Albania protesters hurl firebombs after calls for restraint

TIRANA, Albania (AP) — Anti-government protesters in Albania hurled firebombs and flares at riot police standing in front of the main government building Monday, hours after the U.S. and European Union lawmakers called for restraint.

Thousands of demonstrators, many holding umbrellas, were standing in driving rain as thick clouds of white smoke from flares hung above them. So far, police haven't responded.

Protests over the weekend turned hostile, with opposition supporters showering police officers with firebombs while police responded with tear gas. Injuries were reported on both sides.

Socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama denounced the violent behavior of protesters, saying "Albania is damaged."

Before Monday's protest, the Interior Ministry said that the opposition would "try to repeat the same acts of violence."

But the opposition Democratic Party accused the government of trying to stir up "confrontation, conflict and fear among citizens."

"We assure citizens that the Democratic Party is committed only to a peaceful protest," the party said.

The opposition has been holding protests since mid-February, accusing government officials of corruption and of stealing votes in the parliamentary election two years ago. They are demanding a transitory government and an early election.

Opposition lawmakers relinquished their seats in parliament in protest, though many vacancies ultimately were filled by other opposition candidates. The governing Socialists have 74 seats in the 140-seat parliament.

A U.S. Embassy statement in Tirana on Monday called on opposition leaders to condemn violence and "ensure that all future public protests are orderly and peaceful."

"Violent demonstrations are damaging Albania's democratic reform efforts and the country's prospects for moving...