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Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 98-11-06Albanian Telegraphic Agency Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) Home Page at <http://www.telpress.it/ata>Albanian Telegraphic AgencyCONTENTS
[01] Albania government continues process of restoration and consolidation of democratic institutionsTIRANE, Nov. 5 (ATA) By A.Haxhiu In his speech in the 103-th session of the Committee of Ministers of Council of Europe, held in Strasbourg on November 3-4, 1998, the State Secretary for the European Integration, Maqo Lakrori, thanked the Council of Europe for supporting Albania in the process of transition, the press office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told ATA.The new government headed by Mr. Majko has been continuing the process of establishment and consolidation of democratic institutions and the respective legal framework, said Lakrori. Lakrori stressed the support that the International Community is giving Albania by mentioning the main lines of the strategy, which the International Conference, held in Tirane on October 30,1998, focused on restoring the public order, social and political stabilisation and the economic development of Albania. Regarding the crisis in Kosova, Lakrori expressed the Albanian stand by condemning the cruel crimes of Milosevic in Kosova, which are part of his strategy of ethnic cleansing. Destabilisation effects of Kosova crisis consist of a threat for the peace in the whole region. Albanian government appeals the full compliance of the U.N. Security Council substantial resolutions and urges the solution of the crisis through negotiations. The implementation of the recent agreements of NATO, OSCE with Belgrade is a promising step, he said. Strengthening the cooperation with the Council of Europe and other international structures helps Albania avoid conflictual situations and find inspiration for the future, said Albanian State Secretary for European Integration. /dast/lola/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[02] China is ready to help reactivation of big industrial objectsTIRANA, Nov. 5 (ATA) - By I. Luto: China is ready to help reactivation of big industrial objects, constructed by the Chinese specialists in Albania, the Chinese deputy Minister of Foreign Economic and Commercial Cooperation, Sun Guang Shiang, told the Albanian Foreign Minister, Paskal Milo.The Chinese party welcomed the proposal of the Albanian delegation, headed by Milo, to help with specialists and investors the reactivation of the industrial objects in Albania, mainly the works for the enrichment of chrome, cooper and iron-nickel, as well as the metallurgical works in Elbasan. The ways of this assistance will be defined on basis of concrete proposals that the Albanian government will soon present to the Chinese party, press and information office close to the Foreign Ministry told ATA. Both parties in the meeting were interested in the intensification of direct contacts to the good use of cooperation between the two countries. The meeting also decided that in December in Pekin and in March in Tirana will be held respectively the meeting of specialists and the Second Session of the Joint Commission. /dast/mt/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[03] Some 25 tons of bichromate products threat people's life in Porto RomanoDURRES, Nov. 5 (ATA) By S.Gjordeni Some days ago 500 tons lindane, not administered for ten years, were evacuated from Porto Romane. But this zone still risks inhabitants' health.Chief of the Regional Environmental Agency in the Prefecture of Durres, Ilir Qesja, says that in a considerable area of the land there are 25 thousand tons bichromate products. These toxic residues, despite the radiation in nature, are also penetrating under the ground surface. They risk to reach the drinking waters, used both by people and animals. Qesja says that it is impossible to remove this big quantity of toxic residues, because no fund has been provided for their removal. The removal of the lindane was considered a success, but it is a partial success as the zone keep being contaminated. Over 10 thousand inhabitants live in Porto Romane and they have begun feeling the affects of toxicosis such as difficulty in breathing, pimples in the face, etc. According to the environmentalist, the inhabitants should be displaced from this zone. But it is impossible for the present, because it needs funds to build a new dwelling center. /dast/lola/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[04] Albanian Byzantine Studies presented in international meeting of AthensTIRANA, Nov. 5 (ATA) - By K. Shehu: The International Committee of the Albanian Byzantine Studies has been invited to take part in an international meeting of committees of this kind, which will be held in Athens, Greece, on 13-14 November, sources from the Institute of Monuments told ATA.The meeting will include discussions and reports on the history of Byzantine Age, Byzantine language and monuments of each country, and others. The Byzantine period, which originates in VI-XV century, includes a series of art works in Albania. The major part of the construction of Orthodox churches in Albania belong to this age. The Albanian delegation, which will take part in this meeting, will be represented by specialists of the Institute of Monuments and a representative from the Academy of Sciences. The Albanian National Committee of Byzantine Studies has been set up in 1996 with the Approval of the Brussels Congress and this is the first time that this committee is represented in an international activity. /dast/mt/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[05] President Meidani meets delegation of German Institute of Credit for Reconstruction KFWTIRANA, Nov. 5 (ATA) - By M. Pupa: Albania's President Rexhep Meidani met Thursday with a delegation of the German Institute of Credit for Reconstruction, KFW, headed by Dr. Manfred Schuler, who is in Albania in the framework of licensing as a Bank of FEFAD Foundation, President's press office reported to ATA.During the meeting, attending was also the German Ambassador in Tirana, it was estimated the German contribution, particularly in the projects of potable water in Kukes and Kavaje, and were also encouraged other projects in other important sectors of economy. President Meidani praised the opening soon of the FEFAD Bank as a crediting possibility in different sectors of the Albanian economy. Meidani also thanked in this meeting the readiness for the humanitarian assistance for the Kosova people, a major part of whom has been displaced in Albania. During the meeting, they also exchanged opinions regarding the political, economic and social situation in the country. /lh/mt/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[06] Albanian Autocephalous Church grants 60 million leks for restoration of two Voskopoje churchesTIRANE, Nov. 5 (ATA) By K.ShehuAlbanian Autocephalous Orthodox Church grants 60 million leks for the restoration of the two churches in the medieval town of Voskopoje. Shen Kolli and Shen Maria are the churches, whose roofs will be fully restored by the specialists of the Monuments of Culture. Sources from the Institute of the Monuments told ATA that "all the churches of Voskopoje, which are also monuments of culture, are in emergent need to restore the roofs, because their obsolete damages the wall painting." 300-years monumental complex of Voskopoje is the richest mosaic of the monuments of cult in Albania. This complex, which still proves Albanian culture and art heritage, presents problems regarding its maintenance, lack of which affected their values. /dast/lola/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[07] FEFAD presents application for final license to Bank of AlbaniaTIRANA, Nov. 5 (ATA) - By D. Koca: The board of directors of the FEFAD Bank held Wednesday its inaugurating meeting, and the main issue discussed was the presentation of the application for final license to the Bank of Albania.FEFAD, a financial institution set up in the framework of the program of Albanian-German Development and Cooperation, has held a successful activity since January of 1996, but until now the activities have been limited only in giving the credits. This institution has offered some 1000 credits since its opening. In August, FEFAD took the preliminary license from the Bank of Albania to operate as FEFAD BANK, and in October, the new Bank was registered as a company in the Tirana district Court. After it will receive the final license from the Bank of Albania, FEFAD BANK will be able to offer to its clients not only credits, but also other banking services, like banking accounts, term deposits, operations with cheques and money transfers. FEFAD BANK will also open another branch in Fier on December 2 to enable giving credits to small and mid enterprises in the districts of Fier, Vlore and Lushnje. /dast/mt/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[08] Constitution for Albania not for majority, GjinushiTIRANA, Nov. 30 (ATA) - By R. Xhuvani: "We have drafted a modern Constitution of international standards, a Constitution for Albania and not for the majority, a Constitution for the people and not for the parties," declared Albania Parliament Speaker Skender Gjinushi in the first meeting for the presentation of the new Constitution held with the inhabitants of Elbasan on Thursday.Three massive activities were held on Thursday in the towns of Elbasan and Librazh. A meeting of experts and co-chairman of the Constitution Drafting Commission, Arben Imami, with a group of students and pedagogues of the "A. Xhuvani" University, a meeting with inhabitants of Elbasan, and another meeting with inhabitants of Librazhd. Gjinushi, talking on the importance of the new Constitution in the meeting with the Elbasani inhabitants, stressed that it is clear for the Albanians that there will be no stability in the country without a Constitution, there will be no democracy in the country without a Constitution. In the meeting with the inhabitants of Librazhd, Gjinushi, focusing on the chapter of human rights and freedoms, stressed that the balance and control of powers, mainly through the elected bodies, guarantees a normal state that respects and defends the fundamental rights, a state that has the necessary instruments to fight the corruption inside it and the society. /dast/mt/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[09] Preparations for OSCE Verification Mission made in three levelsPRISHTINA, Nov. 6 (ATA) - A statement issued on Thursday by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) says that the preparations for the Kosova Verification Mission (KVM) are being held in three levels: in the OSCE headquarters in Vienna, in the capitals of the OSCE member countries and in Kosova.The first groups of OSCE experts are in Prishtina since 18 October and are preparing the structure of the mission, the staff in Prishtina, as well as the regional centers and offices in the communes of Kosova, the Kosova Information Center reported. The preparatory unit is called "The Activation Unit" and its aim is to put KVM into complete operation. A coordination team is being set up in Vienna, while in Belgrade there is an office of KVM ties. Yesterday's OSCE statement also said that the OSCE Permanent Council has named the U.S. Ambassador William Walker to the post of the chief of the mission, meanwhile that the mission is currently headed by the Norwegian general, Bjorn Najgard, who is in Prishtina since 29 October. The Verification Mission has not started its work in field yet, meanwhile that the monitoring in Kosova is carried out by the teams of the Kosova Diplomatic Observers Mission (KDOM). When the OSCE Verification Mission will start its activity, the KDOM missions will cooperate together, says the OSCE statement. /dast/mt/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[10] Mozart Video-Fest opens on Friday eveningTIRANE, Nov. 6 (ATA) By K.ShehuMozart Video-Fest, the newest cultural activity dedicated to the Austrian genius, opens on Friday evening in the main hall of the Opera and Ballet Theater in Tirane. This activity is a common initiative of the Commercial Center of Cultural Development and the Ministry of Culture, which has undertaken the organisation of this activity. "Mozart Video-Fest" will present three masterpieces of the great composer through video-cassettes. The opera "Don Giovani", with conductor Craig Smith and producer Peter Sellars, will open on Friday evening this activity to be followed in the next days by the works "Cosi' fan tutte", with conductor Ricardo Muti and producer Michail Lampe, and "Il flauto magico", with conductor James Levine and producer David Hockney. They will be shown in large screen. The technical equipment for this activity are specially brought from Italy. Also in the last day of this activity in the "Nene Tereza" square, the film "The Wall" of Roger Waters will be shown. It is also reported that chief of foreign relation chamber of the Italian Parliament and the Italian Minister of Culture will take part. /dast/lola/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[11] Some 144 500 Albanians left Kosova since March this yearTIRANE, Nov. 6 (ATA)According to the OSCE, the UNHRC and EU datas, since the beginning of the Serbian offensive in March this year, so far at least some 144 500 Albanians left Kosova. Statistics of the mentioned organisations say that the greatest number of displaced Albanians from Kosova are settled in Montenegro - 43 000, in Albania - 26 000, in Macedonia - 20 000, in Bosnia and Herzegovina - 9 000, in German - 23 000, in Switzerland - 14 000, in Italy - 1 500, in Austria - 3 000, in Belgian - 300, in Turkey - 2 500, in France - 500, in the U.S and Great Britain - 2 000. Kosova Diplomatic Observers Mission (KDOM), in its report referring to Kosova Information Center, stresses that troops of Yugoslav Army were noticed on November 3 settling in a hotel near the Monastery of Decan, while many military movements were noticed in Zhur and the region near it (on southwestern of Prizeren). The local inhabitants say that if first they felt threatened now they feel "sieged", it is said in the report of KDOM. /dast/lola/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[12] "Pharmacien sans frontieres" aid for hospital systemTIRANE, Nov. 6 (ATA) By R.Xhuvani Chairman of international mission "le pharmacien sans frontieres", Sergei Barbereu, since some days in Albania, is being familiarized with the situation of the hospital system and the emergent needs to make efficient the work in orthopedics unit."This mission is specialised to face emergent situations. They brought aid in medicines to meet the demands of the people coming from Kosova and settled in northern zones of the country," said the spokesman of the Ministry of Health, Artur Rada. According to the same source, the mission "le pharmacien sans frontieres" will provide the orthopedic hospital in Tirane University Hospital Center "Nene Tereza" with different medical equipment and medicines worth of 350 thousand dollars. The distribution will be carried out by the hospital staff in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, supervised by the representatives from the international mission. Representatives from the international mission "le pharmacist sans frontieres" were also present in Albania in '93-'94. /lh/lola/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[13] Independence, best solution for KosovaPRISHTINA, Nov. 6 - ATA correspondent in Prishtina, Belul Jashari, reports:The best solution for Kosova, Serbia and the entire region is the independence of Kosova with all the guaranties for the local Serbs and an international protectorate as a transition stage, the Kosova President, Ibrahim Rugova, told a news conference on Friday in Prishtina. President Rugova asked during this conference "a permanent international protection for Kosova," while warned that the situation continues to be grave and tense. "There are still too many Serb forces in Kosova. There are still refugees in the open air, who need security to return to their houses," said Rugova, expressing the hope that the OSCE mission and the international institutions, installed in Kosova, would provide more security. Rugova stressed the necessity for international aid for the reconstruction of houses and dwelling centers, destroyed by the Serb attacks. /dast/mt/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[14] Elbasan children "SOS village" to be financed by one German FamilyELBASAN, Nov. 6 (ATA) By P.Zekthi "SOS village" of the children, to be built in the city of Elbasan, is fruit of the cooperation between the local government and Land of Bavaria.Town hall chairman, Ilir Balliu told ATA that the German family "Kolping", the author of this initiative, will earmark 500 thousand dollars to build up this village. The council of territory adjustment of the district approved a part of the building site on the west of the city, and soon it will approve the rest. German party has confirmed the construction of another village for the children in Elbasan. The number of the children to be housed in these villages will be round 150, sources from the Municipality of the city say. /lh/lola/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[15] 13,4 million ECU for cooperation between Albanian universities and those of PugliaTIRANE, Nov.6 (ata) - By P Shuteriqi: The operational protocol for the cooperation between Albanian universities and those of the region of Puglia in Italy was signed Friday morning in Bari of Italy.The project of cooperation is a materialization of the agreement between the region of Puglia and the Albanian Government, signed on May 27 this year and is estimated at 13,4 million ECU. According to the cabinet chief in the Albanian Ministry of Education and Science, Vaso Qano, "the project is part of the program 'Interreg 2' financed by the European Union, the Italian Government and the Puglia region." It envisages cooperation at university and post universtiy levels for small and medium enterprises and the sector of tourism, agriculture and in the field of cooperation between the two countries for the standards of construction quality, in the medical sector of oncology and the territorial management. "The operational protocol" was signed Friday by the Albanian Minister of Education and Science, Ethem Ruka and the President of the Council of the region of Puglia, Salvatore Distazo and will last three years. /xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[16] Aid for displaced Kosovars in Durres and ShkoderTIRANE, Nov. 6 (ATA) - By R.Xhuvani: The Coordination Council of the Albanian Islamic Associations is to send aids for the Kosovars sheltered in the communes of Katundi i Ri and Golem in Durres district.The food aid to be delivered in all the displaced families, supplies with food 850 persons for a month period, was said in an announcement of this Council given to ATA. A considerable amount of meat and its products is foreseen to be added to this contingent. Another announcement makes known the fact that another contingent is ready to be delivered for the Kosovars placed in Shkodra district. This contingent is made up of 2 000 blankets and and a quantity of meat. /pas/A.A/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[17] Referendum campaign conform legal deadlinesTIRANE, Nov 6 (ATA)-By P.Shuteriqi, Campaign on the Referendum for the New Constitution of the Republic of Albania is being held conform the legal deadlines, officials of the Tirane district council said on Friday.The commissions of the polling stations have been set up in the 16 communes and two city-halls which are under the administration of the district's council, the chairman of the district's election commission, Nezir Selimi, said today. The election commissions in the Kamze and Vore town-halls as well as in several communes met today to examine the development of the referendum campaign, and also define the concrete measures to continue it according to the deadlines envisaged by law. "We have problems with the lists of voters in several polling stations, especially in the suburban communes of the capital, where, over the last years, there has been an influx of people coming from various districts of the country and fromour district's northern mountainous areas, " said Selimi. He added that there have been cases when the voters' lists have included more voters than their real number and that these lists also include names of inhabitants who have left the country for economic reasons. The deputies of the Tirane electoral districts will meet tomorrow to fix their meetings with the electors to propagate the Constitution. /pas/lm/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[18] Meidani meets head of German, Albanian Economic Cooperation AssociationTIRANE, Nov 6 (ATA)- By I.Luto,President of the Republic Rexhep Meidani on Friday had a separate meeting with the Head of the German-Albanian Economic Cooperation, Walter Hinderer, the President's office told ATA. Hinderer was interested to know the opinion of Meidani on possible fields of cooperation between the two countries. He also expressed the readiness of his association to favour the political and economic contacts between the German Federal Republic of certain lands and Albania. Meidani evaluated the ongoing activity in Albania of the German investors, who, according to him, enjoy an excellent image in the country. Meidani said that the interest and attraction of German companies to Albania should be preceded by the opening of a German Bank affiliation, which will bring the modern techniques of the Banking system. The President praised the performance of the association run by Hinderer to bring to Albania groups of investors in the context of the privatisation process. Further on he familiarised the German friend with the efforts underway to improve the judiciary, which means more guarantees for a rule of law in Albania, the President's Press and Information Office reports. /y.pa/lm/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[19] Imami invites DP on a tv debate on the content for new Constitution of AlbaniaTIRANE, Nov.6 (ata) - By Ylli Pata: Co-chairman of the Parliamentary commission for the drafting of the Constitution, Arben Imami after remarks by DP deputy chairman, Genc Pollo, for one of the articles of the new constitution, invited Thursday the leaders of the Democratic Party on a direct TV debate for the new constitution."Let Pollo or any other DP leader come on a direct TV debate, on whatever TV channel they like, to present our views on the content of the fundamental law of the state," said Arben Imami, co-chairman of the Constitutional Commission, to ATA. A day ago, the DP number two, Pollo, described article 18 of the Constitution, which has just been adopted by the Parliament, as an article which Pollo said legalized "neo-dictatorship." Imami opposed Pollo's statement and presented a letter that the Chairman of the Venice Commission, Antonio la Pergola, had sent to the co- chairmen of the parliamentary commission for the draft of the constitution, Imami and Godo, on July 13 this year, with the proposal for the present content of Article 18 of the Albanian Constitution. Also for the law on the right to private ownership and that for equality before the law, the parliamentary constitutional commission had asked assistance from the Venice Commission. On July 13, La Pergola sent concrete proposals for article 181, 18 and 41 of the draft of the constitution in a letter addressed to two co-chairmen of the constitutional commission, Godo and Imami. /pas/xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[20] Dollar exchanged at 140.8 lekTIRANE, Nov.6 (ata) - By Lolita Thanasi: According to the exchange rate on Friday in the Bank of Tirane, $1 was sold at 140.8 lek, 1 DM at 85.0 lek, LIT(1000) was changed at 86.0 lek and GRD(100) at 50.0 lek.Exchange rate for foreign currencies Kind of currency The exchange rate USD 140.80 DM 85.00 LIT(1000) 86.00 GRD(100) 50.00 /xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[21] Albania, U.S. Joint military exerciseTIRANE, Nov 6 (ATA)-By E.Koraqi, Soldiers from the Albanian Brigade "Komando 1006" are carrying out a joint exercise with U.S. marines and sailors of the Navy's 22nd Mobile Unit (capable of special operations), in the exercise area of Zall-Herr between November 2 and 14, the USIS office in Tirane told ATA.The Albanian Ministry of Defence invited Unit 22 with the aim to facilitate and strengthen cooperation between the two countries' armies. The exercise, which will also include instruction in classes, exercise on the ground as well as tactics of small units, intends to enable the soldiers, marines and sailors to learn from one another. The same marines and sailors of Unit 22 took part in the "Cooperative Assembly" in August this year. /a.ke/lm/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[22] Road 8 to be realised in three stagesTIRANE, Nov 6 (ATA)-By M.Pupa.Development of the project on Road 8 was the topic of the seminar held in the spaces of "Albania today" exhibition today. "According to the final study of the pan-European Eighth road, its main axis is the Durres port, the Vlore-Tirane-Skopje-Sofia-Varna Port and Burgas Port," said the Foreign Relations director at the Transports Ministry, Ilia Cili, He added that "the Durres-Bllate-Kercove" has been considered a secondary road. "There is no financing for the construction of containers' terminal, which is worth US$ 70 million, said Cili. Several projects have been envisaged for the Vlore Port, among which that for the rehabilitation and modernisation of the port's main quay which is estimated at US$ 20 million and there is no financing. While the study project of the Vlore Port master-plan, realised by the GIBB firm, as well as the rehabilitation of a part of the port's quay at 3,9 MECU, is financed by CBC 95, Albania-Italy. As it was made known at the seminar, the main segments of Road 8, Durres-Rrogozhine, worth 20.7 MECU, and the Rrogozhine-Elbasan, worth 24 MECU, is financed by the European Bank of Investments. For the development of Road 8 the U.S. Government has undertaken the Southern Balkan Development Initiative (SBDI). For the realisation of this initiative the U.S. government has initially earmarked US$ 30 million, in the form of grant, which address various studies and technical assistance. /pas/lm/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[23] Albanian Television has made no legal abuses- chairman - DP representatives opposed airing of Parliamentary commission of referendum on RTVTIRANE, Nov.6 (ata) - By Enkeljeda Koraqi: Albanian Radio Television has acted conformed to institutional rules and has made no legal violations, Daver Cano, chairman of the Central Voting Commission (KQV) told ATA Friday. Heated discussions were held Friday among the KQV members with regard to the application of the media platform by Albanian Television during the referendum campaign. The opposition members of the commission claim that there is a sort of institutional dualism between the sub-commission of media in the KQV and the parliamentary commission for the referendum campaign. "Proceeding from this claim, the Albanian television has replied that all its contacts and relations with individuals or other organizations are envisaged by law and with regard to this issue, the television is based on law," said Cano. In order to solve this point of discussion, one of the commission members expressed the opinion that the media sub-commission members who represent all political forces, must contact to coordinate their views with the parliamentary commission set up for the referendum campaign. This opinion was categorically refused by DP commission members, who through this act do not recognize the institutions established for this purpose. "The commission will continue to work normally according to the tasks it has despite the fact that the DP representative group has declared 'it will not continue the initiated job if RTV does not accept it has made legal violation,'" said Cano. KQV determined last Thursday a platform which divided the airing time between the political parties, and did not give opinions about other organizations or individuals. /pas/xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[24] National Museum of Archeology in Tirane to be renewed- 100 new objects displayed -TIRANE, Nov.6 (ata) - By K Shehu: The National Museum of Archaeology in Tirane, which displays most of the archeological asset of Albania, will be renewed. The renovation also includes the displaying of 100 new objects uncovered during 1990-1998. Ilir Gjipali, specialist in the Institute of Archeology said Friday to ATA that the museum will be repaired esthetically and added with new objects not exhibited before. The work to improve the state of the museum which is located in the Archaeological Institute marks the completion of a two-month work by the specialists of this institute. The museum was established in 1948 as an ethnographic-archaeological Museum. Later with its extension and the continuous searches and archaeological studies, archaeological museums were set up in various districts of the country such as in Durres, Apoloni, Butrint, Korce and many archaeological wards were added to the museums of history in different cities of Albania. In 1976 the museum turned completely into a National Museum of Archaeology. The museum has in its inventory about 18 thousand objects pertaining to various historic periods. /pas/xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[25] 80 tons of wheat smuggled from Yugoslavia - MinistryTIRANE, Nov.6 (ata) - By E Xhajanka: The auction for the selling of 25 thousand tons of wheat brought in the form of aid from the USA for the Albanian Government is continuing at slow rates, with only 3200 tons of wheat sold so far.During the 8th auction, only 400 tons of wheat were sold at minimal price, and most of the unsold amount of wheat is still in the storehouses of Durres risking to be harmed. Vjollca Bimo, specialist in the Albanian Ministry of Agriculture and Food said that "an amount of nearly 80 000 tons of flour smuggled through Yugoslavia and being sold throughout Albania at low prices, is blocking the sale of the wheat from America." /pas/xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[26] Deputy Parliament Speaker opposes Article 18 of new Constitution - interviewTIRANE, Nov.6 (ata) - By A Haxhiu: Article 18 of the new constitution which covers the human rights and freedoms was in the focus of the news conference that the deputy Parliament Speaker and member of the Democratic Party Presidency, Josefina Topalli, had on Friday."The 3d point of this article sanctions inequality before the law, envisaging the perspective of a rule of law which will be never set up," said Topalli. She added that DP will state other remarks regarding the new constitution, but this, she said, is not a commitment of DP to the process for the constitution but it is a responsibility also for other political forces which must pronounce their remarks for draft offered to the Albanians. In the context of the campaign for the constitutional referendum, DP, although declaring it does not accept the draft, has not come out with the alternative of a 'no' vote for the Constitution, but it has called on its militants to boycott the referendum of November 22, 1998. The co-chairman of the Parliamentary Commission for the Drafting of the Constitution, Arben Imami, said to ATA that Article 18 of the Constitution has been proposed by the Venice Commission, thus turning down claims by the Democratic Party. /pas/xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[27] Albania protests border incidents by Yugoslav forcesTIRANE, Nov 6 (ATA)-By I.Luto,Albania's Foreign Ministry today handed over a strong note of protest to the Charge d'affaires at the embassy of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) in Tirane, Vukicevic, regarding the latest incident on the border with Northern Albania. This note of protest cites such incidents as "very grave and harmful acts, which directly violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Albania, but which also risk to aggravate the already tense situation in the Balkan region." At the same time, the note of protest points to the lack of cooperation by the Yugoslav side with the Albanian authorities at the Local Joint Sub-commissions in explaining the environments of the incidents alleged by the parties, in accordance with the agreement for the solution of border incidents. The latest incident the note is referred to, took place on November 3, 1998, when the Yugoslav forces opened fire in the direction of the Albanian territory, in the region of the border post C-4, in Tropoje. "The Foreign Ministry considers that compliance with the points of the agreement, especially meeting of Local Joint sub-commissions on the spot, is a significant moment to judge with realism any occurring incident and find out the respective responsibility and prevent them in the future," the note of protest says. /pas/lm/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[28] File of Vehbi Alimucaj sent to Appeal CourtTIRANE, Nov.6 (ata) - By Urim Bajrami: The file of Vehbi Alimucaj, former president of Vefa-Holding company, reached the Appeal Court on Thursday, the spokesman of the Court told ATA on Friday.Alimucaj was detained on April 28, 1998, under the charge of "theft in great proportions through deceit in cooperation with others." The Tirane district court placed Alimucaj in a two week prison detection but complaint by the Prosecutor's Office to the Appeal Court, resulted to an unlimited detention in jail for Alimucaj. /pas/xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[29] World Bank earmarks fund for school instrumentsTIRANE, Nov 6 (ATA)-By P.Shuteriqi, The World Bank (WB) has earmarked a total fund of 67 641 000 leks for buying indispensable instruments for Albania's schools, according to officials of the Ministry of Education and Science.Gezim Xhepa, inspector at the Economic department at the Ministry of Education told ATA on Friday that the WB fund will address compulsory education in nine districts of the country: Shkoder, Kukes, Lezhe, Kurbin, Durres, Tepelene, Berat, Diber and Lushnje. /pas/lm/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[30] Hill presents project for temporary solution to Kosova issuePRISHTINE, Nov 6 /ATA correspondent Behlul Jashari reports: The U.S. special envoy for Kosova, Christopher Hill, met this afternoon (Friday) with representatives of the General Staff of the Kosova Liberation Army (KLA). The meeting is reported to have been held in Dragobi of the Malisheve district.The Information Department of the KLA General Staff reported just a few moments ago that: "On November 6, 1998, at the request of the U.S. ambassador in Skopje, Christopher Hill, a working meeting was held with the political representatives of the KLA General Staff, Hashim Thaci, spokesman Jakup Krasniqi and head of Department for Public and Civic Administration Relations, Rame Buja. The KLA representatives were also informed of the U.S. project for a temporary solution to the Kosova political status. The meeting was constructive and was held in an atmosphere of understanding. The talks on this issue will continue," the report from the KLA General Staff concludes. /ad.ab/lm/ From the Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) Home Page at http://www.telpress.it/ataAlbanian Telegraphic Agency Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |