Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 98-11-21

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] Constitution - a passport for Albania - PM Majko

[02] We are interested in referendum process in Albania - Schussel

[03] Snow falls block roads leading to Kukes

[04] Albania Interlines to deliver 3.5 million lek for aqueduct of Lazarat, Gjirokaster

[05] One week workshop for leaders of cultural institutions

[06] Irregularities in voters' lists eliminated

[07] President Meidani hails Nobelist by Albanian origin, Ferit Murati

[08] KLA ask Serb forces to withdraw at first from four Kosova towns

[09] Doris Pack interested in mining industry and tourism in Albania

[10] Some 400 000 Albanian refugees homeless in snow

[11] Positive developments in SP will introduce a new policy in Albania, Pack

[12] Participation of people in voting for Constitution is a necessity

[13] Positive developments in SP will introduce a new policy in Albania, Pack

[14] 1998: Citrus planting doubled

[15] Police on alert for referendum of Constitution

[16] Milo says Albania is interested in implementing CEI economic projects

[17] First credit-saving associations created

[18] Final number of enrolled voters is that confirmed by Governor

[19] Cano says everything is ready for Sunday's referendum

[20] Referendum process towards stability

[21] Support for new Albanian government, cooperation to realise multi- facet reforms

[01] Constitution - a passport for Albania - PM Majko

Attending the meeting held in the Palace of Congresses were all government members, thousands of supporters of the Constitution and sympathizers of the Government coalition "Alliance for the State."

In his address, PM Pandeli Majko said among others that "we have come here, I believe, all with the sasme aim. The Constitution must be made ours, must serve us and our children. The constitution we shall vote is a guarantee for the democratic development of the country."

Laying the stress on the need of the constitution, Majko pointed out that the it will serve the long-term cooperation of Albania with western countries, organizations and structures and with every other friend of it. Further on, the Prime Minister singled out the priorities of the constitution, stressing that it will serve the martyred Kosove and all compatriots outside the borders of Albania.

The Constitution, stressed Majko, is not a passport of the parties, it is a passport of Albania.

The meeting was also addressed by the co-chairman of the Commission for the Drafting of the Constitution and Minister of Constitutional Reform, Arben Imami, and the deputy parliament speaker, Namik Dokle. /dast/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] We are interested in referendum process in Albania - Schussel

The press and foreign department of the Foreign Ministry of Albania reports that Schussel said in his address that "we are rather interested in the process for the referendum on the constitution to be voted in Albania. It will give a considerable impact to the democratic processes in the country."

Schussel said that the Albanian electorate must be massively committed to this major event which will carry ahead to a considerable degree the developments in Albania. /dast/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] Snow falls block roads leading to Kukes

The snow has reached to 50 cm in the city and more than one meter in the mountain areas of the district of Kukes.

So far, the people in Kukes have not any problem because they have taken all measures for the winter supplies, said to ATA the secretary of the district council, Shefki Cena. A problem is the electricity supply because it is being used for heating by the population. As a result, frequent blackouts have been registered during Friday in the city and in some of the district villages. /dast/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] Albania Interlines to deliver 3.5 million lek for aqueduct of Lazarat, Gjirokaster

In order to receive the financing, the same sources said, the Prefect Sotir Mantho, had some days ago a meeting in Tirane with the General Executive Director of Albania Interlines, sh.p.k. Kristorof Filopulos. The latter took a special interest in the project and agreed to finance it, promising that the project will start within December this year.

The amount of money for the project is 3.5 million lek. Prefect Mantho expressed to Mr Filopulos his gratitude and that of the community of Lazarat for the assistance which will help consolidate the friendship and cooperation between Albania and Greece, the same sources said. /lh/xh/

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[05] One week workshop for leaders of cultural institutions

The workshop, to be held from Nov.20-25, will treat theoretical and practical aspects, problems of cultural administration and international cooperation. The workshop is being held by the Albanian Session of the European Academy for Culture and Management, the organization "Culture- Contact" with headquarteres in Vienna, Foundation Soros and the ministry of Culture.

The workshop organizer, Sokol Shupo said in his opening address that the aim of the workshop is to qualify leaders of art in Albania and integration of Albanian specialists in the methods and parameters of the European level in the field of management." In the centre of the seminar will be the management projects in the field of theater and international cooperation, the presentation of projects of management in music festivals and the concrete European experience, projects which will be reflected through reports by foreign managers of culture.

Present in the opening ceremony of the seminar was also the Minister of Culture, Edi Rama. /lh/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] Irregularities in voters' lists eliminated

Some 300 persons, who are currently emigrants, were removed from the lists, as well as the dead people. Some 262 unregistered persons were also added to these lists.

The irregularities were eliminated in the voters' lists in the communes of this district. The chairman of Thumane commune, Fadil Mani, declared that some 222 persons, registered in a fictive way, were removed from the voters' lists of this commune.

Some 38 032 persons will vote in the district of Kruje for the Constitution Referendum on 22 November. Thus, 77 polling stations have been set up, of which 18 are in the town hall of Kruje, 17 in that of Fushe- Kruje and the rest in communes. /pas/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] President Meidani hails Nobelist by Albanian origin, Ferit Murati

"When the mediae spread the report that the Nobelist of the year in medicine was an American citizen by Albanian origin, the Albanians experienced a great joy. I can say that here, in the motherland, we would all like to see, meet, know and embrace you," says the letter, through which President Meidani wishes the great scientist for his discoveries.

President Meidani appreciated not only the outstanding scientific work, but also the spiritual ties of Murati with Albania.

"You are now the honor and pride of our nation, like the immortal Mother Teresa and other great Albanians who have put their name in the pantheon of the international civilization," writes Meidani.

The Albanian President invited the scientist Ferit Murati to visit Albania. /pas/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] KLA ask Serb forces to withdraw at first from four Kosova towns

According to the "Koha Ditore" newspaper, this request is made by the chairman of KLA mission, Sokol Bashota, in a meeting held in Dragobi of Malisheve with the American delegation of the Kosova Diplomatic Observing Mission (KDOM), headed by its chief, Shown Burns.

The respect of the agreement Holbrook-Milosheviç was the main theme of the discussions held, according to the newspaper. Bashota stressed that "despite the threatenings of international factors, the Serb forces continue to remain dislocated in many points and continue the fortification proceedings in these positions, adding even the number of their troops. The stay of a great number of the Serb forces in Malisheve and in its outskirts increases the number of the sporadic incidents and the possibilities to increase the opened armed conflicts, the newspaper said.

The KDOM chief expressed his special trouble for the continuation of the Serb force presence in Malisheve, and added that the mission he leads "will do all the possible things to withdraw the Serb forces from Malisheve as soon as possible. /P.Ta/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] Doris Pack interested in mining industry and tourism in Albania

The press adviser of the Minister, Naim Zoto told ATA that during this meeting Mrs. Pack was interested in knowing the opinion of Minister Rapi regarding the situation and prospective of the mining industry, aiming at offering the assistance and experience of the country she represents (Germany.) After briefing on the political development in Albania, Minister Rrapi said that "the mines of Albania are in the same state as before." He added that it would be very necessary a cooperation, coordination and assistance from Germany.

Mrs. Pack voiced interest on the development of tourism and said that Albania is an attractive country, where the seashore is combined with the mountainous relief.

In the head of a delegation of the European troika (The European Parliament, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and the OSCE,) Doris Pack will monitor the referendum process of 22 November in Albania. /pas/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] Some 400 000 Albanian refugees homeless in snow

The heavy snow has covered Kosova these days, and some 400 000 Albanian war refugees have remained homeless in the snow, while 150 000 of them are outside Kosova, writes "Bujku" newspaper of Prishtina, adding that with the coming of winter, the human drama in Kosova is becoming more grave.

The Kosova press reports that the heavy snow has made very difficult the coming of humanitarian aid in many regions of Kosova, where the people are returned in their shelters, but they have not had the possibilities to enter their house because they have been destroyed and burned. /P.Ta/A.A/

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[11] Positive developments in SP will introduce a new policy in Albania, Pack

In a meeting with the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Kadri Rrapi, Pack stressed that "these developments would introduce a new policy in Albania, far from the policy of boycott and confrontations," the press adviser of the Minister told ATA.

"According to Pack, it would be better if these changes would also take place in the Democratic Party, and in fact they should have been made before.

Referring to the Constitution problem, Doris Pack underlined that she has publicly expressed her opinion by calling on all the Albanians to widely participate in voting.

"A wider participation in the Constitution voting would lead to the isolation of Sali Berisha, who is following a wrong policy regarding the Constitution. The policy of boycott and clans does not bring good things to Albania," added Pack.

Doris Pack heads a delegation of the European troika (The European Parliament, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and the OSCE,) which will monitor the referendum process in Albania. /y.pa/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] Participation of people in voting for Constitution is a necessity

TIRANA, Nov. 21 (ATA) - By E. Koraqi: The wider participation of the Albanian people in the November 22 Referendum is a necessity, stressed the Head of the delegation of the European troika and chief of the monitoring mission of the European Union for the November 22 Referendum, Doris Pack, during a meeting held Saturday with the Albanian Prime Minister, Pandeli Majko and the deputy Premier, Ilir Meta.

"We believe that the Constitution will serve the change of relations between the political forces in the country," said Albania PM, stressing the importance of cooperation between the government and local government, because this would calm down the climate between the parties. Majko added that the government will continue to ask the consensus of the opposition even for particular legislative interventions, mainly in the fight against the organized crime.

"The Democratic Party should not remain the hostage of the humor of any individual," said Majko.

Majko said that the priorities of the government are the fight against smuggling and corruption, stabilization of order and the administration reform, thus for all these the international support is needed, as well as political, technical and material assistance.

Mrs. Pack stressed the necessity of a wider participation of the Albanian people in voting for the November 22 Referendum.

"The cooperation between the individuals in different parties, who are not formed with the political background of the previous communist regime, would create possibilities for cooperation and development of the country. The European Union and the European institutions will encourage the efforts of the new government to change the Albanian reality," said Pack. /pas/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] Positive developments in SP will introduce a new policy in Albania, Pack

In a meeting with the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Kadri Rrapi, Pack stressed that "these developments would introduce a new policy in Albania, far from the policy of boycott and confrontations," the press adviser of the Minister told ATA.

"According to Pack, it would be better if these changes would also take place in the Democratic Party, and in fact they should have been made before.

Referring to the Constitution problem, Doris Pack underlined that she has publicly expressed her opinion by calling on all the Albanians to widely participate in voting.

"A wider participation in the Constitution voting would lead to the isolation of Sali Berisha, who is following a wrong policy regarding the Constitution. The policy of boycott and clans does not bring good things to Albania," added Pack.

Doris Pack heads a delegation of the European troika (The European Parliament, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and the OSCE,) which will monitor the referendum process in Albania. /y.pa/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] 1998: Citrus planting doubled

Albania produces 8-10 thousand citrus saplings per year while the rest is imported.

After 1990, the fruit trees including citrus were greatly damaged. Ionian seaside Albanian Riviera's plantations of hundred thousands citruses were destroyed. Out of one million citrus in 1990, at present there exist 326 thousand, out of which only 296 thousand produce.

Most of the citrus, mainly orange trees, (92 thousand citrus) excist in Sarande followed by Vlore (90 thousand citrus) and then Lushnje and Fier.

Production on country scale reaches 3 thousand tons citrus fruits out of 10-12 thousand tons produced in 1990. /pas/lola/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] Police on alert for referendum of Constitution

Spokesman of the local Police Department told ATA that a detailed plan has been prepared to maintain order in general and insure normality in every polling station for the referendum of the Constitution in the capital, its villages and Kavaje district.

Security measures, begun on Saturday, aim safeguarding all the polling stations, normal moving of vehicles and people in all the streets and roads and organising 24 hours fixed and mobile checkpoints in Tirane, Kavaje and all the zones under their jurisdiction, the spokesman explained.

Engaged in the alert will be all police structures: public order forces, road traffic police, criminal police in cooperation with the special forces of the Ministry of Public Order, the spokesman said.

Tirane Police Department calls all the citizens help the police to implement the law and disassociate from every action, which run contrary to the law, the spokesman added. /dast/lola/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] Milo says Albania is interested in implementing CEI economic projects

The Foreign Ministry's press and information office told ATA that Milo said that Albania is interested in accelerating the implementation of the organisation's already planned economic projects, and is ready to cooperate with the CEI, the "Friends of Albania" group and other international organisations to overcome the domestic economic difficulties.

Referring to the tragic situation in Kosova, Milo stressed that it is necessary that the international community, also including CEI, make everything possible to realise a viable and long-term solution to the situation in Kosova, to which Albania, too, will continue to contribute in the maximum. /dast/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] First credit-saving associations created

The project on creation of these associations is financed by the Council of Europe, the PHARE program and the Irish Relations Foundation.

So far, several associations operating in rural zones of Vlore, Korce and Kavaje districts are registered, while five other groups in Durres, Lushnje and Fier are at studying phase.

This project envisages the creation of these associations on basis of three forms of relations: community basis, working environment basis and association basis.

"Studies show that out of three forms, community basis is more solid and meets better the farmers' demands on credits," persons in charge of the project said.

The fund, created for each association, gathers the savings of its members. Savings bank's interests on the deposited amounts are added to this fund. /pas/lola/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] Final number of enrolled voters is that confirmed by Governor

It says that the polling stations commissions should bear in mind that the final number of the enrolled voters is that which is officially confirmed by the governor.

The polling stations commissions should write down this number in the minute in the box 1, as a total number of the citizens enrolled for voting.

This regulation says that on the voting day the polling stations commission should respect and implement the district court's decisions which give the right to vote to the citizens not included in the respective lists.

The citizen who has a court's decision, is provided the possibility to vote at any time until 18.00, when the voting process is over. In this case the court's decision is attached to the list the voter is enrolled. /dast/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] Cano says everything is ready for Sunday's referendum

Cano said that some 150 foreign observers from the Council of Europe, OSCE, ODIHR and other organisations have arrived so far. There are also 1.400 Albanian observers. This number of observers is thought to cover the entire territory of Albania.

Meanwhile, according to the CEC secretary, Shahin Bistri, 1 929 813 voters were enrolled until Saturday. But, he said they lack information from several northeastern districts of the country due to the difficulties created by the recent heavy snow.

All the enrolled electors will vote on Sunday in 4.583 polling stations nationwide.

There are 64 town-hall, 309 commune and 4.583 polling station commissions in 36 districts on a country scale.

Taking part in these commissions are 35.032 members. There are 642 polling stations in the Tirane Prefecture alone. /dast/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[20] Referendum process towards stability

Referendum process in the Prefecture of Kukes is going towards stability. "For this reason, the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) and the Ministry of Local Government have put at the disposal of the Prefecture the helicopters, which during all the day have transported the documentation for the referendum to the central polling stations of the communes," Nazmi Biba, prefecture official told ATA.

All the preparations for a normal proceeding of voting process in the 85 polling stations of Tropoje have been carried out, Mr.Biba said.

Also today the helicopter distributed documentation for the referendum in the distant zones of Kukes and Has, Skender Ahmeti, chairman of electoral commission of this district said.

Thus, with the measures taken by the CEC and the Ministry of Local Government, electoral process in the 240 polling stations of this prefecture will be carried out normally, Ahmeti stressed. /dast/lola/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[21] Support for new Albanian government, cooperation to realise multi- facet reforms

The Foreign Ministry Press and Information office told ATA that Italian Prime Minister Massimo D'Alema, Austrian Foreign Minister and current chairman of the European Union Wolfgang Schuessel, current chairman of OSCE Bronislav Geremek, Secretary General of the Council of Europe Daniel Tarschys, and others expressed support for the new Albanian government and offered their cooperation to realise multi-facet reforms in Albania.

They encouraged the Albanian people to be thoroughly engaged in the process on the Constitutional referendum on Sunday, a process, which, according to them, will give a new impulse to the democratic developments in the country.

At the end of the Zagreb Summit a final document was approved. Regarding developments in Albania and the situation in Kosova, the document stresses that the government heads devote special importance to the economic and social stability in Albania.

They condemn the use of violence to attain political goals and hail the new government and its programme.

The government heads appreciate the performance on the Constitution and the aid provided by the international organisations.

As regards the Kosova issue, the final document says among other things that the government heads support the efforts of the international community in finding a political solution to the crisis in Kosova.

They express full support for the OSCE Verifying Mission in Kosova and ask the FRY to comply with all the resolutions of the U.N. Security Council and other international documents. /dast/lola/lm/

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