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Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 98-06-23Albanian Telegraphic Agency Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) Home Page at <http://www.telpress.it/ata>Albanian Telegraphic AgencyCONTENTS
[01] Kosova President meets Russian deputy Foreign MinisterPRISHTINA, June 22 - ATA correspondent in Prishtina, Belul Jashari, reports: The chairman of the Republic of Kosova, Ibrahim Rugova, met Monday in Prishtina with the Russian deputy Foreign Minister, Nikolai Afansievski and his delegation.During the meeting, they talked about the fresh developments in Kosova and the possibilities to ease the tension in order to create the conditions for talks and for a political solution of the Kosova issue. The Russian diplomat informed chairman Rugova about the content of the meeting between Yeltsin and Milosevic. He said that his country is engaged in the peaceful solution of the Kosova crisis and is making efforts to ease the tension aiming at resuming the negotiations between Prishtina and Belgrade. Chairman Rugova stressed that the establishment of dialogue is necessary to prevent the further escalation of violence and conflict in Kosova. But, before the negotiations will start, the regime of Belgrade should meet all the requests of the Contact Group, said Rugova. Rugova asked a military intervention of the international community in order to force Belgrade withdraw the military and police forces from Kosova, interrupt the aggression and stop the ethnic cleansing of Kosova. Talking about the political solution of the Kosova issue, Rugova said that Kosova was one of the equal units of the Yugoslav Federation. He said that at the time of its dissolution, the Kosova people was declared for independence and the best solution is Kosova, independent and neutral state, with all the guarantees for the Serbian interests in Kosova. Chairman Rugova said that Russia can help the peaceful solution of the Kosova issue and asked its engagement in this direction. /la/das/mt/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[02] Speculative prices in capital's vegetable marketTIRANA, June 22 (ATA) - By P. Shuteriqi: The speculators are taking advantage of the prices, the Tirana department of food and agriculture has noticed recently, meanwhile that according to the specialists the agricultural and stock-farming product is at its highest point.Tomatoes were sold last week at 50-6- leks per kilo, while now they are sold at 120-130 leks per kilo, said Fatmira Jano, economist of marketing in the Department of Food and Agriculture. This price, according to her, is unacceptable in front of the plentiful product of the field communes of the capital. The same thing is happening even with the onions, which are sold at 100 leks per kilo. Very expensive are also the fruits of the season, like cherries, 200 leks/kg, peaches, 150 leks/kilo, and others. /mt/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[03] Town-planning study for touristic zone of Saranda approvedTIRANA, June 22 (ATA) - By M. Pupa: The town-planning study of the touristic zone of Saranda from the hotel-tourism to Kanali i Cukes was approved. This project operates in both sides of the road and the line from the national road to the sea remains green. The objects to be constructed along it will have a touristic character, excluding that for living. Several buildings, mainly hotels with two or three stores, will be built in order to point out the touristic character of the zone by leaving large green spaces between them. /mt/Albanian Telegraphic Agency[04] Goods of renowned companies sequestrated in TiranaTIRANA, June 22 (ATA) - By D. Koca: The activity of several well- known companies, among them Lara sh.p.k, Irakli, Superbeton, Guden, were suspended and the goods worth 33 million leks have been sequestrated because they had not paid the tax obligations on time, sources from the Tirana Tax Department reported.They also sequestrated on Monday in a bar some eight video games, because of exercising the activity without permission. According to the chief of the Tax Police, Bujar Zylfo, since the beginning of this control in the whole Tirana, some 38 video games have been sequestrated so far. The control over trading and producing companies, according to the tax specialists, will continue. /mt/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[05] Dinghy with illegal emigrants seized in DurresDURRES, June 23 (ATA) - By G. Kabashi: The Albanian-Italian forces of Guardia di Finanzia have blocked on Monday evening a dinghy with 10 illegal emigrants aboard, who have started towards the Italian shores.The spokesman of Guardia di Finanzia told ATA that the illegal emigrants were escorted for the verification of documents by the border police in the department of Durres port. Meanwhile, it is identified the owner of the dinghy, who is under arrest, while the dinghy has been sequestrated. Early investigations report that the aliens are inhabitants of Durres and left on Monday evening from the beach of Golem. /s.s/das/mt/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[06] Serbs demand return of their sons under armsPRISHTINA, June 23 (ATA) - Scores of Serbian citizens, coming from different territories of Serbia, were gathered yesterday in front of the building of Vushtri commune (North-West of Prishtina,) the Kosova Information Center reports. Sources from the Kosova Democratic League of this commune reported that the Serbian citizens had come to demand their sons who carry out the military service in the barracks of this town. /p.ta/das/mt/Albanian Telegraphic Agency[07] Serbian forces shoot several houses in SkenderajPRISHTINA, June 22 (ATA) - The Serbian forces shot yesterday several houses in the town of Skenderaj, but no casualties were reported. Meanwhile, there were many material damages, the Kosova Information Center reported.In Skenderaj, the Serbian forces shot against several houses, one of which was gravely damaged. There were also many shots towards the houses in the new quarter of the town, where two other houses were gravely damaged. The same source reported that the Serbian forces shelled Llaushe village for four hours. /p.ta/das/mt/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[08] Warrant-officer of Guard of the Republic accidentally suicidedTIRANA, June 23 (ATA) - The Tirana Police Department reported that on Tuesday, at 11:15, the citizen Robert Hoxha, 25, warrant-officer of the Guard of the Republic, branch of Escorting Senior Personalities, member of the escorting group of deputy PM Bashkim Fino, has committed accidental suicide by playing with his gun.An announcement of the spokesman of the Order Ministry, informs that the investigating group, set up for this case, reported that after the scientific expertise it came out that the citizen Robert Hoxha has committed accidental suicide. /a.ke/das/mt/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[09] Tuesday exchange ratesTIRANA, JUNE 23 (ATA)- By Lolita Thanasi,Currency Average exchange rates bought sold USD 154.00 154.20 DM 86.60 86.80 LIT(1000) 87.60 87.80 GRD(100) 50.00 50.05 /mt/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[10] Partial local polls in Albania - a step towards consolidation of democracyTIRANE, June 23 (ata) - By Ilir Paco: The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the Council of Europe (CE) considered Tuesday as "fair and democratic" last Sunday's partial local elections, accepting at the same time some small irregularities, which, as they said, do not harm the legitimacy of the polls.In a news conference today at noon, the OSCE Ambassador in Tirane, Daan Everts, said that nevertheless the pre-election phase has not passed without problems. Everts said that the securing of equal access of state TV for all political forces was a problem solved in the last moments. "The opposition had to be compensated after the governing party has been granted campaign- related airtime outside the politically allowed time slots," said Daan Everts, citing the text of a joint statement of OSCE and CE. He also said that the small parties have not been treated rightly by the state television. Daan Everts and Owen Masters, reporter of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe (Council of Europe) said that these elections are considered a significant improvement over the 1997 parliamentary elections, in terms of voting climate and election administration. But they said they were concerned of the low participation of the people in it. This fact, according to them, "may be an indication of lack of public confidence in the political process." The European officials had criticism also for the Central Election Commission (CEC,) which, according to them, was created for the local elections when a Permanent Election Commission with a seven year mandate, was appointed in 1997, as recommended by OSCE and ODIHR in May 1996. Nonetheless, this commission is to be commended for its work. In reply to a question by an ATA reporter, Daan Everts said that also in Vlore the elections were normal, despite some small incidents. He added that the small incidents, wherever they have occurred, were provoked by one or the other side. The Union for Democracy has considered the elections violated and for the Municipality of Vlore it has declared it does not recognizes the polls. On June 21, partial local polls were held in 7 municipalities and 9 communes in Albania, because their former local leaders had abandoned their posts during the unrest of last year, or have left these posts for various reasons. According to party sources, the candidates of the grouping Alliance for State have won in four municipalities and in six communes, while the grouping Union for Democracy has won in one municipality and in two communes. /s.s./pas/xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[11] PHARE for development of localities in AlbaniaTIRANE, June 23 (ata) - By Nina Mano: The program "For development of local community" of the PHARE project of the European Union, has entered its active phase, official sources of the European Commission in Tirane told ATA.Started in September 1996, the project aims at reconstructing the basic infrastructures in rural zones and in small towns with the aim of improving the living conditions for the local population and supporting the economic development of these regions. Its value is estimated at 8.5 million ECU and the Albanian Development Fund is appointed to realise it. In 1997, the program was added with a new component, the reconstruction of the ruined buildings and institutions, a phase which ends in December 1999. A fund of 6.4 million ECUs has been earmarked for the project, of which 0.7 million for the buildings of the institutions, 5.7 million others for projects of the basic infrastructure. All the projects are being realised by Albanian construction firms selected through open tenders. The program also has the components of training and visits of local representatives to various countries of Europe. In July this year, the second Program of the Development of Local Community starts, with a value of 5 million ECU, which will be extended to 16 other districts of Albania. Another program at the values of 3 million ECU, named "Improved Tirane" is underway and isexpected to start in 1999. It consists of a number of reconstruction work in the basic infrastructure beginning with streets, pavements, water and electric supplying networks, public illumination, etc, and divided in pilot zones. /xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[12] Albania-U.S. fund towards opening commercial bankTIRANA, JUNE 23 (ATA)-By D. Koca, Finance Minister Arben Malaj on Tuesday met with members of Directors' Board of Albanian-U.S. Fund of Enterprises led by the head of this board, Domenick G Scaglione, according to the spokesman of the Finance Ministry."We are pleased with the ongoing activity of the Fund and despite the difficulties created by the situation in the region, we will keep increasing investments in Albania," said Scaglione at the beginning of the meeting. He also said that "besides expanding our activity in granting credits and investments in various sectors of the economy, mainly in small and medium enterprises, we have worked and are completing the legal procedures to open a commercial bank in Albania." Minister Malaj, after praising the successful activity of the Albanian-U.S.Fund, expressed the belief that the Bank of Albania will very soon issue the final license of creating the bank from this fund. "This bank will help not only to directly develop business in Albania through credit and investments, but will also serve as a guarantee for building confidence and attracting foreign investments in Albania," Malaj said. /lm/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[13] Level of unemployment in Albania 17.1 per cent - Ministry of LabourTIRANE, June 23 (ata) - By Lolita Thanasi: The number of the registerred unemployed in Albania for May is 217 616 of whom 1 273 920 are able-bodied people. The general level of unemployment is 17.1 per cent.Among the unemployed, 98.494 are women (45 %) and 119 122 are men (55 %), 204 119 or 19 % of the unemployed are in the town and 13 497 or 6 % in the countryside. Unemployment in May has increased as compared with the previous month, when this number was 215 586. According to sources in the Ministry of Labour, this increase is a result of the registration in the Labour offices of people who have been unemployed before, but have not been listed. Another reason for the growth of the unemployment is also the presentation of unemployment papers by some pretending as such in order to profit economic assistance at a time when these people are working illegally, and the return home of Albanian emigrants from other states and their registration in Labour Offices. /xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[14] Over 210 million leks spent on public care yearlyTIRANA, June 23 (ATA)-By Lolita Thanasi, The Social Relief and Service Administration (APNSHS) spends over 210 million leks yearly for public care institutions.The spokesman of the Ministry of Labour and Social affairs, APNSHS today runs five infant homes, two preschool children homes, five homes of the elderly and six rehabilitation centres for handicapped children. Some 1000 people are under the constant care of this Institution, which has expanded links with foreign donors and humanitarian organisations to improve their conditions. /lm/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[15] Good results of Albanian United Right wing in June 21st partial electionsTIRANE, June 23 (ata) - By K Shehu: The leaders of the grouping the Albanian United Right wing (DBSH) stated Tuesday that their grouping gained 13 per cent of the votes in the partial local polls, which, according to them, had numerous irregularities.Fatmir Mediu, chairman of the Republican Party said Tuesday in a news conference that DBSH reached good results in Ura Vajgurore, where it is the second political force and in most of other zones it takes second place with little differences, among three other groupings. Three political groupings presented their candidates in the latest local polls, the Alliance for the State which comprises the government coalition parties the Socialist party, Democratic Alliance party, Social Democratic party, Agrarian party, and the Human Rights Union party as well as National Unity party, the right-wing political grouping "Unity for Democracy" which comprises the Democratic party, Social Democrat Union party, Legality Movement party, Christian Democratic party and Democratic Union party, and DBSH grouping which consists of the Republican Party, the Balli Kombetar party, the Party of December Movement, the Conservative party and the Right Democratic party. "The low turnout in the polls is a slam for the Albanian policy, showing it is not influencing in reviving hope for the country's recovery," said leaders of this grouping in the news conference today. On June 21, partial local polls were held in 7 municipalities and 9 communes in Albania, because their former local leaders had abandoned their posts during the unrest of last year, or have left these posts for various reasons. According to party sources, the candidates of the grouping Alliance for State have won in four municipalities and in six communes, while the grouping Union for Democracy has won in one municipality and in two communes. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the Council of Europe (CE) considered on Tuesday as "fair and democratic" last Sunday's partial local elections. /s.sh/mima/xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[16] Ministry of Labour - average economic aid increased by 30-40%TIRANA, June 23 (ATA)-By Lolita Thanasi, The fund approved this year by the Government in favour of the families in financial difficulties has been the biggest since 1993.According to the spokesman of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, Genc Kondi, the General Administration of Public Aid and Services has at its disposal from the state budget for this purpose around 369 million leks. Given that the number of the families treated with this aid has reduced from 164.000 in 1997 to 154.000 this year, it turns out that the average amount of full or partial economic aid that benefits each family has increased 30-40% If in January 1998 a family benefiting economic aid from the state received an average of 2.730 leks per month, in March it received an average of 3.052 leks per month. The treatment of the northeastern zone, where the influx of the Kosova inhabitants has brought about difficulties in the living conditions for the families with lower incomes, has been given priority. /lm/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[17] A SP leader hails OSCE and CE statement on elections in AlbaniaTIRANE, June 23 (ata) - By K Shehu: Socialist Party Secretary General, Pandeli Majko, hailed on Tuesday the joint statement of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the Council of Europe for the partial local polls of June 21."It is a rather promising statement for the future of the free elections in Albania," SP leader told ATA. Majko said further on that "partial local polls are the fairest held so far in Albania." Proceding from the positive results of the June 21st elections, the Socialist leader said that "with these polls, the grouping Alliance for the State realised one of the most important points, which has to do with the guarantee of the life of institutions. A joint statement by representatives of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the Council of Europe (CE) considered these polls as fair and democratic. On June 21, partial local polls were held in 7 municipalities and 9 communes in Albania, because their former local leaders had abandoned their posts during the unrest of last year, or have left these posts for various reasons. According to party sources, the candidates of the grouping Alliance for State consisting of the parties of the government coalition SP, SDP, DAP, HRUP and NUP) have won in four municipalities and in six communes, while the grouping Union for Democracy has won in one municipality and in two communes. /s.sh./mima/xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[18] Two Kosova Albanian children injured by Serbian grenadesPRISHTINE, June 23 (ATA)-By B. Jashari, Two Albanian children were injured on Tuesday by Serbian forces' grenades in the suburbs of Kline(Kosova).The Serbian forces continue for the third day in succession to grenade the villages of Gjurgjeviku i Madh, Jahsanica, Ceroviku and others. Serbian forces are also reported to have take un positions in the regions of Dukagjini and Drenice (along the Kosova-Albania border belt) and at the Carraleve gorge. Various sources report that nearly 400 Yugoslav military troops with heavy armaments and dozens of tanks have moved from Prizren to the Dekjan village of Gjakova and have taken up offensive positions threatening the villages of Has and Anadrin. These forces are also deployed at the school of the Dekjan village. The inhabitants of Bellaqefe i Madh village (10 km west of Prishtine), near which there is a coal mine exploited for the Kosova heat-power station, have begun leaving their homes. Serbian media reported on Monday on the abduction by Albanians of nine Serbian workers of this station. Yugoslav military planes on Tuesday flew over Prishtine (Kosova capital). /b.ca/mima/lm/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[19] Reconstruction of Albanian courts starts WednesdayTIRANA, June 23 (ATA)-The reconstruction of the Appeals Courts of Tirana, Durres, Gjirokaster, Vlore, Korceand Elbasan begins on Wednesday, through funds accorded by the European Community (EC), according to the PHARE department at the Justice Ministry. EC has earmarked 362 000 ECU for the reconstruction of the Appeals Court in Tirana, 343 000 for the Durres court, 292 000 for the Gjirokaster court, 345 000 for the Vlore court, 399 000 for the Korce court and 320 000 for the Elbasan court. /s.sh/mima/lm/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[20] Serbian forces injure three Albanians in Jellofc of Jashanice of KosovaPRISHTINE, June 23 (ATA)-By B. Jashari, Three Albanians were injured in their homes on Tuesday after Serbian forces attacks in Drenice (Kosova). Two of the Albanians were injured in the Zabel i Ulet village and one in Korrotine e Siperme, in the Gllogoc commune.The Human rights Council in Kosova on Monday reported on fierce fighting between Serbian forces and the Albanian defensive forces in the areas between Drenice and Rrafshi i Dukagjinit. In their barbarous attack the Serbian forces burnt down the Jellovc village and partly burnt the Jashanice village. /b.ca/mima/lm/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[21] Significant victory of candidates of the Grouping Alliance for StateTIRANE, June 23 (ata) - By K Shehu: The official results of the latest partial local polls in the Central Election Commission until Tuesday afternoon show of the significant victory of the candidates of the Grouping Alliance for the State.According to this Commission, so far only the official protocols of the municipality of Vlore have arrived in the commission, according to which the candidate of the Alliance for the State has won 62 per cent of the votes, of the commune of Dhiver (Sarande) where the candidate of the Alliance for State has received 78 per cent of the votes, of the commune of Lure (Diber) in which the candidate of the Alliance for the State has taken 54 per cent of the votes and in the commune of Lazarat (Gjirokaster) with 81 votes for the grouping of Union for Democracy. Whereas according to the official outcome of this commission on Monday, the Alliance for the State has won in the Municipality of Patos with 71 per cent of the votes, the municipality of Roskovec with 64 per cent of the votes, that of Ura Vajgurore with 77 per cent of the votes and Greshice with 64 per cent of the votes. While the grouping Union for Democracy has won in the municipality of Kavaje with 73 per cent of the votes, the commune of Proger with 51 per cent of the votes and in that of Bushtrice with 54 per cent of the votes. According to CEC results, the municipality of Vlore and that of Shijak will have a runoff the coming Sunday. In the commune of Vore the runoff ballot will be between the candidates of the Alliance for the State and the Union for Democracy, while in the Municipality of Shijak between the United Right wing and the Union for Democracy. /s.sh./xh/ 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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