Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 97-04-22

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] DEFENCE MINISTER SHAQIR VUKAJ MEETS U.S. CONGRESSMAN BONO

[02] ONE KILLED AND FOUR INJURED IN KUKES IN THREE DAYS

[03] EXPLOSION IN CAPITAL'S MAIN STREET

[04] EXPLOSION IN CAPITAL'S MAIN STREET

[05] PRESS REVIEW

[06] POLICE COMMISSARIAT REORGANISED IN DURRES

[07] PART OF SCHOOLS REOPEN IN KAVAJE

[08] SHIP TERMINAL BECOMES FULLY ACTIVE

[09] OPERATION ALBA COVERED BY ALBANIAN PRESS

[10] DEFENCE MINISTER MEETS MILITARY MEN OF TIRANA GARRISON

[11] ITALIAN GENERAL GIGLIO MEETS CHIEF OF POLICE COMMISSARIAT - Vlore

[12] REPORT OF TIRANA POLICE DEPARTMENT

[13] DEPUTY INTERIOR MINISTER COMPLAINS ABOUT DECISION OF GOVERNMENT FOR HIS DISCHARGE FROM WORK

[14] EU TO HELP FOR THE REHABILITATION OF THE JUDICIARY INFRASTRUCTURE

[15] SCHOOLS IN TIRANA WILL NOT OPEN DUE TO LACK OF SECURITY MEASURES

[16] PRESS RELEASE OF ITALIAN EMBASSY IN TIRANE

[17] ALBANIAN DEPUTY AZEM HAJDARI DEMANDS DECLARATION OF SOUTHERN COMMITTEES AS ILLEGAL

[18] STATE DEFENCE SECRETARY MEETS U.S. MILITARY ATTACHE

[19] ALBANIAN PARTIES SAY THEY ARE READY FOR ELECTIONS IN JUNE

[01] DEFENCE MINISTER SHAQIR VUKAJ MEETS U.S. CONGRESSMAN BONO

Also attending the reception was the U.S. ambassador in Tirana, Marisa Lino, and the U.S. military attache, Colonel Foke.

The Defence Ministry spokesman said that during the meeting Vukaj appreciated the U.S. stand in support of Albania's independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty. He also highly evaluated the consistent approach of the U.S. government and of the U.S. Congress for the good proceeding of the democratic processes in Albania and for building a really democratic state.

Although the current situation in Albania continues to be tense, it is not without a wayout, Vukaj said.

"We are conscious of the difficulties that certain segments try to create, but the real democratic forces in Albania resolutely support the engagement of the Government of National Reconciliation to normalise life in Albania and hold really free and fair elections," he said.

Dwelling on the two countries' cooperation in defence Vukaj asked that all programmes of cooperation be reactivated, making the respective improvements, dictated by the new situation in the Albanian army as well as by Albania's commitment to create a national army after the pattern of the NATO member countries, based on the country's possibilities and traditions.

Copani made a presentation of the current situation and said that the citizens have in their hands only weapons for self-defence, while the heavy armories are completely controlled by the army.

U.S. Congressman Bono said that the situation in Albania is improving with each passing day and assured them that the U.S. will continue to back up efforts to normalise the situation and overcome difficulties.

He stressed that the U.S. government and Congress fully trust the performance of Lino and her staff, as well as their efforts to endorse the commitments of the National Reconciliation government.

"The U.S. Congress is very satisfied with your efforts in overcoming the situation. We will continue to support you, as we know your goal", congressman Bono said. a.ke/pas/lm/sh

[02] ONE KILLED AND FOUR INJURED IN KUKES IN THREE DAYS

The victim, 50, from Shtiqen village, was found killed by gunfire some 2 km from the Kukes town.

Sources from the town's hospital say that over 90 people have been wounded a nd 13 killed since the beginning of turmoil in this district, figures which are considered high in relation to the district's population. eva/lm/SH

[03] EXPLOSION IN CAPITAL'S MAIN STREET

The car was parked in a small square, in front of fast-food "Hambo", (former Flora confectionary). lm/sh/

[04] EXPLOSION IN CAPITAL'S MAIN STREET

The car was parked in a small square, in front of fast-food "Hambo", (former Flora confectionary).

According to the inhabitants in the area of explosion, the blast took place at about 5.00 a.m. today. They said the car belonged to a police officer, who has been senior officer of one of the Tirana commissariats.

According to police sources, the bomb was planted in a private car, but the real causes of this incident are yet unspecified.

The blast has completely destroyed the car and shattered the windows of the "Hambo" restaurant. There are no reports of casualties so far. lm/Z

[05] PRESS REVIEW

The paper carries an appeal of the European Conservators addressed to Albania saying that the poll should be held after the Southern rebels are disarmed.

The paper carries the article: "Managers of the collapsed pyramid schemes are leaders of the military committees.

The paper carries the article "Vlore amid joy and anxiety" , regarding the multinational forces entering the Southern areas.

Also, under the title "Illegal decision of the Government", the paper carries the statement of the spokesman of the President of the Republic regarding the dismissal of General Shehu.

Zeri i Popullit carries an article published recently in "Corriere della Sera" entitled "Some 700 NIS workers trained in Tirana's suburbs". The paper carries an interview with Prime Minister Fino under the title:"The Government of National Reconciliation cannot be harmed because of a policeman" as well as the statement of the Government of National Reconciliation for dismissing A. Shehu".

The paper carries the article:"The president under penal charges", in which Berisha is accused of calling for arming DP structures and sympathizers.

Republika carries today an interview with former defence Minister Zhulali under the title: "Responsibility rests on the Albanian police and not the army". The paper reports on the arrival of the forces of peacekeeping mission Alba in Vlore.

Under the title: "Albania, this white Zaire", the paper reports on the pupils and students, victims of the lack of school.

Rilindja carries the note "The May elections in Kosova are necessary". The paper covers the meeting of international experts in Vienna under the title:"The solution of the Kosova issue considered". Under the title :"Troops take up positions", the paper reports on the arrival of the multinational forces in Vlore.

Koha Jone reports on a "difficult beginning" of the entry of the multinational mission Alba in Vlore. The paper carries the article :"NIS moves to illegality", and the article: "Fino does not renounce decision on Shehu". The paper carries the article :"Justice Minister presents the draft of the electoral law". The paper carries the article: "Leka Zogu in the lands of ancestors".

Albania says in its editorial that the Socialist Party has decided to break up government coalition of 10 political parties. The paper carries the article:"Prime Minister on the verge of resigning".

Under the title:"Kosova an internal affair of Rugova", the paper says that "The U.S. finally abandons Kosova". The paper reports on the arrival of multinational forces in Vlore.

Dita reports on the Italian-Greek peacekeeping receiving rousing welcome in Vlore. The paper carries the article:"School bell stops again".

Gazeta Shqiptare carries the article: "The Shehu issue:Fino confronted with Berisha". The paper reports on the visit of Leka I to the birthplace of his father. The paper carries the note:"Yesterday, the "Alba" ships in the Vlore port". "Over 800 troops and armoured cars disembark. Vlore people applaud them", the paper says. jz/lm/e

[06] POLICE COMMISSARIAT REORGANISED IN DURRES

The chief of the commissariat, Arben Hasanbelliu, told ATA that 97 per cent of the effective of this commissariat has so far been organised in all of its services. It is now functioning regularly in three shifts.

This commissariat will soon be 100% organised and with mainly new policemen. The commissariat daily intercepts various weapons and explosive devices, sensitively increasing the number of the collected weapons.

Meanwhile, the detainment rooms are now re-functioning with six persons detained for killing and wounding and one for sexual abuse.

The Durres police commissariat forces, beside patrols in the city and strengthening checkpoints in the main junctions, are also actively assisting in the landing of the multinational force Alba in the Durres port. jz/lm/E

[07] PART OF SCHOOLS REOPEN IN KAVAJE

Teaching began in the industrial school yesterday, with 70 pupils attending it initially, and in several schools in the communes of Lekaj, Luzi, Kryevidh and Golem.

The fourth years of the secondary school "Aleksander Moisiu" are expected to begin classes tomorrow. a.ke/eva/lm/E

[08] SHIP TERMINAL BECOMES FULLY ACTIVE

Many ferries of various navigation agencies have recently had access to this terminal. Thus the "Iliria" ship has transported to and from the Durres port some 3000 passengers. It has also brought 212 cars and 91 trucks. Also, "La Vikinga" has landed in Durres 1300 passengers and "Myope" 154 passengers, 70 trucks and cars.

The ship of the "Adriatika" company, Express Grecia, has also enabled the transport of 212 passengers, 25 cars and 27 trucks with various goods.

In this way, the contracts, signed at the beginning of the year with the trade companies "Adriatika", "Shpresa", "Myope", "Vefa" and other companies, are being fully applied. jz/lm/E

[09] OPERATION ALBA COVERED BY ALBANIAN PRESS

Rilindja Demokratike, under the headline: "Multinational forces 'pierce through' the rebel-held South", the paper carries the article:"Vlore amid joy and anxiety".

"Yesterday marked the complete arrival of the Multinational forces in Vlore", the paper says. Greece towards completing its force in Albania, the paper says, stressing that together with the Italians the force numbers 850 in Vlore backed up by 300 armoured vehicles.

"Telecom helping French troops in Durres", says Zeri i Popullit. Five telephone booths in the port to come to the aid of the French soldiers, the paper says.

"Alba forces are deployed in the Vlore beach and the Aviation Unit, which has been damaged over the days of revolt, the paper says.

"Equipment for the French forces arrive in Durres", the paper says.

"Rebels threaten the multinational force: We can plant mines from Vlore to Bari", Albania says under the title: "'The committees do not know what they want".

Under the headline "Turkish troops from Tirane to Shkoder", the paper carries the article: "Turkey sends the best of its special forces". "The 800 soldiers gradually arriving in Albania make up what the Turkish press considers the best of the special forces", the paper says.

"ALBA: a difficult beginning", Koha Jone says. "Some 850 Italian and Greek troops landed by sea and land backed up by 320 armoured vehicles", the paper says.

The paper also carries a feature from the camping of the French peace contingent in Durres under the title :"Mission Alba puts up tents..."

"The troops took up positions", Rilindja says regarding the landing of the multinational forces in Vlore. "Some 350 Spanish soldiers installed in Lezhe", the paper says.

"Garibaldi" arrives, Dita says. Italian bersaglieri and paratroopers of the "Firuli" and "Garibaldi" divisions arrive in the port, the paper says.

"Alba reaches Vlore", Gazeta Shqiptare says. "Operation has started at 4.00 a.m. Troops from Fier secure the Vlore port", the paper says. kled/lm/e

[10] DEFENCE MINISTER MEETS MILITARY MEN OF TIRANA GARRISON

Attending the meeting was also the Chief of the Army General Staff, general mayor, Adem aopani.

Vukaj expressed in the meeting the conviction that the Government of National Reconciliation has the support of the people and the military men, who are working for the reestablishment of the military units which have been gravely damaged.

"Along with the reorganization of the army, it is necessary to analyse the causes of the destruction of the army, by drawing serious conclusions, so that the tragedy which occurred once be not repeated again in the history of Albania", pointed out Vukaj.

Vukaj stressed the necessity to further increase the moral of the military men and establish an Albanian national army.

"The army should be really depoliticized", said Vukaj.

Many military men of the Tirana garrison, who discussed in the meeting, expressed the complete support for the Government of National Reconciliation and treated the necessity of a more intensive work and reorganization of the military units, ends the report of the Press and Information Office of the Defence Ministry. /kei/mt/k

[11] ITALIAN GENERAL GIGLIO MEETS CHIEF OF POLICE COMMISSARIAT - Vlore

The aim of the meeting was the discussion of the problems regarding public order in this district.

The Italian general Gilio stressed in this meeting that "We will help in increasing the efficacy the police forces, by offering specialized means and professional assistance".

850 multinational troops (Italian and 130 Greek), which arrived Monday in Vlore, are deployed in the grounds of the Aviation Schools and in the former rest home of pioneers in this district. /a.ke/eva/mt/k

[12] REPORT OF TIRANA POLICE DEPARTMENT

From the preliminary investigations, it comes out that the terrorist act has been committed due to the explosive matter which was put under the car. The experts of this case are trying to define the quantity and the kind of the explosive.

The Interior Ministry and the Police Department of Tirana are working to find out the authors and the motives of this grave criminal act. /a.ke/kei/mt/k

[13] DEPUTY INTERIOR MINISTER COMPLAINS ABOUT DECISION OF GOVERNMENT FOR HIS DISCHARGE FROM WORK

Shehu explains in a press release that he has addressed to the Constitutional Court, because he considers illegal, grave violation of his rights and discriminating the decision of the Government of National Reconciliation for his discharge from work.

The government dismissed Saturday in its meeting from work the general lieutenant Shehu, which was considered by the spokesman of the President as "illegal", because his appointment in the post of deputy minister is done by a decree of the President of the Republic.

"I have been nominated in this post in accordance with the laws of this state and by the decree of the Albanian President, dated 17.11.1995", says Shehu.

In a statement issued Monday by the spokesman of the Prime Minister was said that "The Government of National Reconciliation considers legal its decision," saying that "the post of the deputy ministers is an administration post".

According to the spokesman of the President, "the nomination in the post, as well as the discharge of the major officers is done by decree of the President of the Republic".

"Premier Fino himself has appreciated my work in this period. I have been and remain a depoliticized military man. My party is and remains Albania. I have applied and will apply exactly the laws of this country, but I do not accept the idea of falling prey to party passions", says Shehu in the press release. /kei/mt/k

[14] EU TO HELP FOR THE REHABILITATION OF THE JUDICIARY INFRASTRUCTURE

Shehu, while presenting the situation in the judicial system, focused on the damages caused during this period in the judicial infrastructure, as well as in the efforts for its rehabilitation.

In this direction, he appreciated the readiness and the help offered by EU.

He also spoke of the work done for the consolidation of the independence in the judicial system.

He pointed out that an important role in this direction will play the Magistrate School, as well as the perfection of legal provisions.

Germano on his side stressed that the European Union supports the institutionalization of the independence of the juridical system.

He said that in the situation created, missions of the European Union will study in particular the situation of this infrastructure, aiming to apply not only the started projects, but also to secure the continuation of the other projects in the future.

Regarding the Magistrate School, the Ambassador Germano pointed out that the aid is already accorded and he will make all the efforts to realize it as soon as possible. /s.sh/kei/mt/

[15] SCHOOLS IN TIRANA WILL NOT OPEN DUE TO LACK OF SECURITY MEASURES

The Education Department in Tirana has asked as security measure to send an armed policeman in each school.

"We, as Education Department, are waiting the order to begin the teaching process. The grounds, teachers, school directors, the education institutions, as well as the teaching programs are ready, but without taking the security measures by the Staff of the State of Emergency, the teaching process can not start", Caci Simeoni, Chief of the Sector of Control and Qualification in the Tirana Education Department, told ATA.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Staff of the State of Emergency for Tirana and Kavaje, Angjelin Luka, told ATA that the teaching process did not start, because the Director of Tirana Police considered impossible the opening of schools, due to the lack of police forces.

According to Simeon, some 115 policemen are needed to make possible the protection of schools and other education institutions in Tirana.

Although the Interior Minister, Belul aelo, who is also the commander of the operation of the state of emergency, ordered the opening of schools on Monday in the whole country, leaving competencies to local staffs, according to the situation in each district.

In several districts, after the measures taken by local staffs, the teaching process has partially started. /mt/k

[16] PRESS RELEASE OF ITALIAN EMBASSY IN TIRANE

The Italian Government has financed and sent to Durres during the past days a considerable amount of food emergency aid. Thanks to a finacing worth 600 million lira, it was made possible the implementation in Albania of the World Food Program (PAM) which, as is known, is a specialized agency of the Unitd Nations for Food Aid.

A squad of the Multinational Security Force will guarantee the delivery of the aid.

Italian Foreign Minister Lamberto Dini, the press release continues, has confirmed that after consultations of the past days with Internatioanl Financial Institutions in London, on occasion of the meeting of EBRD (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development) and directly with Washington, a delegation of the World Bank will arrive in Tirana to determine together with Italian experts the elements of a program of economic-financial assistancve which will be presented to the International Conference of Stability, to be held in Rome the coming weeks, upon the initiative of the Italian Government.

Finally the President of Italy's Council of Ministers, Romano Prodi has reported of the creation of a group of coordination which will work with Albanian authorities and, in cooperation with International Organizations, for the reconstruction of the Albanian State in all basic sectors, law, public order, banks and financing, education, customs houses and fiscal system, etc.

Through this acts and others to be undertaken, both directly and by the activation of specialised international organizations, the Italian Government wants to once more voice its support for the Albanian people and Government to overcome as soon as possible the present stage of the emergency," writes the press release of the Italian Embassy in Tirane. ssh/xh/

[17] ALBANIAN DEPUTY AZEM HAJDARI DEMANDS DECLARATION OF SOUTHERN COMMITTEES AS ILLEGAL

"Some committees, self-styled 'salvation' committees have been formed in Albania, and this Parliament has adopted a position conformed to the Main Constitutional Provisions of Albania. But on the other hand, there is another stand by the executive power, which recognizes and talks with thems, something which runs counter to the legislation in force," said Mr Hajdari in his declaration.

According to Hajdari, the acts and stands of the so-called "salvation committees," of their organizers and leaders oppose the Penal Code of the Republic of Albania, and are classified as penal acts envisaged by some articles, grouped in the chapters: "Crimes against the constituional order" and "Crimes against independence and constitutional order."

Citing articles and chapters of the package "On Main Constitutional Provisions," according to which "The People's Assembly is the highest state power and the only law-making body," Hajdari demanded from the People's Assembly, that, based on the Main Constitutional Provisions and its competence, to present the question of these committees to the Constitutional Court.

Hajdari said that "the people who have self-styled themselves above the legal structures of the local and central governments, by taking the command of police commissariats and other military units, who have made crimes publicly, such as the use of other states' flags, etc, should be put before the law."

Mr Hajdari asked by the Parliamentary Proups "to voice their opinion on the legatimacy of these committees."

Albanian Parliament will be discussing in the afternoon session the demands that deputy Azem Hajdari presented in his declaration. kei/xh

[18] STATE DEFENCE SECRETARY MEETS U.S. MILITARY ATTACHE

Mr Kazazi highlighted the broad cooperation in the military field between the two countries and voiced the readiness to continue this cooperation on the basis of the existing agreements. He said that the Albanian Army appreciates the important role that the U.S. is playing for the coming of the Multinational Force to Albania and the support for the successful realisation of its mission.

Speaking of the recorganization of the Albanian army, State Secretary Kazazi said that it would cooperate closely with the Multinational Forces.

Mr Fox pointed out the importance that the U.S. attaches to Albania as a factor for stability in the region. Cooperation in the military field would continue on the basis of the programs and for their realisation the stability of Albania is important.

"Assistance for the Albanian Army will not be lacking," said Mr Fox. kei/xh/k

[19] ALBANIAN PARTIES SAY THEY ARE READY FOR ELECTIONS IN JUNE

For the chairman of the Democratic Party of Albania, Tritan Shehu, the conduct of these elections is closely linked with the free movement of the people and with the establishment of the authority of local government throughout Albania.

"We are seriously making preparations and are for the observation of the agreement made and for the election date. But as I have previously stated, two conditions must be met: the free movement of the people and free activity for all political forces, which implies the elimination of the so-called "committees" which undermine these things, and the establishment of the local government authority," said Mr Shehu in a report for ATA.

Whereas the SP Secretary, Pandeli Majko considers the June 29 elections as the only solution to come out of the crisis.

Two days ago, the OSCE President Havier Ruperez said that "the elections cannot and should not be held before September because the remaining time is not sufficient to meet the conditions needed for the preparation of the elections."

"I think that Mr Ruperez has little information of the desire of the Albanian people to hold the elections and that he takes into consideration only the technical aspect. I think that these elections are wanted by the Albanian people and their will must be respected, but proceding from the political aspect, I am of the opinion that the elections will be held in June due to the will of the Albanian parties and people for these polls."

Also the Christian Democratic Party says in one of its declarations that it considers the respect for the date of elections in June as the first step for the overcome of the crisis.

"The respect of the election date according to the March 9 agreement is the first step to bring the country out of the crisis,' says a declaration of this party.

But for the chairman of the Balli Kombetar Party, Abaz Ermenji "the holding of elections is impossible as long as the people are armed." xh

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