Albania's opposition leader warns of escalation of anti-govt protest

After a two-month protest in front of the Prime Minister's office, the Albanian opposition warned Friday of further escalation of protests and actions until the creation of a caretaker government.

Albania's opposition leader Lulzim Basha told reporters Friday that the opposition would continue the efforts as part of its two-month campaign to have a caretaker cabinet put in place to govern until the parliamentary election in June.

He also called on supporters to block the national roads countrywide at noon on Monday.

Sources from the right wing here said that such massive protest in all streets would be held the same day when European Parliament negotiators were expected to arrive in Tirana to mediate between the governing left-wing coalition and center-right opposition.

The opposition leader Basha has put the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama as the main condition for the start of dialogue between the two political camps.

According to the opposition, Albania can hold free and fair elections only under a caretaker government.

In this way, the opposition leader has also defied the internationals, especially the EU officials, who have constantly urged the Albanian opposition to end the parliamentary boycott and become part of the election process scheduled on June 18.

The opposition parties have also refused to be registered at the central elections body for the June 18 elections. Enditem