Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 97-04-29

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CONTENTS

[01] PRIME MINISTER FINO MEETS LEADERS OF ALBANIAN MEDIA

[02] PRESIDENT OF KOSOVA ADDRESSES LETTER TO HANS VAN MIERLO

[03] NEW APARTMENTS' PRICES ARE DROPPING

[04] ELECTORAL LAW AND ALBANIAN PARTIES' PREFERENCES

[05] AFTERMATH OF LATEST TURMOIL IN BURREL

[06] PRESS REVIEW

[07] TIRANA UNIVERSITIES REOPEN

[08] PRESS RELEASE

[09] KOSOVA PARLIAMENTARY PARTY PRESIDENCY MEETS SLOVAKIAN EMBASSY COUNSELOR

[10] MILOSEVIC AND BULLATOVIC HAVE AGREED TO CHANGE FEDERAL CONSTITUTION, ACCORDING TO WHICH KOSOVA WOULD BE A REPUBLIC

[11] CHIEF OF SPANISH BATTALION VISITS SHKODER

[12] TEACHING PROCESS STARTS IN NORTHERN DISTRICTS OF ALBANIA

[13] PRESIDENT CHIRAC HONORS TWO OUTSTANDING PERSONALITIES OF ALBANIAN CULTURE - Press release of the French Embassy

[14] TIRANA REOPENS THE SCHOOLS

[15] ALBANIAN SPEAKER MEETS WITH OSCE AMBASSADOR IN TIRANA

[16] ALBANIAN SPEAKER MEETS WITH AMBASSADOR OF TUNISIA

[17] TEACHING PROCESS STARTS IN NORTHERN DISTRICTS OF ALBANIA

[18] BOMB BLAST IN CONFECTIONARY IN ELBASAN

[19] AMBASSADORS OF TUNISIA AND AUSTRALIA PRESENT CREDENTIALS

[20] MEETINGS OF ALBANIAN PRIME MINISTER WITH SOME AMBASSADORS IN ALBANIA

[21] INTERIOR MINISTER MEETS PREFECTS OF TIRANA, DURRES AND ELBASAN

[22] SPANISH TROOPS TO ESCORT FIRST AID TOWARDS SHKODER

[23] DP CONSIDERS IRRESPONSIBLE STATEMENT OF PREMIER FOR COMMITTEES

[24] ALBANIAN PREMIER FINO PROPOSES SHIK LEADERS

[25] ON THE SITUATION IN VLORE

[26] "THE GOVERNMENT MUST PREPARE A SPECIAL STATUS ON INVIOLABILITY OF UNIVERSITIES" - Minister Tafaj

[01] PRIME MINISTER FINO MEETS LEADERS OF ALBANIAN MEDIA

Fino briefed the participants on the main issues tackled by the Albanian Government and its future objectives. Fino appreciated the role and special assistance of the Albanian media in informing the public and transmitting messages of peace, tolerance and trust for a return to the democratic normality.

In the context of government's transparency towards the press, Fino invited all the Albanian media to a greater cooperation with the government at all levels. On this occasion he told the Albanian media leaders that the Prime Minister's Press office will carry out a regular service of information, reports and news conferences.

The participants in the meeting appreciated the initiative and spirit of cooperation of the Government with the press. They stressed that the creation of Government's contacts with the press brings about a new practice in the reality of the Albanian information and enables the expansion of the scope, objectivity and transparence of this information.

Meanwhile they discussed a series of problems, also asking the assistance and intervention of the Government to resolve them.

Ministers Ngjela and Malaj responded to questions of legal, economic and financial character, the Prime Minister's Press Office reports. l.gj/kled/lm/E

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] PRESIDENT OF KOSOVA ADDRESSES LETTER TO HANS VAN MIERLO

The letter says that the situation in Kosova continues tense and dangerous and that the solution to the Kosova issue is a key factor for peace and stability in the region.

Rugova begged Mr Mierlo to make known the content of this letter also to the ministers of other countries, EU members. ag/kled/lm/E

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] NEW APARTMENTS' PRICES ARE DROPPING

While some building companies were damaged, only part of them managed to protect their objects during the latest wave of destruction, which rocked the country.

The construction pace is not curbed in capital's quarters, where some 2500 apartments will be finished soon. For part of the apartments, people have paid in advance due to the contracts. Anyhow, according to the owners of these companies, some clients are withdrawn, for they had lost their money in fraudulent investment schemes, so being unable to pay the next installment.

Though the construction sector is going on well, the company owners are conscious, they can't profit that much as they previously did from apartments selling.

"Up to now the price of a comfortable apartment, 120 square metre is sold up to $60 thousand in the centre of Tirana and up to $45 thousands on the outskirts," said an owner of a construction company. "At present we can reduce the prices to 10-15 percent, but this depends on the prices established by the traders of construction materials as well."

At the forefront of construction sector are the imported cement merchants. Only during the last 10 days in Durresi port, three freighters, "Haxhi Kadia" loaded with 300 tons of cement, "Sea Bulk" loaded with 5500 tons of cement and "Agios Nikolaos" with 1225 tons of cement are being unloaded for the accounts of big construction companies.

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] ELECTORAL LAW AND ALBANIAN PARTIES' PREFERENCES

-The National Front Party, the Christian Democratic Party, the Social Democrat Union Party for the electoral law of 1992, corrected majority system, according to which 100 deputies are elected by direct voting and 40 from the party list, according to the percentage of the vote captured.

-The Socialist Party, the Social-Democratic Party, the Democratic Alliance Party, the Republican Party for a clear proportional law, according to which it will not be voted for deputies as certain individuals but for the parties and the deputies will be elected according to the party lists. eva/lm/E

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] AFTERMATH OF LATEST TURMOIL IN BURREL

These high figures in comparison with the number of the population are result of the large number of weapons and amount of amunition looted by inhabitants in the army depots.

The damages have also affected various institutions due to destructions or looting.

"The cost of damages in state institutions, social-cultural premises and schools, according to the district council sources, is approximately estimated at 3.5 million leks". JZ/lm//E

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] PRESS REVIEW

"The new elections can and should be held as planned by the March 9 agreement President Berisha said in his meeting with the European Parliament delegation, headed by the deputy speaker of this parliament, Mr Podesta," the paper says in the article: "Activity of the Committees hinders the fixing of the election date".

Under the title:"Berisha's government should not be blamed for the recent tragedy in Albania", the paper carries an exclusive article for "The New Work Times" and "RD" by Shirley A. Cloyes, renowned political analyst in the U.S..

Under the headline:"Through the labyrinths of financial scandals, "Zeri i Popullit carries the article:"Berisha gets the keys of the banks". "Former senior state officials accuse him of being responsible for destroying the economy", the paper says.

On the second page the paper carries the article:"Geopolitics with Albanian pieces for electoral effects". In the commentary "Actuality", the paper carries the article:"One month after the tragedy of the Albanians drowned in the Otranto channel".

As regards the nonappearance of the newspaper Koha Jone on Sunday, Zeri i Popullit carries the article:"Why was Koha Jone banned?" and carries the facsimile of the blocked issue of the newspaper whose front page runs the article :"Tomorrow 20 cities to take to the streets".

The paper carries on the ninth page the news conference held by Justice Minister Spartak Ngjela.

Republika entitles its editorial:"The impudence of DP and SP cannot claim to the right of the victim and saviour". The DP and less so the SP should be the accused for the crime they committed to Albania", the editorial says.

The paper says that:"The usury crisis breaks out again". The paper covers the news conference of the Justice Minister under the title:"Politicians do not want to reach consensus". "Nano - Shehu, existing alliance...", the paper says on its second page.

"Final "reconciliation" between the SP and DP seems to start", the paper says.

"Bandits turn Vlore into a hell", Albania says. "Fino's super plan", is the title of the editorial of Albania.

"Reliable sources made public the fact that the Prime Minister of the National Reconciliation Government, proposed by the Socialist Party, is fasting to draft a plan to get out of the crisis", the editorial says. Under the headline:"Socialist enigma of the proportional law", the paper carries the article:"Fatos Nano fears the SP figures".

"Several CE left wing parliamentarians have told the socialists in confidence that 'if you keep Nano Berisha is sure to win'", the paper says under the title:"Nano opens old wounds inside the SP".

Under the title:"The first document on the Albanian crisis", the paper reports on the new book by Mero Baze "Albanian - U.S. realities". ` Koha Jone , under the headline: "The truth on the creation of the Vlore committees, three days ahead of the March 9 agreement", carries the article "DP leads the Southern Committees".

"Paradox of curfew" is the title of this paper's editorial.

"By a decision taken Saturday by midnight, the Defence Staff of the capital's Prefecture, banned the distribution of the newspaper Koha Jone of April 27, the paper says under the title:"How was the newspaper Koha Jone blocked'".

Under the headline:"Debate at the Council of Europe on Albania : Albanian paradox discussed in Strasbourg", the paper carries the article:"Berisha, delirious dictator". "CE did not get to know the situation in Albania", is another article of the paper.

"After Zhulali it is the former governor of the Bank of Albania, Kristaq Luniku, who, from the IMF central headquarters, where he is invited, attacks the pyramid, on whose top stands Sali Berisha", the paper says under the title:"Berisha pharaoh of pyramids".

"We support Italy and applaud the way the operation in Albania is being carried out," says Nicholas Burns, spokesman of the U.S. State department, cited by the newspaper Dita under the title:"Washington appreciates every movement of Rome".

Under the headline:"The mystery of the Southern Committees", the paper carries the article :"DP, participant in their creation".

""An official invitation from the Socialist Party reached the DP headquarters on Sunday ", the paper says under the title:"Nano-Shehu, private meeting".

"Collapse of the Albanian economy: IMF betrayed?", is the title of the editorial of Gazeta Shqiptare. "In the recent months the first pages of the world press have covered stories on the political chaos the land of the eagles is living through", the editorial says.

"Elections: DP-SP "get closer", the paper says under the headline:"Electoral law:Two leaders seek to reach compromise".

"One should not lose time regarding the electoral law, experts of all parties should start work", the paper cites the democrat leader, Shehu, as saying.

"The meeting with Mr Shehu is considered a new opportunity for compromise. I hold there are chances for this", the paper cites socialist leader Nano as saying. kled/eva/lm/E

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] TIRANA UNIVERSITIES REOPEN

Classes have begun in all faculties, according to the data available so far.

While the Agricultural University of Kamze is not yet technically ready to open its doors to the students, the spokesman of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research says.

Because of eventual risks, according to the request of the students and teachers, police and civil guards have been present in all the faculties' grounds.

Although it is the first day of reopening of schools, the number of students is limited, because the majority of them are from the districts and they have to face the long travel with all its risks.

With the enforcement of the state of emergency, the teaching process was interrupted throughout the country and at all levels. The wave of violence and destructions considerably damaged a series of universities.

Although technically many of the Universities were ready to open their doors, armed population remained dangerous to ensure the development of the teaching process under a calm and normal situation.

Hence, the education institutions will be secured by armed guards and during the teaching hours police will be present in all the school grounds.

Reducing the school hours, pressing the teaching programmes as well as holding classes even during holidays are among the series of measures envisaged for the closing of the academic year 1996-1997. jz/lm/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] PRESS RELEASE

In his letter, President Berisha stresses that the control and transparency on pyramid investments schemes are very important for the country's stability and future. The fact that Albanian finances are today directed by a former opposition minister, makes the process of transparence on these firms more reliable.

But, stresses the President in his letter, the commitment of international institutions and teams in this process is irreplacable.

In regard to these issues, President Berisha has also addressed some time ago a message to the President of the World Bank, James Wolfenson, guaranteeing him that all the documentation on the pyramid investment schemes would be put at the disposal of the experts of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank for them to examine. ssh/xh/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] KOSOVA PARLIAMENTARY PARTY PRESIDENCY MEETS SLOVAKIAN EMBASSY COUNSELOR

Speaking of the European official policy approach towards the solution to the Kosova issue, Demaci said that the reasoning of the European official policy that in Kosova the support for independence threatens an outbreak of war in the Balkans is absurd and groundless.

In fact it is the contrary, Demaci said, stressing that Kosova's remaining within the Serb political and state framework poses a real threat of war outbreak in Kosova and broader.

The Slovakian diplomat also showed interest in the reactions to the statement of Mr. Kornblum, who had earlier declared himself for recognising the Serb jurisdiction on Kosova.

Concerning this statement, Demaci said that Kornblum's statement is not the first of this kind. His statement has surprised only those who have hidden and continue to hide the truth to the Albanian public opinion in Kosova.

Meanwhile, Rifat Blaku, deputy chairman of the Kosova Parliamentary Party, stressed that the situation in Kosova is grave and alarming and its people need international backing.

Blaku also spoke of the "Ballkania" project and said that it is a strong support and pillar for the Kosova independence and at the same time it takes into consideration the international principles not to change borders by force.

For this purpose it should be endorsed, backed and accepted by the Albanians and Serbs, because it harms no side, as it is a project of the future, the announcement of the Kosova Parliamentary Party Service says among other things. ag/eva/lm/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] MILOSEVIC AND BULLATOVIC HAVE AGREED TO CHANGE FEDERAL CONSTITUTION, ACCORDING TO WHICH KOSOVA WOULD BE A REPUBLIC

Among some of the issues for which they have come to an agreement together, according to the source of this paper, an important "detail" of the scenario of Milosevic, which has been also accepted by Momir Bullatovic, is to grant Kosova the status of a republic. The aim of this step is to accept the demands by the West, especially the U.S., for a solution to the Albanian question in Serbia. According to this account, this concession in Kosova would "pay" the consent of international centres of political forces for the steps previously mentioned one by one. ag/bj/xh/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] CHIEF OF SPANISH BATTALION VISITS SHKODER

Prefect Sharra briefed Alonso on the measures taken by the local government structures to restore order and help the multinational forces carry out the operation Alba in this district.

Alonso stressed that this visit has to do with the study of the ground, a part of the Spanish battalion forces will be deployed.

"Our battalion is assigned to distribute aid in the towns of Lezhe, Puke, Malesi e Madhe," he said.

Afterwards, Alonso visited the city's division, one of the spots the Spanish troops are thought to be deployed. s.sh/eva/lm/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] TEACHING PROCESS STARTS IN NORTHERN DISTRICTS OF ALBANIA

"Except the high schools in Puke and Fushe-Arrez, the teaching process started in all the schools of our districts," chairman of the district council, Ded Pershpali, told ATA.

Two high schools are expected to open within these days.

The education department of the district has conducted seminars with teachers of different subjects to familiarize them with the instructions of the ministry and the realization of the teaching program within a short time, mainly in the main subjects.

* * *

KOPLIK, APRIL 29 (ATA) - The pupils turned back in more than 20 schools in the district of Malesi e Madhe.

"The teaching process is expected to start soon even in the other 12 schools," the education director in this district, Luigj Kolnika, told ATA, adding that the participation of pupils in schools was more than 80 per cent today.

According to him the biggest problem remains in 4 schools of the commune of Kelmend, where the bodies of local government and police forces can not protect the schools and the pupils.

Seminars with teachers of different subjects have been also conducted in this district. /s.hs/pas/mt/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] PRESIDENT CHIRAC HONORS TWO OUTSTANDING PERSONALITIES OF ALBANIAN CULTURE - Press release of the French Embassy

France continues to appreciate at the same time the precious contribution that the Albanian intellectuals bring to the spiritual and artistic life of the world.

This is the reason why the French President Jacques Chirac has just honoured two Albanian outstanding personalities of the Albanian letters, with international fame, by elevating in the grade of the Officer of the Honor Legion the great writer, Ismail Kadare and in the grade of the Knight of the Order of the Honor Legion his outstanding translator in the French language, Jusuf Vrioni, ends the press release of the French Embassy in Tirana. /s.sh/mt/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] TIRANA REOPENS THE SCHOOLS

The teaching process started in the 11 high schools, but also in the technic school "Harry T. Fulz" and in the Turkish private college, after two months of interruption, due to the imposition of the state of emergency.

From the early data, published by the chief of the staff and training sector in the education department, Caci Simeoni, all the measures are taken so that the teaching process is held normally, surely reduced according to the instructions of the Ministry of Education and Sports.

In the capital, he confesses, the number of pupils who came to schools was 50 % to 70 %, while that of teachers was complete, with few exceptions. The teaching process also started in 45 Primary schools, except the school in the zone of Kodra e Priftit, because the presence of the order forces was not guaranteed. The teaching process also started in the kindergarten no. 8, from 4 preschools planned at the very beginning.

Different villages and communes in this district confirm reopening of schools. /kei/mt/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] ALBANIAN SPEAKER MEETS WITH OSCE AMBASSADOR IN TIRANA

Grubmajer was interested in the opinion of Arbnori regarding the latest developments in Albania, the election law, the conduct of the parliamentary elections, etc. Grubmajer stressed the engagement of OSCE to help the election process through observers, experts and technic consultation.

Arbnori underlined that the presence of many observers in the elections will be a guarantee for their correctness.

With regard to the current situation in the country, Arbnori, by appreciating the accord among the political parties, the establishment of the Government of National Reconciliation, pointed out that the existence of the military rebellious committees is a danger for the conduct of free and fair elections in the country.

Arbnori added that we have asked the political parties and any of their armed wing to understand that above the institutions, above the Parliament, no other bodies can exist, and any pressure or usurpation damages the stabilization of the situation.

Talking about the election law, Arbnori stressed that "the candidate for deputy should become known by the electorate, so that the electorate knows for whom he is voting, and this recognition is better secured by the majority system: I am against picking up the driblets of votes, a vote here and a vote there," said Arbnori.

Complaints have had the law on genocide, continued Arbnori.

"This law excludes from election until the year 2001 a limited number of people, collaborator of the communist Sigurimi, incriminated people. Anyhow, according to the recommendations of the Council of Europe, the law is improved, and there may be 200 or 300 people affected by it," said Arbnori.

Grubmajer, by appreciating the viewpoints and the description of Arbnori, expressed his hope that the tolerance and understanding among the political forces and legal institutions will prepare the necessary climate for the conduct of new elections in Albania.

"The consensus is important," underlined Grubmajer. /s.sh.kei/mt/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] ALBANIAN SPEAKER MEETS WITH AMBASSADOR OF TUNISIA

The Ambassador expressed his conviction that the relations between two parliaments and countries will enlarge further on in the future.

"We think that the worst for Albania has almost passed, the life continues normally in the country, with occasional problems, and no matter of war, as the foreign media has divulged, is discussed."

He said further on that the institutions are important in the existence of the state, that's why we appreciate the activity of the Albanian Parliament.

"We consider important the relations between Albania and Tunisia, said Arbnori in this meeting. The animation of the relations between our countries and parliaments will be a near reality." /kei/mt/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] TEACHING PROCESS STARTS IN NORTHERN DISTRICTS OF ALBANIA

"Except the high schools in Puke and Fushe-Arrez, the teaching process started in all the schools of our districts," chairman of the district council, Ded Pershpali, told ATA.

Two high schools are expected to open within these days.

The education department of the district has conducted seminars with teachers of different subjects to familiarize them with the instructions of the ministry and the realization of the teaching program within a short time, mainly in the main subjects.

* * *

KOPLIK, APRIL 29 (ATA) - The pupils turned back in more than 20 schools in the district of Malesi e Madhe.

"The teaching process is expected to start soon even in the other 12 schools," the education director in this district, Luigj Kolnika, told ATA, adding that the participation of pupils in schools was more than 80 per cent today.

According to him the biggest problem remains in 4 schools of the commune of Kelmend, where the bodies of local government and police forces can not protect the schools and the pupils.

Seminars with teachers of different subjects have been also conducted in this district. /s.hs/pas/mt/

* * *

LEZHE, APRIL 29 (ATA) - By Zef Pergega: The teaching process started Tuesday in 22 primary schools and twenty two 8-year schools in the district of Lezhe. While the 10 high schools are planned to be opened on May 5th.

The police commissariat has contibuted with forces in order to guarantee a normal teaching process in these schools. The education department, on her side, has sent civil armed guards. /a.ke/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] BOMB BLAST IN CONFECTIONARY IN ELBASAN

The bomb has caused panic at the inhabitants of the building.

Some of the inhabitants of the building report that this is the second bomb thrown in the same shop within ten days by unidentified persons. /kei/mt/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] AMBASSADORS OF TUNISIA AND AUSTRALIA PRESENT CREDENTIALS

We have complete trust, he said, that Albania will come out of the current crisis and will turn to the road of development and stability, and will be a factor of peace in the Balkans.

President Berisha stressed that Albania will overcome the difficulties created by a rebellion which failed. I would like to ensure you, he said, that the Albanians are resolute to continue the road of democracy and integrity.

In the meeting of presenting the credentials, the Tunisian Ambassador, Mr Youssef Ben Haha, expressed his delight that the Albanian reality he saw was far from the image created by media, and appreciated that the Albanians have all the necessary potentiality to overcome the difficulties.

President Berisha said that with the results of the new elections, the Albanians will confirm their orientation towards the market economy and integration in Europe. /a.ke/mt/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[20] MEETINGS OF ALBANIAN PRIME MINISTER WITH SOME AMBASSADORS IN ALBANIA

As the premier's press and information office reports, Mr Disdorn stressed the German government support for the National Reconciliation Government of Albania, and explained the official stand of Bonn about the role of international organizations in the coming parliamentary elections in Albania.

Expressing full understanding for the activity of the Albanian Government, he confirmed the stand of the German Government and other EU member countries for the direction and monitoring of these elections by OSCE and their coordination with the Council of Europe and other organizations.

The German Ambassador also mentioned the double function of the Vranitzky mission, including the coordination and monitoring of the fresh elections, reiterated by Mr Kinkel recently.

Mr Bashkim Fino made a panorama of the hitherto work of the Government for the ralisation of its program, focusing on the efforts going on to reach a concensus between the political forces regarding the electoral law.

"This concensus," he said "together with the all-sided measures of the government in the direction of public order, local government and social understanding, would help guarantee a normal free and fair electoral campaign for all te parties and throughtout the country."

He explained to Mr Disdorn that the Albanian Government does fully agree that the leading role in the monitoring of the fresh elections in Albania be played by OSCE, adding that this organization also includes all the Council of Europe member countries and for the experience and technical and financial possibilities it has.

Now the Albanian Government has addressed the respective request to OSCE and the latter has sent and will continue to send groups of experts to help in the preparation of the electoral infrastructure and in the coordination of the process.

He underlined the importance of the mission of Mr Vranitzky and the cooperation with his representative in Tirane, Ambassador Grubmayer.

Premier Fino highlighted the important role of the Council of Europe, the European Parliament and other organizations in the coming elections.

Premier Fino had also separate meetings with the Ambassador of Australia Mr Rory Steele and that of Tunisia, Mr Youssef Ben Haba.

In these meetings the ambassadors voiced to the Albanian Government and Premier their full support and considerations of the work and efforts made to restore a normal democratic life in the country and to create expectations for the future.

In reply to the interest of his interlocutors of the political developments in Albania, Mr Fino explained the measures and known options of the government for the establishment of order and political stability and to carry the country to new elections.

Also today Mr Fino had a meeting with Professor Stiven Holmes, General Chancellor of the Legislative and Constitutional Policy Institute for East European countries, centered in Budapest, with whom he talked of the cooperation and assistance for the coming legal reforms.

The meetings were characterized by the spirit of open dialogue and sincere understanding. ake/xh/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[21] INTERIOR MINISTER MEETS PREFECTS OF TIRANA, DURRES AND ELBASAN

Minister Çelo talked about the possibility of solving the social and institutional problems.

"Although the conditions have improved, they need more care," said Çelo.

The reinforcement with policemen and armed guards was one of the topics discussed by the participants in the meeting.

Çelo also discussed the problem to strengthen further on the authority of local government and legal institutions, in general. /kei/mt/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[22] SPANISH TROOPS TO ESCORT FIRST AID TOWARDS SHKODER

"50 Spanish troops, accompanied by 5 armoured vehicles, will escort on Wednesday morning the trucks of flour", confess sources of the Spanish command, deployed in Shengjin.

The Spanish troops are deployed in the port of Shengjin and provide the distribution of aid. Shkoder is not included in the first stage of "Alba" operation. /kei/mt/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[23] DP CONSIDERS IRRESPONSIBLE STATEMENT OF PREMIER FOR COMMITTEES

DP rejects it by calling it tendentious and which damages the March 9 accord, as well as the conduct of the parliamentary elections.

"The Democratic Party notices with concern that Mr Fino and his Socialist Party have also expressed other times their sympathy for these illegal committees, which have blocked the activity of the local government and that of the political parties in several districts of the country," says the statement.

The statement also says that the Albanian Democratic Party has requested and continue to request the dissolution of these committees and has asked Premier Fino and the Socialist Party to distance themselves from them.

"Such encouraging statements for the armed committees are an open and harmful provocation for the general climate of the political dialogue and the restoration of the public and constitutional order in the country," ends the statement. /a.ke/kei/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[24] ALBANIAN PREMIER FINO PROPOSES SHIK LEADERS

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[25] ON THE SITUATION IN VLORE

Yesterday, representatives of the Vlore local Government, the district council, the town hall, andf other local subjects, met with representatives of the multinational forces deployed in that city, with the commander of the Italian troops, General Girolamo Gilio and the commander of the Greek troops, Major Veneta.

After expressing his thanks to the seniour officers for the presence of the multinational forces in Vlore, Agron Shehu, deputy mayor, in the name of the Vlore local government authorities, asked from the two commanders to cooperate in securing the delivery of aid and regarding the resumption of the work in the city sea port as soon as possible. He also asked them to cooperate for the resumption of classes in the local schools and for the consolidation of public order in the city.

The Italian general, Gilio, voiced his pleasure for the meeting with the local government representatives of Vlore and underlined that such meetings were very valuable for the success of their mission.

Then, they exchanged symbolic presentes. The representatives of Vlore presented them with 3 Albanian national flags to be placed in the three facilities where the multinational forces are stationed.

Attending the meeting also was the district council chairman, Medin Xhelili. ake/xh

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[26] "THE GOVERNMENT MUST PREPARE A SPECIAL STATUS ON INVIOLABILITY OF UNIVERSITIES" - Minister Tafaj

"The government must prepare a draftlaw on a special status for the universities, so that to declare them inviolable and this draft be adopted by the Parliament," said today Mr Tafaj in a meeting of the Parliamentary Commission of Public Order and SHIK which analysed the measures adopted for the resumption of the school process.

Regarding this question, the Minister of Law, Spartak Ngjela said that "the legal adjustment for this question cannot be made in a period of two months, but an idea on this purpose may be launched." In his address, Minister Tafaj made a panorma of the situation in the Albanian universities in different districts of the country.

He said that the Agricultural University of Kamza was almost ruined, whereas the universities of Elbasan and Korce had serious damages. Tafaj said that "the damage caused in the University of Kamza amounts to about 20 million dollars.

Minister Tafaj said that classes in the faculties within Tirana started today, whereas the obstacles in the universities in Elbasan, Korce and Shkoder could be overcome easily.

Minister Tafaj hoped that with the creation of some minimal conditions, the clases might begin in the university of Kamza as well within 10-15 days.

As for the University of Vlore and that of Gjirokaster, Minister Tafaj said that they are technically ready for the classes to resume, but this process was hindered by the fact that the local government in these cities was not yet functioning.

The Ministry of Higher Education and Science has made some changes and reductions in the teaching program in general, which, according to Tafaj, "may realise the minimal indispensible volume of knowledge, but this was several times better that the attendance of studies by correspondence."

On the basis of these changes, this school year is expected to end in July. xh

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