Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 97-09-11

Albanian Telegraphic Agency Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] CONFERENCE OF FOREIGN MINISTERS TO BE HELD BY MID OCTOBER

[02] BRITISH COMPANY TO INVEST USD 240 MILLION IN ALBANIA IN FIVE YEARS

[03] THERE IS NO DIALOGUE ON KOSOVA - Lilic

[04] ALBANIAN CITIZEN ARRESTED IN ATHENS FOR ARMS AND DRUG TRAFFIC

[05] MINISTER OF CULTURE DISMISSES DIRECTORS OF CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS

[06] PEOPLE OF DURRES MOURN MOTHER TERESA

[07] ALBANIAN FARMERS TO INCREASE PRODUCTION BY 5 PERCENT

[08] PRESS REVIEW

[09] 261 CLANDESTINE ALBANIANS RETURNED IN ONE DAY

[10] DOCUMENTARY FILM AWARDED FIRST PRIZE IN HUNGARY

[11] WORKS RESUME IN BOVILLA RESERVOIR

[12] E.U. ACCORDS 110 MILLION ECU TO ALBANIA (Albanian premier meets EU official)

[13] WE ARE WORKING ACCORDING TO PREVIOUS PROGRAMS FOR THE CONFERENCE OF DONORS IN ROME - Italian Embassy

[14] TWO CO-CHAIRMEN OF COMMISSION FOR DRAFTING CONSTITUTION INVITE PARTIES TO SEND MEMBERS IN COMMISSION

[15] GREECE TO ACCORD ALBANIA A GRANT WORTH 2 MILLIARD DRACHMAS - This grant is not included in the promised credit -

[16] LETTER OF AUSTRIAN PRESIDENT ADDRESSED TO ALBANIAN COUNTERPART IS FALSIFIED BY ALBANIAN EMBASSY IN VIENNA - President's counselor

[17] SITUATION IN KOSOVA CONTINUES TO BE VERY GRAVE - Report of Committee for Protection of Human Rights and Freedoms

[18] MASKED PERSONS ATTACK VEHICLE IN ROAD KUKES-TIRANA - One killed, the driver seriously hurt -

[19] 5 MILLION DRACHMAS FOR PORNOGRAPHIC TELEPHONE CALLS BY ALBANIAN EMIGRANT IN SALONIKA

[01] CONFERENCE OF FOREIGN MINISTERS TO BE HELD BY MID OCTOBER

The statement comes in response to a report broadcast by the BBC correspondent, Albanian section in Rome, on Tuesday, and published yesterday by several newspapers, that "the Foreign Ministers' Conference, scheduled for the end of September, has been put off to an indefinite time, allegedly because of the political situation to Albania".

The spokesman says that the only reason for holding the conference in October is the 52nd Session of the U.N. General Assembly, starting on the third week of September and in which the foreign ministers of the countries participating in the Rome Conference are engaged. a.ke/jz/lm/Z

[02] BRITISH COMPANY TO INVEST USD 240 MILLION IN ALBANIA IN FIVE YEARS

According to him, the investment is expected to increase the oil extraction capacity in Albania three times and enable cooperation with other powerful British and German companies.

Lauden said that the investment of this company in Albania so far reaches USD 20 million.

Dimitris Tsisiragos, one of representatives of the World Bank affiliate in private sector, IFC, also present at the meeting, showed readiness to back small investments in various areas of the country and offer projects for the privatisation of the banking system in Albania.

Meidani also assured them that all foreign investors will find a more effective and operative administration in Albania. a.ke/jz/lm/Z

[03] THERE IS NO DIALOGUE ON KOSOVA - Lilic

Lilic called on the Albanians "to give up the dream of Kosova Republic and turn to Serbia," because, according to him, "Kosova is part of Serbia".

During the election campaign, the Serb socialists have also warned of removing even the status of province for Kosova. They have also called for violently changing the ethnic structure of Kosova.

"Serbs and Montenegrins will never happen to be national minorities," Lilic said before the Kosova Serbs. b.j/ag/pas/lm/Z

[04] ALBANIAN CITIZEN ARRESTED IN ATHENS FOR ARMS AND DRUG TRAFFIC

Two Albanian citizens, Ilia Konomi, 24, and Robert Muci, 29, were taking the load from Albania to Greece. Near Konica they met their Greek collaborators and all went to Athens.

The police arrested Albanian national Konomi and the Greek nationals, while the other Albanian had left to unknown destination.

The arrested have not yet disclosed either the customers or the selling price of the arms and drug.

Although the situation at the border with Albania is said to be under control, the Greek authorities seem to be unable to cope with the arms and drug traffic carried out at various segments of the border line.

"Our possibilities are limited as smugglers have the advantage of knowing the terrain and of cooperating with Greeks in the Greek territory". a.ke/jz/lm/Z

[05] MINISTER OF CULTURE DISMISSES DIRECTORS OF CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS

Sources of this ministry say that Dade, through a special written order yesterday, replaced the director of the National Historic Museum, Vilson Kuri (historian), with the renowned archaeologist, Maikom Zeqo.

The two other orders sent on the same day to the other institutions merely define the dismissal of the current directors, painter Alush Shima of the Gallery of Arts, and producer Paulin Shkjezi of the International Cultural Centre.

"The names of the two new directors have not been defined yet," the sources say. pas/lm/Z

[06] PEOPLE OF DURRES MOURN MOTHER TERESA

Prefect of Durres, Martin Cukalla, Mayor of Durres Arqile Gorrea and others paid last tribute under solemn tunes to a portrait of Mother Teresa placed in the Culture Palace. Hundreds of citizens gathered in the main square to attend a homage concert of the youth of the Evangelical Church.

Employees, party representatives and different institutions will pay last tribute to Mother Teresa.

A book of condolences has been placed there for the people to hail the deed of the Albanian Saint. ssh/jz/ak/Z

[07] ALBANIAN FARMERS TO INCREASE PRODUCTION BY 5 PERCENT

The harvest marked an increase of the wheat production to 80 thousand tons this year in comparison to the same season last year.

At the end of this year, the agricultural production is foreseen to occupy some 60 percent of the crude domestic production.

Official statistics say that the crops and livestock marked a great increase but the arboriculture remained the same. jz/ak/Z/

[08] PRESS REVIEW

Under the headline:"Premier Nano signs individual partnership of cooperation", the paper carries the article:"Havier Solana:"A turning point in our relations".

The paper carries Nano's speech before ambassadors in NATO entitled: "Our future linked with Europe, euro-atlantic structures, democratic principles."

It also carries the west political evaluation of the Albanian government entitled: "Albania touches the Alliance of security".

The paper carries the speech of Italian Prime Minister Prodi under the title:"Italy committed to Albania's revival". It also covers the visit of the Albanian parliamentary delegation to Athens entitled: "Our two countries will help each other".

Among the economic issues the paper carries the article:"Value Added Tax and its effect on prices and budget".

The paper recalls the message of Mother Teresa addressed to the Albanian people four years ago.

Rilindja Demokratikle carries the editorial: "Failure at the start of 'the government of discord'". Under the headline:"Harsh message of Italian Prime Minister to Albanian government", the paper carries the article:"Prodi: "Nano take care!".

The paper carries the note:"Vienna rebukes Nano" and the other note:"Nano turns Albanian five years back in the relations with the Atlantic Alliance".

The paper carries the article:"Emigrants: Nano sold us for the Italian aid" and "Europe cannot help neo-dictatorships".

Rilindja covers the visit of Prime Minister Nano to Austria under the title:"There will be no abuse of power". The paper carries an interview with President Rugova:"New German-American rapprochement on the Kosova issue". It runs the article:"Mass deportation of refugees deteriorates the situation in Kosova".

Koha Jone carries the article:"Rome: Marshal plan for Albania will not be put off". The paper carries the article:"NATO: Yes to the Albanian Army SOS".

The paper reports of a CE delegation visiting Tirana today for a "Control on governing", as well as the article: "Administration still without a clear legal framework.

Albania carries the article :"Albania in conflict with Italy". It runs the article:"Prodi accuses the Albanian government: It brings illegal emigrants from the Orient". "Italian Investments interrupted", the paper says.

The paper carries the note:"Nano: 'Give us money, and will take the refugees'". "Albania - NATO -back to 1994" and "Nano fails in Vienna", says the paper.

"The opposition reacts after the annulment of the Donors' Conference", is another article of the newspaper.

Dita carries the article: "Prodi: there is no aid with illegal immigrants". "Money for Albania, in question", the paper says. It carries the article:"NATO, the "Albania" operation starts".

Gazeta Shqiptare carries the article:"Water alarms people" and "Milo explains the Rome meeting: so far rumours. jz/lm/Z

[09] 261 CLANDESTINE ALBANIANS RETURNED IN ONE DAY

Yesterday marked the largest number of refugees turned back to Albania in a month. Other refugees from Greece were also returned.

Eyewitnesses say that the Italian Order forces have been seriously mobilised to return the clandestine Albanians, the majority between 18 to 35 years old.

A small number of them have voluntarily returned from Italy.

Some 44 Albanian young women suspected of being involved in prostitution were returned on Wednesday afternoon on board of "Iliria" ferry from Brindisi.

The border authorities said that the total number of the clandestine Albanians coming from Italy and Greece reached 963 in the first ten days of September. jz/ak/

[10] DOCUMENTARY FILM AWARDED FIRST PRIZE IN HUNGARY

The Albanian documentary K.E.N.G.A. was awarded the first prize in mid July in Badenbaden of Germany in a competition of films based on archives.

This documentary film dealt with the tragic history of the Albanian song on the eve of the last song festival in Radio Television, organised last December.

Pluton Vasi, 34, has placed two well-known singers of the Albanian light music Vaze Zela and Tonin Tershana at the center of the documentary.

This documentary will be shown soon at the International Culture Center in Tirana. pas/ak/

[11] WORKS RESUME IN BOVILLA RESERVOIR

Bovilla will supply Tirana next year with drinking water for 24-hours.

The works in Bovilla began in 1990 with the funds of the then Albanian government but were interrupted several times.

The capacity of the Bovilla basin is 80 million cubic meters, with 50 million to be used for supplying Tirana with drinking water and 30 million for irrigation.

Bovilla's construction is being financed by the Italian government on the basis of a ratified financial convention with Mediocredito Centrale of Italy. This project was drafted based on an agreement signed in the protocol of November 1992 between the Albanian-Italian joined commissions.

The Italian government was committed to finance some 218.5 billion liras, part of which is a direct credit for Bovilla. jz/ak/sh/

[12] E.U. ACCORDS 110 MILLION ECU TO ALBANIA (Albanian premier meets EU official)

Based on the evaluations of the European Commission, Santer said that relevant supplements based on the needs of the Albanian economy will be added.

A EU mission will come to Albania next week to deal with this.

The Commission President Santer said to the Albanian Premier that "the EU has always been ready and has helped Albania. But they are very disillusioned that the investments and humanitarian aid, which rank Albania first per capita, went waste, a spokesman for the Albanian prime minister said.

Santer said that the program of the Nano government, positive results reached so far and the determination, are for the United Europe a relaxed element and belief for future cooperation.

He said to the Albanian prime minister that aims and goals have been already defined to help and cooperate with Albania. He expressed the satisfaction for the readiness showed by the international finance organisations to help reconstruct Albania and the success of the future conference of international donors for Albania in Brussels next month.

Senior personalities of the European Union expressed satisfaction for the negotiations with IMF.

"IMF principles are also our principles and this means that the road is open," Santer said.

They urged Albania to be engaged in efforts for a stability in the region./ssh/pas/ak/sh/

[13] WE ARE WORKING ACCORDING TO PREVIOUS PROGRAMS FOR THE CONFERENCE OF DONORS IN ROME - Italian Embassy

"We are working according to programs previously defined," said sources from the Italian Embassy, which reported that Farnesina has issued no statement regarding this question.

This report was confuted on Wednesday by the Albanian Foreign Ministry, which declared in a press release that "Farnesina is intensively working for the conduct of donors' conference."

Italy is the main country in the organization of this conference.

BBC said that the Albanian opposition considered the postponment of the conference "to an indefinite deadline" as a failure of the policy of Nano government and inability to fulfil conditions set by the European Union in the conference of July 31 in Rome. ake/kled/mt/sh/

[14] TWO CO-CHAIRMEN OF COMMISSION FOR DRAFTING CONSTITUTION INVITE PARTIES TO SEND MEMBERS IN COMMISSION

"We are waiting the answer from the parties," said Godo, who added that it should be also realized the cooperation with the opposition, represented by the Democratic Party.

Imami said several days ago that the Constitution would be approved even without the Democratic Party. But a day after this statement, in the round table boycotted by DP, Imami said that he and Godo would make efforts to convince DP participate in the commission. /a.ke/kled/mt/sh/

[15] GREECE TO ACCORD ALBANIA A GRANT WORTH 2 MILLIARD DRACHMAS - This grant is not included in the promised credit -

Upon an invitation of the Greek Foreign Minister, Theodoros Pangallos, a delegation of the Albanian Foreign Ministry, headed by Foreign Minister Paskal Milo, left Thursday for a two-day-visit in Greece, where he will meet with high ranking personalities of Greece.

The economic cooperation will be object of talks between the Albanian delegation and the Greek senior officials. The meetings will also discuss the free movement of people and goods in the new border points, which will enable the intensification of relations between the two countries. /a.ke/kled/mt/sh/

[16] LETTER OF AUSTRIAN PRESIDENT ADDRESSED TO ALBANIAN COUNTERPART IS FALSIFIED BY ALBANIAN EMBASSY IN VIENNA - President's counselor

The charge d'affaires of Austria in Albania, Mrs Kulnig, has expressed her regret on behalf of the Austrian President that this letter was simply confidential and humanitarian, and without any color which may influence on the political and economic cooperation between Albania and Austria. Mrs Kulnig said in the meeting that the Albanian embassy in Vienna might have been informed about the aim of sending this letter and that its content was completely transformed and had disinforming purposes.

"Several lines of number one of the European powerful state, in which it was stressed the interruption of aid to Albania from the European Union, if anything happens to the democrat deputy Pjeter Arbnori, are reported to have been transformed by one of the senior officials of the Albanian embassy in Vienna," wrote Koha Jone on Wednesday, which, referring to sources from the presidency, said that "the letter of the Austrian President Klestil had nothing to do with the interruption of aid."

Anyhow, it is still unknown whether Ambassador Alickaj is directly involved in this story or anyone else in the embassy," said Zogaj.

The situation in the field of diplomacy is very confusing according to the President's counselor, and for this he accused the main opposition party, DP.

According to the political counselor, the falsification of the letter of Klestil addressed to Meidani has been made for ill political aims. Zogaj said that despite this grave incident, nothing has changed in the relations between Albania and Austria. /a.ke/kled/mt/sh/

[17] SITUATION IN KOSOVA CONTINUES TO BE VERY GRAVE - Report of Committee for Protection of Human Rights and Freedoms

The report published by this committee on Thursday also gives other cases which speak of grave violation of human rights of the Kosova Albanian last month, as well as about the very grave and dangerous life there. /b.j/ag/kled/mt/sh/

[18] MASKED PERSONS ATTACK VEHICLE IN ROAD KUKES-TIRANA - One killed, the driver seriously hurt -

Eye witnesses report that today by 8:00, the vehicle with travellers was forcibly stopped by three armed and masked persons, some 4 km far from Fushe Arrez.

The masked persons, after checking the travellers, shot on them by fire weapons. Due to this, the driver, Shaqir Domi, 55, was seriously injured, and another one died immediately from heart attack.

The chief of police commissariat in Puke, Luljak Gjecaj, reported to ATA that after an hour, the road-block in vicinity of Puke exchanged fire with several persons who were driving a car with number plate of Lezhe. Due to this, the car fell down in the abyss.

The gunmen, who shot on the vehicle of Kukes, are suspected to have been in this car.

Three citizens from Kukes lost their life and 6 others were injured due to the attacks of armed gangs during this months. /a.ke/kled/mt/sh/

[19] 5 MILLION DRACHMAS FOR PORNOGRAPHIC TELEPHONE CALLS BY ALBANIAN EMIGRANT IN SALONIKA

TIRANA, SEPT 11. - The most original way has been found by an Albanian emigrant in Salonika to make pornographic telephone calls.

The 25 year old Albanian, Adrian Elezi, stormed every night the doors of different offices and spoke over the phone until earlier in the morning.

Elezi was arrested accidentally during a common operation of the police forces and was escorted to the police station because of having no Greek visa.

From the finger-marks it came out that he was "the mysterious guest," who, while passing along the offices, had also stolen valuable things worth 600 000 drachmas.

Elezi accepted that over the last three months he had stormed 35 buildings, from 2 down to 9 times each and had made several telephone calls worth 5 million drachmas./a.ke/kled/mt/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency Directory - Previous Article - Next Article