Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 98-10-30

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] Albanian President Meidani honours founder of Turkish modern state, Mustafa Kemal

[02] Police of Vlore consolidate measures to control men smuggling

[03] Albanian Democratic Party against Referendum for Constitution

[04] Swedish government will support development Albania's economy - Karlson

[05] Agreement between Albania and Austria on rehabilitation of aqueduct and sewage in Shkoder

[06] World Trade Organization holds seminar in Oher

[07] Albanian, Egyptian protocol of agricultural cooperation signed

[08] Albania is a priority for World Bank - Linn - PM Majko meets deputy director of World Bank -

[09] LDK: Serb forces partly withdrawn

[10] International Conference for Albania starts in Tirane - Albanian Foreign Minister Paskal Milo opens the meeting -

[11] Lower prices for local products in Albania

[12] Two Albanian citizens detained for carrying 200 kg of cannabis

[13] Majko expresses Albania's determination to march on the road of democracy

[14] 500 tons of lindane removed from Porto Romano (Durres) - environmentalists say the zone remains contaminated -

[15] Austrian projects in support of Albania

[16] Legal way to creation of commissions of registration for constitutional referendum opened

[17] Milo says Albania still in need of friends and support -From the speech of Albania's Foreign Minister at Tirana Conference-

[18] National Center of Bio-Medical Engineering inaugurated

[19] Italian humanitarian organisation to hold manifestation in Kosova

[20] A stabilised Albania, security factor in region, Geremek

[21] Albania is not alone in transition process, says Malloy

[22] CVC adopts two important regulations

[23] Government is resolute to implement its priorities, Majko

[24] Military dill "Voskopoja '98" ends

[01] Albanian President Meidani honours founder of Turkish modern state, Mustafa Kemal

The press and information office close to the President of Albania reports that in the mausoleum set up in honour of this distinguished historical figure, President Meidani, in the name of all delegations, placed a wreath and wrote in the visitors' book: "With profound respect in front of this great man of modern Turkey - Rexhep Meidani, Albania."

In the afternoon, Mr Meidani and other guests attended a ceremonial parade, testimony to the all-sided development of the modern Turkey. /xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] Police of Vlore consolidate measures to control men smuggling

The spokesman of the police department of the prefecture, told ATA that the police road checks in three roads leading to Vlore have blocked penetration of contingents of illegal Albanians and foreigners.

In addition, measures for the control of the sea has continued with speedboats and dinghies all cleared off, said the spokesman.

In view of this aim, the inspectorate of the road traffic of the police department have been controlling rigorously main road segments of Vlore. /dast/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] Albanian Democratic Party against Referendum for Constitution

At the end of the meeting, the Democratic Party decided to invite its electorate not to vote in favour of the fundamental state law in the referendum due on November 22, 1998. According to DP, the draft of the Constitution does not voice and protect the interests of the Albanian people. The Democratic Party also said that it will take part in the voting commissions in order to avoid a rigged vote.

The parties of the government coalition and the political grouping Albanian United Right wing are in favour of the constitution. /lh/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] Swedish government will support development Albania's economy - Karlson

Presenting the objectives of Albania's new government, Meta pointed to the fight against corruption in the public sector, contraband and crime of any kind to restore law and order in the country, which, he added, also makes up an indispensable condition for the attraction of foreign investors.

"Friday's conference will testify to the ongoing relations between the Albanian government and the international community, trying to find the most efficient ways to help stabilize democracy in Albania as well as its economic development," said deputy Prime Minister Meta.

Karlson, pointing to the very good relations between the two countries, reaffirmed the commitment of the Swedish government to support the progress of democracy and development of the Albanian economy. /dast/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] Agreement between Albania and Austria on rehabilitation of aqueduct and sewage in Shkoder

Official sources in the Ministry told ATA that the Austrian grant for this purpose amounts to 38.2 million Austrian schillings. The second stage starts immediately and must be over by mid 2000.

Over the period from November 1998 to April 1999, the blue prints will be prepared while in May 1999 the construction stage must start in the sector of aqueducts and sewage.

The first stage started in January 1998 in a pilot zone of Shkoder and was completed with success at the end of July 1998.

The whole project for the rehabilitation of the water system and sewage in Shkoder started in 1996 and so far is as high as about 50 million Austrian schillings, granted to Albania by the Republic of Austria.

This is the second project as for its value, among the 15 projects of the present Albanian-Austrian cooperation. /pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] World Trade Organization holds seminar in Oher

According to reports from the Albanian Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Trade, the two-day meeting is also attended by representatives of the U.S. Department of Trade and the WTO Secretary-General.

The seminar of Oher will help prepare the group of Albanian negotiators for the third round of talks between Albania and the World Trade Organization, to be held at the end of November.

Albania hopes that in the coming spring it will complete procedures for its membership in the WTO, started since 1992. /xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] Albanian, Egyptian protocol of agricultural cooperation signed

During this visit the two ministers signed a protocol which confirms their desire to develop cooperation in the management of irrigation, land administration, plants' genetics as well as in the Albanian specialists' training in Egyptian scientific institutions.

Xhuveli was received in separate meetings by Minister of Public Works and Irrigation Mahmut Abuzeid and other Egyptian agricultural officials.

Also taking part in these meetings was Albania's ambassador to Egypt Haki Shtalbi. /pas/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] Albania is a priority for World Bank - Linn - PM Majko meets deputy director of World Bank -

"Albania is a priority for the World Bank and to this prove the 24 projects it has underway in this country," said Mr Linn in the meeting.

Expressing his gratitude for the assistance of WB for Albania, Prime Minister Majko said that the Albanian Government is adopting fast measures to make up for the slow rates and defects noticed in the reform of the public administration, the financial reform and in the fight against corruption.

"We are determined to free Albania of the image of illegal traffics and contraband," said Majko, adding that the positive effects of the police activity against crime are now being felt.

Linn said that the programme presented at this activity is very ambitious and it enjoys the support of the international institutions.

He stressed the support of this bank in the process of Albania's reforms as well as the need to speed up credits' disbursements. He expressed the conviction that Albania's new politicians will be capable of restructuring the public sector. /pas/xh/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] LDK: Serb forces partly withdrawn

The LDK presidency welcomed the decision that NATO's "activation order" remain in force and hailed the commitment of the international community to continue pressure on Belgrade.

But it called the hitherto imposed withdrawal of the Serbian army and police from Kosova as partial and not in compliance with the Holbrooke- Milosevic accord.

"There are still many Serbian forces and armaments in Kosova and a partial withdrawal cannot have positive effects on the creation of trust and return home of the Albanian displaced population," says the statement.

The statement also warns that the Serb army and police are being installed in barracks and other secret places inside the territory of Kosova, while the spaces "emptied from the withdrawal", in many parts of Kosova are now being covered by police concentration points, the statement says. /p.ta/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] International Conference for Albania starts in Tirane - Albanian Foreign Minister Paskal Milo opens the meeting -

The conference, attended by 36 foreign delegations, was opened by the Albanian Foreign Minister, Paskal Milo. Then, Prime Minister Pandeli Majko took the floor. In the name of the Albanian Government, he presented the demands of Albanian for assistance and its commitment to follow the road of democracy and to consolidate its institutions.

Among the representatives from the Western countries in the International Conference for Albania are the Austrian Foreign Minister and also Chairman of the EU Ministerial Council, Schussel, the chief of Italian diplomacy, Dini, the current Chairman of OSCE, Geremek, Assistant Foreign Minister of Greece, Papandreu, Assistant Deputy Secretary of the U.S. State Department, Malloy, Deputy Director of the World Bank, Linn and others. /y.pa/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] Lower prices for local products in Albania

While vegetables had a price rise this week. Tomatoes were 99,4 lek/kg last week and now are sold at 101,2 lek/kg, potatoes were 48,7 lek/kg last week, while this week they are sold at 51,8 lek/kg, peppers, green salad, spinach and other vegetables have registered a fall of their average prices as against last week.

The average prices of fruits have marked a slight reduction. The prices of apples became 98,3 lek/kg this week from 99,9 lek/kg this week, lemons from 183,6 lek to 166,9 lek/kg.

Food articles had a change in the prices this week compared with the last week. Sugar is sold at 77,4 lek/kg, rice 90,6 lek/kg, imported macaroni 110,1 lek/kg and cooking oil 197,6 leke/kg.

Mutton is sold 524 lek/kg this week from 530,5 lek/kg last week, while veal is being sold at 623,6 lek/kg from 615,7 lek last week. /lh/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] Two Albanian citizens detained for carrying 200 kg of cannabis

Spokesman of the Albanian Ministry of Public Order told ATA that last Thursday, at about 9 a.m., police forces of Vlore arrested citizens Reiz Lamaj from Babica and Servet Besho from Vlore, because they were carrying respectively 22,5 kg and 177 kg cannabis.

Police of Vlore have recently intensified their operations against drug and men smuggling. /s.s./xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] Majko expresses Albania's determination to march on the road of democracy

TIRANA, Oct 30 (ATA)-By I.Luto,

Albania's Prime Minister Pandeli Majko, in his speech at the International Conference of Albania on Friday, thanked the International Community for its support for Albania and asked the delegations from 36 states participating in the conference to reconfirm the political support for the new Albanian government.

Majko analysed the performance of the Albanian government in the last 18 months. The aim of the conference, itself, is to analyse the performance since the Rome conference, held one year ago.

Majko said that these 18 months have been a difficult period for Albania, both in the economic and social aspect and in the context of the political tensions at home.

Analysing the events taking place in Albania recently, Majko said that the mid September events showed that we are still on the road towards institutional stability and stable economic growth aspired by the entire Albanian people.

"We are conscious of the fragility of our democratic institutions and remain committed to their strengthening," the chief of the Albanian government said further on.

Referring to the first steps made by the government for the political and institutional reforms, Majko praised the drafting of the constitution, as an achievement attained with the support of the International Community.

Speaking of the problems facing the country, Majko dwelt on the war against crime and corruption, and said that the government is fully committed to consolidating the public order, which can guarantee life and property as well as to creating normal conditions for the functioning of every structure and activity.

After he made known the political commitments of his government, Majko asked from the participants at the conference full support for the government he heads.

Majko also concentrated on the Kosova crisis and hailed the commitment of the International Community to resolve it.

"The government has assessed the NATO and OSCE agreements as positive steps to check the implementation of the U.N. resolutions," he said.

In conclusion Majko expressed the belief that this conference will contribute to Albania's progress and will support it on the road towards democracy, peace and development for all Albanians." /y.pa/pas/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] 500 tons of lindane removed from Porto Romano (Durres) - environmentalists say the zone remains contaminated -

Ilir Qesja, employee in the agency for Protection of Environment in Durres, told ATA that after many efforts, reports to competent bodies, the Albanian Government adopted the respective measures to remove the pesticides from there. For this purpose, the Italian Government delivered a fund of 7 400 US dollars. Now the charge has been stored in sure places, in Bishti i Palles and will soon be eliminated.

But the environmentalists in Durres say that although the danger was avoided, still the industrial zone in Porto Romano is very contaminated from toxic matter, which during the past ten years have penetrated under the ground surface where they risk to reach various waters, especially the drinking water. They say that this zone is not proper for living and people from other districts must not be allowed to settle in that zone. In addition, specialists will keep making strict permanent controls to see the level of contamination and to adopt efficient measures to eliminate it completely. /s.s/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] Austrian projects in support of Albania

Economic cooperation of Albania with Austria has assumed a new development after 1991. To this aim another reference centre has been set up at the Austrian Federal Chancellory, while a Coordination Office of the Federal Chancellory has been active in Tirana since 1994.

Some 40 projects, worth some 190 million Austrian schillings, have been developed since in 1991. These projects consist mainly in the water and energy sectors as well as the education, town-planning, tourism, health care, and emergency aid sections.

Among the major projects in energy include rehabilitation of the Vau i Dejes hydro-power station, Ulza and Shkopet, in the context of the Drin River Cascade Rehabilitation Project, worth 84.5 million schillings.

Meanwhile, in the water sector, the aqueduct and sewages are being rehabilitated in Shkoder, worth 50 million schillings.

Besides these main projects, projects in other fields continue such as in education, the rehabilitation of schools in Tirana, Lushnje, Malesi e Madhe and Mirdite, rehabilitation of the professional schools for tourism in Tirana and Sarande (in Sarande along with Soros-AEDP and GTZ) worth 3.8 million schillings, the Austrian share.

For town-planning a fund worth 2.6 million schilings has been provided, while for the health sector, the second phase of rehabilitating the Burrel hospital has begun which is worth 2 million schillings, and equipment for the Research Institution and Food in Tirana, worth 600 000 schillings.

The emergency aid sector is backed by the Austrian Red cross, International Red Cross Committee and the United Nations High Commissariat for Refugees in aid of the Kosovars in Albania, with a fund of 18.5 million schillings.

According to Austrian sources, the completed projects or which should be completed by the end of 1998 are 15, while the planned expenditure from 1998 until the end of 2000 is around 170 million schillings.

Active in supporting Albania, alongside the Federal Chancellory of the Republic of Austria, are the Austrian Federal Ministry for Education and Culture, the Federal Ministry for Science and Transport, the government of Vorarlberg Land, the Austrian CARITAS, Red Cross as well as numerous private initiatives. /lh/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] Legal way to creation of commissions of registration for constitutional referendum opened

The decision says that the commission must consist of three members, one of them is named by the administration of the municipality or commune and two others, one of them from the opposition and the other from the ruling parties, will be proposed by two biggest political forces represented in the respective council of the local government structure.

According to the spokesman of the Tirane town hall, the decision which reached the municipality Thursday afternoon, was issued two days before the deadline set for pattern of lists, which will later be photocopied.

The Council of Ministers adopted Wednesday a decision on the delivery of the fund for the referendum. The proposals from respective parties will determine the composition of the registration commissions in the Tirane municipality. /pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] Milo says Albania still in need of friends and support -From the speech of Albania's Foreign Minister at Tirana Conference-

Albania's Foreign Minister Paskal Milo, in his opening address at the International Conference on Albania, which started proceedings on Friday morning, greeted the 36 delegations participating in the conference and thanked the International Community for the support it has given and continues to give to Albania.

Milo stressed that "the Albanian people are tired of the long and difficult transition, the constant lack of a political dialogue and the small progress in several fields of development" and noted that precisely these problems also constitute the main directions the new Albanian government is engaged in.

"It is in the interest of all, that the International Community, which merits our profound gratitude for its aid to Albania, continue to support us also in the future," said Milo.

"The current reality shows that Albania is still in need of friends, aid, and sincere cooperation, said Milo.

He hailed the creation of the "Friends of Albania" group, as an initiative taken "in time to cope with challenges."

The International Conference on Albania continues proceedings with contributions by the participating delegations. These sessions are held behind closed doors.

Regarding this conference the assistant secretary of the U.S. State Department, Eileen Malloy, held a news conference today. /lh/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] National Center of Bio-Medical Engineering inaugurated

In the ceremony held on this occasion took place the Health Ministry, Leonard Solis, leaders and specialists of the primary and hospital health service, doctors etc.

NCBE will serve as a center of repairing the defects of all the medical equipments.

A considerable help is given by the Swiss Government for the reconstruction of this center in the framework of European Community PHARE program. /lh/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] Italian humanitarian organisation to hold manifestation in Kosova

On occasion of the 50-th anniversary of Universal Declaration for Human Rights, "Pax Christi", "The peacemakers are blessed", "Peace Builders", "Pope Giovanni XXIII" and some other Italian nongovernmental organisations, have planned to organise several manifestations in Kosova on December 9-10 this year, Kosova Information Center (KIC) reports.

Liza Clark, an American activist for human rights, who works with Italian humanitarian organisations, told KIC that it is envisaged that on December 9-10 hundreds of activists and Kosova supporters will come to Kosova. They will march in the streets of Prishtine, visit other centers of Kosova and pay homage to the war victims and Kosova other victims of the last past years.

Mrs.Klark said that the Italian organisations, participating in this activity, have printed 150 cards, which will be signed and sent to many personalities among whom the Italian President, Scalfaro, the Austrian Foreign Minister and the current Chairman of European Unity, Schussel and the U.N. Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson.

Mrs.Klark also said that the Italian organisations are making efforts to prepare the world opinion in favour of respecting the Human Rights in Kosova and other countries in the world where they lack. /pas/lola/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[20] A stabilised Albania, security factor in region, Geremek

Albania's stability is also a guaranty, which shows that the democratic process is going on well and the assistance of the International Community will continue to support the transitional process, Geremek told a news conference during a break in the Tirana International Conference.

"We are ready to monitor the referendum process on the Constitution, and I am against the calls of the opposition for boycott. The opposition must take part in the referendum, and take up seats in Parliament. Politics means dialogue, and who refuses it, deserve isolation," said Geremek.

The opposition has the moral right to raise the voice against the cases of injustice, and the only place to ask this is Parliament, and the constitution is one of the urgent demands of Albania, the current OSCE Chairman stated.

Today's Conference was a clear signal by means of which the International Community showed once again that Albania deserves to be helped, voiced Geremek.

Referring to the Kosova crises, Geremek said that "we have a chance that the solidarity of the International Community will exercise pressure on Millosheviç. /dast/A.A/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[21] Albania is not alone in transition process, says Malloy

Malloy, commenting on the development of the International Conference on Albania, said that the presence of the International Community representatives in this meeting shows the concern and interest of the community to help Albania.

The Assistant Deputy Secretary, Malloy stressed further on that the ongoing developments in Albania have not met the International Community demands for Albania, however she said that "the work of the government has dealt with problems inherited from the previous governances and on the other hand the government has succeeded in coping with the challenges. New problems, demanding solutions, should be overcome by this government."

"We also expect an active participation of the opposition and the other political forces in the country's democratic process and we expect the opposition to resume work in the democratic institutions and to exert its influence inside these institutions," said Malloy commenting on the Albanian policy.

Asked about the stand of the Democratic Party Chairman, the Assistant Deputy Secretary of the U.S. States Department said that "Berisha has excellent ideas regarding the development of Albania, thus he has better cooperate with the Government in order to realize them, the relations between the ruling party and opposition can be never excellent but they may be democratic and respectable." /dast/lola/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[22] CVC adopts two important regulations

The leader of the CVC made clear that "we adopted on Thursday the regulation of the work on foreign observers, as well as the regulation having to do with financial, economic and administration aspect for its sub- commissions."

CVC is to adopt other respective instructions for the Constitution Referendum commission in districts. /dast/A.A/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[23] Government is resolute to implement its priorities, Majko

PM spokesman reported that Majko met with the Commissioner of the European Union, Ema Bonino, with the Austrian Foreign Minister and also current EU chairman, Wolfgang Schussel, with U.S. deputy State Secretary, Eileen Malloy, the Foreign Alternate Minister of Greece, George Papandreu, as well as with the French Minister of Cooperation and Coordination, Josselyn.

Albania PM said in these meetings that "we consider the constitution process not as a passport of the Socialist Party, but as a base on which the cooperation between the Albanian political forces may start. Majko also said that "we will continue to invite the opposition to be integrated in the democratic processes and not to follow the way of boycott," adding that "there is a new generation of politicians inside the Democratic Party, which can find the way of the political dialogue and institutional integration."

With regard to the Kosova problem, Majko said that the parties there should be seriously engaged for the prevention of war and beginning of negotiations.

The senior representatives on their sides, hailing the work of the government for the organization of the Tirana Conference, said that they will continue to support the Albanian government in deepening the started reforms.

"We highly appreciate the fact that a new generation is ruling Albania, because this enables the establishment of bridges of cooperation and reconciliation with the opposition, which should go through this process," the Austrian Foreign Minister, Schussel said.

The Assistant Deputy Secretary of the U.S. state Department stressed that this message should be also a message to the Albanian opposition and the U.S. government will support the continuation of reforms in justice, finance and public administration.

The Alternate Foreign Minister, Papandreu, stressed the necessity for the stabilisation of public order, which is very substantial in the development of commercial relations between the two countries.

The French Minister, Josselyn, stressing the new relations between the two countries, following Albania's membership in Francophone, said that France will continue and expand its projects to assist the Albanian education sector. /dast/mt/lola/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[24] Military dill "Voskopoja '98" ends

Korca Division units of ground troops, artillery and tanks for two weeks carried out an intensive training to successfully accomplish the military drill "Voskopoja '98" Some 600 troops from all the specialities and a big arsenal of ammunition took part in this military drill.

The Minister of Defence, Luan Hajdaraga, the Chief of the Army General Staff, General Brigade Aleks Andoni and local government officials attended this military drill. /dast/lola/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency Directory - Previous Article - Next Article