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Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 98-01-12Albanian Telegraphic Agency Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) Home Page at <http://www.telpress.it/ata>Albanian Telegraphic AgencyCONTENTS
[01] Albania's northeastern population towards lowland areasPUKE, Jan 12 (ATA)- By M. Malja,Over the recent years there has been a gradual displacement of the population from northeastern to lowland zones of Albania. This zone, due to the small area of gricultural land per capita and the rough mountainous relief remains economically backward as compared to the other zones of the country. According to the data provided by the Puke district council over 400 families have voluntarily left this district towards lowland areas. The most preferred zones are Tirane, Durres, Lezhe and less Shkoder. The Swiss Foundation "Puka '95" has been active in the Puke district since 1995, in an effort to help the northeastern zones towards development. The foundation has allocated to this district some 2,8 million dollars for the development of infrastructure, building of schools, health centres, roads, and bridges. a.ke/kled/lm/sh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[02] Berat inhabitants favour capital punishmentBERAT, Jan 12 (ATA)- By I. Manka, The Republican party branch in Berat, Southern Albania, supports its leadership in the centre for the implementation of the death sentence."An opinion poll with 216 people has shown that 95% of the inquired have asked the implementation of capital punishment," the chairman of the RP branch for Berat told ATA. The poll has been unexpected and the inquired belong to all political groupings or are depoliticised. They hold that the political parties, deputies as well as government members should explain and convince the Council of Europe of the indispensability to implement this sentence at this stage of the Albanian society, in which felony is threatening the country's life and the people's freedoms. More than 180 people lost their lives in this district during the violent disturbances. But, representatives of various social groups insist that the figure exceeds 230 people and most of them are mere crimes and very few accidental murders. a.ke/kled/lm/sh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[03] U.S. president's special envoy on Balkans to visit PrishtinePRISHTINE, Jan 12 (ATA) - Robert Gelbard, U.S. President Clinton's special envoy on the Balkans is visiting Prishtine on January 16, in the context of a diplomatic tour of the region, says the Kosova centre of information, referring to U.S. State Department sources.At a recent news conference in Washington Gelbard considered Kosova an issue of great priority in the U.S. politics. The political directors of the Contact Group also discussed Thursday the Kosova issue, on Gerbald's initiative. Diplomatic sources in Washington say that during his stay in Prishtine and Belgrade, Gerbald will try to help find the avenues for the beginning of dialogue between the Serb and Albanian representatives. p.ta/kled/lm/sh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[04] Capital punishment likely to get green lightBERAT, Jan 12 (ATA)- By I. Manka, The Republican party branch in Berat, Southern Albania, supports its leadership in the centre for the implementation of the death sentence."An opinion poll with 216 people has shown that 95% of the inquired have asked the implementation of capital punishment," the chairman of the RP branch for Berat told ATA. The poll has been unexpected and the inquired belong to all political groupings or are depoliticised. They hold that the political parties, deputies as well as government members should explain and convince the Council of Europe of the indispensability to implement this sentence at this stage of the Albanian society, in which felony is threatening the country's life and the people's freedoms. More than 180 people lost their lives in this district during the violent disturbances. But, representatives of various social groups insist that the figure exceeds 230 people and most of them are mere crimes and very few accidental murders. a.ke/kled/lm Albanian Telegraphic Agency[05] Albania's northeastern population moving in lowland areasPUKE, Jan 12 (ATA)- By M. Malja, Over the recent years there has been a gradual displacement of the population from northeastern to lowland zones of Albania.This zone, due to the small area of gricultural land per capita and the rough mountainous relief remains economically backward as compared to the other zones of the country. According to the data provided by the Puke district council over 400 families have voluntarily left this district towards lowland areas. The most preferred zones are Tirane, Durres, Lezhe and less Shkoder. The Swiss Foundation "Puka '95" has been active in the Puke district since 1995, in an effort to help the northeastern zones towards development. The foundation has allocated to this district some 2,8 million dollars for the development of infrastructure, building of schools, health centres, roads, and bridges. a.ke/kled/lm/sh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[06] Investments on forests, but also care to maintain themKUKES, Jan 12 (ATA) - By R Hoxha: The World Bank invested 23 million lek last year to improve 1000 hectares of forests in the prefecture of Kukes. "But along investments, also a greater care is needed on the part of local government to protect this asset," specialist Ilmi Kola told ATA.There are people without any licence who draw great profits from the sale of timber, which proves that there is an uncontrolled exploitation of the forests. Kola added that a very small number of 30 private subjects which use the timber, pay their fiscal obligations to the state budget. In the three districts of the prefecture of Kukes, the forests cover 45 per cent of the total area, ensuring great amounts of timber. "Therefore, a great care must be taken so that this asset be protected and well- administered," specialist Kola said. s.sh/xhen/xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[07] Police director considers fight against crime of priorityTIRANE, Jan 12 (ATA)-By Th. Thanasi, The Tirane police newly appointed director says the Tirane police will make everything possible to create normal peace in Tirane and considers fight against organised crime of priority.Fadil Canaj regards the task he is charged with as very significant and responsible under the present conditions in the capital and says he will devote a great importance to professionalism in work, as a very significant factor to combat crime. He says that the objectives to be attained by the capital's police will be to increase the many-faceted efficiency of the police and continue the fight against crime. Canaj does not deny the achievements of the Tirane police and its former director. "Tusha was a police professionist and the police he ran have been successive in the fight against crime and restoration of law and order in Tirane," he said. He added that "there is still much to be done for the police to serve the population by securing order and spiritual calm to freely move all over the territory of Tirana and at any time. s.s/lm Albanian Telegraphic Agency[08] Police director considers fight against crime of priorityTIRANE, Jan 12 (ATA)-By Th. Thanasi, The Tirane police newly appointed director says the Tirane police will make everything possible to create normal peace in Tirane and considers fight against organised crime of priority.Fadil Canaj regards the task he is charged with as very significant and responsible under the present conditions in the capital and says he will devote a great importance to professionalism in work, as a very significant factor to combat crime. He says that the objectives to be attained by the capital's police will be to increase the many-faceted efficiency of the police and continue the fight against crime. Canaj does not deny the achievements of the Tirane police and its former director. "Tusha was a police professionist and the police he ran have been successive in the fight against crime and restoration of law and order in Tirane," he said. He added that "there is still much to be done for the police to serve the population by securing order and spiritual calm to freely move all over the territory of Tirana and at any time. s.s/lm Albanian Telegraphic Agency[09] Former Lieutenant General Bedri Spahiu diesTIRANE, Jan 12 (ata) - The distinguished veteran of the Antifascist National Liberation War, former Lieutenant General Bedri Spahiu died in Tirane last Sunday, spokesman of the Albanian Defence Ministry reports.Bedri Spahiu was born in the city of Gjirokaster on July 13, 1908. He was one of the outstanding organizers and leaders of the Antifascist National Liberation War of the Albanian people. Bedri Spahiu was conferred all medals of the War. After 1955, when he was discharged from all leading posts, until 1990, he was imprisoned and interned by the communist regime. s.sh/xhen/xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[10] Exploitation of underground resources - key to economic recovery of Northeastern AlbaniaKUKES, Jan 12 (ATA)-By R. Hoxha- Exploitation of the underground resources in the districts of Kukes, Has and Tropoje will sensitively change the economic standard of the inhabitants of this zone, Kukes Prefecture inspector for industry, Parllaku, told ATA.The studies carried out show that in this zone there are nearly eight million tonnes of chrome, 82 million tonnes of poly-metals, over 600 000 tonnes of coals of poor quality, 26 million tonnes of limestone, considerable amounts of copper and other minerals. There are also considerable reserves in bauxite, iron, clay and olivenite. The reactivation of the mineral enterprises and studies to open new mines would also attract foreign investors, says Parllaku. But this requires investment for the improvement of the ruined infrastructure of this zone. s.s/mima/lm/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[11] No new elections until public order is restored and the constitution adopted - DBSHTIRANE, Jan 12 (ATA) - By A Haxhiu: The Albanian United Right wing (DBSH) on Monday opposed new elections demanded by the Democratic Party of Albania. "We do not demand new elections and moreover on March 22, 1998 as DP is demanding," the DBSH coalition told a news conference today. With the public order unrestored and with constitution still missing no fresh elections can be held, because they will lead us to new disorders. Our goal is to have freedom in elections."The new year, 1998, started with a high level of crime, even of organized crime, they in the conference said. "The frequent attacks on police forces, hence against the state, show more the lack of will than the lack of strength by the state to fight crime," a press release of the DBSH pointed out. In this regard, Fatmir Mediu, chairman of the Republican Party, member of DBSH, said that this coalition bases the full restitution of order on the strict observation of the law. He added that to this end serves the execution of the capital punishment, the creation of special prosecutor's offices to investigate into crime and of a genuine and operational police. To attain this objectives, said Mr Mediu, Albanian police must be purged of incriminated people./s.s/xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[12] Visit contributing to Albanian-Greek educational-scientific cooperationTIRANE, Jan 11 (ATA)-By P. Shuteriqi, The visit of the Albanian Minister of Education and Science, Et'hem Ruka, to the Greek Republic, is giving a fresh impulse to the two country's cooperation in education and science.It is the first of this kind to this neighboring country, whose relations with Albania are considered "friendly and cordial", ministry sources say. Albanian-Greek cooperation has been materialised with the signing of several joint agreements and projects in education and science, including those for the development and consolidation of the Greek minority schooling in Albania, with a Greek government aid reaching some 4.5 million dollars. The Greek aid also consists in preparing and delivering free of charge dozens of school books for the minority children and establishment of sister relations between Albanian schools and Greek institutions. Exchanges of this kind have been realised between the Tirane and Athens universities, Korce and Gjirokaster universities and those of Salonika and Ioannina. Meanwhile a considerable number of Albanian students, nearly 170, are studying in Greek universities, through scholarships. During his visit Ruka, accompanied by his deputy Andre Marto, will meet Greek senior state authorities, among who the Prime Minister, Costas Simitis. The Greeks have offered cooperation programmes also as regards setting up a college in Sauk and a multilingual university in the capital. mima/lm Albanian Telegraphic Agency[13] First stage of Soros project on education ends in GjirokasterGJIROKASTER, Jan. 12 (ATA) - By Sh. Hajno: The first stage of Soros projects on education, worth $400 000, ended in the district of Gjirokaster, the education director of this district, Resul Llogo, told ATA.The reconstruction of five 8-year schools of the district has actually finished. According to Llogo, the application of the second stage of this project, with a greater value, has already started. All the education projects of Soros are included in the big project "Gjirokaster 2000," undertaken over the last three months of 1997. This southern city has 51 eight-year schools with more than 7 100 pupils and 13 high schools with more than 2 000 pupils. Two high schools and 15 eight-year schools also function in the zone of the Greek minority. s.sh/kei/mt/k Albanian Telegraphic Agency[14] Two killed last night in VloreVLORE, Jan. 12 (ATA) - By H. Koci: Two people were killed last night in the town of Vlore.E. Bejo, 17, was killed in a bar from a person, inhabitant of the same neighbourhood, whose name is not confirmed by the police. The perpetrator is on the run. Meanwhile, A. Shabani, 36, was found killed by a knife in his house, and there is no evidence on the event, both from the police and other sources. This murder carries to four the toll of victims in Vlore since the beginning of this year and to five the number of events in which six other persons were injured. All the perpetrators have been identified by the police, except only one case. /s.s/kei/mt/k Albanian Telegraphic Agency[15] Italian Minister of Labour visits AlbaniaTIRANA, Jan. 12 (ATA) - By M. Hodo: A delegation of the Italian Ministry of Labour, headed by Minister Tiziano Treu, arrived Monday in Tirana for an official visit.The Italian delegation was received in the airport of Rinas by the Albanian Minister of Labour, Social Affairs and Woman, Elmaz Sherifi. Later, in the premises of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, Minister Sherifi and his Italian counterpart Treu signed a cooperation agreement between the two ministries which aims at the seasonal employment of Albanians in Italy, professional training of staff, establishment of private agencies of employment in Albania, which will mediate for the employment of Albanian citizens in Italy and other European countries. "The seasonal employment will start by the beginning of March of this year," said Treu during the meeting with Minister Sherifi. Further on, Minister Treu said that Italy supports the goals of the Albanian government, which are really ambitious to reach the seasonal employment of many Albanians in Italy. "Generally, Italy has employed 15 000 persons per year, while in 1998 this figure will reach in 20 000, where many Albanians are included," said Treu at the end. Later, the Italian Minister of Labour met with Albania's Prime Minister Fatos Nano. After the meeting with the President of the Republic, Rexhep Meidani, the Italian delegation will leave Albania. /kei/mt/k Albanian Telegraphic Agency[16] Programs Phare and Cross Border in Vlore reactivatedVLORE, Jan 12 (ATA) - By Harilla Koci: The programs PHARE and Cross Border have been reactivated in the city of Vlore and a number of projects, a part of which were interrupted in the period of the unrest in Albania, are underway in the city. Rehabilitation of the sewage and water systems, to the tune of 8 million Ecu, the project of transmission and measuring of the energy, worth 15 million Ecu, rehabilitation of the drinking water distribution system of 17 million Ecu are parts of these projects, sources in the municipality headquarters told ATA.Also the questions of the streets in the city and garbage have not bee neglected, and initial amounts of 140 and 400 thousand Ecu respectively will be funded as well. These programs have started their activity in the district of Vlore four years ago with some projects which now have almost been completed, such as the extension of the quays in the city port, etc.A.KE/kei/xh/sh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[17] Police station in ancient city of Butrint reorganizedSARANDE, Jan 12 (ATA) - By Shkelqim Hajno: Now there is a greater security in the protection of incalculable archaeological values with the organization of the police station in the ancient town of Butrint, the chief of the archaeological centre of Butrint Dhimiter Conbi told ATA.Leaders in this centre say that anarchy and sometimes involvement in some thefts were prevailing in the previous police station in the important archaeological centre in Southern Albania. The public order police chief, Iljaz Labi, told ATA that the "measures adopted were conformed to the status of Butrint as a value of special importance and declared a UNESCO asset in 1993." Actually, 16 policemen serve round the clock in Butrint. During the unrest in Albania last year, besides the funds of the museum which were stolen, also two statues of very important values for the ancient culture were looted. The statues have been recovered by Greek police and now are in the the National Archaeological Museum of Piraeus waiting to be brought back to Butrint.A.KE/kei/xh/sh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[18] Berisha reiterates his call for new elections on March 22LEZHA, Jan 12 (ATA) - By Zef Pergega: Leader of the Democratic party (DP), Sali Berisha, taking advantage of the seventh anniversary of the Lezha DP division, organised a rally early on Monday to reiterate his demand for new elections on March 22 this year."On March 22, the DP supported by the people's will, is going to lead Albania to free and honest elections to save it from a government, which used violence and terror to come in power, promised order but, in fact, brought gangs in power," Berisha said. All Albanian political forces, including the Albanian United Right, have rejected the DP idea on organising new elections in spring this year. Berisha and other DP leaders Pjeter Arbnori, Albina Karamitro and Azem Hajdari criticised the government for isolating Albania in the international arena. The government of right and center coalition, led by the prime minister Fatos Nano has secured a wide support in the European chancelleries and the United States in the last five months. s.s/kei/ak/k Albanian Telegraphic Agency[19] Berisha speaks as former president preferring the then attributesTIRANA, Jan 12 (ATA) - By A. Haxhiu: Leader of the Democratic party (DP) Sali Berisha on Monday preferred to face journalists with attributes of the former president and former chairman of the Higher Council of Justice."Today I will speak as former president. The fasting of lawyers is defending the independence of the judiciary, separation of powers and free society," Berisha told today's news briefing at the premises of the building in which the eight six-month lawyers are on a hunger strike. He accused the present government which, according to him, is usurping all powers including the judiciary and warned of a possible extension of the strike unless a dialogue with strikers begins. The DP leader, stressing that the strikers are under a grave situation, denounced the Health Ministry, which has not been interested in their state. Berisha said that even La Pergola was expressed in support of the strikers saying that they are being self-sacrificed for a free judicial power. The former president reiterated the idea of new elections on March 22 and the creation of a new care taker government. kei/ak/k Albanian Telegraphic Agency[20] Albania, Italy to boost aid and bilateral cooperationTIRANA, Jan 12 (ATA) - Albania's president Rexhep Meidani had a meeting on Monday midday with the Italian Minister of Labour Ticiano Treu to discuss the need for the promotion of aid and bilateral cooperation in the field of labour and social problems, the press and information office at the Presidency said on Monday."We have numerous difficulties and social problems, which should be overcome together," President Meidani said, praising the visit of the Italian minister as another step in Italy's relations and aid towards Albania. Seasonal emigration in Italy, which Treu promised to start this spring and professional training of employees, are two priority fields in this cooperation, which will influence in returning the hope in Albanians on Albania's future and legal solution to problems related to emigration. The Italian minister expressed his readiness to offer training to a great number of Albanian employees because the Albanian administration needs qualified staff. ake/kei/ak/k Albanian Telegraphic Agency[21] Albanian delegation to attend Euro 2000 drawTIRANA, Jan 12 (ATA) - By D. Grillo: An Albanian delegation will attend the draw for the European Soccer Championship "Euro 2000" to be carried out in Belgium on January 18.The delegation includes president of the Albanian Soccer Federation Miço Papadhopulli, Secretary General Sulejman Starova, deputy presidents Bejkush Birçe and Enver Guga and coach of the representative team Astrit Hafizi. ake/kei/ak/k Albanian Telegraphic Agency[22] Chief of police commissariat dischargedGJIROKASTER, Jan 12 (ATA) - By Hysni Çani: Interior Ministry discharged on Sunday night the chief of the police commissariat of Gjirokastra, lieutenant colonel Ilirian Dida but the motif of his dismissal was not made public yet.Dida was appointed to this post last December replacing the then chief Sinan Meta. A series of explosion happened in the Southern city during December. The anti-crime forces of the Interior Ministry and local police have detained 11 persons accused of penal offences committed during March - June 1997, a period when Albania was gripped by unrest. ake/kei/ak/k Albanian Telegraphic Agency[23] Warranty for 5 persons suspected of robbing banks of GjirokasterGJIROKASTER, 12 Jan. (ATA) - By H. Cani: The prosecutor's office of Gjirokaster declared wanted on Monday five persons who are suspected of robbing banks in March.Sources from the prosecutor's office told ATA that the names of the persons were not reported. Police detained in December some 11 other perpetrators, some of whom are accused of robbing the banks in Gjirokaster. The three regional affiliates of the banks: the commercial, rural and the savings' banks were looted there times by groups of people at the beginning of March, due to the riots that swept Gjirokaster and the country, too. /a.ke/kei/mt/k Albanian Telegraphic Agency[24] Training, self employment skill - a priority of Italian aidTIRANA, Jan 12 (ATA) - By A. Haxhiu: Albanian government is grateful to your programs of qualification and training because a great number of Albanians are profiting from them, Fatos Nano, Albania's prime minister said on Monday to Tiziano Treu, the Italian minister of Labour."The class of small and medium business in Albania should be shaped stimulated and backed," Nano said. A spokesman of the prime minister said that Treu assured Nano for his government's commitment in these directions considering qualification and self-employment skill a priority of the Italian aid. "An agreement of seasonal employment signed by the two governments is entering a final stage," Treu said adding that "thousand of Albanian are going to profit from it." The Albanian government will present a list to the Italian government for seasonal employment particularly in agriculture and construction within May. Treu expressed his readiness to help train professionally the employees of state administration and initiate a pilot project in the private sector. The meeting agreed that both Labour ministers sign an agreement on social assistance soon which will help all Albanians legally working in Italy. ake/kei/ak/k Albanian Telegraphic Agency[25] Albania, Greece to work together for restoration of Albanian armyTIRANA, Jan. 12 (ATA) - By Th. Thanasi: The high ranking military delegation of Greece, headed by general mayor Kozakos, and the Albanian one, headed by the State Secretary for the Policy of Defence, Perikli Teta, expressed Monday in a meeting the will to work together for the restoration of the Albanian army according to NATO standards.Teta appreciated the devotion of the Greek army and government for the restoration of the Albanian army. "The Albanian army has been lucky because it was fully assisted by NATO since the beginning of the emergency period. In this context it was signed the program 'Clearing house', which finishes at the end of January with the arrival of the 12th team of NATO experts," said Teta. "The cooperation between us will soon provide its fruits," stated Kozakos. /a.ke/kei/mt/k Albanian Telegraphic Agency[26] Parliament resumes work for 1998TIRANA, Jan. (ATA) - The first plenary session of Parliament was opened twelve days after the New Year, by approving the initial agenda of Parliament.Discussing the scheduled visit of Premier Nano in Macedonia, Parliament will discuss in its first working days the agreements to be approved in the Albanian legislative before they are signed by the heads of Albanian and Macedonian governments on 15 and 16 January in Skopje. The deputies in this sitting also discussed issues regarding order and asked by the government to pass in parliament the new draft-law on order. The socialist deputy, Anastas Angjeli, insisted in presenting the draft-budget for 1998 before the deputies, because its deadline has already passed. Special deputies gave their opinions regarding a series of events, like the situation of order, riots at the beginning of 1997, the status of emigrants, and others. /kei/mt/k Parliament resumes work for 1998 TIRANA, Jan. (ATA) - The first plenary session of Parliament was opened twelve days after the New Year, by approving the initial agenda of Parliament. Discussing the scheduled visit of Premier Nano in Macedonia, Parliament will discuss in its first working days the agreements to be approved in the Albanian legislative before they are signed by the heads of Albanian and Macedonian governments on 15 and 16 January in Skopje. The deputies in this sitting also discussed issues regarding order and asked by the government to pass in parliament the new draft-law on order. The socialist deputy, Anastas Angjeli, insisted in presenting the draft-budget for 1998 before the deputies, because its deadline has already passed. Special deputies gave their opinions regarding a series of events, like the situation of order, riots at the beginning of 1997, the status of emigrants, and others. /kei/mt/k Albanian Telegraphic Agency[27] Albanians will not profit from Greece's Schengen agreementATHENS, Jan 12 (ATA) - By R. Goro: The visas issued by the Greek counseling authorities to Albanian citizens are valid only in Greece and not in other European Union member states as it is thought.The Schengen agreement envisages that the citizens of the non- community countries can travel freely through Europe if they have a visa of a E.U. member state. Deputy Foreign Minister of Greece Janis Kranidhiotis has said that the Albanian citizens will not have this favour. They will gain only "national visas" and not "Schengen ones", which will be given to nationals of other Balkan countries, to those of Eastern and Central Europe or Community of Independent States (CIS). The above decision of the Greek government is possibly related to the situation in Albania and also to an extraordinary great number of Albanians citizens in Greece who will have entry visa time after time. It is thought that if the Albanians will be provided with Schengen visa they will massively flow to developed community countries. One of the reasons which risks Greece' membership in the Schengen agreement was the existence of hundreds and thousands of illegal emigrants, particularly Albanians in Greece, what urged the Greek government to undertake measures for their legalisation. ake/kei/ak/k From the Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) Home Page at http://www.telpress.it/ataAlbanian Telegraphic Agency Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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