Originally published Monday, March 17, 2008 at 12:00 AM
World Digest
Nine still missing after huge blast in Albania
Rescuers worked into the night Sunday to try to find nine people still missing a day after a chain of massive explosions flattened an Albanian...
Rescuers worked into the night Sunday to try to find nine people still missing a day after a chain of massive explosions flattened an Albanian ammunition dump and hundreds of nearby houses, killing at least nine and injuring nearly 300.
Defense Ministry spokesman Igli Hasani said the operation would continue "for as long as needed," but rescuers — assisted by U.S. military explosives experts — were hampered by large quantities of unexploded artillery shells.
Saturday's explosions in the village of Gerdec, about six miles north of Tirana, sent shells over 2,500 acres, Hasani said.
Prime Minister Sali Berisha said the explosions were an accident: blasts triggered during work to destroy excess ammunition stockpiled during Albania's Communist past.
Nine bodies have been found. Nine more workers and villagers remained missing Sunday, authorities said. Health Minister Nard Ndoka said 298 people were injured, including children, and more than 50 remained hospitalized.
Tbilisi, Georgia
President is target of protest before trip
About 5,000 protesters rallied in the Georgian capital Sunday evening to show their dissatisfaction with President Mikhail Saakashvili ahead of his visit to Washington this week.
The demonstrators, gathered in front of the parliament building, accused him of stealing the Jan. 5 presidential election in which he won re-election with 53 percent of the vote. They demanded he step down and call a new election.
Among the demonstrators were about 60 people who joined a hunger strike begun by a handful of opposition leaders last weekend to press their demands.
In a televised address Sunday before leaving for Washington, Saakashvili appealed to Georgians for unity at a time of heightened tensions with Russia.
São Paulo, Brazil
![]()
First coca farms found near Amazon
The army said Sunday it has discovered the first known coca plantations in Brazil's Amazon, along with a fully equipped laboratory to manufacture cocaine.
The army used helicopters and small boats to reach the plantations and the lab near the northwestern city of Tabatinga, close to the border with cocaine-producing nations Peru and Colombia, army Lt. Col. Antonio Elcio Franco Filho said.
The coca leaf — the key ingredient in cocaine — is usually grown in mountainous regions of Andean countries.
"We believe they are using a transgenic or an adaptation of the leaf used in the Andean region," Filho said. "They are probably trying to find new locations to grow this, so we need to stay alert."
Puerto Barrios, Guatemala
Freed tourists tired but in good shape
Four Belgian tourists, freed by protesting farmers after being held hostage for more than a day in Guatemala's eastern jungle, said Sunday they were in good condition but tired.
The Belgians were abducted Friday along with their Guatemalan guide and a boat operator by a group of farmers demanding the release of their jailed leader. The tourists arrived in Guatemala City after being freed late Saturday. They were scheduled to fly to Belgium today.
The Belgians were freed late Saturday after Guatemalan police and soldiers in boats and helicopters located the group's hideout.
Seattle Times news services
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
Obama warns of 'difficult' days in Iraq, pledges support for troops
Top Iran clerics decry election, defy supreme leader
NEW - 07:00 PM
Honduran military told to turn back Zelaya's jet
UN official to accompany Honduran president home
Sailor recounts girl's rescue after plane crash

2009 fireworks time lapse
With strict parking rules enforced at this year's July 4th celebration on Wallingford Ave North, less cars and more spectators filled the streets.
Entertainment | Top Video | World | Offbeat Video | Sci-Tech
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
Tax tips for new independent professionals
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new SUV? Weigh the impact your choice will have on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
nwhomes

Find a new home or condo that fits your lifestyle.
Search New Developments
Builder Directory
- Plasma and LCD beware; OLED screens ready to go mainstream
- Former NFL MVP McNair killed
- Landmark Smith Tower mostly vacant
- Russell Branyan, Mariners fight off the Red Sox
- Property taxes: Appeals shoot up in King, Snohomish Counties
- Palin takes to Web for hints of political future
- Fourth of July festivals and fireworks in Seattle, the suburbs and beyond
- Palin links resignation to 'higher calling' and blasts media in Facebook posting
- The Blotter | Man pistol-whipped after argument at nightclub
- Hard times for tourist towns means good deals for travelers
- Palin resigning as Alaska governor
780 - Seattle Mariners at Boston Red Sox: 07/05 game thread
247 - Palin links resignation to 'higher calling' and blasts media in Facebook posting
158 - Hatred for the NBA runs deep, but don't take it out on the players
115 - Former NFL MVP McNair killed
108 - Tukwila residents rally against light-rail noise
106 - Property taxes: Appeals shoot up is King, Snohomish Counties
93 - Tent City on campus: UW stalls decision
77 - Anti-tax rally in Olympia attracts about 1,500
53 - Seeking your questions
43
- Plasma and LCD beware; OLED screens ready to go mainstream
- Property taxes: Appeals shoot up in King, Snohomish Counties
- Merchant Marine veterans fight for recognition
- Hard times for tourist towns means good deals for travelers
- Landmark Smith Tower mostly vacant
- Close-up | Prison guards intercept carrier pigeon with a cellphone
- Pre-grill drill: marinate steaks
- Concert Review | Green Day blasts off 4th weekend with KeyArena show
- Amtrak cleared for 2nd daily train to Vancouver, B.C.
- Lake Washington's sockeye run may hit a record low





