Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 98-09-24

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] Serbian forces keep burning Albanian villages

[02] Double daily production of cigarettes in Durres

[03] Albanian Helsinki Committee condemns recent attacks in Tirana

[04] Three weeks after being damaged, "Shen Spiridhoni" church waits for restoration

[05] Soros Foundation provides three laboratories for schools in Sarande

[06] UNHCR to help accommodate Kosova refugees in Shkoder

[07] National team in Chess World Olympiad in Elisa

[08] Albanian civilians arrested in Gllogoc mine

[09] Emblem of Red Cross to be pulled out from vehicles of state institutions

[10] At least 15 Albanians killed, 60 injured and 40 villages burnt in Kosova

[11] "Friends of music" interpreted by masters of classic music

[12] Project for restructuring of Albanian Ministry of Labour to be extended to 1999

[13] Burial ceremony of Defence Minister of Kosove Ahmet Krasniqi

[14] Minister of Justice met directors of Albanian prisons

[15] Albanian Government will be able to ease situation - Martinez

[16] U.S. President Clinton condemns violence in recent developments in Albania

[17] Investigation into violation of Albanian state institutions intensified

[18] One million dollars for Kosovars' accommodation

[19] U.S. President Clinton condemns violence in recent developments in Albania

[20] Albanian PM Fatos Nano asks reconfirmation of his mandate as Prime Minister

[21] SP General Leading Committee reconfirms Nano's mandate to make reshuffles in Government

[22] Strong support by international community for state institutions in Albania

[23] Agreement for money transfers with Italy to be signed - Savings Bank of Albania

[01] Serbian forces keep burning Albanian villages

Musliu said that the population of these villages have settled in the mountains of Kosmac, in the open.

Reports available from Skenderaj say that the village of Prekaz i Eperm has been burnt and there are many victims from Serbian forces' shooting on tractors' trailers carrying people trying to flee the conflict zones.

Fires continued last evening until 20:00, when the Polluzhe village was burning. /mima/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] Double daily production of cigarettes in Durres

The director of the enterprise, Josif Shllaku, told ATA that in the first period up to Sept. 23, 35 tons of cigarettes are produced. "This is mainly connected with the lowing of excise, that has increased the selling of Albanian cigarettes such as "Porti" and "Genti". " On the other side the constant provision with electricity has created conditions for a good work" - said Shllaku.

He also added that the rhythm of Sept. creates premises for an annual production of 500 tons. Such a production is not achieved for many years./mima/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] Albanian Helsinki Committee condemns recent attacks in Tirana

KSHH considers the attack on Prosecutor Himci an attack against public order, against the law, an attack against penal prosecution bodies as a key body of justice.

While the attack on Melo is regarded as an attack against a political force which represents the minority population in the Albanian political life.

KSHH also strongly condemns the criminal act against Defence Minister of Kosova, A. Krasniqi.

The KSHH says in its press release that these shocking facts show that the public order forces are coping with a very complex situation. This criminal activity with clear political motives which aims at destabilising the country can be blocked through joint efforts of all political forces, engagement of all the factors of the society in defence of the institutions and peace. /y.pa/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] Three weeks after being damaged, "Shen Spiridhoni" church waits for restoration

"The aim of this visit is the perpilation of a detailed report on condition of the church after destruction of a considerable part of its values, and the compilation of a project for its restoration" told to ATA specialists of this institution.

"Shen Spiridhoni" church belongs to the XVII century. That is one of the most important elements of cult in southern Albania. Since May it was undergoing a restoration process, that was financed by the Orthodox Church.

Almost at the end of this process, the flames of fire torched its roof, and its ceiling that was full of rear decorations./mima/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] Soros Foundation provides three laboratories for schools in Sarande

The coordinator of this project for Sarande, Xhorxhi Vasili, told ATA that the equipment for three biology labs cost US$ 21 000 and that works are underway to reconstruct an eight-year school and kindergarten 2 as well as several other education projects in the district's rural areas.

Sarande is the 13th district in Albania, included in the Soros Foundation projects on education since '96. /pas/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] UNHCR to help accommodate Kosova refugees in Shkoder

Lacaj said that the UNHCR representative, Ahmet Mubashi, said that the section of this organisation in Shkoder will help rehabilitate three refugee reception centres in Shkoder, through a special fund provided by the Italian government.

"Most of the 4 500 Kosova refugees in the Shkoder city have been accommodated in families, dormitories of the "Luigj Gurakuqi" university and the refugee reception centre, financed by the catholic Church," said Lacaj. /mima/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] National team in Chess World Olympiad in Elisa

In this activity where are confirmed to take place 130 teams from all over the world, will take place even the Albanian trainer Fatos Muço, who is International Chess Master and has in his disposition the international masters, Erald Dervishi and Altin Çela that actually are respectively in Italy and Greece and the masters Ilir Seitaj, Ilir Karkanaqe, Zeqir Sula, and Lorenc Rama.

Muça told ATA that our national team will be represented by Dervishi and Çela.

In the years '80 Albania is represented with dignity in World Olympiad that are organized once in two years and the results achieved in the activities held in Malte, Zvicer, Novi Sad etc have placed the Albanian chess in center of the attention of foreign specialists./mima/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] Albanian civilians arrested in Gllogoc mine

Meanwhile, reports from Fushe-Kosova say that Serbian civilians are being mobilised and armed in the Serb military barracks surrounding the Sllatine airport. /pas/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] Emblem of Red Cross to be pulled out from vehicles of state institutions

This order is given after the complaint from leaders of the Red Cross. Beginning from today all the vehicles of the health state institutions will keep as a distinctive mark the stem of the Republic of Albania and will also have the name of the institution to which they belong.

Official sources from the Health Ministry report that often the persons using the vehicles are introduced as representatives of the Red Cross. Many speculations, mainly in delivering the humanitarian aid, have been evidenced in the name of this organization./pas/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] At least 15 Albanians killed, 60 injured and 40 villages burnt in Kosova

At least 15 Albanian civilians have been killed and more than 60 injured. More than 20 villages have been burnt in Serb forces offensive in the suburbs of Qyqavica mountain, in Rrafshi i Kosoves and Drenice, over the last two days.

There are no reports on the destiny of hundreds of Albanians abducted by the Serb forces, which continue to pursue refugees in mountains.

The gravest situation prevails in the mountains of Qyqavice, where 100 000 Albanians, under the siege of the Serb forces, are on the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe.

The Council for the Defence of Human Rights in Kosova today again called on the international organisations to help open a humanitarian corridor to save the lives of thousands refugees. /mima/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] "Friends of music" interpreted by masters of classic music

The orchestra is composed of 23 young instrumentalists, including students aged between 16 and 19 from different cities of Albania.

Parts from masters of classic music such as Mozart, Respighi and others were played at this concert. /mima/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] Project for restructuring of Albanian Ministry of Labour to be extended to 1999

The three parties pointed out their approval for the four directions which the project has to follow, such as the organization of the Ministry, consolidation of the judicial service, of the Institute of Labour and Social Affairs and the setting up of two pilot offices of employment. In order to reach important results in these fields, the tree parties agreed to extend the realisation of the project until the end of June 1999, within the limit of the initial budget. /xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] Burial ceremony of Defence Minister of Kosove Ahmet Krasniqi

In the commemorative meeting held on the activity of Ahmet Krasniqi Thursday morning in one of the halls of the Museum of National History in Tirane, senior personalities from Kosova and Albania spoke.

Then the coffin with the body of Krasniqi was placed in the Central House of the Army, where hundreds of co-fighters from Kosova, deputies to the People's Assembly of Albania, heads of political parties, representatives of various associations paid homage to Krasniqi.

After the homage, the coffin of Krasniqi was taken to the Cemetery of Sharre, near Tirane.

Since in his early youth, Krasniqi was in the lead of the Kosova youth movement for freedom and independence, taking place in the demonstrations of 1968. After graduating in military field in Belgrade, Krasniqi worked and commanded units in Croatia, from where he deserted from the ranks of the Yugoslav army. In March 1993, he was named Minister of Defence and Commander of the General Staff of the Kosova Armed Forces. /dast/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] Minister of Justice met directors of Albanian prisons

"We overcame a very difficult trial," Thimio Kondi, Minister of Justice said estimating the work done by the prisons'staff, who did not allow storming of the prisons.

"We are not here show our capabilities, but to reflect on our work," he added.

Directors of the prisons in Albania, among them those of prisons 313 and 325, reported to Kondi on the general situation of the prisons after the last riots.

Thimio Kondi, Minister of Justice, had a visit in the prisons 313 and 325 in Tirana./dast/lola/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] Albanian Government will be able to ease situation - Martinez

"Presently, the reports for your country are serious reasons for us to be concerned. I hope that the Government will be able to ease the situation. The Parliament must also play an important role so that law and order be protected and we have confidence in you personally," stressed Mr Martinez in his letter to Mr Gjinushi.

He expressed his satisfaction for the meeting with Gjinushi in the 100th Conference of the Interparliamentary Union held in Moscow a few weeks ago.

"I hope," writes Martinez, "we shall continue to be in close contact so that we have Albania's support for our projects."

I wish you, your country and the Albanian people success and peace. Don't forget that we both agreed that no result will be yielded without a genuine conciliation... Nevertheless, from my experience I know that to reconcile is not always easy; sometimes it is even impossible if the other has not at all the will to respect the rules of the game. /dast/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] U.S. President Clinton condemns violence in recent developments in Albania

TIRANE, Sept.24 (ata) - By I Luto: The Press and Information Office close to the President of Albania, told ATA on Thursday that the U.S. Ambassador in Tirane, Marisa Lino, has handed over to Albanian President Rexhep Meidani a letter addressed to him from the U.S. President, Bill Clinton. xh/ (more)

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] Investigation into violation of Albanian state institutions intensified

TIRANE,Sept.24 (ata) - By Th. Thanasi: The gathering of facts, the organization and planning of interrogation sessions for the accused and witnesses in the armed uprising of September 14, 1998 are continuing intensively by all the groups of prosecutors who are investigating into the event, sources from the Investigation Department of the General Attorney's Office told ATA.

According to these sources, some interrogation sessions with people accused as organizers and participants in the armed uprising and numerous witnesses who have been present during the event, are planned and prepared.

In a week, the first hearing will be that with the organizer of the armed uprising, Sali Berisha, DP leader, the same sources said.

They added that also personalities of Albanian government will be interrogated in order to completely throw light on the charge for armed uprising in mid September 1998.

The Tirana Prosecutor's Office started on September 15 penal prosecution for the armed uprising of Sept.14 when a crowd of armed people, through organized acts, violated some of the state institutions in Albania. /dast/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] One million dollars for Kosovars' accommodation

Ali Lacaj, Shkodra Governor had a meeting on Thursday with representatives of the World Bank to discuss the reconstruction of some buildings for the accommodation of 4 600 people who have come from Kosova in the past weeks, through the border crossing of Vermosh in Malesia e Madhe.

Governor Lacaj said that some 12 buildings are planned for the accommodation of the refugees, in cooperation with UNHCR.

The work for the reconstruction of some beach houses in Velipoje and of the dormitory of "Prenk Jakova" school began. Soon the other buildings will be reconstructed as well.

World Bank representatives urged that the reconstructions should be over as soon as possible because the winter is approaching./dast/lola/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] U.S. President Clinton condemns violence in recent developments in Albania

TIRANE, Sept.24 (ata) - By I Luto: The Albanian President's Press and Information Office told ATA on Thursday that the U.S. Ambassador in Tirane, Marisa Lino, has handed over to Albanian President Rexhep Meidani a letter addressed to him from the U.S. President, Bill Clinton.

"I have followed with concern and deep interest dramatic events in Albania. I join with other world leaders in condemning the use of violence to achieve political ends in Albania. Support of democratic institutions and the rule of law must be the guiding principles for all countries seeking to build a stable, prosperous democracy," writes U.S. President Clinton in his letter to President of Albania, rexhep Meidani. "Moreover, a genuine, constructive dialogue among all the political forces in the country is integral to the success of any democracy.

I am heartened by reports of your leadership aimed at finding a peaceful and constructive solution to the current crisis by working with the various political parties in your country. It is a difficult job, but it is the key to ending the violence and polarization that have been a destructive force in Albania's development and run counter to the Albanian people's aspirations to achieve a stable, democratic and prosperous society, one that is fully part of the Euro-Atlantic community. I want to note as well the United States is playing an active role in the initiatives of the OSCE and other international organizations to support your personal efforts.

The warm friendship between the Albanian and the American peoples is at the heart of the good relations between our two countries," ends the letter of President Clinton.

President Meidani considered the message from President Clinton "an encouragement for Albanian democracy and a hope for all the Albanians that our country and people will have the continuous support of the U.S. and the international community to overcome the difficulties and to go ahead with the consolidation of the institutions and the democratic processes in the country." /dast/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[20] Albanian PM Fatos Nano asks reconfirmation of his mandate as Prime Minister

"The Socialists and only them and their allies will be those who should and will govern this country conformed to their mandate won in June 29, 1997 elections by the majority of the Albanian people," said Prime Minister Nano in the opening speech of the meeting of the Socialist Party Permanent Leading Committee.

Later on, in the capacity of the chairman of the Council of Ministers, PM Nano analysed before those present the latest events in Albania and proposed regulatory measures of emergency and of midterm and long term development for the consolidation of the rule of law.

Focusing on the events of September 13,14, Mr Nano said that "they have been the mechanism but also the proof of what Berisha sought to achieve, and which he was seeking for more than a year since the day he resigned from the post of the President of Albania."

Further on, PM Nano spoke of the special package of measures adopted by the Government which he divided, according to priorities, in emergency measures related with the finding and bringing to court the perpetrators of the violent coup and the killing of Azem Hajdari. /dast/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[21] SP General Leading Committee reconfirms Nano's mandate to make reshuffles in Government

After the meeting, the SP Secretary General Pandeli Majko said to reporters that "now Albanian PM must start immediately talks with the coalition parties to make the necessary reshuffles in the government." /dast/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[22] Strong support by international community for state institutions in Albania

Skender Gjinushi, Speaker of Albanian Parliament, praised the joint declaration of the OSCE, the Council of Europe and of the Western European Union concerning the latest events in Albania as a strong support for the state institutions and the democratic development in this country.

According to the Parliament spokesman, Gjinushi stressed that "the unequivocal and hard stand of the most important Euro-Atlantic institutions to the violation of the legitimate institutions proves of their legitimacy, which Berisha, leader of Democratic Party, not only does not recognize but has systematically worked to undermine them, by tempting to even violently occupy them during the attempted coup of September 14, 1998."

"We are are working to eliminate the consequences of the failed coup and to consolidate the democratic institutions, the rule of law and the development of the economy, said Gjinushi. In this process there have been shortcomings, added Gjinushi, especially in the fight against crime, contraband and corruption, for which the government coalition is reflecting, " Gjinushi said./dast/lolaxh//

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[23] Agreement for money transfers with Italy to be signed - Savings Bank of Albania

In May this year, the Savings Bank signed the first agreement of this kind in Athens with two Greek banks, Thrace Macedonian Greek Bank and Greek Postal Savings Bank. /xh/

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