Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 97-10-16

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] FESTIVAL OF ALBANIAN NEW MUSIC DAY OPENS

[02] JURIDICAL, POLITICAL COMMISSION OF PABSEC STATES CONVENES

[03] SERBS INTEND TO CREATE IMPRESSION THAT EDUCATION IS THE ONLY PROBLEM IN KOSOVE - Demaci

[04] PRESS REVIEW

[05] IT IS NOT ALBANIAN GOVERNMENT WHICH ORGANISES CONFERENCE (Berisha puts conditions on Rome conference)

[06] FIGURES OF PD PRESIDENCY MEMBERS TO BE VERIFIED UPON ITS REQUEST

[07] PENITENTIARY SYSTEM IN ALBANIA TOWARDS EUROPEAN STANDARDS

[08] ALBANIA VOICES WILL TO STRENGTHEN COOPERATION WITH GERMANY

[09] THREE PEOPLE DETAINED FOR INCIDENT WITH PUK CHAIRMAN

[10] ITALY, MAIN PARTNER AND SPONSOR FOR ALBANIA - Exclusive interview of ATA correspondent in Rome, Ilenja Mehilli with Italian Deputy Foreign Minister -

[11] "VEFA" HAS MADE MONEY LAUNDERING - COMMERCIAL BANK

[12] NEW POLYGLOT UNIVERSITY TO BE OPENED SOON IN TIRANA

[13] GERMANY IS PROVING ITS CONTINUOUS AID FOR ALBANIA - Nano

[14] CONSTITUTIONAL COURT IS NOT SERIOUSLY TREATING "VEFA" QUESTION - Government -

[15] TWO KILLED AND TWO INJURED IN FIRE EXCHANGE

[01] FESTIVAL OF ALBANIAN NEW MUSIC DAY OPENS

The works of Çesk Zadeja, Feim Ibrahimi, Vasil Tole, Aleksander Peci, Limoz Dizdari, Ardit Gjebrea, Shpetim Saraçi, were performed in the concert.

This festival was organised under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, the Embassy of the Netherlands, Soros Foundation, Tirana Town Hall. kei/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] JURIDICAL, POLITICAL COMMISSION OF PABSEC STATES CONVENES

The aim of the meeting is to create a free economic zone and integrate PABSEC states in the European Community.

"This free economic zone presupposes the creation of common rules for trade, customs houses, tariffs with equal rights for every member and competing firm," head of the commission Mr. Jegorion said.

He said that such a free zone, which needs some years to be established, cannot exist without these rules.

The meeting underway in Tirana was scheduled since June this year.

"This shows that Albania enjoys an increasingly belief and the stability of the situation should be used to increase Albania's credibility in the region and world," Servet Pellumbi, representative of the Albanian Parliament in PABSEC said. pas/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] SERBS INTEND TO CREATE IMPRESSION THAT EDUCATION IS THE ONLY PROBLEM IN KOSOVE - Demaci

Demaci said at the meeting that the Serbs delay and dramatise talks on education, because they intend to create the impression that this is the only issue in Kosova deserving the concern of the international community, the Kosova Centre of Information, reports.

Demaci said that many concessions have been made about these negotiations, beginning with the mediator, who has no mechanisms and powers to exercise pressure and force the implementation of what has been signed.

Another unforgivable error on the part of Albanian side is that it has not included in the negotiations competent people from the University, secondary and elementary education but has engaged in this direction people of politics, who, being incompetent, have given this issue excess political dimension, Demaci said.

He spoke of the aftermath of the Serb elections in the current situation in Kosova, stressing that:"the strengthening of Vojislav Seselj's positions is of concern, although Milosevic is no better".

"The strengthening of Seselj, of anti-western orientation, should also be of concern for the international community, which is interested in the developments in the region," Demaci said.

Writer Adem Demaci, is symbol of the Albanian resistance in Kosova and winner of the Sakharov award of European parliament. He has served 28 years in Serbian jails. Before engaging in the Kosova Parliamentary party, he had been chairman of the Council for the Defence of Human Rights and Freedoms in Kosova. p.ta/pas/lm

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] PRESS REVIEW

The newspaper Rilindja Demokratike covers the visit of the Greek prime minister Costas Simitis in some articles such as "Greek prime minister meets with Berisha," "Albanian-Greek border, an open issue," under the headline "Nano does not speak of his talks with his Greek counterpart on the border issue," "Simitis, colleague or counterpart of the Albanian prime minister." On the same topic, the paper carries the news "Nano's paranoia". "Albanian prime minister created a bad impression on Wednesday in a bid to ignore the years of the Democratic party leadership. He clearly testified to the revanche of his administration, which is not only oppressing and terrorising the opposition politically but also trying to start everything from zero."

Republika carries a series of article in the fourth page related to the visit of the Greek prime minister to Tirana. Following are the titles "Albanians to read a Greek ABC," "Simitis felt himself at home." Another article says that both prime ministers promise a new era of changes.

"Despite a wide range of bilateral problems discussed in the meeting between the Albanian and Greek prime ministers, the Balkans and its future occupy an important place. Speaking of an "'Europeanization'of the Balkans Simitis and Nano and other politicians are aware of very difficult problems inherited since the creation of the regional states after the collapse of the Ottoman empire," the newspaper Koha Jone says in its editorial entitled "Nano between the Balkans and Kosova." The talks of the Greek prime minister in Tirana are covered by an article entitled "Greece, main partner, " with a subtitle "Bilateral contradicts patched-up. Joined statement signed." It also covers the joined news conference of both prime ministers and carries their joined statement on the Albanian-Greek relationship, signed by Nano and Simitis. In the fourth page, the same paper covers the talks of the Greek prime minister with the Democrats and Human Rights Union party officials under the title "DP: Majority is violating the laws." The paper carries the article "'Europeanization' even for Çam people ". Considering the new winds in the Balkans, it is very anachronistic to think that the Greek state has frozen the assets of 30 thousand Çam people expelled from Greece at the end of the Second World War claiming that they were 'nazi collaborators'. Considering this an above all making the Balkan region 'European', the Greek government, in the framework of rehabilitating the expelled Çam people, should not only restore the assets but also consider the possibility to grant them the Greek citizenship," the article said.

Albania entitles its editorial:"Tirana confirms Greek priority". Regarding the visit of Greek Prime Minister to Albania, the paper says that "The Greeks have reopened the border issue" between Albania and Greece.

On the third page the paper covers the Berisha-Simitis meeting under the title: "Simitis: Berisha, the man who resolved the crisis".

Another article about this topic is entitled:"Greece asks Balkan cooperation" and carries the article under the headline "Simitis: 24 hours of calm in Albania" under the subtitle:"Greece's flags set to fire in Tirane".

Rilindja frontpages the visit of Greek Prime Minister in Tirane. "Agreement of cooperation between the two countries to be ratified soon", "Albanian-Greek relations consolidated further" and "New spirit in relations among neighbours" are the titles frontpaged by the paper.

On the third page the paper covers the meetings of Greek Prime Minister with DP leader Sali Berisha, HRUP leader Vasil Melo as well as meetings of other members of the Greek delegation in Tirane.

"Simitis pledges 20 million drachmas for Albania", Dita says. On the 2nd page the paper covers the Berisha-Simitis meeting under the title: "Laws violated for political aims" and under the headline: "Berisha complains of socialists to Simitis".

"The eight-hour visit of Simitis", "Economic agreements signed between the two countries. Greece undertakes to reconstruct Albania", "Twenty billion drachmas to Albania", "Nano and Simitis: 'Everything OK'", "Emigrants, very soon like the others", are the titles covering the visit of Greek Prime Minister in Tirane. As regards the affiliate of the Greek National Bank in Tirane, the paper runs the article:"Greek governor does not set conditions for investment" under the subtitle:"Final mission of the Greek Bank is cooperation with Albanian investors".

Shekulli says that:"Simitis sees Nano off to Rome". Other titles include:"Meidani: 'To Europeanize the Balkan region'", "Nano and Simitis inaugurate the hospital's outpatient clinic", "Nano and Simitis inaugurate the Greek National Bank".

The paper cites deputy speaker of Albanian Parliament Namik Dokle as saying:"Albanian emigrants should be legalised". The paper covers the Berisha-Simitis meeting under the title:"You were president when Albania was destroyed".

Gazeta Shqiptare says on the third page:"Tirane-Athens: 'deal' has started". Other titles include: "Anti-drug dogs, another donation by the neighbour", "Greeks inaugurate bank" and "Berisha complains to Simitis".

Other topics treated today by the Albanian press include the Rome Conference and the request filed to the Political Figures Scrutiny Commission to clarify the past of DP leaders, concretely Berisha. Follow the titles: "Nano in Rome, Berisha in Tirane" -Dita; "Nano fears the opposition" -RD; "Rome separates DP-SP alliance" and "DP leadership through the sieve of virginity"-Republika; "Berisha: I do not want to go to Rome" and "Kondi: Berisha's files opened" -Koha Jone; "Rome invites Berisha-Nano hides invitation" and "Kondi inquires into DP presidency" - Albania; "Pollo- Islami negotiations fail" and "kondi:The Berisha file should be investigated, too" -Shekulli; "Berisha: I refuse to go to Rome" and "DP chief now through the sieve of purity" - Gazeta Shqiptare. pas/ak/lm

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] IT IS NOT ALBANIAN GOVERNMENT WHICH ORGANISES CONFERENCE (Berisha puts conditions on Rome conference)

The DP urged that the participation of the opposition in a Rome conference should be conditioned by the right of speech.

Albania's government called on some opposition representatives to join it in this conference with the aim of conveying the message of cooperation and application of the philosophy of involving all the political parties in the process of reconstruction.

But, this invitation was refused by the DP after a meeting between opposition leaders and minister of State Kastriot Islami.

The DP leader Sali Berisha has said he would not take part in the conference "unless the report in the Rome conference contains opposition viewpoints. Otherwise, if this does not suit them, the opposition should be enabled to express its own views on the developments in Albania."

Opposition leaders Genc Pollo (DP), Zef Bushati (CDP) and Teodor Laço (SDUP), in the meeting with Islami, reiterated the request of Berisha.

The spokesman said that they used an additional argument for a telephone conversation between Pollo and an official of the Italian Foreign Ministry. The latter said "opposition leaders are welcomed together with the government and as regards the right of speech, this should be decided with the government."

"It is not the Albanian government, which organises the conference and it is not its responsibility to decide on its procedure," Islami said in the meeting.

The Albanian government is invited to take part in a ministerial conference in Rome on October 17. Foreign ministers of Western countries, donors, representatives of the main international institutions and those of participating countries will attend the conference on Albania. ake/pas/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] FIGURES OF PD PRESIDENCY MEMBERS TO BE VERIFIED UPON ITS REQUEST

"We inform the public opinion that this Commission is independent and receives orders by nobody. It observes only the principles sanctioned by law," said Mr Bezhani.

He explains that the request for the verification of the figures of the members of DP presidency could not be realised until each of the members completes and signs the respective formularies or a formal request is made by the presidency.

"This decision was made known to the Ministry of Law, which accepted it," said Bezhani.

On Wednesday, the Minister of Justice Thimio Kondi officially asked the head of the Commission on the Scrutiny of figures, Nazif Bezhani, to verify the figure of members of the Albanian Democratic Party (DP) leadership.

Since a group of DP members was not convinced of the decisions of the Commission on Scrutiny of Figures for officials and last elections, he urged Kondi to clarify finally "the purity" of the DP present leaders.

Kondi, verifying that there is no similar request by the DP leadership, was based on the one presented by ordinary members of the DP to ask Bezhani verify the purity of the present leaders of the biggest opposition party in conformity with the article 12 of the law 8043.

The debate on the issue has started since Arben Mece, leader of the fraction created inside the party said that former president of Albania Sali Berisha has been implicated in former State Sigurimi and the commission functioning under his rule, has not verified his figure.

Berisha is now a member of the DP leadership. kei/xh/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] PENITENTIARY SYSTEM IN ALBANIA TOWARDS EUROPEAN STANDARDS

"The introduction of a new penitentiary system in our jails is an important factor of the state progress," said to ATA the General Director of Jails, Dalip Zhaboli.

The director of prisons reported that the new penitentiary system comprises three kinds of jails: open, semi-open and high security prisons. This experience is based on the Italian structure of the organisation of prisons, included is also the jail of minors.

Work is being done to improve the living conditions in current jails, mainly to improve the hygiene-sanitary conditions, and telephone communication will be set in the grounds of jails. Telephones with cards for personal use will start by next week in these institutions.

On January 15, 1998, some 60 students will start training in the first penitentiary school in Vaqarr of Tirana.

This school has drafted a program in which are included "Knowledge of Albanian legislation," "Knowledge of conventions and packets for human rights," "The introduction of military subjects and martial arts in the education of penitentiary police."

A psychologist and a sociologist will also be present in jails. Along with these, objects of cult are allowed for the first time in the centers of reeducation.

The government has accorded a fund worth one million USD for the reconstruction of the jail of Burrel and opening of a new jail in Vaqarr. Along with this, with the funds of the European Community, the jails of Lezhe and Lushnje are under construction. /V.Ç/kei/mt/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] ALBANIA VOICES WILL TO STRENGTHEN COOPERATION WITH GERMANY

Albania's President Rexhep Meidani pointed out this during the meeting on Thursday with the CDU deputy, Frederic Schulze, also referring to the brief meeting with the German Chancellor Kohl in Strasbourg.

"Our country estimates the support that the German people and state has given and gives for the institutional and economic restoration of the country in the bilateral plan, as well as in the framework of the international community," said President Meidani.

Meidani hailed the support of Germany and of the international community so that the Kosova question be politically solved.

He put forward once again the necessity for the implementation as soon as possible of the education accord Rugova-Milosevic, as an encouraging concrete step towards a positive climate of confidence and because the dialogue will be the road of the future.

"Germany, he stressed, will support the peaceful solution of the Kosova question, avoiding an eruptive situation, and the Accord of Dayton should be also extended in the civic plan."

Thoughts were exchanged during the meeting regarding German investments in different fields of our economy. In this context, President Meidani encouraged the realisation of a project for an information school which was put forward by the German deputy. /s.sh/kei/mt/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] THREE PEOPLE DETAINED FOR INCIDENT WITH PUK CHAIRMAN

On Wednesday at about 4.15 p.m. in front of the National Unity Party headquarters some people beat the PUK chairman, I Beqiri and the organizational secretary of this party, Fitim Behri, sources of the police department of Tirane said to ATA.

The four people interrogated by police were Ibrahim Jaho Elezi, Astrit Rustemaj, Lirim Lumneshi and Bashkim Sufa. After they made their personal declarations, three of them were detained, the same sources said.

Police are hunting for another person in regard to the incident, named Izet Haxhia, ex-president Berisha's main bodyguard, who is now declared a wanted person.

Police checked the homes of the detained, and in the house of B J Elezi they found a rifle and 166 bullets.

Idajet Beqiri, with injures in the right eye and the left hand and with dark signs on the right flank, told ATA "that this violence is an open expression of the political failure of Berisha and a counter-response to my statement in the newspaper "Modeste" on Monday that 'Berisha dirties the prison.'" ssh/kei/xh/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] ITALY, MAIN PARTNER AND SPONSOR FOR ALBANIA - Exclusive interview of ATA correspondent in Rome, Ilenja Mehilli with Italian Deputy Foreign Minister -

He mentioned the fact that all the meetings for Albania have been held in Rome and Italy's leadership of the multinational security forces in Albania.

In reply to a question for the one-month-postponement of the Rome Conference for Albania, Fassino said: "We wanted that the conference at ministerial level be held after all conditions were created for the best possible result of it. This is the reason for the postponement," said Mr Fassino.

The ministerial conference for Albania will be held in Rome on October 17, 1997 in the presence of international senior officials.

Fassino told ATA that presidents of western organizations will negotiate with the Albanian Government to see how to continue with the political and economic stabilization of Albania, which during this months has realised some important objectives in this direction.

With regard to the decision that another conference be held in Brussels following that of Rome, Fassino said that Italy considers it necessary that other European countries be committed to assist Albania with priority.

Mr Fassino ruled out any rivalry of geopolitical nature between Italy and Greece with regard to the priorities of the alliance with Albania.

"Italy and Greece, which are members of EU and NATO, and which have very good relations between them, are interested to deliver together a big aid for Albania," said Italian deputy Foreign Minister.

In reply to a question on "Ostpolitik," Fassino said that in the framework of this policy, Italy is interested to encourage a political- democratic and economic stability in the Balkans.

"For this reason we are so greatly committed to assist Albania in overcoming the crisis," he added.

"To this end we are also working to build 'corridor 8' which links Brindisi, Durres and Bulgaria," said Fassino further on.

With regard to the question of Kosove, Mr Fassino said that Italy wishes that Belgrade authorities and representatives of the political movement of Kosova negotiate to reach various agreements, beginning with education.

"In this point we have supported and will continue to support the mediation of the Community of San Egidio," said Mr Fassino at the end of his interview with ATA. kei/xh/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] "VEFA" HAS MADE MONEY LAUNDERING - COMMERCIAL BANK

The reports were made known by the Government's spokesman, which has sued the company, with President Vehbi Alimucaj.

"The Albanian Commercial Bank has presented the denouncing information regarding the efforts to illegally pass large amounts in foreign currency, by not declaring the source and belonging of money, contrary to the legal and banking criteria on deposits and to the article 287 of the Penal Code," said government's spokesman.

Several days ago, the Commercial Bank hindered "Vefa" company to send out of the country a large amount of money, which according to the company should cover one of its financial activitis. Now this Bank has denounced in the Court that the deposits of the company are illegal.

The spokesman said that the branch of taxes in Tirana has also denounced Vefa, because it has hindered the inspectors to exercise the financial control regarding the amount of taxes that "Vefa" should pay to the state.

He also added that different citizens have denounced "Vefa" company for falsification of contracts of their money deposits, which comprises considerable amounts. /kei/mt/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] NEW POLYGLOT UNIVERSITY TO BE OPENED SOON IN TIRANA

In the meeting with the Albanian Minister, Et'hem Ruka, Prof Dimitris Garos, rector in the University of Ioannina and also adviser for the problems of education near Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis, confirmed that Greece will contribute in establishing and putting into function a polyglot university in Tirana.

In the new university center, the students will study Greek, Italian, German, French, Turkish and English, along with Albanian.

During the unrest in March of this year, many of our schools were damaged and Greece, among other countries, has offered donations and support for the restoration of education in Albania, in the framework of the European Program "Albania 2000."

The mutual cooperation will be also in other fields like archeology, history, geography and different sectors of culture, etc. /kei/mt/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] GERMANY IS PROVING ITS CONTINUOUS AID FOR ALBANIA - Nano

"I had the same impression also during the meeting with Mr Kinkel in New York and with Mr Schpranger in Hong Kong," said Mr Nano.

Albanian Prime Minister and Mr Schulze discussed the political situation in Albania, the work of the government for the normalization of the situation in the country and the realisation of the initiated reform, PM's spokesman reports.

Albanian PM underlined Germany's role in these moments for Albania.

German deputy stressed the importance of the international aid and that of Germany in general for Albania along with the fact that the European house needs to have all its walls strong and in this regard Albania cannot be an exception. kei/xh/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] CONSTITUTIONAL COURT IS NOT SERIOUSLY TREATING "VEFA" QUESTION - Government -

On Wednesday, the Constitutional Court postponed to an undefined deadline the judicial sitting planned to be held on Thursday, regarding the issue of the commercial company "Vefa," which requested the invalidation of an article in the law "On the financial control of juridical non banking persons who have lent money from the wide public."

According to this law, an administrator would manage the company during the process of transparency.

The government's spokesman said that the Court had not presented any reason to justify the postponement of the sitting, while the Council of Minister had taken all the measures.

Also, the Minister of Justice and the Director of the Juridical Department in the Ministry of Finances, were present to the court.

"The Court was obliged to open the sitting and to show by decision the legal reasons for the postponement of the trial," continued the spokesman. /kei/mt/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] TWO KILLED AND TWO INJURED IN FIRE EXCHANGE

Undefined persons opened fired with machine guns and pistols towards the police vehicle of commissariat no. 2.

Due to this, the driver Ndricim Boci, 25, and Shkelqim Xhafbati, 29, suspected of being very wanted person, died.

The injured are T. Lamce and N. Avdillari, who according to sources from the hospital, are out of danger.

The police have escorted to the commissariat several persons who are suspected of being responsible of this event. /s.sh/kei/mt/k

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