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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Albanians Told Help Coming From Troops

Associated Press

Italy’s premier met with rebel leaders Sunday and promised Albanians they will see a marked improvement in their chaotic country once a multinational force is fully deployed to ensure safe delivery of food.

Despite strong anti-Italian sentiment, Premier Romano Prodi and his Albanian counterpart, Bashkim Fino, were greeted enthusiastically by some 10,000 people during a two-hour visit. Animosity toward Italy has surged here since a Vlora boat filled with Albanian refugees collided with an Italian vessel last month and up to 80 people perished.

Eight European nations have pledged troops for a 6,000-member multinational force - to be fully operational by the last week of April.