4 dead from A/H1N1 flu
TIRANA, Dec. 13 – Albanian health authorities reported the country suffered three more dead from the A/H1N1 flu taking the total number to four.
The country’s Health Ministry said two victims were in northern Shkodra district and in the southwestern port city of Vlora.
It was also reported that the dead persons also suffered from other complications.
Albania has now confirmed 310 cases of A/H1N1 flu. The first case was registered on July 20 in the small western Balkan country.
Arrests of alleged criminals
TIRANA, Dec 14 – Police arrested in the capital Tirana five persons for allegedly kidnapping a person who had not repaid a debt. The young men had taken the 41-year old, had beaten, tortured, cut fingers of a hand. No more details were given from police who were continuing the investigation.
In another case a 21-year old man was arrested after he had grabbed the taxi car from a person and ran away.
Police also caught a 24 year old man who was selling cell phones without showing where he had got them.
Police arrested a person who had been transporting cannabis sativa. The man ran away the moment police had stopped his car.
Two persons were arrested in the capital Tirana while they were robbing a pharmacy. Another person was arrested also in the capital when he was found with a weapon he kept at his house in Paskuqan commune.
Extraditions from Italy and Britain
TIRANA, Dec 14 – Two Albanians were extradited Monday.
Gjon Bungajaj (Leka) was brought from Rome, Italy. Bungajaj is accused of exploiting prostitution after, together with another person; they ran a woman as a prostitute. Bungajaj was arrested in Rome and then is to be extradited back to Albania where he is to go on trial.
Selami Cokaj, 36, was extradited from London, Britain last weekend. In 2000 the Shkodra Appeals Court had sentenced him to 20 years imprisonment for murder while robbing a bank. He had killed a person in 1995 and had left prison in 1997 during the crazed times. Then the same year he robbed the Savings Bank in Tropoja. Following that he left the country.
Army changes contingents in Chad
TIRANA, Dec. 14 – The third army Peacekeeping Contingent left for Chad and the second one returned home a few days later.
Albania has been participating in the Chad European Union mission since its start last year.
Albania has been taking part in international peacekeeping missions for many years now, starting with Bosnia and continuing in Georgia, Afghanistan, Iraq and now Chad.
Albania became a NATO member in April.
The ceremony was held at the Commando Regiment in Zall Herr Army base near the capital Tirana.
Anti-terror, trafficking deal with Latvia
TIRANA, Dec. 16 – Albania signed an agreement Wednesday with Latvia on fighting organized crime, illegal trafficking and terrorism.
That is part of the same deals the tiny Balkan country has signed with other European Union member countries.
The deal, signed by Albanian deputy Interior Minister Avenir Peka and Latvian Ambassador Astra Kurme, aims at increasing joint efforts and exchange of information on such issues.
The two countries also signed another deal on exchange of classified information.
Albania reports 5th swine flu death
TIRANA, Dec. 16 – Albanian health authorities reported the fifth swine flu death, a pregnant teenager.
The victim was identified Wednesday as an 18-year old woman who died in the capital Tirana. Albania has confirmed 310 cases of swine flu.
That was the fifth victim from the swine flu. The first was on Dec. 3 and the other three last Saturday.
The other victims also suffered from other health problems while it was not disclosed if the pregnant teenager had other problems.
