Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 98-11-18

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] Some 150 foreign observers to take part in constitutional referendum

[02] Activities from Parliamentary Referendum Commission

[03] Economic Politics Committee examines NCB privatisation

[04] Four thousand fictitious enrolments in voters' lists

[05] Islami:I have not asked and will not ask Berisha's arrest -member of the parliamentary referendum commission refutes article of "Republika" -

[06] Police tight security measures for Albania-Greece football match

[07] Albanian businessmen committee forwards demands to government

[08] Overpasses on Tirane-Durres highway

[09] Three Albanians sentenced up to 15 years imprisonment

[10] Constitution, "passport" of Albanian state to join Europe - chairman

[11] DP stand to abstain is meaningless, Mediu

[12] Dollar as against 141.7 Leks

[13] Some $ 2000 "bring" Kadare back in Gjirokaster

[14] "The Policy of Security and Defence" documents to be introduced in Brussels

[15] Albanians do not meet with Serb head of government in Prishtine on Wednesday

[16] Investments in construction amounting to 2.5 million dollars

[17] Some $ 2,5 million investments

[18] Albania-Greece qualifying match drew 0-0

[19] I am a genuine friend of Albania and the Albanians - Gonez

[20] UNICEF strategy for recognition of children's rights in Albania

[21] Albanian Government demands from administration to perfect its work

[22] Albania's Local Government Ministry has adopted all measures for a normal conduct of referendum - Minister

[01] Some 150 foreign observers to take part in constitutional referendum

Volan described the performance of the Referendum Monitoring mission, its role in coordinating the observers to take part in the referendum.

He informed the Albanian speaker that there will be over 150 observers, among whom, besides observers from various international organisations, a group of legislators from the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and European Parliament, the parliament's press office told ATA.

Gjinushi portrayed the constitutional process in Albania since 1991, especially dwelling on the drafting of the constitution approved by the Albanian Parliament on October 21,1998, a constitution pending ratification in the referendum of November 22,1998.

He described the performance of the Constitutional Commission which has been characterised by transparency throughout its drafting process and a close cooperation with the Venice Commission and foreign experts.

Referring to the referendum campaign Gjinushi pointed to the efforts to sabotage the referendum by the DP.

All measures have been taken to eliminate any attempt to undermine this process, said Gjinushi. He praised the understanding found in all the meetings of the Parliamentary Referendum Commission throughout the country, hoping for a broad participation of the Albanian people in the referendum.

Gjinushi expressed the belief that the monitoring run by OSCE-ODIHR will be impartial and objective.

The OSCE-ODIHR delegation wished the referendum will run quietly and in compliance with the legal norms. /a.ke/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] Activities from Parliamentary Referendum Commission

Parliamentary Speaker Skender Gjinushi said at the meeting held in Kucove that the new constitution is an Albanian Constitution which expresses and defends the interests of Albania and Albanians, which supports Albanians' aspiration for national unity.

He evaluated the chapter on the defence of the fundamental human rights and freedoms and added that the draft-constitution sanctions the fundamental freedoms such as that of confession, expression, information, rally, down to the rights to be fairly judged, to enjoy and inherit property, and the right to employment.

"Today from Strasbourg, the Venice Commission has reiterated that the new Albanian Constitution completely conforms to the European democratic standards."

"It is the first time the entire international community, the major Euro-Atlantic institutions, such as the OSCE, CoE, EU, European Parliament, U.S. State department are unique in their stand towards the Constitution," said Gjinushi.

Referring to allegations that the Constitution leaves room for Albania's disintegration, Gjinushi said that they are turned down from the first article of the Constitution which guarantees clearly and without equivocations :The Republic of Albania is a unitary and indivisible state.

As regards Berisha's claim that the Constitution was opposed in Madrid, Gjinushi responded that these are unscrupulous slanders by a man who has shown his face as a liar.

"The European right wing parties have aired their positive opinion on the Constitution through their representatives to the European Union, the Council of Europe, European Parliament, OSCE and specialists to the Venice Commission," said Gjinushi. /pas/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] Economic Politics Committee examines NCB privatisation

Economic Politics Committee (EPC), headed by Premier Pandeli Majko, discussed on privatisation of National Commerce Bank (NCB) in a meeting held on Tuesday. The committee examined privatisation procedures of this Bank, Premier's spokesman told ATA.

National Commerce Bank is the first bank to begin the privatisation process, which needs special care and treatment.

NCB privatisation complies with the criteria of ESAF 2 agreement signed with IMF in spring this year. Acts, examined by the Committee, envisage a bid process on strategic investor, to whom 50% of the bank shares will be transferred. While regarding the rest of these shares it will be negotiated with financial institutions.

EPC members made suggestions, which were included in the draft-acts to be soon sent for Government's approval. Committee decided to begin privatisation procedures within 1998. /dast/lola/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] Four thousand fictitious enrolments in voters' lists

Chief of the prefecture juridical section Gezim Bega told ATA that 4 000 fictitious enrolments, most of which are emigrants who have left since four to five years ago, are observed in the lists of 70 polling stations checked so far.

Names of dead persons and of those who have left to other districts have also been enrolled, said Bega, adding that some 1000 citizens from Durres have remained unrolled.

These irregularities have been made known to the Municipality to correct them conform the law on the Constitutional referendum.

Through local electronic media the municipality has called on the citizens whose names are not included in the lists to go to the polling stations commissions to be enrolled. /pas/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] Islami:I have not asked and will not ask Berisha's arrest -member of the parliamentary referendum commission refutes article of "Republika" -

In a written pronouncement to ATA Islami considers the above article "an utter slander which aims to create political tension in the country and sow the seed of political confrontation among the politicians."

"It seems there are certain circles in the Albanian politics, maybe also involved in part of the Albanian press, which seek to stir up tension and create a climate that would mar the November 22 referendum."

"I and Berisha have publicly confronted each other, and only on political issues. I have not any personal enmity," says Islami in his letter which confutes the article.

"I have never accepted and will never accept as a politician to extend confrontation beyond the boundaries of political debate and understanding," says former deputy Prime Minister.

Islami declares that in all the meetings he has taken part to explain various articles of the Constitution he has avoided politicization of this domain, with the conviction that the Constitution is a passport of all Albanians.

Referring to the charge against democrat chairman Berisha for the September 14 events, Islami said that he had voted to lift the immunity in order to open the way for justice but would vote against his arrest, in case the prosecutor's office would ask this from parliament.

Islami says in his pronouncement that "gathering facts and and investigation of the September 14 event is an affair of the justice and not at all of politics." /y.pa/pas/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] Police tight security measures for Albania-Greece football match

"Police have taken all the security measures for a close surveillance of sport environment and the zone round "Qemal Stafa" stadium, in which the match is going to take place. Order forces along with road traffic police, criminal police and mobile forces have been engaged," spokesman of Tirane Perfecture Police Department said.

These measures were dictated from the sale of all match tickets and the prevision that many Greek team fans will attend the match.

The spokesman said that since Wednesday early hours many police forces will be on high alert round the stadium, in which the fans are expected to enter since before noon.

According to him cars movement in a broad zone round the stadium is prohibited. /pas/lola/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] Albanian businessmen committee forwards demands to government

Restoration of order, creation of a constant and lasting cooperation between business organisations in Albania and the Government to exchange views on politics on trade, legislation, defence of investments and other issues were at the centre of the demands the representatives of the Albanian Business Committee forwarded to the Government at today's conference "Importance of private sector in developing market economy".

The committee asked that the government insists on its demands to the international organisations to offer soft and long-term credits.

It asked that customs and fiscal system be reconsidered, intervening to facilitate them in various forms.

According to the committee's representatives a new fiscal policy should be created to encourage development in the country by exempting every investor in the field of production from income tax for ten years. They asked that the banking system be restructured and the capital of the Investment Guarantee Agency be increased.

The committee asked the removal of excises on locally produced lubricants and requested better conditions for Albania's agriculture and agro-industry, through applying the Value Added Tax (VAT) and differentiated taxes on inputs as well as subsides on agriculture.

The Committee requested that the Albanian government ask from other countries' governments to facilitate the movement of Albanian businessmen abroad for business. /pas/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] Overpasses on Tirane-Durres highway

Tirane-Vore segment of Tirane-Durres highway will have three overpasses, for which some 50 million leks, at the request of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, are envisaged to be approved from the state budget 1999.

These three overpasses are going to be followed by others, whose value will be included within Tirane-Durres highway project value. Highway project total cost is estimated to be 44 MECU and financed by PHARE program grant of 17 MECU and European Investment Bank credit of 22 MECU.

Accidents happening on this highway dictated the necessity of building up overpasses for the inhabitants living in this zone.

Tirane-Durres highway, part of East-West corridor and North-South national road as well, will cover 31 km (with its segments Tirane-Vore 10 km and Vore-Durres 21 km). Highway works are envisaged to be finished in 2 000. /pas/lola/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] Three Albanians sentenced up to 15 years imprisonment

The three youths from Zhubi of Gjakove were arrested on July 9 of this year in their village by the Yugoslav military forces, according to the Kosova information Centre (KIC).

KIC also reports that the Serb tribunal in Gjilan has started investigations against 13 other Albanians. The tribunal decided yesterday to extend to one month the detainment term for six Albanians arrested in Dobercan of Gjilan on November 11.

Defence lawyer Osman Arifi said that this tribunal has started inquiries in absentia against seven other Albanians from Dobercan. /pas/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] Constitution, "passport" of Albanian state to join Europe - chairman

Beqiri said that the new constitution paves the way for foreign investments, restoration of law and order, fight against crime and contraband. /pas/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] DP stand to abstain is meaningless, Mediu

"There are only three days till voting and I consider unreasonable democrats constant appeal to their electorate not to go to the polling boxes," said PR chairman Fatmir Mediu.

According to Mediu such calls to abstain polls lead to the reduction of the votes for the constitution.

"It would be normal that a party, aiming to reject the draft, to make appeals to its members and supporters to go to the polling boxes and vote against," Mediu said.

Republic Party and the political grouping Albanian United Right, in which this party takes part, have expressed their stand in favour of the Constitution, considering it as an indispensability for the country, despite their reserves regarding different amendments of the state Basic Law. /pas/lola/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] Dollar as against 141.7 Leks

Foreign currency	Exchange rate in Leks
USD			141.70
DM			 85.00
ITL(1000)		 85.70
GRD(100)		 50.15

/lola/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] Some $ 2000 "bring" Kadare back in Gjirokaster

"This is the best work on Gjirokaster and the biggest honor made by the writer to his mother town," the town hall chairman, Ylli Asllani, told ATA on Wednesday. That's why the town hall council has taken a special decision to buy some 200 copies of the book which are to be involved in the town hall fund, and to serve as a representative guide of the museum city's values.

Asllani said also that the work of Kadare, published on March of the previous year by the "Michalan" publishing house in the French language, had an extraordinary success. All the book pages are illustrated by the magnificent views that the city splendidly unfolds to the readers, and this has affected its success, he said.

A short time ago the town hall council proclaimed "Cultural Monument" the house where Kadare lived. /s.sh/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] "The Policy of Security and Defence" documents to be introduced in Brussels

This meeting is organised by NATO's countries and other member countries of the "Partnership for Peace" Program. Albanian military delegation will present to this body "The Policy of Security and Defence" documents, already processed and discussed by all Albanian military and state levels.

The round table, to be held in Brussels, also will be attended by the ambassadors of NATO countries, who will analyse not only these important documents but also engagements of the respective countries to assist Albanian army, achievements, objectives and concrete plans for the future. /s.s./lola/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] Albanians do not meet with Serb head of government in Prishtine on Wednesday

The invitation and the date set by Milutinevic for talks was considered by Albanians as a propaganda trick. The Albanian subjects have refuted a possible solution to the question of Kosove within the context offered by Serbia and Yugoslavia. According to them, the direct talks between Prishtine and Belgrade can start only with the international mediation of the U.S. Ambassador Hill, after the parties state temporary solution to the draft-document, and after Yugoslav President Milosevic accomplish his obligations stemming from the resolutions of the U.N.Security Council in agreement with Holbrooke.

Milutinovic met only officials of the Serb installed power in Kosove in the premises of the occupied Parliament of Kosove. /b.j./m/k/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] Investments in construction amounting to 2.5 million dollars

The constructions are mostly of an industrial-producing character such processing lines, public service premises, trade shops, storehouses or dwelling flats. The Council for the Territorial Adjustment (KRRT) said Shllaku, examined in its latest meeting 26 requests, 15 of which were adopted.

The unapproved requests for construction permits, he said, "had irregularities in the legal documents such as those related with the constructor's license, in contracts, problems of ownership or some were objects started to be built without the construction permit." /lh/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] Some $ 2,5 million investments

They (the investments) are more of the indrustial-producing character. The Council of Territory Regulation examined 26 similar enquiries, out of which 15 were approved, in his last meeting.

The unapproved inquiries "have irregulations in the legal documentation, for instance, the building licenses, contracts, property problems and others," he added. /l.h/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] Albania-Greece qualifying match drew 0-0

The match with arbiter the Spanish, Victor Jose Eskuina Rtores, ended with the score 0-0.

The players of the two teams made a good performance. The first half was better for the Albanian team, while in the second half the Greek players were insisted more in search of a positive result. Both teams had chances to score in the second half of the match.

The temporary qualification of the second group is as follows:

Lithuania	3 2 0 1 4 2 6
Greece		3 1 2 0 5 2 5
Slovenia	3 1 1 1 4 4 4
Norway		3 1 1 1 5 6 4
Georgia		3 1 0 2 1 4 3
Albania		3 0 2 1 2 3 2

The scores of the matches played so far by the Albanian national football team are as follows:

September 5: Georgia- Albania 1-0
October 14 : Norway - Albania 2-2
November 18: Albania - Greece 0-0

Remaining fixtures:

    March 31: Slovenia v Albania
    April 28: Albania v Latvia
     June  5: Albania v Norway
     July  9: Albania v Slovenia
September  4: Latvia v Albania
  October  4: Albania v Greece
 November  9: Albania v Georgia

/lh/A.A/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] I am a genuine friend of Albania and the Albanians - Gonez

As the press and information department of the Albanian Foreign Ministry reports, the Hungarian President, Gonez, in his meeting with the Albanian Ambassador, Resuli, said that he was "a genuine friend of Albania and the Albanians. We are concerned of what is happening with the Albanians in Kosove and are following with special attention the developments in Albania," he stressed.

Albanian Ambassador conveyed to the Hungarian President the greetings and wishes by Albanian President, Rexhep Meidani.

They spoke of the extension and further consolidation of the bilateral Albanian-Hungarian relations.

After the presentation of the credentials, the Ambassador of Albania, Resuli, placed a wreath in the Heros Square in Budapest. /lh/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[20] UNICEF strategy for recognition of children's rights in Albania

"There can be no observation of the human rights without the respect for the rights of the children and to attain this it is necessary that these rights enter the Albanian mentality as principles of the life," Roberto Laurenti, chief of the UNICEF Office in Tirane, told ATA.

UNICEF will apply a work strategy whose aim will be to introduce to Albanian politicians the human rights and those of the children, and the extension of this information to the legislative and executive systems and lastly in the civil society, the NGO-s, media and the Albanian family.

UNICEF assistance will also consist of training of police, attorneys, judges, who during their work, must know well the rights of the children. The assistance will be also offered for the little ones and youths who are exposed to crime.

According to Laurenti, of importance will be the creation of a mini- parliament of youths (14-10 years) which will have affiliates in 12 prefectures with a common centre, with the aim that they have the possibility to express themselves on important national questions and to defend their rights.

The introduction in the educational system of the Convention for Children's Rights is also thought as an element that will play an important role. /dast/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[21] Albanian Government demands from administration to perfect its work

Taking part in the meeting were ministers Luan Hajdaraga, Lufter Xhuveli, Thimio Kondi, Musa Ulqini, Ingrid Shuli and the State Secretary, Maqo Lakrori. During the meeting, PM Majko laid the stress on the demands of the government to have a perfect work from the administration, pointing out that "we together have struck a contract with the citizens to establish the rule of law and to make more for tomorrow."

Majko stressed that the Government is not at all influenced by the political climate existing in the campaign for the referendum, but, as a Prime Minister, said Majko "I cannot hide that Constitution means for Albania more rule of law, more respect for the laws, division of competence and responsibilities between the powers, it means that the political changes have no impact on the administration.

Referring to the Referendum for the Constitution on November 22, PM Majko said that "as a representative of the administration and deputy of this prefecture, I invite you all to realise a referendum on the basis of legal procedure and in normal conditions."

The Prefect of Korce, Bardhi Alickolli, said in his address that his prefecture has established law and order and has made all preparations for the Referendum of November 22, 1998. /dast/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[22] Albania's Local Government Ministry has adopted all measures for a normal conduct of referendum - Minister

According to him, the documents and the necessary material base such as ballots, protocols, seals, polling boxes, etc., have been ensured and are being distributed.

Demeti pointed out that a special and very important task for this stage is the completion of the drafting of the voters' lists, which is an exclusive task of the state administration and the executive bodies of the local government.

Demeti stressed that the the lists have been announced in all the territory of Albania. In addition, during these days up to 48 hours prior to the voting, the structures which have announced the lists, can make changes if necessary.

"We are consistent and resolute that the lists be accurate according to laws and we will not allow any regularities in this process," said in conclusion Minister Demeti, without giving details of the legal acts taken if abuses are noticed. /dast/xh/

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