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Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-02-04Albanian Telegraphic Agency Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) Home Page at <http://www.telpress.it/ata>Albanian Telegraphic AgencyCONTENTS
[01] Presence of NATO in Kosove, a guarantee to solution for a political status of Kosove - Tepshi- Interview with deputy President of the Institute of Diplomatic Studies in Tirane -TIRANE, Feb.3 (ata) - By I Luto: The latest international shuttle diplomacy for a solution to the crisis in Kosove, as well as the decisions of the Contact Group are in the focus of the interview that the deputy President of the Albanian Institute of Diplomatic Studies, Qazim Tepshi, had with Albanian Telegraphic Agency.Tepshi highlights in his interview the Conference of Rambouillet as an important step of the Contact Group which takes "the responsibility of halting the bloodshed, the massacres of the Serb military forces and ending the fighting, with the direct support of NATO." Tepshi appreciated in particular the decision of NATO to impose the use of force in case Milosevic does not respond to the decision of the Contact Group. "The lack of unity among NATO countries on the way how to act against Serbia, gave Milosevic a free hand to ruin the Albanian existence in Kosove. Although a categorical decision is made, still there is doubt that NATO may again delay its intervention," said Tepshi. Asked whether Milosevic will go to Rambouillet and if he will make concessions, Tepshi responded by citing EU Ambassador, Volfgang Petric who is negotiating together with U.S. Ambassador Christopher Hill the question of Kosove, that "Milosevic is a political adventurer" and added that "also the United States has stressed that he knows only the language of strength." "Finding himself in front of the international pressure for the military offensive against the civil population of Kosove, Milosevic brought to power Seselj and recently Drashkovic, hence forming a clique of criminal bandits who are implementing the Serb nationalistic hegemonic program for a 'Greater Serbia' with the most primitive aggressiveness of the Byzantine type," says Qazim Tepshi, adding that "if the U.S., Great Britain and the main NATO countries are resolute to protect the credibility of the Atlantic Alliance to stabilize the Balkans and to ensure the NATO future in the Balkans and, along with it, also the extension of the European Union in the Balkans, then NATO will not allow itself to be challenged by a gang of criminals." Referring to the fact that after a year of destructive war in Kosove, the conflict did not spillover in the region, Tepshi pointed out that this happened because "the Albanian factor is always sacrificing to coordinate acts with the Western Alliance, being convinced that the liberation of Kosove from the Serb occupation means tranquillity for the Balkans, its Europeanization." Asked whether the expression in the declaration of the Contact Group for elements of a substantial autonomy for Kosove may prejudge the solution, even though the word is for a three-year period, Tepshi replies: "The future status of Kosove is prejudiced. The Contact Group is under the pressure of Russia. But since a provisional agreement is demanded, the negotiators will improve it." He adds that it is important that every relation with Serbia over this transitory period be cut and, for this a change of the Constitution of Serbia must be imposed. Tepshi pointed out that since Kosova has been a constituent unit of the SFRY, like other republics that have seceded, and since the SFRY does not exist any longer, Kosova too must enjoy the same rights with these republics. "Serbia cannot take upon itself, through force, the rights of a SFRY successor, the same can be said also for the Federation created by Serbia and the Montenegro," he stressed. "It is indispensable that the agreement must envisage the Referendum of the Albanian people of Kosove to be monitored by OSCE, NATO and the Contact Group, which must guarantee the agreement. Of special importance for the Albanian negotiating group is not to allow any Serb effort to divide Kosove. A divided Kosove, without its north which have the mines that can provide whole Western Europe with raw material, would destabilize Albania, Macedonia and Montenegro. The aim of Serbia to ruin the Albanian existence in the zone of Llap and Mitrovice has been well-studied in the program of the Serb aggressive and primitive nationalism. For these reasons, an independent Kosova would guarantee the sovereignty of Macedonia, Montenegro and Albania. U.S. British, German, Dutch prestigious analysts have suggested to the International Community the independence of Kosova in order to calm the Balkans, to give equality to all the peoples living in the region, to create the conditions for none of the nations to dominate the neighbouring nation, thus opening the way to integration into United Europe and NATO of all the countries of the region. The SFRY disintegrated with the wars of 1992-1995. Any federation which might be dominated by Serbs cannot exist for a long time because this would bring about always wars and destabilization in the region," said Tepshi. Asked about the hesitation of the KLA political representative Adem Demaci to go to Rambouillet, Tepshi responded: "Demaci expresses a right that the Contact Group and NATO must not neglect at all. He says that first Belgrade must end the police and military offensives and withdraw these troops conformed to the resolutions of the Security Council and the accord that Ambassador Holbrooke reached with Belgrade on October 13, 1998. But if Demaci does not go to the conference, another KLA senior representative must go there so that not to offer Milosevic an alibi to refuse the conference. The Contact Group and NATO are resolute to hold the conference and a unified Albanian presence there is indispensable. Anything that may be decided without the Albanian presence will be detrimental to the Albanian nation. The KLA is the most decisive factor for any settlement of the question of Kosove. Serbia used all the arsenal of the Federation and could not suppress it. Serbia is in such positions that it will impose drastic solutions if it is underestimated. The Serbs keep Kosove occupied and are seeking to impose through the force of arms the Serb sanctification. But the Albanian sanctification is the oldest in the Balkans, therefore the presence of NATO in Kosove is imperative. We hope that the next three weeks will not disillusion us," ends his interview with ATA the deputy President of the Albanian Institute of Diplomatic Studies, Qazim Tepshi. /y.pa/pas/xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[02] U.S. plans a number of projects for Albania - MalloyTIRANE, Feb.3 (ata) - Albanian Prime Minister Pandeli Majko and the delegation accompanying him had Tuesday separate meetings with the President of the International Democratic Institute (IDI) Keneth D Wollack and with the President of the International Republic Institute (IRI) Lorne Crammer.The Ministry of Information informed ATA that in these meetings Mr Majko made a panorama of the political situation in Albania and spoke of the role that these institutions have played for the institutionalization of democracy in Albania. They also discussed the projects that IDI and IRI will realise this year in Albania. The U.S. assistance for Albania over this year was extensively discussed in the working dinner Tuesday in the presence of Mr Crammer, Assistance State Secretary for Defence, Ms.Malloy, deputy assistant State Secretary, Mr Flanagan, special envoy of President Clinton and director of the Central and Eastern Europe in the National Security Council and other senior personalities of the U.S. Administration. "The U.S. has planned a number of projects most of which to be realised through a grant. Such is the project for the customs houses and the project for the reform in the public administration," pointed out Mr.Malloi. They also discussed the U.S. aid for Albania in the field of Defence. On Thursday PM Majko will meet with U.S. President, Bill Clinton. On the same day an agreement will be signed for a US investment of 325 million dollars in the field of telecommunication. The visit of PM Pandeli Majko to the U.S. is being covered with interest by mediae. Today he had an exclusive interview with Reuter news agency. On Thursday a news conference is planned in the National Press Club in Washington, on Friday, Feb.5, Mr Majko will have a direct CNN interview. In the mean time, the Voice of America, BBC, AFP, RAI etc., have broadcast so far reports on the visit of Albanian Prime Minister Majko to the U.S. /dast/xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[03] "INTER" Milano to help develop soccer among teenagersSARANDA, Feb 3 (ATA) - By Sh. Hajno: The well-known soccer club "Inter" Milano will help develop soccer among teenagers of South Albania, Rocco Ferraro, member of the Italian humanitarian mission "Marcellino Sisters" said to ATA on Wednesday.Ferraro said that "Marcellino sisters" will continue to help Saranda and other districts of the region not only through humanitarian aid for the poor, medical examination and free of charge medicines but also through donors and experts of special forces. He said that our friends of the Italian INTER will help develop a soccer championship within February in Saranda for 8 to 16 group age with the teams of Saranda, Gjirokaster, Tepelene, Permet and Ballsh cities. The missionaries of the Marcellino Sisters said that the aim of the mission is to sensitize Italian donors to speed up initiatives in the health and education of youth. The mission started humanitarian activity in Saranda three years earlier. This mission has helped open a kindergarden with 50 children on programs of Ministry of Education and Science as well as outpatient clinic and drugstore, where people of small income will be treated free of charge. /ak/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[04] National theater, opera house to have percentage of ticket soldTIRANA, Feb 3 (ATA) - By K. Shehu: National Theater and Opera and Ballet House will have 40 percent of the income of the ticket sold while 50 percent will be given to artists and the rest 10 percent to the state budget.This is the latest decision of the Ministry of Finances after a draft decision presented by the Ministry of Culture which asked that the income provided by tickets be given to institutions. The decision reached after a joint agreement between institutions will be submitted to government. But such a decision excludes the Variety Show theater in Tirana and other professional theaters in the cities. The Ministry of Culture agreed with the decision of the Ministry of Finance but asked that this decision includes the above mentioned institutions. According to the existing decision the income secured by the budget institutions deposited 90 percent in the state budget and 10 percent to institutions. /lh/ak/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[05] National Theatre presents to Ministry of Culture project for reconstruction of its buildingTIRANE, Feb.3 (ata) - By K Shehu: The Department of National Theater handed over Wednesday to the Ministry of Culture the project for the reconstruction of the 50-year building of this institution, constructed in Tirane over the Italian occupation.Sources from the Ministry of Culture told ATA that the funds needed for the reconstruction of the Theater, according to the project, are more than the whole budget of the Ministry of Culture for 1999. As most urgent in the project drafted by the National Theater is the reconstruction of the performance hall, the stage, the rehearsals studio, illumination ,etc. The National Theater is not giving performances for the public for several months. A reason for this is the building which is rather amortized. For the solution to this problem the artists of drama have met with the Minister of Culture, Edi Rama, Prime Minister Pandeli Majko and have sent petitions to highest state institutions such as the President, parliament, etc. /lh/xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[06] Dutch friends of art to help art galleryTIRANA, Feb 4 (ATA) - By E. Riza: A small number of books have arrived recently in Albania for the National Gallery of Art and others are expected to arrive soon from the association "Friends of Art" in Amsterdam, sources from the gallery said to ATA."The association set up by the end of last year provides aid for the Art gallery and contributes to enriching the information center of the gallery," Gezim Qendro, director of National Gallery, said to ATA. The aid consists in a series of books of art which will complete the library and in funds which are going to arrive in Tirana when the gallery has its artistic projects. Initiators and founders of the Friends of Art association Jacqueline Woortman and Josephien Esther Hemerik have informed the Gallery that this collection of books was the first step of aid to be followed by financial funds. /f.n/ak/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[07] Onufri publishes first novel in Albanian languageTIRANA, Feb 4 (ATA) - By O. Kadaifciu: The first artistic novel in Albanian language "Mountaineer's blood - Shadow of Tomorr" by Konstantin Kristoforidhi (1827-1895) published first in 1902 was recently reedited by the Onufri Publishing House.Konstantin Kristoforidhi was the first who worked with the Albanian language scientifically what can be verified not only through a clear and selected language he had used in his translations but also with the vocabulary he had worked out which was an asset for the Albanian language. This work was written in three dialects of Albania. The aims of the author in the novel have been so original. He was known as a distinguished collector of the people's language to show that the Albanian language was full of synonyms, idioms, greetings and phrases. /dast/ak/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[08] Tirana currency rateTIRANA, Feb 3 (ATA) - By L. Thanasi: Following are the buying and selling rates of the foreign currencies against Lek in the Bank of Tirana.US$1.00 140.70 German mark 82.20 Italian lire(1000) 82.40 Greek Drachmas(100) 49.75 EURO 158.30/ak/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[09] Chambers of Commerce of Sarande and Igumenice demand circulation of cars through Qafe BoteSARANDE, Feb. (ata) - By Sh Hajno: The chambers of Commerce of the border regions of Sarande and Igumenice (Greece) have demanded that cars be allowed to pass through the border crossing point of Qafe Bote, 35 km, from Sarande."In a recent meeting in the city of Filat (Greece) our Greek counterparts in the Chamber of Commerce of Igumenice and us asked from the Interior Minister of Greece, Papadhopoullos, present in the ceremony for the inauguration of the chamber of commerce in Filat, the permission for the circulation of cars from both border regions through Qafe Bote," the chairman of the Chamber of Commerce for the region of Sarande, Haxhi Hasani, told ATA on Thursday. The source said that Papadhopoullos backed the request of traders of Thesprotia (northwestern region of Greece) to allow the circulation of cars through that border point, an act which will enable more frequent contacts and meetings of Greek and Albanian traders and businessmen and the cooperation for hospital services of that border region. According to sources of the Chamber of Commerce in Sarande, the Greek party will improve the road to the border point of Qafe Bote before the capital investment for the construction of Qafe-Bote-Sarande road and the customs facilities with funds furnished by the European Union on the basis of Cross Border programs. /dast/xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[10] U.S. to invest in Albanian TelecomTIRANA, Feb 4 (ATA) - By M. Pupa: A memorandum on a U.S. investment fund worth US$325 million for the Albanian Telecom will be signed in Washington on Thursday at the presence of the Albanian prime minister Pandeli Majko and U.S. Secretary of State for Trade William Dellay.The memorandum ii going to be signed by the Director General of Telecom Dhimitraq Rafti and president of the New World Telecom company. This investment is considered as the most important in Albania following that of Premier Oil worth US$250 million. /ak/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[11] Second stage of soccer national championship starts on Feb.5, 1999TIRANE, Feb.4 (ata) - By Besnik Meta: The match of Dinamo team versus Scanderbeg team will mark the beginning of the first week of the second stage of the 60th national football championsip: Follow the matches for this week:Dinamo - Skenderbeu Burreli - Elbasani (in Lezhe) Partizani - Tirana Shkumbini - Bylis Teuta - Laçi Tomori - Apolonia Vllaznia - FlamurtariStanding after the end of the first stage of the championship: 30 points Tirana 29 " Bylis 28 " Lushnja 27 " Vllaznia 25 " Dinamo 23 " Partizani 22 " Shkumbini, Tomori 18 " Elbasani, Skenderbeu, Laçi 17 " Apolonia, Besa 14 " Burreli, Flamurtari, Teuta/pas/xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[12] Albania - country of sufficient water reserve faces lack of waterTIRANA, Feb 4 (ATA) - By G. Dilaveri: Albania uses only 8 percent of the capacity of underground water and this quantity is theoretically enough to supply each person with 380 liters of running water daily.The supply of population with running water is reduced drastically due to leakages in pipelines estimated at 66 percent. According to UNICEF data, Albania has sufficient reserves of underground water and of good quality all over its territory. But the equipment of water pump stations in 50 existing water distribution enterprises, supplying cities and villages, are poorly maintained. They are not working on their full capacity. Some water pump stations in Tirana do not work more than 12 hours a day due to lack of proper power, Vladimir Gjino, director of the Water Distribution Enterprise in Tirana said. UNICEF said that leakages in the water pipelines are considerable due to gaps. Water pipeline enterprises in Albania lose 66 percent of water, 54 percent of which due to poor maintenance of pipelines and 12 percent of illegal connections. Theoretically 90 percent of population in Albania was connected to the water distribution network but practically the level is low due to lack of water infrastructure. A study conducted in 1996 by St. Egidio community and UNICEF showed that only 68 percent of inhabitants are connected to the network. In rural areas the level is some 50 percent. During transition, the population has recorded a spontaneous increase in suburbs due to lack of regional plans of development. The records said that less than 50 percent of the population is connected to the water distribution network. The existing system of water distribution cannot meet the increasing demands in water. Tirana can use only one third of the capacity of Bovilla because the existing network cannot handle all the quantity of water and the new one has not been finished yet by the Falcione firm. /dast/ak/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[13] Names of 17 Kosova representatives who will take part in Paris Conference made publicPRISHTINE, Feb.4 (ata) - ATA correspondent Behlul Jashari reports: The press in Prishtine published today the names of 17 members of the Albanian delegation which will represent Kosove in the Rambouillet Conference.Kosove Liberation Army (UÇK): Hashim Thaci, Jakup Krasniqi, Azem Syla, Xhavit Haliti and Rame Buja. United Democratic Movement (LBD): Rexhep Qosja, Bakram Kosumi, Mehmet Hajrizi and Hydajet Hyseni. Democratic League of Kosove (LDK): Bujar Bukoshi, Fehmi Agani, Edita Tahiri, Idriz Ajeti and Mark Krasniqi of the Albanian Christian Democratic Party (PSHD) represented in the Parliament. Veton Surroi and Blerim Shala will also go to Paris, as representatives of the independent political opinion, while the student movement has not yet made public whether it will be represented and by whom. A member of the Kosova delegation will also be the President of Kosove, Ibrahim Rugova, but no official report is made yet when will he leave for Paris. /p.ta/xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[14] Projects on interborder cooperationKORCE, Feb 4 (ATA) - By B. Fejzullai: Representatives of Korca prefecture and regional development office ANKO in Kosano, Greece, held on Wednesday a meeting to discuss projects on interborder cooperation.A spokesman of Korca prefecture said to ATA that both sides discussed boosting interborder cooperation as well as economic, business and tourism cooperation. The same source said that cooperation reached before is going to be made concrete through projects to be applied by ANKO development office at the framework of the Interreg-2 program and financed by the European Community. Priority projects will be those of asphalting Korca-Voskopoje road and construction of airport linking Korce and Lumalas. Other joint interborder projects will be worked out by Commercial chambers of Korca and Kozan. /dast/ak/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[15] Albanian NGO forum opens other local officesTIRANA, Feb 4 (ATA) - By E. Nepravishta: Other five regional offices of the Forum of Albanian non government organisations are opened recently, Artan Spahiu, forum's executive director, said to ATA on Thursday.Regional offices were opened in Durres, Elbasan, Vlore, Rreshen (Mirdite) financed by the European Union and the fifth in Shkoder financed by UNDP. The offices, opened due to an increase number of NGO-s in the cities, would offer information services, training, consultancy, technical assistance for all local NGO-s or Tirana-based national NGO-s. Given that the NGO-s are now a reality in the Albanian society and their regional spread in five cities will help coordinate their daily work. /ake/ak/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[16] Kosova issue joins Albanian parties- Round table of parliamentary parties -TIRANA, Feb. 4 (ATA) - By A. Haxhiu: The Albanian parliamentary parties convened Thursday in a round table, upon an invitation of the political grouping the Albanian United Right, regarding the Kosova issue. The meeting discussed about a unique stand to be maintained before the conduct of the conference on the Kosova issue in Rambouillet, France. The chairman of the Republican Party, on behalf of the AUR, said that the political forces and the Albanians in general should hold activities to support the talks of Rambouillet. "We must leave aside the political affiliations before the Kosova matter and speak in unison," the Organization Secretary of the Socialist Party, Ndre Legisi, stated. All the representatives of the political parties voiced the idea to hold a manifestation in Tirana in support of the Rambouillet conference. For this purpose, a working group was set up, which will deal with the organization of this manifestation and will draft a statement to be addressed to the ambassadors of the Contact Group countries in Tirana. /y.pa/mt/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[17] Albanians should defend their options for self-determination, NFPALBANIA, Feb. 4 (ATA) - By A. Haxhiu: The National Front Party, estimated Thursday the recent initiatives of the Contact Group to find a solution for the Kosova issue.Anyhow, this party was sceptical about the outcome to be reached in the Rambouillet conference on 6 February in France. "Any outcome, reached in this conference, which does not take into consideration the will of the Kosova people, would be a useless letter," the chairman of the National Front Party, Uran Metko, told a news conference on Thursday. Metko was also pessimistic about an agreement to be reached between the Albanian and Serb party, because Milosevic does not know any other language, except that of violence. "Even if the meeting will bring any understanding between the parties, a third party should be a guarantee in the ground and this must be NATO," said Metko. The National Front greeted the participation of the Kosova political and military factor in this conference. "This meeting is a chance to be exploited by the Albanians to express and defend their options for self-determination," stated Metko, adding that a representative from Albania should have been summoned in Rambouillet. /u.pa/mt/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[18] New auction on pyramidal schemes' assetsTirana, Feb.4 (ATA) - By Lolita Thanasi - The new auction on the assets of the pyramidal schemes, already known like "Vefa, "Silva", "Kamberi","Leka"and "Cenaj", will be hold on Friday. The auction center prepared and make known the catalogues Nr.22 and 23 of the assets on sale February 5.According to catalogue nr.22 the objects on sale are located in Vlora, Tirana, Berati, Durresi and Kavaja. Sites of different areas, buildings, flats, hotels, villas, store houses,etc are on sale in Vlora. In Berat, a bar and a shop is on sale, while in Durresi the Electrods factory of 4863 meter square is ready for sale. A market and a shop of 30 meter square is on sale in Tirana Catalogue nr.23 covers different vechicles, which will be sold in Tirana, Fier, Gramsh and Korça. In this group are included also bars, restaurants, office equipments etc. People show great interest about the catalogue nr.23. Until now 79 catalogues are sold. Till the end of the last year the total value of the pyramidal schemes assets sold is $1 million, which together with the accounts hold in the banks are going to be used to pay back the creditors./linda/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[19] Xhevdet Ferri nominated Director of National TheaterTIRANE, Feb. 2 (ATA) - By K.Shehu: The Minister of Culture, Mr. Edi Rama, presented early on Wednesday the new Director of the National Theater, the renowned author Xhevdet Ferri, whose candidacy was signed by the Albanian Premier Pandeli Majko.Xhevdet Ferri, aged 39 comes to the post of the director of the National Theater after the debates of this institution with the Ministry of Culture and the numerous problem that this institution carries. Ferri counts 19 roles in the Albanian cinematography and less roles in theater. He has worked as a pedagogue in the Art's Gallery and afterwards he is nominated for dean of the Faculty of Dramatic Art near this Academy. During this time Ferri is specialized in the field of managing the artistic institutions in Amsterdam and Oxford. In 1996 Ferri is elected deputy of the Democratic Party in the Albanian Parliament, while in 1997 he is elected Chairman of the National Cinematographic Center. Recently, Ferri is nominated chairman of the workgroup for drafting the law on live spectacle. He encountered the rejection of the actors of the National Theater since the time he presented some articles of this law before the troop of the National Theater. One of the priorities of his work in the National Theater is to be the administrative reform. According to Ferri, the law package on "The live spectacle" is to settle the relations of state with the institutions and artists. /pas/A.A/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[20] Big performance on Kosova in "Skanderbeg" square on SaturdayTIRANE, Feb. 4 (ATA) - By Klodi Shehu: The concert entitled "Kosova, my honor, my blood, my soul", is to gather the distinguished creators and singers Naim Gjoshi, Ilir Shaqiri, Edmond Zhulali and Arif Vladi in Skanderbeg's square on Saturday midday.Performed two days ago in the Theater of Opera and Ballet, the concert is to be presented on Saturday in Skanderbeg's square with the initiative of Tirana University Students and with the support of the Cultural Directory of Tirane town-hall. Famous in Kosove and in Albania for their creativity dedicated totally to Kosova issue, the four artists organized this concert as a homage for Kosova and Kosova people who are being martyred by the Serb violence. Present in the concert will also be the People's Artists, Kadri Roshi and Reshat Arbana who will recite poems on Kosova. /pas/A.A/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[21] Greatest part of market products not licensedTirana, Feb.4 (ATA) - By E.Xhajanka - "National Nutritive Board have to unify the activities through veterinary, health and nutritive services aimed at a correct controll of the market' products" was the conclusion reached by the nutrition specialists in "Quality and the security of agronutritive products" seminar hold in Tirana.The quality check is still in low levels, nevertheless the attempts done, is said in the seminar. This is because of the fact that many merchants and producers avoid to pay the taxes and disobey the rules to fullfill the quality's demands. According to the specialists these actions are favoured by the lack of the law that orders the sale of licensed products only in Albanian markets. "In Tirana there are nearly 20 000 producers, 2-3 of them trade licensed products" said Gjergj Kiri, Chief inspector near Tirana town hall./linda/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[22] Italian company "IREPA" to start its activity in AlbaniaTirana, Feb.4 (ATA) - By E.Xhajanka - The specialists of italian company IREPA started its activity near the Fishing Directory of the Agriculture Ministry. It is going to give its technical assistance in fishing sector in Albania.IREPA within a year will work to improve the fishing legislation , will coordinate the help and the organisation of various projects. Beside this it will equip the lab of the Fishing Institute in Durresi with modern devices. The project on the rehabilitation of the Fishing sector in Albania will be done on the frame work of PHARE program. The italian company has promised to present the statistical data of Albanian fishing on Internet web./linda/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[23] Government to give a help to homelessTirana, Feb.4 (ata) - By D.Koça - The government is going to increase the contribution for unsheltered families. For this reason the government sent for approval to the Parliament the projectlaw on some changes in the actual law.In the actual law is obvious the improvement of the relationship between the rent and the tenant and the oweners of the flat. Tha value of the rent is decided to be defined every year by the Government in the limit of 5% of the construction costs. The rent will be paid 3% by the tenants and 2% by the government. The tenants opposed this way of paying and complained in the Constitutional Court. This institution makes its decision and cancelled the proper article and orders to find a reasonable way of paying the rent. So, in this project is predicted the decrease of tenants' pay up to 3% and in total the rent to decreased from 5% to 3%. But the most important part of this project law is the sum of money free of charge given to the families considered as homeless. Actually the number of the homeless people in Albania is 40 000, while the families that lost their homes in pyramidal schemes are aproximatly 5-6 000./linda/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[24] "We consider Serb threats against Albania intolerable," GilmanTIRANE, Feb. 4 (ATA) - Albania Prime Minister Pandeli Majko commenced his third day of visit in Washington with a round table in the European Institute, the Ministry of Information told ATA on Wednesday.Attending the table, along with collaborators of this institute, were also representatives of State Department, of Congress, as well as the diplomatic troop accredited in Washington. A a wide discussion was held regarding the recent events in Albania, the situation in Kosova, and the foreign policy followed by the Albanian government. The Albanian State Secretary, Maqo Lakrori, in his speech briefed on the Euro-Atlantic process of Albania, in the framework of the platform adopted by the government on this issue. Premier Majko held two meetings in the American Congress: a meeting with the Chairman of International Relation Committee, Benjamin Gilman, and members of this committee, and a meeting with the American Congressman, Elliot Engel, Chairman of the Group on Albanian Issues in the American Congress. Hailing the useful attempts of Albanian Premier Majko to cure the political differences in Albania and to create the background for beginning of negotiations in Kosova, Congressman Gilman, said that they supported the demands of Kosovars for a life with dignity and peace. He stressed the American stand for a peaceful solution and pointed out the necessity for the unification of the Albanian factor in Kosova. Regarding the possibility of enlarging the conflict outside Kosova, Gilman said: "We consider the Serb threats against Albania as intolerable. If violence spills across the border, the United States will forcefully operate to guarantee the security of Albania." Engel stressed the necessity for a unified stand of the Kosova factor and the deployment of NATO troops, with considerable presence of USA in Kosova. He underlined the necessity to guarantee the Kosovars during the intermediate period not less than the autonomy of 1974 in order to enable a solution which will have chances to function. Engel, like Congressman Gilman voiced the stand that the only long- term solution for Kosova should be the disruption of any kind of relations with Serbia through exercising the right of Kosova people for self- determination. Engel voiced the readiness to continue his activity for the encouragement of relations and contacts between Albania and USA. He was optimist for further progress, also considering the developments made in Albania over the last four months. /lh/A.A./mt/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[25] IMF will keep on giving a powerful support to Albania; CamdessusTIRANE, Feb. 4 (ATA) - Information Ministry reports that the Albanian Premier, Pandeli Majko, had a working-lunch with the Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Mr. Michael Camdessus, during his visit in America.Premier Majko informed Mr. Camdessu on the general economic progress in Albania during the last months and pointed out especially the macro- economic results. Mr. Camdessus expressed his delight for the economic and financial indexes achieved in Albania, and stressed out as progress the signs of the low inflation, reduction of budget deficit and others. After hailing the collaboration with the Albanian government so far, Mr. Camdessus said that IMF will continue to assist Albania, because it fulfils the necessary economic and politic parameters. Participating in the working-lunch was also the Finance Minister, Anastas Angjeli. /lh/A.A/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[26] U.S. aid will continue for strengthening Albanian army, CohenTIRANA, Feb. 4 (ATA) - During the visit in Washington, Albania PM Pandeli Majko held a meeting in Pentagon with the U.S. Defence Secretary, William Cohen, the Ministry of Information reported to ATA.Secretary Cohen told Majko that he was informed about the efforts of the Albanian government during these four months to approve the constitution and some several important documents of defence. He encouraged PM Majko and the Albanian government to continue the efforts for the stabilization of the country, fight against corruption, by expressing the confidence that further progress will be reached in this difficult task. Estimating the work done so far for the organization of the army, Cohen stressed that it is very important to carry on the work for the reformation of the Albanian army in accordance with the objectives defined in the national defence strategy and NATO partnership for peace. "You will always have our support for the reformation and restoration of the Albanian army," he said, by being engaged for the realization of all programs of assistance, both in the bilateral framework and that of Partnership for peace. Cohen pointed out that the stability and integrity of Albania are very important for the United States, because "we foresee a closer long- term cooperation with Albania." "We are closely following what are the Serbs doing in Kosova," stated Cohen in regard with the recent developments of the Kosova crisis. "Milosevic should not threaten the Kosova people, but he should sit in negotiations and accept the defined conditions," he continued. U.S. Defence Secretary also spoke of the U.S. participation in NATO troops, after the parties sign an agreement. He estimated the attitude of the Albanian government for the unification of the Kosova political factors, by considering it a step and contribution on time. In the end of the meeting, attending was the Albanian State Secretary Maqo Lakrori and the Albanian ambassador in USA Petrit Bushati, Premier Majko invited Secretary Cohen for a visit in Albania, an invitation which he accepted with pleasure. /lh/mt/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[27] Meksi: Albania member of WTO within a yearTirana, Feb.4 (ATA) - By A.Lila - "Albania within a year 1999 is going to became a member of World Trade Organisation.' said in a press conference hold on Thursday the minister of Commerce and Economic Coorperation, Ermelinda Meksi.Meksi emphasises the readness and the steps taken from the Government to fullfill as soon as possible the demands to become a member of WTO, especially in the fiscal legislation's improvement and the approval of the New Custom Code by the Albanian Parliament. The minister presented the activities of the Albanian delegation in Genova, and appreciated very much the bilateral meeting hold between Albanian representatives and those of the countries members of WTO. They hail the Albanian efforts to fullfill the demands in order to become a member of the WTO. Meksi speaks also about the meeting hold in Roma and the conference organised here, in which is treated the economic relationship between the two countries and the italian contribution in the development of the Albanian economy. She said that in the meeting with Angionin Special Commissar of Italian Government for Albania, is discussed about the developments of the assisstance packet of 60 billion lirets and the italian part promised to fullfill this packet within a year./linda/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[28] Parliament adopts three important lawsTIRANA, Feb. 4 (ATA) - By Y. Pata: The Albanian Parliament approved Thursday three important laws: "On the people's advocate," "On several amendments to the regulation of Parliament," and "On the pension of families of pilots who have lost their life on duty." According to this law, the families of these military men will profit a special pension, to be accorded by the Council of Ministers.The next session of Parliament will be held on Monday. The interpellation with the Minister of Public Order, Petro Koci, the Minister of Education, Ethem Ruka and the Minister of Public Economy and Privatisation, Ylli Bufi, is expected to be held. /lh/mt/ 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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