Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 98-03-20

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] Clinton express support for Albanian government and people

[02] Geremek says OSCE to play leading role in opening Prishtine-Belgrade negotiations-Geremek-Nano-Milo meetings-

[03] Nano hails policy of President of Kosova Republic Rugova

[04] DP should forward requests on Constitution to Constitution Drafting Commission

[05] Serb forces use force to disperse Albanian protestors

[06] Restoration of autonomy of '89 - minimum demand to resolve Kosova issue

[07] Rugova agrees to high level talks with Belgrade, under third side

[08] Restoration of autonomy of '89 - minimum demand to resolve Kosova issue

[09] Geremek says long term solution to Kosova issue within Yugoslavia

[10] RP refuses DP's request for a round table on constitution

[11] Preparatory meeting on EU, Albania second joint commission

[12] Investigation commission doomed to fail

[13] Albania's president, intellectuals discuss developments in Kosova

[14] Bulgarian ambassador hands over credentials

[15] KDLNJ says Serb forces not withdrawn from Drenica

[16] Student union holds rally on Kosova

[17] Parliament calls off reviewing new draft regulation

[18] Albania's premier to attend meeting of Contact Group

[19]

[01] Clinton express support for Albanian government and people

"Albania suffered a great crisis last year. The breakdown of government authority and failure of public institutions caused many Albanians to despair of progress in the future - progress towards building democracy and prosperity."

"When Albania was down, the great powers and neighbouring countries intervened to help reestablish security and rebuild the national's political and economic fabric."

Further on Clinton expresses U.S. support for the Albanians' efforts to build a prosperous, democratic nation capable of enjoying full participation in the Euro-Atlantic community of nations.

"I am confident that as long as the Albanian government and people are fully committed, we will fully succeed."

Clinton also expresses his concern at the situation in the Balkans, especially in Kosova.

"We condemn the brutality being inflicted upon the Kosovar Albanians. I consider this a very serious issue. We do not want another case of ethnic cleansing in the Balkans." /s.s/mima/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] Geremek says OSCE to play leading role in opening Prishtine-Belgrade negotiations-Geremek-Nano-Milo meetings-

In his meeting with Nano, Geremek praised the Albanian government's policy in resolving the Kosova issue and said that the contestable political issues should be discussed in the presence of a third side, as this would ease tensions.

Nano said that Albania will support through all means the noble mission of the former Spanish Prime Minister Felipe Gonzales, as OSCE's special envoy to Kosova, and will play an active and primary role in all the initiatives to be undertaken by the Contact Group and the International community as a whole.

In his meeting with Albanian Foreign Minister Milo, Geremek said that different from the other international organizations, the OSCE offers political solutions to the Kosova issue.

"Our assistance in this direction will be constant," said Geremek.

In both meetings Geremek expressed OSCE's commitment to constantly supporting Albania in its efforts to establish the rule of law and strengthen non-governmental structures.

"During 1997 the OSCE provided a precious assistance in overcoming the Albanian crisis and resolving many conflictual problems of the Albanian society and finally its assistance through the concrete engagement of the OSCE current chairman, Geremek, to offer a peaceful solution to the Kosova Albanians' issue," said Milo.

During the meeting with Albanian Foreign Minister the participants agreed that Milo visits Poland where several cooperation agreements will be signed between the two countries. /a.ke/mima/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] Nano hails policy of President of Kosova Republic Rugova

"The peaceful and resolute course the political government in Kosova has been applying for years enjoys the powerful support of the people, who once again showed the Albanians' great will for freedom," says a message of Albanian Prime Minister addressed to the President of the Republic of Kosova, Rugova.

"Your resolution in coping with the situation, exemplary self- restraint, international solidarity as well as vigilance not to fall a prey to provocations is the most appropriate way to realise the goal you have projected."

"You are faced with another challenge, and you will certainly come out successful."

"The parliamentary elections, as well as those for the president are a kilometre bearing stone on your road towards the European future, democracy and self-determination based on the lofty principles guiding the civilized world today," the message says.

"We express deep conviction that in this great political action, like so far, Your philosophy of peace, dialogue and solution to the crisis through peaceful means will be reconfirmed," the message concludes. s.sh/mima/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] DP should forward requests on Constitution to Constitution Drafting Commission

TIRANE, March 19 (ATA)-By K. Kostreci, Co-chairman of the Constitutional Drafting Commission Sabri Godo said Thursday he would agree to discuss any request of the Democratic party (opposition) on the constitutional process, but only in the Constitutional Commission.

"Almost all the political parties are represented in the Constitutional Commission, therefore I do not see the need of parallel tables to discuss issues of the Constitution," Godo told ATA regarding an invitation made by the DP parliamentary group and of the Centre-Right to the parliamentary parties to a table to discuss several of their requests.

The requests of the DP parliamentary group and the Centre-Right also include one which is against the presence of government cabinet members in the presidency of the Commission.

"DP has a precedence on this issue. The chairman of commission it set up for the draft-constitution of 1994 was the prime minister, himself, therefore I do not think the DP is right to make this request," said Godo.

Meanwhile, the other co-chairman of the Constitution Commission, Arben Imami, told ATA he knew nothing of the aforesaid requests.

The chairman of the SP Parliamentary group, Pandeli Majko, who is also member of the Commission, considered absurd the demands of the DP parliamentary group and the Centre-Right. /s.s/mima/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] Serb forces use force to disperse Albanian protestors

Protests, on the initiative of the Students' Independent Union, were staged in Prishtine and all over Kosova on Thursday and which were violently crushed by the Serb forces.

The police used tear-gas to disperse the protesting Albanian students.

More than ten Albanians have been injured as a result of this intervention and attacks with rocks by Serbian students.

After dispersing the Albanian protestors in Prishtine some 300 Serbs staged a protest, organised by a special staff, set up in the Serb University, in the name of "defending" Kosova.

In Decan heavy Serbian forces used batons and tear-gas to disperse some 10 000 Albanian demonstrators, before they gathered again at the centre of this village.

The Serbian forces seriously injured seven people and arrested and maltreated dozens of others.

Police forces also intervened in Mitrovice, where tens upon thousands of Albanian protestors rallied, as well as in Gjilan where thousands of people protested.

Meanwhile, the situation remains grave in Drenice, where, according to Albanian sources in Prishtine and Drenice, the Serb military troops and vehicles, which hold the population of this zone sieged, has increased.

The Serb military-police and paramilitary forces committed some times ago a macabre massacre in Drenice atrociously killing nearly 90 Albanians, mostly women and children. /p.ta/mima/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] Restoration of autonomy of '89 - minimum demand to resolve Kosova issue

TIRANE, March 20 (ATA)-By A. Haxhiu, The chairman of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Borislaw Geremek, said in Tirane on Friday that the minimum demand for a solution to the Kosova issue would be the restoration of the autonomy of 1989 through bilateral talks in the presence of a third side.

In a joint news conference with Albanian Foreign Minister Paskal Milo and OSCE's ambassador to Albania Daan Everts, Geremek said he hoped the visit of foreign ministers of Germany and France, Klaus Kinkel and Hubert Vedrine, to Belgrade would be the first step towards achieving a genuine dialogue between Prishtine and Belgrade.

Asked of the option of a Republic for Kosova, within the Yugoslav Federation, (Serbia, Montenegro), Geremk said that all options should be considered possible in the following discussions.

"We deem that it is important that the Albanian government continues its efforts for the country's stability. A destabilised Albania would bring about undesirable developments in Kosova," said Geremek.

To this end, he pointed to the indispensability of the opposition's participation in the country's political life.

Milo reevaluated OSCE's support for the Albanian democratic government and a fair solution to the Kosova issue.

"The Albanian government will continue its moderated policy for the region's stability," said Milo. /s.s/mima/lm

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] Rugova agrees to high level talks with Belgrade, under third side

President of the Republic of Kosova Ibrahim Rugova today reaffirmed readiness to take part in highest level talks with Belgrade, considering indispensable international mediation.

"International mediation is not a precondition, but an indispensable human and political means for the two opposing sides to reconcile or divide, " said Rugova in today's news conference in Prishtine.

He said he had appointed the team to represent Kosova in these talks, adding he would soon make known their names.

Asked by reporters about last night's appointment of a special envoy of Yugoslav president Milosevic, Rugova said that each side should appoint its own team at the highest level.

Referring to yesterday's visit to Belgrade of French and German foreign ministers, Rugova said: "Let us believe and hope that there is some progress, but greater pressure should be exerted".

Rugova urged the intensification of pressure because, as he said, "the situation in Kosova is grave and tense and that large areas in Drenice are still under siege."

Rugova condemned the brutal interference of the Serb police against the peaceful demonstrators in Peje, where an Albanian was killed and several others injured, and called on the citizens to show self-restraint in the peaceful demonstrations against violence.

Rugova especially evaluated the parliamentary and presidential elections, due on Sunday, March 22, in Kosova, considering them a significant moment for Kosova's consolidation.

"The elections are an important moment in consolidating the Republic of Kosova, strengthening the legitimacy of its leadership and defining freedom, independence and democracy," said Rugova, calling on all the Kosova citizens to take part in the elections.

He said that many observers have been invited to monitor the elections, but, he said, many of them are not being allowed by the Serb authorities to enter Kosova. /p.ta/mima/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] Restoration of autonomy of '89 - minimum demand to resolve Kosova issue

TIRANE, March 20 (ATA)-By A. Haxhiu, The chairman of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Borislaw Geremek, said in Tirane on Friday that the minimum demand for a solution to the Kosova issue would be the restoration of the autonomy of 1989 through bilateral talks in the presence of a third side.

In a joint news conference with Albanian Foreign Minister Paskal Milo and OSCE's ambassador to Albania Daan Everts, Geremek said he hoped the visit of foreign ministers of Germany and France, Klaus Kinkel and Hubert Vedrine, to Belgrade would be the first step towards achieving a genuine dialogue between Prishtine and Belgrade.

Asked of the option of a Republic for Kosova, within the Yugoslav Federation, (Serbia, Montenegro), Geremk said that all options should be considered possible in the following discussions.

"We deem that it is important that the Albanian government continues its efforts for the country's stability. A destabilised Albania would bring about undesirable developments in Kosova," said Geremek.

To this end, he pointed to the indispensability of the opposition's participation in the country's political life.

Milo reevaluated OSCE's support for the Albanian democratic government and a fair solution to the Kosova issue.

"The Albanian government will continue its moderated policy for the region's stability," said Milo. /s.s/mima/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] Geremek says long term solution to Kosova issue within Yugoslavia

The press and information office at the presidency said that Meidani expressed gratitude for the OSCE contribution in Albania's stability and asked for promotion of its activity to help revive the civil society, consolidate independence of the judiciary, based on the confidence the Albanian public opinion has in this organisation.

President Meidani urged a swift OSCE presence and other international institutions in Kosova and fully backed the mission of Felipe Gonzales, the OSCE, E.U. and Contact Group special envoy for a long-term solution to the crisis in Yugoslavia.

The latest developments in Kosova show the need to establish a new long-term balance based on the will to observe all the international conventions and charters.

"Albania has backed and will continue to back a solution through dialogue," Meidani said.

Both officials expressed the need for the necessity of an international mediation to build up mutual confidence between the sides to fully respect the rights of the Albanians of Kosova.

Geremek said that the Kosova Albanians' issue could not be treated merely as a minority issue, but as a request for national independence.

He backed Meidani's attitude for a realistic, perspective solution to the Kosova issue and favoured positions, which would gradually pave the way for long-term solution to the issue within Yugoslav federation.

The meeting discussed promotion of bilateral relations and exchanges. ake/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] RP refuses DP's request for a round table on constitution

"The Republican party has accepted the commission on constitution, which has been approved by the parliament," Neritan Alibali, the RP spokesman, said to ATA.

The letter of the DP parliamentary group and the Center Right asked that the composition of the commission be considered and the co-chairman be elected by the consensus of all parliamentary opposition parties.

Alibali said that if it was decided to reconsider the constitutional commission "we will accept to enter into negotiations asking some changes."

"Thus, we will ask that this commission have one chairman and this will be Sabri Godo and two deputy chairmen from SP and DP respectively," he added.

The Republicans also wanted that the parliamentary parties, which won two percent in the June 29 elections could be included in the commission.

"So, we will not participate in the round table," the spokesman said. /ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] Preparatory meeting on EU, Albania second joint commission

Press and Information Office at the ministry said that representatives of all ministries and some major institutions attended the meeting presided over by Maqo Lakrori, Secretary of State for Euro Atlantic Integration.

The forthcoming meeting will deal with relations between Albania and the European Union in the framework of a trade and cooperation accord. It is also going to discuss perspectives for the promotion and lifting these relations to a higher level. s.sh/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] Investigation commission doomed to fail

"The commission has been wrongly conceived. It should have used pressure on the prosecutor's office on the events last year what has not happened," Spartak Braho, the commission member, said.

Braho said that Spartak Ngjela, the head of the commission, should be held responsible for this.

"Ngjela likes to explain the last year events from the theoretical point of view, at a time when the people ask to find those responsible," Braho said.

Braho and Sokol Hazizi, another commission member, had said two days ago that they could have asked for Ngjela to resign because they considered illegal and untrue his statement that the opposition was responsible for the events.

The chief commissioner has said to ATA that he had not violated the law on keeping the secret on investigation and accused the commission's member of violations because they had used names and revealed documents, which he said had not existed.

"Nothing of what we have said has been a secret because they have been known to all," Braho said.

Nevertheless, he added that he had not heard of these facts, which blamed the opposition. /ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] Albania's president, intellectuals discuss developments in Kosova

The Press and Information office at the presidency said that leaders of the forum handed over to President the program and other publications, which showed the contribution of the forum in dealing with the Albanian national issue.

During the talks, they praised the official stand of the Albanian state towards the developments in Kosova.

"Present integration and triumph of liberties and human rights in the Euro Atlantic framework is working in the favour of the Albanian national issue in general," they said.

They were for a more active diplomacy and the need of rapprochement and unification of stands in Kosova and Albania.

President Meidani praised the contribution of the intellectuals and their irreplaceable role in the society, being engaged in an ongoing dialogue between his institution and them.

"The time urges us to be together and that a democratic solution on the basis of international charters be inevitable," president of the Republic said. s.sh/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] Bulgarian ambassador hands over credentials

Albania's Foreign Minister Paskal Milo was present at the ceremony. s.sh/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] KDLNJ says Serb forces not withdrawn from Drenica

The Serb forces continued to stay in their posts around Drenica and shootings were often heard, the above sources said referring to reports from Skenderaj, Gllogovc and Klina.

The situation in Klina is more tensed on Friday due to the Serbian protests. Protesters, accompanied by the Serbian forces, have raided shops and bars of Albanians and asked for them to be expelled from Kosova. pta/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] Student union holds rally on Kosova

"If the United States, big European states and international organisations would not promptly intervene to stop the violence in Kosova, the circumstances there could be worse than in Bosnia," Shkelzen Margjeka, head of the Union, said.

Later the protesters marched past the boulevard and stopped in front of the U.S. Embassy in Tirana shouting for an energetically support of the United States and other international organisations to a right solution of the Kosova issue. /ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] Parliament calls off reviewing new draft regulation

The draft regulation was planned to be considered on Monday but it was postponed on the request of DP deputies.

"I hope that at the end of March or beginning of April we will have a new regulation," Namik Dokle, deputy Speaker said to ATA on Friday.

The Albanian parliament has discussed the draft regulation but the DP has not been acquainted with it because it (DP) has ended its five month boycott two weeks ago. s.sh/pas/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] Albania's premier to attend meeting of Contact Group

Press and Information Department at the Council of Ministers said that the German deputy chancellor and Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel has sent a letter to Nano inviting him to join with other Balkan representatives the meeting after that of the Contact Group, which will be held on the decisions taken at the London meeting on March 9.

Kinkel said that "considering the right concern of the neighbouring countries on the situation in Kosova, we would like to discuss with you the consequences of a spillover of the conflict." ake/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19]

Nano said that his government and all his members, despite political affiliations, had reacted in unison.

The government has had continuous contacts with the Contact Group and special envoys from the United States and the European Union and other Euro Atlantic organisations, he said.

Nano added: "It is clear that not only the future of Kosova but that of Albanians in general will pass through these filters."

So far, a few progresses had been made, particularly that on the education accord, but it seemed that Milosevic (Yugoslav president Slobodan) would tergiversate as in the case of Bosnia until the last ditch when he could understand that the diplomacy could leave a room for military intervention, Nano said.

Nevertheless, even this situation when nothing happened was very delicate, he added.

In the meeting of the Contact Group in Bon, where Nano was invited, he would urge the participants to strongly denounce Serbia's state violence, start serious negotiations, oppose change of borders and handle Kosova issue similar to that of other Yugoslav republics. s.sh/ak/

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

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