Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 97-07-22

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] A THIEF KILLED, "WE HAVE NOT SHOT" - Alba

[02] FRENCH BATTALION ESCORTED 6000 TONS OF ASSISTANCE AND CREATED SECURITY FOR OBSERVERS IN TWO CONSTITUTENCIES IN ALBANIA -Interview with commander of French battalion of the MPF -

[03] PRESS RELEASE OF ALBANIAN PRESIDENT'S SPOKESMAN

[04] SPANISH SOLDIERS LEAVE ALBANIA

[05] UNIDENTIFIED PERSONS LOOT ARMAMENTS AT A TANK UNIT

[06] EXPLOSION ROCKS CENTER OF TIRANA

[07] PRESS REVIEW

[08] ALBANIAN PREMIER MEETS WORLD BANK OFFICIAL IN ALBANIA

[09] TO US, ALBANIANS, I DON'T KNOW WHAT WILL BE WORSE THAN MILOSEVIC IN THE HEAD OF THE STATE - declares Mehmet Bardhi -

[10] SCORES OF BUNKERS TO CONSTRUCT PORT OF YACHTS

[11] ITALIAN TROOPS OF ALBA MISSION GET READY TO LEAVE

[12] TIRANA POLICE DETAIN AND IDENTIFY AUTHORS OF CRIMES

[13] NEGOTIATIONS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF ROAD DURRES - ROGOZHINE HELD

[14] GREECE DEPORTS ALBANIAN EMIGRANTS FROM CORFU

[01] A THIEF KILLED, "WE HAVE NOT SHOT" - Alba

According to Librazhd police version, the Greek forces of Alba mission which patrol the national road Librazhd-Pogradec killed yesterday at about 2 p.m. a 35 old man and wounded another, because they had killed two brothers from Korce while travelling with them and in effort to steal them.

According to the spokesman of the MPF, Giovanni Bernardi, "the Greek forces of Alba have not interfered in the gunbattle between the two gangs but when they were approaching the scene the gangs had left."

The police commissariat of ibrazhd say that while the nationals Edmond and Artan Hasimi, respectively 25 and 28 years from Liboniku of Korce, were coming back from Italy together with their relatives on two private cars, in the segment of the Qafe-Thane road, two masked and armed people had told them to stop, and wanted to plunder them.

But the people in the cars have not obeyed their order and continued the road, and in that moment the masked people have shot at the two cars and killed two brothers Hasimi.

Not far from the scene, the patrol of Alba mission, according to police, have chased the criminals and in a short period of time has shot at them killing one and wounding another.

Then, forces of the commissariat of Librazhd, after escorting for for Pogradec the bodies of the two innocent brothers, have sent the body of the person killed by Albania to the hospital of Librazhd.

The victim is not yet identified but the expertise shows he may be around 35 year. In the mean time the wounded has left for an unknown direction and police have chased him. kei/xh/

[02] FRENCH BATTALION ESCORTED 6000 TONS OF ASSISTANCE AND CREATED SECURITY FOR OBSERVERS IN TWO CONSTITUTENCIES IN ALBANIA -Interview with commander of French battalion of the MPF -

"I think that during the rounds of polls, on June 29 and July 6, there were no problems at all," said in an interview with ATA Monday the commander of the French battalion and deputy general commander of the MPF, General Maurice Godinot.

According to Godinot, in a very short period of time, Albania became aware of the fact that Europe would help it.

"The Multinational Protection Force helped Albanians become consciouss of the restitution of the normal life," said Godinott.

He stressed the fact that Albanians, be them in Durres, Kavaje and Tirane, where the French forces were deployed, have welcomed them.

"The French battalion has had frequent contacts with police commissariats of Durres," said Godinot.

The French Army will continue relationship with the Albanian army soon with the granting of an assitance for that army.

"It is a donation of eight military vehicles and materials which will improve the life of the soldiers who come from France," explained Godinot.

"In Durres we had a field hospital in which 80 Albanians have undergone operations and nearly 800 others have had medical consultations with us," said Godinott regarding other aid for Albanians.

What had impressed the French commander in Albania was the great number of youths and the smiles of the children.

"When I came in April 15, I found a sick Albania. Today, in this sunny day I think that Albania passed the moment of disease and it is in the period of regaining its forces and it will recover and integrate into Europe," said Godinot speaking of his impression of Albania in the moment of his arrival and now that he is leaving Albania. The French battalion has about 930 people among whom 65 are officers and 300 vehicles. A Danish unit consisting of 50 people has also joined this battalion.

Godinot has had almost the same experience with Alba operation ten years ago in Lebanon, whereas the majority of the militaries in his battalion have been in Africa, Lebanon and Bosnia.

The French soldiers will leave Albania on July 26 and August 3, the date when all French soldiers will leave Albania on the board of the French ship "La foudre." kei/xh/

[03] PRESS RELEASE OF ALBANIAN PRESIDENT'S SPOKESMAN

The president has expressed his position on the meeting of the Parliament at the beginning of this week in all the meetings he has had with representatives of political parties, and he has found their support. The President of Albania has been and is sure that until the Meeting of Rome Albania will have its Prime Minister and will be represented by him there.

The President started consultations with the political forces for the appointment of the new prime minister with the aim of accelerating the constitution procedures of the governnment. Despite the fact that the realisation of preliminary consultations is not envisaged in the constitutional provisions, it is a part of the ethic and constitutional practice not only in Albania, but in all world democracies. The first party invited in those consulations was the Socialist Party. The aim of those meetings was not to deny Fatos Nano the post of the prime minister, because the moral code of the democratic laws rules him out of that post, but was to name a prime minister who was not involved in penal cases of the past or in amnesties in the future.

On this occasion, the President invites all political forces to be of the same opinion with his that the candidate for the post of the prime minister from the majority be widely accepted. But since some of the main personalities of this party, who enjoy support in the internal and international opinion cannot take the direction of the executive, and proceding from the fact that the National Council of the Democratic Party decided that President Berisha be in the lead of the opposition, the President of the Republic decided to interrupt the consultations for the creation of the new government, ends the report of the President's press and information office. xh/

[04] SPANISH SOLDIERS LEAVE ALBANIA

"338 persons and 200 vehicle left the port of Durres at 7.30 a.m. on board of three warships Aragon, Hernand Cortes and Pizarron," Atilio Andre, the spokesman, said.

These forces had 43 armoured carriers, 57 transport vehicles and necessary logistic means. For three months they patrolled the Milot-Koplik area, 220 thousand kilometers and escorted the transport of two thousand tons of humanitarian aid and OSCE observers.

The Spanish doctors have cured 3 500 patients, while nine children have been sent to Madrid to undergo further treatment. ak/sh

[05] UNIDENTIFIED PERSONS LOOT ARMAMENTS AT A TANK UNIT

Sources of the military unit said that the looted armaments include anti-tank and anti-craft rockets. The amount of the ammunition is not revealed yet but some unconfirmed sources said that there are 16 anti-tank rockets.

Specialists say that the ammunition is very dangerous both for the looters and the other citizens. Only several military specialists know and can use them.

A group of the Defence Ministers with specialists of the Laberia division have started investigation to find the perpetrators. kled/ak/sh/

[06] EXPLOSION ROCKS CENTER OF TIRANA

The explosive device was planted between the cafe Dardania and another one, both having gambling machines and video games, which are located near the Defence and Interior Ministries.

Chief of the Police Directorate in Tirana Colonel Pashk Tusha excluded a terrorist act because, as he said, the explosion happened at a time of curfew.

The explosion caused considerable damages. kled/ak/sh/

[07] PRESS REVIEW

"Quick and safe revival", the newspaper Rilindja Demokratike says in relation to a meeting of the National Council of the Democratic party on Sunday. "Berisha is given a mandate to lead the party until next assembly. Democratic deputies will not be present at the opening proceedings of the parliament of kalashnikovs," the paper says. "A spokesman of the president reacted against rumors in the left press," the paper says under the title "Parliament was blocked by Socialists." "Unmotivated Socialist ultimatum, because Berisha did never doubt about the emergency to convene parliament, is another proof of revanchism promised by the majority leaders who won most of the seats in parliament using kalashnikovs," the paper says under the title "Tomorrow, parliament of kalashnikovs." "Southern border, death border," the paper says in the fifth page under the headline "Greek state orders police to shoot at Albanians."

"Death is crazy, while politics does not hand over the crisis coffin" it is the title of the editorial of Republika. "Berisha, tomorrow deputy in parliament," the paper reports related to the decree on convening parliament. "Decorative unity proposed by SP during election campaign seemed to be false," the paper says in the third page under the title "SP - war of clans started." "DP lost the last chance to survive in the role of a genuine opposition against a left revanch," the paper says under the title "DP lost the chance to be in opposition."

"Democratic party and other anti-communist forces accepted a violent parliament of kalashnikovs as a political solution," the editorial of Albania says under the title "Shameful and incriminated parliament of kalashnikovs." Under the headline "President Berisha decrees the convening of parliament" the paper carries the article "Prime Minister, both Socialist and thief." "Greece invents 'big broom'", reports the paper under the headline "Greek media proclaimed the hatred racist language against Albanians." "Head of the Albanian Socialists and future prime minister, Fatos Nano - the initiator of the return to Albania of emigrants working in Greece. This is done on the basis of an agreement signed by Nano's Socialists and the Greek government," the paper says.

"Berisha, the last day as a president," the newspaper Koha Jone says. "Parliament dominated by Socialist and its closed allies will start proceedings for the first time tomorrow on 17.00 a.m.," the paper says under the title "Berisha signs: parliament starts tomorrow." "DP, Berisha we are with you," the paper reports in the fifth page on the DP National Assembly. "Neighbouring Greece plays with the border" is another article carried by the same paper.

"Fino signs: Celo in China," the newspaper Indipendent says under the headline "Former Interior Minister - Diplomat of the Socialist government." "Greek closed Kakavija's checkpoint" the paper says in the second page. "Berisha: I will reform DP", the paper says referring to the DP National Assembly.

"Berisha to resign tomorrow," the newspaper Dita says. "Berisha violates constitution" is the title of the editorial. "PS: Western diplomats will attend the election of a new Albanian president," the paper says. "Greek blocks the border with armoured carriers " is another article.

"Dozens of arms and a quantity of bullets hidden in a van were blocked in Bari," the newspaper Gazeta Shqiptare says under the title "Albanian kalashnikovs for Camorra." "Berisha withdrew and signed: Parliament starts tomorrow," the paper says. /kled/ak/sh/

[08] ALBANIAN PREMIER MEETS WORLD BANK OFFICIAL IN ALBANIA

The meeting, which was attended by the Finance minister Arben Malaj, focused on the latest developments of Albania and plans of the new parliamentarian majority in governing Albania.

Fino highly regarded the continuous cooperation and consultation between the government of National Reconciliation and World Bank underlining the very positive role of the Bank in Albania.

The Albanian Prime minister dwelt at length about the political situation and focused especially on the economic, financial and social situation in which the new government will start working. He acquainted the high-ranking official of the World Bank with the short and medium term priorities of the new government saying that they are based on a closed cooperation with the international community, including the international financial institutions like the World Bank.

Mr. Elbirt conveyed to Prime Minister Fino the greetings and wishes of the World Bank for a successful fulfilment of the historic mission of the National Reconciliation government and expressed belief that the post-election period of June 29 will be the start of a new history for Albania. He underlined the fact that the World Bank is engaged for a Rome meeting which will deal with aid to Albania and said that the aid programs of his organisation can start before the Donor's conference on Albania starts.

He appreciated the preparations for programs against poverty and creation of new jobs.

They discuss a series of concrete problems including those of pyramid schemes. Elbirt said that the actions for pyramid schemes are very important for the international community and they are waiting that this problem be solved as soon as possible, the press release said. kled/ak/

[09] TO US, ALBANIANS, I DON'T KNOW WHAT WILL BE WORSE THAN MILOSEVIC IN THE HEAD OF THE STATE - declares Mehmet Bardhi -

"Kosova should be an independent unit, the same as Monte Negro and Serbia. This level of autonomy is the minimum. The Albanians in Monte Negro in 1992 approved the memorandum on the special status of the Albanians in Monte Negro, where they considered themselves ethnic, who have the right to rule for their economic development, for the prosperity and organization of the political, cultural, educational life. This should be realised in accord with the political parties in power in Monte Negro. We have started the negotiations for this in the presence of a third party in Brussels and London."

We wanted to continue these talks in Podgorice.

The representative of the International Community, Gert Arens, came, but the representatives of the government of Monte Negro did not come and the negotiations did not continue. /ag/mt/k

[10] SCORES OF BUNKERS TO CONSTRUCT PORT OF YACHTS

The French troops of the Alba mission cleaned the territory around the soccer stadium "Niko Dovana", and with their heavy carriers sent scores of bunkers to the beach of Currila, which are used by a German entrepreneur for the construction of the port of yachts.

This is the second help of the French troops for Durres, after they enlarged the square in front of the Mausoleum of the Martyrs.

Some 750 000 bunkers were constructed in Albania during the period of the communist regime. /kei/mt/k

[11] ITALIAN TROOPS OF ALBA MISSION GET READY TO LEAVE

This was confirmed by the commander of the regiment, colonel Sandro Santroni, who met today with the mayor of Korce, Dhionos Kotmilo, for the visit of farewell.

Colonel Santroni told the journalists on this occasion that these troops stayed in Korce 40 days and fulfilled the mission, given by the mandate of the UNO Security Council for the security and protection of the OSCE observers during the June 29 polls, as well as for the security of different aid which arrived in Korce from the International Community of Red Cross and other associations.

Colonel Santroni stressed that along with the military mission, these troops have also cooperated with the local government.

The eight regiment of the Multinational Protection Force, which came in Albania on June 18, is made up of some 450 people and has at its disposal 204 vehicles.

In the terrain, the regiment has been present with 19 patrolling services and 16 processes of reconnaissance, meanwhile that it has escorted the humanitarian aid from the Greek border in Pogradec and vice versa, and has also secured 59 escorts for the OSCE teams during the elections. /kei/mt/k

[12] TIRANA POLICE DETAIN AND IDENTIFY AUTHORS OF CRIMES

The police commissariat no 1 has identified the author of the murder of two citizens, Jashar Bajram Begani, 45. The author has committed the crime by fire weapons for weak motives for economic profits.

From the early investigations regarding the destruction by explosive matter of two video games clubs near "Rinia" park, early in the morning, the police think they are dealing with a case of someone trying to harm a competitor's business interest.

The police forces of commissariat 1 and 2 have also detained several persons for carrying arms without permission and blocked some arms and ammunition. /a.ke/kei/mt/k

[13] NEGOTIATIONS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF ROAD DURRES - ROGOZHINE HELD

These negotiations were led for the Albanian party by the official of the PHARE program, the Minister of Public Affairs, Territorial Arrangements and Tourism, Vasillaq Spaho.

According to the spokesman of this ministry, the construction of this section is financed by the European Union through the program Cross-Border and PHARE-Transport.

The negotiations were held with the joint-venture of the companies Sarandopulos-Falcone, which after the procedures declared winner of the tender for the construction of the first section Durres-Rogozhine of the corridor East-West. The representatives of the companies who expressed their will to continue their work in important objects of infrastructure, despite the difficult moments that Albania experienced during the recent months.

Meanwhile, it was also supported the proposal of the Albanian party that right after the contract is signed, the work should begin in September. The above contract is worth 22 million dollars.

The first section Durres-Rogozhine will be constructed, beginning from the square of the terminal of ferryboats in the port of Durres until the exit of the Rrogozhine town at a length of 38 km. The project is expected to be fully realized in about 27 months. /a.ke/kei/mt/k

[14] GREECE DEPORTS ALBANIAN EMIGRANTS FROM CORFU

The crew of the ferryboat "Kaliopi" and different citizens tell that very often some of the representatives of the Greek police invent unmotivated pretexts for the deportation of the Albanian citizens, who have not only regular documents, but also respect the norms of the living in the neighbouring country.

With this practise, the police of the customs after finding the visas valid, ask as guarantee an amount of drachmas that the emigrants should have with them.

"But only because we are in need of these drachmas, have gone to Greece to work," said an Albanian emigrant, who had just come from the island of Corfu.

Some 2 000 emigrants, a part of whom with regular documents, have been deported by the Greek authorities only during the last ten days in the border check points which connect Albania with Greece.

Different sources, which refer to a meeting of the Greek senior officials, including the Interior Minister, the Minister of Defence and the Foreign Minister, connect the flux of these deportations with the reaction from the Greek party, regarding some crimes committed recently in the Greek territory, where the Albanians are thought to be the authors.

According to other sources, after the flux of these deportations, the Greek authorities can review the decree to legalize the Albanian emigrants, who have been in Greece in a bigger number compared with the emigrants of other nationalities. /s.sh/kei/mt/k

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