Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 98-01-13

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] Draft platform of political dialogue on focus of officials

[02] PRESS REVIEW1

[03] PRESS REVIEW (2)

[04] PRESS REVIEW (3)

[05] DP leader says parliament is not a priority

[06] Albanian chess-player ranks third in international tour of Athens

[07] Situation in Tropoja under normalisation

[08] Three powerful explosions rock Gjirokaster

[09] Three drug traffickers detained in Permet

[10] DP leader creates confidential environment for crime - SP leader

[11] Parliamentary majority decides on anti-mafia commission - Majko

[12] ODIHR promises aid to reconstruct penitentiary system in Albania

[13] Inhabitants of the villages which will be inundated by Boville to be gradually lodged

[14] Assistance for Albanian police leads to improvement of public order

[15] Conference of Albanian mayors held

[16] Continuous relations between ODIHR and Albania guaranteed - Nano- Stoudman

[17] US dollar sheds some gains

[18] Boycott of parliament by part of opposition, problem of Albania- ODIHR

[19] Mafia members and criminals cannot direct "antimafia" - Ceka

[20] ODIHR will make new census in Albania

[21] SP demands urgent round table on anti-crime laws

[22] Albanian President Meidani congratulates command of Tirane Police Department

[23] SDP to vote against DP running "anti-mafia" commission - Gjinushi

[24] "Demon" should unload at Dubvronik

[01] Draft platform of political dialogue on focus of officials

The meeting dealt with a project platform of political dialogue between Albania and the European Union prepared by the Foreign Ministry in cooperation with other ministries. This platform will be presented in Brussels in January in a dialogue between E.U. and Albania.

Milo said that the dialogue will focus on political and economic developments in Albania, relations with neighbours and regional states as well as other international issues of mutual interest.

Sabri Godo, head of the parliamentary foreign commission, attending the meeting, said "the economic aspect should be underlined in the report sent to Brussels meeting on developments in Albania."

Referring to the draft constitution, Godo said that "we will have a crystallized thought on this until the meeting because days before the Brussels meeting a Council of Europe, European parliament and OSCE troika will visit Tirana which is expected to influence the process of constitution." Mima/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] PRESS REVIEW1

"The Italian forces of Guardia di Finanza, led by Natalia Cea, chief of the European mission, in cooperation with the Albanian anti-contraband authorities, have blocked the pirate ship "Demon", the newspaper Koha Jone says.

The 500 tons ship was blocked in the Karavasta lagoon at 16.30 p.m. on Monday, the other independent daily Gazeta Shqiptare reports.

According to Koha Jone, the biggest independent daily, Demon has left Greece two days ago and after a long voyage in the sea was blocked by DG XXI about 22.00 p.m. and was accompanied to the Durres port. The same paper says that this ship has been intercepted before, especially during the time of stability government. The minister of Finance Arben Malaj has confirmed details on the ship. ak/

(more)

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[03] PRESS REVIEW (2)

The same newspaper publishes the response of the Socialists against the allies' rejection.

"One cannot prejudice 25 percent of the DP electorate because they are not like Berisha and his clan," Koha Jone quotes Musa Ulqini, the SP leader as saying.

Gazeta Shqiptare has managed to persuade the DP leaders join the debate. "I think that such an idea is more a demagogy than a serious effort for the public order," Ridvan Bode, DP Secretary General said to the paper.

This topic, which is being discussed by deputies later on Monday, is also covered by the independent dailies as Shekulli and Dita Informacion. ak/

(more)

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] PRESS REVIEW (3)

Another sensational news is that of Gazeta Shqiptare which says that the staff of "Zonjusha Zhuli" drama will bring a law suit to the Tirana court against Klan magazine. Culi, the producer, said that Klan has distorted the figure of the Albanian well-known actress Yllka Mujo, presenting, without permission, a photo showing her legs. The same daily recalls that this is the second rose case for Klan after a trial with the Albanian miss Sidorela Kola.

An unexpected telegram of the U.S. President Bill Clinton to the prime minister Nano on the New Year is published by the Socialist newspaper Zeri i Popullit without any comment different from any other dailies.

The dailies Albania and Rilindja Demokratike have been focused on news reporting that the Tirana Court has suspended work. ak/

(end)

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] DP leader says parliament is not a priority

"Entering parliament will be discussed by the council like all other problems while a priority should be given to measures to overcome the crisis in Albania," Ridvan Bode, DP Secretary General said to ATA.

In his recent statements and news briefing, the DP leader Sali Berisha was focused on new elections and a care taker government "as ways to overcome the crisis."

This idea was rejected by other political forces, which are not included in the Unity for Democracy grouping and criticised by the chancelleries of the European Union.

Nevertheless, Berisha has said that his party was expected to take seats in parliament, especially after the pressure of the European institutions and different chancelleries.

Referring to the proposal of Pandeli Majko, the head of the Socialist parliamentary group, for a new parliamentary anti mafia group led by the DP, Bode said "this problem will be discussed by the DP."

Majko's proposal made public in a television program on Sunday was not applauded by some parties of the government coalition, which have accused the DP as setting up mafia and organised crime in Albania. ak/

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[06] Albanian chess-player ranks third in international tour of Athens

The international master of chess, the coach Fatos Muco, told ATA that "At the end of the tour, after nine rounds, Altin Çela, 22, gathered seven points and was ranked third, while Erald Dervishi won the 20th place. Çela is since five years one of the best chess-players of the Greek team of Patras.

Coach Muco stated that based on the results reached last year in several international tours, the master of FIDE, Dervishi, will receive this year the award International Master of Chess. /s.sh/mima/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] Situation in Tropoja under normalisation

Special forces of the Interior Ministry and forces of neighbouring commissariats have been present recently in Bajram Curri, the county of Tropoja.

Officials of the Prosecutor's office said that the motifs of the killing of the border officer Shaqir Hoxha from the former chief of the local commissariat Fatmir Haklaj were not cleared yet.

The prices in the free market and several bars are slightly increased.

"Over 4 thousand weapons of different kinds which are still widely available in the hands of populace were raided from military depots during the March unrest," Logu said. s.sh/mima/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] Three powerful explosions rock Gjirokaster

The first explosion occurred in the headquarters of the Socialist Party branch, which is in the same building with the town hall of the city, by causing big material damages. A bar and many other offices of this building were completely destroyed. The second explosion occurred five minutes after the first one at the building of former investigation office, some 100 meters far from SP headquarters. Both buildings are at the foot of the citadel of the town.

The third explosion happened in Lazarat village, in vicinity of Gjirokaster, in the garage of the citizen Bujar Derzho, SP member. Due to this, the garage and the car were destroyed.

The chairman of the SP branch, Besnik Shehu said that "this is a pure political act and may be connected with the recent explosions in Gjirokaster.

Right after these explosions, the police escorted several persons to the commissariat, but they were later set free.

"We are carrying on the investigations and we are on the verge of detaining the perpetrator of these explosions," said the director of the district police directorate, Islam Qebini. /s.s/mima/mt/m/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] Three drug traffickers detained in Permet

Police detained immediately the citizens Robert Lamce and Julian Velaj, both 19 years old, and the owner of the vehicle with number plate PR 0919 A, Xhevair Jaupi. They were escorted to the local police commissariat and were put under custody. /s.s/mima/mt/V

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[10] DP leader creates confidential environment for crime - SP leader

"The SP said that these are failed efforts organised by mafia and contraband rings ... They are supported clearly by a political rear, which continues to act contrary to the national interests of Albania," Pandeli Majko, the SP Secretary General told today's news briefing.

Majko said that he is not accusing the head of the Democratic party Sali Berisha or "his clan" for these acts because "if this would be true we had to bring a law suit against them," Majko said. He added: "Berisha is creating a confidential environment for the organised crime and contraband."

"Some politicians are born in a conflicting setting and cannot understand their existence outside of it," Majko said. s.s/mima/ak/v/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] Parliamentary majority decides on anti-mafia commission - Majko

"My party has in parliament the necessary majority to take decisions, when it sees reasonable that they are for the good of Albania," SP secretary General Pandeli Majko, told a news conference today.

"Our proposal for the commission to be run by the DP has been refused by this party," said Majko.

"To offer the DP the direction of the Anti-mafia commission does not mean "to hang liver on the wolf's neck" because we do not consider the DP a wolf."

"We have made our proposal on the basis of our conception of co- responsibility of the coalition government and the opposition. The opposition should not only criticise. Inspired by Berisha it is making politics on the street only.

"At the meeting of our parliamentary group today we have withdrawn all draft-laws dealing with the order and police, to avoid excess bureaucracy and present them after a round table with specialists," Majko explained.

"At this meeting we will also discuss invitations for cooperation with the DP." s.s/mima/lm

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] ODIHR promises aid to reconstruct penitentiary system in Albania

A meeting of Albanian Justice Minister Thimio Kondi with the ODIHR delegation, headed by the Director General, Ambassador Gerard Stoudmann, and CE representatives, considered the operation of courts and prisons in a brief time after the damages they suffered during the 1997 unrest, the Justice Ministry spokesman told ATA.

"ODIHR will materially help reconstruct the existing prisons and construction of other new ones," the spokesman said.

Four out of seven jails completely destroyed during the last turmoil, are currently functioning, two in Tirane, one in Lushnje and one in Burrel.

The Greek and Italian governments have vowed to finance the building of one prison each.

"Minister Kondi launched the idea of setting up as soon as possible a broad basis commission, to include judges from the prosecutor general's office, the Supreme Court, the lawyers' Chamber, will work for the coordination of aid from international organisations in the field of Justice," the spokesman said.

To this end an office will be set up through which the Albanians will request aid.

The ODIHR delegation asked that the offered aid be immediately materialised and experts begin meetings. s.s/lm

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] Inhabitants of the villages which will be inundated by Boville to be gradually lodged

The chairwoman of the Tirane district council, Hatixhe Kellezi told ATA that "the respective decisions of the Council of Ministers are being applied for the accommodation of a considerable number of families." According to Ms Kellezi, so far two new villages will be built near Kamza and some families are given the agricultural land according to the law "On Land," some others are compensated in money.

In the mean time, the Ministry of Public Affairs is demanding that the accommodation of 33 other families be reviewed through providing special funds, according to financial possibilities of the government.

Ms Kellezi said that another solution is being considered for the families of Gjonaj village which may also be covered by the artificial lake of Boville. s.s/xhen/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] Assistance for Albanian police leads to improvement of public order

In a ceremony held in this commissariat to mark the 85th anniversary of Albanian police, participants spoke of the care shown by the Interior Ministry of Albania to increase the means for police and mainly the inauguration of the police operational hall at the disposal of the population.

In addition, four officers of that commissariat were graded mayors. xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] Conference of Albanian mayors held

The conference is the second one held in Albania and is organised by the USAID, the Albanian Mayors' Association and the Dutch Mayors' Association.

Present at the conference were the Secretary of State for Local Government Lush Perpali, U.S. ambassador to Albania Marisa Lino, European Union representatives Hugh Nicholas and Eric Boven, representatives from Polish, Dutch associations and others.

"Local government is the basis of the state's building, as the local structures are closer to the electorate, are the points from which begin all solutions to the people's problems," said Marisa Lino, U.S. ambassador to Albania, in her greeting speech.

The conference, which will also hold its proceedings on January 14, focussed on infrastructure, land administration, finances, management of municipality officials and other issues. pas/lm

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] Continuous relations between ODIHR and Albania guaranteed - Nano- Stoudman

The spokesman of the Prime Minister cites Mr Nano saying that "we shall continue the efforts to build the rule of law, despite the boycott that a part of the opposition is putting on the state and institutions which came from the general vote."

In this context, Mr Nano asked from the ODIHR representatives that this organization give advise and monitor the process for the preparation and approval of the Constitution as as well to observe the local poll to be repeated soon in some communes and town-halls where the elected people have abandoned their posts. PM Nano voiced the commitment of the Albanian Government to the realisation of a census, and asked ODIHR's assistance in this respect.

Mr Stoudman stressed that "the relations between ODIHR and Albania are guaranteed. We know that things cannot be realised in a day and hope that 1998 will be a year of challenge for the Albanians."

"The boycott of the Democratic Party is a concern for us, but, anyway, the Government must continue with its program irrespective of non institutional pressures," he pointed out.

At the end of the meeting, Mr Nano said that "the government will be devoted to meeting the legitimate demands of the Albanian electors, who need to have justice and to identify the culprits for the bad situation, the destruction and corruption that ruined the country in the past year." A/Ke/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] US dollar sheds some gains

So $1 = 152,35 lek, lossing 0,32 points compared with yesterday's 152, 70 lek. The DM was traded for 84,33 lek lossing 0,32 points compared with yesterday's 84,65 lek.

The ITL (1000) was traded for 84,81 lek lossing 0.12 points compared with yeasterday's 84,93 and so on.

Tuesday exchange rate

Currency	Average exchange rate
USD		152,35 lek
DM		 84,33 lek
ITL (1000)	 84,81 lek
GRD (100)	 52,96 lek
SFR		102,40 lek

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] Boycott of parliament by part of opposition, problem of Albania- ODIHR

"The opposition should play its role in the legal institutions and structures of your society," said Stoudmann, who headed a delegation of ODIHR at a meeting with Albanian speaker Skender Gjinushi today.

"Now, the chairman of the Democratic Party, Sali Berisha, should fully monitor his destructive mentalities," said Gjinushi referring to Berisha's non engagement in the structures of parliament to support the reform.

He expressed resolution to give the country a constitution through legal procedures and a broader consensus of the Albanian political spectrum, considering this year a year of drafting and approving a constitution.

"To prevent repetition of the electoral year 1996, the cause of the deep Albanian crisis and state's disintegration, we should begin the preparation of a new electoral law, which will not allow any more its manipulation by political forces," Gjinushi said referring to the much disputed and criticised parliamentary elections of 1996.

Stoudmann expressed the readiness of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to assist the electoral law and stressed that this is a key year for Albania and its cooperation with the International Community for the country's all round development.

As regards the idea of national reconciliation, the Albanian speaker said that Albanians are not in conflict and they understand and cooperate among one another.

"The problem stands in the politicians' understanding, which is realised by respecting the institutions and implementing the laws of the state," Gjinushi added.

He considered the law on the justice system, drafted in cooperation with the Council of Europe, of contemporary standards and different from the previous one, as it is more favourable for the workers of this system, because it envisages examination of complaints one by one and complaint in the law court.

"Our parliament will soon discuss a complete law package for the private and public media which will be of contemporary standards," said Gjinushi. pas/lm

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] Mafia members and criminals cannot direct "antimafia" - Ceka

Mr Ceka, who is also Interior Minister, considered as "untimely" the declaration of Mr Pandeli Majko, Socialist Party secretary general, that "Antimafia Commission be directed by the largest opposition party, the Democratic Party."

"Mr Majko's declaration has been premature. I base this opinion on several reasons: firstly, Mr Majko should have discussed first his idea with the coalition parties, and secondly I would tell Mr Majko that the mafia members and criminals, who ruined Albania, cannot be put at the head of this Commission," said Ceka.

Asked whether this might lead to a break of the government coalition, Mr Ceka said that "national reconciliation cannot be realised through such political offers." A.KE/pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[20] ODIHR will make new census in Albania

"It is a long time since a new census has not been made and this has caused problems, especially following the numerous movements of the population in the past years," the Minister of Institutional Reform and Relations with the Parliament, Arben Imami told ATA today. Imami declared this after a meeting he had with the ODIHR General Director, Gerard Stoudman, who is visiting Albania at the head of an ODIHR delegation.

The last census in Albania was that of 1989. On the basis of that census, about 60 per cent of the population lived in the countryside. While in the last years, many people from rural zones, especially from the north eastern area of Albania have rushed to coastal zones and Tirane, but their names do not exist in the registers of these cities. Unofficial figures show that there are 500-600 thousand people in the district of Tirane, while some years ago this figure was 250 000.

The project for the census envisages that the ODIHR specialists will lead this work in order to have perfect results.

A pilot-project is planned to be realised in spring according to scientific criteria determined by ODIHR. pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[21] SP demands urgent round table on anti-crime laws

"DP deputies must come to the parliament or they will take upon themselves the responsibility of the DP leading politicians who ruined Albania last year," says a declaration of this group, issued after the meeting it held on Tuesday.

The group leader, Pandeli Majko, said that "SP will send offers for cooperation to DP when this party gives up the policy of destruction it is following since the time it passed onto the side of the opposition."

Majko explained that his group has now taken upon itself the responsibility to organize a round table which will prepare a package of anti-crime laws, thus avoiding the red-tape in the Interior Ministry, and will present it to the Parliament as soon as possible. pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[22] Albanian President Meidani congratulates command of Tirane Police Department

President Meidani had the chance to talk there with and congratulate Mr Pashk Tusha, former-Director of Tirane Police Department in that period.

During the visit in the two police units which were awarded today the Golden Order of the Eagle, Mr Meidani was also accompanied by Deputy Premier Bashkim Fino, Interior Minister Neritan Ceka and others. ake/pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[23] SDP to vote against DP running "anti-mafia" commission - Gjinushi

"The DP has not yet come to parliament, less so to expect it to run the Commission. I understand that this is a political solution, to be more transparent to the opposition, but this goes beyond the limits of transparency," said Gjinushi.

"Further more, the proposal seems to imply that the law will also be made by the DP. I do not believe this will ever be realised," the social- democrat leader said.

Gjinushi also showed lack of confidence in the very idea of creating an anti-mafia commission, if this would be a parliamentary commission.

"If the commission is parliamentary, we should be very careful. It should be provided with powers to act, otherwise you cannot tell deputies to go to uncover contraband."

"The employment of the current means at the disposal of the state, the prosecutor's office, police NIS..., would be better than the creation of a parliamentary commission without powers, which can only help coordinate state organisations."

"On the other hand it would be better to create a commission against organised crime with that of antimafia as a subcommission, to be protected against an autogoal. A big antimafia commission would 'legalise' the existence of mafia in Albania," he said. a.ke/lm

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[24] "Demon" should unload at Dubvronik

The commander of Guardia di Finanza (Italian coastguard), Lieutenant Colonel Massino Moceli, confirmed ATA that Demon for several days had been under the surveillance of the 28th coastguard of the Italian marine, which are deployed at the Durres port.

Two Italian motorboats of the Italian financial guard which also had on their board Albanian border police officers forced the ship to enter the Durres port after respective controls.

The ship is supposed to have unloaded part of the commodity at the Vlore bay, whereas some 30 tonnes of cigarettes in 2.901 unsealed boxes were found in the ship's hold.

According to the documentation the ship ought to have unloaded at Dubrovnik's port, but its cargo, according to initial investigations, was destined for contraband sale on the Albanian market.

The Prosecutor's office has heard the testimony of six members of the crew and is investigating all possible links with the trafficking in general. a.ke/pas/lm

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