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Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 98-04-17Albanian Telegraphic Agency Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) Home Page at <http://www.telpress.it/ata>Albanian Telegraphic AgencyCONTENTS
[01] Albanian Parliament guarantees rights of prisonersTIRANA, April 16 (ATA) - By K. Kostreci: The Albanian Parliament approved Thursday the law "On the rights and treatment of prisoners," which completes the legal framework of the treatment of all prisoners according to the European standards for the defence of human rights."This project defines the main principles of functioning of the penitentiary institutions," says the relation of the Parliamentary Commission of Laws, which accompanied the draft-law. According to the commission, the law creates new scopes by giving priority to the humanitarian nature of these institutions by excluding any kind of discrimination and maltreatment of prisoners. /s.sh/das/mt/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[02] Albanian premier presents new government to presidentTIRANA, April 16 (ATA) - Albanian prime minister Fatos Nano elected by the Socialist party at the post of the prime minister presented on Thursday to the president of the Republic Rexhep Meidani the candidates of the new government approved on the basis of an agreement signed by five political parties of the coalition government.Following the new proposed government: 1. Sabit Brokaj released from the post of the Defence Minister. 2. Neritan Ceka released from the post of the Interior Minister. 3. Elmaz Sherifi released from the post of the Minister of Labour, Social and Woman' Affairs. 4. Shaqir Vukaj released from the post of the Minister of Trade and Tourism. 5. Arta Dade released from the post of Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports. 6. Ndre Legisi released from the post of Secretary of State at the Interior Ministry. 7. Maqo Lakrori released from the post of the Secretary of State for Euro Atlantic integration. 8. Lush Perpali released from the post of the Secretary of State for Local Government. 9. Kastriot Islami released from the post of the Minister of State at the Council of Ministers and appointed vice chairman of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Government Coordination. 10. Perikli Teta released from the post of Secretary of State at the Defence Ministry and appointed Minister of Public Order. 11. Bashkim Fino, vice chairman of the Council of Ministers is appointed Minister of Local Administration. 12. Ermelinda Meksi released from the post of the Minister of State for Economic Development and Cooperation and appointed Minister of Economic Cooperation and Trade. 13. Leonard Solis released from the post of the Ministry of Health and Environment and appointed Minister of Health. 14. Luan Hajdaraga appointed Minister of Defence. 15. Anastas Angjeli appointed Minister of Labour and Social Affairs. 16. Edi Rama appointed Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports. 17. Ilir Meta appointed Secretary of State for European Integration at the Foreign Ministry. s.sh/pas/ak/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[03] Albanian minister says Serbs try to accuse Albanian stateTIRANA, April 16 (ATA) - By Ilir Paço: Albanian Foreign Minister Paskal Milo told a joint news conference on Thursday with his Danish counterpart Niels Petersen that Serbs reluctant to undertake appropriate steps to implement the requests of the Contact Group, were trying to accuse not only Albanians of Kosova but also the Albanian state."This aims at balancing their position before the next meeting of the Contact Group on April 29 in Rome," Milo said. Asked about the incident in the border with Yugoslavia early on Thursday, Milo said that, as the Belgrade authorities claimed, we "would be sure that until April 29 we were going to have many statements from the Yugoslav side." Milo said "now that we are holding news conference we have been informed that Albania's charge d' affairs has been summoned to the Yugoslav Foreign Ministry in Belgrade to be handed over a protest note on the claimed incident." He also said that the Albanian charge d' affairs was summoned on Wednesday to the Yugoslav ministry to be handed over another note of protest on Wednesday event in the Yugoslav embassy in Tirana. s.sh/das/ak/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[04] Considerable steps for national conciliation in Albania, MeidaniTIRANA, April 16 (ATA) - Albania's President Rexhep Meidani met Thursday with the Danish Foreign Minister, Niels Petersen, who was mainly interested in the opinion of Meidani regarding the Kosova issue and the process of the country's economic recovery "A realistic stand, a greater international presence in Kosova is requested, as well as the beginning of an unconditional dialogue as an active way for the creation of conditions for a long-term solution of the Kosova problem," said Meidani. He said that no time should be lost to find the equilibrium within the Yugoslav Federation, which would reflect a durable solution to restore security in the whole region.Talking about the process of national reconciliation in the country, the President underlined that important steps have been made in this direction, mainly in the cooperation at local level, meanwhile that this country needs more compromises and loyalty in the confrontations between the ruling party and the opposition, particularly with regard to the main political forces of the country. "The problems that our society faces, said Meidani, all-embracing in the constitution process, as well as order problems, collection of weapons and the social-economic situation in the country, demand constructiveness to the interest of the society's progress." The Danish Foreign Minister, on his side, pointed out that his country has created a rich tradition in what President Meidani appreciated in this meeting, movement from the grass roots of the society by encouraging non governmental organizations (NGO-s), the civil opinion in limiting the confliction of the political life. "We have the complete will to work towards the consolidation of the division of powers and the rule of law," said Meidani. /s.sh/pas/mt/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[05] Construction companies with illegal workersTirana, April 17 (ATA) - Out of a total number of 1182 workers in 30 construction companies, 245 of them were seasonal employees and 320 without proper documents.This was the result of a three week inspection conducted by the Labour Ministry in the administrative unit no.5 in Tirana. During the companies inspection various problem were encountered. "Companies' owners were not willing to talk with labour inspectors," told ATA chief of Working Condition Sector. Another problem was that employers had not registered their employers in the labour offices. According to labour inspectors, the possibility that workers receive welfare besides their wages in not excluded. "Working contracts were missing in 70 percent of cases and trade unions activity in these companies was in existent, which complicates the solving out of problems," one inspector said. Employers demand the possibility of having the labour code and want the training of constructions specialists in collaboration with the Labour Ministry. Also some 83 construction objects were inspected and did not have the complete documentation, workers had little qualification and were not registered. /gen/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[06] Tirana mayor backs ministry of local administrationTIRANA, April 16 (ATA) - By K. Shehu: Democrat Mayor of Tirana Albert Brojka praised on Thursday the lifting of the State Secretariat of the Local Government at the level of ministry."This shows the good predisposition of the Albanian government which aims at establishing a full functioning of the local administration," Brojka said. The division of the local administration from the Interior Ministry and the lifting of this power to a ministry level was considered important by the deputy prime minister Bashkim Fino on Wednesday parliamentary session. He said "through this we show the Democratic party, which have the majority in local administration, that we want to cooperate." das/ak/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[07] Tense situation in Kosova near border with AlbaniaPRISHTINA, April 17 (ATA) - By B. Jashari: The situation continues to be tense in the surroundings of Gjakova close to the border with Albania, where explosions and volley of gunfire were heard last night for more than 15 hours, meanwhile that the movements and deployments of the Serbian forces have increased.Even today in the morning from Ponashec and Morine villages, volley of shots were heard, while late on Thursday Serbian jet fighters have launched flights over the border zones, Albanian sources from Gjakova reported. According to these sources, the fleeing of the Albanian population from Morina and Ponoshec has started. /p.ta/pas/mt/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[08] Greek Defence minister to visit AlbaniaTIRANA, April 17 (ATA) - Minister of National Defence of Greece Akis Tsohatzopoulos will start an official visit to Albania on Sunday.During his stay in Tirana he was expected to have separate talks with the Albanian prime minister Fatos Nano and attend an inauguration of the reconstructed military unit of Mezez, Tirana district. Minister Tsohatzopoulos would also visit the Greek military contingent in Yzberisht, whose mandate was extended for up to six months by the Albanian parliament. s.s/pas/ak/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[09] Workshop on Butrint endedSARANDA, April 17 (ATA) - By Sh. Hajno: The workshop on the archaeological and tourist future of the antique city of Butrint organised by the "Butrint" British Foundation ended in Saranda recently.A management plan of the archaeological heritage of Butrint and projects for the future development of the archaeological park, which would have the antique city at the center, were presented in the three-day workshop. It discussed environmental problems and the recognition of the projects of "Butrint" Foundation and World Bank by the local authorities. Scientific director of the "Butrint" Foundation, Prof Richard Foch said to ATA that the aim of the seminar was to protect the cultural unique heritage in the Mediterranean and Butrint and to plan the future of the surrounding area. Representatives of UNESCO and the World Bank gave recommendations for special projects and financial problems on these projects. Sources of Butrint Foundation said that a computerised center will be opened in the Butrint city, which would serve as a digital archive of Butrint's antique history until the present days. The "Butrint" Foundation was founded in 1994 by two British lords, Sir Roschild and Sir Patrick Fernever and had organised joint expeditions of English and Albanian archaeologists. ak/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[10] Austria to contribute to a peaceful solution in the BalkansTIRANA, April 17 (ATA) - Albanian president Rexhep Meidani received a letter on Friday from his Austrian counterpart Thomas Klestil saying that since the start of the conflict which was followed by the dissolution of former Yugoslavia between 1991 and 1992, Austria had undertaken great efforts to contribute actively to a political, peaceful solution in the Balkan region."This conflict brought about a wide range of problems which have to do with refugees, territorial problems and war crimes," president Klestil said in the letter he sent to Meidani in response to his letter of March 1998, press and information office at the presidency said. "Latest developments in Kosova in March this year have put all the international community in alert and have stirred up diplomatic actions for a solution to the crisis. In a close cooperation with its European partners, Austria has promptly denounced the crackdowns of the Serb police forces in Kosova and backed the measures included in the statement of the Contact Group in London on March 9 and reiterated in Bon on March 25," the letter said. The Austrian president assured president Meidani that "when Austria holds the presidency of the European Union in the second six-month period this year, it is determined to use all the possibilities to prevent the crisis and find ways for a realistic solution to the issue." Klestil said that Austria would devote a special attention to the problems taking place in countries bordering Kosova and especially Albania. "Allow me to take advantage of this occasion and express my positive evaluation for Albania's efforts in overcoming the last year crisis and the demonstration of your good will and alternative of cooperation, which will help improve the relations of your country with all other neighbouring states and the international community," president Klestil said. s.s/pas/ak/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[11] Parliament urges U.S. to keep red line, NATO presence in KosovaTIRANA, April 17 (ATA) - By K. Kostreci: The Albanian Parliament approved Thursday a resolution asking the deployment of NATO troops in Kosova and calls on the U.S. President, Bill Clinton to keep the American red line in Kosova.The session convened to examine the further aggravation of the crisis in Kosova and the consequences it can bring, as well as to approve the resolution drafted by the Foreign Parliamentary Commission. The Albanian Parliament, says the resolution, notices that the repression and violence of the Serbian military and police forces against the Kosova Albanians continue even after the statement of the Contact Group, dated 25.03.1998, making the situation even more dangerous. The parliament also appreciates the initiatives of the international community for the rapid and long-term solution of the Kosova problem, but at the same time notices that "the deadline given to Milosevic by the Contact Group is serving him for the further deployment of troops aiming at exercising the violence and the ethnic cleansing of the Kosova Albanians. The Albanian deputies consider the decision for the organization of the Referendum on the participation or no of the third party in the talks between the authorities of Yugoslav Federation and the authorities of the Kosova Albanians, as an open objection of the request for talks and a brutal challenge towards the recommendations of the international community. The People's Assembly considers an open provocation against the Republic of Albania the movement of the Serbian troops in the state border of Albania. Parliament calls on the United Nations Organization (UNO), the European political structures and the U.S. Congress to reevaluate the situation in Kosova and take effective measures. "The first step requested is the deployment of the NATO troops in the territory of Kosova to avoid the extension of the conflict and as a guarantee for the non use of the military violence against the civil and defenceless population," says the resolution. Also, the Albanian lawmakers call on the U.S. President, Bill Clinton, "to keep the American red line in Kosova." The resolution expresses the support without reserves for the right of the political self-rule of the Kosova people, and also encourages the Albanian government for the elaboration of a concrete plan to realize the points of the resolution and take tight measures for the national defence and public order. Parliament calls on all political forces for wisdom and common attitude regarding the Kosova issue and favours the idea to send this resolution to all parliaments of the countries participant in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). /s.s/mt/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[12] Deputy U.S. Secretary of State to visit Tirana soonTIRANA, April 17 (ATA) - U.S. deputy Secretary of State Strobe Talbott, leading a U.S. government interagency team including Ambassador Robert Gelbard and James Covey, the President's Special Advisor on Bosnia at the National Security Council, will make a short visit to Tirana on Saturday, April 18.The aim of the visit is to discuss the situation in Kosova and the efforts to get a dialogue started there. Deputy Secretary Talbott and the delegation will meet with President Rexhep Meidani, Prime Minister Fatos Nano and Foreign Minister Paskal Milo. A briefing will be held after the meetings at the American Center premises in Tirana. s.s/pas/ak/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[13] Deputies agree to resolution on Kosova, split on Crete meetingTIRANA, April 17 (ATA)-By K.Kostreci, Albanian deputies on Friday said they agreed to the demands of the resolution on Kosova, drafted by the Foreign Policy Commission and approved it, but the democrat deputies held it could also include several other requests.The DP deputies asked that the resolution regards the Crete meeting between Nano and Milosevic as a capitulation towards the latter and also includes the West European Union (WEU) in the organisations that can resolve the Kosova issue. The Foreign Commission democrat members had prepared a special project which included these requests. The chairman of Foreign Relations Commission, Sabri Godo, said that neither the SP nor the DP can say they have done their maximum for the national cause. "But now we are ahead of the Contact Group's meeting. Let us give Kosova all parliament's support," said Godo. The head of the SP parliamentary Group, Pandeli Majko, considered very significant the attitude expressed in the resolution on the Serb referendum, which also calls the decision on this referendum as a brutal challenge to the international community recommendations. Albanian parliament's speaker Skender Gjinushi, referring to DP 's request to include the position on the Crete meeting, said that it had been held in the context of the other meetings and no decision had been taken in it. /das/lm/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[14] USD quoted at lek 160,10Tirana, April 17 (ATA) - Friday's average exchange rate in the informal market of Albanian currency "lek" against foreign currencies like USD, DM, SFR, ITL was in favour of these last.So $1 = 160,10 lek, gaining 1,10 points compared with yesterday's 159, 10 lek. The DM was traded for 88,60 lek, gaining 0,40 points compared to yesterday's 88,20 lek. The ITL (1000) was traded for 88,80 lek gaining 0.40 points compared with yeasterday's 88,40 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. Friday exchange rates Currency Average exchange rates USD 160,10 lek DM 88,60 lek ITL (1000) 88,80 lek GRD (100) 50,20 lek SFR 106,50 lek FRF 25,70 lek GBP 230,70 lek JPY (100) 111,20 lek NLG 73,80 lek Albanian Telegraphic Agency[15] Govt to approve $105,000 for Lisbon fairTirana, April 17 (ATA) - Work is underway in selecting the materials to be displayed in Portugal EXPO '98 by Albania, sources from the Trade ministry told ATA Friday.The Lisbon fair which will be inaugurated on May 21 will be open till September 30. The working group headed by Trade deputy minister Alfred Pema is carefully organizing everything for an admirable participation in the fair. Meanwhile, is expected the approval of $105,000 fund by the government for the fair. Also, many companies are invited to sponsor this important activity./gen/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[16] Meidani refuses to take part in constitution draftingTIRANA, April 17 (ATA)-By A. Simoni, President of the Republic Rexhep Meidani on Friday said he would not take part in any discussion on drafting a constitution."I do not want to participate in any kind of discussion, at whatever level, on drafting a constitution, as any eventual pronunciation on its text would be considered an influence in this significant process for the fate of democracy in Albania," said Meidani at a seminar of the Law Faculty Students' Association. "This does not mean that I am indifferent to the development, rhythm, level of participation in this process, on the contrary, in all contacts I have expressed the desire that this process is all-embracing". According to the Albanian legislation, taking part in the constitution process is parliament, through a commission concerned with its drafting. /s.sh/das/lm/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[17] Compulsory appearance in court for violator of Yugoslav embassy's flagTIRANA, April 17 (ATA)-By E. Koraqi, Compulsory appearance in court was the custody order issued by the Tirana Court on Friday against the violator of the Yugoslav embassy's flag.The teenager from Sauk, Agim Ajazi, on Friday took off the flag fixed at the balcony of the Yugoslav embassy, tearing down and throwing it to the ground. The prosecutor of the case, Arjan Sulstafa, asked that compulsory appearance in court be the custody order against the detained. The detained rejected the prosecutor's charge, but confessed that "I am fully conscious of the act as I hate and do not want to see this flag in Albania". The court's jury, headed by Zeqine Sollaku, upheld the decision requested by the prosecutor. /s.sh/das/lm/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[18] Milo says Serb provocations aim to find fault with Albania ahead of Contact Group meetingTIRANA, April 17 (ATA)-By K. Kostreci, Albania's Foreign Minister Paskal Milo on Friday expressed in parliament the government's worry that Serb provocations in the Albanian border will continue in order to find fault with Albania ahead of the upcoming meeting of the Contact Group.He informed parliament of a Serb operation near the Albanian border, at Qafe e Morines, (North of Albania), which was crossed by several mules loaded with Kalashnikov rifles, which the Serbs say have come from Albania. Milo considered this untrue. "The Serbs tend to bring the tension closer to the border with Albania," said Milo. He considered the U.S. politics as the clearest and the most decisive on the Kosova issue. After speaking of the positions of all the Balkan countries towards the Kosova issue, Milo considered the Albanian government's role very active. /s.sh/das/lm/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[19] SDUP favours working governmentTIRANA, April 17 (ATA)-By P. Shuteriqi, The Social-Democratic Union Party's criticisms of the governing left coalition at a news conference on Friday were followed by its chairman Teodor Laco's request for a "working government".Laco and the other leaders of this party favoured "a pact or broad political agreement to guarantee cooperation, understanding on a credible governing, irrespective of political convictions, and for a 1-2 year-time to stabilise order and enhance the shaken image of the Albanian politics in the world." In this way, they said "we will show we are able to coexist". After this deadline, the leaders of this party favour "fresh elections and resumption of the alternatives' competition". The also said that they are open to "alliances and co-governing with those parties known for their anticommunist stand". /s.sh/das/lm/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[20] Compulsory appearance in court for violator of Yugoslav embassy's flagTIRANA, April 17 (ATA)-By E. Koraqi, Compulsory appearance in court was the custody order issued by the Tirana Court on Friday against the violator of the Yugoslav embassy's flag.The teenager from Sauk, Agim Ajazi, on Friday took off the flag fixed at the balcony of the Yugoslav embassy, tearing down and throwing it to the ground. The prosecutor of the case, Arjan Sulstafa, accused Ajazi of "acts profaning the anthem and flag" and asked that compulsory appearance in court be the custody order against the detained. The detained rejected the prosecutor's charge, but confessed that "I am fully conscious of the act as I hate and do not want to see this flag in Albania". The court's jury, headed by Zeqine Sollaku, upheld the decision requested by the prosecutor. /s.sh/das/lm/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[21] Meidani decrees changes in composition of Council of MinistersTIRANA, April 17 (ATA)-On the basis of article 28, point 7, of law 7491, dated 29.04.1991 "On major constitutional provisions" amended under the law 7558, dated 9.04.1992, on proposal of the Chairman of the Council of Ministers, the President of the Republic on Friday decreed the following changes in the composition of the Council of Ministers: 1. Neritan Ceka is released from the position of the Interior Minister2. Perikli Teta is released from the position of the State Secretary for Defence Policy and appointed Minister of Public Order 3. Kastriot Islami is released from the position of the State Minister close to the Chairman of the Council of Ministers and appointed deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Government Coordination 4. Ndre Legisi is released from the position of the Secretary of State at the Interior Ministry The decree comes into force immediately. /s.sh./das/lm/ From the Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) Home Page at http://www.telpress.it/ataAlbanian Telegraphic Agency Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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