Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) [1], 97-07-03

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] FAITHFUL OF LEKA ZOGU PROTEST IN SUPPORT OF MONARCHY

[02] MY ORDER WAS CONSTITUTIONAL - Berisha

[03] RECONSTRUCTION OF RUBIK CHURCH DELAYED

[04] ANY MANIPULATION IS LACK OF RESPECT TOWARDS ELECTORATE - leader

[05] PREMIER FINO GREETS PREMIER OF LUXEMBOURG

[06] PRESS REVIEW

[07] FAITHFUL OF LEKA ZOGU PROTEST IN SUPPORT OF MONARCHY

[08] FAITHFUL OF LEKA ZOGU PROTEST IN SUPPORT OF MONARCHY

[09] ONE KILLED AND FIVE OTHERS HURT DURING PROTEST OF LEKA SUPPORTERS

[10] ONE KILLED AND FIVE OTHERS HURT DURING PROTEST OF LEKA SUPPORTERS

[11] DECLARATION OF EDU PRESIDENT DR ALOIS MOCK ON POLLS IN ALBANIA

[12] ONE KILLED AND FIVE HURT DURING PROTEST OF LEKA ZOGU SUPPORTERS

[13] PREMIER FINO CALLS ON MONARCHISTS TO SHOW SELF-CONTROL

[14] OSCE HAS MADE GRAVE MISTAKES IN ALBANIA - CARTER CENTER

[15] VRANITZKY APPEALS NOT TO PREVENT CONDUCT OF SECOND ROUND OF ELECTIONS IN ALBANIA

[16] PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE IMMEDIATELY INVESTIGATES INCIDENT NEAR CEC

[17] DEFENCE MINISTRY CONFUTES STARTING OF TANKS TOWARDS NORTH

[18] ROBBERS OF TRAVELLERS APPEAR AGAIN IN GJIROKASTER

[19] FOUR TRUCKS WITH SMUGGLING GOODS BLOCKED IN ELBASAN

[20] PRESIDENT BERISHA ACCEPTS AND DECREES RESIGNATION OF INTERIOR MINISTER

[01] FAITHFUL OF LEKA ZOGU PROTEST IN SUPPORT OF MONARCHY

Protesters had national flags with the royal emblem and shouted "Down with the thieves," "Down with those who held meetings in Athens" and others. ak/e

[02] MY ORDER WAS CONSTITUTIONAL - Berisha

"I have given an order conformed to the Albanian legislation,"said Berisha, explaining that his order was based in Article 8 of the law 7520, which says: "The General Commander of the Armed Forces orders the movement, deployment and use of the armed forces." "You know which do the armed forces include," he pointed out.

Berisha told reporters present the reasons why he undertook that action.

"Firstly, the commander of the operation of the State of Emergency Behlul Celo left immediately in agreement with the Prime Minister without the knowledge of the chief commander, secondly, according to accurate reports gangs and groups of criminals were invited from various districts to come and celebrate in Tirana."

"The Socialists won and they may celebrate their victory," said Berisha, "but demanding that from the districts come those who do not present the people but something else was a great mistake."

Berisha explained that in such a situation he insisted for road blocks to ensure a full stability in the city.

"I regret that the Prime Minister has some bad legal advisers, some who create a situation of fear when such a situation does not exist," he said.

"Those who allow themselves to take military competence without having them, they demonstrate a constituional naivity. They showed that they are naive. I think," said Berisha, "that if prime minister had been more clearer, he would see he was abusing with that hypothesis."

"He muist bear in mind that I named him to that post and the fact that he is a Prime Minister is the result of my resolute decision to work for a political solution, and to make such a hypothesis as he does is not realistic and something beyond logic."

Berisha explained that since the post of the commander of the operation was vacant as a result of the departure of Minister Celo with the permission of Mr Fino, he had proposed another candidate to the post of the Interior Minister, a post, which, according to March Agrement belongs to the DP. xh/e

[03] RECONSTRUCTION OF RUBIK CHURCH DELAYED

Bishop of Diocese of Rreshen, Angelo Massafra said to ATA journalist that the project designed in 1993 by Italian specialists to reconstruct the church which is located on a white big rock, is worth 10 thousand USD.

A project of the Albanian Culture Minister, which called this church a Cultural Monument, is worth 30 thousand USD.

Massafra said that the Ministry needs the money to start reconstruction while we have said to them: "The church is not a state property because it is an atheist state. Please allow us to do our job toward worshipers."

In 1967, groups of "revolutionary youth" led by the teaching of the dictator Enver Hoxha destroyed the church and the convention of the priests, dismissing the priest of that time, Father Leon Kabashi.

Since then, a plate saying "Cultural Monument, protected by the state", is hanged on the walls of the demolished church. eva/ak/E

[04] ANY MANIPULATION IS LACK OF RESPECT TOWARDS ELECTORATE - leader

Durollari said that indisputable information showed that the Albanian people have voted for the victory of the parliamentary monarchy.

"The Legality Movement party urged all the Albanians not to allow any manipulation by any force, right or left-wing, and your (Albanians) conviction on manipulation which provoked indignation be not tolerated but defended with dignity without any concession," he said.

Durollari expressed his conviction on a right decision of the Central Election Commission. eva/ak/e

[05] PREMIER FINO GREETS PREMIER OF LUXEMBOURG

TIRANA, JULY 2 (ATA) - The Albanian Premier, Bashkim Fino, sent a message of wishes to the Prime Minister of Luxembourg, Jean Claude Junker, on the occasion of taking the EU rotating presidency from Luxembourg, PM's press and information office reports.

Fino expresses his thanks for the Government and Premier of Luxembourg, for the interest shown in overcoming the Albanian crisis.

Fino informs that the Albanian people and Government passed with success the great test of the June 29 elections. The decision and the new political solution that he realized through the free vote, continues the message, opens great possibilities for moving quickly towards the restoration of the political, economic and institutional stability. As the representative of the Party, which will be now in power with a convincing parliamentary majority, Fino confirms the further devotion for a cooperation and active partnership with the international community and the European Union in particular, for the integration into the big family of the civilized Europe. /pas/mt/Z/

[06] PRESS REVIEW

Zeri i Popullit covers yesterday's meeting of the Socialist party in the Skenderbej Square in Tirana in its first page under the title "Tirana celebrates the great victory." The press conference of the Socialist leader Fatos Nano and the Prime Minister Fino, are covered by the paper under the title "Guard of the Republic, not of President" and "President acts contrary to the laws". The same paper carried the economic program of the SP under the title "Stable, interdependent, open, dynamic economy". In its fifth page the paper carries a statement of the Socialist party saying that "the SP calls on Albanians to remain calm in face of panic-stricken gangs."

Republika says in the first page "Berisha ready to leave". In its third page, the paper covers the press conference of Prime Minister Bashkim Fino, under the title "Government will not change, Berisha should not give anti constitutional orders." Regarding the press conference of the Legality leader Guri Durollari, the paper says "Monarchy wins, the SP manipulated." The paper carries the economic article "Future of CE aid in doubt." In its seventh page, the paper reports that on July 14 Rapush Xhaferri, former president of "Xhaferri" fund which went bankrupt in January, faces trial.

Rilindja under the titles "I will step down under legal procedures and "Elections were within international standards" covers yesterday's press conferences of the President of the Republic Sali Berisha and the Prime Minister Bashkim Fino. In the same page under the title "Real reconstruction of Albania starts now" the paper carries a story of its U.S. correspondent on the statement of the spokesman of the U.S. government and how the American press covers the elections in Albania. Today's Rilindja covers the activity on the occasion of July 2, the seventh anniversary of the Constitutional Declaration of Kosova.

Albania entitles its today's editorial "Communists steal the King". In its first page the paper says the army is ordered to suppress the revolt of monarchists. "Gangs threaten democrats to death" is the title of a DP protest. The press conference of the President Sali Berisha is covered by the paper which quoted him as saying "I do not live together with communists." Albania carries in its fifth page the article written by Abdi Baleta "Political and electoral cannibalism".

Koha Jone says in its first page "Berisha orders coup d'etat". Today's editorial is entitled "King died, Long live the King." The paper carries the press conference of President and Prime Minister quoting Berisha and Fino as saying respectively "I will leave without question" and "I will not allow Berisha to violate laws". The paper carries an interview with Frrok Cupi under the title "Vlora will never lose." Under the economic column, the paper says "new options on privatisation of state banking system."

Indipendent carries the editorial entitled "Monarchy and Monarch". Regarding illegal meeting of the faithful of Leka Zogu, the paper quotes Fino as saying "Do not shoot at monarchists." Under the title "Fino-Celo plot", "President violates constitution" and "Durollari: Majko, give me a constituency" the paper covers yesterday's press conferences of President Berisha, Premier Fino and Legality leader Durollari. In its seventh page, the paper carries the article "Referendum, surprise of negligence," written by Prof Dr Luan Omari.

Dita covers the press conferences of the President and Premier under the titles "War of conferences in Rogner. First Prime minister and then President accuse each other on constitutional violation." Regarding yesterday's meeting of the SP in capital, the paper says "With us no-one loses". Under the title "First illegal meeting three days after July 29" the paper says "200 persons in square for King Leka."

Gazeta Shqiptare says "Monarchy in the street: 'We want our votes'". The paper under the title "Government ministers planned in party's wards" says "Government after elections? here are the names". eva/ak/E

[07] FAITHFUL OF LEKA ZOGU PROTEST IN SUPPORT OF MONARCHY

Protesters had national flags with the royal emblem and shouted "Down with the thieves," "Down with those who held meetings in Athens" and others.

Supporters headed by Leka Zogu converged on the Central Election Commission headquarters where a tension erupted between the police forces and the faithful of Monarchy. Volleys of gun fire aimed in the air forced the monarchy's supporters to scatter. A young man, 25, was wounded and sent immediately to the hospital. ak/E

[08] FAITHFUL OF LEKA ZOGU PROTEST IN SUPPORT OF MONARCHY

Protesters had national flags with the royal emblem and shouted "Down with the thieves," "Down with those who held meetings in Athens" and others.

The police forces did not intervene even at the time when the pretender to the royal throne of Albania, Leka Zogu, appeared in the tribune, together with the Minister of the royal court, Abedin Mulosmani, who addressed to the participants who had come from Mati, Lezha, Shkoder, etc.

"Premier Fino will bear the responsibility for the bloodshed he may cause to the Albanian people, because of stealing the votes in favour of monarchy," Mulosmani told the participants in the rally.

Meanwhile, the pretender to the royal throne, Leka Zogu, dressed in military uniform, addressed to the participants not to use force, but to strongly defend the votes of people in favour of monarchy with all the peaceful means.

According to Leka Zogu, the monarchy has won, but will wait for the answer from the Central Electoral Commission, and until then the people should be calm.

Leka Zogu and the Minister of the royal court, called on the participants, as well as on all the citizens throughout Albania, to convene tomorrow at 19:00 and demonstrate for protecting the votes and against their stealing.

"The citizens of Tirana, said Leka, should open all the houses for their guests and supporters of monarchy." We should not allow the stealing of any vote, said Leka and will accept only the truth.

"I tell you, confessed Leka, that the monarchy has won."

Further on, the participants continued their manifestation along the "Deshmoret e Kombit" boulevard, escorted by vehicles with supporters of Leka Zogu, who carried national flags.

According to the police leaders, the rally of the supporters of monarchy was illegal.

Supporters headed by Leka Zogu converged on the Central Election Commission headquarters where a tension erupted between the police forces and the faithful of Monarchy. Volleys of gun fire aimed in the air forced the monarchy's supporters to scatter. A young man, 25, was wounded and sent immediately to the hospital. / pas/ak/mt/e

[09] ONE KILLED AND FIVE OTHERS HURT DURING PROTEST OF LEKA SUPPORTERS

Supporters headed by Leka Zogu converged on the Central Election Commission headquarters where a tension erupted between the police forces and the faithful of Monarchy.eva /mt/e

[10] ONE KILLED AND FIVE OTHERS HURT DURING PROTEST OF LEKA SUPPORTERS

Supporters headed by Leka Zogu converged on the Central Election Commission headquarters where a tension erupted between the police forces and the faithful of Monarchy.

Sokol Baraj was appointed two days ago in the post of the deputy Interior Minister and Director General of Police.

This is the first protester, killed during the recent protests in Albania./mt/sh/

[11] DECLARATION OF EDU PRESIDENT DR ALOIS MOCK ON POLLS IN ALBANIA

"Elections in Albania were not at all fair and correct. If in a part of the country the candidates or distinguished representatives of a set political force, for instance, of the Democratic Party, could not be presented because they were threatened to death, this is a sufficient fact at least to consider relatively the democratic quality of the elections."

It must not be forgotten, says Mr Mock, that the regime of Enver Hoxha was a special sort of brutality, a regime which had put the Albanian people and Albania to prison and transformed the country into the most impoverishted one of Europe, and this was the cause of today's divisions of the country and the agressiveness in politics.

The March 9, 1997 Agreement signed by main Albanian parties, which created the indispensable basis of the dialogue between the political forces, was another contribution of President Berisha along with the merit of other participants in that all-party dialogue which cannot be denied.

The April 1997 Agreement on the new electoral law, for which the Democratic Party and President Sali Berisha had no obligation at all, but which through the improvement made to it increased the chances of the opposition through the inclination of the law from the majority system to the proportional system, was another tolerance of Berisha to ensure the national dialogue and a new start.

The recognition of the loss on the part of the Democratic Party, although the polls were conducted in totally improper conditions especially in southern part of the country, shows that for the main personalities of the Democratic Party the future of their country is more important than a short-term advantage in its political spectrum.

In this context, the declaration of Alois Mock writes further on, it would be to the benefit of the tranquillity in the Balkan region if the government heads of the Balkan countries react like this in a democratic way with regard to the polls turnout, as President Berisha has acted.

Mock stated that "the aim of Fatos Nano to follow a polic y of national reconciliation will, certainly, find an international s upport but Nano should know that he would bear full responsibility for the development of Albania for the coming years. One cannot be silent concerning the political reactivation of the people who have had important positions in the Oppressive Mechanism of Enver Hoxha.

Disassociation from the said communist regime through words and deeds is part and parcel of a new dignity."/xh/sh/

[12] ONE KILLED AND FIVE HURT DURING PROTEST OF LEKA ZOGU SUPPORTERS

The protesters converged on the Central Election Commission after a meeting, held in the "Skenderbej" square by 2000 supporters of monarchy, which was considered illegal by the police, claiming the victory of monarchy and accusing the Socialist Party of manipulations.

Protesters, who came from the "Deshmoret e Kombit" boulevard, were escorted by vehicles and had national flags. Meanwhile, a shot of pistol and then some fires into the air between the police who were in their position in the "Qemal Stafa" stadium and the Central Election Commission.

According to the eye witnesses, Leka Zogu was heard calling on his supporters to turn back.

"The only chance for Albania is the monarchy. The King has not called for war. The terrorist gangs are prepared by Fatos Nano, so that Albania does not have stability, because he is sold at the Greek Asfalia," said Isa Karaj, member of the referendum staff for the district of Tirana.

The people, among whom females and adults, shouted very scared "Don't shoot, don't shoot!", and several of them lay on the ground. Several people fainted.

"The Government has exerted pressure on us not to manifest in the square, while the Socialist Party can manifest as many times as it wants, that's why we decide ourselves, but we are not in favour of terror," said the supporter of monarchy.

The protesters had national flags and shouted "Down with the thieves," "Down with those who held meetings in Athens" and others.

Asked why should the people of the King be armed, while they wanted to protest peacefully, the supporter of monarchy responded that as long as Leka Zogu was there to greet, the guard protect him and his people.

The pretender to the royal throne, Leka Zogu, dressed in fatigue, during the meeting in "Skenderbej" square, addressed to the participants not to use force, but to strongly defend the votes of people in favour of monarchy with all the peaceful means.

According to Leka Zogu, the monarchy has won, but will wait for the answer from the Central Electoral Commission, and until then the people should be calm.

Asked about the event, the police sources did not accept to pronounce before the investigation into the matter ends.

Leka Zogu and the Minister of the royal court, called on the participants, as well as on all the citizens throughout Albania, to convene tomorrow at 19:00 and demonstrate for protecting the votes and against their stealing.

Two fire-engines were seen going towards the place to extinguish the fire somewhere near the headquarters of the Television./mt/sh/

[13] PREMIER FINO CALLS ON MONARCHISTS TO SHOW SELF-CONTROL

Premier Fino asks all the politicians and citizens, who have contacts ever so little with Leka Zogu to obey to the national conscience and civil responsibility and not to incite anti-democratic acts, which runs counter to the free elections and the verdict of the people.

Premier Fino informs once again his conviction that the President of the Republic, especially in this final phase of the electoral process and of the reconstruction of the democratic institutions, should fulfill with responsibility his functions and exercise his authority, so that even in the public media, Radio-Television, ATA, any anti-legal propaganda be interrupted.

Premier Fino calls on the exponents of the failed political adventure that, before they leave the country, not to undertake responsibilities and other illegal acts.

Premier Fino expresses the conviction that no other citizen will fall prey to the political manipulations, known as traitors of the nation in the decisive historic moments.

Premier Fino calls on all the Albanian people for self-control and restraint, to show the same civil and patriotic dignity manifested in the June 29 polls.

Premier Fino asks all the order structures to respect the law, showing self-control and the responsibility of the duty, to secure the public tranquility. /se.sp/s.sh/jz/mt/

[14] OSCE HAS MADE GRAVE MISTAKES IN ALBANIA - CARTER CENTER

"The foreign observers should take part directly in the voting counting process near the polling stations and to draw their results," stresses Robert Pastor, former collaborator of U.S. President Carter, charged with the monitoring of elections in Albania from Carter Center.

"The fact that OSCE gave up from this control is a very grave mistake," he says further on, stressing that in the case when irregularities are noticed and the elections are manipulated, then the observers should express it openly and not to keep silent."

Pastor stresses that the leaders of elections should be an image of transparence and honesty, otherwise they do not play any positive role.

"In case of the grave violations, the observers should ask the repetition of elections. If this is useless and is not exploited, then the legitimacy is "stolen" to the possible winners," says Pastor./kled/mt/sh/

[15] VRANITZKY APPEALS NOT TO PREVENT CONDUCT OF SECOND ROUND OF ELECTIONS IN ALBANIA

"After many efforts of the Albanian authorities and international community, says the statement of Vranitzky, the first round of the parliamentary elections is likely to finish. The second round will be held on Sunday, July 6.

The international observers are almost ready to monitor the second round. The OSCE, together with the Italian Government, are engaged to help the Albanians by printing the ballot papers. The deadline for the examination of candidates' lists has passed, because of the absence of several members of the Central Election Commission (CEC), continues the statement, and many members, probably under the political pressure, have interrupted their participation in the CEC. If the absent members of OSCE, do not return immediately, they should be replaced in order to proceed with the election the Albanian people so clearly desire, declares Vranitzky. Additionally, the CEC is still awaiting the results from 20 zones, also seemingly due to the political interference."

All the Albanian political forces have always asked the conduct of the second round of polls, a week after the first round. The international community has helped to enable such a thing. We powerfully call on the Albanian authorities and political forces to respect their accords and cooperate for the restoration of stability and complete democracy," ends the statement of the former chancellor, Franz Vranitzky. /s.sh/kled/mt/

[16] PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE IMMEDIATELY INVESTIGATES INCIDENT NEAR CEC

According to a prosecutor of the General Prosecutor's Office, one man was killed and two were injured in the eye, far from the place.

"Only the person who was killed died due to the bullet in the chest, while the other person, aged about 25, was injured in the vicinity of Rogner hotel from a bullet cartridge that flew out of a firearm being fired nearby," an employee of the Prosecutor's Office confessed, on condition of anonymity.

Meanwhile, an armoured carrier had been positioned outside the CEC headquarters and the number of guards there increased. /jz/mt/z

[17] DEFENCE MINISTRY CONFUTES STARTING OF TANKS TOWARDS NORTH

In this very hot and difficult situation for Albania, the army fulfills its duties.

The slanders, disinformations and misinterpretations are not to the interest of the situation and Albania, too. Articles such as that printed in the Albania paper are efforts of the defined segments which aim at damaging the image of our army, to attack it, to create problems and conflicts with the people, so that the people lose the confidence on the army and his military men," ends the report of Defence Ministry.

Albania paper carried today an article entitled "Nano: Tanks towards the North", reporting that the Defence Minister, Shaqir Vukaj, was ordered by socialist leader Fatos Nano to sent tanks towards the North to crush the revolt of the monarchist supporters./s.sh/jz/mt/sh/

[18] ROBBERS OF TRAVELLERS APPEAR AGAIN IN GJIROKASTER

According to eyewitnesses, the groups of robbers appeared in vicinity of Gjirokaster, near the lake of Viroi, in the Cold Water in Tepelene, near Greshice village of Ballsh, etc.

The chief of police commissariat of Gjirokaster, Xhafer Xhoxha, told ATA that "No kind of denunciation has been deposited in the institution I head."

According to him, in the entrance of Gjirokaster, road-block with police officers is established since two weeks.

The presence of the Rumanian MPF is not felt since last Sunday when the voting process was conducted in this town, in the streets of Gjirokaster, as well as in the national axe of the road passing near it. /s.sh/kled/mt/sh/

[19] FOUR TRUCKS WITH SMUGGLING GOODS BLOCKED IN ELBASAN

According to the new chief of the police commissariat, Kujtim Muca, the lorries, which have not passed in the customs-house of Qafe-Thane, had avoided even 2 or 3 road-blocks of police in the territory of Pogradec and Librazhd, and were stopped in the late hours of Wednesday.

Due to the controls of vehicles on defined points, 4 machine-guns, a TT pistol and a bullet-proof jacket were detained only during Wednesday afternoon. /s.sh/jz/mt/sh/

[20] PRESIDENT BERISHA ACCEPTS AND DECREES RESIGNATION OF INTERIOR MINISTER

Celo addressed to President Berisha on Thursday and asked him "immediate and irrevocable resignation for personal reasons." /s.sh/kled/mt/sh

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