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Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 98-12-08Albanian Telegraphic Agency Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) Home Page at <http://www.telpress.it/ata>Albanian Telegraphic AgencyCONTENTS
[01] A high-tension post blasted in TiraneTIRANE, Dec.7 (ata) - By Th Thanasi: A high tension post, near former Traktori Plant in Tirane, was exploded late Sunday.The spokesman of police department of Tirane prefecture told ATA on Monday that at 23.00 last Sunday, the high tension pillar 15 in Shkoze of Tirane was exploded, causing electric failures in a part of the capital. The explosive has ruined the pillar totally and it must replaced with a new one, said the police spokesman citing the energy experts. According to the experts, though they have adopted emergency measures, some zones in Tirane will have periodical blackouts until the pillar is replaced. /y/pa/xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[02] Belgrade seeks to disregard agreements signed with international community - Albanian Foreign Ministry StatementTIRANE, Dec.7 (ata) - The recent events are proving that Belgrade authorities are more and more seeking to disregard the agreements they were forced to sign with the international community, at a time when they do not hesitate to address the same accusations to others, writes a statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Albania issued on Monday.The statement stressed that the panorama that the Belgrade offices and mediae are trying to provide is even ridiculous. According to them, the statement continues, Albanians of Kosove, the international community and together with them the Republic of Albania are working to spoil the truce, to instigate the resumption of fighting and to sabotage the process of peace, for which the Yugoslav authorities have allegedly made continuous efforts. The regime of Belgrade is known today by everybody as the one that has caused wars and calamities and not as a factor for peace, recalls the statement. All know that that the policy of truce proposed some time ago in Kosove, was imposed on Belgrade by the international community, otherwise it would have continued to the end the massacre and the humanitarian tragedy of the Albanian people of Kosove. Belgrade continues to look for imaginary culprits, says the statement further on, pointing out that Milosevic does not hesitate to accuse directly also the Republic of Albania and its authorities, who, according to him, "nurturing the idea of greater Albania," are training ands sending armed groups in Kosove, are provoking armed border incidents, etc., thus "hindering" the peace process. These accusations also made in the so-called "memorandum" of the Yugoslav Government which was distributed everywhere, may be qualified, without hesitation, as monstrous and groundless. The statement of the Foreign Ministry of Albania brings facts proving that the Albanian foreign policy has manifested through words and deeds that is has nothing in common with the idea of "Greater Albania." Furthermore, the Albanian Government refutes with indignation any insinuation or charge that allegedly armed troops are being trained in its territory and sent towards Kosove. The facts that Yugoslav side is trying to dish out to prove and to justify the killings of the so-called terrorists near the border with Albania, are rather doubtful, the statement writes. There are several months now that the Yugoslav party is not calling on the Albanian party to examine together the incidents claimed to have occurred in the Yugoslav territory. The victims, who time and again have remained in the vicinity of Albania, have resulted to be mostly civilians, women and terrorized children, who in effort to save their lives, and fleeing towards Albania, have fallen prey to undermined fields or premeditated killings. Based on all these, the statement stresses, it is not difficult to understand that behind the groundless accusations and such suspicious approaches hides the known aim of Belgrade to prevent and to bring back the initiated process for a real political solution to the problem of Kosove. /s.sh/xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[03] Parliamentary Commission of Economy and Finance approves new Customs Code of AlbaniaTIRANE, Dec.7 (ata) - By D Koca: The Parliamentary Commission of Economy and Finance approved new Customs Code on Monday. The code is expected to be examined by other commissions too and then it will have final approval by the Parliament.Along with customs facilities, a special place in the code have the sanctions for violations in the customs field. The new code envisages strong sanctions up to penal prosecution for smugglers. /pas/xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[04] In their activity Albanian police observe human rights - MinisterTIRANE, Dec.7 (ata) - By Y Pata: The Albanian Public Order Minister, Petro Koci, stated Monday in the Parliament that Albanian police, in their activity, do observe the human rights and the law on the fight against crime.Minister Koci responded in parliament on Monday to questions by independent deputy Maksim Hasani who complained for police in Berat with regard to the distribution of passports and the exertion of violence against some citizens. Koci said that his ministry respects only the law. "If there is a special case, you must denounce it to the judiciary," said Koci. As for the problem of passports, Minister Koci said that some time ago there is a denunciation in the General Attorney's Office referring to work in the past. In today's session, also a new deputy Xhevat Shima, from Shkoder made his oath. Mr Shima was in the nominal list of the deputies of the Socialist Party and replaced Mr Leontiev Cuci, who is appointed Ambassador of Albania in Italy. /pas/xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[05] Lower value of USD against LekTIRANE, Dec.8 (ata) - By Lolita Thanasi: On Tuesday, the value of dollar is lower than the previous day. According to the exchange rate in the Tirana Bank, today USD1 is changed with 141.8 lek, while on Monday it was exchanged at 142.20 lek. DM is sold at 84.80 lek, LIT (1000) at 85.50 lek and GRD(100) is equal with 50.000 lek.Follow the exchange rate of lek with foreign currencies: Kind of Currency Exchange Rate USD 141.80 DM 84.80 LIT(1000) 85.50 GRD(100) 50.00 /xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[06] Draft budget for Albanian agriculture is 4.5 billion lekTIRANE, Dec.7 (ata) - By E Xhajanka: The draft budget of investments for 1999 for the Ministry of Agriculture and Food is envisaged 4.5 billion lek, of which 1.262 billion will be financed by the state budget and 3.3 billion from foreign investments.According to the possibilities of the state budget for 1999, 270 million lek with be used for the rehabilitation of the irrigation and drainage systems, which are in a grave situation and are not included in the foreign projects. Whereas 662 million lek are allocated in support of the local funds for foreign projects. Among these projects are the co- financing from the World Bank and other donors for the rehabilitation of the irrigation system which is going on also in seven districts of Albania, such as in Fier, Lushnje, Kavaje, Durres, Tirane, Lac, and Kruje. This project is expected to be completed in March 1999. Money are also foreseen for the sector of fishing, forestry, land registration, advisory service, etc. Over 1998, many donors have invested for the rehabilitation of the infrastructure of irrigation, drainage, consolidation of the management of natural sources, veterinary service, agro-industry, etc. During January-September 1998, about 3.3 million USD were delivered by the World Bank, about 700 thousand USD from IFAD and nearly 1 million ECU for the projects to be financed by the PHARE Program. According to data so far, during 1998, about 18 million USD are expected to be delivered for all the projects in Albanian agriculture. /pas/xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[07] Finnish experts looking for mass graves in KosovePRISHTINE, Dec.8 (ata) - ATA correspondent Behlul Jashari reports: A delegation of Finnish experts that is looking for mass graves in Kosove visited yesterday the commune of Skenderaj. The mission members said that after the insistence of mission and the European community, Serb structures allowed some days ago searches for eventual mass graves in Gllogjan, Golluboc, Obri e Eperme, Volljake, Klecke and Rahovec. The group of experts is led by Helenta Ranta and consists of 20 members, experts in the field of medicine and auxiliary staff. During the visit in Skenderaj, the Finnish experts were also accompanied by the Ambassador of Finland in Belgrade, Timo Lahelma.The examination of the bodies of the massacre of Obri e Eperme, is expected to start today, while the mission will continue until April 1999. Representatives of the Council for the Defence of Human Rights in Gllogoc and Skenderaj have asked that light must also be thrown on the Serb massacres in Likosha, Prekaz, Galice, Gradice, etc. , but according to statements of Finnish experts, their mission envisages searches in the 6 above mentioned centres. /p.ta/xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[08] CE 'Mosaic' Program also in Albania soonTIRANE, Dec.8 (ata) - By K Shehu: The program of new cultural policies to be applied in the east European countries in transition, was in the focus of the conference held in Sofia from Nov.27 - Dec.4, 1998.The program called 'Mosaic' was initiated by CE and covers eight East European countries, with Albania ranking the fourth. Attending the Sofia conference were CE experts and representatives of the countries where this program will be applied. Albania was represented by the director of projects in the Ministry of Culture, Arben Papadhopulli, who told ATA that soon a group of experts from CE will come to Albania to see the real basis of the Albanian culture. 'Mosaic' program consists in introduction of new policies in the management of culture institutions and the culture in general. /pas/xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[09] Rally of Union for Democracy to mark December 8, 1990TIRANE, Dec.8 (ata) - The political grouping Union for Democracy and the association December '90 held Tuesday a rally to mark the Student Movement of 1990, when the monist regime in Albania was overthrown and political pluralism was established.The two political groupings held a peaceful rally in square Democracia in the Campus. After this, the participants came to the spot where the December leader Azem Hajdari was killed on Sept.12, 1998, and where a memorial to the killed deputy was inaugurated. After this ceremony, the participants went to the Scanderbeg Square according to a notice for another rally there to commemorate December 8, 1990 Movement. /y.pa/xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[10] Police arrest killers of policeman Kastriot CiciTIRANE, Dec.8 (ata) - Albanian police arrested Tuesday the group of criminals who killed last Sunday the policeman, Kastriot Cici, who was on duty on the Athens-Tirane line service bus.Last Sunday, some armed people, who had got on the Athens-Tirane line bus, in Patras (Greece) brought out their arms kept secretly until then and in the vicinity of Ballsh (southeast of Fier) killed policeman Kastriot Cici and wounded some of the passengers. They fled the scene after plundering 45 people who were in the bus. /pas/xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[11] Detention of acitizen under charge of creating criminal organizationTIRANE, Dec.8 (ata) - By Th Thanasi: An Albanian national was detained last Monday evening in Tirane under the charge of creation of criminal organizations.The spokesman of Police Department of the Prefecture of Tirane told ATA that police forces of commissariat 3 arrested Dhimiter Grigor Gjovraku, 46, resident of Tirane, for the penal act of creating criminal organizations. The detention of Gjovraku was made after an warranty issued by the General Attorney's Office, the spokesman explained. Under the same charge, a new arrest in jail was passed for Vehbi Alimucaj, former president of VEFA company. /a.ke/xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[12] Rally of "December 90" grouping ends peacefullyTIRANE, Dec 8 (ATA)-By U.Bajrami, The "December 90" grouping on Tuesday commemorated the 8th anniversary of the students' movement.Former December students, students and leaders of the Democratic Party joined the march starting from the central square of the Studenti Campus. The peaceful march continued later along the Elbasan road, around the Artistic lyceum, the Albanian Radio-Television building, the square across from the university and then along the "Martyrs of the Nation" boulevard up to the place where deputy Azem Hajdari was killed, unveiling the memorial devoted to him. The Public Order forces, in cooperation with the road-traffic police and patrol cars "Shqiponja" (Eagle) secured a peaceful march and without problems, organised by the "December '90" grouping. /y.pa/lm/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[13] President Meidani to visit SofiaTIRANE, Dec 8 (ATA)-President of the Republic Rexhep Meidani on Wednesday leaves for Sofia for a two-day visit, at the invitation of his Bulgarian counterpart, Peter Stojanov, according to the press and information office close to the president.During the visit, Meidani and the delegation accompanying him will meet with senior Bulgarian authorities as well as with businessmen and a group of Albanians residing in Sofia. Meidani will also visit the University of Sofia, where he is expected to be awarded the high title "Doctor Honoris Causa". Accompanying Meidani will be his wife, parliament's deputy-speaker Namik Dokle, deputy Prime Minister Ilir Meta, ministers and deputies to the People's Assembly. /lh/lm/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[14] Killers of Tepelene policeman arrestedTEPELENE, Dec 8 (ATA)-By H.Cani,In an "blitz" operation led by the Republic's Crimes Department last night, forces of the Mallakaster police commissariat, also in cooperation with special forces of the Interior Ministry, caught the killers of the Tepelene policeman, Kastriot Cici, and looters of the passengers of the Athens-Tirane bus service. According to police sources from Ballsh, three of the criminals were caught in their homes in the Romzi village of Mallakaster district, while the fourth killer in his house in the Dukas village of the same district. The same sources add that the weapons of the crime and other proofs testifying to the crime have been found in the houses of the arrested. The arrested did not put up resistance as the operation, itself, was very careful and was carried out in total secrecy. The police sources have confirmed that the four criminals were in possession of a considerable amount of money. The arrest of the four citizens from Mallakaster was carried out only 36 hours after the policemen of the Tepelene commissariat was killed at Kthesa e Greshices. Kastriot Cici, who was carrying out his duty by accompanying passengers on the Athens-Tirane bus service, was killed last Sunday by several armed men, who had got on the bus in the city of Patra, Greece. In the vicinity of Ballsh, southeast of Fier, the criminals shot dead policeman Kastriot Cici and wounded several passengers. The criminals fled after robbing the 45 passengers on the bus. /pas/lm/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[15] Memorial devoted to Azem Hajdari inauguratedTIRANE, Dec 8 (ATA)-By A. Haxhiu, The memorial devoted to democrat lawmaker Azem Hajdari, erected at the place where he was killed, on September 12 of this year, was inaugurated today.Representatives from the "Union for Democracy" opposition political grouping and from the "December '90" students' grouping spoke at the inauguration ceremony, highlighting Hajdari's contribution to the students' movement of December 1990 as well as to the political life of the country. The speakers also asked from the Albanian government to find Hajdari's killers as soon as possible. /lh/lm/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[16] We support solutions acceptable to Kosova Albanians - MiloTIRANE, Dec 8 (ATA)-The situation in Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Kosova crisis and NATO's contribution to its solution were on the agenda at the meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Eur.-Atlantic Partnership Council, which started proceedings in Brussels on Tuesday, according to the Foreign Ministry's press department.Albania's Foreign Minister Paskal Milo took the floor at the meeting and concentrated on the events in Kosova and developments in Albania in the context of Albania's cooperation with NATO. He said that the crisis is still far from solution although human catastrophe has been averted. Milo pointed to the need of holding Belgrade under international pressure and NATO military threat. He demanded a complete withdrawal of the Serb forces from Kosova in compliance with the Holbrooke-Milosevic accord and pointed to the indispensability of bringing all those committing war crimes in Kosova to the Hague Tribunal. Milo stated that Albania, in cooperation with the international community, will keep encouraging the Kosova Albanians to form a joint stand and representation and to continue to search for a peaceful solution to the crisis through peaceful means. He stressed that Albania will support any solution acceptable to the Kosova Albanians. Prior to the meeting Milo met with U.S. special envopy for Kosova, Ambassador Christopher Hill, and discussed the situation in Kosova and the latest developments there. /lh/lm/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[17] International meeting on energy in TurkeyTIRANE, Dec 8 (ATA)-By M.Pupa,A delegation of the Ministry of Public Economy and Privatisation (MPEP), headed by Minister Ylli Bufi, attended an international meeting on energy problems in Istanbul yesterday, at the invitation of the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of Turkey, according to the MPEP press office. Attending the meeting were high level delegations from over 30 countries and representatives from international financial institutions. Prior to the meeting, the heads of the participating delegations were received by President of the Republic Sulejman Demirel and Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz. Participants in the meeting spoke of the energy politics of their countries and the need to integrate these politics. The fact that this international meeting was held in Istanbul has also to do with the important geographical position of Turkey in defining the various alternatives of transporting oil and gas from the Kaspian and Central Asian countries towards the Mediterranean and Central European countries. In his speech, minister Bufi concentrated himself on the energy strategy of Albania, stressing the importance of regional and European integrations, as a primary objective of the government's energy policy. After the meeting, Bufi met with his colleagues. They stressed the need of cooperation among the countries in energy. /dast/lm/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[18] U.S. supports Albania's quick membership of WTO - MalloyTIRANE, Dec 8 (ATA)-By D.Koca,"The U.S. State Department supports Albania's quick membership of the World Trade Organisation (WTO)," said Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs, Eileen Malloy, at a meeting in Washington with Albanian Minister for Economic Cooperation and Trade Ermelinda Meksi. The responsible for the office for Albania, Andrew Hide, stressed that "the positive results of the Albanian government in realising the IMF agreement and its performance to integrate into the WTO are encouraging". The U.S. officials also evaluated the productive cooperation between the Finance Ministry and that of Public Order in fighting contraband. On behalf of the government, Meksi asked an intensification of aid as regards projects financed by the USAID for Albania. According to sources from this ministry, the State department is committed to taking all measures to continue this support, which currently is estimated at US$ 30 million. The USAID representative, Howard Sumka, stressed that "support for integration into WTO, reform in justice and customs and fight against contraband will be among the priorities for the ongoing projects of USAID for Albania". /dast/lm/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[19] Albania and Israel have many things to learn from each other - WeizmanTIRANE, Dec 8 (ATA)-By I.Luto,The ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Albania to Israel, Dashnor Dervishi, presented the letters of credence to the President of Israel, His Excellency Ezer Weizman on December 8, 1998. After the ceremony on the occasion, Weizman had a separate meeting with the participation of the staff of the President's cabinet staff, the Foreign Ministry's Director General for Central and Eastern Europe, Shimor Stein, the Director General of the Protocol, Shmuel Tevet, and others. At this meeting Weizman expressed his delight for the opening for the first time of Albania's diplomatic mission to Israel. Like two small countries, Albania and Israel have many things to learn from each other, he said. /lh/lm/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[20] Draft-law on higher education in Albania approvedTIRANE, Dec 8 (ATA)-By P.Shuteriqi, The draft-law "On higher education in the Republic of Albania" was discussed and approved by the government on Tuesday.The Ministry of Information told ATA that this draft-law represents a qualitative improvement in structure and content of the law "On higher education in the Republic of Albania", approved in 1994. The major amendments in this draft-law have to do with the recognition for the first time of the private higher education, along with the public one; the completion and qualitative improvement of the concept of the autonomy of these institutions; qualitative changes in organising and running higher schools. The draft-law includes for the first time the system of institutional evaluation and accreditation, a new concept on postgraduate education, while the first step is made in integrating the universities with the scientific institutions of the Academy of Sciences. /lh/lm/ From the Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) Home Page at http://www.telpress.it/ataAlbanian Telegraphic Agency Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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