Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 98-10-17

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] Man of the Year, Prize of Albanian Foundation of Civil Society

[02] Albanian Government donates computers and stationery for Albania's Council of Ministers

[03] Albanian and Greek police chiefs discuss bilateral cooperation

[04] Special commando battalion to guard army units and depots

[05] Branch of Rom association, Amarodrom, established in Elbasan

[06] Tirane police arrests a gang of stealers

[07] National Agency of Environment presents projects for administration of urban remnants

[08] Head of Information Service of Public Order has not resigned - spokesman

[09] Police presence and tense situation continue in Rahoveci villages

[10] Contribution to forge closer ties of friendship between our people- Greek PM and chairman of PASOK greets SP head -

[11] PDS Political Secretary D'Alema hails SP Head Nano

[12] Experts to hold talks on Tirana Conference

[13] Coca-Cola: 150 employees and a total production of 4.000.000boxes a year

[14] All together for a clean environment

[15] U.N. to hold verification mission in Yugoslavia

[16] Diocesan seminary "Lady of good Counsel" inaugurated in Shkoder

[17] Religious communities contribute to spiritual and moral enhancement of nation - Meidani

[18] Pope John Paul II voices special care for Albanian people

[19] DP renounces demand for technical government

[20] Parliamentary commissions to reconsider four articles of Constitution

[21] Shooting in Prishtine and Podujeve

[22] Changes avoiding function of Presidency of People's Assemby anticipated - Imami

[01] Man of the Year, Prize of Albanian Foundation of Civil Society

Sources from this foundation told ATA that they have invited all non- governmental organizations to present the names of their candidates for the prize whose ceremony will be held on December 5, 1998. /a.ke/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] Albanian Government donates computers and stationery for Albania's Council of Ministers

30 other computers will also be brought from the same source to meet the urgent need of the Albanian Government for these equipment following the looting and destruction of its headquarters on September 13, 14, 1998.

The latest Italian aid is in the framework of the assistance that the Italian Government has offered to Albania and will be coordinated by the Extraordinary Commission in Italy and by the Special Diplomatic Delegation in Tirane, which depends on the Foreign Ministry of Rome.

The assistance was an earlier start of the program for the modernisation of the database equipment in the presidency of the Council of Ministers and in some Albanian ministries (the Ministry of Education, of Finances, etc) which is adopted and financed by the Italian Parliament.

This assistance is a signal of trust in the capabilities of the Albanian institutions to establish stability and democratic normality in Albania, writes in conclusion the press release of the Italian Special Diplomatic Delegation in Tirane. /s.sh/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] Albanian and Greek police chiefs discuss bilateral cooperation

The director of Gjirokaster Police, Spartak Guma and the director of police of Ioannina, Ilia Kroqidhis, who were leading their groups of police specialists, discussed the fight of crime in the border regions.

Exchange of information and mutual assistance in hitting incriminated elements and cooperation in land border control have been among the main problems of attention for the two parties.

The Albanian party demanded a more extensive information with regard to the question of Albanian nationals not allowed to cross the border to Greece because of their irregular passports, and suggested to the Greek party to enable the transfer of the visas of the invalid passports to the new passports.

The Greek party has promised a great aid for Albanian police, support in the cases for investigation and fight against crime as well as equipment and vehicles. /a.ke/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] Special commando battalion to guard army units and depots

The battalion, consisting of about 150 members, differs from commando troops because it has in its ranks paid professional soldiers and not active soldiers (recruits.)

This is not the only case when military forces are paid in the Albanian army. Actually, in the Kukes division there are some professional forces which have been activated for the first time after the exercise "Helshan '98" held in Kukes. Taking part in that exercise also were soldiers who after they were tested, continued to be soldiers but with a salary, said the spokesman.

The establishment of a professional battalion of the Special Commando forces of the Albanian army was adopted Friday by the Defence Council of Albania. The council laid the task for the Defence Ministry and the General Army Staff to determine the the structure, composition, the deployment and the technical military equipment for this group, along with the regulations and respective instructions to identify the framework, the tasks and the way how the special commando group will operate. /pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] Branch of Rom association, Amarodrom, established in Elbasan

The association chairman Skender Veliu said that in the center of its activity will be the bringing to evidence of the folk values of the Rom minority in Albania and protection of cultural traditions and the spiritual constitution of the community.

Besides the Rom association, other minority associations are operating in Elbasan despite the small number of the people they represent, as is the case of the association of Wallahachians. /pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] Tirane police arrests a gang of stealers

The spokesman of the Police Department of the Tirane Prefecture, Pellumb Seferi, told ATA on Saturday that Fatmir Lipe, 28, Albert Braho, 24, Ferit Kaptina, 36, Altin Noka, 25, residents in Kamze of Tirane and previously sentenced once or twice for theft, as well as Hazbi Hidri, 20, living in village Qerek of Kruje, wanted person for an armed stealing, were arrested on Friday at about 9.30 p.m.

Police have found and blocked in their homes considerable amounts of stolen objects and a stolen vehicle. The things recovered were mostly TV sets and electric home appliances.

The sixth member of the group is Saimir Halim Canaj caught by police a week ago. /pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] National Agency of Environment presents projects for administration of urban remnants

The first project on this issue in Albania has been the "National Plan for Administration of Remnants" project, which covered 8 cities and was funded by PHARE Program in 1996. /pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] Head of Information Service of Public Order has not resigned - spokesman

The spokesman of the Public Order Ministry told ATA that the report published in some of the Saturday dailies that the head of the Information Public Order Colonel Besnik Bakiu has resigned, is not true.

Colonel Bakiu, said the spokesman, holds his post in the lead of the Information Service in the Public Order Ministry. /pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] Police presence and tense situation continue in Rahoveci villages

In Kramovik there is only one remaining family while almost all the houses have been destroyed or damaged by the Serb attacks. Klemendi family has turned back in the village, but the police forces do not allow it to move. The Serb forces are settled in the place called "Kodra e farketarit" and in the school building, where they continously shoot.

In the above mentioned countries there are about 4 000 inhabitants, a part of them refugees, who have recieved no aid till now. In the meantime the grave situation continues also in Doberdolan village, where according to a source of Kosova Democratic League, the Serb forces have entered yesterday some Albanian houses looting them. /P.Ta/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] Contribution to forge closer ties of friendship between our people- Greek PM and chairman of PASOK greets SP head -

Your contribution was mainly important in coping with the last year crisis, as well as in forging the closer friendly relations between the two people.

As chairman of PASOK, I aim at promoting this admirable cooperation even between our parties.

I wish you and your family happiness and health, also progress and prosperity to the Albanian people. /a.ke/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] PDS Political Secretary D'Alema hails SP Head Nano

"Your decision to quit from the head of the Albanian government and to encourage a deep renovation, by proposing Pandeli Majko to the post of the Prime Minister, is expression of feeling the high responsibility and a further service to your country.

I am sure that you will continue to work for the consolidation of democracy in Albania," ends the message of D'Alema. /a.ke/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] Experts to hold talks on Tirana Conference

Minister Milo will greet the beginning sitting of this meeting. /a.ke/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] Coca-Cola: 150 employees and a total production of 4.000.000boxes a year

Coca Cola has been successful in realizing a stability in its production and in trading the production with its brand.

Its producing capacity is 4.000.000 boxes a year and it has 150 employees who produce and deliver the production.

It conducts its activity in Albania since May 1994 starting with the inauguration of the Establishment as the only enterprise in Albania authorized from Atlanta Coca Cola Company for bottling of Coca Cola, Fanta, Sprite and Bonaqua.

All raw materials are imported from enterprises authorized by Coca Cola Company in order to maintain international standards of production quality. /A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] All together for a clean environment

The World Walking Day, held in Population Day and the Day Against Poverty, gethered several enviromental associations on the grounds of "Ismail Qemali" general high school in a seminar titled " Man and nature". On the focus of this activity, organized by "Eko 21" association, was the motto: " Let's work together for a walking environment."

On this occasion took place even the Albanian first lady.

"Eko 21" association, under the leadership of the representatives of National Environment Agency, organized in the capital an action for cleaning the Lana enviroments on the Wold Day of Clean Cities. /pas/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] U.N. to hold verification mission in Yugoslavia

Steffan de Mistura, Director of the U.N. Information Center, will head this mission, which will include representatives from different departments of the United Nations and other agencies. De Missura has a wide experience in the activity of the United Nations in field, in emergency zones, press and information office close to the Albanian Foreign Ministry reported to ATA.

This mission is expected to arrive in the region during this week- end. /a.ke/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] Diocesan seminary "Lady of good Counsel" inaugurated in Shkoder

At the ceremony on this occasion the rector of the seminary, Father Gaetano Brambillacca, held a speech. A greeting by Pope John Paul II addressed to the seminarists was read at the ceremony.

Also attending was Albanian President Meidani, who praised the important role the religious communities play in Albania for cultural cohabitation, mutual respect and tolerance.

Some 122 first and second year students of the secondary education as well as 83 seminarists attend this college.

The Albanian seminary opened for the first time on August 1859. In 1946 this seminary, the Saverian college and other clerical schools in Albania were closed by the communist dictatorship. The seminary reopened in 1991 following other cult institutions.

The reconstructed building of the seminary has a study hall, classrooms, bedrooms, the library, rooms for the Jesuits and a conference hall.

The inauguration ribbon was cut by Apostolic Nuncio Giovani Bulaitis. /A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] Religious communities contribute to spiritual and moral enhancement of nation - Meidani

In his greeting address on the inauguration of the diocesan seminary "Lady of Good Counsel" in the city of Shkoder, President Meidani said that "The religious communities are setting not only an excellent example of cohabitation, mutual respect and tolerance, but they are also contributing to the spiritual and moral enhancement of the nation, the nourishment of hope and confidence that the Albanians can make their life better and more human through their work."

"The accomplishments and projects of religious communities are making the country nice, are creating new jobs for the common people, testifying to a precious value: translating words into deeds," said Meidani.

Meidani voiced the confidence that it is not far the day when the Catholic University will be constructed in Albania. The Holy See and Albania's Bishopric Conference are working for its construction.

The President compared the Inter-diocesan Seminary with a precious stone in the mosaic of works realized recently by the Catholic Church.

"I would like this seminary to be a homage to the outstanding martyrs of the Catholic church and the clerics of all religions who sacrificed themselves to the word of God," said President Meidani. /pas/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] Pope John Paul II voices special care for Albanian people

In a message addressed at the inauguration ceremony of the Shkoder Inter-diocesan Seminary, the Holy Father writes: "With the spirit filled with joy, I would like to express my spiritual closeness on the occasion of the inauguration of the diocesan Seminary of Shkoder. I greet you and bishop brothers of the dioceses of Albania, the nation which I care for especially."

After greeting in particular the young men, participant in this seminary, which he considers "a joyful community," the Holy Father addresses "an intensive appeal of the holy spirit regarding this event filled with hope for the Albanian church." /pas/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] DP renounces demand for technical government

The DP made public this new stand at a news conference, said the party Secretary General, Ridvan Bode, who said that his party and its allies will not request the creation of a technical government but will favour a political dialogue on fundamental issues concerning Albania.

"Debate on the constitution and establishment of law in Albania require an open constructive dialogue between the governmnt coalition and the opposition. But this will be realised if the current government creates conditions for this dialogue," said Bode.

The Democratic Party see the immediate release of six former senior officials of the Meksi government, accused of "crimes against humanity", the restoration of immunity to DP leader Sali Berisha and finding the perpetrators of the murder of democrat lawmaker Azem Hajdari as a condition for holding this dialogue. /dast/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[20] Parliamentary commissions to reconsider four articles of Constitution

Deputy Zef Bushati, chairman of the Christian Democratic Party, which has returned to parliament after boycott of several sessions along with several parties of the opposition grouping "Union for democracy", asked a broader consensus from various political forces on approving the articles that have to do with the President of the Republic and Chairman of the Council of Ministers.

He put forward the possible alternative that the head of state be elected "directly by the people".

"The proposals forwarded at today's session are acceptable and will be reconsidered by the parliamentary commissions," said deputy Sabri Godo, co-chairman of the Constitutional commission. /dast/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[21] Shooting in Prishtine and Podujeve

Gun shots were heard in Prishtine and Podujeve overnight which injured one person and damaged seevral houses, the Kosova Informatin Center (KIC) reports.

From 23.45 to 2.30 last night crackle of gunfire was also heard in the neighbourhood "Kodra e Trimave", Prishtine. The locals said that the shooting had come from the Serb police stations of this quarter and the shelling had damaged several houses accross from the police station and a car, the source says.

The gunshots were earlier heard in Taukbashce road juction, at which police forces concentrate during the night.

Sources from the League of Kosova say that gun shots were heard overnight also in Podujeve. At around 22.45, three powerfull explosions were heard which were later followed by automatic gunshots in different parts of the town. Besides the police forces locations shelling also came from Serbs' houses. KIC also reports of an Albanian wounded and another arrested.

Police presence in Podujeve has meanwhile increased while the road near the police station and that of the market are still blocked. /P.Ta/lola/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[22] Changes avoiding function of Presidency of People's Assemby anticipated - Imami

Normative substantial changes are anticipated in the new constitution which "limit the powers of the institution of the People's Assembly as regards its internal operation, avoiding the function of its Presidency, " Arben Imami, co-chairman of the Parliamentary Commission told ATA.

The role of the presidency is foreseen to be exercised by the Speaker empowered with individual competencies and responsibilities, "without collegial bodies", an experience which Imami considered "inherited mainly by Eastern communist countries, with pre-democratic conditions".

Most of the articles approved on Saturday deal with the development of the legislative process, different modalities, such as accelerated procedures and the role and performance of the commissions.

As to the appointment of the directors of high state and governmental institutions, deputies insisted that the respective articles be approved after reaching a broader consensus with the participation of all the parliamentary political forces. /dast/lola/lm/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency Directory - Previous Article - Next Article