Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 97-10-14

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

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CONTENTS

[01] DEPOSITS INCREASE BY 50 PERCENT

[02] PENSIONS FOR ORPHAN CHILDREN IN KORCE STOLEN ON THE ROAD

[03] SPECIAL FORCES CONTROL SHKODER-VELIPOJE ROAD AXIS

[04] ALBANIAN PRIME MINISTER NANO IN ROME WITH OPPOSITION

[05] WEU WISHES TO HELP ALBANIA CONCRETELY

[06] PRESS REVIEW

[07] NATO TO HELP ALBANIA FOR REORGANIZATION OF ITS ARMED FORCES - Letter of NATO Secretary General Javier Solana to PM Fatos Nano -

[08] ALBANIAN GOVERNMENT COMMITTED TO RESPECTING CONTEMPORARY DEMOCRATIC STANDARDS

[09] SPAIN OFFERS CREDITS TO ALBANIA

[10] ALBANIA'S PRESIDENT ASKS PROFESSIONALISM AND DEVOTION FROM ALBANIAN AMBASSADORS

[11] ALBANIA'S LAST COMMUNIST PREMIER ÇARÇANI DIES

[12] MINIMAL FLUCTUATIONS OF LEK

[13] SERBIAN POLICE IMPOSE CURFEW ON VILLAGES IN KOSOVA

[14] SIMITIS "BRINGS" $72 MLN FOR ALBANIA TOMORROW

[15] GREEK PREMIER COSTAS SIMITS VISITS ALBANIA TOMORROW

[01] DEPOSITS INCREASE BY 50 PERCENT

The deposits in the city banks are increased by 50 percent in comparison with the same period last year, an expert of the subsidiary of National Commercial Bank in the city Mehdi Birani told ATA.

"The citizens who have no possibility to invest their savings in businesses, prefer to deposit them in banks in which they (deposits) are safe," Birani said.

Safety of citizens and higher interest rate, some 35 percent per year in a three-month period, have influenced the increase of deposits.

"If the interest rate falls, the citizens will again deposit their savings," Birani said arguing that this is related to the new psychology after the collapse of pyramid schemes.

During the last week, other 200 citizens have deposited their money in the city banks. ssh/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] PENSIONS FOR ORPHAN CHILDREN IN KORCE STOLEN ON THE ROAD

At 7 a.m. when the car of the foundation left Tirane for Korce, in Mullet of Tirane, it was rioted by masked people who were on a Benz without number plate. The masked people maltreated the driver and looted the money in the car.

"There are five years since this Foundation is assisting 1 700 orphan children in several districts of Albania, with a monthly pay of 25 dollars, " said Hajrie Hasani, president of "Albanian Orphan Children."

Today's theft may have a negative impact on the donors and maybe they interrupt their activity in Albania, added Ms Hasani.

There are 340 orphans in Korce waiting to receive their pensions by the Charity Foundation. pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] SPECIAL FORCES CONTROL SHKODER-VELIPOJE ROAD AXIS

The Velipoja beach, some 30 km from the city, was used as a transit place for illegal passing to Italy and cigarette smuggling during the March unrest. It has also been a center for cigarettes smuggled into Albania through Greece and sent to Montenegro through Shkodra lake.

To stop this phenomenon, the Interior Ministry has built three check points in the road leading to Shkodra-Velipoja and Shkodra-Hani i Hotit.

A ship was intercepted on Monday night near the beach of Velipoja but changes its route after being signaled by smugglers.

The special forces have recently removed all the vehicles and motorboats from the Shkodra lake and border point of Hani i Hotit. ake/pas/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] ALBANIAN PRIME MINISTER NANO IN ROME WITH OPPOSITION

Berisha confirmed this in a news conference today in which he appreciated the letter by the Council of Ministers. For the DP leader this is the first political act to bring nearer the opposite poles of the Albanian policy.

The invitation by PM Nano aims at including the Albanian opposition chief in the Albanian delegation of the donors' conference, an unprecedented case in the history of Albanian pluralism.

Berisha declared today that he would ask the Council of Ministers that his presence be not for sake of appearances. According to the DP leader, he should be given the chance to speak in Rome about the situation of the opposition and its analysis following the June 29 elections. If this is not realised, he said, the analysis for the opposition might also be included in the report that PM Nano would hold in Rome.

Berisha did not declare definitely if he was going to Rome on October 17 on the same plane with Nano. He declared as essential for his participation in the conference the possibility to declare before the European community the opinions of the Albanian opposition. "Nevertheless," said Berisha, "even if I am not going to take part in the conference, I urge the European countries not to spare their assistance for Albania." xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] WEU WISHES TO HELP ALBANIA CONCRETELY

During his Brussels visit last week, the Secretary of State for Euro Atlantic Integration Maqo Lakrori held talks with the WEU Secretary General Jose Cutiliero at the organisation headquarters.

A positive climate, evaluation and support for Albania and Albanian people characterised a meeting between Albanian Secretary of State Lakrori and officials of the Brussels-based European Union Commission.

They exchanged views on final preparations for a donors' conference on Albania to be held in Brussels and the promotion of relationships between Albania and the European Union. pas/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] PRESS REVIEW

In the second page, the paper carries the article "Invisible part of the government's successes." As regards the functioning of the local government, the paper carries a statement of the deputy prime minister Bashkim Fino under the title "Central power favours a cooperation with the local government." On the same topic, the paper carries a statement of the Albanian Helsinki Committee under the title "For a more efficacious local government." Under the headline "Albanian government on the eve of Rome and Brussels conferences", the paper carries a statement of the minister of Cooperation and Economic Development, Ermelinda Meksi saying "International community will assist a 'new revival of Albania's economy'".

The newspaper Rilindja Demokratike reports that in the run-up to the Rome meeting the officials of the European Union ask for the opposition leader' evaluation on the Nano government. Today's editorial is entitled "Nano's hypocrisy." In the second page under the headline "Wild revanche of the state control. 42 employees dismissed," the paper says "State buys the state control." In the same page, it covers yesterday's protest of Democrats in Tirana quoting the Democrat leader Sali Berisha as saying "SP, the last misfortune of Albanians." The same paper carries an open letter of Servet Pellumbi, one of the leading figures of the Socialist party, who presents his reservations on country's and party running. In the fourth page, the paper carries an interview with the Democrat deputy and former Speaker Pjeter Arbnori. "Police pressure on investment scheme creditors", the paper reports on the fifth page.

Today's editorial of the newspaper Republika is entitled "SP plays with the DP cards." Referring to the criticism of the former Socialist deputy leader Servet Pellumbi towards the present Socialist leader Fatos Nano, the paper carries an article entitled "Pellumbi attacks Nano using the argument of moving the government and the party on the right." As regards the students' protest in Kosova, the paper carries an article saying that the Secretary General of the Socialist party Pandeli Majko met with Belgrade's representative in Tirana on Monday. It says that Majko asked him to implement the agreement on education signed last year between the Serbian President Slobodan Miloshevic and his Kosova counterpart Ibrahim Rugova. In the eighth page, the paper says that the Silva company has passed the test of transparency carried out by the Albanian specialists. In the twelfth page the paper carries the articles "Greek-Albanian friendship will respond to mutual interests and not dictate" and "Time of dinosaurs in DP."

"Bomb kills three children," writes Koha Jone in its first page. Its editorial is entitled "The right and left wings." With regard to an open letter of SP deputy Servet Pellumbi, the newspaper carries an article "Accusations not in the right time," and subtitle "Ilir Meta dos not agree to pronounce himself for newspaper Koha Jone." "Socialists tried to conceal their concern after open letter of the former SP deputy chairman, Servet Pellumbi in which he criticized Prime Minister Nano for leading SP towards the centre right." The newspaper writes that EU has asked Berisha that DP must take part in the Parliament. In its fifth page the newspaper writes that the illegal passing of the Greek-Albanian border suspend Greece from the Schengen agreement and that this issue will be on the agenda of the Nano-Simitis talks." The newspaper writes that Macedonian president Gligorov has pressurized Albanian President Meidani that if Albania continues to refer to Macedonia as the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia after the name put to it by U.N., we shall not sign the bilateral agreements. "Boss of Cenaj & Co tells his Greek adventure," writes the newspaper in its 12th page. It carries another article entitled "Vefa appeal to the Constitutional Court."

"16 pregnant women towards a hunger strike" writes newspaper Albania. It writes that Vefa has started to distribute credits to creditors in Tirane and in the districts. Today's editorial has the title "The West demands guarantees from opposition." This paper publishes the pronunciation of SP Secretary General P Majko regarding Servet Pellumbi's open letter for Albania, under the title "Pellumbi wants to revive SP-Majko." For the same issue, this paper carries a commentary "Pellumbi: Nano, you are our offspring." In its fourth page this paper carries another open letter that the director of the Opera and Ballet Theater in Tirane, Agron Xoxa has addressed to the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Arta Dade, to protest to his release from the post of the director. The newspaper also carries a pronunciation of the Tirana Mayor, who says that the kiosks in Tirane are properties of politicians.

"1.5 million dollars of Vefa blocked" writes Dita on its first page, under the headline "Company wants to transfer the last installment outside Albania to repair the ships. Monitoring Council of Banks refuses." On the same page the newspaper writes "Nano takes Berisha to Rome." Referring to the open letter of Servet Pellumbi, the newspaper carries the opinion of the SP secretary general P Majko, who said that "The problems that Pellumbi raises are worth discussing" and an opinion by SP organizational secretary Koci, who said that "SP sets an example to DP regarding Berisha cult." DP leadership finally arrives in the south, writes the newspaper about the meetings in Gjirokaster of one of DP leaders, V Minarolli. This paper cites the Minister of Labour and Social Assistance, Elmas Sherifi, saying that "National Labour Service" to start soon.

Under the title "Albania is a country which knows to dialogue," newspaper Rilindja carries a report on the meetings of President Meidani in Strasbourg. "We are preparing for the coming protest," the paper cites the chairman of the student union of Kosova in the meetings with Swedish and British diplomats. "Memorial erected for Mother Teresa in Skoplje," writes this paper in its second page. Rilindja also writes of the demonstration of Albanian emigrants in front of Italian Parliament in Rome.

"Documents of pyramid investment schemes eliminated," writes newspaper Shekulli regarding the elimination of documents of foundations Populli and Xhaferri. "Unemployment registers new records" writes this paper in its second page. In the third page this paper carries a pronunciation of SP Secretary General P Majko referring to open letter of Servet Pellumbi. In the same page the paper publishes an article entitled "Arbnori will be the rival of Berisha." The newspaper also has a pronunciation by former prime minister Meksi "Who will rival with Berisha, this question interests me." The newspaper cites Republican chairman Godo who is also chairman of the Parliamentary Commission for the Constitution saying "The referendum must be called off." "The state increases budgetary deficit and debts," writes the newspaper in its economic page.

Gazeta Shqiptare today writes about three children killed by a bomb- blast near village Kashar of Tirane. Regarding polemics within SP, the paper cites the secretary general of this party, Majko, that "Pellumbi's criticisms are normal." "Vefa sends case with the government to Constitutional Court" and another article about the first conclusions drawn by the transparence in the former pyramid investment schemes. pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] NATO TO HELP ALBANIA FOR REORGANIZATION OF ITS ARMED FORCES - Letter of NATO Secretary General Javier Solana to PM Fatos Nano -

NATO Secretary General Javier Solana wrote in a letter to Albanian Prime Minister Fatos Nano that "Allies and partners in NATO are willing and ready to assist Albania and the alliance will continue monitoring the implementation of the Individual Partnership Program."

Solana voiced his satisfaction for the readiness of the Albanian Government to develop relations of cooperation with NATO through the Partnership programs, thus becoming a constructive element for the stability in the zone.

The implementation of the Partnership Program, said Mr Solana, would offer Albania possibilities for the reorganization of its armed forces as a key element of the institutions of a modern state in a democratic society.

The agreement of the Individual Partnership Program between Albania and NATO was signed over a visit that Prime Minister Fatos Nano paid to Brussels a month ago. pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] ALBANIAN GOVERNMENT COMMITTED TO RESPECTING CONTEMPORARY DEMOCRATIC STANDARDS

"In this aspect it has been careful to meet all the conditions, which create to the government coalition parties and the opposition real possibilities and an appropriate terrain to present their options to develop democracy in Albania and continue the process of national reconciliation", the spokesman of the Prime Minister days.

The Albanian government reconfirms its predisposition to present a platform of all-national interests at the Rome conference, organised by foreign countries and organisations, which will commit themselves to provide aid to Albania.

The government will go to this conference with the aim to create a real international support to finally overcome the crisis, revive the economy and realise an all round reform, which will help Albania join the European democratic family in a dignified way.

Also, the invitation extended to the opposition to join the delegation in the Rome meeting must be understood in this context. The Albanian government regards this as its serious commitment, conform the pluralist and democratic principles guiding its activity.

On this occasion, the Albanian government stresses its conviction that the step taken to invite the opposition in the Rome meeting will be an additional element in the efforts to overcome the crisis and realise the reform that would transform Albania into a stabilised democratic country, the spokesman concludes. s.sh/kei/lm/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] SPAIN OFFERS CREDITS TO ALBANIA

It is a fund worth 80 million dollars planned to be offered to the economies of developing countries.

The Spanish firm "ADL," as coordinator of the Spanish government with developing countries, offers to Albania cooperation in the economic field.

"We are considering the possibility of cooperation with the "ADL" company," said to ATA Ilir Ciko, specialist in the Department for the Coordination of Projects in the Ministry of Public Economy and Privatization.

The possible fields that can profit from the Spanish aid are the rehabilitation of TEC in Fier, the protection of the environment in the oil sources, as well as the refinery of Ballsh. /kei/mt/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] ALBANIA'S PRESIDENT ASKS PROFESSIONALISM AND DEVOTION FROM ALBANIAN AMBASSADORS

"Your performance requires visionary implementation of the pragmatist policy only to the interest of the Albanian people and state, of the country's restoration and European integration, free from party policy influence," Meidani told the ambassadors during a meeting before taking up duty in the respective countries.

He asked the ambassadors to put an end to the ongoing practices of turning into representatives of the interests of a political clan.

President Meidani considered of priority for the Albanian diplomatic missions in the countries that are accredited to represent the political, economic, cultural interests and the emancipating values of the Albanian society and state in order to promote bilateral relations and contribute to the Euro-Atlantic integration of the country.

"Only in this way can a generation of career diplomats, devoted and professionist, be consolidated for the good of the Albanian society," Meidani said.

Attending the meeting was also Albania's Foreign Minister Paskal Milo. /s.sh/kei/mt/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] ALBANIA'S LAST COMMUNIST PREMIER ÇARÇANI DIES

Çarçani had been for many years member of the Political Bureau of the Party of Labour Central Committee.

He became member of the Albanian Communist Party in 1942 and carried out important tasks during the Antifascist National Liberation War as a leader of partisan army divisions.

After 1944 he performed important leading tasks of the Albanian Communist party.

Since '59 he had been member of the Party of Labour Central Committee and several times deputy chairman of the Council of Ministers.

For ten years, since 1981 Çarçani had been Prime Minister of Albania and in the last days of Ramiz Alia's communist regime he was also elected chairman of the People's Assembly.

Many former Political Bureau members took part in the funeral of Çarçani today at 12.00. vç/kei/lm/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] MINIMAL FLUCTUATIONS OF LEK

Informal market average exchange rates

Average exchange rates

Currency Yesterday Today

USD 149,25 lek 149.20 DM 87,75 lek 85.30 ITL (1000) 85,97 lek 86.30 GRD (100) 53,41 lek 53.60 SFR 101,05 lek 100.87 /kei/mt/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] SERBIAN POLICE IMPOSE CURFEW ON VILLAGES IN KOSOVA

The Democratic League of Kosova (LDK) has not given so far any explanation for the causes of this police action.

Meanwhile, the Serbian police reported that an armed attack against the police station in Qollopek in the commune of Peje was undertaken during the night by 01:30.

Unidentified persons attacked the police station and no reports on victims and material damages are available so far.

The TANGJUG news agency, referring to the Serbian Interior Ministry, stresses that the police forces "have faced the attack, and through an organised action detained and arrested several persons, who had two rifles and two pistols." /b.j/p.ta/kei/mt/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] SIMITIS "BRINGS" $72 MLN FOR ALBANIA TOMORROW

The credit will be used to promote the development of Albanian economy and to enhance the cooperation with Greece in energy, telecommunication, military and construction sectors.

Greek Premier's visit can be considered a successful one, even without started yet. After the June parliamentary elections in Albania, where the Socialist Party gained the majority of seats in Parliament, Greek government was the first Western country to financially express its support for Albanian government headed by Socialist Premier, Fatos Nano.

Greece decision to grant Albania $72 million, only two days before the Rome Donors' Conference and five days ahead of Brussels' conference is a good sign for the progress of these conferences.

Even after the multi-party elections in 1992, where the Democratic party headed by former president Sali Berisha won the elections, Greek government headed by former president Mitsotakis accorded Albania a credit worth $200 million.

After Italy, Greece is Albania's second partner regarding its exports and imports./k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] GREEK PREMIER COSTAS SIMITS VISITS ALBANIA TOMORROW

TIRANE, OCT.14 (ATA)- By Eva Allushi, Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis arrives in Albania for a one-day visit on Wednesday.

The intensification of relations between the two countries is expected to be crowned during the visit of Simitis with the signing of a joint statement on cooperation, with the agreement to open new border crossing points as well as with the signing of the memorandum on the conditions of the macro-economic assistance the Greek government is according to Albania.

After the 45-year-long isolation, which characterized the Albanian foreign policy in the relations with the neighbors and broader, in 1991 these relations marked a new step with the visit of the former Greek Prime Minister, Mitsotakis, to Albania, a contact which was followed by another meeting between Mitsotakis and Meksi in 1993.

The March of 1996 marks the first visit of a Greek president to Albania, the visit of Costis Stephanopoulos, who declared that:"The Balkan countries should testify that the expression 'Powder Keg' is now a historical anachronism". The Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between the two countries was signed during this visit.

Former Albanian Prime Minister Aleksander Meksi visited Athens in June 1996.

In April 1997 the Prime Minister of the Government of National Reconciliation, Bashkim Fino, visited Athens and asked support from the neighboring country to overcome the Albanian crisis.

Greece, as a EU and NATO member country, has contributed to strengthening Albania; it (Greece) is the second investor country in Albania, following the other neighbour, Italy. Some 300 000-400 000 Albanian emigrants are currently working in Greece.

In the years '94-'95, the relations between Albania and Greece cooled. An exchange of accusations characterised these relations.

Ex-president Sali Berisha declared in September 1994 that "Greece is to blame for the situation created".

On the other hand, Greece asked that the rights of the Greek minority were respected and excluded dialogue for as long as official Tirana changed its policy.

In 1994, five ethnic Greeks, who lived in Albania, were accused of espionage and convicted, a thing which Greece described as a farse, which reminded you of the Stalinist past of the hard line in Albania, making their realise a condition for further dialogue with Tirana.

The visit of Papoulias in March 1995 calmed the situation.

A landmark in the relations between the two countries was the contribution Greece gave to overcome the recent crisis in Albania. Greece was commited to helping the realisation of the democratic electoral process in Albania.

Playing the role of the mediator, Greece supported the 1001 resolution of the Security Council to dispatch the multi-national force to Albania. After Italy, it sent the largest number of soldiers to the Alba mission.

By the end of April 1997, alongside military aid, the Greek side confirmed to Prime Minister Fino a 80 million dollar worth of credit to be accorded to Albania.

After the June 29 poll, a new leaf was turned over in the relations between the two countries. The Albanian government's foreign policy, according to Prime Minister Fatos Nano, considers dialogue the only way to stabilise the situation in the Balkans. Greece has recently become initiator of the Summit of Crete, a Balkan meeting in which senior officials of the Balkans will take part.

On its side, Albania has declared itself to be in favour of a "Balkan without walls," and a supporter of any initiative that would unblock dialogue in the Balkan hot-bed.

The intensification of bilateral and multilateral contacts in the Balkans to which the visit of Simitis in Tirana is added, is considered in this context.kei/lm/mt

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