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Albanian Times, Vol. 2, No. 7, February 19, 1996From: Albanian Times <AlbaTimes@aol.com>The Albanian Times (by AlbAmerica TRade & Consulting International) DirectoryCONTENTS[1] Commission to Oversee Lustration Law[2] Greek President To Visit Albania[3] Albania, Russia Discuss Kosova, Disagree on Nato[4] Albania Buys 50,000 Tons of Wheat[5] Albania, U.S. Sign Cooperation Document[6] Landslides Endanger Ballsh Oilfield[7] Albanian Cartoonist Wins International Prize[8] U.S. Ambassador to Albania To Resign[9] Albania To Create Free Economic Zones[10] Ambo to Start East-West Oil Project[11] Albanian Lek Rebounds After Record Low[12] France To Supply Grain To Albania[13] Official Prods Citizens On Investment Funds[14] Parliament Debates Banking Bill[15] Albanian Minister Orders Papers to Pay Overdue Bills[16] Greece, Albania To Enhance Trade Links[17] Macedonian Coalition Riven By Crisis[18] U.S. Dollar in Tirana Trading Strongest in a Year[19] Top British Diplomat To Visit Albania[20] Time For Dialogue With Belgrade, Berisha, Rugova Say[21] E.U. Ambassador Confirms Test Results[22] Bill Requires New Benefits for Military[23] Construction of North-South Highway Starts[24] Tirana Braces for New Beltway[25] Government Plans Tougher Inspections on Imports[1] Commission to Oversee Lustration LawAlbanian parliament is appointing an ad hoc commission to guarantee that none of the candidates running for this year's national elections has been involved in criminal acts during communism, local media reported on Saturday. The seven man task force will make sure that the candidates have had no dubious activity or links to the ill famed "Sigurimi", the former secret police. A so called "anti-genocide" law approved last year by the parliament bars former communist officials from power until the year 2002. The law triggered anger among the opposition Socialists, the renamed communists, who have vowed to reverse the legislation if they win the elections. A date for the national vote will be set after the parliament has been dissolved.
[2] Greek President To Visit AlbaniaGreek President Kostis Stephanopoulos will arrive in Tirana for an official visit on March 21, the first such trip by a Greek head of state to the neighboring Albania. Mr. Stephanopoulos and Albanian President Sali Berisha have met on several occasions, Radio Tirana reported on Saturday. Confirming the visit, Greek foreign Minister Teodoros Pangallos said conditions are ripe for both Presidents to meet in Tirana. Mr. Pangallos is expected to accompany Mr. Stephanopoulos on his trip to Albania. (Albanian Times, February 17)
[3] Albania, Russia Discuss Kosova, Disagree on NatoAlbanian President Sali Berisha asked Moscow to pressure Belgrade into resuming talks with Prishtina on Kosova issue. In discussions Friday with visiting Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergej Krillov, Berisha said the talks should be mediated by a third party-the United States, "without excluding the contribution of others." On another issue, Krillov said his country opposed NATO membership for Eastern European countries. He said their membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation was against Russian interests. ``We have different viewpoints on the future of NATO,'' Krillov told reporters at the end of his two day visit. ``NATO's extension could lead to a new era of separation (in Europe). If an eastern or central European country becomes a NATO member it will not benefit our continent.'' Albania's President Sali Berisha disagreed. ``I consider NATO the main pillar of peace and stability in Europe, as an alliance which is not directed against any particular state,'' he said, adding Albania was determined to become a NATO member. (Albanian Times, February 16)
[4] Albania Buys 50,000 Tons of WheatAlbania has bought a total of 50,000 tons of white wheat costing $10 million in three recent purchases from Romanian, Swiss and Greek firms, a government official said on Monday. Hekuran Skuqi, the General Director of state stocks, said Albania had bought 10.000 tons from Switzerland's Finagrain for $215 per ton. The price included transportation to Albania and the ship was expected on Wednesday. Skuqi said Albania had also purchased 30,O00 from Romania's Hermes at $193 per ton. A third 10,000 ton shipment was sourced from Greece's Agrointex at $207 per ton, including shipping to Albania. "We shall continue to buy wheat in the near future and will also be looking for flour," Skuqi said. He added the Czech Republic had donated Albania 1,600 tons of flour, for which Albania had to arrange transport. Rising wheat prices on international markets and a poor crop last year have threatened to send up the price of Albania's staple food. Stable bread prices was a central pledge of the ruling Democratic party. The government has lifted customs taxes on wheat flour until June, reduced power, water and diesel prices to bakeries and is subsidizing wheat prices in a bid to keep bread stable ahed of general elections, widely expected in June. A delay in the arrival of a wheat consignment early in January caused long lines for bread but the situation calmed down after a quick purchase made in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. (Courtesy of Reuters)
[5] Albania, U.S. Sign Cooperation DocumentAlbania and U.S. have signed a memorandum of understanding confirming Washington's intention to continue technical assistance to Tirana. The memorandum signed by Dashamir Shehi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Construction and Tourism and Dianne Blane, USID representative in Albania, confirms continued joint programs in housing, construction management and urban infrastructure. USAID will provide legal advice for building a legal and institutional framework in those areas. It will also provide staff and institution training as well as help implement pilot projects. For more than two years, U.S. experts have been offering cooperation to implement a USAID coordinated urban planning project. The U.S. assistance programs for Albania started at the end of 1991. (Albanian Times, February 16)
[6] Landslides Endanger Ballsh OilfieldOil extraction in a major Albanian oilfield may come to a halt due to landslides, ATA reported on Friday. Landslides are threatening an area of about 5 hectares in the Ballsh (Mallakastra) region. Albanian oil company, Albpetrol is taking additional steps along with preventive efforts that are being made by the joint venture "Euroalb" to insure safety. Albpetrol is using company funds to pay for social insurance and help minimize the adverse effects of landslides. (Albanian Times, February 16)
[7] Albanian Cartoonist Wins International PrizeAlbanian cartoonist Mehdi Belortaja has been awarded the International Prize of Honor at the "Yomiuri International Cartoon Contest" in Tokyo, Japan. 10 thousand works from 73 countries competed at the contest. In 1994, Belortaja was awarded the Golden Prize in a similar contest in Japan. A year later he was again a Golden Prize winner in Seoul. One of his works has been printed in a postcard with a print run of 50 thousand copies. (Albanian Times, February 16)
[8] U.S. Ambassador to Albania To ResignThe United States Ambassador to Albania, Joseph Lake has offered his resignation from the foreign service, according to VOA heard in Tirana Thursday. Ambassador Lake told VOA radio that he is retiring for personal reasons but will stay in his job until March 15. Mr. Lake was appointed to Albania in October 1994 after serving as U.S. ambassador to Mongolia. (Albanian Times, February 15)
[9] Albania To Create Free Economic ZonesAlbania passed a bill on Thursday allowing the creation of free economic areas and offering investors a seven-year tax holiday.But parliament rejected an additional clause in the legislation calling for the suspension of strikes and lock-outs for 10 years. The new law allows private or state-owned, local or foreign concerns to engage in trading, industry, processing for export, transit warehouses, banking and finance, and duty-free retailing in the free areas. It also says that economic activities similiar to those set up near ports, airports and special crossings of international transport could be carried on. The Albanian council of ministers will determine where the free zones are to be set up and will license economic activities in those areas, it said. Albanian President Sali Berisha told a recent meeting in the central town of Elbasan, 50 km north east of Tirana, that Elbasan would be declared a free area. The bill said trade between the free areas and Albania's customs territory would be subject to an export-import regime but this would not apply to inter-trading between free areas or between free areas and other countries. Payments could be made in any foreign currency or Albanian lek, the legislation stated. Parliament on Thursday also postponed the imposition of value added tax until July because it could not be applied by January this year due to technical difficulties. Albania's current investment law gives a four-year tax holiday for investments in production and a 60 percent reduction in profit tax for re-investment. It allows duty free imports for materials that are exported and special concessions for investment in tourism. Last year, foreigners were allowed to buy land in Albania, although getting a clear ownership title over it is often complicated by the unresolved claims of former owners. (Courtesy of Reuters, February 15)
[10] Ambo to Start East-West Oil ProjectThe Albanian-Bulgarian-Macedonian corporation 'Ambo' will begin construction of an oil pipeline, stretching from the Black Sea to the Adriatic, according to Bulgarian daily 'Continent'. The 907 km long pipeline will carry 750 000 barrels of oil each day from Russia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhistan. 'Ambo' has obtained exclusive rights from all three governments to start construction, an estimated $825 million. (Albanian Times/M.I.L.S. News, February 15)
[11] Albanian Lek Rebounds After Record LowAlbanian currency lek regained ground on Thursday after a record low against the U.S. dollar. One U.S. dollar was exchanged for 98 leks, down from 110 leks the day before. Albania's central bank intervened but officials played down the fluctuation of the lek, expressing confidence that last year's low inflation is a guarantee to stability in the currency market. Albania's inflation rate in 1995 was 6%, down from a forecast 10% and the budget deficit is said to be under control. Last month, local observers had predicted a quick devaluation of the Albanian lek following the lifting of the economic embargo against rump Yugoslavia. Officials believe the Lek will strengthen further in the coming days. (Albanian Times, February 15)
[12] France To Supply Grain To AlbaniaAlbanian and French officials discussed Thursday in Tirana on a free supply of grain that France is giving Albania. Finance Minister Dylber Vrioni and the French Ambassador to Albania Louis Domenici also discussed the possibility of opening French credit lines for Albania. (Albanian Times, February 15)
[13] Official Prods Citizens On Investment FundsAlbanian officials called on the citizens to take the initiative and set up investment funds. Niko Glozheni, head of Privatization Agency told reporters on Thursday that investment funds would have had positive results had they started. The legislation exists and training courses have begun, only that people hesitate, he said. Investment fund are not to be created under government prodding but on private initiative, he explained. On another issue, Mr. Glozheni said he hoped that the face value of privatization vouchers distributed to citizens by the government will increase by mid March. According to officials, the market value of vouchers has dropped 15% so far. (Albanian Times, February 15)
[14] Parliament Debates Banking BillAlbanian Parliament is debating legislation that would improve the internal organization of nation's central bank -- Bank of Albania and would adjust its relations with the government. The legislation also includes improvements in licencing of private banks and further clarifications of their relations with the central bank. The bill has been prepared by Albanian experts in cooperation with Western specialists. (Albanian Times, February 14)
[15] Albanian Minister Orders Papers to Pay Overdue BillsAlbanian Finance Minister, Dylber Vrioni, has asked 14 newspapers to fulfill their financial obligations to the state. A spokesman for Mr Vrioni said the papers owe large sums of money because they have been registered as magazines which according to Albanian laws are exempt from taxes due to high printing costs. Some opposition papers have expressed fears that the move is aimed at shutting them down, but the spokesman dismissed such worries, stressing that none of the newspapers will be closed because of the unpaid bills. A law approved by Parliament on March 2, 1993 exempts all magazines froms taxes to promote cultural publications. Many newspapers have been using the law to increase profits by registering as magazines, now facing bills of more than $100,000. (Albanian Times, February 14)
[16] Greece, Albania To Enhance Trade LinksGreece's Exports Promotion Organization (OPE) and the Tirana Chamber of Commerce and Industry signed a co-operation agreement in Athens yesterday to promote and develop bilateral trade, ANA reported. The protocol provides for the promotion and development of trade, the exchange of financial information and feasibility studies for a series of products, planning of business missions and exhibitions, joint study of financial issues, and vocational training for Albanian businessmen and unemployed youth. OPE will participate in the Greek Products Week "Euromachinery '96" to be held in Tirana on April 4-7. (Albanian Times/ANA, February 14)
[17] Macedonian Coalition Riven By CrisisA power struggle within the ruling Alliance for Macedonia coalition has thrown the government into turmoil, confronting the country with its most serious crisis since independence from Yugoslavia in 1991. President Kiro Gligorov has addressed the public twice in a week in an attempt to save the Alliance and calm conflict between the Social Democratic Union and the Liberal Party. Ignoring Gligorov's appeals, Prime Minister Branko Crvenkovski has named a new cabinet without Liberal members, threatening the existence of the Alliance. His proposed government consists of 10 ministers from Gligorov's Social Democratic Union, five from the Party of Democratic Prosperity and three Socialists. The opposition Macedonian Democratic Party and the ethnic Albanian Party of Democratic Prosperity said the makeup of the government was proof that the Alliance had fallen apart and that the country was ripe for early elections. Political and diplomatic sources say the president is seeking to work out a compromise between his Social Democratic Union and the Liberals. According to some of the sources, he is threatening to address parliament and launch a vote of no confidence in the new cabinet if no compromise is made to maintain the Alliance. (Courtesy of Reuters)
[18] U.S. Dollar in Tirana Trading Strongest in a YearU.S. dollar in Tirana trading this week has been strongest in a whole year, Radio Tirana said on Wednesday. On the free (street) market, one dollar has passed the 100 lek threshhold. Other currencies, including the German Mark, the Greek Drahma and the Italian Lira have been stronger in trading with the local Lek but not as strong as the Dollar. Experts say the high demand for dollar is strictly related with the Albanian internal market and has nothing to do with any international trading. (Albanian Times, February 14)
[19] Top British Diplomat To Visit AlbaniaBritish Foreign Secretary Malcolm Rifkind will visit Albania next week, in a three day Balkans trip. In Bosnia, Rifkind will have talks with international mediator Carl Bildt and commanders of the international implementation force, IFOR, the Foreign Office said on Tuesday. An official said Rifkind would be in Sarajevo for much of February 20. The trip also include Slovenia and Greece. This would be Rifkind's first visit to Tirana. His predecessor Douglas Hurd visited Albania in Summer 1992. (Albanian Times, February 13)
[20] Time For Dialogue With Belgrade, Berisha, Rugova SayAlbanian President Sali Berisha and Kosova Albanian leader Ibrahim Rugova said it is high time to start proximity talks between Prishtina and Belgrade. They called for a constructive dialogue and hailed the U.S. and E.U. stance towards Belgrade which requires Serbia respect for human rights in Kosova as a precondition to win full international reckognition. (Albanian Times, February 13)
[21] E.U. Ambassador Confirms Test ResultsE.U. ambassador to Tirana confirmed the Euro poll figures on Albanian political parties leaked into the local media. The results were to be made public a month later but they fell in the hands of the media aparently without E.U. approval. Elio Germano told reporters the information was made public even before the European Commission became acquainted with it. He ruled out any possibility that he was the source of this information leak to the press. "I have to confirm that the figures are accurate, whether someone like them or not," Germano said, in a clear reference to the complaints raised by the leftist parties, whose standing in the new poll appears to be far below their previous expectation. The survey conducted by Eurobarometer, a European Union polling center, showed strong preferences for the rightist forces in the upcoming elections. The poll shows 45 percent support for the ruling Democratic Party with only 22 percent of the tested persons supporting the opposition Socialists. The new Euro poll has provoked anger among the left wing political forces. (Albanian Times, February 13)
[22] Bill Requires New Benefits for MilitaryA bill to be presented soon to the Albanian parliament calls for supplementary social security benefits for the military, Radio Tirana said on Monday. The amount of the benefits would depend primarily on the length of service and the status of the servicemen and women, the draft approved by the government said. The benefits, including inreased pensions, would be sustained by the state budget, according to the bill announced by the government. (Albanian Times, February 12)
[23] Construction of North-South Highway StartsAlbania has started construction of a north-south highway linking the border checkpoints of Kakavije (Greek border) and Hani i Hotit(Montenegrin border). The project is funded by a World Bank credit of $56 million to be followed by another $57 million loan and is expected to be completed before the year 2000. A smaller road project linking Albania's major cities Tirana and Durres has been meeting construction targets thus becoming instrumental to World Bank's decision to support construction of the country's longest highway. (Albanian Times, February 12)
[24] Tirana Braces for New BeltwayConstruction of a beltway surrounding the Albanian capital is starting soon, officials said. The beltway designed to facilitate the heavy traffic in the capital, will be 21 kilometers long and about 52 meters wide with 2 flyovers. The new road will have 3 lanes on both inner- and outerloops and will be about 2 kilometer wider than the existing beltway. The construction will begin with a 2.2 kilometer stretch and preparations for a tender are being made to locate the best offer for that part. (Albanian Times, February 12)
[25] Government Plans Tougher Inspections on ImportsAlbanian government is imposing tougher inspections on all goods entering the country, a spokesman said. According to a bill drafted by the government, all merchandise would be subject to scrutiny before they are shipped to Albania, the spokesman said. The inspection would be reckognized only if performed by specialized companies, members of International Federation of Controlling Agencies. The imported goods would continue to be subject of further inspection once they have entered the country, the spokesman said. The government also decided to prohibit the export of lumber and wood articles, except furniture, from Albania. (Albanian Times, February 12)
The material was reprinted with permission of AlbAmerica Trade & ConsultingInternational. For more information on ATCI and the Albanian Times, pleasewrite to AlbaTimes@aol.comCopyright (c) ATCI, 1996 |
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