Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-02-16

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] Only independence of Kosove will calm down tense Balkan winds - Open letter of Head of World Bektashian Centre to Clinton

[02] New forces from Serbia arrive in Kosove today

[03] UNICEF decides strategy on acquaintance, respect of children rights

[04] Some buildings of Prishtine University restituted to Albanians

[05] Most preferred books of outgoing week

[06] Police will implement energetically the state laws - Minister

[07] 550 anniversary of Lezhe League to be commemorated in Lezhe, Tirane

[08] Fiscal incomes not realised in Kukes

[09] Balkan musicologists' symposium held in Tirane

[10] Number of displaced Kosovars in Kukes, Has reduced

[11] Two Albanians kidnaped in Ferizaj

[12] Police to preform with responsibility, devotion their duty, Myftari

[13] New Family Code - indispensability for present Albanian society

[14] Health care aimed in every village

[15] Strikes by Serb forces in region of Podujeve

[16] Value of dollar registers a slight increase in the foreign currency market in Tirane

[17] Albania, Egypt sign extradition agreement

[18] Albanians should give up voluntarism in politics, Meidani

[19] Banks cut longterm credit giving priority to short term one

[20] Accord between parties in Rambouillet should be reached, Meidani

[21] Albanian icons to be displayed in Austria museums soon

[22] Meidani: International action in Kosova to be quicker, sensitive

[23] Accord between parties in Rambouillet should be reached, Meidani

[24] "Task Force" continues to interrupt illegal connections

[25] "DARFO" company to buy 20 000 tons chromium

[26] Albanian premier meets Mat local government officials

[27] Preparations for international tour of aeronautics "Albania '99"

[28] GDP marks 456.7 billion lek in 1998

[29] Korca businessmen urge protection of businesses

[30] Greek professor says no solution functions without military presence

[01] Only independence of Kosove will calm down tense Balkan winds - Open letter of Head of World Bektashian Centre to Clinton

Through the letter, the World Bektashian Centre and the Albanian Bektashian Community denounce as expression of barbarism and pure primitiveness the practice of the denial of the right for freedom and self- determination of a whole people.

"Albanians have always been present in the lands they are living today, despite the state structures ruling them in centuries," says the letter.

"We have the conviction that only the independence of Kosove will calm down the tense Balkan winds, and in this way the Serb spirit itself would be freed, by giving Albanians their freedom," writes the letter in conclusion. /dast/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] New forces from Serbia arrive in Kosove today

Sources of the Council for Defence of Human Rights in Podujeve say that new Serb forces have gone to the direction of Prishtine. In the region of Podujeve and further there are movements and concentrations of Serb forces, which provoke, stop, maltreat and arrest Albanians. /lh/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] UNICEF decides strategy on acquaintance, respect of children rights

Sources from UNICEF office in Tirane told ATA that the respect of human rights can not exist without the respect of the rights of children.

UNICEF plans to apply a work strategy, which aims at informing the policy-making persons with the children and human rights. The work will start with the stationing of this acknowledge in the legislative and executive system and finally in the civil society, non-governmental associations, media and Albanian family.

The aid of UNICEF for the Albanian association is to be lied even in the training for the police forces, advocators, lawyers, and other persons who during the exercise of their duty should take into consideration the right of children. Help should be offered even for the children and youths who are more exposed to crime.

The entering in the educational system of the Convent on Children's Right is thought to play an important role, but the creation of a new mentality in Albania for education of both generations with the human and children rights asks for a considerable preoccupation in this direction of the Albanian mediae. /dast/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] Some buildings of Prishtine University restituted to Albanians

In the mean time, still more than ten other faculties and higher schools of this university continue to be occupied along with many secondary and 8th form schools in Kosove.

The restitution was realised on the basis of the agreement on education mediated by the community "Saint Egidio" signed three years ago by the President of Kosove, Ibrahim Rugova and the current Yugoslav President, Slobodan Milosevic.

But so far, the Serb regime has implemented less than 10 per cent of the accord, declared today Abdyl Rama, member of the Albanian delegation in the talks with the Belgrade delegation with regard to the release of school and university buildings.

29 years are completed today since the founding of the University of Kosove and on this occasion a solemn activity was held in the Rector's Office in Prishtine today, still operating in a private home, like many other faculties and schools of Kosove. /lh/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] Most preferred books of outgoing week

According to a survey made in some of them, the most preferred books of the week are:

"Death comes from such eyes" of the renowned scholar Rexhep Qosja. The book is published by the Publishing House "Toena".

Another preferred book of the outgoing week was the novel "The invited persons" of the French writer Claude Simon, winner of "Nobel" prize for 1985, published by the Publishing house "Onufri".

The novel "Kaput", written by Kurcio Malaparti, continues to be sold in several copies. The book is published by the Publishing House "O.M.S.C.A".

The book entitled "Love psychoanalyzes" of the author Erich Fromm has continued "to attract" the readers to investigate deeper in the human nature and covey peace messages the book transmits. The book is published by the Publishing House "Dituria".

The book "Ladies' happiness" of the author Emil Zola is listed in the fifth place in the classification list of the most sold books of outgoing week. /dast/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] Police will implement energetically the state laws - Minister

Minister Koci spoke in favour of professionalism of the police director of Prefecture of Vlore, Kociu, saying that his movements have been conformed to the law. "Speedboat owners were those who violated the law," said the Minister.

In the interpellation demanded by deputies Fejzo, Cenga and Allushi, the Minister of Public Order made a briefing of the work going on in his ministry to consolidate the organizational structure and increase professionalism.

As a proof to the efficiency of the work made so far Koci mentioned the uncovering of some criminal groups operating on Gjirokaster-Tirane, Peshkopi-Tirane roads and the identification of the culprits of the event in Vlore.

The event of Vlore happened some weeks ago when several speedboat owners resisted a police action to register the navigation vehicles under 20 NRT, a decision adopted by the Albanian Parliament on Jan.13, 1999 with the aim of refraining men-smuggling to the Italian coast. /lh/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] 550 anniversary of Lezhe League to be commemorated in Lezhe, Tirane

The activity on the occasion of this event is initiated by the Minister of Culture, Edi Rama, who has set up an organizing commission responsible for its realization.

Concepted on the bases of two principle elements; Lezha with its history and the contemporary Albania seen through the historic optic, the activity will comprise exhibitions, scientific sessions with the theses "Ekanderbeg and Europa", "The character of Skanderbeg's war", "Lezha league and its message" and others.

The activity is to start with the visits payed to Skanderbeg's obelisk and in the memorial of Lezhe League. The cortege of people is to be accompanied by 12 "knights", who symbolize the principalities participating in the League. They are to be leaded by the national and European flag.

A scientific session is to be held in the International Center of Culture in Tirane. Senior Albanian and foreign scholars are to hold speeches on the glorious epoch of Skanderbeg. /dast/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] Fiscal incomes not realised in Kukes

Braha said that the incomplete realisation of incomes for January is a consequence of the process of registration of private subjects which is continuing with Feb.28 as the legal deadline. Another reason is also the plan for that month which is 40 per cent higher than last year. From 7 million lek that was the plan for fiscal incomes in January this year, for the same period last year this amount was only 4 million lek.

Although the staff of the taxes office are working for the registration of private subjects, still the rates are low. Hence for January-Feb.10 period, only 12 subjects have been registered in that office.

Last year, 182 private subjects were registered last year, from 850 private subjects that were registered in 1993. /dast/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] Balkan musicologists' symposium held in Tirane

The meeting of musicologists aims at establishing Balkan cooperation in the field of music and exchanging the experience between the participating countries.

The symposium which opened on Monday, treated in its first session problems of contemporary music, mainly the life of music, its problems, the copyright, etc.

A special place in the contributions was given to the topic of cooperation and exchange of experiences in the Balkan countries.

The symposium will close on Tuesday with a concert to be performed with selected pieces by Albanian and foreign contemporary composers.

The international symposium "Balkan Cooperation in Music" is a traditional annual activity. Taking part in this year's symposium are Bulgaria, Greece, Macedonia, Cyprus, Romania, Turkey and Albania which has also hosted the event this year. /dast/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] Number of displaced Kosovars in Kukes, Has reduced

Some 450 persons are counted to be actually in these district out of 570 counted at the end of January. Kola added that a new registration of the Kosovars entering Albania is to be made soon, in order to prevent the abuses in humanitarian aids.

According to him only the Kosovar families who do not have relatives in other districts of Albania or in western countries continue to remain in these regions.

The number of Kosovars driven from their soil has reached in 1500 persons, but the majority part of them left for other places as the winter drew closer. /dast/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] Two Albanians kidnaped in Ferizaj

During the past week three Albanians were raped of whom, reports later said that they were found murdured far from the place where they were kidnaped. Suspected for these acts are members of the Serb organization Cerba Ruka, Kosova press agency reports, adding that "Serb small civil groups organized in the communes of Peje, Istog and Kline, have intensified their criminal activity recently." Kosova Press also reports that the OSCE Verifying Mission in Peje and Kline has also been informed of these acts. /dast/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] Police to preform with responsibility, devotion their duty, Myftari

Police General Director, Veli Myftari, stressed in his speech the necessity of increase of professionalism of police forces. "We are for a policy which should carry with responsibility and dedication their duty in every case of abuses and violations of order".

Afterwards Myftari stepped in the necessity of reducing the number of persons employed in this sector.

The advisors asked the police leaders of Gjirokaster district to be more responsible towards the tax gathering of solidarity with the police forces and finding out of appropriate forms for this thing. They asked also for a greater engagement in the disarmament process, more effectiveness in catching the wrongdoers as well as the division of Kavaje police forces from that of Gjirokaster. /dast/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] New Family Code - indispensability for present Albanian society

"The existing family code was adopted in 1982. The changes that the Albanian society has had over the transition into another economic- political system bring about the indispensability for changes in the Family Code as well. This has been the objective of our project," said to ATA Mirela Arqimandriti, assistant of the project and member of the working group.

The Department of Codification close to the Ministry of Justice of Albania has been charged with the task of drafting the new Family Code and the working group set up for this aim has been working for the draft for two years now. But, according to Arqimandriti, in her contacts with the working group, she has noticed they are far from completing the new Family Code.

The working group for the project realised by QS and GLG at the end of last year, has prepared some recommendations for the new Family Code. Hence the Code should take into consideration the standards of the international conventions which Albania has ratified. In addition, it has been recommended that the provisions in the Code must stipulate the obligation of the state to treat with priority the defence of the family from the economic, social and juridical points of view. /dast/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] Health care aimed in every village

Some 56 nurses work in 97 villages of this district. The lack of building for the health service has resulted in the carrying out of the health service at home.

The presence of health service even in the country, has resulted in the decrease of the death toll in infants.

The specialized health service is mainly concentrated in the city of Krume.

Actually this district has got 6 doctors, and 5 of them work in Krume hospital. The inhabitants of Krume go in Kukes hospital to treat their problems. /dast/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] Strikes by Serb forces in region of Podujeve

There are no reports of the consequences and the chief of OSCE Verifying Mission, William Walker, has left for Podujeve. Also during the past night, other military forces with over 20 tanks have entered Kosove, sources from Podujeva say. /dast/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] Value of dollar registers a slight increase in the foreign currency market in Tirane

Exchange rate for foreign currencies with Lek:

Kind of Currency	Exchange rate
USD			140.90
DM			 81.20
LIT(1000)		 81.50
GRD(100)		 49.00
EURO			157.50

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] Albania, Egypt sign extradition agreement

had been discussed by experts of Justice Ministries in Egypt, a spokesman of the Albanian Justice Ministry said to ATA.

The Albanian delegation included two experts of the Justice Ministry and an official of the prosecutor's office. The delegation held talks with the deputy minister of Justice and chief of the Directorate General for cultural and international cooperation of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Experts of both countries discussed the aim of the agreement which consisted in assuming the task of extraditing persons accused of penal offences or sentenced by judicial bodies of the other state by applying rules and conditions stipulated by the convention.

They discussed the way of extradition, bodies charged in carrying out this form of cooperation, proper documentation, transit, cases when extradition was not allowed, applying measures of security, the language used and the like.

The experts signed the agreement bearing in mind the legislation of both countries without violating the basic principles of their legislation. /lh/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] Albanians should give up voluntarism in politics, Meidani

Meidani and Xhaferri underlined that the Albanians should give up voluntaryism in politics by respecting the converged solutions and the institutions.

President Meidani expressed esteem consideration for the responsibility manifested by the Albanian political forces in the last elections held in Macedonia.

The President of the Republic encouraged a more fruitful cooperation of the Democratic Party in the Macedonian government as an effective way for the improvement and democratic and European solution of the problems of Albanians in Macedonia, by also saying that this serves not only the stability of Macedonia, but of the entire region.

In regard to the Kosova question, Meidani and Xhaferri shared the same concern regarding the necessity of NATO presence in the field to make more effective the agreement that can be reached in Rambouillet. They also appreciated NATO presence in the region as an emancipated element also for the politics in general. /mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] Banks cut longterm credit giving priority to short term one

On the contrary the longterm credits fall by 322 million lek. From 10 billion 366 million lek already they fall to 10 billion 44 million lek. The credits in the public sector increase by 20 million lek, while the credits in the private sector fall considerably, nearly 302 million lek.

During this time the economy credit go on, although the banks having the right to give credits do not manage to fullfill 100% the credits' limits defined by the Albanian Bank.

Nevertheless the severe criteria to be followed in the giving credits process, the main problem remains the returning of the credits on the expiry time. In the total value of the non return credits the public banks of the second rate have a great influence. These banks already do not have the right to give credits anymore.

The total sum of non return credits by the both sectors marks the value of 3 billion 883 million lek, while the total value of the long term credits is 6 billion 621 million lek./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[20] Accord between parties in Rambouillet should be reached, Meidani

Meidani stressed the necessity to reach the agreements between parties in Rambouillet and the deployment of NATO troops as a guarantee to back the implementation of the accord, the restoration of legal institutions and the complete realisation of the agreement, President press office reported.

President Meidani and Veremis expressed the same opinion that the solution of the Kosova problem as soon as possible will create favourable conditions to strengthen stability in the Balkans.

The good relations existing between the two countries in all fields were also appreciated in this meeting. /mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[21] Albanian icons to be displayed in Austria museums soon

The plans to open the exhibition two years ago in Munich museum and later in Salzburg and Vienna museums failed due to unrest in 1997.

The project outlined by the Institute of Monuments and backed by the Ministry of Culture will be carried out this year.

"This year, the Austrian side has signaled the renewal of contract and opening of the exhibition first in Salzburg and later in Munich and Vienna. The Austrian side is expected to arrive in Albania by the end of August to contact with the Ministry of Culture," the same source said.

Some 70 icons dating back to XII and XIX century will be taken by the Institute of Monuments, Onufri Museum in Berat and Medieval Art Museum in Korce and displayed in the exhibition, which will stay open more than three months.

The Albanian icons have arisen interest in some European states such as Austria, France, Italy. The largest exhibition is that of 1993 in Nice, France, with 103 icons. /lh/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[22] Meidani: International action in Kosova to be quicker, sensitive

In this meeting, Meidani said that the development of the country is closely connected with the strengthening of the democratic institutions by avoiding the political influence on them, especially on the judiciary.

The President of the Republic appreciated the statement of the U.S. State Secretary, Albright, on the necessity of NATO troops in Kosova to help OSCE carry out its mission, envisaged in the agreement that can be reached between the parties for the peaceful solution of the Kosova issue.

Meidani and Bugajski voiced the same concern that the international action in Kosova should be quicker and sensitive, because the continuity of the conflict in Kosova means a possibility for destabilization in the entire region.

During the meeting, they exchanged opinions regarding the progress of talks in Rambouillet, the situation and role of the Albanian factor in the region, as well as the presence of the international factor to increase the confidence in the regional integrating processes. /lh/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[23] Accord between parties in Rambouillet should be reached, Meidani

Meidani stressed the necessity to reach the agreements between parties in Rambouillet and the deployment of NATO troops as a guarantee to back the implementation of the accord, the restoration of legal institutions and the complete realisation of the agreement, President press office reported.

President Meidani and Veremis expressed the same opinion that the solution of the Kosova problem as soon as possible will create favourable conditions to strengthen stability in the Balkans.

The good relations existing between the two countries in all fields were also appreciated in this meeting. /mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[24] "Task Force" continues to interrupt illegal connections

Yesterday the "Task Force" was concentrated in the areas near the center of Tirana town. During this action 39 is the number of the objects checked. The police cut the connection to nine of them and penalised seven other subjects. The total sum from the yesterday's "Task Force" fines reached the value of 250 000 lek.

According to the General Director of AEC, Alferd Paloka, the police actions against the illegal connections of the customers go on./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[25] "DARFO" company to buy 20 000 tons chromium

These procedures will be done according to the agreement assigned between the Albanian Albchromium, interested in selling its products, and the Italian company "DARFO", which is one of the main customers of Albanian chromium.

According to the agreement assigned in the end of 1998 it is defined the form of buying by prepayment, that actually helps considerably the Albanian Chromium Coorperation having in mind its difficult economical situation. This is due to the unfavourable rate of the prices in the international markets and the inherit debts towads the government, as well.

This year Albchromium will use other forms of selling the other quantity of chromium, according to the demands of the foreign companies interested in buying albanian product.

Albchromium will offer to this market the rest of the total quantity, which is 20 000 tons./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[26] Albanian premier meets Mat local government officials

The Ministry of Information said to ATA that Majko underlined the government engagement to resolve these problems as soon as possible asking for a need of coordination with the Local Government Ministry and other ministries in making evident problems and finding out appropriate means for their solution.

Officials of the local government presented the Albanian premier and other members of his cabinet the demands and needs of the municipalities and communes as regards the order and law, reconstruction of different social and cultural buildings as well as the rehabilitation of irrigation canals in agriculture. lh/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[27] Preparations for international tour of aeronautics "Albania '99"

Attending this activity will be more than 90 aeronauts from different European countries. Ten experts from the European Federation of Aeronautics will come next Sunday in Albania to closely see the technical possibilities of the Morava mountain. Also, the accommodation possibilities for the participants in this international activity will be considered.

The town-hall of Korce has reported that all the measures have been taken to create the conditions to the European experts for the conduct of their mission.

The European experts, during their four-day stay in Korce, will launch flights in cooperation with the Albanian aeronauts. /lh/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[28] GDP marks 456.7 billion lek in 1998

Its increase went on passing the time. In 1994 it was 184.3 billion lek, in 1995 increase to 229.7 billion, in 1996 to 208.9 billion and in 1997 it reached the value of 456.7 billion lek.

On the contarary the GDP of constant prices indicate some oscilliations. In 1990 it has the same value with the GDP of coherent prices, that was nearly 16.8 billion lek, while in 1991 it felt to 12.1 billion lek. Its fall continues till in 1998 it reached the value of 1.5 billion lek.

GDP of coherent prices is calculated considering the actual prices, while the GDP of constant prices is refered to the prices of year 1990. The change between the two of them gives the inflacion rate.

          Gross Domestic Production (million lek)
----------------------------------------------------------------
                        | 1990    |  1991   | 1992     |  1993
----------------------------------------------------------------
GDP of coherent prices  | 16.813  | 16.404  | 50.697   | 125.334
----------------------------------------------------------------
GDP of constant prices  | 16.813  | 12.105  | 11.235   |  12.309
----------------------------------------------------------------

         The table continuation
----------------------------------------------------------------
                |   1994   | 1995    | 1996   |  1997   | 1998
----------------------------------------------------------------
GDP coh. prices |  184.393 | 229.793 | 280.998| 341.716 |456.766
----------------------------------------------------------------
GDP kost.prices |   13.331 |  15.107 |  16.478|  15.325 | 16.556
----------------------------------------------------------------

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[29] Korca businessmen urge protection of businesses

Koço Kokedhima, president of the Union of the Organisation of Albanian Businessmen (BOBSH) told the conference that business needed a national strategy of development which should be achieved by consensus among all political forces.

He added that the state should not command businesses but stimulate the free initiative through law and its technicians.

Koço said that BOBSH had a joint program with the European Community and Albanian government to allocate a guarantee fund worth US$2 million in a bank of good reputation from which businessmen could take credits.

Businessmen spoke of law and order maintenance and protection of businesses, dishonest competition of foreign business through contraband or customs facilities by the state, damaging of honest businesses by illegal productions and the like.

After criticizing the present law on income tax as a law which hindered development of business, the conference approved a resolution saying that BOBSH had decided not to renew licences until the government considered some articles of the law. /lh/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[30] Greek professor says no solution functions without military presence

conference would bring about a peaceful solution to the Kosova crisis.

In an interview to ATA, Veremis said that this solution could not be secured without a presence of an international military force there.

"Evidently, there will be a peaceful solution because the time is not working for Serbs and they know this," Veremis, who is attending a Tirana Balkan seminar on regional security, said in the interview.

Veremis, who is also president of the Greek Foundation on European policy, thought that a solution should be found within deadlines defined by the international community and would include a substantial autonomy for Kosova.

"This agreement should be followed by an interim period after which the Kosovars themselves would decide on their fate," Veremis said, accusing Milosevic (Yugoslav president Slobodan) as responsible for the crisis.

Prof Veremis had presented a plan outlined by his foundation saying that a solution to the Kosova issue should be done in three stages.

"The first phase includes an immediate autonomy and creation of cantons, a few cantons for Serbs and many for Albanians," he said.

While the second phase foresaw Kosova as a third republic of the Yugoslav Federation after the tensions were eased. The third phase included a referendum in cantons with the population deciding on the future either independent or within the federation, Veremis added.

The proposal of Veremis published by the Italian geopolitics magazine "Limes" of the Italian Institute of International Issues foresaw a ten-year interim period.

He said that he had presented this proposal to U.S. ambassador Christopher Hill in a meeting in Greek Embassy in Skopje last summer.

"I cannot exclude any possibility that this proposal has an impact on his plan, which resembles mine," Veremis said smiling.

Nevertheless, he insisted that there would be no solution whatever positive without an international military presence on the ground.

"We saw what happened last October when and agreement between Milosevic and Holbrooke (Richard) was violated because it did not work due to the absence of military troops on the ground. The OSCE mission is not enough, its people are unarmed and are threatened to be seized and held hostage," Veremis said. /lh/ak/

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