US condemns Albania violence
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The United States on Friday condemned the violence in the Albanian capital Tirana, where an anti-government protest left three people dead.
"We regret that the demonstration in Tirana was not peaceful and that earlier calls for calm were not heeded," State Department spokesman Philip Crowley told reporters, noting "with regret" the death and dozens of injuries from the clashes.
"The use of provocative rhetoric and the suggestion or tolerance of any form of violence is a deep disservice to the people Albania. They deserve better."
On Friday's clashes marked the first time opposition protests had ended in violence since the political crisis erupted after disputed 2009 general elections.
Three people were brought to the city's military hospital with fatal gunshot wounds, a senior hospital official said. It was still unclear who had shot the three demonstrators.
The Police were yet to confirm the toll, but hospital sources reported 55 injured, of whom 25 were the police officers and 30 civilians.
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