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Albanian Times, Vol. 2, No. 9, March 4, 1996From: Albanian Times <AlbaTimes@aol.com>The Albanian Times (by AlbAmerica TRade & Consulting International) DirectoryCONTENTS[1] Parliament Approves Securities Law[2] U.S.-Albania Joint Training Extended[3] Albania Poised to Export Oysters to E.U.[4] Privatisation Drive Among Albanians Highest, Official Says[5] World Bank Project Helps Relieve Unemployment[6] Germans Funds Copper Mine in North Albania[7] Court Says Journalist Incited Bombing[8] Albania Unveils Second Phase of Energy Project[9] French Senate Leader Visits Tirana, Promises Aid[10] Minister Asks for Understanding of Police Moves[11] Albanian Journalist Arrested[12] UNESCO Head Pledges Help for Education in Albania[13] Albanian, Greek Politicians Praise Relations[14] No Major Breakthrough in Blast Investigation[15] Democrats Reject Socialist Offer to Hold Anti-Terrorist Rally[16] Bomb Victims Declared Martyrs of Democracy[17] Vefa Owner Denounces Terrorist Attack[18] Greek Conservatives Visit Albania[19] Albanians Honor Victims of Car-Bomb Attack[20] Albanian, Greek Businessmen Discuss Cooperation[21] Foreign Banks Poised to Jump In[22] Italian Investments Expand in Albania[23] Austrians Help Reconstruct Shkodra Water System[24] Greek Conservative Deputies to Visit Tirana[25] Powerful Bomb Shatters Central Tirana, Four Killed[1] Parliament Approves Securities LawTIRANA, March 3-Albanian parliament has approved legislation aimed at regulating an emerging securities market. The new law provides legal basis for the trading of privatization vouchers, state bonds and company stock. The legislation complements a revised banking law approved last month by the parliament. Central bank officials said they believe a securities market would create the funds neeeded for economic growth and contribute to the development of the newly privatised companies by encouraging owners to reorganise their resources and improve their financial situation. (Albanian Times)
[2] U.S.-Albania Joint Training ExtendedTIRANA, March 3-A U.S.-Albanian joint military training in central Albania planned to end on March 1 was extended for technical reasons, defense officials in Tirana said. The exercise held at Biza village, Martanesh region, aimed at adjusting troops to cold weather, but the recent temperatures were much below those required for a normal training, a Defense Ministry spokesman told reporters. The exercise, intended as a peace-keeping training, was extended for one more day, according to the spokesman. About 200 troops from the U.S. 6th Fleet were participating in the joint training. (Albanian Times)
[3] Albania Poised to Export Oysters to E.U.TIRANA, March 3-European Union experts will evaluate Albania's coastal waters to determine whether the quality of locally grown oysters complies with international standards. Albanian officials expect oyster exports to E.U. countries to begin soon. The veterinary service is drafting a set of oyster breeding regulations based on E.U. recommendations. A number of private Albanian companies or Albanian-Italian joint ventures have set up breeding plants which officials say comply with European standards. (Albanian Times)
[4] Privatisation Drive Among Albanians Highest, Official SaysOfficials in Tirana said they believe privatisation drive among the Albanians is higher than elsewhere in Eastern Europe. Niko Glozheni, Director of the Albanian National Agency of Privatisation said because of high motivation, privatisation procedures have improved and the financial aspect doesn't seem to be any more the issue. The compensation of former owners, which experienced delays in 1993-1994, now is proceeding normally, therefore there is no reason for the privatization to slow down, Glozheni said. In 1995, the number of privatised objects and their value increased and the introduction of vouchers gave a push forward to the entire process, he added. Privatization in Albania is being done by auctioning the state enterprises on the brink of collapse and by offering companies for sale to the public at large which could buy them with the government distributed vouchers. The Albanian privatisation laws heavily favor those persons who were persecuted by the communist regime. (Albanian Times)
[5] World Bank Project Helps Relieve UnemploymentTIRANA, March 3-A World Bank funded project in southern Albania is helping create new jobs and promoting entrepreneurship. The Foundation for Employment and Vocational Training has so far employed more than 450 people in the districts of Gjirokastra, Permet, Tepelena and Delvina. The foundation supports private companies to employ new people, funding their salaries for a period of nine months, after which the owners are obliged to employ 70 per cent of the trainees. This year's focus will be the region's handicraft firms, to help employ 200-300 new workers. Presence of local investors and joint ventures has increased demand for workers, foundation officials say. (Albanian Times)
[6] Germans Funds Copper Mine in North AlbaniaTIRANA, March 3-German government is providing about DM 1,2 million to open a major copper mine in northern Albania, ATA reported. Fran Pjetri, director of Munella mine in the district of Puka, said the main gallery, about 1.4 km long, is near completion. The fund will be used primarily to purchase drilling equipment for the mine wells. (Albanian Times/ATA)
[7] Court Says Journalist Incited BombingTIRANA, March 2-An Albanian court on Saturday ordered the continued detention of a journalist who was arrested shortly after a car bomb exploded in central Tirana and accused of incitement to political violence. Ylli Polovina, arrested after Monday's explosion, is being held in connection with a November 1995 article about the car bomb attack on Macedonia's president Kiro Gligorov. "In an atticle published in Populli Po newspaper, the defendant made public calls for violent acts and hinted at the use of car bombs," Judge Ridvan Shkembi's ruling said. Polovina's lawyer Nikolle Dobjani denied the article called for the use of violence. "Polovina said he was trying to offer a political analysis of the Balkans, not to overthrow the constitutional authorities in Albania through violent acts," Dobjani said. President Sali Berisha and members of his Democratic Party have blamed ex-communists for Monday's lethal attack. No person or group has yet taken responsibility for the explosion. Two former secret police officers were arrested only hours after Monday's blast and are still being held. Police decline to discuss the evidence against them. The staff of a major daily newspaper criticial of the government were also questioned immediately following the explosion. Correspondents for Reuters and the Voice of America have also been called in for interviews about reports quoting sources as saying the explosion may have had criminal rather than political origins. Albania's Vefa Holding company, whose supermarket was burnt down in the bomb blast, has denied that arms sales are part of its business, as Reuters quoted a source close to the investigation as reporting. "Vefa Holding not only does not engage in arms trade but none of its activities is in contradiction with the laws of the state,'' a company statement said. Vefa officials have also denied their company was the intended target of the car bomb. Albanian police also denied on Friday reports that the attack might be linked to the Italian mafia. "It has a clear political background. It has been carried out by left-wing extremists and the former (communist) Albanian secret police'' said Agim Shehu, chief of police and deputy interior minister.(Courtesy of Reuters)
[8] Albania Unveils Second Phase of Energy ProjectTIRANA, Feb 29-The Italian government is disbursing a loan of 8.5 billion Lira on a project to reconstruct Albania's crippling electric system. The project, now entering its second phase, is being implemented by Italy's ENEL, which has promised to complete work before coming winter. Abdyl Xhaja, Minister of Mining and Energy Resoruces, said in the unveiling ceremony that Albania has several new projects aimed at consolidating its energy system. After a decision by the World Bank expected soon, the projects will start to be implemented, Xhaja said. Albania has plans to privatize electricity distribution. "Now we have a package of laws which favor the participation of strategic investors" in the privatization process, Xhaja said. The government has targeted three privatization regions which the World bank will support financially. Each region is expected to receive $6.5. million to be used on technical equipment. The government is also also taking steps to resume construction work at Banja hydro power station in central Albania. (Albanian Times)
[9] French Senate Leader Visits Tirana, Promises AidTIRANA, March 2-The president of the French Senate told his Albanian Hosts in Tirana that he was bringing a message of aid to Europe's poorest country. Rene Monory, called for a greater presence of French investors in Albania. "We will help you and that's what I am here for," Monory told Prime Minister Aleksander Meksi on Saturday. Meksi asked France to help Albania reach an association agreement with the European Union. In a visit to the Center of the "Alliance Francaise" in Tirana, Monory expressed satisfaction at the presence of a French-speaking community in Albania. "France will certainly contribute to the propagation of the French language and culture in Albania," Monory said. (Albanian Times)
[10] Minister Asks for Understanding of Police MovesTIRANA, Feb 29-Albanian Interior Minister said the bombing in Tirana was a well organized action. Agron Musaraj told parliament that the incident was aimed at creating instability. He said he believed that the investigation will lead to positive results and called on the citizens for support in identifying the perpetrators of Monday morning bombing in a Tirana supermarket, were 4 persons died and 27 were wounded. The citizens must show "understanding in the activity police is carrying out for finding the culprits," Musaraj said. (Albanian Times)
[11] Albanian Journalist ArrestedTIRANA, Feb 29-Albanian police have arrested a journalist in connection with the deadly bombing in Tirana, according to the Albanian radio. Ylli Polovina, a former teacher, had writen months ago a report for the newspaper "Populli Po," which police believe is sufficient evidence for his arrest. The report was published on November 29, 1995 under the title "Skopje car-bomb may repeat in Tirana." Polovina was among the first to be arrested after the explosion in central Tirana. He is expected to be interrogated shortly by a Tirana court. According to official sources, there have been several articles in the Albanian press, suggesting that a car-bomb explosion may occur in Tirana too. Article 19, an international human rights organization has protested Polovina's arrest. There has been no confirmation on any arrests of the persons detained or interrogated in connection with the car-bomb. (Albanian Times)
[12] UNESCO Head Pledges Help for Education in AlbaniaTIRANA, Feb 29-UNESCO's Director General, Frederico Major arrived in Tirana Thursday, promising $400,000 for enhancement of education in Albania. The program will be implemented by UNDP and the Dutch government. UNESCO will also provide a $50,000 funding to help the restauration of the ancient town of Butrint. Major will also visit Kruja and Berat, two antique towns, famous for their ancient castles. A project to include Berat in a UNESCO protection plan will also be discussed. (Albanian Times)
[13] Albanian, Greek Politicians Praise RelationsTIRANA, Feb 29-President Berisha praised Greece for helping the Albanian emmigrants and said he is looking forward to meet with his Greek counterpart. Berisha made his comments in a meeting with a delegation of Greece's New Democracy Party. He said, the help Greece has given to the Albanian immigrants and their contribution constitute a very important element of friendship. In a separate meeting, Prime Minister Aleksander Meksi discussed with Greek politicians issues concerning the legalization of the Albanian immigrants in Greece and facilitating the travel of persons between the two countries. Both sides praised the favorable climate created in the Albanian-Greek relations. An 8-year school for Greek minority students in Frashtan near Gjirokastra was burned down on Tuesday night, prompting authorities to move the teaching process to another location, international news agencies reported. Police believe the blaze was not accidental. Investigations have provided no clue on who the alleged authors might have been. (Albanian Times)
[14] No Major Breakthrough in Blast InvestigationTIRANA, Feb 28 - A team of Albanian experts investigating Monday's deadly bombing in central Tirana has concluded that the car-bomb attack which killed 4 and wounded 27 persons, "had a political character." Quoting the investigators, newspaper Albania said on Wednesday that the terrorist act was part of an Albanian connection. According to the newspaper quoting investigation sources, participation by any foreign terrorist group cannot be excluded, bu the perpetrator is Albanian. An identity sketch of the bomber has been compiled and the car in which the explosive was placed has been identified. Two former secret police members continue to be under custody and dozens of suspects have been detained, investigation sources said on Wednesday. Newspaper Koha Jone protested against the detention of 6 of its staff members. But, according to Radio Tirana, prosecutors said they have a mandate to investigate every person or subject suspected in connection with Monday's attack. It appears there has been no major breakthrough in the investigation but experts say they are at a verifying stage and they hope that the authors of the supermarket bombing will be identified soon. (Albanian Times)
[15] Democrats Reject Socialist Offer to Hold Anti-Terrorist RallyTIRANA, Feb 28-Albania's ruling Democratic Party has expressed doubts about an offer of the opposition Socialist Party calling on all other political forces to hold a rally in Tirana's central square to denounce terrorism. Secretary General of the Democratic Party Tritan Shehu said he is suspicious of the Socialist offer adding that such a proposal was made in the Socialist daily "Zeri i Popullit" days before the deadly car-bomb attack. It seems as if the Socialists were aware of the subsequent events, Shehu said. (Albanian Times)
[16] Bomb Victims Declared Martyrs of DemocracyTIRANA, Feb 28-Four victims of Tirana's supermarket bombing were proclaimed Martyrs of Democracy by the authorities today. Vera Dume, Muhamet Koromani, Hasim Koromani and Vait Osmani were buried Tuesday after a huge funeral in which thousands participated. Officials insist Monday's blast was perpetrated by former secret police although so far there appears to be no substancial evidence proving their claim. President Berisha has called on the citizens to cooperate with police to solve the case. Authorities are conducting extensive searches and are calling on the population to show understanding towards the extraordinary police presence. (Albanian Times)
[17] Vefa Owner Denounces Terrorist AttackTIRANA, Feb 28-The owner of Vefa Supermarket that was almost completely destroyed by Monday morning bombing denounced the attack and expressed sympathy for the victims. Vehbi Alimuca, a businesmen with interests in trade and investing knew of the explosion while travelling in Greece. He estimated the property damage at about $1 million. The blast was not an attack against Vefa but has "bigger sabotage proportions aimed at the road that our state has been pursuing for four years. Vefa will not be damaged by a blast," Alimuca said. The family of Vera Dume, a Vefa employee killed in the attack, will benefit lifetime compensation, Alimuca said. Families of other victims will also benefit some compensation, according to Alimuca, who added that $100,000 will go to aid the persons wounded in the explosion. Vefa President said the supermarket will soon be back in its previous shape and that the company plans to inaugurate shortly another supermarket in the northern town of Burrel. About 20 such facilities will be opened accross the country within two months, Alimuca said. (Albanian Times).
[18] Greek Conservatives Visit AlbaniaTIRANA, Feb 28-A delegation of Greece's New Democracy Party spent a second full day in Tirana meeting with the Human Rights Party, Socialist Party and Democratic Party. Greek conservatives also had meetings with cabinet ministers and religious groups. In a meeting with the Minister of Education, Xhezair Teliti, the issue of Greek language schools in the minority areas was extensively discussed. (Albanian Times)
[19] Albanians Honor Victims of Car-Bomb AttackTIRANA, Feb 27-Thousands of Albanians attended the funeral of 4 persons who died Monday in an unprecedented bombing attack in central Tirana. Two men and two women lost their lives in a car-bomb explosion which ruined a supermarked and damaged 60 homes in the nearby residential area. Authorities are making full-scale investigations of what they believe was a "professionally organized terrorist act." The Interior Ministry said Tuesday the search for the perpetrators is going successfully but did not disclose details "due to the secrecy of the investigation." According to ministry officials, arrests have been made and several persons are being interrogated, but no names were released. Meanwhile, President Berisha reassured his citizens that "the culprits will be identified and brought to justice." Authorities say they believe the attack to have been organized by members of former secret police, the Sigurimi but they stopped short of disclosing any evidence to that effect. Repair crews have begun restauration work at the site of explosion. (Albanian Times)
[20] Albanian, Greek Businessmen Discuss CooperationTIRANA, Feb 26 -- Tirana business representatives have called on their Greek counterparts to ensure free movement for the Albanian traders who want to travel to Greece. Arben Shehi, head of Tirana Chamber of Commerce and Industry, told his hosts in Athens the Albanian business organizations are ready to establish important contacts between dealers on both sides of the border but the Greek side should show more understanding and allow more Albanian business people to travel to Greece. A delegation led by Shehi held talks with HEPO, The Hellenic Foreign Trade Board, to discuss ways of promoting business cooperation between them. The Greek side asked Tirana Chamber of Commerce and Industry to be a co-organizer of a Greek trade show to be held in April in Tirana. The Albanian delegation also held talks with Athen's Board of Small and Medium Enterprises proposing an "institutionalisation of bilateral contacts." (Albanian Times)
[21] Foreign Banks Poised to Jump InTIRANA, Feb 26 - Five Greek banks and two investment funds, one Belgian-Bulgarian and one American have expressed interest in establishing their affiliates in Albania, after the Parliament approved legislation on private banks. A British company has asked to be involved in the privatization of the Rural Commercial Bank. By the end of March, a private Greek bank is expected to start its operation in Tirana. Licence applications for foreign private banks are submitted to the Board of the Bank of Albania for review. The rules for opening of private banks were initially determined by the Board in 1994. But they were modified in 1995 in a move to make the process more attactive to foreign lending institutions. The minimum capital to open a bank was changed to 100 million Leks ($1 million) from 500 million ($5 million) in 1994. Banks with joint assets need to have a minimum capital of 200 million Leks ($2 million) to open an affiliate in Albania.
[22] Italian Investments Expand in AlbaniaAbout 500 Italian-Albanian joint ventures operate in Albania, mostly in manufacturing, trade and services. Giorgio Ruta, who heads an Italian center for economic development in Albania says that Italian investments are present not only in Tirana but also in Durres, Shkodra, Vlora, Lezha, Elbasan and other districts. About 200 Italian-Albanian joint companies are a result of efforts made by this center, according to Ruta. Italy is a major investment partner of Albania.
[23] Austrians Help Reconstruct Shkodra Water SystemTIRANA, fEB 26 - A $600,000 Austrian project to rehabilitate Shkodra's water supply system is progressing swiftly, officials said. The project undertaken by SEBA Messtechnil G.m.b.H., started in November last year and is expected to end in April. It aims at rehabilitating the water supply site and training its personel. Local companies have also been involved. Technical equipment is being bought in Austria while building material is provided locally. The Austrian side has offered to design technical projects for long term investments in the water and sewage system, through cooperation with specialised Austrian companies. (Albanian Times)
[24] Greek Conservative Deputies to Visit TiranaA New Democracy party delegation, comprising deputies Marietta Yiannakou-Koutsikou, Georgios Tzitzikostas, Aristotelis Pavlidis, and Constantinos Haralambopoulos, will visit Tirana on February 27-29 at the invitation of the Democratic Party of Albania, ANA reported. The four deputies will meet with President Sali Berisha, Prime Minister Aleksander Meksi, ministers, opposition party officials, the Orthodox Archbishop of Albania Anastasios, the head of the Catholic church and the Chief Mufti. (ANA/Albanian Times)
[25] Powerful Bomb Shatters Central Tirana, Four KilledTIRANA, Feb 26 - A powerful car-bomb explosion in central Tirana has left four people dead and 27 wounded. The bomb was placed in a Fiat Tipo parked in front of a supermarket packed with people, police in Tirana said. Two of the victims died shortly after they were taken to a Tirana military hospital. Another two died later in the day in the same hospital. The recently opened supermarket, owned by Vefa, an Albanian holding company, was ripped off by the blast and later gutted almost completely by a huge fire. The explosion which occurred at 9:15, shattered the 9 story resident building sheltering the supermarket causing considerable damage in the appartment homes too. According to unconfirmed reports, authorities have arrested one former secret police official who was found near the scene. The man, whose name was not disclosed, reportedly covered Soviet affairs in the former Sigurimi establishment. President Berisha visited the site shortly after the event blaming the blast on "professional criminals". He said the blast was "carefully planned" and "was designed to kill as many people as possible." Berisha assured the victim families that the government would take all steps to identify and punish the culprits. Prime Minister Aleksander Meksi said the terrorist act "was aimed at destabilizing the political, social and economic life of Albania." He called on the Parliament to adopt tougher laws in dealing with crime. "We have noticed some leniency" in this field, Meksi said. The election campaign should not be disrupted by criminals, Meksi added, referring to the national ballot scheduled for the end of May. In an emergency meeting headed by President Berisha, the government promissed to identify the culprits and to seek maximum punishment for them. It announced a $50,000 ransom for those who would provide information leading to the arrest of the bombers. "Segments of the former professional secret police stand behind the attack," a government statement said. Monday's blast was sharply condemned by the ruling Democratic Party It blamed the terrorist act on the "old collaborators of the secret police." The opposition Socialists also condemned the attack, expressing support for the steps taken by the government to "identify as soon as possible the perpetrators and organizers of the massacre." (Albanian Times)
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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