Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 98-02-07

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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] Premier not elected by party round table, spokesman says

[03] General Director of prisons named

[04] Albania's President ends visit in USA

[05] Albania's president meets Republican congressman Dole

[06] Albania's President to visit Turkey

[07] Kosova delegation meets OSCE officials in Vienna

[08] NATO demands long-term solution for Kosova - Solana

[09] Ruling coalition formal, it does not function on laws and institutions - RP

[10] DP deputies summoned to police station start hunger strike

[11] Unity for Democracy resorts to squares instead of parliament (Berisha urges new elections, care taker government)

[12] DP deputies stayed only 15 minutes in police station

[13] Coalition table changes from the executive - PM Spokesman

[14] Two DP deputies stayed only 15 minutes in police station

[15] Germany releases 128,6 million DM for Albania

[16] Final results of matches played in the 18th week of soccer national championship

[17] SHKSH asks cooperation with Health and Agricultural Ministries

[18] Eighty Albanian political prisoners in Serbian prisons

[19] Reno says Albania to get contemporary constitution soon

[20] DM 128,6 million for Albania? Only after concrete projects

[21] German Bundestag supports constitution process in Albania

[22] Gjinushi says Constitutional Court should implement law

[01] Press review

TIRANA, Feb. 7 (ATA) - The dailies on Friday widely cover the visit of the German Foreign Minister, Klaus Kinkel in Albania.

Koha Jone carries the editorial "The fruits of the new policy." It points out that "what was noticed during this visit, was the full support for the Albanian government. More than a victory of the government, the support voiced by Kinkel in all the contacts with the protagonists of the Albanian policy, considering a victory of the philosophy of cohabitation and Europeanization that the government is trying to adopt in all its activities."

Koha Jone cites Kinkel as saying to the Albanian politicians "The donations will depend on the Albanian policy," as well as "If you need aid, reconcile." The same paper also writes on the preoccupation with which the Kosova issue was discussed in yesterday's meetings, pointing out that "the senior German diplomat evaluates the calming stand of the Albanian government." The paper carries the article "Germany: Kosova, a wide autonomy," stressing that Premier Nano replied "Our stands are in opposite with those of Belgrade."

Koha Jone, reporting on the meeting Kinkel-Berisha, points out that the chief of the German diplomacy warns the Democratic Party on the boycott of Parliament. Under the title "Berisha refuses the lunch of Nano," this paper informs that DP head Sali Berisha and the Foreign Secretary of this party Leonard Demi, refused the invitation of Premier Nano to attend a lunch in honor of Klaus Kinkel, the German Foreign Minister. The paper quotes Kinkel as saying in this lunch: "Berisha has finally lost the support of Bonn."

"Germany close to Albania," writes Zeri i Popullit, regarding the visit of Kinkel in Tirana. It cites the chief of the German diplomacy "The policy of boycott and obstruction has no way out." The paper publishes the statements of Kinkel and Nano after their official meeting and quotes Kinkel "Berisha is not applying cohabitation."

Also other newspapers report on this visit. Gazeta Shqiptare cites Kinkel to have declared to Nano "Reconcile with the opposition," while to Berisha "DP to join parliament." Rilindja publishes the article "We are here to support Albania," Republika carries the editorial "Kinkel warns the Albanian policy," Rilindja Demokratike quotes Kinkel as saying "There is no aid without reconciliation," while Albania reports "Kinkel applauds the decision of DP to join parliament." /a.ke/mt/

(more)

Press (2)

TIRANA, Feb. 7 (ATA) - Koha Jone newspaper writes on Saturday that the changes of ministers, warned by Nano in Wednesday meeting, brought about conflict in the government. The paper quotes the president of the Democratic Alliance Party, who is also Interior Minister, as saying "Nano has not employed us, the coalition decides." Ceka has reported that "If changes will be made in the government, they should be first discussed in the coalition and then in the government, in order to avoid the biassed stand." The PM's spokesman, Blushi, on his side, has reacted "Nano was not elected by the table of parties, but by the winner of elections, SP."

With regard to this problem, Gazeta Shqiptare quotes Ceka "Nano, do not hurry to speak," and "The coalition decides on the discharges."

Zeri i Popullit reports on the news conference of DPA and points out the statement of Neritan Ceka "DP wants to build a parallel state. Ceka has declared in this conference that "200 days of the coalition government are justified. The government has realised the main points of its program and the guarantee for the future is maximal."

Rilindja Demokratike writes that "DAP threatens the socialists on the dissolution of the coalition," while Rilindja Demokratike, after writing on the statement of Ceka, focuses on the declaration of PM spokesman "Nano: I won the elections, not Ceka." /a.ke/mt/

(more)

Press... 3

TIRANA, Feb. 7 (ATA) - Zeri i Popullit also reports today on the visit to be held by President Meidani in Turkey on February 11-13, invited by the Turkish president, Sulejman Demirel.

Gazeta Shqiptare writes "Meidani in Turkey, secret agenda?" "Considering this agenda, Meidani is expected to promote the level of relations between both countries, mainly over past years." According to the newspaper, which cites diplomatic sources, this visit will further promote the level of relations, mainly after the coalition government came to power."

The papers also report on the hunger strike of former political prisoners. Zeri i Popullit publishes the statements of OSCE ambassador Evert "The political defence does not serve to the strike of former political prisoners and does not help the solution of this problem."

Koha Jone publishes the article "OSCE: No to the political protection of the strike," and quotes Evert as saying "The people should be more self- controlled in their actions."

Gazeta Shqiptare writes "The strikers, ultimatum to the state, protest even in front of the OSCE headquarters." "The former political prisoners now to exert pressure even on Europe," reports the paper.

Rilindja Demokratike writes "The former political prosecuted threatened by death. They ask OSCE to help." /a.ke/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] Premier not elected by party round table, spokesman says

"We are not employed by the government and it is not logical to speak of replacement of ministers," said the minister. "If the day comes for restructure or reshuffle of the government, this should be discussed by the five-party round table."

Naturally, Ceka's criticism for Nano's address on Wednesday was not applauded, but instead, it stirred up polemics. While Nano's spokesman reacted with only one sentence.

In Wednesday's government meeting, Fatos Nano criticized ministers for inefficiency, stressing the idea of replacement which, according to him, "will be carried out through consensus or order." cela/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] General Director of prisons named

According to the same sources, Metani was named deputy director on January 19, 1998, and after the resignation of Zhabolli for health reasons, he was temporarily appointed Director General.

"My health and that of my family forced me to quit," said Zhabolli, rejecting the press opinions that the resignation is a facade and "this is the last replacement of Minister Kondi to achieve what he wanted regarding the direction of Albanian prisons." /mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] Albania's President ends visit in USA

Diplomatic sources in Washington and New York consider the visit of the Albanian President very successful, which serves to further strengthen and develop the relations between Albania and USA. The warm reception in all the meetings is considered as a support for the Albanian democracy and the reforms undertaken, which aims at restoring and consolidating the Albanian democratic institutions. /mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] Albania's president meets Republican congressman Dole

Dole expressed his satisfaction for having the possibility to discuss with him.

"I had wished to meet and know you for your own personality," said the U.S. distinguished congressman among others.

Meidani, on his part, expressed his considerations for Dole, his personality as a distinguished politician and conveyed his thanks for the ongoing contribution to the strengthening of the Albanian-American relations.

The Albanian president praised his generous contribution for a just protection of the Albanian issue. ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] Albania's President to visit Turkey

Attending the delegation, headed by President Meidani, are the deputy Prime Minister, Bashkim Fino, foreign Minister Paskal Milo and the Minister of Economy and Privatization, Ylli Bufi.

President Meidani will hold a tete-a-tete meeting with his Turkish counterpart on February 12 at 10:15. Later on, official talks will be held between the two delegations, headed by both presidents. An agreement is expected to be signed and press releases will be issued.

Also during this visit, the Albanian President will meet with the Chief of the Army General Staff of Turkey, with the chairman of the Assembly, Hikmet Cetin, Foreign Minister Ismail and the charge d'affaires of the Prime Minister, Bulent Ecevit. /s.sh/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] Kosova delegation meets OSCE officials in Vienna

In the OSCE headquarters, the Kosova delegation met with representatives of the OSCE troika Adam Halacinski, adviser of the Polish mission, Kai Eide, ambassador of the Norwegian mission and Jorgen Gammelgaard, adviser of Danish mission. The delegation stressed the need for concrete preventing actions by the international community and an initiative to organise negotiations mediated by this community.

Speaking about parliamentary and presidential elections scheduled in March this year in Kosova, the delegation urged their monitoring by the OSCE. International monitoring of elections in Kosova will be an expressing of a concrete support for a peaceful road the Kosova people will follow and peaceful process for a solution to its issue, the Kosova delegation said.

The OSCE troika reported on the visit of its Belgrade's ambassadors in Kosova, in the framework of a fact gathering mission, stressing that the OSCE is trying to find ways to overcome the grave situation and prevent a flare up in Kosova. They said that possible forms of monitoring Kosova elections will be considered.

Kosova delegation met Albert Rohan, Secretary General in the Austrian Foreign Ministry who considered the implementation of the accord on education in Kosova a first step to defuse tension. He said that coordinated efforts are underway, in the framework of the E.U., for preventing measures and stressed that the "outer wall" of sanctions against Yugoslavia would stay in place until a solution of the Kosova issue is found.

In the Austrian parliament, the delegation met with Dr Michael Spindelegger, deputy head of the Committee of Foreign Policy, who responded positively to a request on monitoring March elections in Kosova. pta/cela/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] NATO demands long-term solution for Kosova - Solana

We expect Belgrade to be engaged in this direction, because there are compromises and agreements, such as that in the field of education which should be applied, said Solana. We are still engaged, together with the international organizations, to find a long-term solution for Kosova, because such a solution is the most important one, stated Solana in the interview given to "Nova Makedonia," and reported by the Kosova Information Center. /p.ta/cela/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] Ruling coalition formal, it does not function on laws and institutions - RP

"We see unacceptable the fact that Premier Nano finds himself outside the responsibility of the cabinet and its ministers," stressed RP chairman Fatmir Mehdiu, considering "his tendency to blame the minister a hypocrisy and political show." He accused Premier Nano "of manifesting signs of an authoritarian power," pointing out "the formality of the ruling coalition," which according to him "has not power to change the wishes of Nano."

With regard to the hunger strike of the former politically prosecuted, Mehdiu stressed that "they are manifesting their protest for a fair request; removal of the former state Sigurimi from the leadership of the public administration and SHIK and order bodies," by declaring the support of the Republican Party for their requests.

Expressing the concern about the increasing conflict in Kosova, RP head considered the situation there "very alarming," pointing out that "the government and the political parties in Albania should define a common stand in order to avoid this real danger." He urged the government to "ask from foreign diplomacies and international structures a military presence of NATO in Kosova."

In relation to the visit of the RP delegation in USA, Mehdiu said that "we will present there the policy and the stand of this party regarding the recent developments in Albania, and will put forward the request for a more active role of USA in the solution of the Kosova problem." /a.ke/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] DP deputies summoned to police station start hunger strike

Fadil Cani, Director General of Tirana police, said to ATA that "it is not an arrest, or accompanying of two deputies as it has been interpreted by the DP", but the police have excorted the car they were travelling by and from which they refused to get off.

A press release of the Democratic party reported that the two deputies and an activist, Sami Metalia, also present in the car, have started a hunger and silence strike in the premises of the police directorate.

"Deputies were in a car and were saying to people in the streets about their rally, an act banned by law," said Cani. "They had gained the permission to hold the rally, but they should not drive through the streets to inform people."

"Police who did not know that the two deputies were in the car, stopped it and asked the parliamentarians to get off, because they were going to escort the car to police station," Cani said.

The deputies refused to get off and drove to police station for necessary explanation, he said.

In its press release, the DP reported on "forced detention and insults against deputies by the police" and accused the present government of "violating the human and deputy rights." ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] Unity for Democracy resorts to squares instead of parliament (Berisha urges new elections, care taker government)

The rally, attended by some 2 thousand people, was organised by the National Association of Formerly Politically anti-communist Prosecuted.

The DP leader Sali Berisha upheld the request for new elections and creation of a care taker government, which, according to him, will help overcome the present crisis.

The strikers' requests and parliamentary boycott by both the DP and Center Right-wing was backed by deputy chairman of Balli Kombetar Hysen Selfo, whose party is a member of the United right-wing. It has recently spoken of severed relations with this grouping and other alliances until its future congress.

"We do not return to parliament unless the request of hunger strikers is met and call on the government to consider this," Selfo said. ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] DP deputies stayed only 15 minutes in police station

He said that the deputies Ylli Vejsiu, Xhevdet Mehmeti and activist Sami Metalia left the police directorate at 11.30. a.m. after some explanation on their act "through which they have disturbed public tranquillity by calling on people to join the rally."

"Deputies were neither accompanied nor detained," Ahmetaj said, adding that they refused to get off the car but "preferred to accompany their car to police station for verification."

Police blocked the car papers and fined the driver.

The DP has gained permission to hold a rally on September 7, "but not to propagate it through megaphone in the streets."

"It was the car, which was escorted to the police directorate and not the deputies. Policemen did not know who were the persons travelling by this car," Ahmetaj said.

The DP issued a press release saying that two party deputies and an activist have started a hunger and silent strike in the premises of the Police Directorate in Tirana.

It reported on "forced detention and insults of deputies by policemen" and accused the present government of recruiting officers of the old time police who do not know "neither human rights nor those of the deputies." ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] Coalition table changes from the executive - PM Spokesman

The address of the Prime Minister in a government meeting on Wednesday continued to be debated also in the weekend. "The coalition table has played its role well," said Blushi, referring to a declaration on Friday by the president of the Democratic Alliance Party, Neritan Ceka, adding that "the balance sheets of the government are drawn, especially in the executive."

"The message of the Prime Minister has another direction from that it has been commented by the press recently," said PM Spokesman, "the head of the government asked for more responsibility and commitment, things which only strengthen the coalition."

Blushi said in reply to a question on the hunger strike of some formerly politically persecuted that "there is a very peaceful initiative from OSCE on this question and we are waiting that a soft solution be found, as it happened in the previous case, but it is not good that solutions come from outside and the Albanians leave the image of hungriness." /s.s/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] Two DP deputies stayed only 15 minutes in police station

Although DP had received permission to hold a rally on February 7, with police taking all measures conformed to the law, "that party had not asked permission to propagate it on a loudspeaker through Tirane streets," as the above people acted today. Moreover, "it was the car that was taken to police station for violation and not the deputies. The policemen even did not know who the three men in the car were," explained Ahmetaj.

He added that after explanations for the act they had made, the the DP deputies left together with their car with which they had spoiled public tranquillity by calling for participation in a DP rally. xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] Germany releases 128,6 million DM for Albania

According to Blushi, the above amount makes up 45 percent of the 283 million aid fund accredited by the German government for Albania since 1991 and will be delivered here through concrete projects.

"The German minister presented the Albanian government a number of requests he had received from his country's investors as regards legal and financial guarantees, most of which have been completed," said Blushi.

But he added that the requests for several customs facilities could not be realised as the government has signed an agreement with the IMF and the World Bank in this field.

As regards the request of minister Klaus Kinkel to reach an agreement between the two countries on Albanian refugees' return, Nano's spokesman said:"It would be good that that the refugees' issue be put on legal basis through agreements, but without deadline." s.s/lm

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] Final results of matches played in the 18th week of soccer national championship

Besa - Sopoti 3-2 Dinamo - Skenderbeu 3-1 Apolonia - Bylis 1-1 Albpetrol - Vllaznia 1-2 Elbasani - Teuta 2-0 Lushnja - Tomori 5-0 Shqiponja - Tirana 0-1 /A.KE/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] SHKSH asks cooperation with Health and Agricultural Ministries

The National Consumers Association (SHKSH) asked Saturday broader cooperation with the Ministry of Health and Environment and that of Agriculture and Food.

The head of the association, Islam Cani, told the conference of this association in Tirane today that "these ministries are also the state institutions which directly protect the interests of the consumers".

Also attending the conference was Stefan Mnizsko, British coordinator for the East and Central European countries.

SHKSH was founded on September 1,1991. The law for the protection of consumers has been adopted at its request. s.sh/das/lm

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] Eighty Albanian political prisoners in Serbian prisons

According to data published by the Council for the Defence of Human Rights and Freedom in Prishtine, five Albanians have died from tortures, eight others have been killed by Serbian police and three by the Army. Meanwhile, 19 others have died in unclear circumstances.

Sources report that until the end of December last year, there were 80 Albanian political prisoners in Serbia, in the prisons of Nish and Pozharevc and in Serbian prisons in Prishtine, Mitrovice, Lipjan, Dubrave of Istog, etc. /p.ta/das/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] Reno says Albania to get contemporary constitution soon

Reno expressed readiness and the wish to concretely help the Albanian justice system, especially the Justice Ministry, the prosecutor's office and the judicial police, with the aim to reconstruct a honest, professional and efficient system, the spokesman of the Justice Minister reports.

"The U.S. Justice department will help and cooperate with the Albanian justice in fighting organised crime, money laundering, illegal trafficking and smuggling," said Reno.

She pointed to the indispensability that Albania gets a contemporary constitution as soon as possible. She assured Meidani of assistance, which might me requested by Albania for adopting a Constitution.

Minister Kondi had a more extensive meeting with senior officials and experts of this Department, with the aim to materialise the fields of cooperation between the two Justice institutions.

He suggested that in the future the Justice institutions of both countries sign an agreement on mutual juridical aid in civil, trade and penal fields.

The U.S. Justice Department agreed to make this cooperation a reality in a short while.

This meeting makes up the first contact of formal cooperation between the two countries' justice institutions.

Kondi conducted fruitful talks also with the Executive director of the U.S. Lawyers' Association (ABA), Mark Bllis, with the director of the programmes for Central and East Europe, Liza Dickienson, as well as with the President of the International Attorneys' Association, Sam Erickson.

President Meidani returned home on Saturday. s.sh/pas/lm

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[20] DM 128,6 million for Albania? Only after concrete projects

According to Blushi, the above amount makes up 45 percent of the 283 million aid fund accredited by the German government for Albania since 1991 and will be delivered here through concrete projects.

"The German minister presented the Albanian government a number of requests he had received from his country's investors as regards legal and financial guarantees, most of which have been completed," said Blushi.

But he added that the requests for several customs facilities could not be realised as the government has signed an agreement with the IMF and the World Bank in this field.

As regards the request of minister Klaus Kinkel to reach an agreement between the two countries on Albanian refugees' return, Nano's spokesman said:"It would be good that that the refugees' issue be put on legal basis through agreements, but without deadline." s.s/lm

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[21] German Bundestag supports constitution process in Albania

Gjinushi returned home on Saturday, after a three day visit to Germany, at the head of a parliamentary delegation.

"The visit to Germany was fruitful and indispensable to clearly get to know the commitments of the German parliament and government to help Albania. We found understanding in all the meetings with the German side," Gjinushi told ATA.

The German legislators called on the Democratic Party to join parliament and take part in the constitutional process and considered cooperation among the political forces in Albania indispensable for the country's stability.

He said that the Albanian foreign policy, especially as regards regional matters, was fully supported during the meetings in Germany.

Gjinushi said that Germany pointed to peaceful means as they only way to resolve the Kosova issue. lm

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[22] Gjinushi says Constitutional Court should implement law

"I have no comment to make. The Constitutional court should implement the law and carry out the rotation," said Gjinushi.

According to him the crisis exists inside this court.

The OSCE ambassador told ATA on Friday that a possibility should be found for a reasonable solution to the conflict, which should not be politicised.

According to Everts both sides should negotiate to resolve the problem in a diplomatic way and not publicly.

Last November, the parliament's majority adopted an amendment to the constitutional provisions which forced the Court to carry out the rotation in 20 days, but the Constitutional Court considered this law unconstitutional and, although the deadline has long since expired, this court has not implemented the parliamentary decision. lm

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