Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 98-04-16

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] AEC on right track in collecting money from debtors

[02] There has been no violation of Yugoslav embassy territory from outside - statement

[03] Some 600 families move towards lower zones

[04] Portico of Archaeological Museum in Durres risks demolition

[05] Brojka asks improvement of law on local taxes

[06] Albania's Justice Minister meets U.S. constitutionalist, Nelson

[07] Shevardnadze asks defence of human rights

[08] President Meidani refers law on new structure of government back to parliament

[09] Gjinushi says article 2 of law in government structure seemed to be imposed on president

[10] Police arrest young man who injured British diplomats

[11] Opposition can ask for more time to consider laws, Speaker says

[12] USD quoted at lek 159,10

[13] Albpetrol to develop Velca oil block

[14] Intensive movements of Serb military forces in Prizren

[15] Agreement memorandum between Albania and IMF signed

[16] Vehicles import drops

[17] More funds are required for implementation of bilateral projects

[18] Albania president decrees changes in government structure

[19] DAP backs reconsidered law on new government structure

[20] Around lek 28,5 billion worth of goods during first quarter

[21] Albpetrol company towards reconstruction

[22] Explosions, volleys of gunfire near Gjakova

[23] Parliament passes law on government structure referred to by president

[24] Exports volume 66 percent higher than a year ago

[25] Petersen says Kosova be offered wide ranging autonomy

[26] Petersen says Albania should face difficult challenges

[27] Albanian president meets U.S. constitutionalist

[28] Albanian premier meets with Danish foreign minister

[01] AEC on right track in collecting money from debtors

The collecting of money from banks affiliates for budgetary and non budgetary sectors are not included in this amount.

A good pace in collecting money from north districts debtors like Puka, Kukes, Koliku, Mati, Dibra is observed.

While in districts like Tirana, Lezha, Devolli, Laci, Gramshi, Skrapari etc the pace of debtors payments like budgetary, non budgetary and families is lower compared to northern districts, which are the biggest debtors.

In the framework of AEC internal debt, the Corporation will sign contracts with debtors for periodic payments.

[02] There has been no violation of Yugoslav embassy territory from outside - statement

"After the Interior Ministry specialized bodies examined the data obtained by the guards on duty at this embassy and reconsidered all the elements on the spot which provide material proofs, it turns out that there has been no violation of the Embassy's territory from outside as pretended," the statement of the Albanian foreign Ministry says.

The statement regards the person, who committed this act and who now is in the hands of police, as mentally sick.

The statement stresses further on that "The Foreign Ministry has taken all measures to ensure the normal functioning of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Monte Negro), and guarantees full security for the staff and their family members."

This event, which occurred in the above circumstances, has nothing in common with the policy and practices followed by the Albanian government in the relations between states, says the statement among others. /s.sh/lm/mt/

[03] Some 600 families move towards lower zones

The chief of the registration office close to the district council, Bujar aupi, told ATA that the flux of movements still continues. He said that the families which leave the district are from the town, but even from the village, mainly those who do not have agriculture land.

According to him, the implementation of legal acts is a problem, because many families move without being stricken off the lists of the registration office by creating abnormality in giving the economic assistance, social benefits and others. /a.ke/pas/mt/

[04] Portico of Archaeological Museum in Durres risks demolition

It displays unique exemplary of gigantic potteries, statues, gravestones, arcades and antique decorated pillars of ancient Durrah (Durres) But the restitution of properties to their owners is risking to ruin this portico.

The new museum, which has begun construction since 1982, has not planned another portico, while the existing museum which has owners is thought to be a warehouse and offices.

The German foundation GTZ has recently earmarked 190 000 DM as a donation for the completion of the new archaeological museum of Durres.

This museum can hold 3000 objects, or 10 times more than the current museum. It began construction financed by the Albanian government, but the works were fully interrupted by the end of the '80s. /a.ke/pas/lm/

[05] Brojka asks improvement of law on local taxes

"We have so far received no decision, no law improvement although the central government is speaking much of local government autonomy and its efficient functioning," Brojka told ATA.

He said that "the written orders coming from this secretariat say that the property tax will benefit the municipality by 100%, which is so far stipulated by no law on the basis of which we should act".

Currently, he added, "we are collecting the same taxes we collected last year".

"As the central government is taking constant measures regarding the decentralisation of the local government, it should first of all renovate the existing laws," said Brojka. /a.ke/das/lm/

[06] Albania's Justice Minister meets U.S. constitutionalist, Nelson

Minister Kondi informed the U.S. constitutionalist with the history of the constitutional process in Albania, the spokesman of the Justice Ministry reported.

During the meeting they exchanged thoughts regarding constitutional issues, particularly on the functioning of the judiciary, the position of the prosecutor's office and others.

Minister Kondi briefed on the efforts for reforming the judicial system to make it independent and qualified in order to increase the credibility and to fight corruption.

The constitutionalist Nelson expressed the readiness to offer his and the U.S. experience in the constitution's drafting process. /s.s/pas/mt/

[07] Shevardnadze asks defence of human rights

Shevardnadze sends the letter in the context of his initiative for the defence of the refugees' rights and against ethnic cleansing, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the declaration of the Universal Human Rights declaration.

He especially lays the stress on the forcible displacement of the populations inside their countries.

"The International community should in no case tolerate legitimization of ethnic cleansing practices. It should join efforts to secure the dignified rights of the refugees and against the forcible displacement of the population," the Georgian President says.

"Meidani fully supports the request of President Shevardnadze to set up an effective system to protect the rights of the refugees against ethnic cleansing and adopt a special act on these issues," the spokesman of President Meidani told ATA. /s.sh/pas/lm/

[08] President Meidani refers law on new structure of government back to parliament

This was reported in today's parliamentary session by Speaker Skender Gjinushi.

The motive of refering the law back to parliament for reexamination is reported in a release of the President's press and information department.

The President thinks that the existence in the government structure of the post of the deputy Prime Minister and at the same time of the Minister of the Government Coordination seems to be not well-studied and suggests that this post is formulated in the government structure as "First deputy premier of the Council of Ministers."

President Meidani backs this suggestion on the fact that the duty of the deputy Prime Minister, who will not head any concrete ministry, is, along with the others, also to carry out the coordination between ministries and first aide of the chairman of the Council of Ministers.

The President also expresses the thought that article 2 of the law, which says that "the law enters into forces within April 15, 1998," that is within yesterday, has been not well-formulated."

"Without having the opinion of the Head of the State within 15 days, as it is envisaged in the constitutional laws, the act approved by the People's Assembly cannot assume the value of a law," says the report of the Presidency spokesman.

He suggests that the minimum time for the enforcement of this law should be the date this law is promulgated by the President of the Republic.

Along with this, the President says that "the chairman of the Council of Ministers is not included in the structure of the government."

"As a result, it is necessary to correct the structure by also adding the position of the Chairman of the Council of Ministers to its composition."

After Gjinushi declared in Parliament that the President referred the law back for reexamination, the parliamentary group of the Socialist Party, which had made the proposal for the new structure, asked an hour time to examine the request.

The chairman of this group, Pandeli Majko, had expressed Wednesday in Parliament the belief that the president would decree within yesterday the new structure, which would pave the way for the changes in the government cabinet. /s.s/pas/mt/

[09] Gjinushi says article 2 of law in government structure seemed to be imposed on president

Article 2, which in the draft was formulated as "this law comes into force immediately", was changed and passed as "this law comes into force on April 15, 1998", that is, within yesterday.

According to Gjinushi, this formulation does not constitute a contravention, but "it is not logically right".

"The presidency and parliament have discussed and agreed that the nearest date to a law's enforcement is when it is decreed by the President," Gjinushi explained.

"There was no reason to fix the date," said Gjinushi, who even prior to the approval of the law on Wednesday, had expressed scepticism before deputies regarding the formulation of article 2 of this law.

On Thursday the president referred back to parliament for reexamination the law on the government structure approved on Wednesday.

The SP parliamentary group, which had proposed this structure, had expressed the belief that the President would decree the law on Wednesday. /s.s/pas/lm/

[10] Police arrest young man who injured British diplomats

Police said that he was Ardian Bajram Lika, 20, born and inhabitant of Tujan village of the Tirana district.

Lika flagged down their car, grabbed them and slightly injured with fire arms two diplomats of the Embassy of Great Britain in Tirana, deputy ambassador Catherine Jones and vice consul Dave Bicker on April 12 at 15.45. p.m. in the Tirana-Dajti road, 5 km away from the "Panorama" bar restaurant.

A spokesman of the police directorate in the capital said that the working group, including experts of police and prosecutor's office analyzed all traces and testimonies, which helped define the possible persons responsible for this act. They found the cartridge case at the site of the crime.

The citizen Ardian Bajram Lika, who was one of the suspected, was taken to the police station.

Police forces checked his house and found the weapon, mask and a pair of trousers used at that day.

Lika confessed that he was the author of the crime and he was put under custody. s.s/pas/ak/

[11] Opposition can ask for more time to consider laws, Speaker says

"The opposition can ask for more time to consider laws which are of its concern. The DP does not need this law," Gjinushi said.

He said that the structure had to do with the Nano cabinet, in which the DP was not included.

The DP asked for up two three days to present its alternative which is a care taker government and new elections.

"Berisha should correct his request for a draft law by his group. He should not forget that it is in minority and his governing led Albania into chaos," Pandeli Majko, Socialist Secretary General said in yesterday's parliamentary session. s.s/ak/

[12] USD quoted at lek 159,10

So $1 = 159,10 lek, lossing 0,10 points compared with yesterday's 159,20 lek.

The DM was traded for 88,20 lek, lossing 0,30 points compared to yesterday's 88,50 lek.

The ITL (1000) was traded for 88,40 lek lossing 0.20 points compared with yeasterday's 88,60 lek.

GRD (100) was exchanged for 50,20 lek, lossing 0,10 points compared with yesterday's 50,30

The Swiss Franc was traded for 106,30 lek lossing 2,00 points compared with yesterday's 108,30 lek and so on.

Thursday exchange rates

Currency                        Average exchange rates
USD                               159,10 lek
DM                                 88,20 lek
ITL (1000)                         88,40 lek
GRD (100)                          50,20 lek
SFR                               106,10 lek
FRF                                25,30 lek
GBP                               230,20 lek
JPY (100)                         111,10 lek
NLG                                73,20 lek

[13] Albpetrol to develop Velca oil block

This license allows the Albanian company to enter in agreement with foreign partners. There is the British company "Premier Oil" and the Hungarian one "MOL" with which Albpetrol will cooperate in Velca oil block.

In this oil field new technologies to boost the production will be implemented. Alongside a pilot project will be carried which will increase the final coefficient of oil extraction.

Also new methods will be implemented in exploiting and processing bituminous sands.

[14] Intensive movements of Serb military forces in Prizren

Ten tanks, four trucks and two military cars were directed for Landovise early on Wednesday, Information Commission of the Democratic League of Kosova (LDK) in Prizren reported on Thursday.

Shootings of the heavy artillery were heard in the commune on Tuesday evening while four tanks roared past the roads of Prizren early on Wednesday.

The situation is aggravating because of the police pressure on the political activists and especially those of Has.

Activists of the Lugishta subdivision have been called recently in "information talks". Even the members of the election commission of the Planeje subdivision, a village in the remote border are with Albania, have also been called to such information talks. pta/pas/ak/

[15] Agreement memorandum between Albania and IMF signed

Tirana, April 16 (ATA) - Albanian government and the International Monetary Fund signed Wednesday the agreement memorandum, sources from the Finance Ministry reported.

The document which by the Albanian side was signed by Premier Fatos Nano, Finance Minister Arben Malaj and Banks' Governor, Shkelqim Cani is the corner stone of the Enhanced Structural Adjustment Facility (ESAF) three-year agreement with the IMF.

According to the same sources the bases of the document are the macroeconomics and structural policies that the Albanian government will follow during the first year of the program.

IMF consultancies are the bases of the program. The memorandum signing came as a result of the fulfillment of Albanian government commitments with the IMF during the emergency 6-month program.

Also this program was drafted as a continuation of reforms and projects that emerged during Brussels meeting in October 1997.

The Finance Ministry is cooperation with other institutions has intensively worked to fulfill some urgent objectives required by the IMF.

The goals have to do with the complete uprooting of pyramid investment schemes, establishing soil market, speeding up privatization process, restructuring the banking system and reforms in civil services.

[16] Vehicles import drops

Tirana, April 16 (ATA) - The import of vehicles in Albania marked a drop during the last year, compared to the previous years.

Besides the reduce of purchase power, the import drop is conditioned by the car theft as well. Around 7500 vehicles has entered Albania during the last year compare to 8000 pieces a year ago.

The car import reached the peak during October, when some 800 vehicles entered customs houses and over lek 812 were profited from custom clearances.

Around 85 percent of imported vehicles are second hand ones.

It is thought that for years to come, used cars will have the priority in imported vehicles, this due to Albanians low incomes.

Thus foreign carmaker companies, which have opened up their dealerships in Albania sell mainly used cars.

Lindi company which has gained Mercedes Benz dealership, has sold only 9 brand new cars during the last two years, seven of which are bought by state budgetary institutions.

Over 80 percent of imported vehicles are cars and 20 percent trucks and buses.

[17] More funds are required for implementation of bilateral projects

Sources from the ministry of Development and Economic Cooperation told ATA that the main fields where the talks focused were the German financial support for the protection program of Ohri Lake worth DM 15 million and the additional finances for aqueduct project and Korca sewage system, DM 8 million, the rehabilitation of Bistrica hydro power worth DM 4 million and the family planning project worth DM 3 million.

Albanian side has also asked extra finances for technical sector, for support with credits of small and medium enterprises totaling DM 5,2 million.

Another topic of the talks was the opening of new jobs for the repatriated Albanians immigrants from Germany with the increased of joined credits fund and of financial contribution.

But the above plans can be implemented only after the German government receives the confirmation on verifying the projects by the Reconstruction and Credit Institution (KfW), from the German technical cooperation institution (GTZ) or another organization responsible for projects implementation.

[18] Albania president decrees changes in government structure

This is the fourth time that President Meidani referred to the laws approved by the Albanian parliamentarians such as the laws on Radio and Television, state control and investigation commission on March '97 events.

Parliamentarians considered his suggestions with the exception of the first point, where president said that "the existence of the post of vice prime minister and that of the minister for governmental coordination needs to be reconsidered." s.sh/das/ak/

[19] DAP backs reconsidered law on new government structure

Ceka voted on Wednesday against the law, which was referred to parliament by the president of the Republic on Thursday.

The newly approved law included a post of deputy prime minister and minister of local administration and a change of the date the law entered into force.

Ceka said that the post of vice prime minister and minister of the local administration would help strengthen the local administration "where, as it is known, shortages are evident." s.s/das/ak/

[20] Around lek 28,5 billion worth of goods during first quarter

An increase was noticed also during March compared with two previous months.

In imports structure, in absolute value the highest specific weight is taken by the raw material for textile articles with lek 1,2 billion, vegetal products with lek 1 billion and also machineries, technical equipment worth lek 999 million.

The highest volume of imports comes from neighboring countries with Italy first, totaling lek 4,8 billion, then Greece totaling lek 3 billion.

The high quotas of imports volume compared with export volume bring about the trade deficit to remain on the previous level.

[21] Albpetrol company towards reconstruction

By the end of the month the final model will be defined on this process.

According to him Albpetrol's reconstruction is a necessity related with the government's privatization strategy.

Two basic models are drafted until now by Albanian experts in collaboration with Austrians OMW company's experts.

The integration of these two models in one, alongside the necessary suggestions will make up the main model which will be presented for application.

Working groups are set up in Albpetrol, like that of analysis production, export-import infrastructure, searching strategy, refining, processing costs, marketing and financial indexes studying.

[22] Explosions, volleys of gunfire near Gjakova

Explosions and volleys of gunfire which started early in the morning were heard until midday from Ponoshec and Morine villages, Gjakova.

Military forces were sent to these villages early on Thursday, the Democratic League of Kosova (LDK) division in Gjakova said.

The spokesman of the LDK division Besa Arilati said that there is no exact information on the developments there because it was impossible to reach those places which were under Serb military and police forces.

Explosions and shootings were heard near these areas on Wednesday.

Military forces were deployed recently in the border areas between Kosova and Albania, in Gjakova, Prizren, Decan and Gragash.

In the region of Gjakova, respectively the Babaj village of Boka, some three km from the border with Albania, military forces and 40 armoured carriers and other heavy weapons were deployed. pta/pas/ak/

[23] Parliament passes law on government structure referred to by president

President Meidani proposed a new post for a deputy prime minister and minister of the local administration and decided that this law would enter into force the day it would be announced by the president.

The law approved on Wednesday included one deputy prime minister and minister of public economy and privatisation and the article 12 said that the law entered into force on April 15.

Now the new structure will have another vice chairman of the Council of Ministers and a minister of local administration besides a vice chairman of the Council of Ministers and minister of government coordination.

Pandeli Majko, head of the Socialist parliamentary group, said that this was a new concept of the governing structure and expressed his commitment for the implementation of the coalition formula.

Opposition deputies, present at today's session, voted against the law. s.s/das/ak/

[24] Exports volume 66 percent higher than a year ago

During March '98 the volume of exports has been 11 percent higher than the exports' volume of February '98.

The increase occurred as a result of the growth with 60 percent of the export volume of the Albanian production.

In absolute value the highest specific weight is taken by textile products with lek 873 million and shoes with lek 681 million.

From the re activation of some mines were exported mineral products worth lek 263 million.

Meanwhile in the structure of exports we have increase in group "chemical products", "articles of stone, ceramic", compared to the previous month which take a small specific weight in exports total.

According to the country the highest the highest volume of exports is carried out with Italy estimated at lek 1,5 billion and than with Greece estimated at lek 606 million.

[25] Petersen says Kosova be offered wide ranging autonomy

Petersen arrived on Thursday for an official visit in Albania, press and information Department at the Albanian Foreign Ministry said.

Milo thanked the Danish government for $seven million aid to Albania in the last three years.

Albanian minister said that the Kosova issue was a big international problem and there would be no stability in the region without its solution.

The Albanian government favoured an equal status to that of Montenegro within the Yugoslav Federation.

Petersen, on his part, offered possibilities of cooperation either through a special Danish contribution or through different international organisations like European Union.

He also invited Milo to visit Denmark.

We agreed with your evaluation to the Kosova issue, Danish Foreign minister said.

"Our stand and that of the international community is that Kosova be offered wide ranging autonomy," Petersen said, adding: "this means a wide self-rule for Albanians in Kosova."

Expressing the Danish commitment, Petersen said that as a representative of one of the OSCE troika states, we would contribute to a quick solution to the Kosova problem. s.sh/das/ak/

[26] Petersen says Albania should face difficult challenges

"Albania has undertaken important steps in the European Union, steps, which deserves to be applauded," Petersen said.

Albanian Speaker Skender Gjinushi, assessing the good relations between Denmark and Albania and the possibility for their promotion, thanked Petersen for his significant contribution in resolving the crisis Albania experienced during the first six-month period last year.

Gjinushi briefed the Danish minister on the work of the Albanian parliament for draft laws, which would serve as a basis for the democratic reforms in institutions and economic development and a draft on constitution.

He laid the stress on Albania's integration into the European family and constant policy of good neighbourliness. Gjinushi reiterated Albania's stand for a peaceful solution to the Kosova issue through dialogue and international guarantee. s.s/das/ak/

[27] Albanian president meets U.S. constitutionalist

President Meidani praised the technical assistance the U.S. constitutionalist had offered in the intensive process for a draft on new constitution and reiterated the need for an increasing commitment on the part of the intellectual, political public opinion and media to improve the work of the constitutional commission.

He said that, despite the great interest, he would not be individually involved in the debate on constitution and formulation of competencies of Albanian state institutions, which was underway, because he would not like to influence or orientate in this process.

President Meidani and the U.S. constitutionalist exchanged wide range of views on the Albanian legislation and expressed the need for a technical expertise to help improve it further.

Nelson briefed President Meidani on his contacts and commitment to help draw up a constitution. s.s/das/ak/

[28] Albanian premier meets with Danish foreign minister

Both sides praised good relations between the two states and underlined the existing possibilities for their promotion, press and information department at the presidency said on Thursday.

Premier Nano pointed out the efforts underway in Albania which aimed at consolidating democratic institutions and drawing up a constitution.

He thanked the Danish foreign minister for the overall support Denmark had offered as current president of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and Petersen's contribution in overcoming the crisis, which sparked in Albania in the first months last year and their commitment within the OSCE troika to handle the crisis in Kosova.

"We are concerned on the situation in Kosova and will always be in touch with the factors of the global policy dealing with the issue," Nano said.

The latest example was that of Northern Ireland which demonstrated existing possibilities for a solution to such difficult problems, Nano said.

Petersen said that the OSCE and Western European countries praised Albania's serious stand and despite the difficulties it was facing it (Albania) was ready to cooperate with the international community in tackling the crisis.

He also assessed the active cooperation between Albania and NATO.

"Actually, international circles do not back the option for an independence of Kosova, at a time when a consensus for a real autonomy through dialogue and international presence exists," Petersen said.

"Before coming to Tirana I visited Belgrade and met with Milosevic. I went to Montenegro and talked with Djukanovic. I would like to say that I found an evident difference. The representative of Montenegro showed evident signs of moderation in tackling the Kosova issue," Petersen said. s./s.sh/das/ak/

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