Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) [1], 97-04-01

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] ALBANIAN PRIME MINISTER MEETS GREEK INTER-MINISTERIAL DELEGATION

[02] ALBANIAN SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT MEETS AMBASSADORS

[03] ALBANIAN INTERIOR MINISTER MEETS GREEK DELEGATION

[04] STATEMENT OF DEMOCRATIC PARTY CHAIRMAN

[05] DEMOCRATIC PARTY DOES NOT CONSIDER OTRANTO DISASTER A POLITICAL INCIDENT- Shehu

[06] POLICE IN SHKODER INTERCEPT ILLEGAL TRAFFIC OF SCRAP-IRON

[07] DEFENCE MINISTER MEETS WITH GREEK DELEGATION

[08] UN MISSION PLAYS AN ACTIVE ROLE IN COORDINATION OF HUMANITARIAN AID FOR ALBANIA

[09] MINISTER OF HEALTH MEETS WITH GREEK DELEGATION

[10] POLICE COMMISSARIAT NO.2 DETAIN WEAPONS AND OTHER STOLEN THINGS

[11] STATEMENT OF PRESIDENT BERISHA REGARDING SEA TRAGEDY OF OTRANTO

[12] PRESIDENT BERISHA MEETS ALEXANDER PHILON

[13] ALBANIAN DEFENCE MINISTER VISITS ITALY

[14] MEETING OF PREMIER FINO WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS IN GJIROKASTER

[01] ALBANIAN PRIME MINISTER MEETS GREEK INTER-MINISTERIAL DELEGATION

"I believe your visit will give a further impulse to the relations between the two states and precede my visit on Wednesday to Athens," Albanian Prime Minister said at the beginning of the meeting.

Filon considered very significant the visit of the Albanian Premier to Athens on Wednesday.

"Your visit to Greece will make up a significant station of relations between our two countries," Filon said.

Filon stressed that between the two countries there are many common things.

"The Greek government and people are specifically interested in the developments in Albania. It is rare for two countries to gave such common things," Filon said.

The meeting continued without the presence of reporters. kled/lm/sh/

[02] ALBANIAN SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT MEETS AMBASSADORS

Arbnori briefed the ambassadors of these states on the anti-constitutional Statement of the Military Committees of March 28 in Vlore which unfortunately was signed by the Socialist Party, by two members of its presidency.

He said that this approach ran contrary to the political agreement of March 9 which had brought about the creation of the National Reconciliation Government. He said that the Socialist Party should clearly denounce this statement, which undermined the platform of the agreement and of the National Reconciliation Government.

Arbnori said that parliament was decided to support the National reconciliation government, but only based on the platform of the agreement of the Political Parties with the President.

He added that the parliament was decided to support the Main Constitutional Provisions and recognised no kind of pressure by the Military Committees and their anti-constitutional statements.

The ambassadors expressed themselves in favour of the National Reconciliation Platform and of respecting the March 9 agreement of the political parties.

Also present at the meeting was the chairman of the Democratic Party parliamentary group, Ali Spahia, the spokesman of parliament concludes. kled/lm/E

[03] ALBANIAN INTERIOR MINISTER MEETS GREEK DELEGATION

Celo thanked the Greek government and people for their readiness and solidarity they have and are expressing these difficult days for Albania.

He familiarised the Greek delegation with the work carried out for the reorganisation and operation of all police commissariats and special units of this ministry.

The Interior Ministry briefed the delegation on the damages in logistics and infrastructure suffered by the police and familiarised it with the emergency priority needs for police defensive and transport means.

Aleksander Filon expressed the readiness of the Greek government for an unreserved support both bilaterally and on the European Union plane.

The quick restoration of order and peace as well as the full functioning of all central and local institutions, under the current conditions is of specific importance not only for Albania but for the whole region, as well. In this context, he said, "we are here to get to know more concretely your most emergent needs and help you as much as possible."

The Greek National Economy Secretary General, Zahariadhis, highly appreciated the efforts of the Albanian police to restore order and security. These efforts, he said, are also a guarantee for the Greek businessmen investing in Albania.

A special meeting at experts' level from both sides will be held today at the Interior Ministry to compile in detail the most emergent needs of the Albanian Police. kled/lm/E

[04] STATEMENT OF DEMOCRATIC PARTY CHAIRMAN

"On behalf of the Democratic Party I continue to severely denounce the agreement signed by the Socialist Party and the so-called Committees in Vlore on March 28, considering this an anti-constitutional act, an act which undermines the National Reconciliation Agreement, which certainly opened the way for the National Reconciliation Government, the hope to ease tension and stabilise the situation.

On the other hand, in continuation of the statement of March 29,1997 of the Democratic Party, we will take our decisions, respecting the respective structures of the Democratic Party.

Meanwhile, I ask the Ministers and Secretaries of State of the Democratic Party to normally continue their activity as Government members until the adoption of a final decision by the Democratic Party." /lm

[05] DEMOCRATIC PARTY DOES NOT CONSIDER OTRANTO DISASTER A POLITICAL INCIDENT- Shehu

"Expressing once again my deep grief over the tragic event in the Straits of Otranto on March 28,1997 and insisting that the causes of this disaster be cleared up, I state that the Democratic Party does not consider this a political incident or connected with the relations between our two friendly countries, governments or parliaments.

We express our trust and understanding in the steps the Italian government and authorities are taking to clear up the causes of this disaster.

On this occasion, I want to reconfirm our stand to continue to support without reserves the decisions for the presence in Albania of a multinational force led by the Italians.

I am convinced that the presence of this force will be a significant factor not only for helping Albania overcome this difficult moment but it will surely serve as a bridge for strengthening Albania's relations with the friendly countries, the European and International communities," the statement concludes. a.ke/kled/lm/z

[06] POLICE IN SHKODER INTERCEPT ILLEGAL TRAFFIC OF SCRAP-IRON

Today at the roadblock erected in Bahcallek, near Shkoder, police forces intercepted four vehicles with scrap-iron from the Kruje district.

On the way to the border point of Muriqan, several vehicles with scrap-iron with number plates of Durres and Tirana were noticed to turn back after seeing the roadblock.

Last August, the police commissariat forces of this district blocked over 20 contrabandists of scrap-iron from various districts of the country who were later punished by the district court with imprisonment or fines up to 100 000 leks for scrap-iron smuggling. a.ke/lm/E

[07] DEFENCE MINISTER MEETS WITH GREEK DELEGATION

Vukaj stressed the fact that Greece was among the first countries which gave concrete aid to the Albanian army. He made clear that there exist no basis in Albania for civil war.

"In the history of the Albanian people, there have never been clashes for regional, religious or party issues", he said.

He stressed that this was an epidemic, which caused very grave damages, mainly in the army.

Vukaj stressed the necessity of the urgent aid, but also of the multinational forces.

Philon was interested in the aspects of the situation and ways of operation of the multinational forces in Albania.

"We are here to consider your requests with priority, so that Greece answers in the quickest ways," he said.

Philon stressed that the stability in Albania is linked with the whole region, as well as with the national interests of Greece, and for this purpose the necessary preparations of the Greek military forces are being made to be ready in the context of the mission of the multinational forces in Albania. /a.ke/kei/mt/k

[08] UN MISSION PLAYS AN ACTIVE ROLE IN COORDINATION OF HUMANITARIAN AID FOR ALBANIA

Albania needs humanitarian aid, but in the present moment it is limited to emergent aid for the population and to support of the institutions financed by the Government such as the Orphanages, Handicapped children Houses, etc, said the representatives of the Mission today in a news conference.

During the conference the stress was also laid on the immediate need for the hospitals in which about 8 thousand people are under medical treatment and for 140 thousand families which were on a social assistance system by the government before the crisis but now are without any of such a source.

The U.N. International Agency Mission visited Albania for about a week to see the real needs for humanitarian aid demanded at present as a result of the political-economic crisis and the anarchy in the country. The Mission had representatives from the World Food Organization, UNICEF, WHO, UNHRC and UNDP.

The mission deemed as necessary an emergent assistance to reactivate the state reserves with wheat and other basic food items and for medicicaments. Also the private market must be helped with a development assistance program which is considered vital.

The U.N. Mission in Albania will play a leading role in the coordination of humanitarian aid and in its quickest possible delivery, by closely cooperating with the multinational forces expected to come to Albania to guarantee the arrival of aid to destination. xh/k

[09] MINISTER OF HEALTH MEETS WITH GREEK DELEGATION

They talked in this meeting about the urgent needs of Albania, as well as about the cooperation between both countries.

Kalenja said that to cope with the urgent situation is a priority, who does not leave aside the health service.

The medical staff have faced an extraordinary work, in the physical and psychological plan.

"The situation in Albania is not normal, and with unexpected expenses," he stressed.

Minister Kalenja told the members of the Greek delegation that their support, that of the European Union, and many other institutions, would be decisive.

Philon talked about the aid to be given by the Greek government to face this difficult situation by the health sector.

They said in the meeting that Greece is ready to help in the continuity of vaccination of people in Albania. /a.ke/kei/mt/k

[10] POLICE COMMISSARIAT NO.2 DETAIN WEAPONS AND OTHER STOLEN THINGS

From the controls exercised there were blocked 7 heavy machine-guns, antiaircraft machine-gun, as well as a considerable number of cartridges, rifles and machine-guns.

At the same time in the houses of the citizens which were controlled were blocked 60 tonnes of packed cotton, considerable quantities of velvet, flannel and other things, which belonged to the Textile Mill.

The detained weapons were stored in the respective military units, while the other materials were handed over to the Department of the Textile Complex. /kei/mt/k

[11] STATEMENT OF PRESIDENT BERISHA REGARDING SEA TRAGEDY OF OTRANTO

"The sea tragedy of Otranto and the arrival of the military units from friendly countries, under the Italian commandment, do no have any connection with one another.

The warnings of the committees of gunmen, made up of left extremists, Mafia members, traffickers, who have organized the robbery of eleven banks, murders, plunders in Southern districts, sinking them into chaos and anarchy, do not represent the opinion of the population in these districts, either that of the Albanians in general. They only express the will of these gangs to reign in the chaos and terror they have sowed and the decision of those who declared openly recently the alliance with them to exploit this deplorable situation for ill-intended political aims.

I don't say that a military mission is not dangerous, but I am sure that the danger of this mission is not great, and that this mission will be very successful.

The Albanians are convinced that the multinational forces come to Albania to prevent a greater aggravation of the situation because of lack of food articles and medicines, whose secure distribution will be guaranteed by these forces, and they will also contribute in restoring order and stability in the country.

While regarding the sea tragedy of Otranto, which has greatly afflicted any Albanian, but I am sure even the Italian friendly people, I am and I remain of the opinion that an independent investigation to uncover the reasons, circumstances and responsibilities is indispensable, and that this tragedy was avoidable. But it can never be a hindrance for the multinational mission, led by Italy, and does not shake the friendship and cooperation between our people and friendly countries." /a.ke/mt/k

[12] PRESIDENT BERISHA MEETS ALEXANDER PHILON

The Secretary General, Philon, conveyed to President Berisha the greetings of Premier Simitis and Foreign Minister Pangallos, and confirmed the resolution of Greece to help the friendly country, Albania, come out of the crisis.

President Berisha expressed the gratitude and his thanks for the Government of Simitis and its engagement to contribute in overcoming the difficulties that Albania is experiencing now. He stressed that the mission of the multinational force to distribute the humanitarian aid is a direct contribution in avoiding the aggravation of the situation due to the lack of food staff and medicines.

With regard to some statements of the rebellious gangs, President Berisha said that these represent irresponsible stands of those who sank those towns into chaos and anarchy, and of the allies who stand behind them. These statements do not represent the opinion of the population of these districts, or the Albanians in general, who welcome the mission of these forces.

Mr. Philon, stressing the friendly relations and the cooperation between both countries, expressed once again the complete engagement of Greece to offer Albania humanitarian, financial and any kind of aid in all the fields. /a.ke/mt/k

[13] ALBANIAN DEFENCE MINISTER VISITS ITALY

Vukaj will hold talks with his Italian counterpart in Rome, Beniamino Andreata, on the bilateral relations in the military field, and on their promotion in the future.

The talks will focus on the modalities of realizing the mission of the multinational force in Albania, for securing the main ports, airports and communication ways, as well as for the realization of the distribution of the aid.

The spokesman added that the teams of the countries which will participate in the multinational force will also discuss on the technical ways which will make possible the application of the Resolution of the Security Council to sent these forces in Albania. /a.ke/kei/mt/k

[14] MEETING OF PREMIER FINO WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS IN GJIROKASTER

The Mayor of Gjirokaster, Ylli Asllani and the chairman of the district Council, Jani Dako told Mr Fino of the situation in that city. Fino spoke of the serious commitment of the National Reconciliation Government to the restoration of the public order, reorganization of the local government structures and the question of the delivery and handling of the humanitarian aid.

Mr Fino also highlighted as most emergent the question of the restoration of order.

Premier Fino informed of the meetings he was going to have with senior officials of the Greek state, during which he was expected to treat the questions of the aid for Albania. Fino explained that the National Reconciliation Government was making preparations for the fresh elections.

Premir Fino also spoke of the restructuring of the Albanian Radio Television and declared the resignation of the SHIK leaders.

He underlined the indispensible need of the presence of the Socialist deputies in the Parliament. "This is a question," he said, "to be discussed in the coming meeting of the Socialist Party Presidency." kei/xh/k

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