Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 98-10-02

Albanian Telegraphic Agency Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] Structural changes in universities

[02] OSCE welcomes law on electronic media

[03] Meetings of Albanian Foreign Minister in U.N.

[04] Police avoid burning of 11 floor building

[05] CEVI-Albania volleyball matches to be played in Austria

[06] Some 6 000 hectares of land to be sown with wheat in Kavaje

[07] Serbs continue attacks on Albanian villages

[08] "Sako's Wedding" experiments its premiere in Dea Hall of the Palace of Culture in Tirane

[09] Massacred body of Albanian found in Ferizaj

[10] United Nations will give all necessary assistance to Albanian Government - Annan

[11] New contracts signed on eighth corridor

[12] President Meidani decrees new government cabinet

[13] Meidani accepts resignation of Public Works and Transport Minister

[14] President Meidani decrees new cabinet

[15] New government will set down to concrete programs to restore normality to the country - Albanian Premier

[16] "Citizen of Honour" awarded to deputy Azem Hajdari

[17] More than 160 Albanians killed in the last 10 days

[18] Serb moves only tactical, says Kosova Leader

[19] Albanian student becomes known in USA

[20] Children's eyes tell about Kosova tradegy

[21] Albanian film week soon in Holland

[22] "We fully support Albanian Government," says Papandreu

[23] Durres-Patras: new ferryboat line for passengers

[24] Italian government will always support Albania, says Fassino

[25] What is happening in Kosova today is the history of a warned tragedy, Milo

[01] Structural changes in universities

New university branches or courses will open this year, Mimoza Hafizi, deputy minister of Education and Science, told ATA on Friday.

The financial branch will open for the first time at the "Fan Noli" University of Korce while in Vlore studies will begin for navigation and for elementary school teaching.

The Agricultural University of Kamze in Tirana will now also prepare its specialists such as food technologists while "Aleksander Xhuvani" university in Elbasan and "Luigj Gurakuqi" in Shkoder will prepare the French and Italian language specialists.

Changes will also take place at the medicine faculty of the University of Tirana.

Meanwhile the teaching cycle in the law branch, full and part time, in the Universities of Elbasan and Shkoder is considered necessary to be closed. /pas/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] OSCE welcomes law on electronic media

In a letter that the OSCE Head in Tirane, Daan Everts, has sent to the chairman of the Media Commission of the People's Assembly of Albania, Musa Ulqini, he writes that OSCE welcomes the draft Electronic Media Law as a very important step forward in Albanian media legislation.

According to Ambassador Everts, the law has been studied by OSCE Representative on the Freedom of the Media, Mr Freimut Duve, who has said that the Law, if properly implemented, should ensure the editorial independence of the public electronic media and create a public broadcasting system in the interests of the Albanian democracy and its citizens.

The OSCE Presence in Tirane compliments the Parliamentary Media Commission and its Chairman and considers of particular interest the composition of the National RTV Council, the Complaints Council and the Steering Committee. It is of the opinion that if these bodies respect the law in full, they should safeguard the independence of the RTV and provide opportunity to individuals and interested groups to be heard and seem as well as to guarantee their right to a response.

Since the spirit of the socalled Arbnori amendment to promote balanced coverage of political events and prevent, or counter, political manipulation of the news, is addressed in the draft, OSCE believes that the implementation of the law will be a significant step towards unbiased and reliable news coverage. /dast/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] Meetings of Albanian Foreign Minister in U.N.

Last Wednesday Minister Milo paid a visit to Washington where he had working meetings in the White House with the special aide of President Clinton and General Director for Eastern and Central Europe in the National Security Council, Stephen Flanagan, in the U.S. State Department where he met with the first assistant of the State deputy secretary, Gary Smith as well as in the U.S. Democratic Institute.

The discussions in these meetings were focused on the latest developments in Albania and the efforts of the coalition political forces to form the new government.

Regarding the recent developments in Kosove, Mr Flanagan said that NATO is elaborating plans to intervene in Kosove. "It is understandable that before adopting decisions and implementing them, NATO will consult your government and those of the neighbouring countries," stressed Mr Flanagan. He added that this was the only way to ease the situation and to force Milosevic to change his behaviour. "The events of the past two days demand as soon as possible a military intervention. The humanitarian situation of the displaced Albanians in Kosove is deteriorating quickly. Milosevic is not giving signs of changing, therefore he must be forced to change," he said.

* * *

Albanian Foreign Minister Milo had meetings on Thursday with the editorial board of the newspaper New York Times, with the U.S. Ambassador in the United Nations, Peter Burley and visited the "Albanian-American Enterprise Fund," where he met with the board members led by Domenique Scalione. He was also invited to visit the Foreign Relations Council in New York where Milo held a speech.

During his meetings, Minister Milo was accompanied by the Ambassador of Albania in the United Nations, Agim Nesho. /pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] Police avoid burning of 11 floor building

There were no reports of casualties.

The spokesman of the Tirana Police Department told ATA that four fire engines managed to quickly extinguish the fire, avoiding the risk that the block of flats might be engulfed by the fire, while the other police forces were preparing for a possible evacuation of inhabitants.

Mobile units of the capital's police, "Shqiponja" police patrol cars, an aid unit, and the road traffic police took part in the operation.

Preliminary police sources have not yet defined the cause of the fire, but persons on the spot said that in a quarrel one person had shot on a vehicle, parked in the garage of the building, which exploded and caused the fire. /pas/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] CEVI-Albania volleyball matches to be played in Austria

The decision was taken by CEVI leaders "due to the lack of order and public security in Albania."

The matches will be played in Innsbruck on October 9 and 10, 1998. /pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] Some 6 000 hectares of land to be sown with wheat in Kavaje

Agim Hovi, specialist in the district agricultural department, told ATA that according to preliminary data this year the Kavaje farmers will sow some 6000 heacters with wheat.

Hovi said that a considerable high quality seeds will arrive from Italy through the "AFADA" traders association. /pas/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] Serbs continue attacks on Albanian villages

Sources from Gjakova say that the Serb forces have bombarded the Kralan village of Ane e Dushkajes, destroyed one month ago, while the inhabitants, who had just returned, lived in improvised houses.

Reports from Malisheva say that the Serb artillery continues to shell in the direction of Shkoze, Maxharre, Janqiq and several other villages of this commune, while sources from the Council for the Defence of Human Rights in Skenderak say that the Serb forces have bombarded for more than three hours in the direction of Obri e Eperme.

Sporadic shooting has also been reported from Jezerci i Ferizaj, a village where over 1500 inhabitants are under siege.

Bombardments in the direction of the villages of Sferke, Perceve, Volljake, Gremnik and Dush were also reported yesterday. /p.ta/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] "Sako's Wedding" experiments its premiere in Dea Hall of the Palace of Culture in Tirane

"The miserable conditions of the cinema halls make difficult the distribution of the film," said the producer of the film, Vladimir Prifti. "After a long discussion also with the film staff about the place where the film might be shown, the Dea hall seemed to us most appropriate and in better conditions than other cinemas in the capital," said Prifti to ATA.

The official premiere will be on October 31,1998.

The work for the realisation of the film "Sako's Wedding" started about three years ago but for matters of organization, the shooting of the film started in November 1997 and lasted 7-8 months. The film is a collaboration between the Albanian Euro-Film, Hungarian Focus Film and Albanian Alba Film.

"Sakos' Wedding" is a scenario of the renowned Albanian writer, Vath Koreshi on the basis of the story with the same title he himself had written many years ago. The film is made by the Hungarian Tibar Klopfler, who is also the film director. Among the actors are the most prominent Albanian actors such as Ndricim Xhepa, Elvira Diamanti, Xhevdet Ferri and Agim Qirjaqi. /pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] Massacred body of Albanian found in Ferizaj

Sami Bakiu, father of three children, who could not flee the village when the Serb infantry forces entered it, was executed by them and has not yet been buried, the Kosova Information Center reports, referring to the LDK branch in Ferizaj.

The Serb military and police forces have intensively bombarded the villages of Biti e Eperme and Biti e Poshtme on September 27 and 28, and later, also backed by the local Serbs, have infiltrated in these villages, looting and burning almost all the houses of the Albanians. /p.ta/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] United Nations will give all necessary assistance to Albanian Government - Annan

"I have followed with interest and attention the latest developments in Albania especially during the crisis of 1997," writes Annan. "The United Nations share with the Albanian people their aspirations to restore normality in the country, to improve the economic sector and consolidate peace and order."

After congratulating PM Majko on his appointment to the new post, Mr Annan confirms that the United Nations will give the Albanian Government all necessary assistance to attain its objectives.

Upon a request of the Albanian Government, a U.N. mission visited Albania last June to value the situation and to develop a program for the gathering of looted weapons from civil population. To this end, the U.N., in consultation with the Albanian Government, is implementing a pilot project. /pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] New contracts signed on eighth corridor

The construction of the Sukth-Vore motorway will begin by the Italstrade company, and the Rrogozhine-Lushnje segment by a Macedonian firm. The terminal of the Durres port, from which this corridor starts, will also begin to be built.

Based on the reached agreements work is planned to begin soon, after signing the contracts, on three other parts of the infrastructure.

Work is expected to begin in the other segments of the eighth corridor, such as the Durres-Sukth motorway and the Librazhd-Qukes and Fushe Kruje-Mamurras road, belonging to the North-South corridor. /lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] President Meidani decrees new government cabinet

Sources from the presidency report that on Friday by midday President Meidani decreed the list of the new government.

The list shows changes at the Ministry of Public Works and Transport and that of Labour and Social Affairs.

Socialdemocrat Ingrit Shuli will replace fellow party member Gaqo Apostoli as Public Works and Transport minister, while Kadri Rapi, a socialist, will succeed fellow Socialist Anastas Angjeli as Labour and Social Affairs minister.

Angjeli will replace outgoing fellow party member Arben Malaj as Finance Minister. /s.s/lm/ (more)

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] Meidani accepts resignation of Public Works and Transport Minister

Meidani considered this a wise and civil gesture, which helped the formation of the new government, according to the President's Press and Information office.

The President, speaking of the realisations and vast projects of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport over the last 14 months, evaluated the performance and special devotion of minister Gaqo Apostoli at the head of a significant institutions, which succeeded in giving the signs of a positive and prominent change for all.

Meidani expressed his belief that the work started at the Ministry of Public Works and Transport will be carried ahead.

He wished Apostoli further successes in his engagements in parliament and other structures of political and institutional domain. /a.ke/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] President Meidani decrees new cabinet

Taking part in the new cabinet are:

1. Chairman of the Council of Ministers Pandeli Majko (SP)

2. Deputy chairman of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Government Coordination Ilir Meta (SP)

3. Minister of State for Legislative Reform and Relations with the People's Assembly Arben Imami (DAP)

4. Minister of Public Order Petro Koçi (SP)

5. Minister of Defence Luan Hajdaraga (SP)

6. Minister of Foreign Affairs Paskal Milo (SDP)

7. Minister of Finance Anastas Angjeli (SP)

8. Minister of Justice Thimio Kondi (independent)

9. Minister of Public Economy and Privatisation Ylli Bufi (SP)

10.Ministër of Economic cooperation and Trade Ermelinda Meksi(SP)

11.Minister of Public Works and Transport Ingrit Shuli (SDP)

12.Minister of Agriculture and Food Lufter Xhuveli (AP)

13.Minister of Local Government Arben Demeti (DAP)

14.Minister of Education and Science Et'hem Ruka (SP)

15.Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Kadri Rrapi (SP)

16.Minister of Health Leonard Solis (HRUP)

17.Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Edi Rama (independent)

18.Minister of Information Musa Ulqini (SP)

19.Secretary of State for European Integration Maqo Lakrori (SP) /s.s./lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] New government will set down to concrete programs to restore normality to the country - Albanian Premier

In the brief news conference PM Majko said that "after relatively long negotiations with the government coalition parties, today the President decreed the composition of the new government," and he read the names of the members of the executive, who are 17, two of whom are Ermelinda Meksi, Minister of Foreign Economic Cooperation (SP) and Ingrid Shuli, Minister of Public Works and Transport (SDP.)

Then PM Pandeli Majko declared that after the oath ceremony before President Meidani is made, today afternoon the new government will start immediately its work to implement the already declared priorities to bring normality, public order and tranquillity to the country, to start the process of dialogue with the opposition and to cooperate in the process for the approval of the constitution along with the joint efforts with the International Community for the solution of the question of Kosove.

Determining the priorities of the new cabinet, PM Majko said that "stability of the country will be one of the main tasks of the government which will overcome any obstacle in order to bring peace to the people." Referring to the issue of Kosove, PM Majko said that "our approach for this problem, also in close cooperation with international partners, will be very soon an immediate response towards Serb massacres against the Albanians of Kosove." /xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] "Citizen of Honour" awarded to deputy Azem Hajdari

The report, presented to the Municipal Council by the Culture Department, considered Azem Hajdari as "one of the most outstanding figures of the students' movement for the restoration of pluralism in Albania, toppling of the communist dictatorship and establishment of democracy."

The Municipal Council decided to afford the funeral expenses of Azem Hajdari, his bodyguard and Skender Kalenja, who was killed close to the PM headquarters on September 14 of this year.

Azem Hajdari was the first chairman of the Democratic Party since pluralism was established in Albania and then he was among the DP main leaders. He was member of parliament for four legislatures in the towns of Shkoder, Shijak and Bajram Curri.

Azem Hajdari was shot dead in the evening of September 12, 1998 close to the DP headquarters by unidentified persons. /s.s/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] More than 160 Albanians killed in the last 10 days

around Qyqavica mountain, in the region of the communes of Skenderajt, Gllogocit , Vushtrrise, Mitrovica and Obliqi, at least 167 Albanian civils are killed, the majority part of whom are massacred, said the Kosova Information Center which publishes in this contest in its announcement the full list of the killed persons.

In the meantime, according to the sources of Kosova Democratic League branch (KDL), about 200 Albanian civils displaced in the mountains of Budakova are threatened by starving after Serb reprisals. The head of the DLK of Suareke has make appeals to the international humanitarian organizations to give the Kosovars meals and medical aid due to their very grave situation, is said in the appeal. /P.Ta/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] Serb moves only tactical, says Kosova Leader

He asked the urgent interruption of the Serb offensive in Kosova, by refuting the Serb speculations regarding the alleged stopping of the offensive and withdrawal of forces.

Rugova hailed the U.S. and European engagement, and the stand of the Security Council in condemning the massacres in Kosova and asked a greater engagement from it. He appealed to the international community, especially to the United States, European Union and NATO to take Kosova and its people under protection.

"The international intervention to protect a nation is an intervention of humanity, help of the man for man, it is a sublime act and a victory of mankind," said Rugova.

Rugova considered the situation in Kosova very grave and dangerous, with many victims and massacred people, wounded and displaced from their own houses from bombings, destructions and torches. "The outrageous massacres, just like in Abri i Eperm of Drenica, in Vraniq of Suareka, committed by Serbian military and police forces, is another proof that ethnic cleansing in Kosova is taking place, which is also the aim of Belgrade," said Rugova.

The President of Kosova appreciated the steps for reaching a stability in Albania.

"We greet the appointment of the new Prime Minister of Albania, Pandeli Majko, and hope the situation there will become calm soon," Rugova told a news conference in Prishtina. /dast/a.a/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] Albanian student becomes known in USA

"The 20-year student, Anila Memeli, from Librazhd, who studies medicine in the University of "WIRCIKAS" - USA, aims at awarding the scientific degree of "Doctor," writes an edition of the magazine published by this University.

According to this magazine, Memeli has been considered as a rare case in the university practices of this institution in USA.

After being graduated from the general high school in Librazhd, three years ago Memeli won a scholarship on medicine in USA.

Along with the medicine branch, according to an interview she has given for an American newspaper, she also attends other branches like Mathematics, chemistry, information and biology.

It is the second case that a student from Librazhd becomes known in the United States. A year ago, Elona Bicaku, who also studies in USA, had the chance of meeting President Clinton. /dast/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[20] Children's eyes tell about Kosova tradegy

"Our idea is to present the tragedy of Kosova through the children's eyes," owner of "Gjeli Vizion" Agim Buxheli told ATA on Friday. Some three months were needed for the preparation of this documentary film, meanwhile that the documentary lasts only 90 minutes.

"We have planned to donate all the money gained from this film," told ATA Çashku, who is known in Albania as a successful producer, and winner of several international prizes. /dast/A.A/mt

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[21] Albanian film week soon in Holland

This year a very special place is dedicated to Albanian Cinematography, which is presented by its famous authors. The development of this activity was made possible by the film selector Richard De Bruck during a visit he made lately in Albania./dast/lola/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[22] "We fully support Albanian Government," says Papandreu

Papandreu said in his statement that "I invite President Meidani to contribute through his initiatives for a creative dialogue in order to find a solution to the crisis and play an important role for the existence of a constructive opposition," press and information department close to the Greek Embassy reported to ATA.

Papandreu also stressed that the Albanian opposition should offer its contribution to the democratic processes in the country.

In the end, Papandreu voiced the support of his government for the Albanian government in coping with the serious problems of the country, in the field of public order, fight against corruption, institutional restructuring and economic support. /dast/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[23] Durres-Patras: new ferryboat line for passengers

"The navigation company "Satamarani lines" has provided a ship with a capacity of 180 passengers to Durres-Patras-Durres line. The voyage Durres- Patra takes 8 hours and it is available twice a week, on Wednesday and Saturday," Osman Metalla, Captain General of ports said to ATA. /dast/lola/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[24] Italian government will always support Albania, says Fassino

The letter says that "Albania has been constantly supported by the Government of Prodi in its road towards the consolidation of the democratic life. This support has been guaranteed by the relations of the profound friendship which connects our countries since centuries, but which has been promoted over the past years due to the increase of cooperation in all fields between Albania and Italy," continues the letter, according to the press and information department close to the Council of Ministers.

Fassino ensures the Albanian Premier Majko by confirming that "You will always have the support of the Italian government in facing your difficult and important task," adding that "this support will continue further on to increase the political and economic cooperation between the two countries." /dast/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[25] What is happening in Kosova today is the history of a warned tragedy, Milo

The political activity of Belgrade is very rich in false maneuvers and statements, Milo pointed out. Its newest edition is the so-called withdrawal of the special police forces from Kosova and ending of fightings against "the terrorists."

What is happening today in Kosova is the history of a warned tragedy, underlined the Albanian Foreign Minister. In fact, Milosevic has ordered the implementation of the policy of ethnic cleansing against the Albanians under the pretext of the fight against the alleged Albanian terrorism, stated Milo.

Milo stressed further on that the Albanian Government strongly condemns this policy and openly declares that Milosevic is the main person responsible for this genocide. The Albanian Government appeals first on a monitoring and international presence in Kosova and secondly it asks urgent intervention of NATO to restore peace in Kosova. Third, it calls on the Attorney General of the International Criminal Tribunal in former Yugoslavia to collect facts against Milosevic according to its mandate and consider him a war criminal.

Milo voiced the conviction of the Albanian Government that any solution of the crisis in Kosova must consider the respect of the will of its inhabitants for self-determination according to the respective international standards.

The current conflict in Kosova, as it has been considered by the Presidential resolutions and statements of the Security Council, carries the danger of escalation. The neighbouring countries have been directly affected not only by the wave of refugees, but even by the impact that this conflict may have in their ethnic and political relations.

Milo, referring to the displacement of the Kosova people to Albania, stressed that the Albanian Government, despite the current difficulties, has undertaken the responsibility to face the grave situation created in Northern Albania. He asked the continuation of the assistance from specialized agencies like UNCHR, the International Federation of Red Cross and Crescent, WFP, until this problem is resolved and the Albanians are returned to their homes.

Foreign Minister Milo thanked once again the Security Council for the approval of the Resolution 1199. This Resolution is a further step towards the peace in Kosova and stability in the region, he said. /dast/mt/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency Directory - Previous Article - Next Article