Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 97-04-12

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] ONE MAN KILLED AND A BOY INJURED IN TIRANA

[02] ITALIAN DEFENCE MINISTER TO VISIT ALBANIA

[03] MISSION OF INTERNATIONAL RED CROSS CONTINUES TO DISTRIBUTE HUMANITARIAN AID IN ALBANIA

[04] GROUP OF FORMER DP DEPUTIES AND LEADERS OF FORUMS ASK TO REINVOLVE IN POLITICS

[05] DEMOCRATIC PARTY PRESS RELEASE

[06] SICK PEOPLE ESCAPE FROM PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL IN ELBASAN

[07] PRESS REVIEW

[08] NICHOLAS HILL AND MICHAIL MCALLEN VISIT PRISHTINE UNIVERSITY

[09] FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE UNCHANGED IN TIRANA

[10] U.S. DEPUTY STATE SECRETARY CORNBLOOM ARRIVES IN PRISTINE

[11] DECLARATION OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF ALBANIA

[12] ONE HOUR MORE FOR CITIZENS' FREE MOVEMENT

[13] RUGOVA WARNS AGAINST DANGER OF CONFISCATION OF FINANCIAL ASSETS BY SERB POWER

[14] DURRES PORT IN FULL OPERATION

[15] LEKA ZOGU ARRIVES IN ALBANIA

[16] FINO MEETS DIRECTOR OF "ALBANIA 2000" PROJECT

[17] ITALIAN DEFENCE MINISTER VISITS ALBANIA

[18] NO HOSTILE SIGNS TO "ALBA" MISSION VANGUARD

[19] PRESIDENT BERISHA MEETS WITH ITALIAN DEFENCE MINISTER ANDREATTA

[20] U.S. HIGH RANKING DELEGATION MEETS PRESIDENT RUGOVA

[21] ITALIAN AMBASSADOR AGAINST RAI MISINFORMATIONS

[22] SUCCESSFUL POLICE OPERATIONS IN TIRANA

[23] AUSTRIA EXPRESSES COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT FOR ALBANIA

[24] DEPUTIES QUITTING DP SHOULD DEFINE THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES ACCORDING TO THE FUNCTIONS THEY HAD- Pollo

[01] ONE MAN KILLED AND A BOY INJURED IN TIRANA

Due to the gunshots, a 14-year old boy, who was passing in the street, was accidentally injured.

Sources from the police report that the authors of the killing have been identified so far and the police are working to detain them.

According to the same source, in the Bushan village, Fier district, were killed Friday by fire weapons the citizens Elmaz Kanani, 71, and his son Lavdosh Kanani, 33.

According to the police source they were killed for revenge motives. /kled/mt/sh/

[02] ITALIAN DEFENCE MINISTER TO VISIT ALBANIA

During his visit, the Italian Defence Minister, Andreatta will meet with the Albanian President, Sali Berisha, the Prime Minister of the National Reconciliation Government, Bashkim Fino, and with his Albanian counterpart, Shaqir Vukaj.

At the end of this visit, it is expected to be held a news conference.

Italy is charged to lead the multinational force of 2000 soldiers, which will arrive in Albania for the delivery of the humanitarian aid. The first two ships of the Italian Navy arrived Friday in the port of Durres, while in the airport of Rinas arrived two air crafts C-130, with soldiers of special forces, as well as with logistic materials and instruments for the control of flying./s.sh/kled/mt/sh/

[03] MISSION OF INTERNATIONAL RED CROSS CONTINUES TO DISTRIBUTE HUMANITARIAN AID IN ALBANIA

The teams of the Albanian Red Cross have focused their activity over the last two days in the Northern towns of Albania, sources of this organization report. Aid have been distributed to the health institutions, which consist mainly in medical supplies, but also in food products.

Such aid have been distributed previously in the Southern districts of Albania. /kled/mt/sh/

[04] GROUP OF FORMER DP DEPUTIES AND LEADERS OF FORUMS ASK TO REINVOLVE IN POLITICS

"The Democratic Party, having had the complete control of all the state institutions, can not avoid the grave responsibility for the situation, and should not find it outside it," says the statement.

The statement, issued on behalf of 44 former deputies and 23 members of DP leading forums, is signed only by 7 people: Dode Kacaj, Vasil Gjika, Artan Hoxha, Lindita Prifti, Simon Puta, Aferdita Zeri, Esat aoku.

This group justifies itself and pardons for the situation created, considering their early participation in politics" and is in favour of its further engagement. The statement asks the "urgent removal of the guilty people".

A similar statement was presented several days ago, signed by 19 former ministers and deputies of the Democratic Party. /kei/mt/k

[05] DEMOCRATIC PARTY PRESS RELEASE

The statement alleges among other things that they have been violently avoided from the Democratic Party.

The truth is that, the signatories of this statement have been deputies to the People's Assembly who have not been able to rerun for candidates because of not implementing the law on the political figures scrutiny and there is no violent avoidance, as they allege.

A group of deputies of the past legislature and members of the former DP council have issued a press statement in which they say that: "The total crisis of Albania was preceded by a crisis of the DP itself".

The statement blames the grave situation the country is in on "the DP top leadership".

The statement, signed by only seven people, speaks on behalf of 44 former deputies and 23 members of the DP leading forums. jz/lm /Z/

[06] SICK PEOPLE ESCAPE FROM PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL IN ELBASAN

Sources from the hospital report that they escaped from the hospital due to the situation created, such as lack of food for the patients, robberies and destructions in the hospital.

The complex of the hospitals in the district of Elbasan has faced a hard work over the last month to help the inhabitants affected by the recent riots.

In the ward of surgery in this hospital, there are 82 people hospitalized, among whom 8 children, but there are no medical supplies for their treatment./eva/mt/sh/

[07] PRESS REVIEW

"The tricks of Berisha", reports Zeri i Popullit on the first page under the headline "The person who conceived the destruction of Albania, and the 'denouncement' of Tritan Shehu." "The president needs the closure of a constitutional period and the beginning of another: the return should be prepared", reports the paper. "The first Italian troops arrived in Albania," reports the paper. On the second page, the paper publishes the article "Berisha, the misfortune of DP."

"The operation asked to be done by DP is very difficult," reports the paper, regarding the meeting of the DP National Council to be held on Sunday.

"Berisha should speak: Why the Army surrendered:, reports Republika. "Albanian needs a new dawn", reports the paper regarding the beginning of "Alba" mission. "The democratic Presidency to be voted", reports the paper regarding the meeting of the DP National Council to be held on Sunday. "As debate is expected regarding the people who distanced themselves, Pollo says that the representatives of this group should declare their responsibility", reports the paper.

"Alba" arrives in Durres", reports Albania, which entitles its editorial "International aid and the shade of the black hole". "Albania should go towards the new elections, when it will be a society set free by the trauma", says the editorial among others. "The committees and the armed gangs are actually the only factors which can risk the restoration of tranquillity in Albania, by mining meanwhile the conduct of new elections in June this year", reports the paper under the title "Do the socialists support the Government of National Reconciliation?". "Vefa calms down the creditors: distribution of money starts on April 15", reports the paper.

"The committees and the armed policy" is the editorial of Koha Jone paper. "One of the most preferred speculations of those who want to topple the Government of National Reconciliation is the denigrating campaign against the committees of salvation, established in the Southern towns, after the total paralyzation of the local government in these zones", says the editorial. "44 deputies against Berisha", reports the paper, considering this as the beginning of the DP split. The paper publishes an interview with the Albanian Premier, Bashkim Fino under the title "The Government of National Reconciliation will be remembered as a positive government".

Dita paper carries the editorial "Can the hope be revived?". "There is no doubt that the revival of the hope and the country will pass through the free elections", says the editorial. In the political heading, the paper carries the article "Shehu accuses the signers".

The military mission of the foreigners started its first steps on Friday", reports Gazeta Shqiptare. "Albanian Premier Bashkim Fino meets with the SP parliamentary group in his office", reports the paper under the title "Fino to the SP group: I need help".

"The giant inflation upsets the markets", reports the paper, underlining that the Index of Prices has increased during March by 14%. /kled/mt/k

[08] NICHOLAS HILL AND MICHAIL MCALLEN VISIT PRISHTINE UNIVERSITY

In response to the interest of the U.S. diplomats, Rector Statovci informed them of the work of the University, of its judicial institutionalisation into a state independent, autonomous institution, of the reform of the university, the difficulties in the work of that university, the continuous psychical and physical pressure on the students and professors, the development and perspective of the university and other issues.

As far a university premises were concerned, Mr Statovci said that "they belong to the University and must be released to it" and that "our university is institutionalised in a way that it can be 'married to' and 'grafted' with nobody."

The rector of the university also spoke of the needs this university has and its readiness to cooperate with U.S. universities and institutions. ag/n/xh/E

[09] FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE UNCHANGED IN TIRANA

Exchange rate of lek with foreign currencies is as follows on April 12, 1997:

National Commercial Bank

Currency Buying Selling

1 USD 149 152

1 DM 87 90

1000 lira 87 90.5

100 drachma 53.9 57 /a.gj/eva/mt/sh/

[10] U.S. DEPUTY STATE SECRETARY CORNBLOOM ARRIVES IN PRISTINE

The U.S. senior official was received Saturday by the President of Kosova, Dr. Ibrahim Rugova.

The talks with the U.S. delegation are being held behind closed doors. An official statement and a news conference are expected at the end of the meeting. /b.j/p.ta/kled/mt/sh/

[11] DECLARATION OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF ALBANIA

"The Democratic Party considers as irresponsible and tendentious the declaration made in the Italian newspaper "Corriere dela Sera" by Pandeli Majko, Secretary of the Public Relations of the Socialist Party. In his declaration for the Italian press, the senior socialist official, expressing the stand of his party, charged as neocolonialist Mr Casini and other leaders of the Italian Right wing and prejudiced as such the multinational force as well.

During the days when the EU, OSCE and the UN as well as the Italian Parliament were discussing the dispatch of a multinational force in Albania, the Socialist Party voiced its opposition and in the declarations by this party leaders, as was that by Mr Majko, the coming of these troops was described as a colonialist military marching towards Albania.

This proves of their xenophobic and isolationist concepts for Albania. The multinational forces come to Albania as an assistance of the friendly EU countries for Albania. In the same irresponsible way, this young communist accuses in the most shameful and intenational manner Mr Casini of personal economic interests in Albania. Casini and other Italian politicians are so welcomed friends in Albania.

Unfortunately, the viewpoints of this senior leader of the Socialist Party are in unison with the stand of the Italian Communist Refoundation.

Time ago, the Socialist Party and two other parties, DAP and SDP, had formulated such false and shameful accusations regarding the Council of Europe and its chairwoman, Ms Lenny Fischer, as well as towards the rapporteur Finsberg, Columberg and other European personalities, accusing them of economic concessions in Albania.

The Democratic Party invites on this occasion the broad ALbanian opinion to condemn as unprecedented such tendentious declarations which stir up xenophobia towards the multinational force which is coming to Albania and harm the cooperation and friendship of Albania with the neighbouring countries." xh/e

[12] ONE HOUR MORE FOR CITIZENS' FREE MOVEMENT

This was announced by Belul Celo, Interior Minister, commander of the operation "On the state of emergency in case of violation of the constitutional order", based on an order issued today.

"With the aim to create conditions for the development of the economic, social and cultural life, the curfew will apply from 8 p.m until 6 a.m." the announcement says.

Prior to this order the curfew was 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. s.sh/pas/lm/E

[13] RUGOVA WARNS AGAINST DANGER OF CONFISCATION OF FINANCIAL ASSETS BY SERB POWER

He appealed to the European Bank for Development and the World Bank to halt this act of ruining a national bank.

Rugova appreciated the New York round table on Kosova and thanked the U.S. organiser Kasof. He hailed the U.S. participation as well as the attention the U.S. State Department devoted to this meeting.

Rugova hailed the report of Ms. Rehn at the session of the U.N. Commission for Human Rights in Geneva and her indication that the U.N. office would open in Prishtine soon.

Asked by a reporter of the newspaper "Blic" about a statement of the Serb socialist party that "behind the option for Kosova's independence stands the option of war," Rugova said that the option of independence is not an option of war.

"We are working in a peaceful way and through dialogue and agreement with the Serb side, in order to have an independent Kosova," he said.

To another question regarding the Kosova borders, Rugova responded that Kosova had and has its own borders. "We have not asked to change borders, we only wish that these borders be accepted de jure, as they are not accepted de facto.

We have asked for a transition phase an international civil administration or a protectorate in Kosova towards independence," Rugova said. ag/pas/lm/Z

[14] DURRES PORT IN FULL OPERATION

All the warehouses of this port have recently been reconstructed and an accelerated procedure has been applied for the purchase of the most necessary equipment to cope with the emergency.

Efforts are also underway for the operation of the freighters' terminal next week.

The harbor is now ready for the entry and unloading of various freighters bringing humanitarian aid from the international community. kei/lm/z

[15] LEKA ZOGU ARRIVES IN ALBANIA

The pretender to Albania's throne and representative of the royal court was welcomed by some 3000 monarchy supporters from northern and central Albania. They carried in their hands national flags and portraits of Leka I and of the royal family.

Reporters found it impossible to interview Leka at the airport.

Witnesses said that they had seen tears in the eyes of the 58-year-old Leka while walking on his own land.

"He will call on the Albanians to end violence and lay down weapons," the chairman of the Legality Movement party, Guri Durollari, told ATA, yesterday.

Leka was only a few days when his father, King Zog, fled the country with his family in 1939.

After the death of his father in 1961, he was proclaimed king.

"He will call for a referendum to enable Albanians to decide on the form of governing," said Durollari. jz/lm/Z

[16] FINO MEETS DIRECTOR OF "ALBANIA 2000" PROJECT

They discussed objectives of the project and the role of the Soros Foundation in this undertaking of national dimensions for the development of the Albanian education.

Fino said that he and his government hailed the objectives that the Foundation "Open Society" intends to achieve for the development of the Albanian education infrastructure.

Clark told the Albanian Prime Minister that the Soros Foundation aims to continue its programme on education in Albania, called "Tirana 2000", which will now be called "Albania 2000" as it covers the whole Albania.

Also present at the meeting were minister of Education and Sports Luan Skuqi, and the secretary general of the Council of Ministers, Ekrem Kastrati. s.sh/jz/lm/Z/

[17] ITALIAN DEFENCE MINISTER VISITS ALBANIA

Vukaj considered the visit of Adreatta a support for the Government of National Reconciliation to normalise life in Albania and expressed his consideration for the "outstanding friend", as he considered the Italian government for the Albanian one.

Vukaj dwelt on the restructuring of the army and its reactivation and said that "we have succeeded in reorganising several military formations as well as smaller military structures."

He said that the Government of National Reconciliation has assigned the Albanian army to take part in the aid distribution.

Vukaj said that preparations are underway for the "Alba" operation and that "we will do everything possible for its successful realisation". jz/lm/Z/

[18] NO HOSTILE SIGNS TO "ALBA" MISSION VANGUARD

The multinational troops were welcomed in the city of Vlore by all its inhabitants.

Meanwhile, the situation in the Vlore town, despite constant improvements, is still far from normal.

The late afternoon and evening hours are associated with gunshots.

Rallies are held at the Independence Square every day at 10 a.m.

What is new in the Vlore town is the distribution of pensions. s.sh/jz/lm/Z

[19] PRESIDENT BERISHA MEETS WITH ITALIAN DEFENCE MINISTER ANDREATTA

President Berisha thanked Minister Andreatta for the interest, aid and solidarity that the Italian Government and friendly people are proving to Albanians and Albania in the overcome of difficulties.

Expressing his readiness for political solutions, President Berisha stressed that in this context the free and fair elections are the only road for Albania's going towards democracy and its integration into Europe.

In this framework, the rebels' committees consisting of left wing extremists,mafia members and traffickers and the agreement linked with them are the only obstacles for the serious efforts that t he National Reconciliation Government is making to carry the country to the polls. He voiced his conviction in the success of the operation of the multinational forces and the efficiency of the support that Italy and Euirope are giving for the implementation of the political solution to Albania, of which Albanians and Albania will be eternally grateful.

President Berisha also expressed his gratitude for the assistance that the Italian Government will give to Italian investors to resume their activity in Albania as a very important contribution to the revival and the future of the Albanian economy.

Minister Andreatta assured President Berisha of the full and direct commitment of Italy towards Albania through economic and financial aid in every field.

Italy is resolute, hre stressed, to encourage international financial institutions, the World Bank, IMF, to help Albania to come out of the present situation.

Minister Andreatta considered the free and fair elections as very important for the restitution of stability and the future of Albania and assured president Berisha that the success of the operation of the multinational forces would help create favourable conditions for these elections. ssh/xh

[20] U.S. HIGH RANKING DELEGATION MEETS PRESIDENT RUGOVA

In the declaration for reporters Mr Kornblum described the talks with President Rugova as good and fruitful.

"I have come to Kosova to demonstrate through our presence the U.S. commitment to the restitution of full rights in Kosova and to the peace in region."

"I think that by coming here we have helped in this direction," said Mr Kornblum, after the talks with President Rugova.

Mr Rugova said: "We are stronger, we have a stronger friendly relation with the U.S. and its continuous care of the question of Kosova, and anyhow, under the leadership of the United States the question of Kosova will be solved." bj/ag/xh

[21] ITALIAN AMBASSADOR AGAINST RAI MISINFORMATIONS

Recently, via the central TV station, RAI, the special programmes of the "Pinoccio" and "Format" type have not correctly covered the current situation in Albania, thus, misinforming the public opinion interested in the situation.

The pronouncements of several Italian policy heads on Albania and Albanians' affairs, pronouncements which have aroused polemics even among the Italian people, have as well been of the same level.

Foresti acknowledged the misinformation on the situation in Albania by the special programme "Pinoccio".

"I do not deny the fact that efforts should be made for programmes to give a real coverage of the situation in Albania," he said further on. jz/lm/Z

[22] SUCCESSFUL POLICE OPERATIONS IN TIRANA

Citizen Shkelqim Muca, 21, who, a week ago escaped prison serving a 14 year sentence for crime, was caught during this operation.

The police found in his house and blocked an automatic rifle, a gun and two cases of cartridges. Citizen Kujtim Suli, 26, was also detained after the police found in his house two automatic rifles, two cases of cartridges and two unfilled international passports.

The police forces of Police Commissariat No. 2 carried out a successful operation also in another suburb of Tirana.

Tens of light machine-guns, automatic rifles, 35 guns and a considerable amount of grenades and munition were blocked.

The police forces of this commissariat managed to catch and detain citizen Gentian Marku, 22, who had fled prison, where he had been serving sentence since seven years ago for armed robbery in complicity. s.sh/jz/lm/Z

[23] AUSTRIA EXPRESSES COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT FOR ALBANIA

They reconfirmed the readiness of all the Austrian state structures to further support Albania.

Starova has recently been invited by deputy Federal Chancellor and Foreign Minister of Austria, Dr. Volfgang Shyssel, to pay a formal visit to Austria between April 20 and 22, 1997.

The invitation says that Starova, alongside his meeting with his Austrian counterpart, would also be received in separate meetings by the country's top authorities. s.sh/jz/lm/Z/

[24] DEPUTIES QUITTING DP SHOULD DEFINE THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES ACCORDING TO THE FUNCTIONS THEY HAD- Pollo

Pollo's reaction comes after a statement signed by a group of DP deputies who ask that "tutelage of top officials on party's decisions and acts and on its parliamentary group should be lifted".

"These people have long since been involved in politics, Democratic Party structures and, most of them have held important state positions. They, before asking why did it happen so, had better try to provide their own views and define their own responsibilities," Pollo said.

"This issue will be raised for discussion at the DP National council tomorrow and will be broadly debated there," Pollo says. eva/pas/lm/Z/

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