Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 98-03-03

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] Measures to be taken to strengthen order after Kosova events

[02] US condemns violence and excessive use of force by Serbian police

[03] Press review

[04] (press...2)

[05] (Press...3)

[06] (Press...4)

[07] Albania's PM informs Contact Group Foreign Ministers

[08] A political solution of Kosova issue is more than late - Kinkel

[09] Fischer says Serb authorities should make every effort to curb escalation of situation

[10] WB grants 3.3 million dollars to rehabilitate field of Zadrime

[11] Some 3000 grenades seized in Boric village

[12] Some 18 inmates removed from prison 313

[13] Satisfactory electric power situation

[14] Negotiations to set up Catholic University in Albania

[15] Kosova conflict leads to destruction of Albanian issue, leader

[16] Violence in Kosova is unacceptable, OSCE chairman says

[17] Professionalism, criterion to changes - prison director says

[18] SP refuses DP's invitation to join a round table on Kosova

[19] Italy accords 60 billion lira for Albania democratic institutions

[20] US, international community recognise Kosova's self-determination

[21] Situation in Podujeva increasingly tensed

[22] Local court rules first death penalty

[23] DP deputy to face hearing on Milot event

[24] Greece invites all sides to show self-restraint and wisdom

[01] Measures to be taken to strengthen order after Kosova events

The chairman of this commission, Sabri Godo, said that the government should continuously inform about the development of events in Kosova and the steps it will take further on.

"The commission would like that on this occasion also the deputies of the Democratic Party should participate in the sitting as it is about a national cause," said Godo who was supported by the chairman of the parliamentary group of the Socialist Party, Pandeli Majko. /s.sh/das/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] US condemns violence and excessive use of force by Serbian police

TIRANA, March 2 (ATA) - The United States is appalled by the recent violent incidents in Kosova, which only underline Belgrade's ready recourse to force to address the serious political dispute between Belgrade and Prishtina, says the statement of the U.S. State Department spokesman, James P. Rubin, on Moday.

At least 20 people have reportedly been killed in Kosova since Friday 0 16 Kosovar Albanians and four Serb police. This morning, police used water cannon to break up a large, but peaceful, demonstrations in Prishtina and beat a Voice of America stringer to the point of requiring hospitalization. The United States condemns the violence and the excessive use of force by Serbian police.

U.S. Embassy officials are in Prishtina and have visited the Glogovci region, where the violence began on Friday. Our charge is Belgrade has already protested to Serbian and Federal Republic of Yugoslavia authorities. The Outer Wall of sanctions against the RFY remains in place. Belgrade will live with these sanctions until Serbian and FRY authorities have taken meaningful steps to address the legitimate grievances of the Kosovar Albanian community.

We continue to call on all sides to enter into an unconditional dialogue, and for authorities in Belgrade to implement immediately the Kosovo education agreement on an effective basis as an important step to reduce tensions. We have also called on Kosovar Albanian leaders to condemn terrorist actions by the so-called Kosovar Liberation Army (UCK), noting that violence does not contribute to the search for a just and durable solution to the problems of Kosova. As the events of this weekend demonstrate, the vast majority of violence in Kosova is due to actions of government authorities. The United States expects the Serbian police in Kosova to act with maximum restraint and the Yugoslav army to take no action that might lead to further violence. Further state-sponsored violence would only deepen Belgrade's isolation and dim prospects for the integration of the FRY into the international community.

In the meeting with President Milosevic last Monday, Special Representative Robert Gelbard, previewed limited steps the U.S. was prepared to take to recognise Belgrade's constructive actions in support of Dayton implementation. Ambassador Gelbard also made very clear to Milosevic that these limited, reversible steps were conditioned on continued cooperation and - in particular - on the situation in Kosova. In light of Serb actions in Kosova over the last three days, we are actively considering the question of whether it may be necessary to revoke some or all of these steps, in addition to considering further actions that might increase Belgrade's isolation, ends the statement of the U.S. State Department spokesman, Rubin. /s.sh/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] Press review

The paper says that the Serb machine of violence is in offensive and civilians are under the attack of helicopters and tanks.

"Kosove: 30 Albanians killed. Prishtina on streets. Around 300 000 people clash with police", the paper says.

Koha Jone also reports on the special session of Albanian parliament on the emergency situation in Kosova, stressing the demand:"Parliament: NATO troops to be established in Albania".

The same paper refers to NANO's statement on the indispensability of an immediate intervention in Kosova by the international community.

According to Nano "solution in Kosova cannot be put off for tomorrow", The paper also reports on U.S. official attitude: Violence deepens Belgrade's isolation.

Zeri i Popullit, under the titles:"Kosova in bloodshed" and "The Albanian government in solidarity with the Kosova Albanians", carries the press release of Prime Minister Fatos Nano. The paper also reports on Nano's commitment to this issue, stressing that he has addressed a letter to the Foreign Ministers of the Contact Group, asking as a necessity unconditional dialogue in Kosova.

Zeri i Popullit also reports on the session of Albanian parliament, also carrying its statement on its full solidarity with the efforts of the Kosova people. The paper also carries the statement of the SP spokesman which says that for the solution of the Kosova issue "'no' should be said to conflict and 'yes' to the peaceful way"./a.ke/lm/ (more)

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] (press...2)

The same paper carries the statement of the European Council Parliamentary Assembly as well as that of the European Union which unreservedly condemn violence in Kosova and urge dialogue. The paper also carries the article:"World diplomacy in alarm".

"War breaks out in Kosova, tens of people killed", says Gazeta Shqiptare, which says that "Official Tirana issues calls for laying down arms and starting dialogue as tomorrow it will be too late".

Shekulli carries the article:"Powder keg likely to explode".

Dita Informacion says:"Parliament issues statement asking the presence of the Euro-Atlantic army". "Kosova's streets in blood. The number of the killed unknown," the paper says.

"The whole Kosova is in Drenice", Rilindja says and dwells on the protest staged yesterday at the Scanderbeg square, in front of the former Yugoslav embassy, under the motto "Kosova is not alone".

"Kosova in bloodshed. DP denounces Serb terror on the Albanians of Kosova and calls for an urgent round table of the political parties on Albania," Rilindja Demokratike says.

Albania says:"War breaks out in Kosova". /a.ke/lm/ (vijon)

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] (Press...3)

Zeri i Popullit, under the title "From a conflict policy whole Albania is lost", covers this visit, making use of ATA's service.

Koha Jone, referring to this topic, says: "Meidani: We should do away with conflicts". "The idea of a non fictive, but real and sound cohabitation, should dominate every faction of the Albanian politics which seeks to retain tension of chaos", the paper says referring to Meidani's statements.

The visit is also covered by Gazeta Shqiptare, Shekulli, Dita Informacion and other papers.

Koha Jone also dwells on the issue of possible changes in the government. "Government coalition and opposition, extreme options on the solution of governing issues," the paper says, stressing that "recently a part of the SP and Nano cabinet changes mind on removing ministers in March as they had earlier declared".

Rilindja Demokratike says that Berisha met yesterday with the "Carter" Centre team and said that the government had turned the Troika package down". /a.ke/lm/ (more)

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] (Press...4)

Zeri i Popullit also reports on the Deloit & Touche held yesterday which stressed that "Administration is the only solution for creditors".

"VEFA, investigation about money laundering. There sums of money whose source is unknown," says Gazeta Shqiptare.

Based on the first report of Deloit & Touche, the Prosecutor General's office will start inquiries. Meanwile the prosecutor's office is waiting for the second report to start inquiries into the enigma of the source of big amounts of money.

This topic is also covered by the other papers such as Shekulli, Dita Informacion and other papers.

Albania says that "Government and colonisers seize companies". The paper carries the letter of the VEFA leading officials for Prime Minister Fatos Nano, while stressing that the leading board of the company asks that auditors leave the company.

Rilindja Demokratike reports that the leading board of the VEFA company has asked Deloit & Touche to leave as it considers it outlaw. /a.ke/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] Albania's PM informs Contact Group Foreign Ministers

The press department of the Council of Ministers reports that the letter, addressed to the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany, Italy, Russia, United Kingdom and USA, voices the stand of the Albanian government for a peaceful solution of the Kosova issue.

The Albanian government supports the peaceful way, says the letter, and for this aim, it has called on the Albanian leaders and population in Kosova to avoid violence and provocations. At the same time, the letter urges the Contact Group to use its authority in order to force Belgrade interrupt the police violence, to give up military and police operations against the civil population there.

The letter continues that if the Belgrade authorities will continue to violate the rights of Albanians, as well as the will of the international community, the Albanian Government has the right to ask strengthening of sanctions against Serbia and calling a special meeting of the U.N. Security Council regarding this question. /s.sh/das/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] A political solution of Kosova issue is more than late - Kinkel

Kinkel also said that "The international community cannot allow a new deterioration of the situation in Kosova. This would be very bad."

After condemning the terrorism and violence, regardless of which side it came from, he stressed that "The soil in which terrorism grows must be removed, and the best way to do this is through progress in resolving the Kosova question."

"The results of the weekend make clear one thing: A political solution of the Kosova problem is more than late. The member countries of the European Union, the United States and Russia shared the same opinion, said Kinkel, stressing that the first step to ease the situation would be the implementation of education agreement in Kosova."

The German Foreign Minister, after underlining that the developments in Kosova, threaten the entire region, said that "On March 19, I will go to Belgrade together with my French colleague, Vedrine. In the center of this visit will be the issue of stability in the region. Tomorrow, upon my initiative, the Political Committee of the European Union will examine in its meeting the crisis in Kosova. Along with this, we will ask to find in the closer consults with the partners of the Contact group the ways to contribute to restraining the spread of the conflict," continued Kinkel. Despite these, the German ambassador in Belgrade has conveyed my concerns to the Yugoslav government." /s.sh/das/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] Fischer says Serb authorities should make every effort to curb escalation of situation

"As the Assembly warned, the situation is getting out of control. The most important thing now is to ward off another bloodshed. The Serbian authorities should do their utmost to prevent escalation of the situation. We also renew our appeals to the Albanian community leaders in Kosova to condemn and show restraint to the use of violence as a means to resolve the conflict. Dialogue should immediately start between Kosova Albanians' representatives and Serb authorities," said Fischer.

She also reacts towards the statement of the Yugoslav President, Slobodan Milosevic, who, on Saturday, condemned any effort to "internationalise" the conflict.

"The human rights' situation in Kosova and threats to stability in the region are and will remain a legitimate concern of the international community, which will act as it deems proper," said Fischer.

"We hope that the Yugoslav authorities stick to the Assembly's resolution on the latest development in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, adopted on January 28, 1998, in which we condemn constant repression in Kosova and call for the restoration of the fundamental human rights and freedoms of the Kosova Albanians."

"I will ask contacts with the Yugoslav authorities as well as with the leader of the Kosova Albanians, Ibrahim Rugova, to discuss the situation at home and the ways through which our Assembly can contribute to the solution of the crisis," Fischer concluded. /s.sh/das/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] WB grants 3.3 million dollars to rehabilitate field of Zadrime

According to sources from the department of food and agriculture in Lezhe, the works will start during the first six months of this year and will last two years.

The representative of the World Bank in Lezhe, Hil Gjoka, told ATA that "to precede the implementation of this project, the World Bank has put as a necessary condition functioning of associations concerned with water, and eight of these have been established so far." /a.ke/pas/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] Some 3000 grenades seized in Boric village

According to police station sources this great amount of grenades has been found near a channel in the vicinity of this village and are thought to have been grabbed when the Shkoder police station was torched and destroyed on February 22-23.

The police forces have taken the captured grenades to the Koplik commissariat. /a.ke/das/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] Some 18 inmates removed from prison 313

"The inmates of jail 313 or other isolation wards will move as many times as the General Directorate of Prisons deems reasonable, when it is about the interests of the state," the Director General of Prisons, Mit'hat Havari, declared on Tuesday.

According to Havari, the General Department of Prisons will not give explanations to anyone regarding the transference operations carried out and planned for the future in relation to dangerous elements who create problems in the isolation rooms."

Havari said that "no rebellions will be allowed anymore in prisons," and the police forces will stop any possible attempt for uprising. /a.ke/pas/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] Satisfactory electric power situation

Sources from the Vau i Dejes hydro-power station report that the situation of water reserves in the basins of the Drin river cascade has been most favourable over the last 10 years.

The amount of water contained by the Vau i Dejes and Koman hydro- power stations guarantees the generation of the necessary electric power. /a.ke/das/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] Negotiations to set up Catholic University in Albania

Also accompanied by Rrok Mirdita, Archbishop of Durres and Tirane, as well as functionaries of the embassy, Bulaitis said he was pleased with the development of biltateral ties and the commitment of the Holy See to finalise the creation of the first catholic university in Albania as soon as possible.

"The university will be set up in Tirane as well as in some other cities and will be open to all, regardless of religious affiliation. It will apply laic teaching programmes, approved by the Ministry of Education and Science," Ruka told ATA after today's meeting.

The Vatican is present in many preschool institutions, compulsory and higher education in Elbasan, Durres, Tirane, Shkoder and other cities. /a.ke/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] Kosova conflict leads to destruction of Albanian issue, leader

"Serbian ongoing repression, killing of innocent citizens in their houses, transformation of police violence into a mere military attack over Kosova show clearly that Milosevic is being prepared for a new military conflict with the same scenario as that of Bosnia," the Republican leader said.

Considering this situation, Mediu said that "we urge an immediate intervention of all international institutions, urgent dialogue between legitimate institutions of Kosova and Serbia under a mediator, to avert conflict."

He added: "the Albanian government should resort to an active diplomatic policy with direct bilateral talks particularly with states concerned about a solution to this issue, such as the United States, Germany, France, Italy, United Nations and others."

"RP has sent a letter to the European Union political committee, U.S. State Secretary Madeleine Albright, Foreign ministers of Germany, Russia, Italy, France, Greece and U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan asking their immediate intervention," Mediu said." ake/das/ak

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] Violence in Kosova is unacceptable, OSCE chairman says

In a press release, Geremek said that such violence, whether it was a result of repression or terrorism, was at the same time unacceptable and contrary to acceptable standards for prevention and solution to conflicts. Lack of dialogue and good understanding could lead to further aggravation of the situation.

Therefore, Geremek urged all sides to suspend further violence and start dialogue. The OSCE was ready to help this process and continue even in the future its active commitment to totally fulfil its promises and commitments.

He had ordered his personal representative for Kosova Max van der Stoel to promote his efforts and had attracted the attention of the permanent council on the present grave situation in Kosova.

Geremek was convinced that a solution to the Kosova problem would be a fundamental element in normalising relations of the Federation Republic of Yugoslavia with the international community.

The will of the Yugoslav authorities to accept return of OSCE mission for a long-term period in Kosova would be considered a positive step. ake/mima/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] Professionalism, criterion to changes - prison director says

Havari said that many employees of the prison administration who "have flagrantly violated the laws will be replaced with other honest, experienced and educated candidates."

"Some employees have been offered the job on the basis of friendship and coterie. They are not able to carry out the task, thus they should be replaced with skilled specialists," Havari said. mima/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] SP refuses DP's invitation to join a round table on Kosova

"In these moments, Albanians do not expect statements by a party round table but by respective state institutions," Pandeli Majko, head of the Socialist parliamentary group said after a meeting of this group.

"I hope that the DP should finally understand in what crisis it is now after it (DP) has distanced itself from Albania's legitimate institutions, " Majko said.

He added that the situation in Kosova found the DP deputies in a large political vacuum.

I hope that they understand the urgent request to return to parliament," Majko said.

"It would have been good that the DP deputies had participated in this session to approve a statement on Kosova since it had to do with a national issue," Sabri Godo, head of the parliamentary foreign commission said on Monday's session.

Albanian parliament voted on Monday a resolution, which showed Albania's readiness to host NATO and U.N. forces, whose presence can be necessary to reestablish peace in the Balkans after an escalation of violence in the Albanian province of Kosova.

The resolution, voted by the Socialist majority, urged the Serbian leader Slobodan Milosevic to join a round table "unconditionally" to put an end to violence in Kosova and the international community to exert pressure over Belgrade to stop "repressions" against ethnic Albanians. s.sh/mima/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] Italy accords 60 billion lira for Albania democratic institutions

A special diplomatic delegation will control the distribution of this fund, it said.

Both sides will commit themselves seriously to observe all points of the protocol.

Italian foreign minister Dini said that this protocol showed again Italy's commitment to help stabilize Albania and reiterated the idea of bilateral cooperation.

"The signing of this protocol shows once again the interest and great aid Italy has offered to Albania. I thank all the Italian government for the great support to Albania even in the framework of investments from the international community," Meksi said.

Foreign undersecretary Piero Fassino and extraordinary commissioner for Albania's cooperation Franco Angioni attended the ceremony. s.sh/mima/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[20] US, international community recognise Kosova's self-determination

"Even this time the Yugoslav president Milosevic and his followers brutally suppressed the peaceful protests in Kosova. The United States cannot stand aside when the repression against Albanians of Kosova is increasing," Engel said.

Some 16 ethnic Albanians and four Serbian policemen lost their lives in confrontations during the last weekend, the worsts since Belgrade deprived Kosova of its autonomy in 1989 provoking a campaign of Kosova protests against Belgrade government.

The Serbian authorities said that the people were killed in a police attack against Albanian ethnic guerrillas who killed two Serbian policemen in an ambush last Friday.

The U.S. State Department urged last week to remove the outer wall of sanctions against Belgrade (which will be lifted when a solution to Kosova issue is found) because of some light improvements in the Serb - Bosnian Republic.

Engel called on the U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright to impose limited sanctions, sanctions on bilateral relations removed after the signing of the Dayton accord and appoint a U.S. special envoy to help find a peaceful solution to the conflict.

"Considering the danger of an outbreak of conflict all over the region, we should recall to Milosevic that the U.S. policy has not changed since the publication by the then President Bush and confirmation by the present president Clinton on Christmas eve to respond militarily to every Serb aggressive act in Kosova," Engel said. s.sh/mima/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[21] Situation in Podujeva increasingly tensed

Some 16 buses of the police military forces have arrived in Podujeva from Serbia and large Serbian military forces have been deployed near the border between Kosova and Serbia.

16 ethnic Albania and four Serbian policemen were killed during weekend confrontations, the worst since Belgrade deprived the Albanian province of Kosova of its autonomy in 1989, provoking a wave of protests of Kosova people against the Belgrade government.

Serbian authorities said that the people were killed in a police attack against Albanian ethnic guerrillas, which killed two Serb policemen in an ambush last Friday. my/mima/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[22] Local court rules first death penalty

Considering the escalation of crime in the city during unrest last year, inhabitants, associations and political parties welcomed the court's decision, an act aimed at preventing violence, self revenge and crime.

Over 300 people were killed during the last three years in the Berat district. s.sh/mima/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[23] DP deputy to face hearing on Milot event

Other 14 people, who accompanied Hajdari but now under arrest, were accused of the same penal offence.

Upon the request of the General prosecutor's office, the Albanian parliament deprived Hajdari of his immunity on February 25. s.sh/mima/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[24] Greece invites all sides to show self-restraint and wisdom

It invited all sides to show self restraint and wisdom.

"Greece will promote all current initiatives and others to be undertaken in the next few days to achieve the immediate start of talks between the representatives of the Kosova people and the Yugoslav government in order to find a solution that will respect both the sovereignty and unity of Yugoslavia and the rights of the Albanian majority in Kosova," the statement said. s.sh/ak/

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