and links to organised crime, and pledges lower taxes, higher salaries and more social financial support. Confrontations between supporters of the two main parties culminated on Wednesday in central Elbasan city, where a leading activist of the Socialist Party died. Police said the victim was shot, allegedly by a member of the opposition Democratic Party, during an argument. Though officially impartial, President Ilir Meta has turned into a firebrand government opponent, accusing Rama of concentrating all legislative, administrative and judicial powers in his hands and running a 'kleptocratic regime' that has bungled pandemic response and delayed the country's EU integration. Political leaders cast their ballots on Sunday morning and called on the people to vote. Kosovar Prime Minister Albin Kurti, also an Albanian citizen, also voted. "For the Constitution, for the republic, for democracy, for Albania in Europe,” said President Ilir Meta as he cast his ballot, among the first when the polling station opened. Scores of foreign observers from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and Western embassies are closely watching Sunday's polls. "We hope that every Albanian citizen goes and votes, free of fear, free of interference," said US Ambassador Yuri Kim at a polling station in northern Shkodra. "This is your day." Albania has seen a significant fall in daily coronavirus cases in the past week despite political rallies around the country. More than 400,000 people have received their jabs. An overnight curfew has been enforced with restrictions on gatherings and mandatory mask-wearing. (With inputs from agencies)

Albanians vote in election after a bitter political fight 

Russia has expelled yet another diplomat -- this time, from Albania, in a tit-for-tat move.

This expulsion came after one of its own embassy workers was ordered to leave the Balkan state for alleged repeat violations of coronavirus rules.

To this end, Russia's foreign ministry said in a statement that it had declared Jonida Drogu, the first secretary of the Albanian embassy in Moscow, persona non grata. She was given 72 hours to leave the country.

The decision was made in response to Albania expelling the first secretary of the Russian embassy in Tirana "under a completely contrived pretext," the statement added.

The Albanian government declared Aleksei Krivosheev “persona non grata” and required him to leave the country within 72 hours, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement on January 21, citing "repeated" violations of pandemic restrictions by the diplomat since April, 2020.

The government, however, wished for friendly relations with the Russian Federation to be strengthened.

Moscow, in response, said Albania's decision was a "provocation with the aim of gaining political points" and accused Tirana of "playing along with anti-Russian forces in the West".&nbsp;

Last week, Moscow announced the expulsion of three diplomats from EU members Germany, Sweden and Poland for allegedly taking part in an unsanctioned demonstration in support of Kremlin's fiercest critic Alexei Navalny.

Russia has expelled a number of diplomats -- mostly in response to the removal of its own officials -- as its relations with the West have soured following the annexation of Crimea in 2014.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-uk-and-us-to-speak-with-navalny-after-expulsion-of-diplomats-in-russia-362178">Also read |&nbsp;EU, UK and US to speak with Navalny after expulsion of diplomats in Russia</a>

Russia has expelled yet another diplomat -- this time, from Albania, in a tit-for-tat move. This expulsion came after one of its own embassy workers was ordered to leave the Balkan state for alleged repeat violations of coronavirus rules.

Russia has expelled yet another diplomat -- this time, from Albania, in a tit-for-tat move. This expulsion came after one of its own embassy workers was ordered to leave the Balkan state for alleged repeat violations of coronavirus rules. To this end, Russia's foreign ministry said in a statement that it had declared Jonida Drogu, the first secretary of the Albanian embassy in Moscow, persona non grata. She was given 72 hours to leave the country. The decision was made in response to Albania expelling the first secretary of the Russian embassy in Tirana "under a completely contrived pretext," the statement added. The Albanian government declared Aleksei Krivosheev “persona non grata” and required him to leave the country within 72 hours, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement on January 21, citing "repeated" violations of pandemic restrictions by the diplomat since April, 2020. The government, however, wished for friendly relations with the Russian Federation to be strengthened. Moscow, in response, said Albania's decision was a "provocation with the aim of gaining political points" and accused Tirana of "playing along with anti-Russian forces in the West". Last week, Moscow announced the expulsion of three diplomats from EU members Germany, Sweden and Poland for allegedly taking part in an unsanctioned demonstration in support of Kremlin's fiercest critic Alexei Navalny. Russia has expelled a number of diplomats -- mostly in response to the removal of its own officials -- as its relations with the West have soured following the annexation of Crimea in 2014. Also read | EU, UK and US to speak with Navalny after expulsion of diplomats in Russia

Russia gives it back to Albania, expels its diplomat

On a small farm south of Tirana, donkeys happily munch on hay while customers flock to scoop up bottles of their milk, a niche product winning fans who believe in its health benefits.

Touted as rich in vitamins and a boost for the immune system, the high-priced milk has been flying off the shelf during the coronavirus pandemic -- a time when many in Albania are looking for an extra health kick.

"The demand for donkey milk is rising sharply" alongside virus infections, says 37-year-old Elton Kikia, the manager of the small farm in the village of Paper, where around a dozen of the small, knobbly-kneed animals romp around a green pasture.

The high demand is good news for the donkeys themselves, whose comfortable lifestyle on the farm is a welcome respite from their traditional roles as beasts of burden.

Typically enlisted to carry heavy loads and pull carts through Albania's mountainous terrain, donkeys are frequently subject to mistreatment, in the form of beatings, overwork or saddle sores.

"Yet it is a very delicate animal, which to produce its milk needs tenderness and love," says Kikia.

Two years ago he left his job as a journalist to take over the family farm, which is only one of two in the country to raise donkeys for their milk.

At 50 euros a litre, the price of their milk is exorbitant in a country where the average wage barely reaches 400 euros a month.

But fears around Covid-19 have set off a flurry of interest.

While no one is branding the milk as a cure for the virus, aficionados are convinced its nutritional profile -- which is close to human milk -- helps strengthen the body's natural defences.

Klea Ymeri, a student in agro-environmental engineering, recently travelled to Paper to buy two 250 millilitre bottles to help her parents recover from Covid-19.

"On top of the medicines they are taking, donkey's milk could be a good natural remedy for the respiratory system", she told AFP.

The family also uses some of the milk to make soaps, masks and other beauty products.

Regina Beqiri, a relative and pharmacist who concocts the mixtures, says sales are up at at time when virus restrictions mean "people are spending more time at home and can take better care of their skin".

- Two-way therapy -

The farm currently has four pregnant donkeys and four milk-producing mothers, each with a calf.

With a maximum production of three litres a day, "we can't meet the demand", Kikia told AFP, saying he plans to expand his herd to 100 donkeys.

But that is no easy task in Albania, where the donkey population is on the decline.

Waves of emigration from villages to cities, plus with the use of machines in agriculture, has shrunk the number of donkeys and breeders across the Balkan state.

Milk production is thus also a way of "protecting" the species, according to the farmers, whose animals still bear the scars of their difficult past lives.

"They are cared for and rehabilitated, including psychologically," says Riza Kikia, 71, Elton's father.

Geni, for example, is a white female donkey who arrived with a wounded ear and a scar-streaked back.

"She was weak, sad, she didn't want to stay with the others. Now she plays, she eats well and she makes good milk", said Kikia.

The donkeys are also a draw for local children from the village who come to take rides, feed and pet the animals.

"This bond between the donkeys and the children is a therapy in itself," Kikia explained.

"It is a psychological remedy that has magical effects, both on the behaviour of the children and on that of the animals."

On a small farm south of Tirana, donkeys happily munch on hay while customers flock to scoop up bottles of their milk, a niche product winning fans who believe in its health benefits.

On a small farm south of Tirana, donkeys happily munch on hay while customers flock to scoop up bottles of their milk, a niche product winning fans who believe in its health benefits. Touted as rich in vitamins and a boost for the immune system, the high-priced milk has been flying off the shelf during the coronavirus pandemic -- a time when many in Albania are looking for an extra health kick. "The demand for donkey milk is rising sharply" alongside virus infections, says 37-year-old Elton Kikia, the manager of the small farm in the village of Paper, where around a dozen of the small, knobbly-kneed animals romp around a green pasture. The high demand is good news for the donkeys themselves, whose comfortable lifestyle on the farm is a welcome respite from their traditional roles as beasts of burden. Typically enlisted to carry heavy loads and pull carts through Albania's mountainous terrain, donkeys are frequently subject to mistreatment, in the form of beatings, overwork or saddle sores. "Yet it is a very delicate animal, which to produce its milk needs tenderness and love," says Kikia. Two years ago he left his job as a journalist to take over the family farm, which is only one of two in the country to raise donkeys for their milk. At 50 euros a litre, the price of their milk is exorbitant in a country where the average wage barely reaches 400 euros a month. But fears around Covid-19 have set off a flurry of interest. While no one is branding the milk as a cure for the virus, aficionados are convinced its nutritional profile -- which is close to human milk -- helps strengthen the body's natural defences. Klea Ymeri, a student in agro-environmental engineering, recently travelled to Paper to buy two 250 millilitre bottles to help her parents recover from Covid-19. "On top of the medicines they are taking, donkey's milk could be a good natural remedy for the respiratory system", she told AFP. The family also uses some of the milk to make soaps, masks and other beauty products. Regina Beqiri, a relative and pharmacist who concocts the mixtures, says sales are up at at time when virus restrictions mean "people are spending more time at home and can take better care of their skin". - Two-way therapy - The farm currently has four pregnant donkeys and four milk-producing mothers, each with a calf. With a maximum production of three litres a day, "we can't meet the demand", Kikia told AFP, saying he plans to expand his herd to 100 donkeys. But that is no easy task in Albania, where the donkey population is on the decline. Waves of emigration from villages to cities, plus with the use of machines in agriculture, has shrunk the number of donkeys and breeders across the Balkan state. Milk production is thus also a way of "protecting" the species, according to the farmers, whose animals still bear the scars of their difficult past lives. "They are cared for and rehabilitated, including psychologically," says Riza Kikia, 71, Elton's father. Geni, for example, is a white female donkey who arrived with a wounded ear and a scar-streaked back. "She was weak, sad, she didn't want to stay with the others. Now she plays, she eats well and she makes good milk", said Kikia. The donkeys are also a draw for local children from the village who come to take rides, feed and pet the animals. "This bond between the donkeys and the children is a therapy in itself," Kikia explained. "It is a psychological remedy that has magical effects, both on the behaviour of the children and on that of the animals."

Udderly healthy: Donkey milk a hit in Albania

Albania's chromium sector is entirely dependent on exports which took a hit because of the economic fall out of COVID-19. Also, China which happens to be a leading consumer of the Albania's chromium has halted its purchase. Minors in Albania now have no where to sell their goods.

Your Story: Albania faces a chromium crisis, unemployed miners struggle to stay afloat

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