Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 98-01-24

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] PRESS REVIEW

[02] SHIK and Prosecutor's office to cooperate in fight against organized economic crime

[03] Military police to investigate on tunnels' explosion in Burrel

[04] Belgian Government to start soon delivery of aid for Albania - Dehan

[05] Naval district of Vlora operates normally

[06] SHIK and Prosecutor's office to cooperate in fight against organized economic crime

[07] Event in Shkoder was premeditated - General Attorney's Office

[08] Demonstration of Serbian military forces in Decan

[09] German ambassador visits Elbasan to discuss water pipe line

[10] Police uncover a large quantity of weapons

[11] Presence of international forces - guarantee for Kosova, RP says

[12] Grenade explodes in courtyard of Radio Korça

[13] Out patient clinic of city of Durres reconstructed

[14] Albanian Government is open to monitoring, which must, first, come from the people - Nano

[15] Rotation, solution of conflict parliament-constitution, says Nano

[16] We welcome Greek initiative on Albanian-Serb dialogue - Nano

[17] Status of civil employees to be improved

[18] Unique front against criminality - Albanian Helsinki Committee

[19] Shkodra's stand testifies to triumph of governing alternative - Nano

[20] Albania compiles with U.S standards - Clinton

[21] International institutions unblock Albanian politics - PR

[22] Speculators import flour in expiry limits

[01] PRESS REVIEW

"The West gives a slap to opposition," the paper says adding that a few hours later, Washington reiterates: DP, return to parliament.

Some of the titles of the same paper are "Europe attacks Berisha," "Europe makes public its stand to Albania, Leni Fischer harsh towards opposition," "Nano government passes test: No new elections."

The same paper reports that after the Council of Europe left Albania, the SP attacks Berisha: it is time to surrender, quoting Majko, SP Secretary General saying: "Berisha, resign because the anti government platform of the DP has failed."

Some of the titles of the daily Koha Jone on the visit of the European troika in Albania are: "European delegation: None should dare to think about new elections," "Nano: DP, a terrorist grouping," "Leni Fischer: Berisha, end boycott," "Troika: DP, in parliament for constitution, " and others.

The same daily carries the editorial "Nano, now the stout hand."

The daily Zeri i Popullit highlights the visit of the European troika. It reports in the first page that "Europe says no new elections," "U.S. backs the statement of the European troika at the end of Albania mission," "America to continue work with the Albanian government and all constructive forces," "Nano: No return back" and others.

The same daily carries the statement of the troika mission OSCE, Council European, European parliament at the end of its mission, stressing the fact that "parliament is legitimate and that the constitution should be approved within 1998."

Other titles carried by other dailies are as follows: Shekulli: "Fischer: constitution in parliament," "Parliamentary commission is legitimate to draw out a draft constitution," "Europe closed 'Berisha's' file";

Dita Informacion: "DP defeated in the battle with Europe. Even Fischer betrays Berisha: No elections;" Republika carries the editorial "Albanian policy undergoes Europe's test."

Rilindja Demokratike reports "Europe: parliament under monitoring". It says that troika has criticized the government for the situation in Albania: a worse political, economic, social situation and lack of safety.

Albania reports "Council of Europe: seven advises to government, two to opposition." ake/ak/

The dailies continue to report on the recent events in the city of Shkodra and the post-event situation.

Koha Jone says that after a statement of the Interior minister Neritan Ceka on these events, the DP deputies of Shkodra have said: Ceka to face trial. On his part, Ceka replied: "Let them come to parliament to vote my immunity."

Zeri i Popullit carries the statements of former governor of Shkodra Gezim Podgorica to journalists: "Do not manipulate." The same daily reports "Attorney General: Shkodra event has been planned."

Referring to yesterday's news conference of Berisha, DP leader, the daily says that he has defended policemen involved in the Shkodra events. On the same news conference, it says "Europa makes Berisha fall to discord."

Gazeta Shqiptare carries statements of the Tirana Attorney General saying that "Shkodra events were planned," while those accused have said "Tension created due to police director, Havari."

Other dailies cover the Shkodra events. Dita Informacion: "Prosecutor's office: Shkodra events planned," "Deputies involved in these events to face trial";

Republika: Shkodra events cleared up, those responsible uncovered", and others.

Rilindja Demokratike reports "Government and president closed the doors of Shkodra" and "Shkodra accuses Nano and Ceka, local deputies urge dismissal of Ceka and putting him under penal procedures for slanders.

The dailies report on the latest events in Kosova and the Serbian pressure on the Albanian population. Koha Jone carries the statements of president Rugova, who says that Serbia wants war in Kosova. "We urge international defence before the military attacks for ethnic cleansing," Rugova said.

The daily carries the reaction of the Albanian government against the latest Serbian violence in Kosova.

Zeri i Popullit carries the statement of the Albanian government, which condemned the act of Serbian violence against the Albanian population in Kosova. ake/ak/sh/

(end)

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] SHIK and Prosecutor's office to cooperate in fight against organized economic crime

"Cooperation with SHIK is important, because it may provide information also outside Albania," said director of investigation department in the General Attorney's Office, Agim Tirana. /s.sh./kled/xh/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] Military police to investigate on tunnels' explosion in Burrel

The two underground depots with artillery ammunition of the Infantry brigade in Suç, Burrel, exploded on Thurday night. A young woman was slightly injured and glasses of the surrounding buildings were shattered as a result of the explosion. s.sh./kled/ak/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] Belgian Government to start soon delivery of aid for Albania - Dehan

Belgian PM highlighted the efforts of the Albanian Government to overcome the crisis of last year, for the political stability in the country and for a constructive foreign policy, especially on the regional aspect and the Euro-Atlantic integration.

He voiced Belgian all-round support for Albania and said that soon his government will start to deliver the aid it promised for Albania in the Donors' Conference of Brussels.

Prime Minister Dehan stressed the importance of the adoption of the Constitution which, among others, would help bring foreign investments to the country. He encouraged the two sides to sign, as soon as possible, the agreements on the encouragement and protection of investments, lifting of double taxation, etc, which will urge Belgian companies to be more interested to invest in Albania.

Dehan highlighted the regional policy and supported the new spirit of good neighborliness Albania is following. "We must work, he said, to solve the question of Kosova which has become a factor for destabilization in the region and broader. We support the Albanian Government for its important initiative for the stabilization of the relations with Yugoslavia and Macedonia." Dehan confirmed his country's support for Albania not only on the bilateral level but also on that of the European Union.

"I may admit that the Albanian Government is on the right track, and I assure you that in all your efforts you will have our support," he said.

Minister Milo and the delegation he is leading on Friday also met with the deputy chairman of the House of Representatives of the Belgian Parliament, Van de Maylen and deputy president of Senate, Mayns. Mr Milo invited in the name of the Albanian Parliament Speaker, the head of the House of Representatives and the President of the Belgian Senate to visit Tirane.

Minister Milo also met with the Mayor of Brussels, Francois Ksavier de Donea de Hamuar and with the Belgian Minister of Defence, Jean Paul Ponsle.

The official visit of the Albanian Foreign Minister closed with the meeting of deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finances and Foreign Trade, Philip Mejshtat.

"We will mediate that powerful Belgian companies such as Mining Union and Petrofinal come to Albania to see the possibility of maky investments," said Mejshtat. Both sides stressed the special role of specialized financial and trade organizations and institutions to provide continuous information on the advantages of the mutual economic and trade exchanges. /s.s./s.sh./kled/xh/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] Naval district of Vlora operates normally

The same sources said that in the military basis of the Sazani island everything is normal, the 24-hour duty has started and a contingent of officers and sailors has put all marine military units within a stretch of land from Porto - Palermo to Sazan along the coast under control.

This district was heavily damaged during unrest last year, with the military basis of Pasha Aliman and part of its means of navigation heavily destroyed. s.s/kled/ak/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] SHIK and Prosecutor's office to cooperate in fight against organized economic crime

"Cooperation with SHIK is important, because it may provide information also from outside Albania," said director of investigation department in the General Attorney's Office, Agim Tirana. /s.sh./kled/xh/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] Event in Shkoder was premeditated - General Attorney's Office

"The inquiries confirm that the policemen have been premeditatedly shot and fortunately they were not dead," said the chief of investigation in the General Attorney's office, Agim Tirana.

According to Mr Tirana, another element of the investigation is also the activity held in the premises of the prefecture of Shkoder. Taking into consideration the fact that the prefect of Shkoder has been terrorized, it is important that this element be brought for investigation. Nevertheless, the prefect too will be interrogated not to put him before penal responsibility but to hear him and gather supplementary information. "If elements of the penal act will be uncovered for anyone, even for deputies, the lifting of their deputy immunity will soon be demanded, to continue then with other acts determined by law," said Tirana.

Referring to the event in Shkoder, Mr Tirana added that "it was not a spontaneous act but a very well-organized plan." Preliminary data prove of "centralized acts initiated by dangerous people," but their names cannot be made public because inquiries are going on. The information gathered so far "prove of the place where talks are made on the preliminary orientations of this event."

Some of those who have been involved in this activity, "are also proved to be previously incriminated elements whose names will soon be made public," said Mr Tirana. kled/xh/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] Demonstration of Serbian military forces in Decan

Sources of the Democratic League in Decan say that for several nights bullets have been fired from the police station in Irzniq, while in Decan, Junik Rastavice and in a number of other areas, police have detained and maltreated scores of Albanians. B.J/P.Ta/xh/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] German ambassador visits Elbasan to discuss water pipe line

The project is expected to be approved by the Albanian government soon.

Peter Disdorn, who paid a two-day visit to Elbasan invited by the city mayor Engjell Dakli, was interested in economic structure of the city.

He visited the secondary school of Foreign Languages, metallurgical plant, "Nene Tereza" orphanage, and others s.sh/kled/ak/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] Police uncover a large quantity of weapons

"After a call to commissariat, the police forces were put into operation to find the place where the armaments were hidden," sources of the commissariat said to ATA.

The area called "Perroi" near the city, was the place where the police found 170 automatic rifles, 12 machine guns, 100 grenades and one million cartridges.

Gramshi, one of the most militarised districts, after the military depots were stormed, ranks first in the operation for the collection and handing over of weapons.

In the last two months, some 40 thousand grenades were collected allover the region, besides other weapons, the same sources said adding that "a largest part of the armaments was voluntarily handed over." s.sh/kled/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] Presence of international forces - guarantee for Kosova, RP says

"The Balkans is near the storm; the conflict, which is breaking out in Kosova will endanger all the region," Fatmir Mediu, leader of the Republican party (RP), said after a frontal attack the Serbian forces have undertaken recently in the Skenderaj commune.

He considered "indifferent" the stand of the Albanian government on the latest events in Kosova, where Albanian population outnumbers Serbs nine to one.

Though he backed Greece's idea to host possible talks Nano, Milosevic, Rugova, Mediu did not accept its role as mediator in these talks.

"Greece does not have a clear stand on Kosova," he said.

Mediu considered as mediators the American-German and French-German initiatives.

"We should not walk along unknown trails," he said.

A press release issued on Friday by the Albanian Foreign Ministry officially expressed the concern on recent repression of the Serbian authorities in the commune of Skenderaj, Kosova. s.s/kled/ak/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] Grenade explodes in courtyard of Radio Korça

The explosion, which occurred at 20.30, did not cause any victim or damage. s.s/kled/ak/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] Out patient clinic of city of Durres reconstructed

Also another floor is being built on the existing building with an amount of 16 million lek by the state budget.

The chief of the clinic, Besnik Mushketa told ATA, that after several weeks a staff of 62 people, of whom 21 doctors of 18 specialities will serve in the clinic.

The NPA will also afford buying equipment for the clinic. kled/xh/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] Albanian Government is open to monitoring, which must, first, come from the people - Nano

"The Albanian Government is open to any monitoring, but the first monitoring is that from the Albanian people who voted for us on June 29, 1997," said the Prime Minister.

"The Government is working so that the actors and the factors that caused Albania's ruin in the past years do not influence in its further destabilization," said Nano, adding that "it is the people who lifted their political immunity last June 29, while their legal immunity is not determined by me. I will keep supporting an independent judiciary."

"There is a part of parliamentary opposition in Albania which, instead of integrating, is boycotting and constantly continues to be very close to criminal segments of the Albanian society," said Nano.

"Now, the efforts to overcome the crisis are in the second stage," said Nano, "which is a strong challenge for us, but the only way to bring the crises in Albania to an end and to block the factors and the actors that caused them. After hearing declarations by Mr Berisha's opposition, I think that work for the Constitution will continue with the aim of preparing a long term draft which will make Albania more European." /s.s/kled/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] Rotation, solution of conflict parliament-constitution, says Nano

"A rotation, which provides constitutional protection not only for the government, but also for the opposition, can be immediately carried out even with the useful suggestions of international institutions, such as the Venezia Commission," said Nano, adding that this will influence on the legislative and the public opinion by providing the continuity of the constitutional process, which serves above all to the opposition.

"It is not only me to solve the conflict, because there is a legal framework to unblock it," said Premier Nano. /s.s/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] We welcome Greek initiative on Albanian-Serb dialogue - Nano

Prime Minister Fatos Nano hailed the Greek initiative on a Milosevic- Nano-Rugova meeting, at a news briefing on Saturday.

"We cannot but welcome any initiative which encourages dialogue, especially when it is about Kosova," said Nano.

"I can neither neglect nor define a hierarchy of partners or factors, but I can find partnership and real possibilities which stimulate dialogue, " said Nano.

"The Greek initiative has this orientation as well. It encourages the dialogue which began to institutionalize in Crete and I hope that even after yesterday's statements of Rugova, this initiative be one of the segments that will not let the situation under the Serb, Albanian or whose ever terrorism, Islamic or of other faiths, and be attached to the sanctions against Serbia and Milosevic; We will but be integrated in such initiatives, irrespective of their dimensions".

"I have addressed an official letter to the NATO Secretary General, Javier Solana, who is also chairman of the Euro-Atlantic association, to sensitize the participating countries on the need and urgency of coordinating their initiatives to resolve the Kosova issue, to grant rights and status to the Albanians there as, why not, to invite these countries to a round table on the Balkans in Tirane.

The ongoing responses have been encouraging to further our initiatives". s.s/lm

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] Status of civil employees to be improved

"The Albanian government will examine on Monday a packet of decisions for the completion of the status of civil employees, which will be realised with the assistance of the European Union," the Minister of Institutional Reform and Relations with Parliament, Arben Imami, reported to ATA on Saturday.

Actually, according to him, Albania is "at zero level" regarding the protection of rights of civil employees, due to lack of legislation in this field.

Imami voiced the readiness of the Albanian government to be monitored by international bodies, like the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank (WB), and the troika of the European Parliament, regarding the implementation of the legislative reform, based on professional merits.

According to an agreement with the European Union, the administration reform will be completed from the legislative point of view until the year 1999," said the Minister of Institutional reform. /s.s/pas/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] Unique front against criminality - Albanian Helsinki Committee

"In front of the grave situation of order, particularly with the dramatic events in the Shkoder city, serious and immediate measures should be taken for the restoration of the state authority, an acute problem which is put forward not only for state bodies, but for the whole Albanian society," stresses the Committee in a release, issued on Saturday.

The Albanian Helsinki Committee points out that "the main conclusion regarding the Shkoder events is that crime has reached dangerous points," and that the public opinion "is now more sensible than ever, because any hesitation is unacceptable and the recent developments require a sudden and firm intervention. "The strategy of dark forces, which aim at destabilizing the country to plunge it again into chaos and anarchy, should be attacked," says the AHC statement.

"The international community and Europe have sent a clear message: the normalization process should not stop, the country should firmly move towards the way of reviving the parliamentary debate and involving all political forces in the process of drafting and approving the new constitution." /a.ke/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] Shkodra's stand testifies to triumph of governing alternative - Nano

"The Shkoder civilized citizens gave no support to the criminals, but on the contrary, although under psychological and physical threat, the citizens helped the police both spiritually and materially.

This testifies to the fact that our alternative to respond to violence through the law, has won, increasing, in every minute, the number of those who voted for it on June 29," said Nano, who did not in the least look disturbed by the constant demands of the opposition for fresh elections.

He backs up this confidence with the immense work carried out to restore law and order,"as one of the priorities of the coalition government, which has undergone several stages, abiding by the logic of reforms undertaken and the normal phases of building the rule of law".

"The priorities for the complete reconstruction of the police, improvement of legislation, logistic basis and enhancement of professionalism have proceeded well in general, Nano said.

"Problems have been encountered in restructuring the police, with exponents being linked with organised crime. Destructive political structures have organised all forms of counter reaction, also including armed disturbances, such as that in Shkoder," said Nano. lm

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[20] Albania compiles with U.S standards - Clinton

The White House Press Office says in a report that in a letter addressed to the speaker of the House of Representatives and President of the U.S. Senate, President Clinton says that Albania "in full compliance with the criteria of the people's free movement, entitles itself to the right to get the preferential treatment and also benefit from other activities, not needing annual request for legal procedure."

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[21] International institutions unblock Albanian politics - PR

According to RP, this fact will deepen Europe's distrust of the Albanian political class.

The RP chairman, Fatmir Mediu, told a news conference today that "the policy being pursued in Albania will create the idea among the International Community that the Albanians are not able to build their future".

Hailing the statement of the three European missions and their suggestions to unblock the situation, Mediu declared himself in favour of adopting a constitution based on a broad compromise.

In the conditions that the Democratic Party does not agree with the procedures of drafting and adopting a constitution, three Euro-parliamentarian missions, arrived in Albania to put an end to differences, which have left the country without a constitution.

"Join the parliament and take part in the process of drafting a constitution", this was Europe's message to the Democratic party on Friday.

Referring to the latest hunger strike being staged in Tirane, Mediu expressed the worry of his party over the hunger strike staged by the formerly politically persecuted and said that "we back their request to abrogate the law 8265, which brings back to public sector former State Security officials.

Referring to the Shkoder event, Mediu considers that this precedent shows a "lack of stability on the part of the institutions and consequence of an extremely tense policy".

"The institutions should act conform the law and respond only to the will of the law".

He expressed the opinion that the draft-budget, which will be submitted to parliament, should financially stimulate the police and all the structures fighting crime. a.ke/pas/lm

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[22] Speculators import flour in expiry limits

The chairman of the Albanian Consumers Association (ACA), Dr. Islam Cani, reported to ATA that due to the laboratory analyses, it came out that the imported flour had the microbe of staphylococcus arius and the mesenterci bacillus.

According to dr. Cani, this flour should not be used.

"The competent health and nutritive bodies should protect the interests of consumers from all possible cheats of irresponsible merchants, but there is no coordination between them," stresses Cani, adding that the law on food should be improved, which recognises the final competence of taking decision to the expertise of specialists of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture." /a.ke/pas/mt/

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