Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 97-12-05

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

CONTENTS

[01] 32 KILOGRAMS OF DRUGS SEQUESTERED IN LIBRAZHD

[02] 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF CREATION OF LYCEUM OF KORCA COMMEMORATED

[03] PRIME MINISTER ASKS CALM AND RESULTS FROM STATE ADMINISTRATION

[04] EIGHTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF ALBANIAN ARMY'S CREATION CELEBRATED

[05] ALARM BY UNESCO - BUTRINTI IN DANGER

[06] GERMAN ASSISTANCE FOR ALBANIAN INTERIOR MINISTRY

[07] PAINTER GEZIM QENDRO - NEW DIRECTOR OF ART GALLERY

[08] PRESS REVIEW

[09] TURKISH INTERNATIONAL AGENCY ON COOPERATION OPENS

[10] DEALINE ON RETURN OF CONVICTED ESCAPING PRISON EXTENDED

[11] WE WILL DO THE UTMOST TO HELP ALBANIA POLITICALLY AND FINANCIALLY - Malloy

[12] UNEMPLOYMENT IN ALBANIA IS PROBLEM OF SP - Organisation Secretary

[13] DEADLINE ON RETURN OF CONVICTED ESCAPING PRISON EXTENDED

[14] US SENIOR OFFICIAL OFFERS SUPPORT TO ALBANIAN FOREIGN POLICY

[15] LEK RESTRAINS US DOLLAR HIKE

[16] HOMAGE FOR SKENDERBEJ IN DAYS OF ALBANIAN-ITALIAN CULTURAL COOPERATION

[17] ALBANIAN, GREEK POLICE ENTER NEW PHASE OF INTERBORDER COOPERATION

[18] STATE TO SPEND LEK 71 MLN TO RECTIFY CAPITAL'S IMAGE

[19] U.S. TO SUPPORT ALBANIA - Malloy

[01] 32 KILOGRAMS OF DRUGS SEQUESTERED IN LIBRAZHD

The police commissariat of Librazhd reports that since July this year, its forces have uncovered and sequestered more than 200 kg of narcotics of various kinds. ake/pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF CREATION OF LYCEUM OF KORCA COMMEMORATED

Attending the ceremony on this occasion were also the President of Albania, Rexhep Meidani, the French Ambassador in Tirane, Patrick Chrismant, many ex-students of the Lyceum, distinguished intellectuals and others.

The speakers in the meeting stressed that the frankophonic traditions in Albania date back earlier than the date of the inauguration of the Lyceum in Korce in 1917. They pointed out that the opening of this lyceum in Korce was a special contribution to the moulding of the then Albanian intelligentsia with western culture. The experience of the Lyceum is relevant today too, speakers in the meeting said.

Prof Koli Xoxe presented to the meeting some documents about the request of the Shkoder authorities in 1919 had made for a French lyceum to be inaugurated in that city.

The meeting highlighted the stance of French teachers of the Lyceum towards the fascist occupation of Albania and their public call to the world not to abandon Albania in its fate.

The program of the Lyceum of Korce which was based on the ancient Greek-Latin culture was similar to that of the best lyceums of France at that time.

The President of the French Alliance in Tirane Drita Hadaj addressed those present in the name of this Alliance. ake/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] PRIME MINISTER ASKS CALM AND RESULTS FROM STATE ADMINISTRATION

According to the Prime Minister's spokesman, Nano said at the government meeting on December 5 that the government has been in constant contacts with Italian authorities and asked respect of the dignity of the Albanian citizens after some incorrect attitudes on the part of several Italian prefectures.

"The government has done its utmost that the repatriation process be transparent and all negotiations and modalities connected with this process be made clear to the public. This process could not be commented differently by an opposition which in March-April threw those Albanians into the sea, an opposition which tends to deceive them today for a second time," the spokesman cites Nano as saying.

Nano has stressed that the Albanian government will request other alleviation measures for them during the visit of Italian Foreign Minister, Lamberto Dini, to Tirane on December 18.

Yesterday the government approved a series of draft-laws and draft- decisions, including the draft-law on a change to the customs code and that on stamping articles of tobacco and alcoholic drinks.

These are additional measures in the context of the anti-smuggling campaign.

The Council of Ministers also approved the draft-law on the Albanian Guarantee Agency and the draft-law on several changes on amnesty. Several draft-decisions, including that on treating electricity for family consumers were as well approved. a.ke/pas/lm

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] EIGHTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF ALBANIAN ARMY'S CREATION CELEBRATED

The army was born along with the Albanian state, in 1912, said Defence Minister Sabit Brokaj on the occasion of the 85th anniversary of the creation of the Albanian Army.

"The Albanian army has been loyal to the state and it is an organic continuation of the glorious national-liberation army", Brokaj said at the ceremony held on the occasion at the Army's Cultural centre in Tirane on Friday evening.

President of the Republic and Armed Forces Commander General Rexhep Meidani said that this marked event should serve the speedy reconstruction of the Albanian Army so that the process of its integration into Euro- Atlantic structures is accelerated.

The government of the independent Albanian state organised on December 4, 1912 the first Ministry of War, a date which went down in history as the day of the creation of the Albanian Army. The first Albanian Minister of War was Muhamet Pashe Derralla. s.sh/pas/lm

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] ALARM BY UNESCO - BUTRINTI IN DANGER

A decision of the UNESCO Committee of the World Assets has declared the ancient city in the peninsula of Ksamil in the southern part of Saranda as a world asset at stake.

Sources from the session reported that "protection of this centre, along three others in the African continent, will be realized immediately taking into account the fact that they are under the threat of natural influences and the interference of the people."

The ancient Butrint dates back to the bronze period and later, about 3 400 years before Christ. Located in a magnificent natural landscape, the old town has presently objects of a special archaeological importance such as the Theater, the Baptistery, the complex of constructions of the medieval period, etc. In 1993, UNESCO declared the ancient city of Butrint a world asset.

Two years later, it earmarked a fund of 50 thousand dollars for the restoration of the objects uncovered so far.

The values of Butrint attracted the attention of the British lords, Jakob Rothschild and John Seinbury, who created the Foundation "Butrinti" in 1993.

The damages caused over March-April this year have affected a considerable number of museal objects and latest findings of joint archaeological expeditions, objects which were stored in the archaeological storehouse in the castle of Butrint. pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] GERMAN ASSISTANCE FOR ALBANIAN INTERIOR MINISTRY

The vehicles were handed over today in Tirane in the context of the European Union assistance for the MAPE mission.

The spokesman of the Interior Ministry said that the vehicles of the type Wolkswagen will be given mainly to the police commissariats in northeastern districts of Albania.

Present in the ceremony today were the German Ambassador in Tirane, Hans Peter Disdorn, Albanian Interior Deputy Minister, Sokol Bare, MAPE chief, Colonel Denis and officials of the Interior Ministry. xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] PAINTER GEZIM QENDRO - NEW DIRECTOR OF ART GALLERY

Qendro, so far painter in the Film-Animation Department in Albania Today Film Studio, has made a two-year qualification course in Holland.

The post of the director of the Arts Gallery was vacant for three months after the release from this post of painter Alush Shima. ssh/pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] PRESS REVIEW

"The readmission agreement, signed several weeks ago between the two governments sanctions on one hand the right of the Italian government to return to the Albanian territory all refugees of third countries (eg. Curds, Chinese and others) who flee to Italy through Albania, and on the other hand the obligation of the Albanian government to admit them", the paper says.

The paper covers the visit of the Macedonian Foreign Minister to Albania under the title:"Bridges of cooperation in the region".

Under the headline "Governor of Albanian Bank guarantees deposits before deputies: 'there is no room for panic'" and the subtitle:"Gangsters of finances angry at destruction of informal market and restoration of trust in banks", the paper carries an article quoting the Bank governor, Shkelqim Cani, as saying: "The final aim of all measures taken is to protect depositors, and the money they have deposited in the banks". The paper also carries the article:"The bank to fight speculations".

Rilindja Demokratike entitles its editorial: "Antihumanity of Albanian government". It also carries the letter which the DP chairman has sent to the U.N. Secretary General, Kofi Annan. The return of the Albanian refugees from Italy is also treated under the titles:"Albanian government treats the repatriated as prisoners", "Albanians expelled without criteria", "Parliament denounces forceful deportation of refugees from Italy".

Referring to yesterday's interpellation in Parliament with the governor of the Albanian Bank the paper says: "Cani masks the Nano crisis". Under the headline :"Belgrade-Prishtine dialogue still frozen, the paper says:"France offers option of the third side".

"The government speaks in delirium. It denies its statement of two days ago when it justified the deportation of the refugees by the Italian authorities, as a fruit of an agreement between the two governments", Republika says in its today's editorial. The paper cites chief-prosecutor general Rakipi as saying: "The state is interested in contraband".

The paper carries the economic article which cites the VEFA president, Alimucaj, as saying:"I will not go bankrupt. I have friends in government". "Opposition changes the currency rate", says the paper under the headline: "Cani rings the bell on behalf of the bank. Inflation expected to increase".

Koha Jone entitles its editorial:"Anti-Nano alternative". It says that the DP is surprised of the European right wing's criticism of shortcomings noticed in the new direction offered by the Albanian right wing. "Their tones seem to call in question the future of the 'Berisha' alternative", the editorial says. To this topic the paper also devotes the article:"New names inside the DP".

The paper says:"Smuggling reaches the Tirane prosecutor's office", under the headline:"Investigations into Italian and Albanian companies. A commodity worth one billion liras hidden" and the subtitle:"Tirane customs denounces: 'DGXXI' of CE also cooperated".

The paper covers the news conference held by the Albanian and Macedonian foreign ministers in the article: "University of Tetove, the Gordian knot", under the subtitle :"Desire to get schooling is not separatism - Milo".

The paper carries the article:"Financial policy on emigrants" regarding the report read by Minister of Emigration Sheriff in parliament yesterday. For this reason the paper says:"Rome-Tirane: Polemics on refugees", under the headline:"Albanian ambassador and Italian Prime Minister comment the forceful repatriation".

Referring to the interpellation in parliament with the governor of the Bank, Cani, the paper says:"We will tighten our belts also in 1998", under the subtitle :"Inflation in next year will fall by 20 per cent, a tough monetary policy will be applied".

Albania also treats the question of repatriation of Albanian refugees from Italy. "The Government said through its television different things: once it said that the agreement was signed by the National Reconciliation Government of Bashkim Fino, another time it said that no agreement at all had been signed and the third time it said that the government has signed the agreement but it is not the agreement which led to the collective expulsion of the Albanians," the editorial says. The paper writes that "Albania recognizes Macedonia," and subtitle "Milo: Albanian Community (?) in Macedonia and Macedonian minority (?) in Albania are factors of stability." With regard to the visit of the Macedonian Foreign Minister to Albania, the newspaper writes "Milo-Handzinski: quarrel before reporters," under the headline "Tetove University disregards agreement." "The truth of Otranto concealed from people in Vlore," writes the paper headlined "Vlore: RAI signal suspended." "Malaj getting ready for resignation," writes this paper in its fifth page. It also writes that the Governor of the Cani Bank has accepted the economic catastrophe. "Lek devaluating, prices skyrocketing, " writes the paper.

Rilindja carries an article on the visit of the Macedonian Foreign Minister to Tirane entitled "Statements materialized in agreements." A report of the Albanian President's press and information office on the Meidani-Handzinski meeting is published by this paper under the title "Good relations conditioned with the respect for Albanians in Macedonia." In its third page, this paper writes "Rugova avoided bloodshed in Kosove," under the headline "Debate on situation in the Balkans on Austrian ORF Television." "Liberation Army of Kosova takes responsibilities also for some armed attacks," writes this paper.

Newspaper Dita writes "First six agreements of Albanian-Macedonian cooperation signed." Referring to non-recognition of the Tetove University by the Macedonian Government, the newspaper cites Albanian Foreign Minister Milo to have said: "As you see, there is no complete conformity of opinions." With regard to an urgent session in the Parliament for the repatriation of Albanian refugees, the newspaper writes that "Every bad thing is followed by a good thing," citing Emigration Minister, Sherifi: "Nothing has changed, except the place where assistance was distributed." "A long vehicle blocked with smuggled cigarettes looted," writes the newspaper under the headline "Armed guards in state storehouses in Lunder tied." The newspaper writes that police in Elbasan have blocked 12 tons of commodities looted from the Timber Combine of Elbasan.

"Banks, prey of adventurous politicians," is the title of an editorial in Shekulli. The paper writes that democrat ex-minister of Finance, Bode, "is a member of that criminal political class which created and supported the pyramid investment schemes." "Debate on the new strategy of privatization," writes the newspaper in its second page.

Regarding the visit of the Foreign Minister of Macedonia to Tirane, the paper writes "Two foreign ministers: OK via Egnatia." The paper cites the Governor of Cani Bank saying "Banking deposits are totally guaranteed," under the headline "Inflation will be 15-20 per cent the coming year." and subtitle "Credits will be suspended." The newspaper writes that the Qafe- Thane customs house of Macedonia has blocked the cassettes with two songs for the Festival of Albanian Light Song to be held by the end of this year.

"Violent repatriation splits politics," and "Undesirables arrive," writes Gazeta Shqiptare referring to the repatriation of Albanian emigrants from Italy. "Smuggling, the bad point of the government," writes this paper in its fourth page, and subtitled "Repentance for June 20 vote." In its fourth page the newspaper writes "Albanian cinematography for the first time in the festival of European Feature Film." pas/lm/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] TURKISH INTERNATIONAL AGENCY ON COOPERATION OPENS

The TICA's scope in Albania is to assist with projects and programs in different fields on the requests and needs of the Albanian side and guarantee its participation in activities run by it.

11 Albanian customs staff are attending a ten-day seminar in Turkey on agency spending. Staff of the Council of Ministers will also be trained there for six months on public relations.

TICA has published "Report on Albania" and "Albanian legislation" on Albania's economic, trade, social and cultural situation in 1995 and will publish other collections providing new data, which will be distributed to those who are interested in Albania. kled/ak/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] DEALINE ON RETURN OF CONVICTED ESCAPING PRISON EXTENDED

This is the core of the amendment to the law on amnesty which was discussed by the Albanian government later on Thursday.

"The new project did not change the core of the law on amnesty but only extended the deadline on return of prisoners from April 12, 1997 to January 15 next year," Thimjo Kondi, Justice Minister said on Friday.

"This extension aims at informing someone, who has not returned to prison for not knowing the law on amnesty," Kondi said adding that one may have been in Greece, or in remote areas having many problems on public order like Tropoja and Saranda.

A parliamentary investigation commission, headed by the deputy Spartak Ngjela, dealing with February and March unrest in Albania, has been created but the opposition party, the Democratic one, has attacked it considering "a court" and its leader Sali Berisha has said "it is better to abrogate the law on amnesty."

"It is a parliamentary commission and amnesty should not mean to hide what happened at the time in Albania," Kondi said. ake/kled/ak/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] WE WILL DO THE UTMOST TO HELP ALBANIA POLITICALLY AND FINANCIALLY - Malloy

Mrs. Malloy, who was interested in the progres of public reforms in Albania, as well as the government policy towards the opposition and neighbours, said that Nano's invitation to the chairman of the opposition to participate in the Donors' Conference in Rome was a very moderated act and added that his absence was not justified.

Premier Nano said that Albania is turning back to normality and added that the priority of the Albanian government for the coming year will be the creation of new jobs.

Meanwhile, many contacts have been set up with many moderated representatives of the opposition, but in this point there will be no attempt of interference between the parties having opposite ideas.

Showing interest in relations with the neighbours, Mrs. Malloy said that the State Department is very pleased of Albania's cooperation with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), which was clearly expressed in the signing of several agreements recently.

Premier Nano said that the Albanian government will promote regional cooperation, started in Crete and added that the only way to change the conflictual mentalities of several countries in the Balkans is to surround them with democratic institutions.

All Albanians should accept the recommendation of a common formula for the solution of the national issue, Nano said. /a.ke/kled/mt/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] UNEMPLOYMENT IN ALBANIA IS PROBLEM OF SP - Organisation Secretary

The sources of employment are reforms, capacities of the state, encouragement of small business, said SP secretary, but people lack orientation regarding private property: there is a lot of dead capital, money locked in drawers, which can be joined by the owners and open with them small lines of services.

"The respective ministries are working to draft a project-law on the small business," explained Koci. Even the state, according to him, is responsible regarding non functioning of this business, mainly in the agriculture sector, "where very little is profited from the capitalist experience."

To Koci, the problem of unemployment is now in a very bad situation, because the fiscal reform of the government (raise of VAT) is not opening way to the creation of new jobs, ways which are expected to be opened after donations in credits will start. /a.ke/kled/mt/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] DEADLINE ON RETURN OF CONVICTED ESCAPING PRISON EXTENDED

This is the core of the amendment to the law on amnesty which was discussed by the Albanian government later on Thursday.

"The new project did not change the core of the law on amnesty but only extended the deadline on return of prisoners from April 12, 1997 to January 15 next year," Thimjo Kondi, Justice Minister said on Friday.

"This extension aims at informing someone, who has not returned to prison for not knowing the law on amnesty," Kondi said adding that one may have been in Greece, or in remote areas having many problems on public order like Tropoja and Saranda.

A parliamentary investigation commission, headed by the deputy Spartak Ngjela, dealing with February and March unrest in Albania, has been created but the opposition party, the Democratic one, has attacked it considering "a court" and its leader Sali Berisha has said "it is better to abrogate the law on amnesty."

"It is a parliamentary commission and amnesty should not mean to hide what happened at the time in Albania," Kondi said. ake/kled/ak/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] US SENIOR OFFICIAL OFFERS SUPPORT TO ALBANIAN FOREIGN POLICY

"We see that the Albanian government is trying to emerge Albania from the crisis with the assistance and support of the international community, with the United States having a special place," Malloy said.

The U.S. senior official offered support to the Albanian foreign policy especially for the latest regional initiatives saying that they will contribute to the stability in the region.

She favoured promotion of bilateral and multilateral relations and intensification of policies aiming at integrating Albania into different international organisations or regional initiatives, either of political, economic or financial character, like the U.N., OSCE, E.U., IMF, SECI, and others.

The talks focused on the Albanian issue in general and that of Kosova in particular with minister Milo presenting Malloy contemporary rational options followed by the Albanian government.

Milo acquainted Malloy with the priorities of the Albanian government in economic development at home.

Attending the meeting was the U.S. ambassador to Tirana, Miss Marisa Lino and other officials of the respective delegations.

Albanian Foreign Minister Milo and the U.S. ambassador to Tirana Lino signed on Friday a protocol to exchange instruments of ratification for a treaty on protection and promotion of investments between Albania and the United States. ake/kled/ak/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] LEK RESTRAINS US DOLLAR HIKE

In the informal market the average exchange rate was $1 = 146,30 lek, dropping 2,45 points compared with yesterday 148,75 lek. While the German currency DM was traded for 82,40 lek, compared with yesterday's 84,1 lek.

Friday average exchange rates

Currency	Average exchange rates
USD			146,30 lek
DM			 82,40 lek
ITL (1000)		 83,78 lek
GRD (100)		 52,63 lek
SFR			102,05 lek

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] HOMAGE FOR SKENDERBEJ IN DAYS OF ALBANIAN-ITALIAN CULTURAL COOPERATION

TIRANA, DEC. 5 (ATA) - By Flora Nikolla: A party organized in the central hall of the Theater of Opera and Ballet in Tirana, opened on Friday the days of cultural cooperation between Albania and Italy. Attending was also the President of the Republic, Rexhep Meidani.

The representative of the Italian Embassy in Tirana, Adarero, while greeting the participants, said that "this cultural manifestation, which is held under the care of the President of Albania and President of Italy, is a cultural manifestation which will give a decisive contribution in the connection between the two people." The representative of the Italian state considered this activity "a message of peace, fraternity and goodwill for the future."

The first evening of the three-day activity of the Albanian-Italian cultural cooperation was a homage for Skenderbej, Albania's National Hero. The performance was opened with parts from the opera written 280 years ago by the master of the classical music, the renowned composer Antonio Vivald.

This work, which was played for the first time in Firence, Italy, in 1718, is stored until now in the National Library of Torino./a.ke/kled/mt/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] ALBANIAN, GREEK POLICE ENTER NEW PHASE OF INTERBORDER COOPERATION

The Greek delegation includes police chiefs of Ioannina, Igumenica and Corfu.

After the meeting at the Bote Pass, other working meetings followed in the police commissariat and Town hall of Saranda.

Kroqidhis said problems, which concerned both sides like drugs, arms trafficking, illegal border passing, smuggling and others, are being lessened due to an intensive cooperation between the Albanian and Greek police. ake/kled/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] STATE TO SPEND LEK 71 MLN TO RECTIFY CAPITAL'S IMAGE

Around lek 2 million will be injected to enhance the greenness of Tirana and other 69 million lek will be pumped up for roads' adjustment, out of which some 60 million lek were earmarked by the Albanian Telecom.

The deadline to clear up the areas around bars is December 12, on the contrary bar owners activity will be closed down.

The ministry of Public Affairs and Transportation will lease eight vehicles for this action, to carry the garbage in the outskirts of the city.

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] U.S. TO SUPPORT ALBANIA - Malloy

"I am pleased because I have noted in the meetings I have had so far a very improved situation," said Mrs. Mallow at the beginning of the meeting, although the country has many social problems. On this occasion, she assured President Meidani once again for the support of USA.

President Meidani explained the work done over the past months by the new leading structures to give the country a new shape of governing.

President Meidani considered the process for drafting the constitution as very important, open and educational for masses of people who will approve it through the referendum. With regard to this, he requested the assistance of U.S. experts.

Meidani described opening of the Magistrature School as an important stage for the preparation and training of specialists in the field of justice, with Albania having considerable deficiencies./a.ke/kled/mt/sh/

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