Albanian opposition holds new rally to seek PM’s resignation
March 3, 2023 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — Thousands of Albanian opposition supporters protested anew in the capital Tirana Friday, calling for the prime minister’s resignation for alleged corruption and mishandling of the small Balkan nation’s economy.
Tirana protests UK official’s ‘verbal lynching’ of Albanians
January 16, 2023 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — Albania on Monday handed a verbal note to the British ambassador to Tirana to protest what it called a “verbal lynching” by a U.K. official in comments about Albanian immigrants in the country.
Albania’s army buys 3 Turkish Bayraktar TB2 UAVs
December 21, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — Albania has purchased three Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 drones, the model that is becoming increasingly popular after its use by the Ukrainian forces against Russian invaders, the government press office said Wednesday.
Albanian court jails Iranian man for 10 years over terrorism
December 15, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — An Albanian court has convicted an Iranian man on terrorism-related charges and sentenced him to ten years' imprisonment, court officials said Thursday.
In a ruling issued Wednesday but made public a day later, Albania’s Special Court on Corruption and Organized Crime found Bijan Pooladrag guilty of funding terrorism and being a member of a terrorist organization.
Albania’s last captive bear rescued to Austrian sanctuary
December 7, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — Albania’s last brown bear in captivity was rescued by an international animal welfare organization Wednesday and will be taken to a sanctuary in Austria.
Four Paws began the journey with the 24-year-old bear, named Mark, accompanied by a large file of documents to get him across multiple national borders.
EU, Western Balkans boost partnership amid Ukraine war
December 6, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — For the six Western Balkans countries aspiring to join the European Union, gaining full membership in the 27-nation club remains a distant goal.
Albanian opposition leader attacked during anti-govt protest
December 6, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — The leader of the Albanian opposition center-right Democratic Party was attacked Tuesday during an anti-government protest held near a summit of European Union leaders and their counterparts from the Western Balkans in the Albanian capital.
Enlargement back on EU’s agenda at Western Balkans summit
December 5, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — The war in Ukraine has put the European Union's expansion at the top of the agenda as officials from the Western Balkans and EU leaders gather Tuesday for a summit intended to reinvigorate the whole enlargement process.
Albanian IT staff charged with negligence over cyberattack
November 30, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — Albanian prosecutors on Wednesday asked for the house arrest of five public employees they blame for not protecting the country from a cyberattack by alleged Iranian hackers.
Music superstar Dua Lipa granted Albanian citizenship
November 27, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — Albania's president on Sunday granted citizenship to British pop star of Albanian origin Dua Lipa for what he said was the artist's role in spreading Albanians' fame internationally through her music.
Nearly half a ton of cocaine seized in Albania, 10 arrested
November 25, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — Albanian authorities on Friday said they have seized 430 kilograms (1,000 pounds) of cocaine in a coordinated operation with neighboring Montenegro and other law enforcement international institutions.
Heavy rains in the Balkans cause flooding, killing 6 people
November 21, 2022 GMTSHKODER, Albania (AP) — Torrential rains in the Balkans over the past two days led to floods that killed at least six people, prompted widespread evacuations and caused significant damage, authorities said Monday.
Albania: Wrong for Britain to blame Tirana on migrants
November 15, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — Albania’s prime minister said Tuesday that Britain is carrying out a “calculated attack” on his country by blaming it for the increased number of migrants crossing the English Channel.
Albania denies police system was attacked by Iranian hackers
October 3, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — Albanian authorities on Monday denied the country's police system was hacked after local media reported that data on people being investigated for crimes was released from an Iranian hacking group.
NATO’s team in Albania to help on Iran-alleged cyberattack
September 21, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — NATO sent a senior-level delegation to Albania on Wednesday to help the tiny Western Balkan country cope with the consequences of recent cyberattack that the government blamed on Iran.
Albanian police force open Iranian Embassy after expulsions
September 8, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — Albanian special forces police forced the door of the Iranian Embassy in Tirana on Thursday and officers surrounded the compound in which it stands, shortly after the last staff members left the building following the government's order to expel them.
Albania cuts diplomatic ties with Iran over July cyberattack
September 7, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — Albania cut diplomatic ties with Iran and expelled the country's embassy staff over a major cyberattack nearly two months ago that was allegedly carried out by Tehran on Albanian government websites, the prime minister said Wednesday.
2 Russians, 1 Ukrainian face espionage charges in Albania
August 24, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — An Albanian court on Wednesday ordered two Russians and a Ukrainian to remain in custody while authorities conduct an espionage investigation into the suspects' activities at a former military weapons manufacturing plant.
In sign of support, US bombers fly over Dubrovnik, Balkans
August 22, 2022 GMTDUBROVNIK, Croatia (AP) — A pair of U.S. Air Force B52 strategic bombers on Monday flew low over the Croatian resort of Dubrovnik and three other NATO-member states in the region as a sign of support amid the Russian aggression in Ukraine.
2 Russians, 1 Ukrainian arrested as alleged spies in Albania
August 21, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — Two Russians and a Ukrainian were arrested for alleged espionage at a military plant in southern Albania, the Albanian Defense Ministry said late Saturday.
The Russian man identified only as M.Z., 24, was detained after entering the plant’s grounds in Gramsh, 80 kilometers (50 miles) south of the capital, Tirana, and taking photos, the ministry said in a statement.
US firm: Likely Iranian threat actor in Albania cyberattack
August 4, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — A cyberattack that temporarily shut down numerous Albanian government digital services and websites in mid-July was likely the work of pro-Iranian hackers seeking to disrupt an Iranian opposition group's conference in Albania, a leading U.S.
Spain fully backs Western Balkan integration into EU
August 1, 2022 GMTThe Western Balkans are an integral part of the European Union and Spain fully backs the region's integration into the 27-member bloc, Spain's prime minister said Monday.
Pedro Sanchez was in Albania's capital Tirana Monday in the first-ever trip by a Spanish prime minister to the country.
Terror threat cancels Iranian opposition’s summit in Albania
July 22, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — Iranian dissidents in Albania on Friday said they had canceled a summit following warnings from local authorities of a possible terrorist threat.
Some 3,000 Iranian dissidents from the Mujahedeen-e-Khalq, best known as MEK, live at Ashraf 3 camp in Manez, 30 kilometers (19 miles) west of Albania’s capital, Tirana.
Former Albanian leader Sali Berisha barred from entering UK
July 22, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — Former Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha said Friday that the United Kingdom has barred him from entering the country, citing his involvement with organized crime and corruption.
Albania: Thousands join opposition protest over price hikes
July 7, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — Thousands of Albanian opposition supporters held a peaceful protest in the capital Tirana Thursday, urging the center-left government to resign because of the cost-of-living crisis and alleged corruption.
Albanian jailed for life over killing of 2 Czech tourists
July 5, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — Albania's Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld a life sentence imposed on a local man over the killing of two Czech tourists during a carjacking robbery in 2015.
Sokol Mjacaj, 27, was convicted of fatally shooting the two tourists in Prekal village, 130 kilometers (80 miles) north of the capital Tirana, according to the verdict made available by the court's spokeswoman.
Festival founded by Dua Lipa’s father returns to Kosovo
June 20, 2022 GMTPRISTINA, Kosovo (AP) — Kosovo’s central government and authorities in the capital joined forces on Monday to bring back home an international music festival founded by the father of singer-songwriter Dua Lipa which had been moved following a dispute with its organizers.
Festival founded by Dua Lipa’s father decamps from Kosovo
June 15, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — An international music festival founded by the father of singer-songwriter Dua Lipa to promote his native Kosovo has led to recriminations for the small European country after it lost the event to neighboring Albania.
Afghans evacuated to Albania protest for faster move to US
June 2, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — A group of people evacuated from Afghanistan as the Taliban returned to power last year held a protest Wednesday in Albania over the failure to expedite their move to the United States.
Albania bids farewell to ex-president Bujar Nishani
June 2, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — An official funeral ceremony was held Thursday for former Albanian President Bujar Nishani, who died as a result of an undisclosed, long-running illness at the age of 55.
Thousands of people, including the president, parliament speaker, government ministers and politicians, paid their respects to Nishani at the presidential office in the capital, Tirana.
Albania declares day of mourning for ex-president
June 1, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — Albania on Wednesday declared June 2 a day of mourning for the country’s former President Bujar Nishani who died as a result of an undisclosed, long-running illness.
The nation's flags will fly at half-mast during Nishani's funeral which will be held at the presidential office in the capital Tirana on Thursday.
Former Albanian President Bujar Nishani dies at 55
May 28, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — Former Albanian President Bujar Nishani, who was often criticized for his center-right political affiliation from the leftist coalition, died following a serious health problem, the country’s presidential office said Saturday.
Albania offers ex-Soviet built naval base to NATO
May 26, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — Albania has offered NATO a naval base in an effort to highlight the small country's value in the alliance “in these difficult times,” the prime minister's office said Thursday.
Mourinho’s 5th European title to ‘remain immortal’ at Roma
May 26, 2022 GMTROME (AP) — José Mourinho, the once self-proclaimed “Special One,” might be better described as a “Man of the People” now.
The Portuguese coach extended his perfect record in European finals to five titles by guiding Roma to the inaugural Europa Conference League trophy.
Roma beats Feyenoord 1-0 to win Conference League title
May 25, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — José Mourinho had described Roma as “a giant club" lacking a trophy room to match the team's social dimension and passionate fan base.
Well, the Giallorossi claimed their first European title in more than six decades Wednesday to crown Mourinho’s first season coaching in the Italian capital.
Albania police deport dozens of soccer fans after clashes
May 25, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — Dozens of soccer fans have been deported back to Italy following violent clashes in Tirana ahead of Wednesday’s Europa Conference League final, Albania’s deputy head of police said.
UEFA president full of praise for Conference League debut
May 25, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — The Conference League tournament was designed to give smaller teams a chance to play continental soccer deeper into the European season.
It worked for much of the inaugural competition, but the bigger teams took over by the semifinals.
Albanian police clash with Italian, Dutch fans; 12 injured
May 24, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — Albanian police on Tuesday reported at least 10 officers and two civilians injured in clashes with Dutch and Italian fans a day ahead of the Europa Conference League final between Dutch club Feyenoord and Italy’s Roma.
Tirana gets ready for Europa Conference League final
May 24, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — Tens of thousands of soccer fans are expected to visit the Albanian capital of Tirana for the Europa Conference League final between Dutch club Feyenoord and Italian team Roma on Wednesday.
MATCHDAY: Roma plays Feyenoord in Conference League final
May 24, 2022 GMTA look at what’s happening in European soccer on Wednesday:
EUROPA CONFERENCE LEAGUE FINAL:
The final of the inaugural Europa Conference League features two established clubs, with Roma facing Feyenoord in Albania's capital Tirana.
Trouble in Tirana? Hooligan issue hangs over Feyenoord-Roma
May 24, 2022 GMTPARIS (AP) — In a season when soccer violence has made an ugly comeback, a potential menace hangs over Wednesday's Europa Conference League final between Dutch club Feyenoord and Italy's Roma in the Albanian capital of Tirana.
Albania buys anti-tank Javelin missiles to strengthen army
May 21, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — Albania's defense minister said Saturday the Western Balkan country has bought anti-tank Javelin missiles to strengthen its defenses.
Niko Peleshi said Albania signed a contract with U.S.
Albania declares holiday for Europa Conference League final
May 18, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — The Albanian government has declared a public holiday in Tirana for next Wednesday when the capital city hosts the Europa Conference League final between Roma and Feyenoord.
There will be a pedestrian-only zone as part of measures "to organize in the most exemplary way one of the most major events that have occurred in Albania,” Interior Minister Bledi Cuci said Wednesday.
Roma, Feyenoord fans get 4,000 quota for Europa Conf final
May 10, 2022 GMTNYON, Switzerland (AP) — Roma and Feyenoord have each been allocated 4,000 tickets for their fans at the Europa Conference League final in Albania with three quarters of the tickets given free, UEFA said on Tuesday.
EU: Time to begin membership talks for Albania, N Macedonia
April 28, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — The European Union is working hard to convince Bulgaria and North Macedonia to end their dispute and open the way for EU membership talks for North Macedonia and Albania, a senior EU official said Thursday.
UEFA trains Albanian police for Conference League final
April 15, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — UEFA has completed its training of Albanian police and local law enforcement for the inaugural Europa Conference League final in Tirana next month.
UEFA has been offering security training for several months for the first UEFA final to be staged in Albania, the Albania Football Association said on Friday.
Albanian governing lawmaker held over waste-management graft
March 31, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — Albanian police on Thursday arrested a governing Socialist party lawmaker on charges of corruption and abuse of power over a waste management project, a day after another 9 government-appointed officials were taken into custody on similar charges.
Albanian federation reelects president for a 6th 4-year term
March 15, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — Albanian soccer federation president Armand Duka was overwhelmingly reelected for a sixth four-year term on Tuesday.
Duka won 37-4 with two invalid ballots in a vote boycotted by one of the federation's regional associations.
Borrell: EU to help Western Balkans’ war-affected economies
March 15, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — The European Union’s foreign policy chief on Tuesday said the bloc would support the Western Balkan countries to overcome the economic crisis caused by Russia's war on Ukraine.
Albanian protesters blame government for price hikes
March 12, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — Thousands of Albanians took to the streets of the capital Tirana Saturday to protest against sharp price increases on fuel and food that authorities blame on the war in Ukraine.
Albania: 3rd day of protests over price hikes blamed on war
March 11, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — Demonstrators marched through Albania's capital, Tirana, Friday and tried to block streets in other cities, in a third day of protests against recent price hikes that authorities blame on the war in Ukraine.
Albanians protest price hike, gov’t blames war in Ukraine
March 10, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — Thousands of Albanians held protests Thursday to complain about significant price hikes in recent days, which the government blames on the war in Ukraine.
Hundreds gathered in front of the main government building in the capital, Tirana, with some blocking main streets by sitting down and holding up posters.
Albanian soccer postpones presidential election to mid-March
March 2, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — The election for president of the Albanian soccer federation was postponed Wednesday until March 15 following a dispute with a regional association.
The FSHF started its assembly, with UEFA and FIFA representatives present, and covered other topics on the agenda.
Albania football postpones election of top leaders
February 28, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — The Albanian Football Federation has postponed the election of its new head following a dispute with one of its regional associations.
FSHF head Armand Duka said on Monday that following “a complicated process with debates and accusation, and some court verdicts ...
Albania refuses to play Russia in UEFA Nations League games
February 27, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — Albania's government joined the wave of European opposition on Sunday to playing any sports games against Russia following the invasion of Ukraine.
The move was notable as Albania is among the few national teams in men's soccer with games scheduled soon against Russia in official competitions.
UEFA delegates arrive in Albania to assess election process
February 14, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — A UEFA delegation has arrived in Albania to evaluate the electoral process of the national soccer federation before clubs vote on a president next month, amid concerns about political interference.
Albanian FA’s clash with Tirana city officials intensifies
February 10, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — The Albanian soccer federation’s clash with city officials in the capital Tirana ahead of its presidential election intensified on Thursday ahead of a visit of UEFA monitors next week.
UEFA to assess Albania soccer election process amid key vote
February 8, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — UEFA will send a delegation to evaluate the electoral process of the Albanian soccer federation before clubs vote on a president next month.
European soccer’s governing body said Tuesday the “assessment mission” was the result of talks between Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin and federation president Armand Duka.
AP interview: UEFA wants politics out of Albanian soccer
February 3, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin said his concerns about political interference in Albanian soccer elections were alleviated after meeting with the country’s prime minister on Thursday.
‘A beautiful country’: Afghan photos show Albania’s welcome
January 31, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — Afghan evacuees in Albania on Monday opened an exhibition on their impressions on the tiny Western Balkan country.
The exhibit, “Albania from my Eyes,” opened at the Tirana Art Gallery with photos from some 20 Afghans who fled to Albania last fall.
No injuries after explosion at Albanian soccer head’s home
January 25, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — An explosion shook the home of Albanian soccer federation president Armand Duka without causing injuries, his spokesman said Tuesday.
Andi Vercani said the explosion occurred Monday at Duka's home in the western port city of Durres.
Police say Albanian, 17, kills neighbor in family blood feud
January 24, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — An Albanian teenager on Monday killed his 65-year old neighbor to revenge the shooting death of his father 13 years ago, according to police and local media.
Police said a 17-year-old in the village of Manati, 60 kilometers (35 miles) northwest of the capital Tirana, shot dead a 65-year old man “for suspected revenge motives.” Local media, Balkanweb.com news media portal, reported that Florian Pervathi handed himself in to police afterward.
NATO starts work to upgrade Albanian communist-era air base
January 20, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — NATO started work Thursday to upgrade Albania's communist-era Kucova Air Base, which will allow it to be used for alliance operations.
The 45.8 million-euro ($52 million) upgrade will include renovating the runway, taxiways, and storage facilities and is designed to increase NATO interoperability and support airborne early warning missions over the western Balkan country.
Turkish leader Erdogan visits Albania to boost ties
January 17, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — Albania and Turkey on Monday pledged to further boost their ties and increase their economic and cultural relations.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited Albania to talk with Prime Minister Edi Rama on strengthening bilateral ties and also inaugurate new apartments funded by Turkey for Albanians left homeless by the 2019 earthquake.
Albania hires US company to boost cybersecurity after leak
January 11, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — The Albanian government said Tuesday that it would hire a U.S. company to bolster its cybersecurity following a large leak last month.
The country and Virginia-based Jones Group International signed a memorandum of understanding in the Albanian capital of Tirana “on strengthening security of the digital systems," Prime Minister Edi Rama said.
Albania: Politician’s supporters storm party headquarters
January 8, 2022 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — Police in Albania used a water cannon trick and tear gas to disperse protests who broke into the headquarters of the country’s main opposition party in an internal squabble over the party's leadership.
3 Western Balkan countries deepen economic ties at summit
December 21, 2021 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — The leaders of Albania, North Macedonia and Serbia met Tuesday to discuss and agree on furthering their Open Balkan initiative to promote political and economic ties.
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama hosted the two-day meeting in the capital, Tirana, with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and North Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev.
Evacuated Afghan artists paint a mural in Albania’s capital
December 16, 2021 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — A group of Afghan artists evacuated after the Taliban seized power in their homeland painted a mural in Albania's capital Thursday to thank their host country, and urged the world not to forget their brethren back home.
Albania arrests ex-minister on corruption charges
December 14, 2021 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — A former Albanian environment minister has been arrested on abuse of post and corruption charges, the prosecutor’s office said Tuesday.
In a statement, the Special Prosecutor’s Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime said Lefter Koka was arrested following months of investigation and is accused of abuse of post, corruption and money laundry for a concession contract on an incinerator in the central city of Elbasan.
Albania: Convicted former prosecutor arrested in Italy
December 13, 2021 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — Albania’s former chief prosecutor has been arrested in Italy following his conviction for hiding money from illegally owned properties, police reported Monday.
Ex-prosecutor general Adriatik Llalla, 52, left Albania after a court sentenced him to two years in prison for hiding property and giving false information on the asset declarations Albanian officials must submit every year.
Albania opens murder investigation into deaths of 4 Russians
November 25, 2021 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — Albanian prosecutors said on Thursday that they have launched a murder investigation into the deaths of four Russian tourists at a local beach resort last month.
The four Russians — a married couple, their daughter and son-in-law — were found dead in a hotel sauna in the village of Qerret, 50 kilometers (30 miles) west of the capital Tirana, on Oct.
Afghan evacuees enjoy Albania but have eyes set on Canada
November 16, 2021 GMTGOLEM, Albania (AP) — One Afghan teacher calls Albania a “paradise” while a former Afghan government official cannot get enough of “the freedom” that exists in the tiny Western Balkan country where they were evacuated to after the Taliban took over their homeland.
Albania’s ex-top prosecutor sentenced over corruption
November 10, 2021 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — An Albanian Appeals Court on Wednesday sentenced the country’s former chief prosecutor to two years in prison for hiding money from illegally-owned properties.
The ex-prosecutor general, Adriatik Llalla, 52, was sentenced for hiding property and giving false information on the asset declarations Albanian officials must submit every year.
Albania: Homes damaged, no injuries from 4.5 magnitude quake
October 29, 2021 GMTATHENS, Greece (AP) — An earthquake with preliminary magnitude 4.5 in northeastern Albania has caused damage to more than a dozen houses but no injuries, Albanian authorities said Friday.
The Institute of Geosciences reported that the quake struck at 8:10 a.m.
Albanian former minister charged in deadly 2008 blast
October 28, 2021 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — Albanian prosecutors on Thursday brought charges against a former defense minister over a massive blast at a munitions disposal factory in 2008 that killed 26 people.
The Special Structure Against Corruption, or SPAK, in charge of probing high officials, said it had charged Fatmir Mediu, a defense minister in 2005-2008, with abuse of his position.
Russia flies home bodies of 4 tourists who died in Albania
October 22, 2021 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — The bodies of four Russian tourists who were found dead at a beach resort in western Albania last week have been flown home, the Russian Embassy in Tirana said on Friday.
Albanian police said the four — a married couple, their daughter and son-in-law — were found dead in a hotel sauna in the village of Qerret, 50 kilometers (30 miles) west of the capital Tirana, on Oct.
Albania: British WWII airman’s remains identified, reburied
October 20, 2021 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — The few mortal remains of a World War II British air gunner were formally buried in a Tirana war cemetery Wednesday, following their discovery last year at the site where his bomber crashed in Albania and their subsequent identification.
4 Russian tourists found dead at Albania beach resort
October 16, 2021 GMTTIRANA, Albania (AP) — Police say four Russian tourists were found dead at a beach resort in western Albania.
Albanian police issued a statement Saturday saying the four were found asphyxiated in a hotel sauna in the village of Qerret late Friday.