Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 98-10-31

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] Tirana International Conference reconfirms support for Albania

[02] Tirana International Conference ends proceedings successfully

[03] Albanian people has possibilities to develop itself and society

[04] Albania may play a positive role for solution of Kosova crisis, Schuessel

[05] Majko invited again to visit Italy

[06] Center processing narcotic plants uncovered

[07] Checkpoints on roads leading to Seman seaside

[08] Italian government examines the possibility of financing on Albanian culture

[09] The exchange rate

[10] +UNO logistic aid for police forces

[11] Some 55 million leks on public work project

[12] Secret talks between KDOM and KLA

[13] Majko meets Albania's ambassadors and diplomatic representatives to foreign states

[14] European Commissioner Emma Bonino visits displaced Kosovars in Shkoder

[15] Some 55 million leks on public work projects

[16] Mediae must encourage cooperation between Albania and Greece - President

[17] Lushnja and Vllaznia leading standings of 8th week of soccer championship in Albania

[18] Gasoline fire at Brokaj's house entrance

[19] Greece to help create Ministry of Information - Athanasakis -Minister Ulqini meets Secretary General of Greek Press and Information Ministry-

[20] Bonino meets with people from Kosove settled in Durres

[21] Serbian police force not completely withdrawn

[01] Tirana International Conference reconfirms support for Albania

Its final conclusions hailed the new Albanian government and its program. It greeted the Albanian authorities for the program of all-round reforms presented in the "Memorandum: Albania on the Way to Stabilisation and Development."

After accepting the progress made and the challenges Albania is facing, the Conference widely discussed issues on a number of fields defined as priority fields, such as the institutional democratization and development, the Constitution, strengthening of law and order, fight against corruption, economic stabilization and development, the social dimension of development and international relations.

The Conference accepted that it is still important for the international community to be engaged in Albania and supported the efforts of the new Albanian government to cope with the great challenges ahead.

"The conference urged the Government of Albania to take concrete measures to restore law and order throughout the country, including the protection of private investments and foreign personnel in Albania."

"The Conference considered the target of the Western European Union to expand the MAPE responsibilities throughout the country and to provide assistance as near as possible to the operating levels" they said in a statement.

The Conference also agreed to ask the participating governments to put into life a joint effort to urgently treat the elimination of ammunition and safeguard the army depots. The conference welcomed the efforts of NATO undertaken in this field.

After hailing the full support of the Albanian government regarding the viewpoints presented in the document "The EU position on the Tirana International Conference," approved by the EU Council on General Issues, dated 26 October 1998, the Conference considered of a special importance for the Albanian government to: implement the Operation Plan to fight corruption, smuggling and other illegal activities, also in cooperation with the necessary international assistance, to accelerate completion and implementation of legislation on the public administration and to take urgent and concrete measures to fight the illegal emigration, by also urging the international community to increase its assistance for the strengthening and development of the country.

The conference underlined the necessity of a new Constitution and supported the conduct of the referendum on November 22, 1998.

With regard to the need to continue monitoring of progress in Albania, the Conference decided to take respective measures for the future: reexamine its evaluation in regard to the situation in cooperation with the Albanian authorities, provide political coherence of the international assistance for the country; examine the level of implementation of cooperation programs agreed with the donors and offer respective recommendations by including the possible need for the organization of another donors' conference. /dast/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] Tirana International Conference ends proceedings successfully

Minister Milo, told a joint news conference, held at the end of the Tirana International Conference on Albania, that the positive results of the Conference were dedicated to the work of the Albanian government, but also to the objective judge of the international community.

The current chairman of the Ministerial Council of the CoE, George Papandreu, reconfirmed the support of the International Community for the reforms already started by the government.

"Albania is moving foward to the road of stability and democratization and we will do the utmost to help it," said Papandreu.

Further on, he addressed an appeal to all the Albanian political forces to respect the democratic institutions.

The assistance for Albania will be both political and financial. Papandreu stressed the role of the democratic institutions in this process, underlining that they should be transparent. He also added the fact that another conference, a donors' one on Albania, was scheduled to be convened next year, but gave no further details.

Papandreu, focusing on the political developments in Albania, after hailing the "democratic drafting of the Constitution," stressed that the "political boycott is a term unknown by the international community. Berisha has chosen the way of isolation, because he continues to follow the same political ways, which we condemned a month ago as non democratic," added Papandreu.

While the OSCE Ambassador in Tirana, Daan Everts, said among others that "the current situation allows Albania to move forward to the proper way."

The Commissioner of the European Union on humanitarian issues, Ema Bonino, stressed in her speech that nothing conditions the international community to help Albania, "but while the later will take care of the assistance, you should take care of the stability and democratization in the country." /dast/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] Albanian people has possibilities to develop itself and society

"This is the most direct expression of interest, attention and constant assistance that the international community has given, is giving and will to give to Albania, and its fragile democracy in a bid to overcome the difficult and long transition," stressed Meidani.

After pointing out that the efforts of the Albanians have not given yet the required result and rhythm, despite the great and special assistance of the international community for Albania, Meidani underlined that "anyhow, it is my conviction that the Albanian people has the necessary possibilities, energies, assets to develop itself and its society and thus requires the most effective and honest governance, obvious results, law observation and public tranquility, improvement and increase of living standard, although sometimes impatiently."

Voicing his belief that it is difficult for a country to move forward if all the social and political factors, in the government and opposition, are not the same interested in the fates of the country, Meidani said that "In this context, I would like to propose that along with the precious assistance for development you are giving to Albania, it is also foreseen a special help for the preparation of the new leadership of the country, of a new political class, of those who will rule the country and who will know to do more and better than us."

Focusing on the tragic developments in Kosova, President Meidani pointed out once again the brutality and aggression of Belgrade, adding that the efforts of the international community should be put into life as soon as possible in order to find a solution for the present and the future. /dast/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] Albania may play a positive role for solution of Kosova crisis, Schuessel

A stabilized Albania is a factor of security even for the region, a moderated politics on its side is a hard obstacle against the provocations of its Northern neighbour.

Schussel, on behalf of the EU, reconfirmed the support for the Albanian government and mainly for those sectors in which many problems are faced, like the order. In regard to this, he added that the EU will issue concrete programs.

Meanwhile, referring to the situation in Kosova, the EU current chairman stressed that the Holbrooke-Milosevic Accord is not perfect, but it is the only one that may function, thus we have to back it to be successful, stressed the chief of the Austrian diplomacy.

Milosevic has given signs of withdrawal and what we fear is that the vacuum created by this pullout may be filled by UÇK (The Kosova Liberation Army), instead of being used to move forwards to the political dialogue. UÇK must no "maltreat" the agreement, said Schuessel. /dast/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] Majko invited again to visit Italy

Albania's Premier, Pandeli Majko received again on Thursday the official invitation of Italy's Premier, Massimo D'Alema to visit Italy in a very near future. The invitation was presented to Majko from the chief of Italian diplomacy, Lamberto Dini, whom he met on Thursday afternoon.

The Ministry of Information told ATA that Dini considered the International Conference, held in Tirane, as a substantial event for our country.

Besides the topic regarding Tirane Conference, Majko-Dini talks, were also concentrated on the mutual relations, in which Albania's Premier considered Italy as a prior neighbouring country supporting Albania in different fields and urging specially to expand this cooperation in the economic field.

Both interlocutors asked a bigger engagement of the International Community in Kosova crisis, whose extension would become a risk for the whole Balkans. /dast/lola/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] Center processing narcotic plants uncovered

A center processing narcotic plants was uncovered in the district of Fier.

Police Deputy Director of Fier Prefecture, Colonel Milto Kordha told ATA that state-of-the-art equipment, which pressed and packaged the narcotic plants, was mounted in this center, in the village of Qenas. These products looked like chocolate boxes, he said, and the dogs used to uncover drugs can not smell it.

Kordha said that "the police action, following the information given to the police structures, was performed with success uncovering the equipment and a considerable quantity of narcotic plants. /lh/lola/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] Checkpoints on roads leading to Seman seaside

Many checkpoints are established by Fier police in the roads heading to Seman seaside.

Police Deputy Director of Fier Prefecture, Colonel Milto Kordha told ATA that the local police is carrying out a detailed plan, which aims to block the illegal emigrants inland preventing them to reach the seaside. The police has uncovered that several villages, specially those bordering Vlore such as Bishan and Ferras, are turned into bases housing illegal emigrants.

"Only on Friday, the police detained some 60 kurd citizens, who were expecting a favourable moment to be evacuated to the other side of the sea. We are also cooperating with the police Commissariat of Lushnja district," said Colonel Kordha. /A.KE/lola/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] Italian government examines the possibility of financing on Albanian culture

This thing was confirmed during the three day visit in Tirane of the diplomatic delegation of the Italian Ministry of Cultural Inheritance headed by the architect Francesko Skopola and Stela Vordeman.

Sources from the Culture Ministry told ATA on Friday that " we are speaking for a contract that is to be renovated continuously and the Italian party is interested to take part together with the World Bank in the project of protecting Butrinti."

Proposals in connection with the possible support in monuments archives, the ban of looting and the damages of Albanian cultural wealth as well as the creation of an exhibition of contemporary arts were discussed during the meetings of the Italian delegation with the Culture Ministry. /f.n/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] The exchange rate

CURRENCY	RATE
USD		141.60
DM		 86.20
LIT(1000)	 86.80
GRD(100)	 49.90
SFR		104.00

/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] +UNO logistic aid for police forces

This was confirmed on Friday in a bilateral meeting held in the commissariat grounds, where MAPE specialists took place and discussed in details of the UNO program for the disarmament in this district and for the most important needs of the police forces, the chief of the police commissariat, Sinan Metaj, told ATA.

The establishment of an intercommunication station for the whole area, and other apparatus are foreseen to be given in this aid. In the meantime, in order to secure a full investigation of the district ground is expected the arrival of some vehicles.

The above mentioned contingent is to be placed in the disposition of the commissariat in the coming weeks, said Meta. /A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] Some 55 million leks on public work project

The first 5 projects were financed in June and after four months is being worked for

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] Secret talks between KDOM and KLA

Diplomatic sources said that talks were held last week between representatives of Kosova Liberation Army (KLA) and Kosova Diplomatic Observers Mission (KDOM), Kosova Information Center reports. According to "Koha Ditore" newspaper, the talks were held in the context of Holdbrooke- Milosevic agreement, aiming to reach another agreement, which envisages the Serbian police to patrol three roads of Kosova and the KLA to be turned into "a local police" in Kosova.

President Ibrahim Rugova told a news conference that they are working with the U.S. Ambassador Chris Hill on an interim agreement, which aims insitutions' operation and creation of the police in Kosova.

The newspaper says that the American mission of KDOM met last Wednesday KLA representatives and that its political general representative Adem Demaci was also present in the meeting.

The agreement also foreeses a free patrol, to be carried out once a week, by a Serbian police car through the roads Prishtine-Peje, Prishtine- Duhel-Prizeren and Malisheve-Rahovec, the mendioned diplomatic sources said. The patrol would be warned one day earlier, while over the first two weeks the possibility to patrol without being monitorized by the intenational observers will be considered, "Koha Ditore" says. /dast/lola/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] Majko meets Albania's ambassadors and diplomatic representatives to foreign states

The spokesman of the Prime Minister told ATA that Majko asked that the performance of the diplomatic representives be accelerated and reconsidered especially as regards the main priorities of the government.

Majko asked a greater feeling of responsibility in the relations of the diplomats with the Albanian administration as well as with the states they are accredited to.

Kosova, attraction of aid and projects as well as cooperation with foreign investors on the eve of the privatisation process, are three key aspects diplomacy should concentrate on, said Majko. /a.ke/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] European Commissioner Emma Bonino visits displaced Kosovars in Shkoder

The UNHCR in that city, Peti Votuva briefed Ms. Bonino of the measures adopted to receive the people coming from Kosove over September in that city, stressing that for that purpose three acceptance centres have been established and soon two others are expected to be completed with a fund of 50 million lek, in the school of music and in the secondary veterinary school, which will have room for about 900 displaced Kosovars.

Vutova pointed out the great assistance of the local government and especially of the people of Shkoder which opened their houses to accommodate them.

Ms.Bonino saw the centre where 320 Kosovars from Decan are settled, a kindergarten built by UNHCR for 100 children from Kosove and the neuro- psychiatric hospital, which was reconstructed recently with a UN fund of 200 thousand dollars.

Asked by ATA of her impressions for the housing conditions and the treatment of the people who have come from Kosove, Bonino said she appreciated the conditions created in that centre. /a.ke/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] Some 55 million leks on public work projects

The first 5 projects were financed in June and now four months later the work for 20 other projects with a total amount of 55 million leks has begun, the chief of the employment office, Islam Murraçi, told ATA. According to him, it is essential that each planned work must end and be hand over on time and with a high quality, because only in this way the other projects can be approved.

Some 2.562 persons, treated with economic assistance, are employed in these 20 projects within five months. /dast/A.A/ .

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] Mediae must encourage cooperation between Albania and Greece - President

TIRANE, Oct.31 (ATA) - By E Nepravishta: In the context of the cooperation between the two state-run news agencies, the Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) and the News Agency of Athens (ANA) the President of Albania, Rexhep Meidani, received on Saturday the Secretary General of the Press and Information Ministry of Greece, Nikos Athanasakis and ANA Director, Andreas Kristodoulides, who are in Albania on occasion of the inauguration of a direct line between the two agencies, Athens-Tirane- Athens.

Congratulating the two agencies for the realisation within a short period of time of the agreement they had signed between them, President Meidani highlighted the great role the exchange of information has in bringing closer the two peoples and in consolidating and expanding the already stable cooperation between Albania and Greece.

"Mediae must step up a more powerful cooperation also in the spheres of culture in order to face with success the challenges of integration and globalism through preservation and development of the cultural identity between our two countries," said President Meidani.

Secretary General of the Press and Information Ministry of Greece and ANA Director, Kristodoulides, highlighted the partnership attained so far with the Albanian counterparts and voiced the commitment of the Greek party to continue with other joint projects with Albanian mediae in service of the citizens of both countries.

Attending the meeting, also was the Ambassador of the Republic of Greece in Tirane, Prevendurakis and ATA Director Frrok Cupi. /y.pa/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] Lushnja and Vllaznia leading standings of 8th week of soccer championship in Albania

Standings for this week are:

Partizani - Tomori	1-0
Vllaznia - Teuta	3-0
Besa - Shkumbini	1-0
Burreli - Dinamo	4-4
Tirana - Skenderbeu	(Korç players did not appear)
Elbasani - Bylis	1-0
Lushnja - Laçi		3-1
Flamurtari - Apolonia	1-1

After the 8th week of the championship, the classification of the teams is as followes:

16 points Lushnja, Vllaznia
15 " Dinamo, Bylis
14 " Tirana
13 " Partizani, Elbasani
12 " Besa
11 " Laçi
10 " Teuta
 9 " Tomori, Shkumbini
 7 " Burreli, Flamurtari
 6 " Skenderbeu, Apolonia

/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] Gasoline fire at Brokaj's house entrance

The incident took place on Saturday round 04.00 p.m., when Brokaj's family heard an explosion and was shocked by the fire entering the main hall of the flat.

According to the police, the persons setting the fire, yet unidentified, first poured the gasoline and then lighted it.

"The flames reached the ceiling", Brokaj told ATA.

Asked about any privat disagreement, he said that he had never had problems in his private life.

"My conflicts are public, they are only political," underlined Sabit Brokaj. /pas/lola/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] Greece to help create Ministry of Information - Athanasakis -Minister Ulqini meets Secretary General of Greek Press and Information Ministry-

"Very soon this ministry will begin functioning based on solid and modern structures and your experience has been much fruitful in our performance to create this institution, which has not existed in Albania earlier," said Ulqini.

Speaking of the indispensability of information, Athanasakis expressed the readiness of the Greek side, and personally of minister Repas, that not only fruitful working relations are established between the two ministries but they concretely help set up this institution, especially through training of the personnel and equipment of the infrastructure.

Key issues of the medias in Albania and Greece were also discussed at the meeting, which was also attended by the Director General of the Athens News Agency (ANA), Andreas Kristodoulides. /y.pa/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[20] Bonino meets with people from Kosove settled in Durres

Bonino visited first the centre for Kosovars in Shkozet, which provides food and clothes for 2 760 people from Kosove.

Among the problems treated in the meeting was that of the housing. In this regard, Bonino said that for the solution to this problem, collective centres must be established. "We expect the government to determine the locations and than we will carry out our tasks," she added.

Attending the meeting also was the prefect of Durres, Martin Cukalla, who said that a special office for the registration of Kosovars who have been granted the UNHCR status of refugee, will be inaugurated.

The displaced Kosovars said they were satisfied with the food items and clothes brought to them by humanitarian associations and the Red Cross, but they said that they had run short of medicaments.

Mr Bonino visited the emergency ward in Durres hospital, set up with the EU assistance. At noon, Ms Bonino met in the governmental residence in Durres beach with the Minister of Trade and Foreign Cooperation, Ermelinda Meksi and the State Secretary for European Integration, Maqo Lakrori. They discussed the proposal of the prefecture of Durres to set up a big collective centre in Mamurras, which will house about 3 000 Kosovars.

Saturday's meetings of Ms Bonino in Durres were also attended by EU Ambassador in Albania, Elio Germano. /pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[21] Serbian police force not completely withdrawn

Sources from Kosova Democratic League (KDL) in Dushkaje say that the Serbian police forces have not completely been withdrawn from some strategic points of this region and keep holding their positions in Suke e Cermjan, Netic, Kralan while recently they have been deployed in Vradishte, near the village of Jabllanice, from where the villages of Gergoc, Bardhaniq, Zhebel of Gjakova commune can be controlled.

The mentioned sources say that in the villages of Maznik and Dashinoc te Dushkajes of Decani commune the police forces, withdrawn three days earlier, have been turned back while none of the inhabitants of these villages have been returned. /P.Ta/lola/A.A/

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