Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 97-08-14

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] ONE KILLED, THREE ARRESTED BY POLICE

[02] PRESS REVIEW

[03] REVENGE OF FORMER COMMUNISTS IN POWER IS AN ATAVISTIC POLICY OF DISASSOCIATION FROM EUROPE - News conference of the political grouping "Union for Democracy" -

[04] ITALY TO HELP IN REORGANIZATION OF ALBANIAN ARMY AND POLICE

[05] ARSENAL OF ARMAMENT UNCOVERED IN COLE NEIGHBOURHOOD IN VLORE

[06] FOREIGN POLICY COMMISSION OF ALBANIAN PARLIAMENT MEETS RUSSIAN AMBASSADOR

[07] GOVERNMENT OF SERBIA ARRIVES IN KOSOVA

[08] ALBANIAN MINISTER OF EDUCATION AND SCIENCE MEETS BRITISH AMBASSADOR

[09] SP ACCEPTS TALKS, BUT NOT INSTITUTIONALIZATION OF ROUND TABLES

[10] ALBANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER MEETS CHARGE D'AFFAIRES OF CROATIA

[11] BODY OF AN ATTORNEY KIDNAPED THREE WEEKS AGO BY UNIDENTIFIED PEOPLE RECOVERED

[12] PEOPLE START TO SURRENDER WEAPONS IN COLE NEIGHBOURHOOD IN VLORE

[13] TWO KILLED AT NOON IN VLORE

[14] MEETING OF DEFENCE COUNCIL OF REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA HELD

[15] MESSAGES OF WISHES FOR ALBANIAN PRESIDENT

[16] ZANI, CHIEFTAIN OF VLORE, LEAVES FOR ITALY

[17] MEETINGS OF ALBANIAN PRIME MINISTER

[18] FRANCE WILL BE READY TO SUPPORT POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC TRANSITION OF ALBANIA - French Foreign Minister

[19] SP-DP: ROUND TABLE ON SATURDAY

[20] PREPARATORY WORK FOR COMPILATION OF THE DRAFT OF CONSTITUTION TO START - People's Assembly

[21] PRIME MINISTER NANO MEETS POLITICAL DIRECTOR OF GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTRY

[22] SPECIAL FORCES REACH GJIROKASTER

[01] ONE KILLED, THREE ARRESTED BY POLICE

Ardian Qemal aela, 28, from Lapardha, Vlore, was on the run by the police because he had shot with automatic rifles at special police forces at the Kote Bridge on Wednesday afternoon, a spokesman of the ministry said.

aela, a member of the "Gaxhai's" gang (Gazmend Braka) was killed after an exchange of fire.

He was on the run by the police because he fired at the police officer Jaup Likskendaj and had been sentenced before for illegal possession of arms.

Police checked his car and found a light machine gun with a hundred rounds (of ammunition), an anti-tank grenade launchers and a box with rockets, five defensive hand grenades, and a bullet-jacket vest.

They also found a "Zastava" automatic rifle with three cartridge clips and a pistol.

In the car boot, they found two number plates, an amount of Greek and Albanian currency, and some telephone numbers of persons who are on the run.

The special forces, deployed in Vlore, caught and arrested the citizen Vladimir Saraci, 35, inhabitant of Kote in Vlora, Sinan Binaj, 40, inhabitant of Amonice, Vlore and Guri Gjata, 37, inhabitant of Sevaster, Vlore, who were trying to transport 230 kg of pressed narcotics. pas/ak/k

[02] PRESS REVIEW

Under the headline "Imposed parliament of gangs identified by the inhuman face of the Enverist choir," the newspaper Rilindja Demokratike says "Kalashnikovs, fire on opposition." The paper carries the protest of the League of Journalists against the dismissal of journalists from the parliamentary sessions. It also reports on the election of the deputy speaker Jozefina Topalli, the DP deputy. In the chronicle column, the paper says "Special plan against gangs" and "Explosive device in a dormitory." In the Economic column the paper carries the article "Privatisation, but not liquidation" and "The World Bank resumes projects."

Republika entitled today's editorial "Old chances of the Albanian politics." Referring to yesterday's parliamentary session, the paper carries the article "Berisha stirs up quarrel" and a statement of the Republican leader Sabri Godo who considered yesterday's incident a "shameful provocation of the communist deputy from Berat." Godo also criticises the democrat Berisha for his "absurd statement" and the Speaker Skender Gjinushi "who did not take any measure against the person who caused the incident." The paper covers the police actions against crime under the title "Criminals vested with diplomatic immunity", "Clash with police patrol." "New police organisation in the Southern cities" the paper says. In the eighth page, the paper carries news saying that the paper will carry facts on types and origin of foreign currencies entering Albania for money-laundering.

Koha Jone reports in the first page that on Wednesday midnight the chieftain of Vlora, Zani Caushi, fled by motorboat leaving behind a number of crimes. It says that inhabitants of aole are going to surrender weapons. "Berisha comes, battle in parliament," the paper says regarding yesterday's parliamentary session. In the fifth page, the paper carries a statement of the Interior Minister Ceka, after the police operation in Vlore. "Smugglers have no party," the paper quotes Ceka as saying. Among economic themes, we cite "Liquidation or privatisation of banks, an open ring". The same paper carries an interview with the chief of General Staff of the army Adem aopani, under the title "Gazidede ordered Berisha."

Albania says "Communist blow on opposition," referring to yesterday's parliamentary session. On the same theme, it carries the editorial entitled "Opposition, indicator of the real colour of majority." Albania carries an exclusive interview with President of Albania Rexhep Meidani, under the title "Constitution, real consensus between ruling party and the opposition." It carries an open letter of Interior Minister Neritan Ceka, entitled "You are making compromises with the crime."

Giving a coverage of yesterday's parliamentary session, the newspaper Rilindja says "DP group takes oath of deputy." It also reports on the election of the DP deputy Jozefina Topalli as deputy Speaker. It carries a statement of the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Montenegro Branko Peroviq under the title "Cooperation with Albania - a special attention." Regarding the preparation for the new school year in Kosova, the paper says "Determined to protect the Albanian school."

Dita says "Berisha and Hasani shake parliament," referring to insults of the independent deputy from Berat against former president Berisha, when the latter entered the hall. Referring to the parliamentary session which opened with the participation of the Democratic party, the paper carries the editorial, "Circus". In the Chronicle column, it says that three people have been killed, three wounded and fifteen arrested in the last 24 hours in Albania.

Gazeta Shqiptare says "Vlore, fear obliges people to leave". Referring to police operations, the paper says that they have confiscated 230 kg drugs. Covering yesterday's session of parliament, the paper says "DP takes in seats: Insults against Berisha."

Balli i Kombit carries the editorial "SP - this old personnel office."

Sindikalisti reports "DP's entering - foreseen scandal." kei/pas/ak/k

[03] REVENGE OF FORMER COMMUNISTS IN POWER IS AN ATAVISTIC POLICY OF DISASSOCIATION FROM EUROPE - News conference of the political grouping "Union for Democracy" -

'The unrestrained revenge of the new power-holders has replaced completely the spirit of national reconciliation after the June 29 elections. We see it necessary to raise our voice to sensitize the Albanian public opinion and the international one for this revenge, which is threatening the stability of the country, the country's institutions, development of the international community for cooperation with Albania," said the DP leader, Sali Berisha.

This revenge, according to Berisha, is expressed in the narrower space for the opposition, constitutional institutions and Albanian judiciary and started with the killing of innocent citizen, DP member, Agim Gjon Pali, only two days after the victory of former communists.

According to the DP leader, the escalation of the revenge continues with the refusal to speak in the People's Assembly of Mr Pollo, with the exception of two leaders, Laco and Bushati, by the People's Assembly for the only fault that they were included in the DP proportional list, with the discharge of the general director of the RTV, Bardhyl Pollo and with the violent request which forces the employees with legal status to leave the job.

"The request for the withdrawal of the militaries made on August 4 by the Defence Minister, the threat with prison of over 25 generals and scores of major officers by this minister proves of the will of political revenge," said Mr Berisha.

Mr Zef Bushati and Remzi Ndreu also spoke in the conference.

The group "Union for Democracy" is formed by right wing par ties, PDSH,PLL, PDKSH, PBS AND PBDSH. kled/xh/sh/

[04] ITALY TO HELP IN REORGANIZATION OF ALBANIAN ARMY AND POLICE

"On behalf of the Italian government, I tell that Albania will not be abandoned with the end of "Alba" mission. Here a stage is closed and another one will start with the support that Italy will give to Albania," said Beniamino Andreata, during the ceremony of lowering down the flag of the Multinational Protection Force, in Rinas.

The MPF flag was given to the MPF commander, General Forlani 4 months ago in Brindizi.

Talking about the responsibility that Italy undertook in "Alba" mission, Andreatta said that "the Italian government was conscious of the risks, but it could never leave the Albanian government in the state of dissolution that it was experiencing."

He also confirmed that Italy is working to promote the program of sister-like relations between the Albanian communes and the Italian ones, under the care of the Italian Foreign Ministry.

"We see with confidence the future of Albania," ended Andreata.

In this ceremony also spoke the Albanian Minister of Defence, Sabit Brokaj, who thanked the Multinational Protection Force for the contribution given in calming the situation in Albania. He awarded to general Forlani the Medal of the Order "Mother Thereza", for the outstanding contribution in leading and accomplishing successfully the "Alba" operation, as well as for the aid offered in the June 29 polls.

Attending the ceremony were also the Albanian Foreign Minister, Paskal Milo, Chief of the Army General Staff, general mayor, Adem Copani, the Chief of the Italian General Headquarters, admiral Guido Venturoni.

On August 11, general Forlani and his staff will leave Albania, which will mark the end of the Alba mission. They will leave in Albania some vehicles and equipment for the Albanian army, which will be followed even by others which will come from Italy. A team of Italian officers will arrive in Albania to prepare a technic assistance for the reorganization as soon as possible of the Albanian army.

Andreata is expected to meet with the President of the Republic, Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, to discuss the modalities of the further assistance of the Italian army for Albania and the Albanian army. /a.ke/mt/sh/

[05] ARSENAL OF ARMAMENT UNCOVERED IN COLE NEIGHBOURHOOD IN VLORE

An anonymous telephone call in the Staff of the Special Forces, reported that Zani, head of a gang in this town, had escaped and a considerable quantity of armament had been left near his house.

Leaders of special forces of the Interior Ministry, deployed in Vlore, told ATA that during the operation were found: an antitank cannon 75 mm, two antiaircraft heavy machine guns 12.7 mm, completed with four reserve barrels, four barrels of heavy machine guns 7.62 mm, four light machine guns 7.62 mm, two cases with sights for shooting, 31 antitank grenades of different models, 84 cases with hundreds upon thousands of cartridges for heavy machine guns, 35 anti-tank hand grenades, 300 electric detonator casings, 11 protective helmets, and others.

Sources from the special forces do not confirm the report that Myrteza Caushi has fled away from Vlore, printed in the Thursday press. The special forces continue to keep under severe control the neighbourhood where he lives./kei/mt/sh/

[06] FOREIGN POLICY COMMISSION OF ALBANIAN PARLIAMENT MEETS RUSSIAN AMBASSADOR

The chairman of the commission, the republican deputy Sabri Godo, appreciated the role of the Russian government for the political stability. The support of Russia for the solution of the Kosova question, he stressed, is of a special importance, respecting the rights of the Albanians who live in their ethnic territories, according to the known international standards.

In the meeting was also discussed the problem for a more fruitful cooperation in all the fields with mutual interest, strengthening of respective parliamentary commissions and other institutions of both countries./kled/mt/sh/

[07] GOVERNMENT OF SERBIA ARRIVES IN KOSOVA

The Albanians considered this a grave Serbian provocation against the right for sovereignty and independence of the Albanians.

The Serbian newspaper "Jedinstvo", published in Prishtine, named the stand of the Serbian government in Prishtine "event with extraordinary importance for this part of Serbia." /ag/kled/mt/sh/

[08] ALBANIAN MINISTER OF EDUCATION AND SCIENCE MEETS BRITISH AMBASSADOR

Ambassador Tessoriere, pointing out the support of the United Kingdom for the Albanian education, stressed the contribution in financial and technical assistance that the associations British Council and the Development Fund have offered in different fields of the Albanian education and science./s.sh/kled/mt/sh/

[09] SP ACCEPTS TALKS, BUT NOT INSTITUTIONALIZATION OF ROUND TABLES

With regard to this, the SP spokesman stressed that the concept of the Socialist Party is "to give a wider space to the Parliament and not to the political tables."

The Democratic Party proposed Thursday to SP and other parliamentary parties to organize a round table on Saturday, with regard to the fulfillment of conditions of the Conference of San Egido.

With the intervention of the San Egido Community, a pact was signed in Rome on June 23, 1997 among three Albanian political parties which represented the grouping "Union for Democracy (DP and LMP) and the grouping of the left parties (SP and SDP). The coalition of the United Right (NFP and RP) did not accepted to sign.

"The conditions of Rome have been made known to the public and the Albanian government is engaged to adopt them," reported sources form SP, which leads the government coalition after the June 29 Polls./kled/mt/sh/

[10] ALBANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER MEETS CHARGE D'AFFAIRES OF CROATIA

Minister Milo, after receiving the message of wishes from the Croatian counterpart, Mate Granic, expressed the will of the new Albanian government to strengthen the relations with Croatia, increasing the political and parliamentary exchanges, in order to make Albania a serious partner in the economic relations.

The charge d'affaires of Croatia stressed that the possibilities of economic cooperation between both countries are bigger, mainly in the field of trade and tourism. "We consider Albania a good partner," he said. /a.ke/kled/mt/sh/

[11] BODY OF AN ATTORNEY KIDNAPED THREE WEEKS AGO BY UNIDENTIFIED PEOPLE RECOVERED

Police commissariat sources of Fier district report that the attorney Lila was kidnapped three weeks ago by unidentified people.

Attorney Petrit Lula has worked in the investigator's office of Fier and in that of Vlore until 1992. After this year he has been working as attorney in the Vlore district court. ake/kled/xh/sh/

[12] PEOPLE START TO SURRENDER WEAPONS IN COLE NEIGHBOURHOOD IN VLORE

Citizens of Vlore have surrendered a large quantity of weapons, including machine guns, heavy machine guns, anti-tanks, grenades and ammunition.

Today, for the first time after several months, the terraces of the flats in this neighbourhood were without heavy machine guns, which were assembled for any possible attack. They were assembled by the citizens and were surrendered voluntarily. /a.ke/kled/mt/sh/

[13] TWO KILLED AT NOON IN VLORE

Medi Gace, 60, had an accident whereas the other person, whose name is not yet identified by police, has lost his life in still unidentified circumstances.

There are guesses that the second person might have been one of the members of the Zani group, who was gravely wounded and taken to the city hospital where he died. ake/kled/xh/sh/

[14] MEETING OF DEFENCE COUNCIL OF REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA HELD

In the meeting, the Minister of Defence, Sabit Brokaj and the Interior Minister, Neritan Ceka, made a report on the current situation and the problems with which the armed forces, mainly of the army and order, are faced.

In the meeting were also defined the duties for the normalization as soon as possible of the situation in these two important sectors, to return normality of life in Albania. /a.ke/kled/mt/sh/

[15] MESSAGES OF WISHES FOR ALBANIAN PRESIDENT

[16] ZANI, CHIEFTAIN OF VLORE, LEAVES FOR ITALY

These sources confirm this report 99 %, and also give details regarding the way of escaping. He used a quick motorboat, with three motors, to leave from the coasts of Vlore to Italy.

Koha Jone newspaper on Thursday reported that Myrteza Caushi (Zani), left on Wednesday, leaving behind a number of crimes." /a.ke/kled/mt/sh/

[17] MEETINGS OF ALBANIAN PRIME MINISTER

NGO-s have their special role in the program of the government, but also in the plans of the international community for Albania, said Nano, and added that this role is related with the common aim to reconstruct Albania.

The representatives of the Association of International Lawyers underlined that their activity, started since 1992, will continue in the future in all the fields of their speciality. Their contribution will be connected with the professional contacts, as well as with the contribution in the construction of a civil society, based on the parameters of democracy.

Prime Minister met on the same day with the Ambassador of Poland in Tirana, Miroslav Palash.

PM Nano, expressing the delight for the relations between Tirana and Warsaw, underlined the fact that the Polish experience is an example with the aims of the Albanian government to construct a modern and democratic state. /a.ke/kled/mt/sh/

[18] FRANCE WILL BE READY TO SUPPORT POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC TRANSITION OF ALBANIA - French Foreign Minister

"The coming Rome conference will give all international community the possibility to manifest again its support for Albania in the context of the program of recovery and the economic reforms elaborated in cooperation with international financial institutions," says the message.

Verdine expressed the will that the relations of friendship and cooperation between the two peoples be further consolidated.

"On the basis of this perspective, I would be happy to invite you to Paris soon," said Mr Verdine in his message to Mr Milo. ake/kled/xh/sh/

[19] SP-DP: ROUND TABLE ON SATURDAY

But SP was against "the institutionalization of round tables, while the parliament functions normally."

Invited, in this table proposed by DP, which will be held on Saturday, are, along with SP, other parliamentary parties.

With regard to the organization of this table, the SP spokesman stressed that the concept of the Socialist Party is "to give a wider space to the Parliament and not to the political tables."

The aim of this table is to avoid the parliament," added the above source.

In the Conference of Rome was stressed that "Now that the new government is established and supported by the majority of the people, the results are expected. For this, the international community should make greater efforts for the Albanian political parties. Law and order should be restored in Albania; also the complete respect of the democratic rights and freedoms." "The conditions of Rome have been made known to the public and the Albanian government is engaged to adopt them," reported sources form SP, which leads the government coalition after the June 29 Polls./kled/mt/sh/

[20] PREPARATORY WORK FOR COMPILATION OF THE DRAFT OF CONSTITUTION TO START - People's Assembly

To this end, the Presidency of the People's Assembly would cooperate with the Council of Ministers along with the attraction in this process of local and foreign experts.

The chairman of the DP parliamentary group, Genc Pollo, opposed this decision and after his declaration the deputies of that group left the parliament hall. The leader of the Balli Kombetar Party backed up the decision in principle but he also expressed his objections to the way of the procedure for the compilation of the draft. This opinion was also supported by the Republican leader, Sabri Godo.

The chairman of the Presidency of the People's Assembly, Skender Gjinushi proposed the People's Assembly to approve a special commission for the preparation of the draft of the new constitution and then a referendum be organized. This is also, he said, one of the requests of the Rome Conference and international organizations such as the Council of Europe, etc.

After debates about the proposal, it was approved with 84 votes for, one against and no abstention.

Then the leader of the SP parlaimentary group, Pandeli Majko denounced the DP deputies' leaving from the plenary session and as a result of this act, he said "we are forced to refuse the invitation of DP to take part in a round table discussion with the main Albanian political parties planned for Saturday."

The People's Assembly will continue its sessions on Monday. xh

[21] PRIME MINISTER NANO MEETS POLITICAL DIRECTOR OF GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTRY

During the meeting in which German Ambassador in Tirane also was present, Nano presented the main aspects of the politicl phylosophy, of the program and work made so far by the government he is leading.

The new policy adopted by the coalition government, said Mr Nano, is based on the phylosophy of cooperation, integration, political cohabitation and all Albanian reconciliation. The foreign policy too aims the real integration of Albania in the international family and in the euro-atlantic structures, its ranking in the European family with dignity.

Mr Ishinger underlined the fact that his visit to Albania is the first step and signal of Germany's will to continue the relations and cooperation with Albania.

"All your goals ask for a close cooperation with the world and we are ready and prepared to develop Albania both in the bilateral and international aspects," said Mr Ishinger.

A special place in the meeting was given to the Balkan questions. Mr Ishinger underlined the fact that Albania has its place in the regional developments and its role in the relations with the neighbours is a strong element for stability. Both sides agreed that the Balkan region problems should be solved peacefully and through dialogue and that it is high time for the Balkan countries to find the means which would bring them nearer and integrate them into the European family. xh

[22] SPECIAL FORCES REACH GJIROKASTER

A team of specialists of the Interior Ministry led by Bajram Ibro, chairman of the Public Order Branch in that Ministry, has made a number of meetings recently with leaders of the Gjirokaster police commissariat to prepare operations for the special forces.

According to Mr Ibro, the main objective of the forces was to put under control the border passing point of Kakavije, to secure axes of national road Ballsh-Tepelene-Gjirokaster and to hit with efficiency, together with the district police forces, the exponents of crime. ake

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