Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 98-05-18

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] Teenagers' soccer matches over

[02] Serbian reinforcement in border villages

[03] Over 50 houses attacked in Buroje of Drenice

[04] Sarande Municipal Council asks redistribution of construction sites

[05] "Legambiente" soon at the Shengjin beach

[06] Revenues from taxes posted lek 214 mln

[07] USD quoted at lek 158,10

[08] Tirana Bank opens up new branch

[09] Loans for private sector remain in low level

[10] Around $117 million allocated to transmitting, delivery network

[11] WB allocates $1 mln on fostering social network

[12] Germans are asking for industrial park to invest

[13] Some 72 million lek earmarked for Memaliaj coal mine

[14] First National Conference of professional education starts proceedings

[15] Albania's President sends birthday wishes to Pope John Paul II

[16] Over 3500 unemployed farmers receive social assistance

[17] SP, SDP express disagreements on town-hall of Vlore

[18] Union for Democracy has not appointed CEC members for local polls

[19] Albania considers Rugova-Milosevic meeting a positive step but which must not be seen with euphoria

[20] Albanian sports legislation according to Spanish pattern

[21] Albania - the only country in Europe where nationals have no identity cards

[22] Police cannot prevent ordinary crimes, Canaj

[23] Albanian Foreign Minister visits Rumania

[01] Teenagers' soccer matches over

The ceremony was organized by the Youth department close to the Albanian Olympic Committee and the Albanian Soccer Federation (FSHF).

Some 284 teams with the participation of six thousand teenagers played 4 500 matches during the annual championship. s.sh/pas/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] Serbian reinforcement in border villages

A military convoy has been headed for Brekoc, Raçe and Kusar villages while other contingents have been deployed in the Çabrati hill.

It was reported that shootings which started on Saturday night against Baballoq, of the Decan commune, had intensively continued during Sunday including its suburbs.

Other forces and new fortifications were seen in the border areas of the commune of Dragash, in southwestern Kosova.

Gjakova, Deçani, Peja and their suburbs continue to be blocked. Their bus lines to Prishtina and other cities have not functioned even on Sunday. The goods transport is impossible and the isolated regions have recorded an increasing shortage of foodstuff and medicaments. pta/pas/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] Over 50 houses attacked in Buroje of Drenice

Sources of the Council of Human Rights in Kosova report on more houses set to fire and destroyed, but there no full reports on the consequences, because of the impossibility to infiltrate into the encircled areas. /p/ta/pas/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] Sarande Municipal Council asks redistribution of construction sites

The municipal council has addressed a report to Prime minister Fatos Nano and Speaker of Parliament Skender Gjinushi on these problems.

In the years 1992-1997 some thousands of construction sites were put at the disposal of the citizens, but in the decisions of distributing these sites there are many names that do not result as citizens of Sarande, leaders of the Sarande municipality council says.

They add that the same lists include Sarande citizens' names which appear two-three times (with two-three construction sites) and even names of little children, or of dead persons.

According to the same sources there have also been manipulations with the list of the persecuted and sites have been provided to people not having this status.

Currently the distribution of these sites has been blocked and the municipal councillors ask a correct redistribution of the sites.

A special urbanization study was carried out in 1995 regarding the new urban zone from the Tourism hotel to the Cuke Channel, and some 2000 construction sites were put at the disposal of the local government. /s.s/pas/lm/

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[05] "Legambiente" soon at the Shengjin beach

"The activity will also serve to introduce this zone to the businessmen who are interested in financing for the development of tourism here," the representative of the humanitarian "Intersos" Mauro Celladiu, told ATA.

Also taking part in this activity, besides the country's environmental associations, will be pupils from the Lezhe district.

The organisers of the activity will come on the Italian ship "Goleta verde" and bring the necessary material and propaganda base.

"Legambiente" organises an activity of this kind in Albania for the first time". /s.sh/pas/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] Revenues from taxes posted lek 214 mln

The fourth month plan is realised 93 percent, while based on the kind of taxes they are as follows, Value Added Tax equal to 112 percent, turnover tax equal to 144 percent, property tax equal to 132 and excise tax only 44 percent.

Excise tax plan is not realised because some construction companies hide their incomes and do not report their work on private subjects, tax department chief said.

But according to him they are closely working with construction police to curb this phenomenon.

Some 1120 judicial subjects conduct their commercial activity in Korca district.

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] USD quoted at lek 158,10

So $1 = 158,10 lek, lossing 0,10 points compared with yesterday's 158, 20 lek.

The DM was traded for 87,60 lek, lossing 0,20 points compared to yesterday's 87,80 lek.

The ITL (1000) was traded for 88,50 lek lossing 0,10 points compared with yesterday's 88,60 lek.

GRD (100) was exchanged for 50,50 lek, lossing 0,10 points compared with yesterday's 50,60

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

Monday exchange rates

Currency Average exchange rates

USD 158,10 lek DM 87,60 lek ITL (1000) 88,50 lek GRD (100) 50,60 lek SFR 103,30 lek FRF 23,60 lek GBP 220,50 lek JPY (100) 111,30 lek NLG 73,40 lek

GEN/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] Tirana Bank opens up new branch

Initially the Durres branch will employ 10 people, while in the coming months the number will rise.

Tirana Bank which operates in Albania since two-year now, in January opened up its second branch in Fieri town south west Albania and its is successfully competing in the banking system regarding the interest rates and the initial capital. gen/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] Loans for private sector remain in low level

Based on a ministry's specialists study results that the very low level of this crediting will have serious consequences for economy's long tern development, taking into consideration the potential role this sector plays.

On the other side government's credit held 93 percent of the domestic crediting up to December 1997.

Since December 1996 the credits for private sector increased 18,4 percent, though its amount compared with the total crediting is lower than the same period in 1996.

Credits for government increased with 45 percent since the end of 1996 and its amount compared to the total crediting rose with 2,7 percent for the same period in 1996. gen/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] Around $117 million allocated to transmitting, delivery network

The amount will be provided by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and Japanese OECF and also by two grants from the Swiss and Italian governments.

According to specialists from the Albanian Energy Corporation (AEC), the project which has started since June 1996 is predicted to end by June 2001.

Among the main objectives of this project is the general rehabilitation of the electric grid in order to adequately supply people with power.

Another project's significant objective is the reduction of unbilled power, which currently makes up the greatest financial loss to AEC.

Also the starting of privatization process in this sector is regarded with priority. In projects' framework is also encompassed the privatization of the delivery network of Elbasan, Vlore and Shkoder towns with 30 percent of shares.

In relation to the privatization process the project forecasts the strengthening of AEC enterprises in these three towns /gen/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] WB allocates $1 mln on fostering social network

According to ministry's spokesman the meeting discussed all issues regarding the Social Insurances Institute projects to invest in construction sector and the establishing of social security number.

The meeting pointed out that the work in meeting these targets can proceed, because all conditions imposed by the WB to finances them are sorted out.

In the sector of construction investments, WB has injected cash on the construction and equipping labor offices in Tirana, Korce and Elbasani towns.

Elbirt stressed out that despite the obstacles, WB has confirmed the continuation of projects co financed by the Albanian ministry of Labour and Social Affairs for 1998-99 period, which aim the development of social network and for this purpose a $1 million fund is granted. /gen/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] Germans are asking for industrial park to invest

The talks focused on the possibility of setting up an industrial park, where German companies can invest.

Germans also proposed to invest in processing metals waste. For this purpose groups of German specialists will visit the country to study the possibilities of deepening the cooperation.

Minister Bufi made a panorama of Albania's government main objectives to develop the economy, the undertaken steps on the privatization process of public potential sectors.

Rheinland Pfalz region is known in Germany for its car manufacturing industry. Its plants turnout engines for giants "General Motors' company. /gen/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] Some 72 million lek earmarked for Memaliaj coal mine

Meanwhile, the mine suffered considerable damage during the last year unrest and for this purpose a rehabilitation project is being drafted, sources from the Mines' General Department said for ATA.

Around 72 million lek are being pumped up for restoration work, buying equipment etc.

The improvement of technical and financial sectors guarantees the mine's working pace. This year is predicted to be extracted 40,000 tonnes of coal mineral, out of which 24,000 tonnes are already contracted. /gen/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] First National Conference of professional education starts proceedings

This conference, which will last three days, aims at creating a new strategy of the professional education in accordance with the social- economic conditions of Albania and with the requests of the labour market.

Attending was also the President of the Republic, Rexhep Meidani, the Chairman of the People's Assembly, Skender Gjinushi, Prime Minister Fatos Nano, the Minister of Education and Science, Ethem Ruka and others. /s.s/pas/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] Albania's President sends birthday wishes to Pope John Paul II

"On the 78th aniverssary of Your birthday, allow me, your Holiness, to convey the best wishes for Your health and long life in the holy mission for peace, understanding, love and reconciliation all over the world," says the message among others.

On this ocassion, continues the President, I would like to join the voice of believers and the whole Albanian people with the wishes coming today from the entire civilized world. /s.sh/mima/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] Over 3500 unemployed farmers receive social assistance

This new measure for unemployed farmers is introduced recently. After the restitution of land reform, farmers were automatically considered employed due to the land ownership.

Realising that the bulk of land in mountainous regions was unproductive and the majority of farmers lacked financial means to plough it, the state decided to include into social assistance schemes these farmers.

Based on the farmers unemployment rate, Shkodra district comes first, than Kukesi and third Dibra district.

In Shkodra district, north west Albania which has a high unemployment rate, there are 741 farmers, who receive social assistance. /gen/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] SP, SDP express disagreements on town-hall of Vlore

The representatives of five parties of the government coalition and the National Unity Party discussed Monday in a meeting the candidates for mayor in the towns of Vlore, Vore and Ura Vajgurore, and agreed only on the last.

"There will be discussed only the candidatures for the town-hall of Vlore, which are both of the Socialist Party and the town-hall of Vore between the Socialist Party and the Social Democratic Party," the SP Coordination Secretary, Gramoz Ruci, told ATA after the meeting.

Meanwhile, the SDP Secretary General, Dhori Kule, said that the candidature of SDP has been decided for the town-hall of Vore.

"We are still negotiating. We have not fixed any names for the town- hall of Vore. Anyhow, the coalition has expressed understanding for everything," said the SP Secretary General, Pandeli Majko.

After the appointment of all candidatures, the parties of the government coalition and the National Unity will issue a joint statement where they will define the joint symbol. /mima/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] Union for Democracy has not appointed CEC members for local polls

"We are still working so that all the other parties of Union for Democracy take part in the commission," the Secretary General of the Democratic Party, Genc Pollo, told ATA on Monday.

Pollo did not give any deadline when Union for Democracy will present the names which will be decreed by the President of the Republic. /mima/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] Albania considers Rugova-Milosevic meeting a positive step but which must not be seen with euphoria

The spokesman also told a news conference that the Contact Group and the International Community should respect themselves by implementing the decisions adopted in the previous meetings.

"Although the meeting between Milosevic and Rugova is a positive step, it must not be seen with euphoria because the police violence is still continuing in Kosove," said the spokesman.

He declared there can not be normal negotiations at a time when the situation becomes tenser and tenser.

"The parties may talk on the solution to the question of Kosove after military and police troops are immediately withdrawn and violence towards ethnic Albanians is stopped," said the spokesman.

He reiterated the stance of the Albanian Government that a very good solution would be Kosova's granting of the status of the third republic within the Yugoslav Federation. /mima/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[20] Albanian sports legislation according to Spanish pattern

Tartari focused later on many other problems faced by sports nowadays, such as the extension of sportive activities in the overpopulated zones of the country, the care that should be taken for the specialized sportive schools, and others. /a.ke/mima/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[21] Albania - the only country in Europe where nationals have no identity cards

Teta reported in an interpellation demanded by two socialist deputies, of the hindrances that Albanian citizens encounter in their efforts to get identity cards, the measures adopted to bar the way to abuses with regard to these passports.

"Work must begin first with the cards of identity and then the passports for the citizens," said Teta.

"A fund for a quantity of passports for traveling abroad has been adopted since 1994," said the Minister, adding that "from 2.02 million passports which had to be prepared until December 31, 1996, only half of them has been printed so far."

"Beginning with the coming June, Albanian nationals will not have any difficulty to get their passports," said Teta, who also asked that the law on this issue be amended.

Socialist deputy Gramoz Ruci demanded, in the name of the SP parliamentary group, another interpellation with Minister Teta to report of the work for penal prosecution of the person who has decided on the winner of the tender for the new passports.

According to Ruci, there had been two offers for the printing of the new passports, one with 4 USD a passport and the other with 6 USD, but the tender was won by a firm which issued the passports with 10 USD dollars each. /s.s/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[22] Police cannot prevent ordinary crimes, Canaj

Canaj told ATA that "The police cannot be present in any ordinary act, in any quarrel which suddenly finishes in gunshots. It is important that the authors have been uncovered and many of them have been detained and will respond before justice."

Canaj said that the measures taken by the police in cooperation with the criminal police have reduced the robberies of houses and cars. Some 7-8 vehicles were stolen in a day before, while last month this phenomenon has been minimized to 1-2 a day.

"The police of the capital will take on Tuesday some 20 police vans, which will be distributed to the police commissariats," ended Canaj. /mima/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[23] Albanian Foreign Minister visits Rumania

The Albanian Foreign Ministry press department reports that the talks held Monday morning focused on the bilateral and multilateral relations, the situation in the region and mainly on the situation in Kosove. /a.ke/s.s./xh/

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

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