Ancient Tomb Halts Construction in Albania

A redevelopment project in this Albanian town has been halted after construction work discovered a 6th-century tomb.

Officials hailed the delay as a landmark decision in this impoverished Balkan country, where rampant construction often obliterates cultural heritage such as archaeological sites.

Two years ago, Albania created a state archaeological service, but laws meant to ensure that potential archaeological sites were excavated ahead of development were regularly ignored. Officials say they don't know how many sites may have been lost to construction....