Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 97-12-23

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] ALBANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER ON PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS IN SERBIA

[02] ALBANIAN PARLIAMENT DISCUSSES INUNDATION IN LEZHE

[03] ALBANIAN PARLIAMENT PROTESTS TO CALLS OF BERISHA NOT TO SURRENDER ARMS

[04] PRESS REVIEW

[05] TWO GIRLS TRAFFICKERS DETAINED IN SARANDE

[06] DEATH ROLL OF THE ROAD ACCIDENT IN KUKES AMOUNTS TO FIVE

[07] GOVERNMENT STAFF TO ELIMINATE CONSEQUENCES OF FLOODS IN LEZHE CONVENES

[08] US DOLLAR QUOTED AT LEK 149,7

[09] SITUATION NORMALISING IN LEZHE

[10] KOSOVA IS ALBANIA'S FOREIGN POLICY AXIS OF ORIENTATION - minister

[11] EUROPE URGES CONSTITUTION AND NOT CARETAKER GOVERNMENT - Majko

[12] CONSTITUTION - PROOF OF SERVING NATIONAL INTEREST -Meidani

[13] MEIDANI MEETS ITALIAN MINISTER OF EMIGRATION AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS

[01] ALBANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER ON PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS IN SERBIA

He added that the elections were a very important element for this country to give up the past mentalities and conflicting fevers.

"We also hold that this process will create possibilities that the political institutions and life in the country be democratized, something which would create favourable circumstances that the Belgrade policy to undertake in the future more serious commitments to accomplish the international obligations towards the exterior wall of the sanctions," said Minister Milo, hailing the result of the polls.

He voiced the hope that after these elections, new situations are developing in the country, creating new possibilities for the observation of the legitimate rights of the Albanians and above all, to make a reality the tendencies manifested in the Crete meeting for the Europeanization of that country.

"On this occasion, we would like to declare the opinion of the Albanian Government that the commitments and obligations which belong to the Yugoslav state following the elections will help further improve the relations between our two countries," said Foreign Minister of Albania, Paskal Milo. kei/xh/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] ALBANIAN PARLIAMENT DISCUSSES INUNDATION IN LEZHE

This request was also supported by other deputies.

The Socialist deputy Pandeli Majko supported Lesi in his request and in the name of the Socialist parliamentary group protested to the public calls of the DP chairman Sali Berisha not to surrender the weapons they still possess.

Deputy Zef Bushati, in the name of the Centre Right, supported the request of deputy Lesi for an information by the Government about its measures for the district of Lezhe and explained to the deputies in the hall the calls of Berisha not to surrender the arms, saying that Berisha has denied such a thing. kei/pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] ALBANIAN PARLIAMENT PROTESTS TO CALLS OF BERISHA NOT TO SURRENDER ARMS

Mr Majko considered irresponsible the act of Berisha, who with this call threatens to plunge Albania into another catastrophe, graver than that which it passed.

Majko's protest was supported by other deputies. Majko expressed his concern for the information by police that they had caught the driver of a deputy carrying an automatic rifle with binnacles, who had declared that the weapon belonged to DP deputy Azem Hajdari.

Deputy Arber Qilimi, in the capacity of the deputy chairman of the Defence Commission, refuted the declaration of the chairman of this Commission, Azem Hajdari against the deployment of Greek forces in Albania, spread in the media with the seal of the commission.

The People's Assembly also examined the law on amnesty, according to which if the prisoners, who came out of prison in the period of the crisis, will go back voluntarily to serve the rest of their prison terms, but who did not make this act in the period envisaged by law, will be pardoned 1/3 of their sentence if they go back to prison until January 31, 1998.

Here are not included the prisoners sentenced for different crimes and who have been pardoned by ex-president Berisha and are now free. ssh/kei/pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] PRESS REVIEW

Under the headline "Floods in Lezhe and Shkoder. Prime Minister convenes Council of Ministers," the newspaper Zeri i Popullit writes: "Nano asks aid from EU." Rilindja Demokratike writes that 1500 families lack their daily bread and have their life at stake in flooded Lezha because of the rains. Under the headline "8 thousand sown hectares covered by water, 15 thousand families have their houses in water," newspaper Republika writes. "River covers Lezha." Koha Jone writes two pages on the problem of flood in Lezha, under the title "Lezha under the power of waters and at the mercy of fate," and subtitle "Endless promises by ministers, deputies and other state institutions for the normalization of the situation in Lezhe, but so far no definite solution given."

Newspaper Rilindja writes that the situation in Lezhe has deteriorated as a result of the heavy rains. Newspaper Albania publishes an article "Lezha inundated, the hydro-power station threatens to burst out." The paper Shekulli writes "Rain occupies the city of Lezhe." According to Dita "8000 hectares of land and 2000 homes under water. " Gazeta Shqiptare writes: "Water leaves homeless 2 000 peasants."

Referring to a declaration of the DP chairman, Sali Berisha, newspaper Zeri i Popullit writes that the man who killed Albania calls on criminals not to hand down the weapons. Rilindja Demokratike writes that SP's declaration broadcast in news hour on TV, according to which Berisha has called in a news conference on people not to surrender the weapons "is an unscrupulous and amoral concoction of Albanian former communists." Under the headline "Even armed in elections-DP chairman," newspaper Koha Jone writes "Don't hand arms down-Berisha." Newspaper Shekulli writes that DP leader has demanded in his news conference yesterday that arms must not be surrendered.

The newspapers make wide coverage of the most important cultural event of the year, the Song Festival, which ended last Sunday. Zeri i Popullit writes: "Elsa Lila, princess of the Song," for the 16-year-old girl who wins for the second time in succession the first prize in the National Song festival. "Adolescent gives lectures to adults," is the title of RD for the Festival. Newspaper Republika writes "Elsa Lila: four days to banish hatred," referring to the title of the winning song "Far from hatred." Koha Jone considers Elsa Lila, the occupier of festivals and cites her saying "There are more important things in life than the song." Newspaper Albania carries the article "Fest '97, an ordinary fraud," and publishes an interview with first prizewinner Elsa Lila, under the title "A great happiness." Shekulli writes: "Singer Elsa Lila, the queen of Fest '97, " and interviews with artists and organizers of the Festival. Newspaper Dita carries an editorial on the Festival of the Song entitled "Less hatred in Albania." Gazeta Shqiptare also writes "Elsa Lila, this 'golden' voice of our light song." kei/xh/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] TWO GIRLS TRAFFICKERS DETAINED IN SARANDE

The arrest of the traffickers was made possible due to the denunciation of the student herself in the police checkpoint. pas/xh/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] DEATH ROLL OF THE ROAD ACCIDENT IN KUKES AMOUNTS TO FIVE

The surgeon Mustaf Mustafa said that the state of the other injured is improving, although two of them have great injures.

So far 10 of the wounded have been sent home from hospital, out of 18 that was the total number of the injured from the accident. ake/kei/xh/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] GOVERNMENT STAFF TO ELIMINATE CONSEQUENCES OF FLOODS IN LEZHE CONVENES

Attending the meeting were the Minister of Agriculture and Food, Lufter Xhuveli, the Minister of Development and Economic Cooperation, Ermelinda Meksi, the Minister of Finances, Arben Malaj, the State Secretary for Defence, Perikli Teta, the State Secretary for Local Government, Lush Perpali and the deputy Minister of Public Economy and Privatization, Pajtim Bello.

The aim of the meeting was to find the ways and means to eliminate the consequences of the flood in Lezhe. Also invited in the meeting was the chairman of the Albanian Red Cross, Shyqyri Subashi, to help coordinate the assistance for the families which are damaged.

At the beginning of the meeting, the participants reported on the present situation and the measures adopted to overcome it. Then the draft of the decisions to be presented to the Council of Ministers for approval in its meeting on Wednesday were presented. They were related with the investments needed for the reconstruction of the water network and mountain dykes to protect the city of Lezhe, to secure the Mat River protection wall and to rehabilitate the railway line in the Lezhe-Baqel zone.

Besides the investments envisaged for the normalization of the situation, the meeting decided to propose to the Council of Ministers the creation of a fund to be used for an immediate financial assistance for the mostly-stricken families.

At the end of the meeting, the participants in it agreed that the government must inform about the measures it is adopting for the situation in Lezhe and for a long-term solution to the problem there.ake/kei/xh/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

<a href="/~ata/971223/hdlines.htm#1">SOME 20 BILLION LIRA TO DEVELOP CIVIL SOCIETY IN ALBANIA - Turco TIRANE, DEC.23 (ATA)-By V.Ç, Albanian Prime Minister Fatos Nano met with the Italian Minister on Social Affairs, Livian Turco, today. The Italian government has accorded 20 billion lira for the development of the civic society in Albania. The money will address numerous projects for minors, projects for the rehabilitation of the disintegrated, and women' activity, said the spokesman of the prime minister. Albania and Italy have already signed an Act of Understanding, which has paved the way for cooperation between the two countries' non- governmental associations. Nano asked the Italian minister to include in these projects also the Albanian citizens recently repatriated by Italy and consider the possibility of increasing funds for their integration in Albania or Italy". Turco expressed satisfaction over the level of cooperation between Albania and Italy and stressed the Italian Government's wish that all these projects be subjected to a close monitoring so that any shortcoming in application can be avoided".kled/lm/sh/Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] US DOLLAR QUOTED AT LEK 149,7

In the informal market the average exchange rate was $1 = 149,7 lek, gaining 1,90 points compared to yesterday's 147,8 lek. The German currency DM was traded for 83,25 lek, ITL (1000) were traded for 84,10 lek lossing 0, 10 points compared with yesterday's 84,20 lek and so on.

Tuesday average exchange rates

Currency Average exchange rates USD 149,70 lek DM 83,25 lek ITL (1000) 84,10 lek GRD (100) 52,93 lek SFR 102,14 lek

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] SITUATION NORMALISING IN LEZHE

Specialists of the prefecture say that a reduction of the Drin river level has enabled the functioning of the Gocaj reservoir, whereas the Gryke e Zeze reservoir is expected to be put into operation soon.

Water has been removed from some 3000 out of 8500 wheat hectares inundated, but around 1000 from 1 500 families stricken by floods are still under the threat of water.

"Measures are taken to provide tents for 30 families temporarily under the shelter of neighbours," said Prefect Fran Nezha.

The responsible for the European Community Humanitarian Office (ECHO), James Baron, told local authorities today that some 20 tonnes of canned beef and 2500 blankets have been released for distribution to Lezhe. In January 1998 this office will implement short and medium term programmes for the district's land reclamation.

Meanwhile, the Humanitarian Association INTERSOS has provided for the affected families 10 tonnes of foodstuffs and 300 blankets.

An International Red Cross team which arrived in Lezhe today will inspect the inundated areas to see to the inhabitants needs.

The 80-strong Civil Defence Regiment of the Republic continues work to unblock the road axes in Lezhe and that of Lezhe-Torrovice. s.sh/kled/lm

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] KOSOVA IS ALBANIA'S FOREIGN POLICY AXIS OF ORIENTATION - minister

"There is a powerful international commitment to the Kosova issue," said Milo, pointing to the latest U.S.- German and Franco-German initiatives, as well as their options to unblock the situation.

Referring to Kosova as the orientation axis of Albania's foreign policy, Milo regarded the realisation of an acceptable solution to Kosova through dialogue as "a process" which has a beginning, continuation and end. He was categorically against changing the situation through violent means.

"We favour dialogue to resolve the conflict," said Milo, confirming that the Albanian government shares the same position with the Prishtine authorities on the Kosova Liberation Army (UCK).

"The Albanian government has no relation to this army. It does not know its programme," said Milo also turning down theses that UCK people are trained in the Albanian territory.

"Albania does not incite war in Kosova. It is for a peaceful solution to the conflict," Milo added.

Considering a possible war in Kosova a "catastrophe" Milo said that "History has proved that even after catastrophes, solutions have again been reached at round tables".

Referring to the latest changes in Serbia, Milo stressed that elections in Serbia make you hope that the Belgrade authorities will begin to realise that Serbia's Europeanisation will be realised by respecting the international obligations, the rights of Kosova and of the minorities, which are part of this state.

At a time when the Yugoslav authorities have asked to raise diplomatic relations at ambassadorial level, the chief of the Albanian diplomacy admitted that the Albanians have refused this request.

"With the international wall of sanctions against Serbia being erected and the fact that in the relations between the two countries no expression of good will is being noticed on the part of Belgrade authorities towards the Kosova Albanians, we are not determined to make such a step," he said.

Milo considered that the first sign of a change and commitment of Belgrade authorities to a new policy towards Kosova would be the observation of the Rugova-Milosevic Education Agreement. s.sh/kled/lm/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] EUROPE URGES CONSTITUTION AND NOT CARETAKER GOVERNMENT - Majko

Majko appeared before reporters along with the other two secretaries, Petro Koci and Musa Ulqini, particularly to discuss the proceedings of the SP National Conference, which Majko considered a significant step after the new relations created at home.

Majko said that many of the European socialist and social-democratic parties, present at the National Conference, offered the SPA the request to become member of the Socialist International, the highest world forum of the centre-left parties.

"We will neither hurry nor be passive to this request," Majko said.

Majko considered quite normal the statements and spirit of debate inside his party. He considered normal also the debates by former deputy chairman Pellumbi.

Majko called irresponsible the statements of the Democratic Party chairman in Durres that weapons should not be handed over.

"We have abolished the party-state psychology and cannot take up the role of the Prosecutor's office, State Control or other independent structures," Majko said as regards bringing to justice Sali Berisha and former power holders charged with corruption and the February-May 1997 events.

"Berisha should stay in opposition and assume his own responsibilities, and trigger no further chaos".

He said that "we do not accuse the politicians of organised crime but say that the irresponsible declarations by several politicians stimulate crime".

Majko holds that the Democratic Party and Berisha have no disarmament strategy, and by the beginning of 1997 they employed the strategy of armament.

The conference also tackled smuggling, state corruption, the current press situation and other topics. s.sh/kled/lm/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] CONSTITUTION - PROOF OF SERVING NATIONAL INTEREST -Meidani

"I have backed your efforts and the creation of the spirit of understanding for the constitution drafting process to be turned into an act of political consensus, Maidani told the commission co-chairmen.

Meidani congratulated the political forces for their will and said they should keep up efforts to reach consensus on this process, which fully coincides with the people's will, as Albania is the only country in Europe without constitution.

"At the same time this process cannot be hindered for partial interests of any political forces," he added.

For the current political class, the constitution is the determinant proof of serving the national interest, he said.

Meidani considered 1988 the year of the constitution. s/sh/kled/lm/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] MEIDANI MEETS ITALIAN MINISTER OF EMIGRATION AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS

Meidani said that the increasing assistance of Italy and its people testifies to the friendly solidarity to help Albania's economic and institutional recovery and overcome the social difficulties facing this country.

The natural calamity in the Lezhe zone was added to the country's problems, he said and called for international humanitarian aid for the flood stricken population.

Meidani and Turco appreciated the financing of 12 projects of social character, considering this much encouraging in the cooperation between the institutions and non governmental associations of the two countries.

Turco considered this $15 million worth of aid an example of the sensibility of the Italian people and society to come to the aid of the most needy strata of the Albanian society.

Referring to the issue of seasonal emigration in Italy Meidani raised the need of making it concrete to legalise the influx of emigrants and evaluated the agreement both as an economic aid for the Albanian families and that as a working experience for the Albanian workers.

The participants in the meeting, also attended by Italian ambassador in Tirane, Spatafora, agreed to further this cooperation with projects for the youth and other social strata. s.sh/kled/lm/sh/

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