Anger, emergency measures in smog-stifled Balkan cities

BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — Cities throughout the Balkans have been hit by dangerous air pollution levels in recent days, prompting authorities in Serbia, Bosnia and Croatia to advise people to stay indoors and avoid physical activity. Serbia’s government on Wednesday called an emergency meeting, Bosnia’s capital Sarajevo has introduced emergency measures and Croatian police urged citizens to use public transport and avoid bikes or scooters. Experts say the worst hit has been Sarajevo, which is situated in a deep, mountain-ringed  valley. Concentration of toxic air particles is typical during winter in Balkan countries that rely on coal-fueled energy systems and whose residents drive old cars and burn wood and coal to keep warm.