Death rates in the north-east were almost double those of the south-west. The rate of heart disease was 41 per 100,000 in Albania – half that of Britain but similar to that of Italy.Mortality was lowest in the south-west, where most of the olives, fruits and vegetables are grown and consumed. But, from research just published in the Lancet medical journal, it now appears that the country has much to teach its wealthier neighbours about health.Albanian women live to an average of 74.2 years and men to 67.8 years, about the same as Britons, Arjan Gjonca of the London School of Economics found in the first verified mortality data from the former Communist nation. Low consumption of meat and milk products has repeatedly been shown to provide protection against a range of chronic diseases, especially the heart problems that plague rich nations.Albania was previously most famous for extreme poverty and extreme devotion to Norman Wisdom films (during the Communist regime of Enver Hoxha, Wisdom’s films were among the very few Western productions allowed, and he is now a national hero). The researchers who carried out a survey into death rates said that it added to mounting evidence linking the so-called “Mediterranean diet” – favoured in countries such as Greece and Italy – with low rates of heart disease. Researchers say that is probably due to the type of food they eat.

Glenda Cooper, Social Affairs Correspondent, looks at the `Albanian paradox’. If you are born in Albania and survive until the age of 15, you are likely to live as long as someone in the United Kingdom despite the fact that the country is so much poorer and with limited access to health services.
The reason for the low adult mortality is probably the Albanian diet, which is high in fruit, vegetables and olive oil and low in animal fats. Albania is the poorest country in Europe, yet you are likely to live longer there than in some richer nations. Some recalled Mr Fayed’s involvement in another controversy in which he alleged Diana had uttered some secret last words as she lay dying after the crash, an account of events which had been strongly disputed by medical staff at the scene.. When the news of the interview first broke, his spokesman stated categorically: “We can confirm that the interview did happen at the end of their last holiday, at the end of August.” By yesterday afternoon, this had changed to: “Mr Al Fayed is aware that an interview took place towards the end of their last holiday together.

As he has not been party to the content of that interview, it’s impossible to say whether or not it was this interview”.Coincidentally, the interview, which painted Mr Fayed in a positive light, appeared in the British newspapers the day after an ITV documentary titled Sex, Lies and Audiotape alleged that he molested and harassed female members of the store’s staff.Friends of the princess were dismissive about the piece. But according to friends of the couple, their romance was yet to begin. And the Harrod’s owner claims that in fact the interview took place towards the end of Diana and Dodi’s last holiday at the end of August.Mr Fayed’s backing for Paris Match has became more qualified over time. But there is discrepancy about the timing of the interview between Paris Match and Mr Fayed.The magazine claims it took place while Diana and Dodi were on holiday in the south of France few weeks before their death, when Mohamed Al Fayed was the host. There is also no explanation why it surfaced three months after the princess and Mr Fayed were killed in a car crash, although the magazine claims it was told about the piece in a phone call the morning after the accident.Mr Therond “authenticated” the “unique document “by saying the phone call came from “a person I know and value”; however, he would not say who this was.The only other person who vouched the interview’s veracity was Dodi’s father, Mohamed Al Fayed.

What follows, over four pages, is in a similar sugary, gushy vein, with the couple allegedly talking about their hopes of a future together. According to those who knew Diana, it simply does not ring true.
The interview is written anonymously, and no details are given about when and where it took place. But people close to the princess have grave doubts about its authenticity Kim Sengupta examines the extraordinary saga. In the preface to its “world exclusive” interview with the princess and Dodi Fayed, Paris Match editor, Roger Therond, writes: “This couple, united and looking forward to the future, speak to us, as if from beyond the grave”.

Some people, even fellows of Porterhouse, will believe anything.”. The French magazine `Paris Match’ has published what it claims is the last interview with Diana, Princess of Wales, and Dodi Fayed. Dr James Carleton Paget, a divinity don, said: “I can vouch for the good witness of the bursar. He is a hard-headed financier who is a creature of the Enlightenment rather than of the pulpit.”But Lord Dacre, the historian, and former master of the college, said: “I was aware of some poltergeists in human form, but I never heard of any less substantial apparitions. The fellows, anxious to protect their reputation for intellectual rigour, are divided. “When we first told the fellows about it, they treated it as a bit of fun,” Mr Speller said.Graduates of Peterhouse, who include Peregrine Worsthorne, the former Sunday Telegraph editor, say it is a perfect setting for a haunting “It’s definitely got vibes,” said one.