Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 98-05-06

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] New deputy chairman of parliamentary Foreign Commission elected

[02] Greek aid raised to cooperation level in health service

[03] SP secretaries join newly created wing of this party

[04] Deputy PM, European delegation discuss reform in local government

[05] Day of Nation's Martyrs commemorated

[06] President Rugova asks greater pressure on Belgrade

[07] Five people found dead in Gjakova, Decan on Wednesday

[08] Shootings continue in Drenica

[09] Italian foreign minister briefs Albanian PM on Rome meeting

[10] Albania president opens Strasbourg conference

[11] Italian foreign minister briefs Albanian PM on Rome meeting

[12] Economists' opinions to be considered by MPEP

[13] European Congress on local and regional authorities to help reconstruct Albanian institutions

[14] Albanian work force equal to 1,850,000 people

[15] USD quoted at lek 156,50

[16] Greek Minister of Health promises aid for University Hospital Center

[17] VAT makes up over 51 percent of customs' revenues

[18] Around 2500 quintals of tobacco on hold

[19] Incomes, expenses realised 91 percent

[20] Inter ministerial plan to support KESH

[21] Parliament eases consequences of a decree on trade unions by former Albanian president

[22] DP may meet President on the question of Constitution - President adviser

[23] Gramoz Xhaferaj named General Director of Prisons

[24] CORRECTION

[25] Haegi promises aid for Albanian local government

[26] European Parliament Greek deputy Alavanos in favour of intensification of Greece-Albania relations

[01] New deputy chairman of parliamentary Foreign Commission elected

Lakrori earlier held the position of the Secretary

of State for Euro-Atlantic Integration and was later

released from this office in the context of the governmental changes carried out by Prime Minister Fatos Nano. /a.ke/mima/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] Greek aid raised to cooperation level in health service

Minister Geitona said that "the signed agreement is expected to lay the foundation for stable cooperation especially in the public health, the epidemiology, interborder cooperation, exchange of experience between special health teams from Albania and Greece, and vaccination as well as free treatment for the Albanian emigrants registered in Greece."

The Greek state had accorded a credit worth 20 billion Drachmas, five of which are earmarked for the health service.

The Albanian health minister Leonard Solis considered the Greek aid a "major cooperation in present projects, which will be carried out in the health sector. The Greek credit will complete a considerable amount in a credit worth $28 million in the framework of the aid from different states for the Albanian health." ake/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] SP secretaries join newly created wing of this party

The two secretaries of the Socialist Party (SP), Petro Koci and Musa Ulqini, have joined a newly created wing of this party, SP secretary general Pandeli Majko told ATA.

"After the first confusion in the debate for a change, a very positive precipitation is being noticed which cannot hide the fact that the new SP policies enjoy a strong support from the new generation in the SP policy," said Majko.

"Blushi's positioning, strengthening of Meta's positions, and the position of the SP secretaries, Koci and Ulqini, are a significant evidence of this fact. I hope that the SP is giving new messages for the new generation which expects and requires of it," said Majko.

"I hope that very soon the new visions of the SP policy will take a full shape, with the protagonists, not excluding those who have different views," Majko said on Tuesday.

The creation of a new wing inside the SP was declared on Monday. It was represented by the chairman of the Euro-Socialist Youth Forum, Ilir Meta, currently State Secretary for European integration; the Prime Minister's spokesman and member of the SP General Steering Committee, Ben Blushi, and SP's Secretary General, Pandeli Majko.

This political wing has the support of Prime Minister Fatos Nano. /mima/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] Deputy PM, European delegation discuss reform in local government

Press and information Department at the Council of Ministers said that Fino briefed the guests on the government's activity in drawing up the legal basis and lifting of Secretary of Local government to the level of ministry.

He stressed the readiness of the Albanian government to sign the Charter of Local Autonomy.

The European delegation discussed problems of securing a real autonomy for the local government.

The meeting presented the idea of setting up agencies of local democracy, which will serve as centers for an exchange of experience to help function the local government. ake/das/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] Day of Nation's Martyrs commemorated

In Tirana, senior state and government authorities, political party representatives, associations and others paid homage to and laid wreaths on the martyrs' graves.

Parliament's speaker Skender Gjinushi and Prime Minister Fatos Nano also went to the cemetery.

On this occasion, senior state authorities, political party leaders, representatives of patriotic organisations and associations and others visited martyrs' families in the capital.

In his visits to the martyrs' families, also accompanied by war veterans, Gjinushi evoked the partisan heroism, expressing, on behalf of the institution he runs, the deep respect for the martyrs of the Anti- fascist war. /s.s/das/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] President Rugova asks greater pressure on Belgrade

President Rugova in Prishtine on Tuesday discussed the current situation in Kosova and the possibilities of a peaceful solution to the Kosova issue with German ambassador Martin Lutz and the first secretary of the Great Britain's embassy in Belgrade, David Slin, according to the Kosova Centre of Information.

Rugova reconfirmed that the Kosova people, despite the current violence and massacres, are determined to realise their will for independence, freedom and democracy through peaceful means.

"Unconditional dialogue between Prishtine and Belgrade, at a neutral place under international mediation, is indispensable for a peaceful solution to the Kosova issue," said Rugova. /p.ta/das/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] Five people found dead in Gjakova, Decan on Wednesday

Reports said that Serb military operations continued during Tuesday night and Wednesday morning and that helicopters flew over these regions.

An Albania shepherd was found drowned in the Bistrice river in Deçan while another was missing. Both shepherds were seen on Tuesday for the last time near the Monastery of Deçan, where, according to the Council of Human Rights, Serbian forces were deployed.

Two Albanian brothers were shot late on Tuesday near the Barani village, Peja, while they were travelling by car. One of them died at the scene while the other, head of the sub division of the Kosova Democratic League (LDK) in Baran, was seriously injured, Center for Information in Kosova reported.

The Serbian radio in Prishtina said that there was a shoot-out between Serbian police and Albanians in midnight in the center of Mitrovica city claiming the life of a Serbian policeman and seriously wounding two others. One person was killed from the attackers.

The same sources said that a police car was shelled while the Albanian sources from Mitrovica said that the scene, the quarter Tavnik, was sealed off by police and at least six Albanians were arrested.

Prishtina press reported that the dismembered body of a 14 years old Albanian young woman was found late on Tuesday in Stanterg, in a part of the mine, near Mitrovica. pta/das/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] Shootings continue in Drenica

"The shootings are audible in other villages", which were under curfew for almost two months, an activist of the Democratic League of Kosova in Llaushe said by phone.

He added that many Albanian houses were shelled but there were no reports on casualties. pta/das/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] Italian foreign minister briefs Albanian PM on Rome meeting

The letter said that the Contact Group strongly stressed the need for a solution to the Kosova crisis through an urgent imposed action taking into consideration that the situation was unbearable and carried in itself the danger of a conflict, which would spill over to other countries, press and information department at the Council of Ministers said on Wednesday.

"As to a problem Albania is much concerned, the Contact Group has praised as priority the need to assist the border countries aiming at guaranteeing border security," Dini said in his letter.

He also mentioned that the Contact group had defined a package of measures which aimed at stimulating a political dialogue between the sides.

Later Dini presented the idea that besides tighter measures against Belgrade, new proposals should be made aiming at rehabilitating Yugoslavia in the international community with the condition that Belgrade renounced violence and repression in Kosova and paved the way for dialogue with Prishtina.

These decisions had taken into consideration Albania's requests on this problem, Dini said adding that he held that he would continue to work on these decisions even in the future. s.sh/das/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] Albania president opens Strasbourg conference

President Meidani presented some of his reflexions on the present and future of democracy in Albania, in the region and broader. He stressed that the liberties and human rights should be widely affirmed as the only "ideology" of the modern democracy in a world which was changing.

Referring to a quick development of science and technology in the human life, president Meidani underlined the necessity of wide-range spiritual revival through special cultural policies but especially through the creation of another economic law he called "the moral market economy."

Later, Meidani focused on efforts Albania was undertaking to enhance the juridical and institutional state.

He also spoke of constitution as an open process assisted by the Council of Europe through the Venice Commission.

The Kosova issue with crimes and genocide exerted by the Serbian regime against the Albanian population in Kosova, had a special place in Meidani's speech.

He called on international community to prevent violence proposing the possibility of reconciliation of the right for self-rule with the right of territorial integration of a country.

President Meidani was accompanied by deputy parliamentary Speaker Namik Dokle. s.s/das/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] Italian foreign minister briefs Albanian PM on Rome meeting

The letter said that the Contact Group strongly stressed the need for a solution to the Kosova crisis through an urgent imposed action taking into consideration that the situation was unacceptable and carried in itself the danger of a conflict, which would spill over to other countries.

"As to the problem Albania is much concerned, the Contact Group has praised as priority the need to assist the border countries aiming at guaranteeing border security," Dini said in his letter.

He also mentioned that the Contact group had defined a package of measures which aimed at stimulating a political dialogue between the sides.

Later Dini presented the idea that besides tighter measures against Belgrade, new proposals should be made aiming at rehabilitating Yugoslavia in the international community on the condition that Belgrade renounces violence and repression in Kosova and paves the way for dialogue with Prishtina. s.sh/das/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] Economists' opinions to be considered by MPEP

The Ministry of Public Economy and Privatization (MPEP) in collaboration with the Economics Faculty are the initiator of this cooperation.

The ministry will stage various debates, where the opinion of economics specialists will be considered in drafting different programs.

The cooperation was approved Tuesday by signing an agreement between the Albanian minister of Public Economy and Privatization, Ylli Bufi and Dean of Economics Faculty Dhori Kule. /gen/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] European Congress on local and regional authorities to help reconstruct Albanian institutions

"The process of democratization and division of competence of institutions in Albania cannot be imported, it must be natural and this can be made possible through the establishment of the Embassy of Local Democracy in Tirane," said Hagui in a meeting with Albanian Prime Minister Fatos Nano.

Mr Nano said that his government wants to give more competence to local authorities so that they feel their responsibility before the electors.

"During the first 9 months of the new governing, the relations with the local government have been a priority, which is also proved with the creation of the Local Government Ministry," said Nano.

He underlined the positive fact of domination of the opposition in the local government, creating possibilities of cooperation between the ruling parties and those in opposition. /mima/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] Albanian work force equal to 1,850,000 people

Approximately 919,000 of the work force are female and 931,000 males.

Based on the study the work force from 1996 until late 1997 has witnessed an increase. Out of 1,274,000 the work force in 1996, it was up to 1,301,000 people in 1997.

Unemployment rate is up. From 12,4 percent it was in country scale in 1996, it has swelled to 14,9 percent.

Structure of work force (in thousands) ------------------------------------- --------------------------- ! 1996 ! 1997 --------------------------------------------------------------- Work force ! 1274 ! 1301 ----------------------- ---------------------------------------- Involvement of work force ! 68,9% ! ---------------------------------------------------------------- -female ! 510 ! 507 -male ! 764 ! 794 ------------------------------------------------------------- -- unemployment percentage ! 158 ! 194 -------------------- ------------------------------------------- unemployment rate ! 12,4% ! 14,9% ----------------------------------------------------------- ----- -female ! 70 ! 84 -male ! 88 ! 110 -------------------------------------------------------------

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] USD quoted at lek 156,50

So $1 = 156,50 lek, lossing 0,50 points compared with yesterday's 157, 10 lek.

The DM was traded for 86,50 lek, lossing 0,60 points compared to yesterday's 87,10 lek.

The ITL (1000) was traded for 87,20 lek lossing 0.50 points compared with yesterday's 87,70 lek.

GRD (100) was exchanged for 50,10 lek, gaining 0,30 points compared with yesterday's 50,40

The Swiss Franc was traded for 104,30 lek lossing 1,00 points compared with yesterday's 105,30 lek and so on.

Wednesday exchange rates

Currency Average exchange rates

USD 156,50 lek DM 86,50 lek ITL (1000) 87,20 lek GRD (100) 50,10 lek SFR 103,10 lek FRF 23,10 lek GBP 220,20 lek JPY (100) 111,30 lek NLG 73,10 lek

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] Greek Minister of Health promises aid for University Hospital Center

"The defining of concrete objectives for institutional cooperation in the medical system of the two countries is the main issue on which we must insist. Here we must also forecast our active participation in the development of the working system in the Center," said Gitona in a meeting with the staff of the center today.

The doctors briefed the Greek Minister of the threat of the spread of the viral hepatitis in the form of epidemic and asked emergent aid from the institution he is leading such as the necessary material basis and scholarships for specialization of the medical staff.

During the past three years, two serious epidemics were registered in Albania, cholera and polio. The latest data mark an increase of the number of the sick with jaundice in all zones of the country and especially among Albanian emigrants in Greece. /mima/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] VAT makes up over 51 percent of customs' revenues

Thus, VAT revenues during April were posted of 1,4 billion lek.

However the amount makes up only 72 percent of expected earnings for these months, while the forecasted plan is projected to 2 billion leks.

Among customs house, that have the specific weight in realising the VAT plan for imported goods, only Gjirokastra custom posted earnings of 180 million leks, translated to 140 percent of the plan.

Though from Durres custom was collected 421 million lek and from Tirana customs 322 million leks, the predicted plan from these customs is fulfilled 64 percent and 52 percent respectively.

By the application of VAT for imported goods are posted profits of 6, 1 billion lek, out of 10,6 billion lek of total revenues from customs' during these first four months of the year. /gen/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] Around 2500 quintals of tobacco on hold

According to tobacco specialists, Shkodra district has the largest area in country scale cultivated with tobacco seed around 3000 hectares each year.

They sell part of their product to the tobacco plant in Elbasan, or in Greece and the rest to the neighboring Montenegro.

But according to specialists the main problem remains the closure of Shkodra tobacco plant, which can turnout around 1500 tonnes of cigarettes annually, the same quantity the northern region consumes.

The farmers of Shkodra and Malesia e Madhe districts can profit some $25 million yearly from the selling of tobacco, if the plant will be operational. /gen/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] Incomes, expenses realised 91 percent

At present, according to sources from the Bank of Albania the total of incomes and expenses makes up around 91 percent of those predicted in the program.

Thus the state budget deficit reached 5 billion lek, as envisaged in the program.

More than 76 percent of it is covered by internal finances, while the rest is covered by foreign finances, (ASAC project and Greek grant). /gen/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[20] Inter ministerial plan to support KESH

The ministries of economy, finance, public order and local power organs will support KESH in each country's districts against misuses of power.

Also defined legal acts will serve this purpose. KESH itself is working in simplifying the electric connection schemes for budgetary and non budgetary subjects, families and private companies.

The work aims at not damaging the power links of all subjects, who pay in due time the electricity bills. /gen/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[21] Parliament eases consequences of a decree on trade unions by former Albanian president

"The decree issued since June 1992 could not be passed by the present parliament because it had to be countersigned by ex-Prime Minister Aleksander Meksi," Zamira Caka, chairman of the Commission of Laws told ATA, referring to constitutional provisions.

"Although the decree was not made legal, it has had judicial effects related with the distribution of the properties of the trade unions, abuses of the assets and change of destination of the objects," said Caka, adding that the law serves this end.

Democrat deputies opposed the idea on the control and administration of the assets of the trade union by the State Control Service and asked that this control be made by a special or permanent parliamentary commission, a proposal which is being considered by the Presidency of the Parliament. /a.ke/mima/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[22] DP may meet President on the question of Constitution - President adviser

The adviser belied an article in one of the dailies which cited him to have said that "there is no doubt that the President will take into consideration what the opposition demands as a condition for it to participate in the process for the drafting of the Constitution."

He said that "so far the President of the Republic, in various meetings and in his press releases has made it clear that the process for the drafting of the constitution should be above the daily politics and have in its foundations the interests and democratic developments of the country."

DP has forwarded two conditions in return of its participation in the process of the constitution. It demands that one of the co-chairmen of the Commission for the Drafting of the Constitution be its representative and 36 per cent of the members of the commission be from their ranks, so that DP has the possibility, according to it, to control the acts of the majority in the commission in case the majority wants to introduce articles which may not be considered democratic. /s.sh./mima/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[23] Gramoz Xhaferaj named General Director of Prisons

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[24] CORRECTION

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[25] Haegi promises aid for Albanian local government

"The Albanian Government seems to be committed to consolidate the functioning and self-administration of the local government" said Haegi in a meeting with the State Secretary for European Integration, Ilir Meta.

Meta said that Albania's integration into Europe can not be presumed without the construction and functioning of the local and regional government conformed to European standards.

The two interlocutors voiced their concern on the escalation of the crisis in Kosove and maltreatment of the leaders of the local government of the Albanians in FYROM. Mr Meta reiterated the demands of the Albanian Government for a presence of NATO forces in Albania and an international presence in Kosove as measures to prevent a spillover of the conflict.

"No state can be admitted in the Council of Europe if it does not implement the conventions of this organization" said Haegi referring the maltreatment of the local government leaders in the FYROM. /mima/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[26] European Parliament Greek deputy Alavanos in favour of intensification of Greece-Albania relations

In the meeting with the SP Secretary, Pandeli Majko and the Secretary for International Relations, Maqo Lakrori, Mr Alavanos also praised the stand of the Albanian Government and SP towards the crisis in Kosove and expresed himself in favour of the intensification of the bilateral relations.

With regard to the situation in Kosove, which was given a special place in the meeting, they highlighted the dialogue as the only means for the solution to the crisis.

Mr Alavanos is on a two-day official visit to Albania at the invitation of the SP Secretary General. /s.sh./mima/

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

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