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Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 96-12-11Albanian Telegraphic Agency Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) Home Page at <http://www.telpress.it/ata>Albanian Telegraphic AgencyCONTENTS
[01] PRESIDENT OF KOSOVA MEETS CONGRESSMAN GILMAN IN NEW YORKPRISTINA, DEC 11 (ATA) - President of Kosova Ibrahim Rugova met Monday in New York the U.S. congressman, Benjamin Gilman, chairman of the Committee for Foreign Policy in the U.S.Congress, Information Center of Kosova reports. Rugova asked USA to have a leading role in solving Kosova issue by nominating a special emissary to mediate the negotiations in Kosova. President Rugova restressed that the best solution for Kosova, which supports the political will of its people, is the independent and neutral Kosova, opened towards Albania and Serbia, with the possibility of a civil international protectorate. He added that the remain of the "external wall" of sanctions is a mean of pressure which must remain in power until the final solution of Kosova issue. The congressman Gilman said that the existing situation in Kosova is unacceptable and he will continue to treat this issue in the congress down to its final solution. President Rugova is expected to meet Thursday in Washington the State Secretary, Uorren Kristofer, and other senior officials of Clinton's administration. President Rugova was received Tuesday in the editorial Council of "The Wall Street Journal" paper, where he widely talked about the situation and the option of the solution of Kosova issue. /b.j/p.ta/kled/mt/z/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[02] QUAKE TREMORS IN TIRANATIRANA, DEC 12 (ATA) - On Tuesday at 21.15, local time, the Seismological Institute Service near the Academy of Sciences recorded an earthquake with magnitude ML - 4.3 on Righter Scale, with the epicenter located in southwestern area of Tirana.The quake measured 5 degrees EMS-92 in Yzberish quarter (Tirana). No reports on damages are available. /eva/mt//e Albanian Telegraphic Agency[03] APPLICATION OF VAT: INTEGRATING STEP INTO WORLD ECONOMYTIRANA, DEC 11 (ATA) - The VAT (Value Added Tax) and its applications in Albania were the objects of the conference held Tuesday in "Tirana International" hotel.The conference was organized by the Consultative Committee of the Italian investors in Albania, the office of the legal fiscal consulate, Ministry of Finances and the Faculty of Economy. "The economic policy, which applied VAT in Albania, is a secure integrating step in the policies of the World Bank, International Monetary Fund and the European Community", said Minister of Finances Ridvan Bode. The economic problem of VAT, the first steps of its application since January 1, 1996, the organization - administrative side, as well the instruction of the Ministry of Finances for a successful application of VAT, were the basis of references and discussions during the proceedings of the conference. /a.ke/eva/mt/E Albanian Telegraphic Agency[04] PRESS REVIEWTIRANA, DEC 11 (ATA) - Under the headline "NATO decides to open for new memberships", Rilindja Demokratike carries the article "Albania among 11 candidate countries". "After two consecutively losses, the Socialist Party is transformed in a corrida where the bulls are severely fighting with one another", writes the paper among others in its editorial.Under the title "The law guarantees free expression", the paper highlights the meeting of editor in chief and deputy editor in chief of Rilindja Demokratike with the U.S. ambassador in Tirana, Marisa Lino. "The socialist opposition has entered the sixth month of debate with itself and about itself", reports Zeri i Popullit under the title "Not only be an opposition, but also make the opposition". Regarding the visit of the Italian Interior Minister, Napolitano, in Tirana, the paper reports: "The Italian party asks the seriousness of the Albanian party to engage in the fight against the organized crime". "The bankruptcy scheme of companies is already prepared", writes Republika paper. It also publishes the interview of republican leader Sabri Godo under the title "Kosova must not guard the troubles in Serbia as a spectator". Under the headline "Houses soon for the creditors which are in need of them", the paper carries the article "VEFA: Bankbooks for creditors". The paper entitles the editorial "Milosevic narrows the noose". "USA must lead the solution of Kosova issue" reports the paper regarding the meeting of President Rugova with congressman Gilman. "The economy in test-tube" is the editorial of Koha Jone paper. "Italian Interior Minister Napolitano has not been the only western official to have asked the fight against the organized crime", reports the paper. The paper also publishes the article "FBI picks up the 'scent' of usuries". Dita informacion, under the headline "Greek Embassy in Tirana is on strike", carries the article "Albanians without Greek visas". The paper publishes an article on the occasion of December 10th, the International Day of the Human Rights. Gazeta Shqiptare carries the article "Attorney General's Office against the courts". It also publishes a reaction of Interior Minister Shamata entitled "There is no laundry money in Albania" /kled/jz/mt/Z/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[05] CONFERENCE "BALKAN AFTER DAYTON AGREEMENT" TO START PROCEEDINGS IN TIRANA ON THURSDAYTIRANA, DEC 11 (ATA) By Atlant Frasheri: "The Balkans after Dayton Agreement" is the topic of the conference which will hold its proceedings in the Palace of Congresses from December 12-15, and will be organized by the Albanian Atlantic Organization.Attending the proceedings of this conference will be some 120 people, of whom 20-25 are invited by NATO member and partner countries, representatives of the government and Atlantic organizations. Among the participants from Albania will be Deputy Foreign Minister Arjan Starova, Defence State Secretary Leonard Demi, State Secretary for foreign economic relations Selim Belortaja, Deputy, President of the Albanian Atlantic Association Genc Pollo, Director of the Institute of Strategic Studies Mehmet Elezi, etc. Invited by NATO member and partner countries, according to the program presented so far, will be General Jorg Kuebart, deputy director of Marshal Center in Garmisch, Germany, Charles King, from the Institute of International Strategic Studies in London, Colonel J. Spara, U.S. military man in NATO military staff, Prebensen, Director of NATO Press and Information Center, as well as representatives of the diplomatic corp, and from Atlantic organization from Belgium, Germany, Bulgaria, Turkey, etc. The Albanian and foreign speakers will treat different topics to secure the continuity of peace keeping in former Yugoslavia after Dayton agreement. /kled/mt/E Albanian Telegraphic Agency[06] CORRECTION:In the story of December 10, headlined: "Ulqini: Tirana SP in expectancy of Mejdani" the first paragraph beginning: "TIRANA, DEC 10 (ATA) By Agim Fagu" should read "By Agim Baci". (reporter's name corrected)Albanian Telegraphic Agency[07] PRESIDENT BERISHA GREETS MOVEMENT OF STUDENTS IN SERBIATIRANA, DEC 11 (ATA) By Rafael Floqi: Albanian President Sali Berisha during the today's news conference greeted the movement of the students in Serbia."I have greeted the protests of students in Serbia, because they protest to win their freedom and rights, because they are protesting against a totalitarian regime", said Berisha asked by the reporters during the news conference, in the framework of the 6th anniversary of the Democratic Party foundation. Berisha added that he could not stay without greeting those who are trying and protesting by democratic means, moreover when "it had to do with a totalitarian regime, whose highest point of oppression is in Kosova". Berisha mentioned Serbia as the highest point of oppression, as a regime which drafted the massive cemeteries, massive violations, massive ethnic purification. "If someone thinks that we will build the future on basis of hatred, this is mistaken", said Berisha, referring the thoughts expressed in the Albanian press, regarding the attitude towards this issue. "Despite the historic past which separates the Albanians and Serbians, it undoubtedly serves to the good of every nation to build the future not on the basis of hatred, but on the basis of values, which should unite and not separate free and democratic societies", said Berisha. "From my point of view, the oppression is a shame, conformity is unacceptable and the students of Belgrade manifest their anticonformist attitude", said Berisha. Further on, he focused on different aspects of the foreign and interior policy and stressed once again the attitude of Albania to solve Kosova issue in a peaceful way. /mt/Z/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[08] DEFECTS IN ELECTRIC LINES AS A RESULT OF BAD WEATHER IN ALBANIATIRANA, DEC 10 (ATA) - As a result of continuous rains and the low temperature, some electric lines in Fierza-Burrel and Fierza-Tirana have gone out of order.According to sources of the Albanian Electro-energy corporation, three metallic polls have fallen and are out of use in the zone of Qafe Mali and in Iballe of Puka district. The extremely grave situation has made that some areas be not supplied with electric energy. ake/kled/xh/k Albanian Telegraphic Agency[09] WINNERS OF "VELIJA" PRIZE FOR JOURNALISM ANNOUNCEDTIRANA, DEC 11 (ATA) - By Flora Nikolla: The cultural foundation "Velija" yesterday announced the winners of Velija prize for journalism for 1996.The jury awarded first prize to the publicist and writer Teodor Keko for the article "Crisis of values" published in Koha Jone, out of 28 articles presented for the contest. The second prize was conferred to the reporter Sokol Balla for the article "Telenorba, teledurrazzo and the guilt of history," published in newspaper Albania, and the third prize was divided between Henri Cili for the article "Kasem Trebeshina closes himself in the ivory tower" and the reporter Alfred Peza for the article "The run of the treasure of a village, " both published in Koha Jone. The jury awarded a Special Prize, out of the contest, to Qemal Sakajeva (Director of Albanian Television,) for the scenario of the TV program "Genius of letters, Courage of the nation," a documentary film devoted to the acceptance of Ismail Kadare in the French Academy in October this year. The value of the prizes varies from 500-1000 dollars. This is the second time that Velija Foundation holds such a contest. Velija is the first Albanian private cultural foundation which started its activity two years ago. kled/xh/k Albanian Telegraphic Agency[10] PRESIDENT BERISHA CONSIDERS SITUATION IN THE REGION REALISTICALLY FRAUGHT WITH GREAT DANGERSTIRANA, DEC 11 (ATA) - In today's news conference, the President of Albania, Sali Berisha, said in response to a question by an ATA reporter that the situation in the region is still realistically fraught with great dangers."Six years ago there was an artificial federation under pressure. Unfortunately, there were not few those who believed in its stability," said Berisha. He stressed that now, after six years, "we have again a mini- federation, based on the same principles, violence, pressure." "In Kosova it was a Federation of an occupying country," said Albanian President. He added that this federation may be a factor for stability as much as the first one was and warned that it is threatening the South of the Balkans as much as the first federation threatened the North of our Peninsula. With regard to the situation of the Albanians in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Berisha highlighted his meeting last week in Lisbon with the Macedonian President Gligorov and said that one cannot deny that the Albanians in the FYROM have made a real progress in view of their freedoms and rights. "I am of the opinion that the problems accumulated in 50 years cannot be solved within 3-4 years. Other progresses are indispensable," said Berisha, pointing out that the participation of the Albanians in the public administration of the FYROM is still low. "Concerning the problems with the education of the Albanians, you already know my opinion. I consider the Tetova University an important factor for stability, development and progress not only for the Albanian community, but also for Macedonia in general," said Berisha. He once more reiterated that the Albanians in the FYROM have proved of a great responsibility towards their state and that the stability of this state is determined between the two big communities, but also among the others who are in that Republic. "The stability is without doubt based on the recognition, full observation of the human and national rights and freedoms of the Albanians in that republic," said Berisha. pas/xh/k Albanian Telegraphic Agency[11] ALBANIAN PRESIDENTCONSIDERS IMPORTANT EXECUTION OF VALUE-ADDED TAXTIRANA, DEC 11 (ATA) - In a news conference Wednesday, Albanian President Sali Berisha considered as very important the execution of the value-added tax in Albania.In reply to a question by a reporter of the Chinese news agency, HSINHUA, on the general economic situation in Albania this year, Berisha mentioned as an effort of the government the considerable increase, by 30 per cent, of the salaries, the liberalization of the prices of the bread and electric energy. "Free initiative is hampered when the state determines the prices," said Berisha. He added that the strategy for the privatization of the banks is underway, the ministry of privatization has been institutionalized and very important steps have been made to prepare all the practices and procedures for the privatization of the big sectors of the economy. Berisha said that this year too, Albania has registered a double- digit economic growth and added that it still is the highest in Europe. Regarding inflation which rose from 7 per cent last year to 16 per cent this year, Berisha said that this was a result of the execution of the value-added tax, the liberalization of the prices of bread, electric energy and fuel, and the interruption of humanitarian and food aid. Referring to the budgetary deficit which has increased this year, Berisha said that this is completely a consequence of the fact that levies and taxes have not been paid. He said that a number of strict measures are being taken and will be adopted to improve the situation with the taxes as soon as possible, but Berisha stressed that taxes in Albania are the lowest in Europe and will not increase in the future. "I am convinced that we shall come out of the difficult situation created by the budgetary deficit which has resulted from the unpaid taxes and levies. This is a real problem. The government is working intensively with this problem and the improvement will be soon noticed," said Berisha. kei/pas/xh/k Albanian Telegraphic Agency[12] AMERICA WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT ALBANIA - Clinton sends letter to Berisha -TIRANA, DEC 11 (ATA) - U.S. President Bill Clinton sent a letter to Albanian President Sali Berisha on Dec. 9, in which he expressed his satisfaction for the congratulations that Berisha conveyed to him on occasion of his reelection to the post of the President of the U.S.President Clinton writes that he does highly appreciate the friendship between the two nations and that he will continue to support Albania in its progress made in democratic transformations and the market economy, Albanian President's press and information office reported today. ake/xh/k Albanian Telegraphic Agency[13] ALBANIA AND GREECE TO BOOST POLITICAL COOPERATIONTIRANA, DEC 11 (ATA) - Albanian President Sali Berisha Wednesday considered as extremely important the full understanding he found in the meeting with the Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis in the OSCE summit in Lisbon, regarding the extension of political cooperation between Albania and Greece.Berisha expressed this idea in response to a question by an ATA reporter during his news conference on Wednesday. He said in the conference that Greece will help Albania in all its efforts for integration into Europe. "We met together after a good road made by the two countries, after a friendship and cooperation established due to common efforts of the Albanian Government and the Government of Simitis," said Berisha referring to this meeting, which was the first Berisha had with the Greek Premier. Berisha said that they both had decided that Albania and Greece must intensify economic cooperation, create a joint economic commission to review all the important economic projects and to cooperate in the fight against crime. Berisha pointed out that Simitis had accepted with pleasure the invitation made to visit Albania. Albanian President considered the meeting with the Greek Premier as very fruitful. kei/xh/k Albanian Telegraphic Agency[14] COOPERATION WITH U.S., ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT LINES OF ALBANIAN POLICYTIRANA, DEC 11 9ATA) - Albanian President Sali Berisha considered in a news conference Wednesday the friendship and cooperation with the U.S. as one of the most important lines of the Albanian policy."Albania, determined for a future in the West, sees in the U.S. one of the most important pillars of the western world," said Berisha in reply to a question by a Zeri i Popullit reporter. kei/xh/k Albanian Telegraphic Agency[15] RELATIONS BETWEEN TIRANA AND PRISHTINE ARE VERY GOOD - BerishaTIRANA, DEC 11 (ATA) - "Relations between Tirana and Prishtine are very good, based on a full understanding, an indisputable support for the great efforts of President Rugova, the Democratic League and other political forces for the solution of the question of Kosova," said President Berisha in today's news conference on occasion of the 6th anniversary of the founding of the Democratic Party of Albania. Describing the relations between Tirana and Prishtine as very good and fraternal, President Berisha stressed: "There is no differences, no divergences, no changes. All other interpretations regarding this issue are abusive."Speaking about a solution to the question of Kosova, Berisha pointed out that also in the OSCE meeting last week in Lisbon, he had stressed that he has been and is of the opinion that the institutions in Kosova should be fully restored. "I consider as very important the fact that the Parliament and other institutions must start functioning so that conditions be created for a serious discussion of the final political status of Kosova," said President Berisha. He continued saying that Albania has always been against the change of borders through violence and that the other option, the war, would be the most tragic for the Albanians and not only for them, because this war would have neither losers nor winners but would only cause destruction. "Albania has not opposed and I personally can never oppose a peaceful process whose aim is to restore the lost freedoms and rights," said Berisha. He stressed that Albania has insisted in the peaceful solution and has not ruled out the use of all peaceful means for its realisation. Qualifying the dialogue as the main form for the solution to this issue, Berisha highlighted once more the agreement on education also signed by President of Kosova Ibrahim Rugova, as the representative of one of the parties. Asked about this agreement, President Berisha said that he has hailed this agreement although there has not been any illusion that is is a solution to the whole problem. "The point is whether the agreement will be observed or not, and this is a question of character, morale and loyalty on the part of those who sign the agreement" said Berisha, adding that he has hailed the agreement in the humane aspect. "I feel a pain in my heart when I see pupils of Kosova studying in stables and rooms in the houses, sitting on books, having no benches and teaching means," said Berisha. "This agreement is a step towards a solution. If Albanian children sit in in the benches of their schools, this is their right because the benches belong to them, the schools belong to them, they have been constructed through the toil, sweat and contribution of their fathers, of the people of Kosova, they are their property. If Milosevic does not observe the agreement, this is a full proof of the totalitarian character of his regime," stressed Berisha. pas/xh/k From the Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) Home Page at http://www.telpress.it/ataAlbanian Telegraphic Agency Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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