(13 May 2017) Gay rights organisations in Albania held their annual pride event in the capital, Tirana, on Saturday without any disturbances.
Scores of bikers with multi-colored balloons and flags passed in front of Prime Minister Edi Rama's office downtown.
In the same area was a tent pitched by opponents to the government who are preparing an unrelated national protest.
Opposition Democratic Party leader Lulzim Basha had assured the gay pride participants there would be no incidents or threats during their ride, which started two hours before the other protest.
The cycle ride was a mile-long (1.6 kms), and had a heavy police presence following it.
Unlike the previous year no Western diplomats were seen joining the riders.
Xheni Karaj, one of the organizers, said that from nine participants in the first pride ride in 2012, the event has grown to scores of people.
The half-hour ride, was also supported with participants from Kosovo, Macedonia and Serbia.
Gay organizations urged the government to take anti-discriminatory measures and pass two draft laws on same-sex marriage and recognition of trans-gender persons.
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