ALBANIA: TIRANA: SIGNS THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS LOSING CONTROL

Описание: (14 Mar 1997) Natural Sound

As more and more towns in Albania join the civilian uprising, there are increasing signs that the government is losing control of the capital Tirana.

Prison guards deserted the central jail Friday, allowing 600 prisoners, including ex- President Ramiz Alia, to escape.

About 35 people suffering from gunshot wounds have been taken to Tirana's main hospital following a tense night in the Albanian capital.

Gunfire was heard throughout Thursday night and it's believed the injured were hit by stray bullets.

Staff at Tirana's main hospital wait for the arrival of people injured after a tense night in the Albanian capital.

About 35 people suffering from gunshot wounds were taken to the hospital for treatment.

Gunfire was heard throughout the night and it's believed the injured were hit by stray bullets.

As the tension mounts, the world is debating what to do with Albania as it descends into anarchy.

The unrest has left at least a dozen people dead, and pressure is building for Albania's president Sali Berisha to resign.

The trouble has stemmed from hundreds of thousands of people losing their life savings in shady investment deals - popularly known as pyramid schemes - which the government has now outlawed.

Albanian army commanders are asking for Western military involvement.

The U-N Security Council has issued a statement urging the international community to provide humanitarian assistance and
calling for all sides in Albania to work together to ease tensions.

As the country descends into anarchy, there are increasing signs that the government is losing control of the capital, Tirana.

Prison guards deserted the central jail, allowing 600 prisoners, including ex-President Ramiz Alia and other prominent leaders of the former Communists, to get away.

Then the guards returned to loot the prison.

As the rebellion spreads, more foreign nationals are being evacuated.

And as foreigners leave, the city is closing down.

Shopkeepers, fearful of looting, closed for the day while others gathered in squares and on street corners to share what little information they have about the uprising.

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