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Albanian Times, Vol. 2, No. 10, March 11, 1996From: Albanian Times <AlbaTimes@aol.com>The Albanian Times (by AlbAmerica TRade & Consulting International) DirectoryCONTENTS[1] Former Police Official Arrested[2] Albania and Macedonia to Improve Communications[3] E.U. Approves Humanitarian Aid to Albania[4] U.S. Bosnia Team Member to be Macedonia Ambassador[5] State Departament Criticizes Albania's Human Rights Record[6] Pangalos Praises Greek-Albanian Ties[7] Former Security Officials Arrested[8] Supreme Court Upholds Custody for Alia[9] EBRD: More Foreign Investments Needed[10] Mediterranean Nations Sign Toxic Chemicals Ban Pact[11] New Law Expected to Solve Water Usage Issue[12] Bushat Power Plant to Start Construction[13] Governement to Assist Disabled Citizens[14] Explosion Rocks Durres. No Victims[15] Albania to Attend 12 Foreign Ministers Meeting[16] Berisha Warns Former Communists[17] Albania to be Represented in IMF Publication[18] Helsinki Commission to Hold Albania Hearing[19] Malaysia to Build Apartment Complex in Tirana Suburb[20] Investment Agreement Initialled in Brussel[21] E-U Loans to Develop Clean Tourism in Albania[22] Public Officials to Disclose Assets Within March[23] Gligorov, Rugova Meet in Skopje[24] Berisha, Rugova Call for Mediated Talks with Belgrade[25] Cabinet Approves Code Draft[26] Four Arrested for "Anti-Constitutional Activity"[27] Greece: Prison Riots Continue[28] Olympic Airways to Resume Belgrade Flights[1] Former Police Official ArrestedTIRANA, March 10 - A former police chief in the district of Korca was arrested for crimes against humanity during the communist regime, ATA reported. Marash Kola, former chief of the Interior Affairs Branch of Korcha was arrested at a Tirana court order, after lawsuits filed against him by many citizens and families, ATA said. While in office, Kola has proposed mass internments and expulsions of Albanian citizens in flagrant contravention of the country's law. A Tirana district court decided to uphold a former ruling for the defendant to remain in custody. The court was considering the "social danger of defendant's criminal offence" in making that decision, ATA said. Two former security officials were arrested earlier last week for allegedly destroying documents of Interior Ministry archives while in office. (Albanian Times)
[2] Albania and Macedonia to Improve CommunicationsTIRANA, March 8 - Macedonia and Albania have signed in Ohrid an accord to improve their telecommunication links. The agreement between PTT 'Makedonija' and the Albanian 'Telecom' calls for setting up a digital radio-relay system using SDN technology, capable to provide 1 920 telephone channels. Both companies have agreements with the Italian company SIRTI to build the system for them. The project is planned to be completed by October 1996. (Albanian Times, Mils News/ATA)
[3] E.U. Approves Humanitarian Aid to AlbaniaBRUSSELS, March 8 - The European Commission has approved a humanitarian aid project for Albania. The ECU 1.2 million grant will be used on food aid following poor harvests and flooding in Albania. An E.U. press release said Albania's food stocks are practically exhausted and the country cannot afford to make up the shortfall by importing wheat at current prices on the world market. The ECHO grant was approved after an appeal for help from the Albanian government. It will fund the purchase and distribution of some 2,000 tons of wheat flour, to be made available to orphanages, hospitals and schools, as well as to individuals in need. An Italian non-governmental organisation, Centro Regionale d'Intervento per la Cooperazione (CRIC) will carry out the action, the press release said. (Albanian Times)
[4] U.S. Bosnia Team Member to be Macedonia AmbassadorA former Holbrooke team member has been appointed U.S. Ambassador to Macedonia, according to Skopje television. Christopher Hill has served in diplomatic posts in Belgrade, Warsaw, Seoul and Tirana. He joined the U.S. Bosnia team after the deadly accident on Mount Igman last summer where three American diplomats lost their lives while traveling to Sarajevo.
[5] State Departament Criticizes Albania's Human Rights RecordTIRANA, March 8 - The United States has criticised Albania's 1995 human rights record, saying there was evidence of police beatings, pressure on the judiciary and press restrictions. While the United States said the democratically elected government of President Sali Berisha generally respected human rights, the annual U.S. human rights report, released in Tirana and Washington, said serious problems remained. ``Principal abuses include security forces beatings of citizens, prolonged pre-trial detention, poor prison conditions, occasional restrictions of the freedom of press and speech, limitations on freedom of assembly and association,'' it said. ``The judiciary is subject to political pressure,'' according to the report. It said the shortcomings of the judicial system were shown by the case of jailed Socialist Party chairman Fatos Nano. Nano, a former prime minister and potential contender for the presidency, was jailed in 1994 on embezzlement charges. Amnesty International and other human rights groups have called for Nano's release. The report alleged that, although Albania's penal code prohibited physical or psychological force during criminal proceedings, members of the security forces continued to beat detainees. It said Amnesty International had received reports of police mistreatment of citizens. Some cases were reported to be politically motivated and directed against opposition Socialist party activists, the report said. ``On two occasions foreign diplomats were chance witnesses to the mistreatment -- by punching, slapping and kicking -- of persons by the security forces,'' it said. (Courtesy of Reuters)
[6] Pangalos Praises Greek-Albanian TiesATHENS, March 9 - Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos said yesterday President Kostis Stephanopoulos' visit to Tirana on March 21-22 had been decided long before elections were scheduled in Albania, according to ANA. Pamgallos was asked whether the president's visit to the neighboring country was a pre-election gift to Albanian President Sali Berisha. The foreign minister said relations were very good. "Against this background, the Greek community in Albania will find the best conditions for the protection of its rights, as well as for it s development and prosperity," Pangallos was quoted by ANA. Mr. Pangalos said it was "only natural" that the Greek government was particularly sensitive with regard to the protection of the Greek community in Albania, according to ANA.
[7] Former Security Officials ArrestedTwo former security officials were arrested on Tuesday evening for allegedly destroying documents of Interior Ministry archives while in office. Former chief of the National Information Service (SHIK) Irakli Kocollari and former Interior Minister Vladimir Hysi, both serving in the 1991-1992 technical government, were arrested after a decision of Tirana's Prosecutors Office. They are accused of ordering in 1991 the destruction of "important documents belonging to the Interior Ministry Archives, seriously harming state interests," according to ATA. If convicted, they face up to 7 years in prison. (Albanian Times)
[8] Supreme Court Upholds Custody for AliaAlbanian Supreme Court has upheld a Tirana court decision concerning the custody for Ramiz Alia, Piro Kondi, Raqi Iftica, Dilaver Bengasi, Zef Loka and other former communist officials arrested in January and February for crimes against humanity. Some 70 lawsuits have been filed by individuals and families against former president Ramiz Alia. Mr. Alia arrested on February 2, his second arrest in 4 years, has been accused of ordering border officials for shoot to kill orders against all those who tried to escape to the West, although at the time of the orders crossing the border was no more considered high treason by the Albanian law.
[9] EBRD: More Foreign Investments NeededTIRANA, March 7 - Experts of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) praised macro-economic changes in Albania but said more has to be done in attracting foreign investments, according to Radio Tirana. This is mainly related to unsolved issues concerning property and legislation, EBRD experts said in Tirana. Considerable remittances from emigrants were described as characteristic for Albania in comparison with other East European countries. Albania's inflation was estimated at 5 per cent in 1995, down from 16 per cent at the end of 1994. EBRD estimated real growth at 6 percent, down from 7 percent the previous year. (Albanian Times)
[10] Mediterranean Nations Sign Toxic Chemicals Ban PactSYRACUSE, ITALY, March 7 - Albania and 13 other Mediterranean countries an agreement on to eliminate toxic chemicals that pollute the sea, according to Reuters. The environmental groups Greenpeace and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) praised the agreement to eliminate 12 toxins, dubbed ``the dirty dozen,'' which include aldrin, chlordane, chlorinated dioxins, PCBs, and other substances. The pact revises and sets more stringent goals to a protocol stemming from the 1976 Barcelona Convention. (Albanian Times/Reuter)
[11] New Law Expected to Solve Water Usage IssueTIRANA, March 7 - A draft law presented to the Albanian parliament calls for the state to give up its monopoly on irrigation and drainage systems in agriculture. If approved, the legislation would authorise the so-called Water Users Associations to administer such a network. The transition would take place gradually as work to rehabilitate the irrigation and drainage systems progresses. The Associations would determine tariffs and prices for the service they would provide. Members would pay fees in accordance with the acreage under irrigation and the quantity of water they need. The state would stop funding the maintenance and repair of the irrigation and drainage network but would provide low interest loans to the associations until they become able to fully support themselves financially. Irrigation and drainage administration is currently in a state of confusion with most farmers using water but failing to pay the required fees. (Albanian Times)
[12] Bushat Power Plant to Start ConstructionTIRANA, March 7 - A new hydro-power station is about to start this year on Drin, Albania's longest river. A contract to this effect has been signed between the Albanian Electrical Corporation (KESH) and Lilostroj, a Slovenian company which the Albanian government says meets its conditions in terms of technical expertise and financial situation. The hydro-power station expected to conclude in 1999, comprises 3 water discharge channels each 6 kilometers long. Its yearly output is projected at 350 GW/h. Its construction will employ 500-1000 people will be employed. The contract with Lilostroj is worth $151 million. (Albanian Times)
[13] Governement to Assist Disabled CitizensTIRANA, March 4 - A new system to assist Albania's 30 000 handicapped persons is being set up, sources at the Ministry of Labour, Emigration and Social Welfare said. The assistance would be provided by the state, by non-government organizations and by foreign donors. To some 20,000 disabled persons, the governemnet would provide 70 per cent of the minimum wage, while the remaining 10,000 would be paid a monthly amount equal to 60 per cent of the country's basic pension. (Albanian Times)
[14] Explosion Rocks Durres. No VictimsTIRANA, March 6 - A dynamite explosion rocked an inhabited area of Durres on Tuesday night without causing any victims. Police say the explosive was placed in a trash bin which was completely destroyed by the blast. Investigators say they have no clues on who may have caused the explosion. Officials would not draw parallels with the February 26 explosion in central Tirana that left four people dead but they believe Tuesday night blast may have been an attempt to create instability and fear. (Albanian Times)
[15] Albania to Attend 12 Foreign Ministers MeetingPRAGUE, March 6 - Twelve foreign ministers from Eastern Europe and the United States will gather later this month in Prague to discuss on European security. Albania will be among the participants. The meeting, is being organized by the United States and will be attended by U.S. Secretary of State Warren Christopher. Mr. Christopher will visit Prague on March 19 to 21. The meeting is expected to discuss the issue of NATO expansion to the East, an idea that Moscow strongly rejects. (Albanian Times)
[16] Berisha Warns Against Former CommunistsTIRANA, March 6 - President Berisha warned his Democratic Party against what he called "the red front". In a meeting with the DP deputies to discuss the draft code of civil procedure, presented recently to the parliament, Berisha said "the red front is in total disarray. Hit by the genocide law it has unfolded a platform of slanders and defamations. But it will meet with total defeat in the coming elections." The so-called "genocide law" approved last year by the Parliament, bars former communist officials from seeking office until 2002. The law has sparked great anger among Berisha's rivals. Both the ruling Democrats and the opposition Socialists - the former communists, predict they will win the upcoming elections. (Albanian Times)
[17] Albania to be Represented in IMF PublicationTIRANA, March 6 - Albania will be included in the IFS, a monthly publication of the International Monetary Fund, that contains fundamental statistics on economic development in each country. Albanian bank officials said, the economic information provided by Bank of Albania meet the standards required by the publication. (Albanian Times)
[18] Helsinki Commission to Hold Albania HearingWASHINGTON, D.C. March 6 - The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission, will hold a public hearing on the challenges to democracy in Albania. The hearing will take place on March 14, 1996 in Washington, D.C. The hearing will examine the present stage of democracy in Albania as the country prepares for new elections to be held no later than June this year. Panelists include Elez Biberaj, Kathleen Imholz and Fred Abrahams. The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe by law monitors and encourages progress in implementing the provisions of the Helsinki Accords. The Commission, created in 1976, is made up of nine Senators, nine Representatives and one official each from the Departments of State, Commerce and Defense. (Albanian Times)
[19] Malaysia to Build Apartment Complex in Tirana SuburbTIRANA, March 6 - Malaysia is granting Albania a $20 million credit to build a housing complex in a Tirana suburb, according to the Rilindja Demokratike daily. The project, will be implemented in Kamza by Malaysia's "Penang Shibilding Corporation" on an area of 16 hectares. More than 12 hundred new appartments will be completed in a three year period in a modern complex that would include kindergartens, schools, a business center and a sports facility. Prime Minister Aleksander Meksi attended the ground breaking ceremony. (Albanian Times)
[20] Investment Agreement Initialled in BrusselAlbania and the Belgium-Luxembourg Economic Union have initialled an investment protection agreement in Brussels, according to ATA. The agreement will be signed soon by Prime Minister Aleksander Meksi and his Belgian counterpart Jean Luc Dehaene in Brussels. (Albanian Times)
[21] E-U Loans to Develop Clean Tourism in AlbaniaA pilot project to develop environment friendly small scale tourism is to start soon in Albanian southern districts of Saranda and Gjirokastra. The project is supported by an ECU 800,000 credit provided by the European Union's PHARE program. The fund, administered by the Albanian Savings Bank will be distributed among families that have presented plans to develop small-scale accomodating businesses. Many families in both districts can receive local tourists especially in summer and want to adjust their homes to accomodate foreign guests too. The PHARE program is also providing technical assistance for the implementation of the clean tourism project. Most of the foreign tourists go to Saranda and Gjirokastra from the Greek island of Corfu o a daily basis. To qualify for a PHARE credit, the families must be able to cover 10 per cent of all costs. Last year, 6 businessmen from Saranda received credits at an interest of 17 per cent. (Albanian Times)
[22] Public Officials to Disclose Assets Within MarchTIRANA, March 5 - Albanian public officials will have to declare their assets within this month, according to a recent law. A special parliamentary commission will supervise the process by first collecting statements from officials and then verifying the truthfulness of those statements. The officials to undergo parliamentary clearance comprise the president, the prime minister, all cabinet ministers and all members of the parliament. Another category includes various agency directors, local leaders and high ranking military officials. The assets to be declared include real estate, cash deposits exceeding the equivalent of $10,000 and securities. The officials must also declare the non-governmental posts they may hold. The commission will conduct periodic checks of the declared assets. Checks will also be conducted in cases when commmission memberes receive tips casting doubts on any of the submitted statements. The commission should preserve the secrecy of the information deposed by public officials. The statements will have to be refreshed each year not later than the end of March. The law includes sanctions against those officials who make false statements or who fail to timely deposit the required information. The measure aims at fighting corruption among state officials at all levels. President Berisha was the first to declare his personal assets last January. He said his assets included a 72 square meter appartment and $3,600 in cash deposits. (Albanian Times)
[23] Gligorov, Rugova Meet in SkopjeSKOPJE, March 5 - Macedonian President Kiro Gligorov on Tuesday met Ibrahim Rugova, leader of the ethnic Albanian opposition in Serbia's troubled region of Kosovo. They reviewed the situation in Macedonia, Kosovo and the Balkan region, a news release from Gligorov's office said. The surprise visit follows a trip by Rugova to Tirana where he met Albanian President Sali Berisha. Political analysts in Macedonia linked Rugova's trips to Albania and Macedonia with new conditions set by the international community for the full diplomatic recognition of rump Yugoslavia as well as demanding that Yugoslavia recognise the former Yugoslav republic of Macedonia. Western countries have called on Belgrade to grant greater autonomy to Kosovo and respect human rights there as a prelude to full diplomatic ties. Rugova's visit coincides with the disintegration of Macedonia's ruling Alliance for Macedonia coalition. With the passage of the Liberal Party into the opposition, the new Macedonian government relies more on its ally, the ethnic-Albanian PDP party. Albanians in Kosovo and Macedonia have a common platform and cooordinate their activities in a joint body. (Courtesy of Reuters)
[24] Berisha, Rugova Call for Mediated Talks with BelgradeTIRANA, March 4 - In a meeting in Tirana, Albanian President Sali Berisha and Kosova Albanian leader Ibrahim Rugova reiterated calls for a mediated dialogue with Belgrade to solve the issue of Kosova, a province in southern Serbia where the Albanians make up an absolute majority. Mr Rugova condemned the February 26 bombing in central Tirana which left 4 dead and 27 wounded. Mr. Rugova is returning home from a trip to Danemark, where he was awarded an international peace prize. (Albanian Times)
[25] Cabinet Approves Code DraftTIRANA, March 4 - Albanian government has approved a draft of the country's code of civil procedure, to be presented to the parliament for review, a spokesman said. The Code of Civil Procedure was drafted with the aid of the European Councel experts, a spokesman said. The cabinet also approved a draft of the civil service legislation and decided to allocate $70,000 as compensation for the damage caused by the powerful car bomb that destroyed a Tirana Supermarket in late February. The government heard a report on what the spokesman called "deliberate, organized and illegal activity" which has damaged the electricity lines in the country recently. The spokesman did not say how big the damage were, but local authotrities have been instructed to investigate the matter. (Albanian Times)
[26] Four Arrested for "Anti-Constitutional Activity"TIRANA, March 4 - Four persons were arrested for alleged attempts to found a Communist Party, the Albanian radio said. A Tirana court has approved a prosecution request to arrest Sami Meta, Timoshenko Pekmezi, Kristaq Mosko and Tare Isufi, who were accused of anti-constitutional activity. According to Albania's criminal code, any activity to re-establish outlawed parties or organizations is punishable. If convicted, the four may face sentences of one to five years in jail. Court officials have refused to give further details on the accusations. They said "the phase in which investigation is currently proceeding." The four will appear before the court within three days. (Albanian Times)
[27] Greece: Prison Riots ContinueATHENS, March 4 - Inmates at Greece's Patras prison released two of four hostages held since Thursday when the riot broke out, ANA reported on Monday. In the Corfu prison, tensions were still high but hostages have been released. A riot broke out Saturday at the Diavates prison in Thessaloniki by one-third of the Albanian inmates there. There was hope that tensions would ease, since the majority of the 530 inmates were not participating in the riot. At Larissa prison in central Greece inmates took to the rooftops hurling stones and other objects at police outside and refused to return to their cells, according to a Reuters report. The Patras jail was designed for 300 inmates but holds 750. In December a prisoner was killed and several injured during riots in a number of Greek jails in protest against overcrowding and tension between Greek and foreign inmates, especially Albanians. Greek and Albanian officials agreed this month to let about 1,000 Albanian prisoners return home for the rest of their sentences to try to ease tension and overcrowding. (Albanian Times/ANA/Reuters)
[28] Olympic Airways to Resume Belgrade FlightsThe greek national carrier OLYMPIC AIRWAYS will resume Belgrade flights on March 30, MPA reported. An airline spokesperson told Belgrade's newspaper "Politica" that the flight Athens-Thessaloniki-Belgrade was the result of the rapid increase in the number of passengers travelling to and from both countries and the continuous development of the Greek-Yugoslav economic relations and trade transactions. The OLYMPIC AIRWAYS airplane, Air-72, which can carry 68 passengers will fly from Belgrade to Thessaloniki and Athens every morning on Wednesday and Saturday, with a flight back from Athens to Belgrade via Thessaloniki on the same days and time. (Albanian Times/MPA)
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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