In the southern town of Gjirokaster, old sympathisers of Mr Berisha who lost jobs in the customs service have attacked government buildings.

ECONOMIST: Albania

In Gjirokaster, one of eight towns from which rebel leaders have tried to create a kind of southern committee which could open talks with people in Tirana, a general sacked by Mr Berisha is prominent.

ECONOMIST: Albania

The new coalition's prime minister, Bashkim Fino, who hails from the opposition Socialists, has toyed with the idea of going to Gjirokaster, where he used to be mayor, to ask the rebels to lay down their weapons and back the government of national reconciliation.

ECONOMIST: Albania