Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 97-09-18

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] DP DEPUTY AZEM HAJDARI SHOT BY FIREARM

[02] NEW LEADERS OF RADIO-TIRANA NAMED

[03] TEN ALBANIAN FIRMS TO TAKE PART IN BUSINESS MEETING IN BRUSSELS

[04] DEPUTY AZEM HAJDARI SHOT IN PARLIAMENT

[05] ALBANIAN EXPORT REVIVED

[06] LIFE OF DEPUTY HAJDARI OUT OF DANGER

[07] GREEK SOLDIERS INJURE TEENAGER INSIDE ALBANIAN TERRITORY

[08] PRESS REVIEW

[09] ALBANIAN PARLIAMENT LIFTS PARLIAMENTARY IMMUNITY TO SOCIALIST DEPUTY MAZREKU

[10] ORDINARY CRIMINAL WILL BE PUNISHED STRONGLY WITH THE FULL FORCE OF THE LAW - Albanian Prime Minister

[11] UGLY ACT, EXTREME EXPRESSION OF INTOLERANCE AND PRIMITIVE AVENGE - President Meidani

[12] NANO MUST BE IMMEDIATELY DISMISSED FROM THE GOVERNMENT - Democrat leader

[13] HEALTH STATE OF DEPUTY HAJDARI IS IMPROVING

[14] FUNDS FOR ALBANIA'S ECONOMIC RECOVERY UNBLOCKED

[15] Around 50 percent of Albania's imports come in from Italy

[16] LEK LOSES QUOTA IT REACHED TWO DAYS AGO

[17] EXCHANGE RATES OF LEK WITH SOME FOREIGN CURRENCIES (SEPTEMBER 17, 1997)

[18] CALM SITUATION IN MILITARY HOSPITAL IN TIRANE

[19] GATHERINGS OF PEOPLE WITHOUT PERMISSION ARE ILLEGAL - Tirane police

[20] It will be a concrete activity -minister

[21] ATA -Special talks with high officials from IMF and WB are on the agenda?

[22] INVESTIGATION GROUP FOR MAZREKU CASE SET UP BY TIRANE PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE

[23] ALBANIAN PRIME MINISTER SUSPENDS HIS DEPARTURE TO HONG KONG

[24] DP PROTESTS DEPUTY HAJDARI'S WOUNDING

[25] MAZREKU HAD DEMANDED HAJDARI TO SIGN A JOINT DECLARATION - General Attorney's office

[26] PRESS RELEASE OF ITALIAN EMBASSY IN TIRANE - Deputy Hajdari to be sent to Italy tonight -

[27] STATEMENT BY JAMES P. RUBIN SPOKESMAN OF U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT ALBANIA: SHOOTING IN PARLIAMENT

[01] DP DEPUTY AZEM HAJDARI SHOT BY FIREARM

Hajdari was taken to hospital in a grave condition. Hajdari had beaten Mazreku two days ago at a parliamentary session. kei/lm/k

[02] NEW LEADERS OF RADIO-TIRANA NAMED

Radio-Tirana is the only official radio in Albania.

The Radio-Tirana director, Martin Leka, told media representatives on Wednesday that "these changes are carried out in the context of restructure and of a new programme drafted for the future".

Leka said that in a brief period, Radio Tirana will increase the number of transmission hours from 34 to 57 and will renovate the technique, which, he said, is of the years '50-'60. pas/lm/z

[03] TEN ALBANIAN FIRMS TO TAKE PART IN BUSINESS MEETING IN BRUSSELS

The firms to take part in this meeting are members of this Chamber and are selected among many other firms.

The firms belong to different fields of production such as light and food industry, cosmetics, electronic production, telecommunication services, mechanical and spare parts production. pas/lm/Z

[04] DEPUTY AZEM HAJDARI SHOT IN PARLIAMENT

Mazreku opened fire only five metres from the door of the plenary sessions hall and, after injuring Hajdari, with the pistol in his hand ran through the hall shouting.

Hajdari was immediately rushed to hospital, while Mazreku left parliament and entered the ATA building, less than 400 metres from the assembly building, claiming he had not shot the DP deputy.

He was surrendered to the Commissariat 1 Police Forces, which also sequestered the weapon of the crime. kei/lm (more)

[05] ALBANIAN EXPORT REVIVED

The group "machinery and mechanic and electric equipment" ranks first in this export realisation. While in six months the export for this group is 2,08 per cent, in July it was 29,79%.

The export of commodities "shoes" and "textile and textile articles" reaches 13.75 per cent and 13.74 %. Figures speak for a reactivation of textile industry and shoe production after the March-April riots.

All data from INSTAT are based on customs statements.

Meanwhile the export of the group "leather and other articles" for July reaches 2.06 per cent and in six months 4,83 per cent.

The export of the group "finished products, alcoholic drinks, tobacco" for July also increased by 5 79 per cent. That of mineral products also increased by 4,31 per cent, while in six month 7,66 per cent.

According to INSTAT, export of "fats and other items" remain at the "zero" level. pas/lm/sh/

[06] LIFE OF DEPUTY HAJDARI OUT OF DANGER

At around 13.00, Hajdari was operated for the extraction of four bullets he had received.

Deputies Hajdari and Mazreku were entering the parliamentary sessions hall by 12.00 when five pistol shots were heard in the corridor between the DP parliamentary group and the plenary one.

Immediately, the deputies rushed their colleague to the military hospital.

Gafurr Mazreku could run some 300 metres from the parliament building and surrendered himself to the ATA police on duty asking them to call the police, as he unclearly said he had committed a crime.

In few minutes, police forces of Commissariat 1 took Mazreku in their police van.

The situation at the military hospital was very tense. Present at the hospital was almost all the DP parliamentary group and the leader of this party, Sali Berisha.

Berisha harshly accused the Albanian head of state of this crime. He told ATA that: "The president of the Republic, Albania's criminal Prime Minister, as well as Namik Dokle and their band, who invented this act to kill the December symbol bear direct responsibility for this ugly act."

Mazreku is merely an ordinary killer, while the real killers hold the chairs stained with the blood of Albania".

PM Fatos Nano has condemned this unprecedented act and guaranteed that all actions will be taken to punish Mazreku.

"The ordinary criminal, who, naturally, will no more hold the mandate of the deputy, will be severely punished according to the law. But this was and remains an ordinary crime, committed under abnormal conditions. Therefore, penal responsibilities remain personal," said Nano.

Albanian Prime Minister wished deputy Azem Hajdari a quick recovery. kled/kei/lm/sh/

[07] GREEK SOLDIERS INJURE TEENAGER INSIDE ALBANIAN TERRITORY

The incident took place near the border police section post of Trestenik, Devoll district.

The four Greek soldiers had entered 300 metres of the Albanian state border to kidnap an Albanian 14 year-old girl, who was ploughing the land together with her mother.

Mother tried to protect her daughter and the Greek soldiers hit her with the butts of the automatic rifles. Her cries for help attracted the attention of the villagers, who were ploughing the nearby lands and several of them rushed to help them.

Under these conditions the Greek soldiers retreated by opening fire on the villagers, injuring the Albanian 13-old-boy, Rezart Medolli, who was operated at Korce hospital.

After the incident the investigation team of the Devoll Police commissariat went to the place gathering testimony from the villagers on the spot as well as the material proof, such as automatic detonators, belonging to the Greek army.

This has been the second incident within two months at the Albanian-Greek border in the Devoll district. The first incident took place at the Vidihove village on August 11, with two Greek soldiers entering 200-300 metres of the Albanian territory and opened fire on several villagers, killing Agim Xhihani and injuring Ardian Kreke. kei/lm/k

[08] PRESS REVIEW

Under the headline:"First denunciation of authors of Albanian tragedy arrives", the paper says:"Penal prosecution demanded for citizen Sali Berisha".

The paper cites the President of the Republic of Kosove as saying at a meeting with Socialist Party leaders :"I evaluate the platform of the new Albanian government on the national issue". The paper says that the president has decreed replacement of ambassadors and carries the list of new ambassadors under the title:"New vision of Albanian diplomacy".

Rilindja Demokratike says:"Opposition shortens Nano's days". Under the headline:"Some $ 50 000 given to the terrorist from Shkallnuer", the paper says:"Scenario in prison cell for killing Berisha", regarding an attempt to former President Sali Berisha's life when he was head of state.

As regards the appointment of new ambassadors the paper says:"President Meidani signs decree for destroying Albanian diplomacy".

The paper covers the meeting of DP leader Sali Berisha with Italian ambassador to Albania Marcello Spatafora, and cites Berisha as saying: "Stop returning emigrants".

Republika carries the editorial:"Two per cent of social policy" and says:"VEFA subdues the government". The paper also says:"Salvation committee revives under the old chief" regarding an announcement of this committee to return to the issue of the money lost in pyramid schemes.

Rilindja says that the Students' Independent Union of the Prishtine University unfolds the platform of protests.

The paper carries the news of the appointment of new ambassadors and covers the meeting of Albanian President Rexhep Meidani with representatives of Italian Entrepreneurs Advisory Committee acting in Albania, under the title: "Italian aid evaluated".

Koha Jone carries the editorial:"This crazy haste of Berisha" and says:"Appeals Court: VEFA without auditors". The paper says that "Berisha travels to Shkoder at night", under the headline:"Secret meetings of former-President in the northern city are an enigma.

The paper also says:"Rugova to DP. Berisha does not receive him", as well as "Italian priest steals church bell of 60 kg of gold".

It cites Finance Minister Malaj as saying:"Salaries to increase next year".

Albania says in its editorial today that Albanian PM Nano has rejected investigations into pyramid schemes in Albania. As regards the attempt on former President Sali Berisha' life in June, the paper says:"SP: USD 50 000 to kill Berisha", under the headline:"Mystery on the assassin from Shkallnuer. The court hides file".

Dita reports today that "VEFA wins lawsuit towards the government". The paper cites a report of the Italian Interior Ministry saying that Albania is a factory of prostitutes and drug".

Balli i Kombit says:"Constitution for all Albanians", "For an active right wing in the Albanian politics" and "Greece can be a friendly but not a supervising country".

Gazeta Shqiptare says: "Usuries defeat government", under the headline:"Surprising decision of the Appeals Court. Decision on firm's administrators dropped". The paper also reports that the owner of Italidruri in Elbasan has hanged himself. The paper says:"DP ahead of congress: assault towards south starts". kei/pas/lm/sh/

[09] ALBANIAN PARLIAMENT LIFTS PARLIAMENTARY IMMUNITY TO SOCIALIST DEPUTY MAZREKU

The Democratic Party and the parties of the Union for Democracy were not present in the special session.

The Parliament Speaker Skender Gjinushi asked the Parliament to approve a request of the Attorney General, Albert Rakipi to lift the parliamentary deputy to Mazreku and make possible his arrest.

In the name of the Socialist parliamentary group, its chairman Pandeli Majko condemned this act as "shameful and punishable" and declared his dismissal from the socialist parliamentary group.

"This vile and punishable act," said Majko "threatens to destabilize the situation in the whole country." rf/kled/xh/

[10] ORDINARY CRIMINAL WILL BE PUNISHED STRONGLY WITH THE FULL FORCE OF THE LAW - Albanian Prime Minister

In my capacity as the Chairman of the Council of Ministers, and as the leader of the party of that irresponsible man, who turned from a deputy to a criminal, I declare that all are equal before the law, beginning with the PM and the President, up to the last national, in case of crime. The ordinary criminal, who naturally will not continue to hold the parliamentary immunity, will be punished fiercely on the basis of the law. The respective bodies are acting with responsibility and quickly to investigate into and punish this grave crime committed by a legislator to another legislator, by a man of the Albanian policy to another man of the same policy.

But this was and remains an ordinary crime, committed in abnormal circumstances, therefore the penal responsibility remains within personal range.

Wishing deputy Azem Hajdari a quick recovery, I avail myself of the opportunity to urge Albanian politicians, leaders of state institutions and political parties to respect the rules of political life in a democratic country. I urge them to use their influence in their parties to ensure that an ordinary crime will be not become a pretext for other crises. We succeeded in overcoming a deep crisis through peaceful means and a free vote of our people. Let us also overcome this serious and criminal event through the logic of an emancipated political class and a cultured-minded people who know to distinguish between the ordinary crime and the political crime.

Albania needs peace, the Albanians want stability and Albanian policy must create continuous possibilities and encourage working together for national reconciliation and the reconstruction of the country.

I once more wish Mr Azem Hajdari a quick recovery to the good of his family and children, of his party and the parliament, whose deputy he is. The Council of Ministers has already adopted all necessary measures to ensure not only the life of Mr Azem Hajdari but also the law and order, tranquillity and welfare for all the Albanians," ends the statement of the Albanian Prime Minister. xh/sh/

[11] UGLY ACT, EXTREME EXPRESSION OF INTOLERANCE AND PRIMITIVE AVENGE - President Meidani

"This ugly act, extreme expression of intolerance and primitive revenge, undermined the all sided efforts underway in our Albania to lower tensions and restore order and peace which all Albanians from the north to the south are wishing.

In these moments deputy Azem Hajdari is receiving all medical assitance he needs.

Police have arrested the criminal, who showed he was not worthy to represent the noble people of Has and northern areas in general.

I am convinced that judiciaries will act determingly according to the law.

On this occasion, I appeal to political parties and the deputies to distance themselves from and denounce this unprecendented act. I also urge them today more than ever high political and civic responsibility for everything they do and say. I must recall, with regret, that the intolerance manifested recently in the Parliament chamber does not serve at all the all-people aspiration for national salvation, human understanding, co-habitation and conciliation.

Wishing deputy Hajdari quick recovery, I am spiritually near his wife, children and relatives in this event which no honest Albanian would wish to have experienced," ends the statement of President Rexhep Meidani. ssh/xh/sh/

[12] NANO MUST BE IMMEDIATELY DISMISSED FROM THE GOVERNMENT - Democrat leader

Berisha said today in his news conference heard on a loudspeaker also in the square in front of DP headquarters, that the DP stand towards the People's Assembly will be like that towards "a parliament of criminals." DP leader did not specify whether he implied their permanent boycott of the Parliament or not.

Today the democrats reacted to a statement of Prime Minister Nano about the event. "The statement was prepared since last night," said DP Secretary General, Genc Pollo. Berisha considered the crime not ordinary but political and organized by "the criminal bands of Fatos Nano, Rexhep Meidani, Namik Dokle, Skender Gjinushi and their killing clique." ssh/kled/xh/sh/

[13] HEALTH STATE OF DEPUTY HAJDARI IS IMPROVING

While describing the health state of deputy Hajdari, Mr Kerci explained that the situation is better due to the therapy that deputy Hajdari is receiving.

According to him, Hajdari who had four bullet wounds, is still in the intensive care ward under the observation of a group of medical specialists./ssh/kled/xh/sh/

[14] FUNDS FOR ALBANIA'S ECONOMIC RECOVERY UNBLOCKED

In a meeting of the Council of EU General Questions, Mr Van den Broek said that "the organization I represent will adopt immediate measures to help Albania financially to overcome the economic crisis after the collapse of pyramid investments schemes in March this year."

The European Union is offering millions of dollars for some emergent sectors in Albania, especially for the development of the infrastructure.

The representative of the World Bank in Tirane, Carlos Elbirt, in the meetings with highest-ranking officials of the new Albanian Government has confirmed that funds for projects of the rehabilitation of roads, forests, the reconstruction of the Durres sea port and others, have been unblocked. kled/xh/sh/

[15] Around 50 percent of Albania's imports come in from Italy

Some 50 percent of imported goods come to Albania from Italy, sources from the General Department Directorate told Albanian Telegraphic Agency, Wednesday.

Italy comes first among countries, that conducts trade with Albania and during the first six month have entered goods worth thirteen and half billion leks.

Compared to the same period last year, imports from Italy are promoted to 13 percent, despite the highly priced Italian products. These commodities are mainly house appliance products, hydro sanitary and technical equipment, as well as food stuff products.

The latest information from the custom house department, shows that as the imports from Italy are on the rise, the Albanian goods in Italy are on the same level like the previous year.

Italy remains the favorite country for Albanian exports, holding 47,13 percent of the total export. In Italy are exported mainly textile products, craftsmanship products, fish canes etc. The bulk of export is hold by products of Italian enterprenuers factories, active in Albania for some year.

The total value of Albanian exports towards Italy for the first six months is estimated to be around 4 billion and 148 million leks.

The second foreign partner is Greece with 19 percent of imports and 20 percent of exports.

Italy and Greece together occupy 68 percent of exports and 70 percent of imports, in Albania's general trade balance.

[16] LEK LOSES QUOTA IT REACHED TWO DAYS AGO

According to moneychangers, the exchange rate of the Savings Bank had affected the higher quota for the dollar.

The Savings Bank bought 1 USD at 143 lek and sold it at 148 lek. In the free market 1 USD was bought at 144.5 lek and sold at 150 lek today at noon.

[17] EXCHANGE RATES OF LEK WITH SOME FOREIGN CURRENCIES (SEPTEMBER 17, 1997)

Currency              Bought                  Sold
1 USD                 143                     148
1 DM                   80                      83.2
1000 lira              82                      85
100 drachma            49                      52.7

Free Market
Currency               Bought                  Sold
1 USD                 144.5                    150
1 DM                   82.5                     84.5
1000 lira              84                       87.5
100 drachma            50.4                     55

KLED/XH/sh/

[18] CALM SITUATION IN MILITARY HOSPITAL IN TIRANE

Deputy Azem Hajdari was brought to this hospital today at noon. According to the doctors, the situation of Hajdari, after immediate necessary surgical intervention, is out of danger.

The great number of people who rushed to the hospital following the event, created some troubles, said Andoni, adding that "Military Police forces and those of Public Order intervened to restore order and presently the situation is calm."

He said that full measures have been taken to secure the situation in the Military Hospital. ssh/kled/xh/sh/

[19] GATHERINGS OF PEOPLE WITHOUT PERMISSION ARE ILLEGAL - Tirane police

After the event today at noon inside the Parliament during which deputy Azem Hajdari was wounded by another deputy, small groups of people have gathered in front of the DP and Parliament headquarters and later have dispersed peacefully, said Tusha, adding that "police have been informed that gatherings of people will take place in the evening hours today."

"Tirane Police Department and Interior Ministry special forces have taken all measures to secure public order and peace," said Mr Tusha. kled/xh/sh/

[20] It will be a concrete activity -minister

Minister -It will be one of the most concrete activities in the framework of the economic relationship with leading international financial bodies. We think it is the case, our Government gives better messages to what it has achieved in order to secure maximum support from these international mechanisms.

According to the procedures, Premier Fatos Nano was planed to head the delegation, but due to a grave political event, he thought to follow more closely the current situation.

[21] ATA -Special talks with high officials from IMF and WB are on the agenda?

Anyway, we think to carry out these meetings and express there the message of all Albanians.

ATA -The agreement in principle between IMF and Albania, signed in Tirana, will develop further ?

Minister - By all means. It has not to do with the WB and IMF only. In such meetings we have the possibility to express our gratitude to all donators, which have assisted us during this six year period and show them the guarantees offered by Albanian government in the future.

[22] INVESTIGATION GROUP FOR MAZREKU CASE SET UP BY TIRANE PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE

"Right after SP deputy Gafur Mazreku, who committed the crime against democrat deputy Azem Hajdari, was caught by Police Commissariat forces, an investigation group was formed to probe the event," Prosecutor of Tirane district, Adnan Xhelili who leads this group, told ATA. "The proofs are clear and the man who committed the crime is already caught," said Xhelili, adding that the probe is going on rapidly.

Gafur Mazreku is presently arrested in the prison 313 in the capital.

In a special session today, the Albanian Parliament lifted the socialist party parliamentary immunity to Gafur Mazreku, who shot with a pistol today at noon inside the Parliament the democrat deputy, Azem Hajdari. kled/xh/sh/

[23] ALBANIAN PRIME MINISTER SUSPENDS HIS DEPARTURE TO HONG KONG

Finance Minister Arben Malaj, who leads the Albanian delegation, told reporters that PM Nano was forced to stay to follow the situation closely. In the "Hong Kong '97" program the Albanian PM was planned to have meetings with IMF president and the World Bank General Director.

Sources close to the Prime Minister said to ATA that Nano may leave for Hong Kong tomorrow if the health of Mr hajdari improves significantly and the situation in the country remains calm. kled/xh/sh/

[24] DP PROTESTS DEPUTY HAJDARI'S WOUNDING

DP members and sympathizers gathered first at 6 p.m. in front of this party headquarters and led by some party leaders made for the central square in Tirane to hold a protest rally although not permitted by police.

The people present in the rally chanted threatening and insulting slogans against the Government and the Parliament and slogans of support for Hajdari and Berisha. DP leader and other leaders of the Union for Democracy addressed the people present and spoke against the Government and the Parliament.

After staying for several minutes in the square, at about 6.40 p.m. the protesters made for the Deshmoret e Kombit boulevard while police did not intervene during all the manifestation. In the lead of the crowd was Sali Berisha and other leaders of the Union for Democracy.

Then the protesters stopped in the Mother Teresa square in front of the University premises. After several minutes, they passed through the boulevard and headed for the Democratic Party headquarters. xh/

[25] MAZREKU HAD DEMANDED HAJDARI TO SIGN A JOINT DECLARATION - General Attorney's office

General Attorney's Office, in a press release, reports that the investigation so far results that at about 11 a.m. the deputies Azem Hajdari and Gafurr Mazreku have talked about the joint declaration at the bar of the People's Assembly and later the two deputies have continued the talk in the corridor close to the parliament chamber.

According to explanations by Mazreku, deputy Hajdari had not agreed to sign the declaration he had prepared. Then Mazreku, after exchanging words with deputy Hajdari, shot five bullets at Hajdari, with a pistol.

Police found in the spot five cartridge cases, two pistol shells and the declaration written by Mazreku which Hajdari had not signed. pas/xh/

[26] PRESS RELEASE OF ITALIAN EMBASSY IN TIRANE - Deputy Hajdari to be sent to Italy tonight -

According to instructions by Minister Dini, Hajdari will be transported tonight by airplane put at the disposal for this case by Unita di Crisi of Farnesina.

The plane will leave the Rinas airport and stop in that of Bari where Mr Hajdari will be sent to a polyclinic, which is ready for his arrival. xh/

[27] STATEMENT BY JAMES P. RUBIN SPOKESMAN OF U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT ALBANIA: SHOOTING IN PARLIAMENT

The shooting, allegedly by a Socialist Party MP, took place in the parliament building in Tirana.

Mr. Hajdari is believed to be out of danger, and his assailant has been arrested. We hope Mr. Hajdari will recover speedily.

The United States Government strongly condemns the shooting, and urges the Government of Albania to investigate the incident and prosecute the culprit to the fullest extent of the law.

We commend the statement of Albanian Prime Minister Nano condemning the shooting and calling for calm. We believe that political differences can only be resolved through political means; violence only perpetuates problems. The June elections returned Albania to the path of democratic development and opened the way for economic stabilization and growth. It is important that all Albanians seize this opportunity and work together to promote national reconciliation and economic recovery.

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