Around the World: Macedonia

Election marred by chaos

Macedonia's parliamentary election descended into chaos yesterday after one person was killed and nine wounded in shootings in ethnic Albanian areas, with voting halted in one town after a gun battle.

The poll is seen as a test of the nation's political maturity after campaign violence raised fears that slow progress toward European Union membership could be further delayed.

State news agency MIA reported scuffles in several Albanian areas and a small explosive device thrown at an empty cafe, while just east of the capital Skopje, voting was halted in the town of Aracinovo after a gun battle.

(China Daily 06/02/2008 page6)