Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 98-10-23

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] Pollution of Shkumbin threatens ecosystem of four towns

[02] Reconstruction process: Albpetrol to be divided into three sections

[03] Austrian Caritas builds Rrajce aqueduct -Local leaders do not take it over-

[04] Prosecutor's Office says smuggled cigarettes to go to State Reserves

[05] Administrative chief of Rreze Mal in Tropoje killed

[06] Pilot section in Saving Bank affiliation in Durres

[07] New party in Albania's political spectrum

[08] Some 320 contraband cigarette boxes blocked

[09] Days of European cultural heritage open in Voskopoje

[10] AEC: Technical losses more than World Bank envisages

[11] Albania agrees to sign financial memorandums with PHARE programme

[12] Tirane beer factory workers ask for more privatisation shares

[13] Grave situation in communes of Gjakove, Decan, Suhareke

[14] Friday's exchange rate in Tirana

[15] We will continue to deepen reform in justice, says Minister

[16] President Meidani decrees Statute of Academy of Sciences

[17] President Meidani meets Ambassador Hill

[18] ECHO has realized 92% of health system rehabilitation project for 1998

[19] Albanian army has played important role in management of crisis

[20] 9.7 million leks given for Lezha Savings Bank reconstruction

[21] We will say "Yes" to Constitution, says Mehdiu

[22] Mayor of Gjirokaster visits France

[23] Puppet Show Director discharged

[24] Verification of implementation of U.N. resolution goes paralelly with political negotiations, Hill

[25] Kosova issue demands final solution by peaceful ways

[26] Last polls in Macedonia voted for coexistence, Nano

[01] Pollution of Shkumbin threatens ecosystem of four towns

With a source from the mountains of Shebenik near the regions of Sopot and Biza, it waters Librazhd, Elbasan, Peqin and Rrogozhine, towns with nearly 350 000 inhabitants.

Shkumbin is mainly polluted from these towns' sewers as well as from organic, food and plastic wastes down to iron scraps, which fill the river- bed, often deviating the course and causing inundations.

All these take place in a very favourable landscape for the development of tourism, with the Shkumbini valley carrying a rich and diverse fauna. /pas/lm/

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[02] Reconstruction process: Albpetrol to be divided into three sections

Albetrol reconstruction process is envisaged to be realised dividing it into three sections. This project, which paves the way for the privatisation of Albpetrol, is approved by Company's Supervising Council and accepted by FMN.

According to the Minister of Privatisation and Economy, Ylli Bufi, "This project is dictated by the circumstances, at a time when foreign investors have expressed their interest only in the extraction of the oil leaving aside processing, marketing or service sector. This strategy makes the process more open, because the Albpetrol's agony should not go further."

Most of reconstruction of Albpetrol has been consulted with its counterparts in Greece and Italy and in principle it is the same with the Italian AGIP.

The reconstruction project of Albpetrol envisages dividing it into three sections: production section, which will bear its name Albpetrol, processing and marketing section, which will be named after AMORO Company, and the third section, named after SERV Company will include services, geophysics and mechanics.

These three sections will be run by one department, named Albpetrol Corporation (APC), which will represent the state.

At present Albpetrol oil production section suffers losses while the sale section has profits, which is absurd and will be eliminated at the beginning of the reconstruction process of the biggest state-run oil company, Albpetrol. /lola/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] Austrian Caritas builds Rrajce aqueduct -Local leaders do not take it over-

The financier of the commune, Spase Thanasi, told ATA that the construction of this aqueduct was enabled by father Gjergj Gashi, of the Mother Teresa Mission close to the Austrian Caritas.

Although the works on the aqueduct were completed last year and the Trrajce inhabitants are supplied with water, the aqueduct is not taken over by the district's commune and council.

This problem has also been raised at the Elbasan prefecture and, according to its secretary Arqile Basha, the chairman of the district council and the head of the Rrajce commune have not yet pronounced themselves on this.

According to the chairman of the district council, the local leaders, considering the fact that the said investment started when the local government was run by socialists, allege that there have been abuses by the construction firm, but they are unable to support their accusation with concrete facts. /lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] Prosecutor's Office says smuggled cigarettes to go to State Reserves

TIRANA, Oct 22 (ATA)-By Th. Thanasi, The General Prosecutor's office on Thursday asked that nearly 300 boxes of smuggled cigarettes intercepted last week go to the state reserves.

These cigarettes were transported in two long vans, which were blocked at the site called Ura, near Lezhe (Northwestern zone of Albania), on October 14 evening.

The vans carried 300 boxes of cigarettes, "Davidoff" brand, whose value is estimated at nearly $200.000.

The drivers of the vans were arrested but their names are not made public for investigation reasons. /pas/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] Administrative chief of Rreze Mal in Tropoje killed

The spokesman of the Public Order Ministry told ATA that a group of gunmen shot down the administrative chief of the village of Rreze Mal of Tropoje district, Sali Sulejman Haxhia, age 53.

Haxhia was also elected head of the Socialist Party Organisation in this village.

The motives of this criminal act are not yet clear, whether they are linked with Haxhia's position as chief of the village or as head of the SP organisation.

The culprits are not yet known, either. /s.s/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] Pilot section in Saving Bank affiliation in Durres

This section began officially its bank operations on Thursday, after a symbolic ceremony.

Diana Misho, informatics worker of this section, said to ATA that the computer programs, at which 15 qualified workers operate, have substantially speed up the operations in the pilot section. The Pon-line communication with the General Department of the Saving Bank and the establishment of direct relations with Tirana affiliation have attracted many clients within one month. Some 25 clients have opened bank accounts, while other 52 clients have trusted their deposits to the Savings Bank, out of whom 40 in leks and 12 in foreign currency.

In the Savings Bank affiliation in Durres some 110 employees work in four agencies and some distribution offices.

In Durres besides the Savings Bank affiliation, the Commerce Bank affiliation and the affiliation of private Tirana and Fefad Bank operate. /s.s./lola/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] New party in Albania's political spectrum

The Albanian Civil Party (PQSH) will represent the interests of the civil strata to achieve their objectives in the political, economic and social fields, Ronald Velko, chairman of this new political force, told ATA.

Approved by the Ministry of Justice on 11.09.1998, "PQSH has been raised on world civil democratic bases and will work for the civil democratization of the Albanian and at the same time for the enhancement of his personality in Albania and the world," says a statement signed by Roland Velko and Etleva Gjermeni, respectively chairman and secretary of this new party.

They said the PQSH will work "through democratic means to take power and lead Albanian towards victories of democratic civilisation." /pas/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] Some 320 contraband cigarette boxes blocked

The police forces in Vlore blocked on Thursday some 320 cigarette boxes of LM and Cooper brand.

Spokesman of the Public Order Ministry said to ATA that on Thursday on the shores of Jale near Himare, the police noticed a motorboat, out of which a considerable quantity of cigarettes was being unloaded. When the police was approaching the area, the persons unloading the motorboat opened fire. The harsh response of the police forced the persons of the motorboat to abandon the consignment on the shore and escape. In the shootout no one was injured.

The police found on the spot 320 cigarette boxes of LM and Cooper brand, which were blocked and stored in Vlore Police Headquarter premises.

On Thursday, the Police of Vlore also blocked in Orikum one motorboat, which according to the preliminary information, was used in this contraband. The owner of the motorboat, G.S., has been declared wanted, while the guard of the motorboat, E.M., was taken to the Commissariat. /pas/lola/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] Days of European cultural heritage open in Voskopoje

The "Days of European cultural heritage" open in Voskopoje, one of the inhabited medieval centres of Southeastern Albania, today.

This activity has long since been thought to be held in this town by the Council of Europe and the Ministry of Culture.

Renowned figures of the Albanian art and culture as well as foreign scholars are taking part in this activity.

Also attending will be Minister of Culture Edi Rama, Prof. Kristo Frasheri, Dr. Aurel Plasari, Prof. Dhimiter Shuteriqi as well as Prof.Max D. Peyfuss of the Vienna University, Prof. Dhimiter Glaros, vice-rector of the Ioannina University and others.

The project of the Ministry of Culture is developed under the auspices of the CoE, in the framework of a programme initiated by this Council. The "Days of European Cultural Heritage" is held for the third year in Albania. Last year it was held in the ancient city of Shkoder.

The Korca local government, in cooperation with specialists of the Monuments' Institute, will provide a considerable assistance during this activity.

The activity was earlier scheduled to be carried out between September 17 and 19, but it was put off because of the tense situation in Albania. /pas/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] AEC: Technical losses more than World Bank envisages

Albanian Electro-energetic Corporation (AEC) is meeting the World Bank (WB) terms, in order to withdraw credits from the international financial institutions.

At present, the technical losses, which were 62.5% in January have been reduced to 46.9% in August and September, meeting the terms settled by WB, which envisaged the percentage of the losses being 47%.

Electric energy clients are divided into four groups: family consumers, private sector consumers, budgetary institutions and non- budgetary institutions sectors.

The non-budgetary institutions and the private sector clients do not consist a problem as far as electric power cutting measure is applied but the other two groups family sector and budgetary institution sector (mainly the water supply enterprises) are a big concern for the AEC.

Only in Tirana, big losses are recorded from family consumers, in which more than the half are concentrated in the suburbs of the capital and out of the electric infrastructure illegally profiting energy. In the village the structure of gathering incomes from consumers almost has been lacking.

According to the Minister, Bufi, in cooperation with Italian government two electric substations will be build in the zone of Tirane and Durres, which will begin to operate within this year and compensate the increase of consumers' consumption to 30-35%. /lola/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] Albania agrees to sign financial memorandums with PHARE programme

The Minister of Economic Cooperation and Trade, Ermelinda Meksi, conducted meetings with the delegation of the PHARE programme of the European Commission and the special representative of the Secretary of the Council of Europe to Albania, Andreas Papaconstandinou.

The delegation of the Phare Programme of the European Commission, headed by Francoise Bejeau, stressed at the meeting that the EU will continue to help the Albanian government to implement the projects envisaged in various fields of economic and social fields.

The participants in the meeting agreed to sign three financial memorandums on the National Development Project COP -98 and the CROSS- BORDER programmes with Italy and Greece.

Meanwhile, at the meeting with the special representative of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Papaconstandinou, Meksi discussed the issue of Albania's adherence to the Social Fund and asked from him the acceleration of the respective procedures.

Papaconstandinou praised the initiative to integrate Albania into the Social Fund and promised a comprehensive assistance of the CoE for a quick admission of Albania in this Fund. /lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] Tirane beer factory workers ask for more privatisation shares

The workers of the beer factory in Tirane are not against privatisation, but they ask for more shares by increasing the number of the vouchers. They declared that since Monday non-limited strike, till they receive an answer from the Ministry of Economy and Privatisation to the requests they have made.

Their dissatisfaction is addressed to the Ministry of Economy and Privatisation, which has selected, according to them, this enterprise to be privatised the first out of hundreds in process. Tirana-Beer, according to the workers, is a productive enterprise, which has paid off all the obligations to the state and with its profits has renewed the technology.

According to the chairman of the trade-union, Ilir Duka, in 1997 when several enterprises were destroyed, Tirana-Beer workers defended their factory by themselves. One of their main requests has to do with the amount of workers' vouchers, which should consist 20%-30% and not 2%.

"As far as the factory works with profits, out of which the state has deposited growing amounts of money in budget, we do not understand why it should be put the first for auction," the workers say.

The Ministry of Privatisation, is resolute to privatize this factory as well as all the other enterprises included in non-strategic sectors, which is thus a process to be finished within this year.

The Minister of Economy and Privatisation, Ylli Bufi, has ordered 100% privatisation of the four enterprise shares by auction, in which besides beer factory, also Profarma and "Ajka" enterprises along with Sugar Plant in Maliq are among the first to be privatised.

Beer Factory in Tirane has raised the curiosity of the businessmen, because of the competitive beer production at a low cost.

This factory, which in early '90-s, had an old technology, succeeded to survive and enter the market economy thanks to one million ECU provided by European Community.

The factory, with 150 workers, alredy has a production capacity of 150 000 hectoliters per year, but up to now its production has reached 96 000 hectoliters.

According to the officials of this factory, "Tirana-Beer meets 30% of the Albanian market needs and till 1999 it aims to cover 40% of this market. /pas/lola/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] Grave situation in communes of Gjakove, Decan, Suhareke

Sources from the Kosova Democratic League in Gjakova say that there is no withdrawal of the Serb military and police forces, but simply continuous movement of them from a place to another. The forces of the Serb army, positioned in the place called "Suka e Biteshit," fire gunshots every night with heavy arms towards the villages of Dushkaje in Gjakove and villages of Decan. Reports from Saureka say that the Serb police forces, deployed in the villages of Bllace, Reshtan, Samadraxhe, Mohlan and Krushice e Ulet, do not allow the return of people in their villages.

A severe police control is also noticed in the villages of Lugu where the police are deployed in six roadblocks, according to the reports from an LDK activist. The above sources also said that many inhabitants continue to live outside their houses due to the danger which is always present. /pas/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] Friday's exchange rate in Tirana

as follows:

Currency Rate

USD 141.70

DM 86.40

LIT(1000) 87.10

GRD(100) 50.05 /A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] We will continue to deepen reform in justice, says Minister

Taking into consideration the program of the government, the work started for the reformation of the Justice system aims at reforming first the judiciary in order to reach the standards of independence, impartially, and honesty in judgement.

As the justice system is one of the sectors mostly accused of corruption, Kondi said that they aim at taking more efficacious measures to minimize this phenomenon through the reform which has already started.

"We will pay special attention to the transparency in the justice system and the constant improvement of the current legislation," stated Kondi. For this aim, work is being carried out for the preparation of draft- laws on the prosecutor's office, grave crimes and justice police.

"Through the improvement of the legislation, we aim at meeting two objectives, continued Kondi. The first is to bring the legislation closer to the European standards and to adopt the current legislation following the principles of the new Constitution. This will avoid the incoherence and ambiguities noticed until now in this field," ended Minister Kondi. /dast/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] President Meidani decrees Statute of Academy of Sciences

President Meidani wished the academicians present in the ceremony successes in their work and democratization and constant renovation of the Academy and other scientific institutions, backed in this new statute.

Prof. Ylli Popa said on his side that it is the first time that the Academy of Sciences will have a statute approved and decreed by the President of the Republic. He thanked President Meidani for his suggestions while compiling this fundamental document.

The introduction of the newly approved Statute says: "The President of the Republic approves this Statute of the Academy of Sciences to ensure its independence from the executive government and political interferences." /dast/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] President Meidani meets Ambassador Hill

Ambassador Hill informed Meidani on the current progress of the agreement signed for the restoration of normality and the solution of the Kosova question, President press and information office reported to ATA.

Further on, ambassador Hill stressed the necessity to take defining steps for the institutionalization of the political life and the administration of the public life in the whole territory of Kosova.

President Meidani thanked the U.S. negotiating team and the direct engagement of President Clinton for the prevention of the conflict in Kosova.

He stressed that the withdrawal of the Serb military troops and vehicles under the OSCE monitoring should be accompanied with the security that the Serb aggressive mentality will finally go away from the Albanian territories of Kosova.

President Meidani appreciated the engagement of the international bodies for the solution of the Kosova issue as a direct contribution not only for the people of Kosova, but even for the stability of the entire region.

During the meeting, Meidani voiced the conviction that the Albanian political factor will objectively estimate the support of OSCE, NATO and other international organizations and will hold the same stand to help the ongoing solution of the Kosova problem. /dast/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] ECHO has realized 92% of health system rehabilitation project for 1998

ATA was told this by the ECHO representative, who also added that for the realization of this project are accorded $ 1.8 million. The last year's analyses show that for the primary health system are expanded 37% of the general sum. Its rehabilitation has consisted in the building of the health centers in 80 % of the country's districts, with their supplying with aparatus and medical equipments, and in the supplying with medicaments. 23% of the sum accorded was used for the rehabilation of the hospital system in all the country, 17% was used for the reconstruction of the Tirana Obstetric Genealogical Hospital, 5% is invested for hospital laboratory network and 8% is used for the urgencies of different districts.

The same source says that ECHO representatives have undertaken the task of fulfilling, during the last 3 month period of 1998, the remaining part of 8% which will be added another fund. /pas/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] Albanian army has played important role in management of crisis

The constitutional stand regarding the crisis of September has been considered by NATO as a positive factor in the Albanian developments.

"Our cooperation with NATO is connected with the solution of many problems, such as the collection of weapons, prevention of different illegal traffics, coping with difficult situations that the Kosova refugees are facing, and others, on which the Albanian army feels very obliged," continued Andoni.

John Criendler (chairman of the Section of Operations in the Department of Crisis Operations and Management of the NATO International Staff,) expressed his esteem consideration for the progressive process of the Albanian army.

Criendler underlined that the continuation of the NATO assistance regarding the management of crisis is included in its plans. This assistance will also aim at offering material aid for the restoration of the necessary infrastructure, he added.

After holding the visits, NATO team on the management of crisis left Albania today. /dast/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[20] 9.7 million leks given for Lezha Savings Bank reconstruction

With this fund is forseen the rehabilitation of this branch service environment, the spokesman of the city town-hall told ATA.

He also added that the work was carried out by an Albanian firm, which aims to finish it within the year.

The staff of Lezha Savings Bank is temporarily working in another place. /pas/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[21] We will say "Yes" to Constitution, says Mehdiu

"We, the Republican Party, have decided to say "Yes" to the Constitution, by not giving up the request regarding the amendments we think are necessary," the chairman of the Republican Party, Fatmir Mehdiu, told ATA on Friday.

"We have our remarks and will take all the legal initiatives to make the necessary constitutional amendments and regulations to the draft," said the Republican leader.

According to Mehdiu, the Republican Party has given its contribution to this draft, which has not been formal, but active, by considering the constitution necessary for the Albanians. /dast/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[22] Mayor of Gjirokaster visits France

The delegation from Gjirokaster has represented Albania in this activity among the representatives from the Ministries of Culture and cultural circles from 22 countries.

During this activity, along with the presentation of the cultural values and architectonic and museum property of Albania, it has been also reported on the developments of the literature and arts.

Such activities are a great support for the values of the Albanian culture, said that mayor of Gjirokaster, Ylli Asllani, after the arrival from France. /dast/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[23] Puppet Show Director discharged

The Socialist Advisers asked the Council to postpone the case for the coming meeting in order to listen to Kurtiqi, who is actually on service in Austry. The Democratic Advisers rejected this thing saying that the case has been investigated for 4 weeks, and the director's decision was taken before. Afterwards the Socialist Advisers left the meeting in a sign of protest.

Town-hall Council had treated the proposal of his discharging since the previous meeting, based on the control results made on this purpose.

Gjike Kurti was elected Director of the Puppet Show 5 months ago by the same Council.

The Socialist Advisers Group was headed by Spartak Poci who replaced Musa Ulqini, nominated Minister of Information recently. /pas/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[24] Verification of implementation of U.N. resolution goes paralelly with political negotiations, Hill

"We talked with Mr. Majko about the progress made in the resolution of the Kosova issue, but there is still a long way to go. It is very positive the fact that the monitoring mission of OSCE is now in Kosova, adding that the OSCE mission head is expected to arrive there on Friday. These and the ongoing political process of negotiations with Belgrade and Prishtina show the progress being done for the political solution of the crisis. We hope that the presence of the OSCE observation mission in Kosova will play a powerful role," ambassador Hill told Albanian journalists, after meeting with the Albanian Premier, Pandeli Majko.

Referring to the political process for the resolution of the Kosova status, Ambassador Hill told the journalists that "a group of journalists are present in Prishtina and are working with me all the time, but I do not want to predict the date when we will finally have an agreement, except to say that it will be as soon as possible."

Ambassador Hill held on Friday noon a meeting with PM Majko to discuss on the recent developments in Kosova, as well as to be informed about the stands of the Albanian government regarding the situation in the region. /dast/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[25] Kosova issue demands final solution by peaceful ways

Ambassador Nash was interested in the recent political developments in the country for the approval of the constitution through a people's referendum, as well as on the stands regarding the Kosova matter, press office of the Socialist Party told ATA.

In response to his interest, Nano briefed on the political life in the country, stressing the referendum for the approval of the new Albanian Constitution.

In regard to the Kosova problem, they both stressed the necessity for the final solution of the Kosova issue through peaceful ways and appreciated the contribution of international organizations, engaged in the resolution of this question. Nano considered as very important the contribution of the British Foreign Secretary, Cook, in the solution of this problem by also expressing his thanks for the stands of Great Britain regarding Kosova.

Nano held a meeting on same day with the deputy President of "France Liberte," Roland Merleux. Also, in this meeting, they discussed on the latest political development in the country and the Kosova problem. /dast/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[26] Last polls in Macedonia voted for coexistence, Nano

Focusing on the latest elections in Macedonia, Nano reiterated his idea regarding the coexistence, adding that certainly it has been voted for this coexistence. Further on, Nano briefed on the political situation in the country, the work and efforts made for drafting and approving the new Constitution, as well as on the measures taken for its approval in a people's referendum. He familiarized ambassador Nivoski with the support that SP has given and is giving to the new government for the realization of its government program.

With regard to the Kosova issue, both parties expressed complete understanding for a final solution and through peaceful ways of the Kosova matter. Nano and Nivoski voiced their viewpoints regarding the situation in the region, stressing the common readiness to contribute to the creation of a real regional understanding.

At the end of the meeting, ambassador Nivoski gave to chairman Nano a letter from Branko Cervenkovski. /dast/mt/

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