Hunger strike in Albania

OPPOSITION leaders in Albania yesterday launched a mass hunger strike.

Twenty-two Socialist MPs and 180 supporters said they would not eat as they pressed for a recount of last year's general election. The Socialists say the vote was rigged in favour of prime minister Sali Berisha (right), a former president who has been in the post since 2005. They have been boycotting parliament for months.

Tens of thousands of Socialist supporters, led by Tirana mayor Edi Rama, yesterday held a protest in the city pressing for a recount.

Berisha, who won the 28 June election, controlling 75 of parliament's 140 seats, has called the recount demands illegal. His ruling Democrats were yesterday expected to mark May Day with a concert celebrating what they describe as successful reforms to get Albania into the EU.