Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-01-18

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CONTENTS

[01] US$110 thousand to reconstruct main boulevard

[02] National network of private television to be created

[03] Energy Distribution Corporation (KESH) accumulated 16 million lek in two weeks

[04] Construction of Milot-Lezhe highway started

[05] The best musical hits over the past week

[06] Gjirokaster numbered 10 thousand employed in '98

[07] National network of private television stations to be formed

[08] Commemoration of Skenderbeg - message of reconciliation, unity, fraternity

[09] Tough measures to prevent illegal sea trafficking

[10] 90 percent of investments made in Mati in '98

[11] Increase of cooperation between Institute of Danish Culture and Albania - Secretary

[12] Most preferred video cassettes for the past week in Albania

[13] Wages of education staff be improved - minister

[14] Higher scholarships for students by the state budget

[15] Albania's Parliament demands urgent NATO intervention in Kosove

[16] PM Majko meets with DP leader Berisha

[17] Accusation by bishop of Prizren Artemije against Belgrade regime

[18] Recak massacre considered most massive one in Kosova

[19] The only solution to crisis in Kosove is self-determination of Albanian people - AHC

[20] Three tons smuggled flour confiscated

[21] Other attacks today on Recak by Serb forces

[22] Urgent meeting held in Ministry of Public Order

[23] Albanian Parliament urges NATO strike in Kosova

[24] Albania President hails cooperation between banks

[25] Let us turn the time completely to our favour, says Meidani

[26] A common attitude on Kosova is needed, says deputy PM

[27] Turkey condemns recent acts in Kosova

[01] US$110 thousand to reconstruct main boulevard

of the seaside boulevard in the city of Saranda, sources from the city town hall said.

Panajot Gunari, chief of the public service section at the town hall, said the ATA that a tender will be organised with the participation of at least seven construction enterprises.

He added that the World Bank had accorded US$ 100 thousand and the town hall other US$ 10 thousand to enable the reconstruction which would include not only the repairing and asphalting of the road axis some one thousand meters but also the rehabilitation of the electric, telephone network and the infrastructure.

After the destructions caused during the unrest 1997, this is the first investment for the reconstruction of city roads including their illumination. /dast/ak/

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[02] National network of private television to be created

Bashkim Hoxha, president of the TV Teuta, said that "the presence of private televisions is a concrete reality and increasingly qualitative."

He added that their continuation needed nation-wide cooperation which could be achieved not only through exchanging of experience but also through respective programs.

Hoxha said that work is underway for cooperation and respective documentation for the above mentioned project, which would start soon.

TV Teuta, TV1 Amantia and TV Rozafa are the initiators of the project on a national network of private televisions which was expected to be backed by other local televisions of Gjirokaster, Pogradec, Elbasan, Korce and others. /ake/ak/

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[03] Energy Distribution Corporation (KESH) accumulated 16 million lek in two weeks

But according to the director of the affiliate, Andrea Milo, the general debt towards KESH in the district of Durres amounts to 306 million lek. According to him, in some cases this debt is inherited from mid 80-s. About 248 million lek are by family clients who are more than 40 000 throughout the district.

Milo added that during the past year there was a loss of energy of about 58 per cent, half of which was for technical reasons and the rest due to abuses made especially in the outskirts of the city of Durres.

The energy supply of some homes is realised not according to technical norms thus endangering the lives of all especially of the children. /pas/xh/

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[04] Construction of Milot-Lezhe highway started

Bujar Pelingu, firm coordinator, said to ATA that the World Bank has accorded US$4.5 million for the construction of 11.8 km long and four-lane highway.

Works are underway for the construction of the works of art especially the big bridge of Milot and others. They are also working for the construction of highway track.

During November-December last year, the Albanian government has expropriated over 75 percent of the land on which the highway will be constructed.

Lezha will be an important center of all the northern region. /ake/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] The best musical hits over the past week

According to a poll in some music cassette shops, the new albums have started the contest at the beginning of this year and they have now taken the first ten places.

The group of London youths, East 17, with their fourth album Surrection, have come out of classification from the fifth place they had in the past week.

Whereas the group Metallica has had successful sales. Their album Garage Inc is in the second place this week, with Jennifer Page passing to the third one.

Follow the classification of the ten albums of the past week:

10 - Five Five

9 - Aerosmith I don't want to miss a thing

8 - Hit Mania Dance '99

7- George Michael Ladies & gentelmen

6- Alanis Morissette Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie

5- Laura Pausini La mia risposta

4 - 'N Sync The winter album

3 - Jennifer Page Crush

2- Metallica Garage Inc

1 - Cher Believe

/pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] Gjirokaster numbered 10 thousand employed in '98

Sources of the Labour office in Gjirokastra said that the number of those unemployed during '98 was higher than in '97. New jobs are expected to be created during '99 both in private and state firm.

The office said that the number of the employed had been higher during '98 if one took into consideration the seasonal and contract employment not included in documentation of social insurance.

Owners of the private firm do not reveal the real number of the employed not to pay the social insurance. The labour office has found that over 400 workers have not been registered by employing firms.

Unemployment figures are also higher, Kristina Miho, chief of the Labour office said to ATA. She added that some 3.500 persons were numbered as unemployed in '98 while their number was thought to be some 6 500. /pas/ak/

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[07] National network of private television stations to be formed

Expressing this, the president of TV Teuta, Bashkim Hoxha, said that "now the presence of private tv stations is a reality which has brought about a qualitative growth and their development also needs the cooperation between televisions throughout the country and this can be achieved not only through the exchange of experience but also of respective programs." Hoxha underlined that the conditions for a cooperation are being prepared along with the respective documentation for the above mentioned project, which will be implemented soon.

TV Teuta, TV1 Amantia and TV Rozafa are the initiators of the project of the national network of private televisions which is expected to be supported also by other local private stations such as those of Gjirokaster, Pogradec, Elbasan, Korce, etc. /a.ke/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] Commemoration of Skenderbeg - message of reconciliation, unity, fraternity

A mass was said on Sunday to commemorate 532nd anniversary of the death of Skenderbeu in the city church.

The mass on the Albanian national hero has a special meaning for the Albanian people because it reminds the spirits of those who gave up their life for religion and homeland and conveys the message that the defence of the country is based in defence of all national values, Archimandrite Johani said.

He considered Skenderbeg a distinguished figure which conveyed the message of reconciliation, unity and light to all Albanians. /pas/ak/

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[09] Tough measures to prevent illegal sea trafficking

Italian Defence Minister Carlo Scognamiglio, who was on a working visit in Durres, delegated the duty to this group, border police officials of the port and customs sources said.

Nine military ships of the Italian marine deployed in Durres will have a wider status in preventing and paralysing contraband in sea.

Guardia di Finanza, dependent on Italian marine, has intensified its activity and ships of "CAM SEA" European Customs Mission have resumed patrolling. /pas/ak/

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[10] 90 percent of investments made in Mati in '98

Sources of local state budget said that some 120,6 million leks out 134,2 million leks accorded from the state budget had been materialized because some planned project had not been finished yet.

State investments covered the Burrel and Klos town halls and all district communes and aimed at rehabilitating roads, schools, social cultural centers damaged during '97, constructing of suspension bridges, buying of different equipment and others.

Investments of foreign donors such as Council of Europe, Austrian Caritas and others are not included in the total amount of investments. /ake/ak/

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[11] Increase of cooperation between Institute of Danish Culture and Albania - Secretary

Invited by the Institute of Social Insurances of Albania, Andersen met with personalities of Albanian Government such as with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Paskal Milo, the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Kadri Rrapi, the Minister of Education Et'hem Ruka, the Rector of the Tirane University, Marenglen Spiro, etc.

The Institute of Danish Culture started its activity in Albania seven years ago in three main fields: arts, culture, social society.

Within this year, the week of Albanian culture will be held in Denmark. Albanian folkloric groups, artists of cinematography will be invited in Denmark and Albanian feature and documentary films will be shown. One of the days of this week will be for the Albanian traditional cooking.

In spring this year, a group of doctors from the hospitals of the districts of Tirane, Shkoder, Burrel, Kukes will visit Denmark with the assistance of this Institute.

Finn Andersen said that during his talks with Albanian authorities they had agreed to sign an agreement between the Tirane University and that of Copenhagen for assistance in the system of computers, increase of cooperation in the field of social insurances, etc.

"Soon our institute will have its affiliate in Tirane," said Andersen. /pas/xh/

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[12] Most preferred video cassettes for the past week in Albania

1. Armageddon - the most sold video film of the week with actor Bruce Willis.

2. Godzilla is another film with a phantasy topic which has been preferred in the video cassette shops of Tirane.

3. L'Angelo Rosso is a film with actor Richard Gere, who has the role of a U.S. attorney in China.

4. Due Topolini de Favola" is another film for children realised with puppets.

5. Un Topo Sotto Sfrato is also one of the films considered as the best film of the week for entertaining people. /f.n./xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] Wages of education staff be improved - minister

A ministry spokesman issued a statement saying that both groups were considering the demands of the leaders of the trade union federation and independent education and science trade union for an increase in wages of teachers, reduction of solidarity tax they pay for the order forces, approval of teacher's status.

Minister Ruka held talks recently with representatives of the independent Education trade union of Shkodra. /pas/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] Higher scholarships for students by the state budget

The decision of the Council of Ministers stipulates that the increase will be made in two stages, the first, consisting of 10 per cent, will start in January this year, and the second 10 per cent will be given in March, stressed Sadiku.

There are 8 universities in Albania, one Academy of Arts and three other higher schools such as the Institute of Physical Culture Vojo Kushi and the nurses schools in Vlore and Korce.

In the first place as for the number of students with scholarships ranks the University of Tirane with nearly 2 500 students, the Polytechnic University with 500 students, etc.

According to the decision, the scholarship will be 6 100 lek in January, from 5 600 it was until last year, and from March 1999, every student, who studies on a scholarship, will be paid 6 620 lek per month. /pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] Albania's Parliament demands urgent NATO intervention in Kosove

At the beginning of the session, the Parliament Speaker, Skender Gjinushi, asked the deputies to keep a minute silence in honour of the people killed in the massacre of Recaku.

Then, the chairman of the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Commission, Sabri Godo, presented the draft of a statement which reflected the commitment of the People's Assembly of the Republic of Albania to respond to this situation.

The statement demands all Albanian political factors to unite, a higher readiness by all the Albanian Government and an urgent NATO intervention in Kosove.

The Parliament is continuing its session. xh/ (more)

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[16] PM Majko meets with DP leader Berisha

In the centre of the meeting will be the situation in Kosove. At the beginning of the meeting, PM Majko and the Democrat leader, Berisha shook hands.

"At a time when Serbs are killing us, there is nothing bad for us to shake hands with each other," said Majko.

PM Majko was accompanied by deputy PM Ilir Meta, while Berisha by DP deputy chairman, Genc Pollo.

The meeting is continuing without reporters.

This is the second meeting between Majko and Berisha within a month's time. /s.s./xh/

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[17] Accusation by bishop of Prizren Artemije against Belgrade regime

He said that Serbs have been the first manipulated by that regime and power, because the "grave" situation of the Serbs has been exploited to create the euphoria of rallies, which was needed as a basis to consolidate the regime, the Kosove Information Centre reports. /p.ta/xh/

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[18] Recak massacre considered most massive one in Kosova

The Serb side considered it a "success" and "model" for future action of police, he said.

The letter said that on January 15 in the village of Recak, Shtimje, in Kosova, innocent civilians were killed and massacred and there were children, women and elderly people among 42 persons identified who were between 16 and 74 years old.

All these unarmed civilians were taken away from their houses by the Serb police and found dead out of the village. A beheaded body and another one whose abdomen was opened were found.

This has been the eighth massacre against Albanians of Kosova since the start of the armed conflict in Kosova last year and the most massive one. It is thought that the number of massacred Albanians is higher than what has been identified so far, the letter said.

He urged the Hague court to be engaged in finding those who incited it, those who ordered it and perpetrators of the massacre.

"The Human Rights Council is a witness to this massacre and is at your disposal," the Kosova Information Center quoted the letter as saying. /pta/pas/ak/

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[19] The only solution to crisis in Kosove is self-determination of Albanian people - AHC

"The wave of killings by Serb police squads fell on scores of peasants, women and children of village Recak of Shtimje, who had a terrible death caused by the criminal hands of the Belgrade hangmen," writes the statement.

The AHC holds that in face of this new wave of the unprecedented crimes by the regime of Belgrade, in face of this campaign which is ever more taking the proportions of a genocide against the Albanian population, the diplomatic efforts are no longer adequate. "Now it is quite clear that Belgrade is not understanding the language of peaceful talks, for it the agreements for armistice are only pieces of paper without any value," writes the press release.

AHC voices its regret that even in the latest NATO meeting in Brussels, the representatives of the member states made only verbal warnings to Belgrade.

"In all Albanian circles, there is a profound disillusionment about these unclear and partial approaches which have always been without any effect with Belgrade continuing its bloody operations and neglecting the international factor," writes the statement, through which, the AHC calls on all non-governmental organization wherever they are, "to raise the voice of protest and to exert pressure for a more efficacious commitment by the international community in a broad humanitarian action to save the peace and the lives of a people who are threatened with their physical elimination."

Proceeding from the shocking events in the past few days, the AHC is of the opinion that "the only solution to the crisis of Kosove is the self- determination for the two-million Albanian people and their existence as a separate state outside the framework of a Serbia-dominated federation." /pas/xh/

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[20] Three tons smuggled flour confiscated

Press office at the Order Ministry said to ATA that the police seized the cargo found in a truck directed by Linadi and investigation on the case started. s.s/ak/

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[21] Other attacks today on Recak by Serb forces

According to the same sources, the township of Shtimje too is surrounded by Serb forces and armed civilians.

Sources from the Kosove Information Centre report of dangerous developments also in Vushtrri, the roads of which are filled with troops, while on the Mitrovice-Vushtrri-Prishtine main road, movements of military vehicles are seen. /p.ta/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[22] Urgent meeting held in Ministry of Public Order

The director of the Border Police, Order Police, Logistics and other officials, reported on the critical situation in the border line, as well as on the measures taken to maintain order.

A plan of measures was drafted to strengthen the work of police in the northeastern zone, and the Ministry defined the working groups to operate with the situation. These teams will be commanded in every moment by a department director, meanwhile that other teams were sent to the prefecture of Kukes.

The meeting considered the situation in the Northeastern situation as very serious, thus a series of operation and military measures were taken. Concrete measures were defined in order to increase the readiness of the border and police forces to respond in every moment to the situation in the border and inside our territory. The concrete tasks were defined with priority in the field of cooperation with the army, local government, the National Information Service (SHIK) and others.

Further on, the Minister of Public, Order Petro Koci, focused on the very dramatic situation in Kosova.

"Strengthening of readiness, safeguarding the border and order in the current situation, imposed by the situation in Kosova, need a maximal devotion," said Koci.

In the end, he stressed the measures to be taken for the supply of the border and police forces with the necessary materials to cope with any kind of situation. /lh/mt/

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[23] Albanian Parliament urges NATO strike in Kosova

TIRANA, Jan. 18 (ATA) - The Albanian Parliament approved Monday a statement on the situation in Kosova, which calls on all the Albanians to join around a single attitude regarding this major issue. Follows the complete statement of Parliament.

The Parliament of Albania learnt with deep anger about the monstrous massacre of 14 January 1999, carried out by the military Serb forces on the Albanian population of Recak in Shtimlie of Kosova. Expressing the fraternal condolences to the families of the victims, the Parliament declares that it will be engaged to halt the cruel hand of Milosevic and bring he and his gang before the international tribunal.

The People's Assembly notices with deep concern that: Milosevic is carrying out genocide, accompanied with the atrocities, exerted even before by the tchetnic gangs, he carries out these barbarisms in face of the whole world and at the same time he has the courage to deny and accuse the international institutions of calumny. Such a cynism resembles only with the fascist actions during the outbreak of the World War II, while the attack of the Serb army in Recak, which was launched to hide the crime and to eliminate the witnesses who survived, goes beyond the human understanding.

-In fact, the Serb government has ignored the agreement Holbrooke- Milosevic, it openly violates the promises. The military operations continue as before, while the violence, terror and massacre of Albanians are going beyond the limits; -the idea to calm down the situation in Kosova through the international observers is not an obstacle for the Serb military force in its way of expelling and exterminating two million Albanians in Kosova. The observers are watching there dreadful crimes they have never seen before, but the only thing they can do is to talk about these crimes:

-The warnings of the West-European structures had made no effects on Milosevic, who is recycling and using in Kosova with more force the same strategy he used in Bosnia until the military intervention of NATO. The world is shocked with the event of Recak and again authorized rumors are heard that repetition of such crimes will not be allowed. Our Parliament is convinced that these warnings are falling into a deaf ear like before. The uncostly tolerance towards Milosevic makes the peoples lose the confidence on the international community and on the efficacity of West-European defensive structures. This phenomenon causes dangerous precedents for the future of peoples, mainly in the region of the Balkans.

-The situation in Kosova is very complicated even by the ambiguity and instability of the political solutions, offered to the parties by the international mediators. The Albanian people of Kosova, drenched in blood since a hundred years, cannot trust in any political solution without clear and strong international guarantees;

-The Serb aggressiveness and provocations have been escalated towards the Republic of Albania. The Assembly feels responsible to warn again that the Serb aggravation against Albania leads to the destabilization of situation in Bosnia, Macedonia and the entire Southeastern Europe.

Given the reality in Kosova and the region, the Assembly strongly reiterates the appeal made on several successive resolutions for a military intervention of NATO. Milosevic is eliminating all the hopes for any other solution. In order to prevent Kosova from being smeared with blood and the neighbouring countries from being involved into war, NATO should strike today, because tomorrow peace will be bought very dearly.

The Assembly and the entire Albanian nation have favoured and favour a peaceful solution of the Kosova issue and have served this aim with patience and sacrifices. But the prosecution, repression and the massacre of the Albanian population in Kosova, which reached its climax in Recak, is turning the grief of the Albanians into desperation. We are faced with the alternative of life and death of a major part of our nation. We are faced with a general war in Kosova which would have no going back.

The Assembly calls on all Albanians without distinction to unite and support the cause of Kosova. The first necessary step is the immediate unification of the political direction and resistance in Kosova which will be reached in the following days. Our salvation should come first of all from our own hands.

The Assembly approves the serious and responsible activities of the government regarding the recent developments in Kosova and the genocide in Recak and its other regions.

Along with many diplomatic activities, the Government should urgently increase the preparations to defend the country and to firmly respond to any violation of integrity.

Through this statement, the Assembly confirms once again that the Albanian people will not leave the Kosova brothers to the mercy of the cruel Great Serbs. The future of Kosova is linked to the future of Albania and the whole region. /lh/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[24] Albania President hails cooperation between banks

President's press office reported that Meidani, after appreciating the quick improvement of the crediting procedures as an important element for the middle-term development of the Albanian economy and business, said that "the extension of the network of private banks in Tirana should be also accompanied with the opening of affiliates in the most important economic cities of the country."

Attending the meeting was also the Greek ambassador in Tirana, Prevedurakis. The meeting underlined the achievements in the banking and financial system and pointed out the priorities of work in the future to the good use of the local business and production. /lh/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[25] Let us turn the time completely to our favour, says Meidani

President's press office reports that Meidani and Bakalli noticed that there are still reserves to be put into use, both within the international community and within the Albanian factor itself.

Meidani hailed the information for a quick visit of President Rugova in Tirana.

Later on, President Meidani and the guest from Kosova, exchanged thoughts on the current situation in Kosova, on which the international community should finally maintain a clear and categorical stand for defining the status of Kosova in the Balkan region. /lh/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[26] A common attitude on Kosova is needed, says deputy PM

The prevention in the future of the massacres like that in Recak, the coordination of efforts of the Albanian government with the opposition to issue a joint attitude before the international factor, as well as the increase of the national security of Albania were the main problems discussed in this meeting.

"The common necessity to reach a complete reaction for the sensibilization of the international factor and taking of measures for the prevention of further massacres in Kosova was the object of the meetings, initiated by the PM, Pandeli Majko," said the deputy PM, Ilir Meta.

While the DP deputy head, Genc Pollo, said that following the dialogue of 21 December, is necessary so that all the political factors coordinate their political actions for the Kosova problem, according to the principle "A nation, an attitude." He said that it becomes more necessary after the statement of the Foreign Yugoslav Minister in Madrid that "the Yugoslav army can attack the territory of the Republic of Albania," and mainly after the massacres of the Serb forces in the village of Recak, where 50 civil Albanians were massacred.

PM Majko is still holding meetings with the political representatives of the Albanian United Right and Union for Democracy, where they are discussing the measures to be taken for any possible event in Kosova. Majko will also hold talks with the main leaders of the parliamentary parties and a joint statement is expected to be issued after the meeting, in which it will be reconfirmed the unique stand regarding the Kosova issue and the national security. /lh/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[27] Turkey condemns recent acts in Kosova

This sudden reaction was made public through a press release of the Turkish Foreign Ministry.

Turkey, says the release, considers such acts as crimes against humanity.

"We are waiting for investigations to be carried out on the massacre in Kosova and the responsible people should be judged and condemned for crimes against humanity," says the release.

The Turkish Foreign Minister, Ismail Cem, has suggested that the issue should be urgently discussed in the Security Council of the United Nations. He has called on the Council to take the necessary measures in order to put an end to such massacres.

The Turkish government gives special importance to the solution of the Kosova problem without delays and through peaceful ways, ends the press release of the Turkish Foreign Ministry. /lh/mt/

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