Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 98-03-12

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] Announcement of Albania's Foreign Ministry

[02] FFA speaks of violence in stadiums

[03] Supreme Court rules "unlimited prison arrest" for former head of "Populli" Foundation

[04] U.S. State Department spokesman speaks of Kosova

[05] Albanian prisons under reconstruction

[06] Two Albanian infants die of cold in Drenice

[07] Albanian language to be studied in Athens' University

[08] Albania's deputy PM resolute to fight smuggling

[09] Meidani says public finances need strong will

[10] Rally in defence of Kosova people

[11] Court of appeals rules eight years in jail for former deputy

[12] DP ends parliamentary boycott

[13] People of Kosova to protest against Serb violence, war and terror

[14] Albania's president ends Greece visit

[15] Solana says Milosevic should choose dialogue

[01] Announcement of Albania's Foreign Ministry

According to sources from the Foreign Ministry, he has been called by the director of Neighboring Countries, Vladimir Krsjanin, who informed "of preparations for attacks against the Yugoslav Embassy in Tirana and urged the Albanian authorities "to take all respective measures to protect the building and the staff of the embassy, based on the norms envisaged in the Convention of Vienna."

With regard to this "information", the spokesman of Albania's Foreign Ministry declares that: "The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and its staff are under the full protection of the specialized bodies, as envisaged in the Convention of Vienna. These bodies actually have no information of any possible "attack" against the Yugoslav Embassy in Tirana."

"If the Yugoslav authorities had such information, it would have been better to put it at the disposal of the Albanian authorities, as also requested to Krsjanin from Nova, who received a response from the director of the Neighbouring Countries that the Foreign Ministry of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia had instructed him only to convey the "information" and that "he was not aware of its source."

Anyhow, the Albanian Foreign Ministry confirms that the specialized bodies have taken all measures to protect the building and the staff of the Yugoslav Embassy in Tirana, as they have done until so far, in accordance with all international norms and practices." /a.ke/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] FFA speaks of violence in stadiums

The FFA President, Mico Papadhopulli said that the Federation continues to make efforts so that the championship is held normally in the future.

According to him, the measures taken recently, such as the suspension of different fields, in Berat, Lushnje, Vlore, the punishment of football players, the fines imposed, aimed at maintaining this important activity. /a.ke/mima/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] Supreme Court rules "unlimited prison arrest" for former head of "Populli" Foundation

Wednesday's trial was held in the absence of defendant Driza as he is out of the state.

Driza is accused of "embezzlement in great proportions through fraud in complicity".

The foundation headed by Driza has exercised loan-taking activity, extended nationwide and applying high returns.

Sources say that the recourse to the Supreme Court had been requested by the defence, which had not agreed to the accusation and custody form issued by the Tirana Court. /lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] U.S. State Department spokesman speaks of Kosova

He said that the Contact Group will meet again on March 25 in Washington to assess whether the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) and President Slobodan Milosevic have met the international community's requests forwarded in the Contant Group's March 9 statement, sources of the Albanian Foreign Ministry report.

Foley said that Russia endorses the appeal of the Contact Group for the adoption of a Security Council resolution for a comprehensive arms embargo against the FRY (Serbia and Montenegro).

"The United States do no recognise the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, " he said.

He also said that the Clinton administration has not yet adopted its own stand whether the Liberation Army of Kosova (UÇK) is a terrorist group.

He explained that the U.S. government needs more time and legal analyses to label UÇK as a terrorist group.

"Now we are unable to make this assignement," said Foley.

The fact that "Belgrade has refused to engage in a dialogue for Kosova's future, a status which would respond to the legitimate political demands of that people, is of a greater priority than labelling terrorists."

"This is the fundamental reason of instability and it is a hypocrisy for Belgrade to use this a pretext in an effort to justify the recent unrefrained repression there," said Foley.

Considering the demands emerging from the situation in Kosova, the U.S. State Department has appointed James Swigert, director of the European bureau's office of south central European affairs, to focus on Kosova as a deputy to U.S. Bosnia envoy, Robert Gelbart, Foley said. /a.ke/mima/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] Albanian prisons under reconstruction

Havari told ATA that "what is strange for the Albanian prisons is that the food norm of '98 is that of '45".

He said that the fund has been secured and reconstruction has begun for prison 313 of Tirana.

An additional fund is also being considered for the new prison of Vaqari (southwest of Tirana) and the reconstruction of the prisons of Tepelene (south), Lushnje (south), and Burrel (north).

Prison 313 was destroyed by the prisoners' rebellion last week of February. /s.sh/mima/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] Two Albanian infants die of cold in Drenice

Two Albanian infants died Wednesday of cold, meanwhile that a group of war refugees from Broje village fled to the mountains, sources from the Kosova Democratic League report.

According to the same source, several wounded Albanian women and two girls in a grave situation were sent to the health center of Kline and then to the hospital of Peje.

The above source also reports that some 100 women and children from Broja have been isolated in the Turicev village and sporadic gunshots are often heard.

Along with many villages, also Morina has been now emptied by the Albanian citizens because of the danger of Serbian snipers.

"In vicinity of Rrecaj neighbourhood, in Llaushe, where six Albanians have been killed, the bodies of two Albanians have been seen since four days, but they cannot be taken because this zone is continuously under the fire of Serbian snipers," said an inhabitant of the village, quoted by KDL.

It is also reported that so far none of the political subjects of Kosova has received from Belgrade any official invitation for talks, which cannot start without a good preparation and without the international mediation, according to the Kosova Democratic League. /p.ta/mima/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] Albanian language to be studied in Athens' University

This was discussed during a three-day visit to Greece from March 8 to 10 by an Albanian government delegation, also including deputy minister Marto. /s.sh/mima/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] Albania's deputy PM resolute to fight smuggling

Fino stressed that the Albanian government is resolute to move forward in the road of reforms, restore public order and fight smuggling by every means, the department of media and information close to the Council of Ministers reported.

"The establishment of an anti-smuggling group at the level of ministers in order to carry out the best and exact coordination of the fight against this phenomenon, serves this aim," said Fino.

The Italian Minister, on his side, said that public order and the fight against smuggling will increase the possibility to attract serious foreign investments in Albania and at the same time would strengthen the Albanian finances.

"Your legal government should move forward, without taking into consideration any of the political factors that can hinder this phenomenon, because it is a government, which should fulfil the aspirations of the people who voted for it," said Visco.

Attending the Italian delegation was also the member of the European Commission on Customs Houses, Mario Monti. /s.sh/mima/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] Meidani says public finances need strong will

Meidani said: "The visit takes place at the right moment."

President Meidani said that "every concrete step in Albania's economic development has a great impact in all fields especially in the public order," Press and Information office at the Presidency said.

Praising Italy's aid in strengthening the naval regime between the two countries, President Meidani stressed the need for greater efforts in all border crossing points to ban any kind of smuggling.

Minister Visco and European commissioner Monti praised the so far achievements in the fiscal system.

They reiterated the ongoing aid of Italy and E.U. to improve fiscal legislation, training of finance staff, assistance to coordinate and improve the system of collecting budget profits and strengthen customs houses.

Referring to the crisis in Kosovo and its impact in foreign investments, President Meidani asked the guests to avoid norms of red tape character for a swift release of financial aid, which will help normalise economic life.

"Albanians need to regain hope and feel optimistic for an economic revival and stable development, which will serve stabilise the situation in Albania and the whole region," Meidani said.

Albania's Minister of Finance Arben Malaj, Italian Ambassador Marcello Spatafora and E.U. ambassador to Tirana Elio Germano attended the meeting. s.sh/das/ak/

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[10] Rally in defence of Kosova people

The city mayor Ylli Asllani addressed the rally with the participation of leaders of local political parties and representatives of associations.

He said that they backed the decisions of the Contact Group on a solution to the conflict in Kosova and all international organisations, which have denounced the repression and barbarous violence of Serb police and military forces against defenceless people of Kosova.

People shouted "No, to violence and terror in Kosova," "One nation, one attitude," and others. ake/das/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] Court of appeals rules eight years in jail for former deputy

The trial, which was adjourned twice, resumed on Thursday presided over by the judge Dalip Bushi after appeals from the defendant, who was accused of attempted assassination and prosecutor's office.

The defendant Mazreku was not present at today's trial though yesterday's was adjourned for this reason.

Bushi told ATA that the police forces failed again to take the defendant to the court hall.

Prosecutor's office urged a change of the legal offence from "deliberate attempted assassination" to "deliberate attempted assassination against qualified persons."

The defence lawyer told ATA: "He had asked a new expertise act but it was turned down by the Tirana court and this forced us to appeal."

Mazreku shot and wounded the Democrat deputy Azem Hajdari inside the building of parliament on September 18. das/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] DP ends parliamentary boycott

The DP deputies attended today's parliamentary session with head of the parliamentary group Genc Pollo read a statement.

He related the five-month boycott of parliament to the attacks of the majority against the opposition.

"We will continue our efforts for a care taker government, which will lead to early elections," Pollo said, reiterating requests of his party.

Heads of other parliamentary groups hailed the return of the biggest opposition group to parliament.

"This will serve political partnership and shows the DP's responsibility especially when considering events in Kosova," Pandeli Majko, head of the Socialist parliamentary group said.

The DP leader Sali Berisha proposed one minute silence to respect those killed in Kosova who were re-buried on Wednesday. ake/das/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] People of Kosova to protest against Serb violence, war and terror

The decision was taken by a consultation meeting of the Independent Student Union of the Prishtina University with the political parties of Kosova, Union of the Independent Trade Unions and Council for the Defence of the Human Rights and Liberties in Kosova.

They have called on people to be calm, peaceful and show dignity, said the independent student union. rxh/das/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] Albania's president ends Greece visit

Preç Zogaj President's political adviser, in an exclusive interview with ATA, said that Meidani's visit among others focused on the problem of assets of Albanians in Greece, i.e. Çam people.

During his stay in Athens, president Meidani had a series of talks on bilateral relations and the institutional, political, economical, cultural and scientific spheres.

Zogaj spoke of the future cooperation with Greece and the whole region.

"There is peace and cooperation and there will be peace and cooperation in this part of the region, in this part of the Albanian border. But, at the same time, Albania and Greece should normally prepare to face challenges of next century which are related to globalization of world economy," Zogaj said.

He said that Greece, Albania and other regional countries should cooperate to protect their identity, national, spirit and cultural constitution in face of globalizing challenges.

The visit paved the way for the signing of new agreement on economic cooperation, and cooperation in the order and education. The accord on education has not been signed yet but the sides are working to present soon a final text.

President of the Republic of Albania Rexhep Meidani at the head of the large delegation, had a formal visit to Greece invited by the Greek counterpart Kostis Stefanopoulos.

This was the first visit of an Albanian head of state in the neighbouring Greece. das/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] Solana says Milosevic should choose dialogue

"Everyone should understand that my visit is practical. We praised the way how the Albanian government controls the situation in these moments and back its position," Solana told journalists.

"This visit is of political and practical importance and both NATO and the Albanian government will decide to speed up program of partnership for peace between Albania and the organisation," prime minister Nano said.

"We will invite other NATO member states to help revive Albania as its dignified partner," Nano said adding "we hope that Milosevic will understand the situation and will not repeat the past mistakes." "We urged him to fulfil the decisions of the Contact Group. The same thing is asked to Kosova leadership, stressing that war does not help dialogue," the Albanian prime minister told journalists.

NATO Secretary General arrived in Tirana at 16.00 on Thursday and talked for one hour and half with Albanian senior officials in the Rinas airport premises. das/ak/

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

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