Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 97-04-25

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CONTENTS

[01] COORECTION In the story "ALBANIAN SPECIAL FORCES TO BE TRAINED BY AUSTRIAN EXPERTS"

[02] GROUP OF ITALIAN SOLDIERS PRECEDES EFFECTIVE OF MULTINATIONAL FORCE IN ELBASAN

[03] POLITICAL PARTIES DISCUSS THE ELECTION LAW

[04] READINESS OF FINISH GOVERNMENT TO HELP ALBANIA

[05] EDU MISSION TO VISIT ALBANIA

[06] RUGOVA MEETS WITH GERMAN DIPLOMAT IN PRISTINA

[07] INVESTIGATIONS ON INCIDENT IN BUSHAT STARTED

[08] GOVERNMENT: NO RISE IN WAGES BY 300 %, BUT REWARD FOR POLICEMEN WITH 300% OF THE WAGE

[09] MEETING ON TRANSPARENCY OF LOAN-TAKING COMPANIES IN ALBANIA

[10] 42 TONNE AID FROM GREEK GOVERNMENT TO ALBANIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH

[11] FROM THE VISIT OF ALBANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER IN GERMANY

[12] PRESS REVIEW

[13] ARMY DEPOT WITH EXPLOSIVE MATERIAL BLASTS IN LEZHE

[14] AMBASSADOR OF KINGDOM OF DENMARK PRESENTS CREDENTIALS

[15] CAMPAIGN TO VACCINATE ALBANIAN POPULATION AGAINST POLIO

[16] ITALIAN MILITARIES STUDY TERRAIN IN KORCE

[17] ANY SOLUTION TO KOSOVA ISSUE AGAINST PEOPLE'S WILL IS UNACCEPTABLE TO US - Krasniqi

[18] PRIME MINISTER FINO MEETS DANISH AMBASSADOR

[19] NEW ELECTIONS IN KOSOVA TO BE DECLARED NEXT WEEK - Rugova

[20] GERMANY CONFIRMS SUPPORT FOR ALBANIAN STATE AND SCHOOLS

[21] AMBASSADOR OF DENMARK PRESENTS CREDENTIALS

[22] ALBANIAN JUSTICE MINISTER ENDS VISIT TO ITALY

[23] VALLEY OF SHKUMBIN RISKS TO EXPLODE

[24] 392 ROMANIAN MILITARIES TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MULTINATIONAL FORCE IN ALBANIA

[25] DP CHAIRMAN TRITAN SHEHU MEETS WITH OSCE COORDINATOR GRUBMAYER

[26] PRESIDENT BERISHA MEETS IMF AND WB REPRESENTATIVES IN ALBANIA

[27] ALBANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER STAROVA ENDS VISIT TO THE FR OF GERMANY

[01] COORECTION In the story "ALBANIAN SPECIAL FORCES TO BE TRAINED BY AUSTRIAN EXPERTS", please read the name of the commader general of these experts Johannes Betschmer, instead of Dr. Michael Siko. Follow the corrected version of the story: ALBANIAN SPECIAL FORCES TO BE TRAINED BY AUSTRIAN EXPERTS

The Austrian Interior Ministry approved a monthly fund of one million shillings, which will cover the expenditures of the Austrian experts, who will engage in training the Albanian special forces, as well as the necessary up-to-date equipment needed for the training of these forces.

The group of experts of the Austrian special forces, headed by commander general of these forces, Dr. Michael Siko, will come to Albania after two days.

The necessary material basis will be brought in by the Austrian side. s.sh/kled/lm/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] GROUP OF ITALIAN SOLDIERS PRECEDES EFFECTIVE OF MULTINATIONAL FORCE IN ELBASAN

Colonel Nardi of this group of soldiers was received by the prefect Tonin Alimhilli, with whom he talked in the climate of understanding on the conditions and everything else, regarding "Alba" mission in the districts of Elbasan, Librazhd, Gramsh and Peqin.

The main concern of the "Alba" representatives was the control of the national roads.

220 tonne flour of the humanitarian aid, which arrived last night, are being distributed in different regions without the presence of the multinational forces.

It is expected that the dispatch of 600 Greek forces in this region be realized in the next two days, the inspector of order and army near the prefecture, Petrit Beqiri, told ATA. /s.sh/kled/mt/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] POLITICAL PARTIES DISCUSS THE ELECTION LAW

The discussion is held in the context of the Round Table of the political parties and will focus on two drafts presented by the Ministry of Justice. These drafts have considered and covered the views, suggestions and remarks made during the two previous round tables of the political parties with the Government of National Reconciliation on the election law.

The drafts, which were discussed on Thursday by the senior representatives of 10 political parties, are also observed and discussed with specialists of OSCE and Council of Europe, who have given their respective suggestions.

Premier Fino, while presenting the drafts of the election law, expressed the readiness and will of the Government of National Reconciliation to overcome in the climate of dialogue and consensus the different opinions to make possible the law passes through parliament as soon as possible.

"This will enable the conduct of the new parliamentary elections within the deadline defined in the March 9 Accord," he underlined. /s.sh/kled/mt/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] READINESS OF FINISH GOVERNMENT TO HELP ALBANIA

The Foreign Ministry of Finland has accorded to the Finish Red Cross 1 million Finish marks for Albania.

Minister Sherifi asked a wider cooperation, mainly in the social field, as well as greater assistance for the improvement of the labour legislation, and for the construction of the local structures. /s.sh/kled/mt/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] EDU MISSION TO VISIT ALBANIA

The mission is headed by the EDU Executive Secretary, Aleksis Wintoniak. The delegation is made up of Jose Robles Frage from Spain, Christos Valtadoros from Greece, Henri Toremak from Sweden and Matia Peterlik of DEMYC (Democratic European Youth Organization).

During its stay in Albania, the EDU mission will meet with Albanian President Sali Berisha, Premier Bashkim Fino, Chairman of the Democratic Party Tritan Shehu, as well as with the secretary of this Party.

It is also planned the EDU mission to meet with the Interior Minister Belul Çelo, and the Foreign Minister Arjan Starova.

This mission will also meet with the Socialist Party in its headquarters, and in the grounds of Rogner Hotel it will meet with Social Democratic Party Union, National Front Party, Legality Party, Christian Democratic Party, as well as with the Human Rights Union Party.

At the end of the visit, the EDU mission will give a news conference. /kled/mt/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] RUGOVA MEETS WITH GERMAN DIPLOMAT IN PRISTINA

Chairman Rugova re-stressed that the leadership of Kosova asks a permanent international protectorate, aiming to normalize the life and the institutions, as well as the establishment of the preconditions for the solution of the Kosova issue.

"The equal dialogue and without conditions between Pristina and Belgrade in the presence of a third party is the only way for the fair solution of the Kosova issue," stressed Chairman Rugova.

The German diplomat conveyed to leader Rugova the concern of the German government on the situation in Kosova and re-stressed the engagement of Germany for the solution of the Kosova question by democratic and peaceful means.

Mr Prygel also spoke of the gradual return from Germany in Kosova of the Albanians who have asked asylum.

With regard to this problem, Rugova repeated the request for the gradual return of the Albanians from Germany, under the continuous watching of the German authorities. On this occasion, Rugova thanked Germany for the care it showed in this direction. /ag/kled/mt/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] INVESTIGATIONS ON INCIDENT IN BUSHAT STARTED

The Shkoder police commissariat has brought the accusation and an investigating group of the Attorney's General Office is working on this case, sources of the prosecutor's office in Shkoder report.

The prosecutor of the district, Ilir Osmani told ATA that "5 police officers have been asked so far, and the group which escorted Premier Fino will be also interrogated".

The incident occurred on April 5, 1997, in Bushat, 15 km far from Shkoder, where the armed group blocked the national road to the town, where Fino had planned talk with representatives of local government. /s.sh/kei/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] GOVERNMENT: NO RISE IN WAGES BY 300 %, BUT REWARD FOR POLICEMEN WITH 300% OF THE WAGE

The Albanian policemen were told that they would receive three wages, but in fact they really received the value of three wages but in the form of reward.

Zeri i Popullit paper on Thursday reported that the Minister of Finance, Arben Malaj has declared in parliament that "The wage of the policemen is tripled".

"The decision of the Government of National Reconciliation, dated March 15, 1997 says: the police officers should be rewarded up to the threefold of the wage. Thus, the decision of the government shows that it is not a rise in wages but a reward", the chief of finance in the Interior Ministry, Viktor Hysi, told ATA.

The Council of Ministers gives competencies to the Interior Ministry to define the amount of this reward in proportion to the level of engagement of the order forces for the restoration of the public tranquillity. /kei/mt/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] MEETING ON TRANSPARENCY OF LOAN-TAKING COMPANIES IN ALBANIA

The Albanian Minister of Finances, Arben Malaj, said in this meeting that "no financial aid can be given without the explanation of the loan- taking companies, which should make their transparency."

The leaders of the biggest loan-taking companies did not accept their involvement into the pyramid schemes, by justifying the money taken by people with the investments in different sectors of the Albanian economy.

The representatives of the creditors, who ask the return of their money, gave different ideas for the way of the distribution of the money.

Anyhow, the meeting did not respond to the main question: "Are these companies pyramid investment schemes or no?"/ eva/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] 42 TONNE AID FROM GREEK GOVERNMENT TO ALBANIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH

The packages contain: sugar, milk, rise, flour, etc and will be distributed to the poor and sick people, as well as to the charity institutions on the occasion of the Orthodox Easter. /s.sh/eva/mt/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] FROM THE VISIT OF ALBANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER IN GERMANY

Starova familiarized them with the measures by from the Government of National Reconciliation to overcome the difficult political, economic and financial situation.

The German deputies expressed their interest on the contribution that Germany can offer to overcome the crisis in Albania.

During a luncheon given for Starova, the member of the German Parliament, former Federal Minister, Hans Ditrih Gensher, showed particular interest for the situation in Albania, for the public order and the preparation of the new elections.

"I am ready to do my best not only in Germany, but also in the other European Chancelleries to assist Albania to overcome this difficult situation", said Gensher.

Starova also met with the State Minister of the Federal Chancellery and member of the German Parliament, Bernd Shmidbauer, with whom he exchanged opinions on the last developments in Albania.

"We support you energically because Albania is experiencing a very difficult situation. Germany has continuously been attentive towards the developments in Albania and will continue to give its contribution for an all-round restoration, because it is convinced that this situation can not be overcame only by Albania".

The State Secretary in the Federal Ministry for the Economic Cooperation and Development, Herdel also promised on behalf of the Minister Spranger that Germany will keep realizing the projects existing between the two countries, as well as new projects and programmes./s.sh/kei/mt/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] PRESS REVIEW

"A delegation of the Democratic Union arrives Friday in Tirana", reports the paper under the title "Support for DP and the Albanian democracy". "Vukaj and his generals do not have any strategy for the restoration of the Albanian army", is another article of the paper. "The committees should give explanations on the killings of citizens without trial, the robbery of banks, the torching of the institutions, sexual violations and the terrorization of the population", reports the paper under the title "The continuity of chaos - the only alternative of SP to delay its defeat."

"A commando of Alba mission familiarizes with the situation in Elbasan", reports the paper.

"The guilty man has only one name: Sali Berisha", reports Zeri i Poppullit paper under the headline "The Albanian crisis can not end without avoiding the factors that created it".

"The OSCE envoy for Albania, Franz Vranitzky, declares: I have not given up from the meetings in Southern and Northern Albania", reports the paper, citing Vranitzky in an interview to BBC radio. "The wayward governing of DP destroyed the army," reports the paper, regarding the interpellation of the Albanian Defence Minister, Shaqir Vukaj.

In the heading "Analysis", the paper carries the article "Everybody is leaving Berisha". "The Party of the Movement for Democracy established with the DP members who signed the motion", underlines the paper. "First Austrian troops started for Albania", reports the paper.

"Meksi responds to Zhulali", reports Republika paper. "Former Premier Meksi ignored Thursday the letters of accuses of Safet Zhulali, former Defence Minister for five years", reports the paper. The paper entitles the editorial "The government should reconcile with Berisha".

Under the headline "The rivals of Berisha appeal," the paper carries the article "To unite around the Right Wing and to save Albania".

"Complete will for cooperation with OSCE", reports Rilindja, regarding the meeting of Premier Fino with the assistant of Vranitzky, Herbert Grubmajer.

"The legalization of the parliament and the new elections in Kosova are requests presented long ago by the political parties and the Kosova public opinion", reports the paper under the title "The regular deadline for the declaration of the new elections in Kosova ends today".

"Gradual dispersion of Alba", reports the paper. "The multinational force in Albania will have contacts only with the forces authorized by the government", declared Fino quoted by the paper.

"The pretender to royal throne in the town with many 'kings'" reports Albania paper, regarding the visit of Leka Zogu on Thursday in Vlore. "SP back to the obscure structures", is the editorial of the paper. "The Albanian socialists are ready to turn to the Albanian policy the incriminated people of the communist regime and to build with them the new administration, if they will win in the elections of June," says the editorial.

On the second page the paper publishes an article of the Italian paper "Gazzeta del Sud" under the title "The Albanian revolt is led by communists and criminals". "The parties discuss on the election law", reports the paper and underlines that "the socialists suffer from the presence of the anti-genocide in the draft of Ngjela".

"The died tables" is the editorial of Dita paper. "That which is called Albanian policy, has in general the face of a great complaint", says the editorial. The paper carries an exclusive interview with Endrew Gambel, "the one who terrorized Meksi government," under the title "The accused could not send me to trial".

"How was DP armed?", reports Koha Jone, regarding the interpellation of Defence Minister Shaqir Vukaj.

"False tranquillity" is the editorial of the paper. The paper carries an appeal of the Party 'Movement for Democracy', under the title "'LD' is the revival of DP".

"Interpellation in Parliament. The mystery why the Albanian army was ruined is confessed", reports Gazeta Shqiptare. "The depots of aviation are stormed", reports the paper and underlines that the special forces of police have gone to Berat again.

"School protected by arms starts", reports the paper and underlines that everything is ready in Tirana for this Tuesday. /kled/mt/e

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] ARMY DEPOT WITH EXPLOSIVE MATERIAL BLASTS IN LEZHE

According to police commissariat sources the explosion was caused by two-three youths, 17-19 years old, who are not inhabitants of the commune. In an effort to grab explosive devices in the military unit, angry at the guards' resistance, the boys fueled capsules which caused the blast.

This morning armed groups blew up the electric booth of the commune leaving 300 families without electricity. eva/lm/E

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] AMBASSADOR OF KINGDOM OF DENMARK PRESENTS CREDENTIALS

Also attending the ceremony on the occasion was the deputy Foreign Minister, Albert Rakipi.

The ambassador was accompanied by other diplomats of the Danish embassy in Rome. eva/lm/e

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] CAMPAIGN TO VACCINATE ALBANIAN POPULATION AGAINST POLIO

The participants set May 5, the day of beginning this vaccination. eva/lm/E

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] ITALIAN MILITARIES STUDY TERRAIN IN KORCE

Colonel Nardi and his assistants familiarised themselves with the terrain and site of deploying the multinational force in this district.

Nardi and his group also met today the chairman of the district council and the city-hall mayor as well as officers of the police and division commissariat.

The police commissariat officers asked the Italian Colonel assistance with armoured vehicles and other equipment for the public order forces. eva/lm/Z

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] ANY SOLUTION TO KOSOVA ISSUE AGAINST PEOPLE'S WILL IS UNACCEPTABLE TO US - Krasniqi

Krasniqi stated at the regular meeting of the party that the Albanian people commit themselves that the Kosova issue be resolved through peaceful and democratic means, dialogue and without conditions between Prishtine and Belgrade, in the presence of a third party.

"We want the U.S. to be the third party," Krasniqi said. p.ta/kled/lm/Z/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] PRIME MINISTER FINO MEETS DANISH AMBASSADOR

The restoration of order and peace at home and cooperation in this context with the multinational forces help normalise the situation and realisation of really free and democratic elections.

Fino thanked Denmark for its assistance to Albania and expressed his full support for the mission led by Dr. Franz Vranitzky. The only possibility to improve the situation at home is holding elections at the set deadline, Fino said.

Iversen brought Fino greetings from Danish Foreign Minister and Prime Minister as well as their powerful support for the Government of National Reconciliation.

He expressed the delight that the OSCE has friends in Albania.

"OSCE has found broad understanding and its cooperation with the Government of National Reconciliation will be closer to carry its mission through to the end," Iversen said. s.sh/jz/lm/Z

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] NEW ELECTIONS IN KOSOVA TO BE DECLARED NEXT WEEK - Rugova

"The election and its campaign will be held under the difficult conditions of occupation but all the political forces will take care that it be democratic and fair," president Rugova said in his today's news conference.

"For this purpose we have asked the presence in Kosova of as many observers from the U.S., European countries and various international organisations as possible," Rugova said.

The decision on the new elections and the issue of constituting the parliament is taken after consultations with parliamentary groups, political parties and the Coordinating Council of the Kosova political parties.

Asked by a Serb reporter on the elections and possibility of participation and representation in parliament of various nationalities in Kosova, Rugova said that even in the parliament emerging from the past elections, the Kosova Serbs, according to the ethnic structure, are given 14 seats.

While, by participation in elections, the Kosova Serbs, according to the political line and by the free vote, can win more seats in parliament, Rugova said.

"The Independent and neutral Kosova offers all guarantees for the Kosova Serbs. The independence of Kosova would be a factor of stability in the region," Rugova said.

He turned down and considered groundless speculations by allegedly moderated circles of Belgrade that the independence of Kosova destabilises the region.

Even today, the independent Kosova, although under foreign domination, is increasingly becoming a factor of stability in the region, the President of Kosova concluded. p.ta/eva/lm/Z

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[20] GERMANY CONFIRMS SUPPORT FOR ALBANIAN STATE AND SCHOOLS

During the meeting, held at the Ministry of Education and Sports, they pointed to the close cooperation of the Albanian Ministry of Education and Sports with the German side in restructuring and organising many schools.

The Albanian side expressed the commitment of the government and of the respective bodies to resume the teaching process at all levels.

Disdorn expressed once again his and the Germany's support to consolidate democracy in Albania and confirmed his coming visit to the Kavaje town.

The interlocutors appreciated the performance of the elected bodies of the local government in stabilising the situation, and considered illegal the "salvation" committees.

In the field of pre university education, the ambassador pointed to the efforts to return the German teachers to Albania in the next academic year, 1997-1998, based on the respective draft-agreement between the Albanian and German governments, as well as to continue the joint projects in our schools. kled/lm

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[21] AMBASSADOR OF DENMARK PRESENTS CREDENTIALS

He brought President Berisha greetings from the Queen and the government of Her Majesty and assured him of the continuous support and contribution of the government of Her Majesty to help pull Albania out of the crisis.

Berisha expressed thanks for Denmark's direct participation in organising the Multinational Force operation Alba and its precious contribution, as the current holder of the OSCE presidency, over the recent months.

Berisha expressed his delight over the ongoing success of Vranitzky's mission and at the same time his conviction that it will remain as such to the end.

Pointing to the elections, as the main issue, the President said that: "We are fully committed to hold free and fair elections, which will be overseen by the Council of Europe, which we have entrusted with leading the monitoring of the poll, welcoming the full contribution of ODIHR and U.S. institutions and of the whole world to observing our elections".

As regards the electoral law, Berisha stressed that since March 31, 1991, until now, both the clear majority and proportional systems have been used in Albania. The two systems provide conditions guaranteeing democratic electoral process and elections.

"We favour an entirely majority system, convinced of the fact that the environments created, the problems to be resolved by the coming government require that the parties put the country's interests above the party interests," Berisha said. s.sh/jz/lm/Z/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[22] ALBANIAN JUSTICE MINISTER ENDS VISIT TO ITALY

In his meeting with the Italian Justice Minister, deputy President of the Magistracy and other Italian Justice authorities, Ngjela discussed the Juridical agreement on Executing Penal and Civil verdicts, Extradition and other issues.

Justice minister expressed concern about the lack of magistracy in Albania.

The deputy President of the Supreme Council of the Italian Magistracy accepted Ngjela's idea to help the Albanian magistrates through training in the Italian Magistracy school.

Italian justice Minister Flick expressed readiness that officials from the Albanian General Department of Prisons Administration be trained in the Italian Penitentiary School. He also expressed the readiness to make possible an emergency aid to improve the conditions in Abanian prisons.

Ngjela invited the Italian counterpart for a visit to Tirana. eva/lm/Z

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[23] VALLEY OF SHKUMBIN RISKS TO EXPLODE

In the zone Librazhd-Xibrake, of Librazhd district, there are 15 tunnels with ammunition and 20 garrisons, and only a part of them are being guarded by civil guards.

"The population near the armament depots is rather scared and demands the adoption of immediate measures for the grouping of depots of ammunition and their protection by military guards," said the deputy of this district Sali Rexhepi.

Recently four people were injured as a result of mine blasts.

The army depot in the place called Varri i Plakes in the Mountain of Shebenik, in which there are 150 tons of artillery devices, is not yet systematized after it was looted by villagers.

"The danger is more imminent as a result of the explosion of the shooting ranges with tritum because the peasants take out of them the iron for construction," said one of the locals.

According to some sources from the region, who asked not to be identified, there has been arms and ammunition trafficking towards Macedonia. A good part of the looted armament has been sequestered by the Macedonian army which has reinforced the border between the two countries. kei/xh/Z/+++ < <

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[24] 392 ROMANIAN MILITARIES TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MULTINATIONAL FORCE IN ALBANIA

The unit will have 100 various military vehicles and will be directed by colonel Ioan Sorin.

According to the planning of the General Headquarters of the Multinational Forces, the Rumanian unit will be deployed in the city of Gjirokaster. It will leave the port of Costanca on the board of a Romanian transport ship, and then it will land in the Greek port of Igumenica, to continue its travel through the Greek territory up to the border point of Kakavija. From there the Rumanian unit will head for the territory of the Republic of Albania up to Gjirokaster.

In the context of the General Headquarters of the Multinational Forces will also function a general headquarters group consisting of two Rumanian officers. The two parts which will compose the Rumanian unit, may act independently if the situation will demand this. Also memebers of the Rumanian contingent will be professional militaries, grouped in three battalions, who will take part in operations to secure peace. On April 23, 1997, the Shen Gjergji unit was greeted by the President of Rumania, Emil Constatinesku. jz/ssh/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[25] DP CHAIRMAN TRITAN SHEHU MEETS WITH OSCE COORDINATOR GRUBMAYER

"The majority system is considered by DP as the best pattern, a guarantee to the creation of a stable governing and a possibility for the direct communication of the electorate with the deputies," said Shehu.

According to a press release of this party, "Shehu has expressed the conviction that the present law needed some improvements in some of its points."

All the meeting focused on the political situation in Albania and the conditions for the general parliamentary elections.

The DP spokesman reports that "Shehu told the Austrian diplomat Grubmayer that DP is committed to respect the deadline for the new ballot, but it demands that the electoral campaign be conducted throughout the country's territory, because at present the political parties have been hindered to extend their political activity in all the territory."

According to Shehu, "the armed committes, which the left opposition has frequently demanded to be considered as a party in the political talks between the parties, have become an obstacle for the normal activity of the political parties in the country."

The DP spokesman reports that Grubmayer assured Shehu that OSCE considers with interest the creation of an appropriate climate for the general parliamentary elections and that Albania will not lack the assistance and cooperation by the OSCE." ssh/jz/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[26] PRESIDENT BERISHA MEETS IMF AND WB REPRESENTATIVES IN ALBANIA

At this meeting the president asked once again the representatives of these institutions that the World Bank and the IMF engage in a full transparency of the pyramid schemes.

The president stressed that in the March 9 agreement the parties have agreed to create a multi-party commission for this purpose. He stressed that the clearing up of all the pyramid scheme firms is very important for the country's stabilisation. He held that not only the loan-taking firms that have not collapsed be subjected to a full transparency, but also those that have gone bankrupt, so that the affected citizens know where their money has gone.

The idea not to include in control the firms Gjallica, Populli, Xhaferri, Sudja as "their collapse was manipulated for political aims", is unacceptable because one should not exploit the people's losses to make politics, but they should tackled with transparency and honesty.

I hold that besides the control by the Finance Ministry, which is run by a former opposition member, all firms should be subjected to an independent international control as well.

I would appreciate the acceleration of the procedures regarding the control of the loan-taking firms.

The representatives of the two institutions committed themselves to convey this very important message to their leaders in Washington and that transparency on the loan-taking firms of the World Bank and IMF is of great importance. s/.sh/jz/lm

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[27] ALBANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER STAROVA ENDS VISIT TO THE FR OF GERMANY

The meeting between Mr Starova and his German counterpart, Klaus Kinkel was held in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

"Your visit is very important," said at the beginning of the talk Mr Kinkel. "We want to express clearly our concern of the situation in your country and our full readiness to help you." Preoccupation for the chaotic situation created in Albania, the concrete fields where Germany can help, the German commitment to the international institutions, OSCE and EU, the urgent dispatch of humanitarian assistance, the discussion on parliamentary elections were the issues which were extensively discussed by the two ministers.

Mr Kinkel focused in particular on the questions of the public order, the cooperation between the political forces and the activity of the National Reconciliation Government which Germany does fully support.

Germany, confirmed Mr Kinkel, has for many years been the main supporter of the democratic processes in Albania, therefore the Albanian people must be convinced that Germany is close to Albania even in these difficult moments, despite the fact that it has not sent its troops to the multinational force. The German presence will be mainly in the re- establishment of order, assistance and logistics, the emergency aid and in long term economic projects.

After the official meeting, the two ministers, amidst a great interest by the local and foreign medias, gave a news conference, in which it was once more confirmed the idea that Albania, as part of Europe not only geographically, but also in its spiritual constitution and democratic aspirations, would have the full assistance of Germany and Europe in its efforts to come out of the crisis and chaos.

"We will not leave you alone," said mr Kinkel.

The Speaker of the German Parliament, Ms Rita Sysmuth also had a meeting with Mr Starova, in which she was informed of the latest developments in Albania. She stressed that the German Parliament too had closely followed the situation in Albania and affirmed that Germany would indisputably make its contribution to see Albania as soon as possible with consolidated state structures and with an advanced democratic order.

Minister Starova had working meetings with parliamentary groups of various political forces in the German Bundestag. The group of the Green, led by Dr Helmut Lipelt, confirmed its positive position for Albania and voiced its optimism for Albania's coming out of the political, economic and financial crisis.

The parliamentary social democratic group led by Mr Gunter Ferhoigen expressed the importance of the parliamentary activity and its commitment to help Albania, promising of a working visit to Albania.

The chairman of the Foreign Policy Commission in the German Parliament Prof Karl Hains Hornhus reiterated that Albania takes an important place in the foreign policy of Germany, and evoked the traditional relations and its role for the stability in the region. ssh/xh/

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