Albanian demonstrators sweep riot police aside

Tens of thousands of Albanians, blaming the government for collapsed investment schemes and the loss of their savings, swept aside lines of riot police yesterday to occupy the centre of the port city of Vlore for the second consecutive day.

Up to 30,000 protesters, their numbers swelled by villagers impoverished by the collapsed pyramid schemes, poured through city streets. "Vlore is ours, down with the government," the crowd chanted, demanding the resignation of President Sali Berisha's right-wing administration. "Sali, you thief, where have you put our money?" others shouted. Reuters - Vlore