Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 98-11-17

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] Albanian Government discusses measures for process of referendum

[02] Albanian Great International Chess Master Erlad Dervishi will take part in international chess championship in India

[03] The value of $US decreases

[04] Observation of human rights is closely linked with consolidation of institutions - Wahlberg

[05] European right wing threaten DP with expulsion from EDU

[06] Anti-smuggling branch: "Well-known enterprises with differences in liquidating customs fees obligations"

[07] The quays in Saranda port to be repaired

[08] Development of Ionian Sea in the focus of World Bank

[09] Professional training courses for Saranda youths in Greece

[10] Durres to take part in Fiera dei Comuni fair in Bari

[11] Ward of nephrology in Tirane Hospital to be reconstructed

[12] WB supports financially woods protection and forestation

[13] DUM: Talks on Kosova, in a neutral country

[14] US Vice Ambassador and USAID Director engaged for collaboration in Albanian justice

[15] Majko says time has come for politicians to deal more with problems of youth

[16] Albanian Deputy Premier left for an official visit in Great Britain

[17] Majko says "business will no longer suffer destructions"

[18] Meidani receives ambassador of Israel

[19] OSCE Vice-President Da Zulueta leads monitoring Referendum on Constitution in Albania.

[20] Ugly act aiming to take your life is alien to Tropoje tradition - Meidani sends letter to Sally Becker-

[21] DP opposes Venice Commission

[22] President Meidani meets Greek Minister of Sports

[01] Albanian Government discusses measures for process of referendum

The Information Ministry told ATA that Prime Minister Pandeli Majko said that especially the Ministry of Local Government, that of Public Order and all state structures charged with the process of the referendum must be committed to this task.

It is a major obligation of the government, stressed PM Majko, is to create all the conditions for the broadest possible participation of the Albanian people in the process for the referendum for the approval of the Constitution, as a process where all the people may express their opinion only through the free vote. "This would precisely be the objective of our work," said Majko.

Members of the cabinet voiced the maximal commitment for the adoption of all necessary measures on the part of the ministries they are leading, in order that on November 22, the Albanian citizens have the possibility to express their will through the free and guaranteed ballot. /a.ke/xh/

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[02] Albanian Great International Chess Master Erlad Dervishi will take part in international chess championship in India

Since 1992, Dervishi has been regularly taking part in European and world championships according to age groups. Among the most important results of Dervishi is the title of Europe's champion for ages up to 14 in 1993 in Hungary, and the 6th place in the world chess championship for the chess players 18 years old, held in Brazil.

A month ago, Erald Dervishi was given the title Great International Chess Master in Elisa of Russia. /pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] The value of $US decreases

Currency	Rate
$US		141.80
DM		 85.1O
LIT(1000)	 85.70
GRD(100)	 50.02

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] Observation of human rights is closely linked with consolidation of institutions - Wahlberg

The discussion of Mr Wahlberg, which closed the reports of the first day of the two-day conference, focused on the principle called "good governing," and which is directly linked with the respect of the fundamental human rights and freedoms. According to Wahlberg "there can be no development in Albania and in the world if the human rights are not guaranteed."

The U.N. coordinator in Tirane stressed that "the fundamental principles of the 'good governing' are universal, they include the respect of the human rights, of the law, open policy, participation and tolerance, responsibility and transparence as well as the administrative and official capability and effectiveness."

Laying the stress on the administrative aspect of the "good governing' the directress of the Public Administration Department in the Council of Ministers, Filloreta Kodra, spoke of the "strategy of the administrative reform" as an important step on the road for the improvement of the governing.

The objective of the public administration, said Kodra "is that it must be open to the civil society and to encourage the participation of the citizens in the decision-making process."

She voiced the confidence that the measures adopted by the Albanian Government would make possible that within a relatively short period of time, an administration of European standards will be created, whose effectiveness will be proved as the time passes. /pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] European right wing threaten DP with expulsion from EDU

According to some Albanian dailies, such as Gazeta Shqiptare and Shekulli, for which this report makes the headlines, the Swedish conservatives have prepared a motion demanding from EDU leadership the expulsion of the DPA from that organization.

The paper also writes that the motive for the proposal is based on the DP continuous policy to abandon the institutions and to pursue street policy.

The proposal by Swedish conservatives comes after clear messages from the international community to Berisha to leave aside the destructive policy or he will, in return, be politically isolated. On Monday, in an interview with ATA, the Assistant Foreign Affairs Secretary of Italy, Umberto Ranieri, called on DP to abandon its obstructionist policies and adventurous acts. /y.pa/xh/

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[06] Anti-smuggling branch: "Well-known enterprises with differences in liquidating customs fees obligations"

In the meantime, all the documentation of the Customs Branch in collaboration with CAM specialists for the reconstruction of this branch has finished. Also is being carried out the work for creating the DATA BASE and the starting of risk analyses for dubious persons and enterprises. /pas/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] The quays in Saranda port to be repaired

The enterprise winning the tender organized for this aim, is expected to begin the works, the spokesman of this port told ATA. Some 10 million leks are accorded by the state budget to cover all the tender expenses.

The quays are muffed and damaged because of the mine explosions in the Spring of 1997. They present danger for the lives of hundreds of Albanian and foreign travelers moving in Albanian -Curfew line and vice- versa. /pas/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] Development of Ionian Sea in the focus of World Bank

After three days of its stay in Albania, the World Bank mission is expected to meet with representatives of the Albanian Ministry of Culture and senior representatives of the state and institutions cooperating with the project.

These meetings will focus on the structure of the first stage of the project on the development of the Ionian coast, for which the Bank will provide a several million dollar fund. /f.n/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] Professional training courses for Saranda youths in Greece

The chief of the labour office in that district, Parashqevi Draci told ATA that the first 7 youngsters who won the test held by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, will soon start a 7 month-course in Greece, with expenses defrayed by the neighbouring country, with 130 thousand drachmas per month for each of the youngsters. At the end of the course, they will get certificates for the trades of plumber, welder etc., she added.

It is the first time in the past three years that youths from Saranda will be qualified in Greece. According to Draci, this was made possible by a bilateral agreement which has been signed by the respective ministries of the two countries. /s.sh/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] Durres to take part in Fiera dei Comuni fair in Bari

"The city of Durres will have at its disposal a stand of 19 square meters, while for other participants their space in the fair will be only 12 square meters," said to ATA Shpetim Kodra, official in the Durres municipality.

According to him, "this advantage for Durres is due to the relations of the municipalities of Bari and Durres established in January 1998."

Durres will display in the far industrial commodities, artistic works in copper, alabaster and folk embroidered costumes.

A delegation with representatives from the Municipal Council, city administration, Durres ensemble, String Orchestra, the winners in Miss- Durres, '98 and 6 reporters from local tv stations, TV-Teuta and TV-Shijak, will take part in the cultural events and concerts to be held during the two days of the fair.

The string quartet and a group of eight dancers is planned to perform a concert on November 21, 1998. /pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] Ward of nephrology in Tirane Hospital to be reconstructed

According to the spokesman of the Ministry of Health, Artur Rada, in this part of the hospital all other wards have been reconstructed and equipped with the necessary means for the patients.

Some 7.5 million lek were provided by the state budget also for the first and second floors of the ward of cardiology. According to Rada, the complete reconstruction in the cardiology ward is expected to be over within November. /pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] WB supports financially woods protection and forestation

The director of the Forest Policy in Berat, Sokrat Keri, told ATA that with some 1,5 million leks given by WB, was set up the forest center in Sinja sector, object which was destroyed during 1997. The Word Bank has accorded 5 million leks for the construction of similar centers in the forest regions in Tomorri and Tepan, he added.

On the base of a project supported by WB, 4.000 hectares with woods in Roshniku commune are to be made into communal forests.

The national park in Tomorri mountain, with a surface of 6.000 hectares and with huge unexploited ecologic and touristic values is under examination.

The forest wealth of this district is situated in hilly and mountainous regions. /pas/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] DUM: Talks on Kosova, in a neutral country

Democratic United Movement (DUM) headed by academician Rexhep Qosja suggests "a negotiating table on Kosova in a neutral country".

"Representatives from Kosova, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, international mediators on Kosova issue and NATO's representatives should take part in this table. They would talk on the compliance with the U.N. Security Council Resolute 1199 and thorough withdrawal of Serbian forces from Kosova. It would powerfully affect the creation of preconditions to resume political process in Kosova," said DUM statement, released yesterday.

DUM rejects the invitation, made by the president of Serbia, Milutinovic, to talks on November 18 and hopes that ambassadors Christopher Hill and Wolfgang Petritsch will also reject it.

"Accepting it would mean reconciliation with the solution within Serbia and Yugoslavia," the statement said. /pas/lola/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] US Vice Ambassador and USAID Director engaged for collaboration in Albanian justice

Thoughts were exchange about the cooperation between the American Justice Department and the Albanian justice, for the war against criminality, corruption and lawyers and prosecutor's training, the spokesman of the Justice Ministry told ATA on Tuesday.

The USAID Director Howard Sumka said that "this collaboration will be materialized by training 100 Albanian lawyers and prosecutors as well as by giving an assistance for the Albanian Magistrate school." /pas/A.A/

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[15] Majko says time has come for politicians to deal more with problems of youth

"I am here today to make up for my absence in the celebration of the 35th anniversary of this school (which was celebrated in the past year), as well as to recall the years I have been a student here," Majko told the teachers and students rallied in the school yard.

Majko visited the four halls of the gymnasium built and equipped four years ago and the cabinet of computers, senate and the library.

Majko showed interest in the conditions of teaching and programs, tastes and interests of the school youth.

Minister of Education and Science Ethem Ruka, present in this visit, familiarised the students with the measures underway for the promotion of reform in education, removal of the criterion of average mark in the competition for university admissions and implementation of the project to specialise general secondary education with major human and social orientations and exact and natural sciences.

"It is much disturbing the fact that the number of smoking as well as drug addicts is increasing among the students," said Majko, adding that the politicians, the entire community and society should powerfully react to these phenomena. /pas/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] Albanian Deputy Premier left for an official visit in Great Britain

The Vice Premier is to hold special meetings with the State Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Tony Lloyd, during his visit in Great Britain, is said in the announcement of the Information Ministry. He will also held important meetings in parliament.

The collaboration between Albania and Great Britain and the situation in Balkan region are to be in the focus of the discussions that the Albanian Deputy Premier is to hold with senior politic personalities in Great Britain. /dast/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] Majko says "business will no longer suffer destructions"

Majko considered the conference significant and orientating for the future of the Albanian economy.

Speaking of business in Albania, Majko said that there is room for criticism between the government and business. Communication between these institutions should strengthen those mechanisms of market economy which provide space for free initiative and fair competition.

Albania needs a strong business elite, whose strengthening depolarises the society, safeguards order and administration, eases social and political quarrels, whose cost are first of all paid by the business, itself.

Majko said that the representatives of foreign business operating in Albania, through their presence show that Albania gives hope, said Majko encouraging foreign businessmen to go on working in Albania as their future will be different.

OSCE ambassador to Albania Daan Everts, permanent representative of the World Bank to Albania Carlos Elbirt and local and foreign representatives of various productive and trade companies, and of trade unions took the floor as well. /dast/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] Meidani receives ambassador of Israel

President's Press and Information office told that during the meeting the desire to increase exchanges between both countries, specially in the economic field, and realise different projects in agriculture, health and education was expressed.

Meidani hailed the Wye Plantation deal, signed recently by Israelite Premier Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Chairman Yasser Arafat in the U.S. and expressed the belief that its implementation will contribute to peace and stability in the region. /dast/lola/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] OSCE Vice-President Da Zulueta leads monitoring Referendum on Constitution in Albania.

Ms. de Zelueta was appointed by the OSCE Chairman in Office, Polish Foreign Minister Geremek, as special coordinator to lead the international observers deployed by the OSCE in Albania and to deliver the preliminary assessment on behalf of the international community on Monday 23 November. She will issue this statement in conjuction with other appropriate officials, including Mr. Kare Volan, the On-site Coordinator OSCE office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODHIR).

The OSCE observer team includes some fifteen representatives of the OSCE Parliamentary Assambly from nine OSCE countries, including Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Danmark, Germany, Italy, Romania, Sweeden and Turkey. The team also includes delegations from the council of Europe Parliamentary Assambly and the European Parliament. /A.A/

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[20] Ugly act aiming to take your life is alien to Tropoje tradition - Meidani sends letter to Sally Becker-

"I am glad to hear the good news coming from Tropoja that your health keeps improving and actually your condition is not life threatening," says Meidani's letter to Becker.

Considering this a grave act which "you, honourable lady did not deserve," Meidani says further on: "I am convinced that the generous and patriotic region of Tropoje has given and will give you the occasion to assess that it knows to respect guests and that ugly act which aimed to take your life is alien to the tradition and mentality of this region."

"Just like my people, I have followed with much admiration your activity to aid the people in need due to the anachronistic wars fomented by sick minds amidst Europe: once in Bosnia, yesterday in Kosova and today in Albania."

"Your determination to continue this activity deeply affects me personally and believe me that, my compatriots, wherever they are, will highly value this thing."

"True Albanians know to evaluate friends," writes Meidani, wishing Becker a speedy recovery and successes in the realisation of her vocation which has inspired and continues to inspire many people in search for a better and fairer world. /dast/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[21] DP opposes Venice Commission

"The Venice Commission, which helped draft all Eastern European countries' constitutions, has included in new Albanian Constitution articles, not contained in constitutions of these countries," DP chairman Sali Berisha said in Tirane activists' meeting, which focused on the political situation in the country and its performance to the Constitution Referendum on November 22.

Berisha considered unfair the performance of the Venice Commission, saying that this shows lack of seriousness in drafting the Constitution for the Republic of Albania.

Europe Commission for Democracy through Law, "the Venice Commission" also gave its contribution to draft the Constitution of 1994, which did not pass referendum test.

The work performed by this Commission and Albanian Parliamentary Commission on drafting the Constitution also found the support and the approval of several international bodies as European Union, Council of Europe and OSCE, which, through their statements, have expressed the belief that Albanian people would know to evaluate the good work performed in drafting the Constitution. /dast/lola/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[22] President Meidani meets Greek Minister of Sports

Meidani considered very significant the aid and cooperation offered by the neighbouring country not only in setting up sports' grounds, but also in sports' management and running.

Furas said that he had the support of Prime Minister Simitis that sports cooperation, with today's signing of a bilateral protocol, will be given a new, greater impulse.

Attending the meeting were leading officials of the Ministry of Culture and Sports as well as of the Soccer Federation of both countries. /dast/lm/

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

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