Albanian opposition ends hunger strike pending EU-sponsored compromise talks

By: The Associated Press

TIRANA, Albania - Albanian opposition lawmakers and supporters late Wednesday ended what they said was a 19-day water-only hunger strike after political leaders agreed to EU-sponsored talks to end a political crisis.

The Socialists said top officials from their party and from Prime Minister Sali Berisha's Democrats will attend Thursday's meeting in Strasbourg, as well as European Union Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fuele.

A statement from Berisha's office said talks would focus on "ways to end the political deadlock in Albania."

The Socialists claim June's parliamentary elections were rigged to ensure Berisha's re-election. The prime minister, who controls 75 of parliament's 140 seats, has rejected calls for a re-count.

Twenty-one opposition lawmakers and 180 supporters started the hunger strike, camped below Berisha's office.

Opposition leader Edi Rama said he hoped the talks will produce "a lucky day."

"We guarantee that ... we are ready for new sacrifices, if the solution does not come," he told supporters.