The Socialist Party of Albania, the leading opposition party, urges a referendum on the law allowing import of toxic waste from abroad, which could cause environmental damage.

The debatable law was adopted with narrow majority by the parliament's ruling coalition, even though President Bamir Topi refused to sign the document, warning that the act is not in keeping with environmental protection standards.

The aim of this law is to allow import of all kinds of waste, including toxic chemicals, MP of the Socialist Party Blendi Klosi said.

Supporters of environmental protection caution that, after adoption of the law, Albania will become a waste storage.

The country faced a similar problem back in 2004, when the former socialist government signed an agreement on import of waste from Italy.

The then prime minister Fatos Nano was therefore under attack by the leader of opposition at the time, Sali Berisha, and the agreement was cancelled.