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Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 98-09-30Albanian Telegraphic Agency Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) Home Page at <http://www.telpress.it/ata>Albanian Telegraphic AgencyCONTENTS
[01] Resignation of PM Nano is delayed, Mediu- Meidani to enable beginning of a political dialogue -TIRANA, Sept. 29 (ATA) - By A. Haxhiu: The republicans considered as delayed the request of Albania's Prime Minister Fatos Nano to quit. "The resignation of Premier Nano should have been made times before. Anyhow, let his act serve as a step forward for the improvement of the political situation in the country," the chairman of the Republican Party, Fatmir Mediu, told ATA on Tuesday. Anyhow, according to the Republican leader, the biassed solution that the Socialist Party offered by proposing Pandeli Majko as the new Albanian Premier, is not logic. Mediu supported his idea for a round table of all the political forces, from the ruling party and the opposition, to find a political solution for the country. Mediu voiced the opinion that it belongs to President Meidani to enable the beginning of a constructive dialogue between the political forces. "The President of Albania, Rexhep Meidani, as the representative of the nation's unity, should convene the political forces in a round table," said Mediu. /y.pa/mt/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[02] Dollar - 146.9 lekTIRANE, Sept 30, (ATA) By Lolita Thanasi The average exchange rate of foreign currency at the free market is as follow:Currency exchange rate USD 146.90 DM 87.10 LIT(1000) 87.60 GRD(100) 50.05 SFR 104.60 /lola/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[03] Some 20 sea-border policemen training in ItalyDURRES, Sept 30 (ATA) By G.Kabashi Some 10 Albanian policemen of the sea-border finished the first two-weeks course in Italy. These days another group of 10 persons has begun the theoretical and practical training."The full cycle of the training of the 20 Albanian policemen from the Commissariats of Durres,Lezhe and Vlore will be over by the middle of October," said the spokesman of Guardia di Finanza contingent deployed in Durres. Most of the sea-border policemen are from Durres and since 10 months they have been active force of Italian-Albanian staff of Italian motorboats which have patrolled the Adriatic coast to prevent men and drugs smuggling. "Six weeks ago 4 motor-boats reached Durres port. These motorboats, which belong to Guardia di Finanza, will be used by the Albanian sea-border police at the end of the Italian mission of Interforce. They will have a staff of 20 policemen who are being trained theoretically and practically at Gaeta port, some 80 km north of Napoli," the spokesman said./dast/lola/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[04] Court decides to put off Vehbi Alimucaj's trial session- Charged with "Slander against official person" by Finance Minister -TIRANE, Sept 29 (ATA) By Urim Bajrami The trial session concerning Vehbi Alimucaj, former boss of Vefa-Holding Co. which is currently administered by a foreign financial company, was again put off on Tuesday. Vehbi Alimucaj was charged with "slander against official person" by Finance minister Arben Malaj. It was his interview published in "Koha Jone" newspaper of Jan. 30, 1998 with the headline "Nobody knows my money", which infringed Minister Malaj, who later sued the former boss. The representative of the minister Malaj, Sokol Stojani explained the reasons why minister Malaj did not present himself for the trial session, but the judge Hasani did not take this fact in consideration and put off the session for Oct.6, 1998./s.sh/lola/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[05] Constitution draft to be discussed in ParliamentTIRANA, Sept 30 (ATA) - By P. Shuteriqi: The Parliamentary commission for drafting a new Albanian Constitution agreed to the presented draft, by opening the "green light" to the parliamentary debate, expected to start next week.The members of this commission signed on Wednesday the draft of the new Constitution and the deputies are expected to discuss within a few days. The procedure foresees reading it three times in Parliament, accompanied with the discussions in principle, in general and article by article. "We continue to wait even during these days the remarks and possible suggestions of the Democratic Party and its allies of the political grouping "Union for Democracy," stressed the co-chairmen of the commission, Sabri Godo and Arben Imami. The parliamentary constitution drafting commission organized in Tirana and several towns of the country open hearings for the public during the first week of September, with the participation of the Civil Society and Non Government Organizations (NGO-s). According to the co-chairmen, the discussion of the constitution draft is expected to continue even during October and later the project will be subjected to the people's Referendum. They stressed that the date to be signed by the President of the Republic remains November 28. /pas/mt/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[06] "Ownership by justice" pleased with constitution draftTIRANA, Sept 30 (ATA) - By P. Shuteriqi: The national association of the expropriated "Ownership by justice," has expressed its pleasure that the constitution drafting commission has taken into consideration its remarks and suggestions."The Constitution drafting commission considered proper the remarks of this Association regarding four articles having to do with properties, and has made the respective amendments in constitution draft," Sabri Godo, co-chairman of this commission, told ATA on Wednesday. /pas/mt/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[07] Unit of Kukes Division in military drill "Bridges of Peace '98"TIRANA, Sept 30 (ATA) - A unit of the Kukes Division (Northeast of Albania) participates in the military exercise "Bridges of Peace'98" which started Wednesday in Istambul.The spokesman of this division, Azem Perllaku, reported to ATA that along with the host country, Turkey, participating in this exercise are also Azerbaijan, Rumania, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Georgia, Hungary, Moldavia, Kazakhstan and as observers Russia, Belgium and Turkmenistan. The task of the Albanian effective, participant in the military drill, is to set up a center for checking the movements of vehicles, people, ammunition and others. /pas/mt/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[08] Message of PM Fatos Nano addressed to Albanian peopleTIRANA, Sept 29 (ATA) - Fatos Nano, ongoing Prime Minister until the formation of a new government, addressed a televised message to the Albanian people, Tuesday evening."I, your Prime Minister for more than a year, will no more allow myself to be a prey to the political myopia of several people, who, despite their political affiliation, are guided by the motive of personal and clan profit at the detriment of the country's interests. I can no more allow to be identified with the evil of this country, to which I have and will be devoted until the end of my life, by even a part of Albanians wherever they are, in Albania, Kosova or elsewhere. I also can no more allow that several of my fellow workers, partners or my honourable allies, Albanians or foreigners, to put the finger on me, considering me the same as the notorious firebrand of the post-dictatorial Albania, Mr. Sali Berisha," said Nano adding that I cannot accept that the evil of Albania is the Berisha-Nano hostile binomial! "If Sali Berisha regards politics as a means to reign beyond control along with his primitive clan, if Sali Berisha today has turned his whole political fight into a personal fight against me, if Sali Berisha launches atrocious calls to kill the government head and with his armed forces take over the power, which is not mine, this does not at all mean that I have followed or may follow the blind alley of eliminating the political opponent," said Nano. He added that "those who think that if I leave the scene Berisha will become normal and peaceful are either naive or irresponsible, or they consciously fight against the existence of a solid and democratic Albania." He stressed that during his whole governing term, especially of late, he has done his utmost to explain to his colleagues and partners that it is the moment to sacrifice and strongly resist the violent outburst by the armed part of the Democratic Party. "It is high time to come out before our western allies with a common voice in defence of our sacred principles," said Nano, expressing his regret that at a time when he and a group of "honourable fellow workers were trying to give the Albanian politics the pulse of the simple man," another part, "small but noisy, of those who should take up the responsibilities in the framework of the political agreement of June 29," worked as a Trojan horses to organise his political funeral." "Since I was elected as the chairman of the Socialist Party, I have done my best to convey messages which aimed at easing political tension," Nano said further, adding that he had often lent the hand of reconciliation to his opponents, including Sali Berisha himself. "I have done the same thing even when I was handcuffed by his state, even when I was released from the jail where I was held hostage by him," said Nano. "It is precisely in the spirit of the teachings of democracy that I have considered the cardinal question of the Kosova Albanians, convinced that the democratic ways and means which, although in appearance do not lead to the final goal, are the sole way to reach this goal, saving innocent blood and also enhancing myself in the eyes of the whole democratic world. Tell me my friends: Are all I said views of a traitor or enemy to your nation?", said Nano in his TV address. "I have no reason to hide my regret that I was not given enough time and political support to keep my promises, because I am conscious that I could and should have done more despite extraordinary obstacles I faced from all sides," said Nano. He stressed that he handed in his resignation to President Meidani as he was convinced that he was unable to build the cabinet that could meet the commitments undertaken within the limited boundaries of the coalition and "territories occupied by the parties composing it." Referring to his governing period Nano said that he was pleased to notice that his governing project was not based on control on everyone and everything, but on the creation of spaces for freedom of action by all his subordinates, delegation and distribution of power, to invest all political functionaries with the dignity their deserve. "I believe with all the power of my spirit that if we have never been able to build a genuine democratic state, this has also been because the Albanian political class has historically seen and treated the Albanians as mob without any dignity," says Nano, adding that at the time of his governing, the freedom of thought and independent press flourished intact. "My sworn political enemy and all puppets without personality surrounding him were enabled to speak through those means of information and communication, which were denied to me and my honourable colleagues of the opposition before June 29. I certainly do not consider this his victory but an achievement of my policy," he said. In his TV message addressed to the Albanian people, Nano expressed the hope that as soon as the passions of the moments were extinguished, the shortcomings of his governing would be counted with objectivity, attached to the no-few achievements. "I am absolutely conscious that the truth that Fatos Nano has nothing to do with the dirty affairs, which he has been accused of hysterically, will come to light" he said. In conclusion Nano said that the Socialist party, as a major force of the government coalition, has still much to do on the road of its reformation and modernisation. He raised the need to reconsider the entire performace of the party in backing the governing, in communicating with the electorate, especially in its releations with the sister parties of the Socialist International. /pas/mt/lm/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[09] Albanian Agriculture former Ministers to discuss contemporary agrarian policiesTIRANE, Sept 30 (ATA) By E.Xhajanka A round table with all the former ministers running Albanian Agriculture at different periods is due to be held.This is a project applied by the Center of Rural Development and Research, an non-governmental organization financed by the Albanian Fund of Civil Society. "This is the first effort to sit all the officials of Agriculture and Food Ministry at a round table," said leaders from this Center. Since the foundation of Albanian State (1912) there have been 33 Agriculture ministers in Albania, most of whom will participate in this round table. "This round table will concentrate on the Albanian agricultural reality and the role of agrarian policies in the conditions of the trade market. The former ministers of Agriculture and Food will also discuss the draft of the strategy on the development of agriculture and livestock," said the abovementioned sources. At present Agriculture is the sector producing over 50 % of Gross Domestic Product on the country scale. /lola/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[10] Italian PM addresses letter to Fatos NanoTIRANA, Sept 30 (ATA)-Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi on Wednesday addressed a letter to the chairman of the Socialist Party, Fatos Nano, according to the Media and Information department of the Prime Minister's office."At the moment you are leaving your office I also wish express my support for the period you exercised your office, after receiving an entirely democratic vote from the Albanian people," Prodi writes. During your your governance the Albanian government has resolutely contributed to the establishment of relations with the international community, which were and remain indispensable for any civil and democratic progress of Albania. Also on behalf of the Italian government, Prodi thanks Nano for his personal contribution to the development of friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries and peoples. /pas/lm/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[11] DAP presents candidatures for new government cabinetTIRANA, Sept 30 (ATA)-By I. Paco, The Democratic Alliance (DAP) one of the coalition government parties, on Wednesday, proposed two of its representatives for the cabinet of the new Prime Minister, Majko.Arben Imami and Arben Demeti were the two candidatures proposed at today's meeting between the DAP leaders, Ceka and Zogaj, and the prime minister. The DAP will now have the portfolios of the ministers of Institutional and Justice Reform and of the Local Government. Consultations between Prime Minister Majko and the Social-democratic Party leaders continue. /pas/lm/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[12] Questions of veterinary service to be treated in a Balkan meetingTIRANE, Sept. 30 (ata) - By E Xhajanka: Organization of a Balkan meeting, the fundamental questions concerning veterinary service in the region and bringinf to evidence the problems from each country were the main topics discussed in the International conference on the small sheep production held in Oher from the Veterinary Institute of Skopje.At the end of the conference upon the initiative of the Macedonian party, a round table discussion was held with veterinary specialists from Bulgaria, Albanian, Croatia and Yugoslavia, which treated in details the joint problems in this field, especially the growth of livestock production, exchange of information and experience, the fight against diseases in livestock, etc. /xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[13] 225 millon lek debts to Albanian Energetic Corporation of DurresDURRES, Sept 30 (ATA) - by G.Kabashi: The private and state subscribers to the branch of the Albanian Energetic Corporation (AEC) in Durres 225 million leks.According to the director of this branch, Andrea Milo, the family subscribers owe to AEC most of the money (175 million lek). In addition to this, the AEC branch in Durres is not able to get the money that ex state enterprises that are now privatized, or the companies that have gone brankrupt long ago owe to it. The delivery a $9 million fund the Swiss government has put at the disposal of this branch for the construction of an electric sub-station in Rashbull depends a lot on collection of the debts as soon as possible by the AEC. The Swiss government has also conditioned the delivery of the fond with the elimination of the losses of electric energy in the network, /pas/A.A/xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[14] Instrumental ensemble "20th Century," directed by Florian Vlashi explores contemporary musicDURRES, Sept.30 (ata) - By Gezim Kabashi: "Excellent violinist, prestigious instrumentalist, soloist with a magnificent interpretation and exigent conductor were some of the valuations that the Spanish press wrote for the Albanian artist, Florian Vlashi, who since 1992 has been working as a violinist in the symphony orchestra of Galicia in Spain.Besides his job as a member of the orchestra, Vlashi has for two years now formed the Instrumental Ensemble "20th Century" which has a good name in La Koruna for the qualitative interpretation of the works of modern music, as an expression of the transformations it has had during the past century. In one of its latest issues of September, the newspaper El Ideal Galileo writes: "We should be grateful to Albanian Florian Vlashi for the initiative of his group to give the public the possibility to feel live the styles and trends of contemporary music." The local press has considered the concerts of the group "as an archaeology of the 20th century music." The 35-year-old Florian Vlashi, from Durres, has had a successful activity in his 6 year experience in Spain working as instrumentalist, violinist-soloist, conductor and teacher. /dast/xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[15] Majko ensures continuity of Nano government - MinarolliTIRANE, Sept.30 (ata) - By A Haxhiu: The political formation "League against Dictatorship" created some days ago by the Democratic Party and some right wing parties, opposed Wednesday the naming of Pasndeli Majko as the new Prime Minister."By appointing Majko to the post of the Prime Minister, Fatos Nano ensures the continuity of his failed governing," said in a news conference today Vili Minarolli, DP Secretary for Public Relations. Minarolli linked yesterday's statement of the Democratic Party in which resignation of PM Nano was considered as a step forward towards political constructive dialogue among the political forces, with the fact that Nano's resignation would increase the role of President Meidani. But the with appointment of Majko, whom the DP leader considered as a benjamin of Nano, this role and the possibility for the beginning of a political dialogue become smaller. Last Tuesday, Pandeli Majko was named Prime Minister of Albania following the request for resignation of Albanian outgoing Prime Minister Fatos Nano. /dast/xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[16] Albania's Republican Party against Majko-led new governmentTIRANE, Sept.30 (ata) - A. Haxhiu: Albanian republicans described the reshuffles in the government by the government coalition as acts that do not lead to a political solution."The reshuffles in the coalition government, beginning with the appointment of the new Prime Minister, cannot take the country out of the present crisis. This is a change only for appearances," declared Wednesday in a news conference the leader of the Republican Party, Fatmir Mediu. Mediu said that the Nano Government failed because of the logic of its politics and the unilateral solution within the left coalition can bring nothing else but the aggravation of the crisis. According to republicans, the only road to come out of the crisis is the political table of all the parties called by President Meidani, which would bring to evidence a formulae of governing with the support of all political parties. /dast/xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[17] Albanian Parliament examines draft law on electronic mediasTIRANE, June 30 (ata) - By K Shehu: Albanian Parliament started Wednesday to examine the draft law on private and public radio and television.The chairman of Media Commission, Musa Ulqini briefed the deputies on the work for the drafting of the law on private and public electronic medias. It adjusts for the first time in a complete way and conformed to the democratic standards the public and private electronic medias, cable transmissions by relay and by satellite. According to Ulqini, "this draft law sanctions the protection and the rights of the reporters." The deputy parliament speaker, Namik dokle considered the approval of the draft law as the most important question after the approval of the draft of the Constitution. /dast/xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[18] Albania's Majko - youngest prime minister in EuropeTIRANA, Sept 30 (ATA) - By Ylli Pata: Albanian prime minister Pandeli Majko nominated in that post by the president of Albania is only 30 years old and has beaten a record in the old continent as the youngest prime minister in Europe. He belongs to that generation which entered politics after graduating higher schools.Married with a son, Pandeli Majko has graduated the faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Law and started his career in the Albanian politics with revolts of the Albanian students on December 1990 which helped introduce a democratic system in Albania and topple a totalitarian society. Member of the students' movement, Majko was elected by the students of the Engineering Faculty to represent them in a meeting with the then president Ramiz Alia. He was one of 300 founders of the first legalised party in Albania after political pluralism was introduced, the Democratic party (DP). Later, Majko "abandoned" the DP and joined the defeated who were members of the Socialist party of Albania and in fall 1991, Majko with five friends founded the Forum of the Euro Socialist Youth of Albania (FRESSH), a left-oriented political youth organisation. In an interview with the daily Zeri i Popullit, former December student would base his political leaning in "ideals and concepts he and his friends aspired for a left-wing democratic force in Albania. " In May 1992, when FRESSH held its first congress, Pandeli Majko was elected head of the Forum whom he led until 1995 when he was replaced by Ilir Meta, a Socialist party member. In spring 1996, Pandeli Majko was elected secretary for Public relations in the SP. He always remained at the head of the SP with his appearance in protests in Tirana against the DP governing and represented the SP together with present president Rexhep Meidani in political accords with former president Sali Berisha in order to reach a political compromise after a break up of popular revolts at the beginning of '97. In March '97 he was proposed as candidate for prime minister of the National Reconciliation party but his candidacy was categorically turned down (none knew why) by former president Sali Berisha. Following elections of June 29, the designated prime minister was put at the head of the Socialist group in the Albanian parliament. It was the parliamentary group where Majko had worked closely with the SP leader Nano showing his values as a politician of dialogue and compromise. The present prime minister of Albania Pandeli Majko following the verdict of the party general council, said that he would bring the mentality of the generation he represented, the student youth which entered politics in December '90, in the Albanian government. He also asked his political opponents to do so. "I urged Mr. Berisha to give way to youths in the DP ranks as the SP did," Majko said after the confirmation by the higher forum of the SP where he had in his side his fellow friend Ilir Meta whom Majko considered as "the first partner in the new government." /dast/ak/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[19] Albania premier ends consultations with coalition partiesTIRANA, Sept 30 (ATA) - By Ilir Paço: Albania's prime minister Pandeli Majko ended on Wednesday the consultations with the parties of coalition government for the creation of a new government.Vasil Melo, leader of the Human Rights Union party (HRUP), one of the parties of coalition government, told journalists following consultations that his party proposed two candidatures for the new cabinet. He said that his party wanted to have the Health Ministry which it had during the Nano cabinet as well as the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. Two candidatures were Leonard Solis for the Health Ministry and Gjergji Leka as the minister of Labour and Social Affairs. Skender Gjinushi, leader of the Social Democrats, said before entering consultations that he would ask the same ministries he had in the previous government cabinet, that is, Foreign Ministry and Ministry of Public Works and Transport with Paskal Milo and Gaqo Apostoli respectively. Lufter Xhuveli, leader of the Agrarian party said that he would like to run the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. Following consultations with Majko, secretary general of the Democratic Alliance party Preç Zogaj said to ATA that his party had proposed Arben Imami at the post of minister of Institutional Reforms and Justice as well as Arben Demeti at the post of minister of Local government. Candidatures proposed by the Socialist party have not been public yet while Ilir Meta said that a joint meeting of coalition parties presided over by the prime minister Pandeli Majko was expected at 18.00 p.m. Names of the new cabinet have not been officially announced. /dast/ak/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[20] Prodi confirms Italy's support for Albanian peopleTIRANA, Sept 30 (ATA) - Head of Italian Council of Ministers Romano Prodi has send a letter to the Albanian designated prime minister Pandeli Majko, Italian Embassy in Tirana reported in a press communique on Wednesday.Besides wishes for the new post, Prodi confirmed Italy's support for the Albanian friendly people in implementing their deep and legitimate aspirations for a national stable reconciliation and introduction of a democratic life as well as economic and social development. Prodi concluded his letter hoping he would meet the prime minister Majko in order to establish a direct dialogue, as he had done with previous premiers, to help promote cooperation between Albania and Italy. /dast/ak/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[21] Central government has blocked and left us aside - MayorTIRANE, Sept.30 (ata) - By G Dilaveri: During one year under PM Nano, the local government has been blocked and left aside, said in a news conference Wednesday Albert Brojka, Mayor of Tirane and chairman of the Mayors Association.Brojka said that "during the past year under Nano, the local government has been conceived as an opposition political structure and has been blocked and left aside by the central government." Accepting the existence of a sort of physical boycott of the local government towards the central one, Brojka declared that he personally had never boycotted his job. The freezing of the relations with the central government has been as a result of the physical violations such as the dismissal of the mayor of Gramsh. The ministers have closed the door to the elected local government people, but work is going on, said Brojka. He opposed the blocking of some streets in Tirane by the Ministry of Public Order. "This can happen only in a state of emergency," said the Mayor of Tirane. /dast/xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[22] Concert marking 45th anniversary of Opera and Ballet Theater to be performedTIRANE, Sept.30 (ata) - By Enkeleida Riza: On occasion of the 45th anniversary of the creation of the Opera and Ballet Theater, a concert will be performed on Friday in the opera hall with selected pieces from local creators and artists who have served Albanian art and culture for several years.The most renowned artists of the Folk Songs and Dances Ensemble will perform fragments of dances from all Albanian territories masterly choreographed by ballet masters, People's artists Panajot Kanaci and Agron Aliaj. Also songs will be interpreted by outstanding soloists of this ensemble. The 45th anniversary of the establishment of the Opera and Ballet Theater coincides with the inauguration of the first audiovisual studio, which is a step forward in the contemporary world where vision unites with music. /dast/xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[23] New military uniform and its decoration presentedTIRANE, Sept 30 (ATA) - By E. Koraqi: In the Central Military house in Tirana was held on Tesday the ceremony of the presentation of the new uniform and its decoration, the department of public relations in the Ministry of Defence said.Based on the idea of the reformed presentation of all military structures, through this exposure is aimed not only the work done in this aspect but also to create a possibility for an open debate to express better the national personality, dignity and identity of the Albanian army, added the same source. The models of the uniforms presented are composed and grouped according to kinds of forces and military policy. Traditional elements are placed in every uniform. There one can find symbols and other distinctive signs that come from the ancient times of our country comprising the most important event of history. "After the order given by the Minister of Defence, a special commision was formed to work for the selections of more qualitative samples for a uniform, expression of the national identity," chief of the Directorate of logistics at the Ministery of Defence, General Kostaq Karoli told ATA. Present at the ceremony were Luan Hajdaraga, the Minister of Defence and other ministry officials, representatives of foreign military missions in Albania. /A.A/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[24] Kosova president declares Thursday mourning dayPRISHTINE, Sept 30 - ATA correspondent in Prishtina Behlul Jashari reported that President of Kosova Ibrahim Rugova declared Thursday, October 1, a mourning day to commemorate the Deliu family from Abria e Eperme, which had been massacred, and latest killings in Kosova during the offensive of the Serb military and police forces. /cela/From the Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) Home Page at http://www.telpress.it/ataAlbanian Telegraphic Agency Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |