ATA News from Albania, 96-10-16

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] VEFA TO OPEN ITS OWN BANK SOON - Interview of Mr. Vehbi Alimuca

[02] FIRST PHASE OF VACCINATION IS NEARLY OVER IN ALBANIA

[03] IS ALBANIA THE RICHEST EUROPEAN COUNTRY IN WATER RESOURCES ?

[04] SOME 960 MILLION LEKS FOR REHABILITATION OF SCHOOLS

[05] INSIG WILL INSURE SHIPS

[06] VIA EGNATIA TO REVIVE

[07] AT&T INSTALLS DIRECT SERVICE

[08] HEALTH CENTRE "MARY POTTER" INAUGURATED IN KORCA

[09] PROTOCOL OF TALKS BETWEEN TURKEY AND ALBANIA FOR TRANSPORT SIGNED

[10] ATA-TEXT INCREASES SELLING OF TV SETS WITH TELETEXT

[11] FOREIGNERS BECOME MORE KEEN ON ALBANIAN OIL

[12] ALBANIAN GOVERNMENT CONVENES

[13] ALBANIA DRAWS FRENCH BUSINESSMEN ATTENTION

[14] DP CHAIRMAN PRESENTS CANDIDATES FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT

[15] OPPOSITION PLEASED WITH MASS MEDIA CAMPAIGN COVERAGE

[16] ALBANIAN PRESIDENT HOLDS ELECTORAL MEETINGS

[17] ABOUT 400 FOREIGN OBSERVERS FOR OCTOBER 20 LOCAL VOTE

[01] VEFA TO OPEN ITS OWN BANK SOON - Interview of Mr. Vehbi Alimuca

VEFA's activity and the funds it possesses are a real guarantee for the future of the company.

Below is the interview of Mr. Vehbi Alimuca:

Mr.Alimuca would you please first make a presentation of VEFA geography and its investing capabilities?

VEFA Cpmpany was establishes and developed during the years of democracy and market economy in Albania, and now it is in its road toward the essential investments with the goal of establishing capitalism in Albania, strengthening VEFA's capital and make wealthy people that work for it, as well as these that are linked with it. VEFA's geography is quite rich and spread all over the country, starting from Puka (North Albania) up to Saranda (South Albania). It owns 210 important and powerful objects, production lines, enterprises, ranches and livestock complexes. We have a powerful park of about 300 vechicles. We have important object whose values go up to millions of dollars and the entire capital of this company is more than $150 million. We also have our deposits in the State Banks that amount to millions of dollars.

In this financial potential a guarantee for your activity in the area of the social assistance?

The truth is that, at the very begining our company started with its own funds, then we thought of the further expansion so that people could be employed and solve their social problems. This was solved by crediting the citizens through the reserves or savings of those who are working abroad. We have been too fair and punctual to people. We have got contracts, which are signed at the notary public and in conformity with the law and the financial regulations. For the time being we are not having any problem with our clients, and I think our company has got all the guarantees and it is on the eve of opening a private bank.

The necessary documentation for such a thing is forwarded and we have also trained the necessary staff. We are being provided with a very good assistance by the National Bank and several foreign associations such as English and Swiss ones, that have got good experience in the development of the private banks.

Official authorities in Albania declared that your company is in the process of getting the license for the opening of a private bank. Do you think that this will help in setting more powerfull financial ties with the world ?

I am sure that this will help our company to better and closers communicate with the banks from different countries of the world. Some banks have expressed their good will to cooperate with us and to invest in our country. We have also negotiated with private individuals, that it is to say, businessmen, who have their own capital and want to invest it in Albania, especially in tourism, infrastructure and construction. This is a complete guarantee for the foreign investors.

Let's focus on the savings of the Albanian citizens deposited in your company, when you will be the first Albanian private banker ?

I think that after getting the license, we will act and manoeuvre carefully with the Albanian creditors by gradually lowering the interest' rates. So there will not be any problem at all. This will be perfectly sorted out.

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] FIRST PHASE OF VACCINATION IS NEARLY OVER IN ALBANIA

More than 96 per cent of the population form 0 to 50 years old was vaccinated until the first hours of the morning of October 14. The whole vaccination campaign is expected to be over by Monday at 21.00 pm.

But the competent bodies have taken all the measures and are ready to wait for "the delayed" of this campaign during the next day.

For this stage, were distributed some 3.4 million doses, the Italian government contributed with some USD 300 000.

The Ministry of Health and Environment, and the Institute of Public Health have taken the neccesary measures for the re-vaccinaion of the population during the second stage, which is due to November 11-18.

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] IS ALBANIA THE RICHEST EUROPEAN COUNTRY IN WATER RESOURCES ?

Worth mentioning is the fact that in 2004, on the entire world the demand for water will be four times more, while its reserves will be reduced to half of its present capacity.

Some foreign companies for years have shown an interest to buy water from Albania, and the latest instance is the Italian project worth 70 million lire of the Albanian-Italian consortium, which foresees to buy water from "Syri i Kalter" zone, one of the largest springs in Albania. This investment is estimated to be worth $550 million.

"Buying water through pipes is the same like pumping up blood from persons' veins" said a water specialist.

May be its too early to brag about our country as rich in water resources for the fact that "in the present country's social-economic development, is indispensable a national strategy on water issue, which will clearly defines the water demands and the current reserves our country possesses" was one of the Conference's conclusion.

"It is necesary that the state should better assist financially, scientific and research institution in the field of water reserves," said Franko Sara, director of technical secretariat of the Water National Council.

"The reseach on underground water aiming at studing in advance the prospective demands for water and also on the necessary contamination of underground water should be intensified," concluded Sara.

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] SOME 960 MILLION LEKS FOR REHABILITATION OF SCHOOLS

"Some 17 buildings of the pre-elementary schools, 115 8-year and high schools will be reconstructed, and two kinder gardens will be constructed with the above fund", said Fatmir Vejsiu, director of high schools in the Ministry of Sports and Education.

"Other funds have been obtained by powerful foreign donors, who have helped in reconstructing of our schools", said Vejsiu.

Some 11 new buildings were constructed with the fund of the World Bank, and some 35 existing schools were reconstructed in some districts of Albania. A new school was constructed with the funds of the Council of Europe, and some 8 other schools were reconstructed and equipped with the necessary school materials. While "Sorros Foundation" constructed some 7 buildings and reconstructed more than 20 existing schools.

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] INSIG WILL INSURE SHIPS

While the privatisation of the Albanian ships has happened at a great speed, currently all the 500 owners of naval ships, ranging from 500 to 5000 tons, 250 owners of fishing boats, more than 500 speed-boat owners and 100 ships owned by the state have left their property uninsured. The total worth of the navigation means in Albania is estimated at $400 million.

Dozens of people have been drowned at sea and many others have been injured while travelling on board ships, but no compensation was provided to them because ship owners are not obliged to ensure people who travelled on board their ships.

Not only ship owners suffer considerable damages, but third parties- users, travellers and others are not immune.

The director of navigation transport at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Transport doesn't issue any licence for the use of airplanes either as means of transport or travelling because owners have not yet taken out an insurance policy to cover their customers.

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] VIA EGNATIA TO REVIVE

The reconstruction of east-west road in Albania will start in December. With much more cars and trucks Albania's road have deteriorated becoming one of the first problems to be resolved. The Public Affairs Ministry has confirmed the reconstruction will start at the end of this year, after the documentation has been concluded.

There are 154 km linking Durres airport with Qafa e Thanes border cross point, continuing to the Varna port in Bulgaria. Another road from Qafa e Thanes to Kapshtica, bordering Greece, some 91 km link Durres to Thessaloniki. Once upon a time this segment was called Via Egnatia, the shortest road from Rome to Costandinopole (Istanbul) and it will totally reconstructed now with a EU fund. Its repair has started since two years ago with a Kuwaiti fund in the First Program of Transport and another financing from the US government aiming at improving infrastructure in Durres port and Qafa e Thanes.

It is being worked to find financing for the Kapshtica border point and work will start there in 1997, included in the Cross Border Program. Ten bridges will be over until the end of this year, based on the project, in the road from Elbasan to Qafa e Thanes, which are to improve some dangerous points.

Brussels confirmed in Sept 9 the start of the procedures of procuring the construction of the first segment Durres-Rogozhine. Work will start in four segments in 1997.

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] AT&T INSTALLS DIRECT SERVICE

Until late 1994 Albania was connected with the US through a transit line in Greece and in 1994 AT&T opened the first seven direct lines which became 30 a year later.

AT&T founded since 1885 is a world leader in telecommunication in about 200 states. Its worldwide intelligent network has 200 million talks and other services a day.

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] HEALTH CENTRE "MARY POTTER" INAUGURATED IN KORCA

Attending the ceremony were the Vatican Ambassador in Albania, Apostolic Nuncio Ivan Dias, the Ambassador of Great Britain in Tirana, Andrew Tessoriere, Albanian deputy minister of Health, Zamira Sinoimeri and others.

Monsignor Ivan Dias blessed the new health centre. He said that the centre will be open to all, without any distinction of religion and it will help cure the body and soul.

Mary Potter health centre was constructed by the company "Sisters Mary Potter" with a 450 thousand dollar investment, 200 thousand of which for the construction of the building and the rest for its up-to-date medical equipment.

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] PROTOCOL OF TALKS BETWEEN TURKEY AND ALBANIA FOR TRANSPORT SIGNED

During the talks, the Albanian side focused on the road transport, which was also the main topic on which support was asked.

The Turkish party was ready to cooperate and expand the maritime and air lines.

The following meeting on transports will be held in Ankara.

Later on, the delegation met the Minister of Industry, Trade and Transports, Suzana Panariti.

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] ATA-TEXT INCREASES SELLING OF TV SETS WITH TELETEXT

Based on the results of a poll made in some ten TV shops of the capital, it results that since the time teletext was set up in April this year, 64 per cent of all the sets sold are equiped with teletext, at front of 27 per cent that was before the Albanian teletext was set up.

"Because of the large number of TV sets equiped with teletext, about 130 000, ATA-TEXT reaches the same run of the biggest newspapers, but its service is free", director of this service says.

According to the poll conducted among the most important companies "Sony", "Philips", "Seleco", as well as in some commercial centers like "Pacific" and "Lindi", the selling of the decoding sets, despite of the higher price, reaches 60-80 per cent of the sets sold.

The ATA Teletext service transmits every day about 60 pages of information, including news and several notices.

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] FOREIGNERS BECOME MORE KEEN ON ALBANIAN OIL

There are 15 foreign companies, which have won the first round of searching for oil off and on shore, and also have commenced their activity in some areas of the country.

Up to now the investments in this field are worth $160 million. The second round of research was opened in London and Houston. The activity has started in eight blocks, in southeast of Albania, with the necessary data for each of them. The other foreign companies have collected data on these fields during January-July period and in August they submitted them to Hydrocarbour Agency, told Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) the director Fatbardha Ademi. The first talks with the interested companies on search and discovery of petroleum In Albania were held in September. Meantime, the companies conducting their activity in Albania, at present have also shown their interest on this issue. Next year will determine the winner companies, which will search for Albanian petroleum.

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] ALBANIAN GOVERNMENT CONVENES

They also approved the agreement on a Japanese grant worth 32 400 Japanese Yen through our country and the World Bank for the draft of improving the sewer and water drinking systems in several areas of Tirana.

The draft of constructing the road Tirana-Klos-Peshkopi was considered very important, and at the same time the National Park of Lura, was declared object of a special importance by a particular decision of the government.

The Council of Ministers also decided that the draft-plan for the development of the capital should finish within November 11.

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] ALBANIA DRAWS FRENCH BUSINESSMEN ATTENTION

"The conference focus was the report delivered, in front of more than 60 French companies' representatives, by Francis Chuame, French commercial attache to Tirana," said Dritan Xheliti assistant to Chuame.

The report contained an economic analysis, favourable economic and political conditions, which Albania offers for investments, progress of the reform underlining the fact that it is a rich country with a French speaking population.

After the conference was over, the French attache had for two days in succession meetings tete a tete with French businessmen, asking to come to Albania.

"Up to now I have had five phone calls from French companies, participant in the conference, looking for Albanian partners," Xhelili said.

French foreign commercial centre organises workshops and conference for 166 countries of the world, in which France has opened up its commercial centres. The workshops aim at boosting the economic bilateral cooperation between France and these countries. Starting form now in the agenda of the centre, Albania will have its day too.

A year ago, in Tirana was opened French centre of economic expansion, which solo goal is to promote French investments in Albania. A. Lazaj

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] DP CHAIRMAN PRESENTS CANDIDATES FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Democratic Party's branch in Fushe Arrez, Puka district, northern Albania, held Tuesday a meeting, in which the DP chairman Tritan Shehu presented candidate for Mayor Mark Nikolli.

Shehu stressed in his speech that "if we win Fushe Arrezi municipality, we will win the lost time by supporting you with funds from the government.

Nikolli promised he would work hard to solve all the problems that the people of this town faces.

**** PUKE, OCT 15 - The Democratic Party's branch in Puka district held a meeting on the same day in which the DP chairman presented candidate for Mayor Halit Furriku.

"Some hundred thousand dollars will be invested only in your district on infrastructure, aqueducts, schools, health sector and others", said Shehu.

Talking about the SP alternative, he said that the SP is in deep crisis. They are split into two groups who fight each-other to take the power.

**** KUKES, OCT 15 (ATA) By Riza Hoxha: The Democratic Party's branch in Kukesi district held Monday evening a meeting in which the DP chairman, Tritan Shehu, intruduced candidate for Mayor Safet Sula.

"You vote for the best alternative, addressed Shehu to participants. This alternative is represented by our candidates selected among the best intellectuals."

**** TROPOJE, OCT 15 - The DP organized a meeting Monday afternoon in the main square of Bajram Curri town, Tropoja district, northern Albania, attending also was the DP chairman, Tritan Shehu.

Shehu promised Tropoja people the support of the democratic government, by saying that it will be closer with investments in those fields which are of first priority in the market economy.

Then he presented candidate for Mayor in Bajram Curri town Sadri Isufi. /a.ke/kei/mt/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] OPPOSITION PLEASED WITH MASS MEDIA CAMPAIGN COVERAGE

The representatives of the opposition today said they were pleased with the covering of the electoral campaign by mass media at a meeting of the Albanian Parliament Media Commission this afternoon.

"The RTV activity and mass media have been correct in implementing the law and the TV platform defined by the PCEC," said the socialist representative in the PCEC media sub-commission, Ilir Zela.

The pluralist commission, whose members represent the DP, RP, SP and other parties, held a meeting today with leaders of the mass media, including RTV, ATA, the PCEC chairman, Nestor Tereska, the PCEC media sub- commission, as well as the secretary General of the Local Government Secretariat, Njazi Kosovrasti, regarding the electoral propaganda and the covering of the parties' activities for the electoral campaign of October 20.

The chairman of the media commission, Fatos Beja, made known to the participants since at the beginning of the meeting the interest of the Media Commission regarding the correct coverage of the electoral campaign by mass media.

"The Albanian TV, by respecting the law has also respected the parties, " said the director general of the Albanian TV, Bardhyl Pollo.

He explained to those present the way how the platform of the PCEC has been applied, the observation of the TV coverage of the party activities, their programs and the written and visual propaganda for the introduction of the law on elections and the voting procedure.

TV leaders said that they have divided the information from the electoral campaign propaganda, "and even if a certain government member has insisted for the opposite, the propaganda coverage is still included in the time allocated for the party activities."

Artian Tepelena, director of the Information Department in the Albanian Television said that "the spokesman of the DP Press has verbally appreciated the work of TV."

The ATA director, Ilir Zhilla, familiarised the participants with the balanced covering by the Albanian and English services of the parties' activities of the government coalition and of the opposition.

"I notice with delight that the TV has been consistent in covering the electoral campaign. This is the opinion of the electorate", said Sali Rexhepi, the only SP deputy to parliament.

The DP deputy chairman Ali Spahia expressed some worries of his party that TV is giving priority to SP and other small parties as compared with DP in its campaign coverage. TV leaders explained that these problems were caused simply for techncial reasons. A concern for the RTV leaders was the fact that some small parties had not appeared for their registration in time for their program on TV and a part of them have refused cameras because of the small attendance of their activities.

The commission voiced its interest once more for the information of the population about the voting procedure and the concrete operation with the ballot and asked that the illustrating sports must be repeated.

The Independent Association for Democratic Culture said in one of its latest reports that TV has favoured the opposition.

Besides the socialist deputy Sali Rexhepi, also present in the meeting from the opposition were the members of the PCEC Ilir Zela and Zamira Caka. Attending also were the Republican leader Sabri Godo and the representative of the RP in the PCEC Shkelqim Barushi. The latter appreciated the work of RTV and ATA for the electoral campaign. lm/xh/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] ALBANIAN PRESIDENT HOLDS ELECTORAL MEETINGS

President Berisha considered May 26 and October 20 a natural process of consolidating democracy.

Berisha presented to the participants the candidate for Kucova Mayor, Edmond Cilingiri.

After the meeting in Kuçova, Berisha met people of Ura Vajgurore municipality.

President Berisha invited people of this municipality to vote for the distinguished intellectual, teacher and deputy of their constituency, Mirko Haxhistasa.

Berisha also met with people of Berati, a city with great cultural values, in which he presented candidate for Mayor Milika Jaho.

President Berisha talked about the DP electoral program for local power, "which will go towards the further decentralization and financial strengthening."

Albanian President Sali Berisha presented Tuesday evening in Lushnja district DP candidate for Mayor, the intellectual of this town, Agim Fuga. /kei/mt/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] ABOUT 400 FOREIGN OBSERVERS FOR OCTOBER 20 LOCAL VOTE

The secretariat of the Permanent Central Election Commission have received requests for authorizations for these elections by European organizations, governments of different countries, associations and institutes specialised in electoral processes and the monitoring of election process.

According to the lists in the PCEC, authorizations from this commission for the election monitoring have been requested by 94 parliamentarians of various countries such as from the CE Parliamentary Assembly, the OSBE, the Turkish, Greek and Austrian parliaments.

Also authorizations for election monitoring have been asked by the government of Italy, that of France, the government of the Great Britain, the Embassy of the U.S. in Tirana and the English International Foundation of Electoral Systems.

Albanian political forces have also invited observers from Europe and the U.S. So far, the Democratic Party has invited 30 observers whereas the Socialist Party has invited eight observers.

Various institutions and world foundations with experience in the election processes and their monitoring, and the U.S. Republican Institute, the U.S. Democratic Institute, the Ludvig Bolsman Institute, that of human rights centered in Vienna, the British Helsinki Group and Foundation Hains Zaidel have also demanded authorizations for election monitoring.

According to article 91 of the law "On the local government elections, " foreign observers are considered: parliamentary representatives of states, OSBE, the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly, the European Parliament and other organizations related with the human rights issues and individuals invited by party groupings, representatives authorized by local and foreign organizations specialised in elections.

The local vote will be monitored by many local observers, political parties and associations. kei/xh/k

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

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