ATA News from Albania (96-06-27)

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From: The Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) Home Page at <http://www.telpress.it/ata>

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] 30 MILLION CREDIT OF WORLD BANK COMES INTO EFFECT

[02] ALBANIAN AND POLISH GOVERNMENTS SIGN EXECUTIVE PROGRAM

[03] TIRANA COURT REFUSES BAIL FOR A PRISONER

[04] COUNCIL OF EUROPE ACKNOWLEDGES LEGITIMACY OF NEW PARLIAMENT

[05] COUNCIL OF EUROPE ACKNOWLEDGES LEGITIMACY OF ALBANIAN PARLIAMENT

[06] ALBANIAN PUPILS PARTICIPATES IN MATHEMATICS CONTEST

[07] ALBANIA TO HOST "MISS EUROPE, 96"

[08] ALBANIAN PREMIER PARTICIPATES IN ANDREAS PAPANDREOU'S FUNERAL

[09] DIA DIRECTOR VISITS ALBANIA

[10] ALBANIAN PRESS ON PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY'S RESOLUTION

[11] Greece says Moslem minority can speak as it likes

[12] Greek PM to resign if party leadership bid fails

[13] FIFTH GROUP OF PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEERS ARRIVES IN TIRANA

[14] TOSCAN AND ALBANIAN BUSINESSMEN IN THE FLORENCE MEETING

[15] DP CHAIRMAN CALLS ON THE OPPOSITION TO TAKE PART IN PARLIAMENT

[16] FAN NOLI FOUNDATION TO DEVELOP ALBANIAN CULTURE

[17] GREEK GOVERNMENT VOWS TO MEET ALBANIA'S DEMANDS - Meksi

[01] 30 MILLION CREDIT OF WORLD BANK COMES INTO EFFECT

This credit worth 116.6 million dollars will cover the project for the transmission and distribution of energy, a spokesman of the Ministry of Mine and Energy Resources said to ATA.

The project will be followed by another project worth 20 million dollars for the transmission of energy which will be financed by the European Bank of Investment. The second project will finance the construction of a new 220-kilovolt sub-station in Vlora and a new 220-kilovolt line of 30 kilometers long from Fier to Vlora.

With the entering into effect of the credit, KESH organises bids for the purchase of equipment and electric materials envisaged by the project following the procurement procedures of the World Bank. So far three bids have been announced, the spokesman of the Ministry of Mine and Energy Resources said. ake/kled/ak/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] ALBANIAN AND POLISH GOVERNMENTS SIGN EXECUTIVE PROGRAM

The program was signed by the Chief of the Culture Department at the Albanian Foreign Ministry Met Dervishi and the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Poland in Albania, Miroslav Palas. kled/ak/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] TIRANA COURT REFUSES BAIL FOR A PRISONER

Logu, 33-year-old non-commissioned officer in one of the border army units in northern Albania bordering former Yugoslavia, has been declared agent of Yugoslav secret service (UDB) by the court.

He pleaded to be let out on bail saying that he has served more than half of the sentence. The prison authorities have taken disciplinary measures against Logu for rule violation.

Logu has been sentenced two years ago by the Shkodra district Court to three years in prison. ssh/kled/ak/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] COUNCIL OF EUROPE ACKNOWLEDGES LEGITIMACY OF NEW PARLIAMENT

The resolution said, among others, that the Council of Europe acknowledges the legitimacy of the new Albanian parliament and invites all the political parties to cooperate in this parliament to develop and promote democracy in Albania. kled/ak/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] COUNCIL OF EUROPE ACKNOWLEDGES LEGITIMACY OF ALBANIAN PARLIAMENT

Europarliamentarians of the centre-right and centre voted with the majority of votes for a consensus reached before the parliamentary debate.

The Council's parliamentary assembly recognised the truthfulness of May 26 elections by approving the resolution on the parliamentary elections in Albania and recognising the legitimacy of the elected Albanian parliament.

The Council of Europe decided to increase assistance to promote democratic processes in Albania. This support will mainly consist in improving the legislative system, institutions and work in public order bodies by observing the democratic European principles.

According to Strasbourg diplomatic sources the Europarliamentarians of the Centre and Centre-right and a considerable number of Socialist deputies called on the Albanian opposition to return to parliament.

In a two-and-a-half-hour debate the deputies cited technical irregularities but stressed that there is no reason that the elections be considered illegal. They urged the promotion of cooperation between Tirana and Strasbourg in order to increase Europe's aid for Albania and peaceful spirit between Albanians.

Some deputies considered irregular the fact that the ODHIR report did not denounce the withdrawal of the opposition. Others said that the Council of Europe does not have the attributes of a court and only Albanians themselves will solve their problems with the help of Europe.

Lord Finsberg called on Socialists and opposition to enter the new parliament. If they refuse this means that they are contrary to the democratic development in Albania, he said. pas/ak/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] ALBANIAN PUPILS PARTICIPATES IN MATHEMATICS CONTEST

This is the second time that the Children's Cultural Centre in Durres participated in such a contest.

Elda Rrapi, a pupil from Durres was awarded the first prize among 50 pupils from Albania, Macedonia and Kosova. am/ak/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] ALBANIA TO HOST "MISS EUROPE, 96"

On September 28, 1996, Tirana, Albania's capital city, will be "conquered" by the beauty of the continent.

Thirty seven European contestants are expected to take part in the spectacle.

"We chose Albania", said the president of the spectacle, Mr.Zeiler, "proceeding from Albania's dignified presence in "Miss Europe" four years ago".

Other countries such as Russia and Jordan had also asked to host the spectacle.

The tradition of such contests started in Albania by the end of the year 1991 and has been going on over since.

Of four winners of the Albanian title, one won third prize in the "Miss World" contest in Vienna, 1992 and another was accorded fourth prize in "Miss Europe, '95" in Turkey./

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] ALBANIAN PREMIER PARTICIPATES IN ANDREAS PAPANDREOU'S FUNERAL

Meksi on behalf of the Albanian government expressed his grief and condolences to the late's family members and to the high officials of the Greek government and state.

Making use of his presence there, Meksi met and talked with President of Cyprus Klerides, Dutch Prime Minister, Bulgarian Prime Minister Videnov, Macedonian deputy Prime Minister, German Foreign Minister Kinkel, Greek Foreign Minister Pangalos, Belgian Defence Minister Alex, Croatian Foreign Minister Granic, Romanian Education Minister and others.

Meksi also had a special meeting with Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis, to whom after expressing the condolences of Albanian President and government, once more, expressed Albania's readiness and will to enlarge the bilateral cooperation in all fields especially in business, road building in the context of Crossborder and Intereg program, in the field of energy, transport, customs and others.

Simitis voiced the Greek government commitment to raise to a new level the relations with Albania in the benefit and development of both countries. He stressed the importance and seriousness the Greek government will pay in the future to the stabilisation of Albanians who work and live in Greece.

"For the Greek government the status of Albanians in Greece is important and a priority which will be resolved in the near future" Simitis said.

They talked on the necessity for closer cooperation in the region in order to offer Balkan peace and prosperity. Meksi invited his counterpart for a visit to Albania.

In the meeting with Greek Foreign Minister Pangalos, the latter greeted Meksi for the victory of elections. Pangalos once more voiced the possibilities of further development of bilateral cooperation.

German Foreign Minister Kinkel after greeting Meksi on the victory of elections voiced the German support for a deepening of reforms and improvement of economic welfare and democracy in Albania.

The Dutch Premier greeted the democratic developments in Albania and its economic increase. He said his country is ready to help Albania in its relations with European Union and according of funds for Albania. In the context of its leading the rotating presidency during the second semester of the year they will support Albania's association into the EU.

Meksi also talked to the Cyprus president about the possible concrete cooperation in tourism, seasonal working for Albanians in Cyprus and increase of contacts between both Chambers of Commerce. He asked a new impetus for the business relations between both countries and increase of the Cyprus investments for Albania.pas/fh/sh

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] DIA DIRECTOR VISITS ALBANIA

The visit aims at promoting the cooperation between the armies of the two countries.

He held separate meetings with Defence Minister Safet Zhulali and head of the National Information Service Bashkim Gazidede. ak/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] ALBANIAN PRESS ON PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY'S RESOLUTION

Today's press comments on this issue.

Rilindja Demokratike under the title "Legitimacy of the Albanian parliament cannot be doubted" carries the resolution of the Council's parliamentary assembly and the editorial entitled "Elections' boycotting - illegal." The same paper carries the article "Parliamentary Assembly said 'Yes' to the new Albanian parliament."

The paper carries in its third page an interview with the chairman of the Democratic party Tritan Shehu who praised the debate of the Council's parliamentary assembly and its decision to respect the vote of the Albanian people on May 26. It also carries opinions of leaders of Social Democratic Union and Human Rights Union parties on the resolution.

Under the headline "Yesterday in Strasbourg" the daily Zeri i Popullit carries the article "European court for Berisha's power". It gives a special coverage from Strasbourg in its three pages. The paper carries the speech of the Socialist vice chairman Namik Dokle in the Council's assembly. The same paper also carries opinions of the vice chairman of the Socialist party Servet Pellumbi, chairman of the Human Rights Union party, Vasil Melo, head of the Social Democratic party Skender Gjinushi, head of Democratic Alliance party (DAP) Neritan Ceka and head of the Republican party Sabri Godo regarding yesterday's debate.

Under the title "Albanian political forces are responsible for the country" the paper carries the opinion of the head of the Council's parliamentary Assembly Leni Fischer. It carries extract from the speech of some left-wing parliamentarians in the Council of Europe.

Europe reiterates "Gather round the table" the daily writes. "The debate and approval of laws by the Albanian parliament under the sponsorship of the Council of Europe are really promising for the future of democracy in Albania," the paper writes.

"Party round-table, new elections" says Poli i Qendres under the headline "Assembly decided in Strasbourg on Wednesday." Leaders of the Central Pole (Poli i Qendres) comment on the debate, the paper says. Under the title "Compromise to overcome this situation", the paper carries a statement of the DAP president Neritan Ceka while under the title "New elections with new procedures," the paper carries a statement of the Social Democratic leader Skender Gjinushi. It also carries a statement of the Russian deputy Lukin.

"Strasbourg hails parliament, terrorist appeals for violence" this is the title of the editorial of the daily Albania. Under the headline "Council of Europe adopts final attitude", the paper writes "Namik Dokle voted for a return to parliament."

"The resolution approved unanimously recognises the legitimacy of the parliament and urges the return of the opposition in the parliamentary life, " the paper writes.

Citing the political reporter of the Council of Europe Finsberg, Albania says "If the Albanian opposition does not return to parliament we will consider this as an unwillingness for the democratic development in Albania."

Under the headline "Greek ultranationalist lobby in Strasbourg" the paper carries the article "The end of anti-Albanian groupings in West."

The daily Lajmi i Dites writes "Council of Europe recognises the legitimacy of new Albanian Parliament."

Liria writes "Social communist slanders on elections fail."

"Strasbourg's compromise" is the title of the first page daily Koha Jone which continues "New elections with the consensus of all political parties."

Under the headline "Pellumbi, Ceka, Gjinushi and Melo yesterday spoke in Strasbourg" the paper carries the article "CE decision - the last ultimatum for Albania." Strasbourg's compromise asks dialogue and new elections to recreate confidence among Albanians, the paper says.

"Yesterday in Strasbourg according to AFP - new elections" is entitled an article of Dita Informacion stressing that the resolution was commuted the last moment. Under the headline "Yesterday in the CE Parliamentary Assembly" the paper writes "The longest discussion in the CE history." In its column "Opinions" it carries "Who won and lost in Strasbourg?" Gazeta Shqiptare reports on the recommendations of European Parliament: "New Parliament should start working and amend the legal context."

It also cites the Chairwoman of the CE Parliamentary Assembly Leni Fischer saying "The debate was a positive signal for Albania." Another article entitles "The stand of Assembly pleases both parties." kled/pas/ak/fh/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] Greece says Moslem minority can speak as it likes

A statement from foreign ministry spokesman Costas Bikas followed a request from Bulgaria for clarification of the status of the Pomaks, who Sofia regards as Bulgarian-speaking Moslems living in Greece.

Bulgarian media have carried reports in the past month of new dictionaries and grammar books published in Greece that treat the Pomaks' language as a separate tongue in its own right and not as a dialect of Bulgarian.

"Scientific research and the publication of works and views is free and the state cannot and is not allowed to intervene," Bikas said.

"There is no problem in Greece as far as the Moslem minority is concerned and its right to use the language of its choice."

Bikas said improvement of Greek-Bulgarian relations was a part of Athens' foreign policy.

"Those who attempt to undermine (the relationship) with unsubstantiated rumours or nonexistent issues are catering to other interests and suspect third-party ambitions," Bikas said.

Greece has a 120,000-strong Moslem minority living mostly in the Western Thrace region. The minority is made up of various ethnic backgrounds which converted to Islam under the Ottoman empire.

REUTER

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] Greek PM to resign if party leadership bid fails

"If I am not elected president of the (PASOK socialist) movement, I will resign as prime minister," he told some 5,000 delegates who must elect a new party leader on Sunday.

MORE

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] FIFTH GROUP OF PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEERS ARRIVES IN TIRANA

The 43 volunteers, their ages ranging from 22-75, will work for the Country Program in Albania's town and countryside.

Seventeen of them, English language teachers, will teach classes in the middle schools and Universities, 12 others, small business advisers, will help develop the non-governmental organisations, chambers of commerce in business faculties, regional business agencies and Agrarian Trade Banks.

Fourteen advisers on forests and agriculture will offer supplement services for the villagers working in private forest farms. Some 81 volunteers of the Peace Corps have been in Albania for two years now.

The volunteers, before beginning work in September, will attend an eleven week teaching program on the Albanian language, culture and technical material, prepared by the Albanian and American Peace Corps staff, also enjoying the contribution of Albanian teachers, businessmen, bankers and personnel from the forest department. The Tirana families and those of the remote villages are generously hosting the volunteers during this training program.

The volunteers' three objectives in their projects are: to meet the professional demand of the host country, to familiarise the people of the host country with the U.S. and its culture through life and work in the community and to help the Americans to get a better knowledge of the host country.

Four groups engaged in the Country Program have come to Albania since 1992 to realise the Peace Corps program. s.sh/kei/lm/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] TOSCAN AND ALBANIAN BUSINESSMEN IN THE FLORENCE MEETING

The delegation of Albanian businessmen, to be headed by the chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Arben Shehi, will be made up of leaders of various companies including export-import, construction, food, drinks and clothing industries as well as construction agencies, the spokesman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Aleksander Papa reports.

The organising association, a delegation of which visited Albania two months ago, holding fruitful meetings with Albanian state personalities, leaders of different institutions and organisations as well as businessmen, has also invited deputy Premier Dashamir Shehi, minister Engjell Dakli and others to the Florence meeting.

During the visit to Florence, the Albanian statesmen and the delegation of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Tirana will meet senior authorities of the Toscana region.

Italian authorities have taken measures to organise bilateral meetings, in which Albanian businessmen will contact their Toscan counterpart and all those interested in the economic cooperation with Albania.

In the context of this meeting, an agreement will be signed in Florence between the Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Tirana and the Toscana- Albanian Association.

The spokesman says that the Florence meeting and the economic relations between Albania and Toscane businessmen will help promote economic cooperation between Florence and the Albanian capital. kei/lm/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] DP CHAIRMAN CALLS ON THE OPPOSITION TO TAKE PART IN PARLIAMENT

Democratic Party chairman Tritan Shehu, upon his return to the Rinas airport from Strasbourg, where a special Parliamentary Assembly was held to discuss the May 26 parliamentary elections in Albania, invited the opposition to take part in parliament.

Shehu considered right the decision of the CE parliamentary Assembly, which "recognises the legitimacy of the Albanian parliament and the May 26 elections results".

"I want to say that the resolution of the Council of Europe has a consultative character and , after all, it is the vote of the Albania people that is determinant. This decision, on the other hand, invited and pressured the socialist opposition to return to parliament, because the parliament is certainly the temple of dialogue," Shehu said.

"We, as a Democratic Party, are open to dialogue and invite the Albanian opposition to join parliament, because it is precisely there that the laws of democracy for Albania's future are established", he said.

The Albanian left opposition boycotted the parliamentary elections since the first round, on May 26, three hours before the polls closed, and did not take part either in the second round or in the partial rerun of the vote, alleging the elections were manipulated by the party in power, the DP, which won the majority in parliament. kei/lm/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] FAN NOLI FOUNDATION TO DEVELOP ALBANIAN CULTURE

The "Fan Noli" Foundation on Culture and Art has committed itself to ensure the financing of various economic subjects in favour of cultural projects of national importance.

"The aim of our foundation is to influence on those fields of culture and arts, on which the state cannot", the executive director of the foundation, Eduard Macri, said.

The foundation has agreed to support six cultural projects, among which, the third edition of "International days of the new chamber music", proposed by the association "The inter-Albanian Union of Albanian professionals", activity under the auspices of the Council of Europe.

The foundation also agreed to the project of Albafilm for a documentary film subtitled:"Dora D'Istria" and the publication of the works by writer Martin Camaj and the dramas by the persecuted writer, Kasem Trebeshina.

The foundation is a cultural foundation free of profit aims and independent of the state, which finances cultural projects. It is run by a leading board headed by Mr. Dhimiter Anagnosti. lm/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] GREEK GOVERNMENT VOWS TO MEET ALBANIA'S DEMANDS - Meksi

Albanian Premier Aleksander Meksi, who attended the funeral of Greek ex- Premier Andreas Papandreou on Wednesday, returned home on Thursday.

In Athens Meksi held a series of meetings with Greek and foreign authorities present at the funeral.

Meksi met on Wednesday with Greek Premier Kostas Simitis with whom he discussed further development of the Albanian-Greek relations and the need to promote them in economy, politics. They also discussed problems still on the agenda of the two countries' relations.

"We found full understanding and the commitment of the Greek government to meet the demands of the Albanian government in the EU and generally in Europe".

In the last meeting of the current government, as the parliament starts proceedings on July 1, the Albanian government ratified the agreement of seasonal employment with Greece.

"The Greek government considers that the issue of regulating the Status of the Albanians in Greece is a key issue and of priority which will be resolved in a near future", Simitis said on Thursday.

During his stay in Greece, Meksi met and talked with many European and regional political authorities, with Cyprus President Glafkos Kliridhis, Holland's Premier Wim Kok, Bulgaria's Premier Zhan Videnov, Germany's Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel and others.

"The statesmen I met congratulated me on the DP victory in the May 26 elections and assured me of their support to carry forward the reform, naturally with the good will of economic and political reformation towards the rule of law and market economy".

Asked about his meetings with Holland's Premier Wim Kok, whose country holds EU's presidency on January 1st, Meksi said: "We discussed with the Dutch Premier the goal of Albania's relations with the EU and he assured me of Holand's future support to back Albanian government's and people's demands like so far". kei/lm/k

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