Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-02-22

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] Project for mouth hygiene by Albanian Red Cross

[02] Information on sexual education is still taboo for Albanian women

[03] Albania, Greece discuss Kosova developments

[04] Explosion leaves Durres and Kavaje without water

[05] Use of dynamite risks fish in Shkodra lake

[06] 200 people employed in foreign subjects in Pogradec

[07] Police seize Ukraine nationals crossing border illegally

[08] Serb forces attack Albanian villages east of Mount Qyqavica

[09] Police seize narcotic herbs, arrest eight persons

[10] Koha Ditore says OSCE verifiers beaten

[11] Two Albanians killed near Hani i Elezit

[12] OSCE verifiers banned to enter Kosova-Albania border area

[13] Rare animals in Alps of Albania towards elimination

[14] Rilindja appears in Prishtina after nine-year ban

[15] Albanian delegation to attend meeting of economic commission

[16] Exchange rates in Tirane today

[17] Unidentified persons wound Albanian jurist

[18] Military forces in Kukes on alert to face every situation that might be created

[19] Statement of Albanian Government on Rambouillet talks

[20] President Meidani discusses with Treichel financial situation and economic priorities of Albanian govt.

[21] EU offers assistance, collaboration for Albanian justice

[22] Union for Democracy backs option of independence for Kosova

[23] Pyramidal schemes' auction provides 43,4 million lek

[24] We support every acceptable solution of Albanian delegation in Rambouillet, Premier

[25] UÇK pushes back attacks of Serb forces in Vushtri and Podujeve

[26] Excessive load on electric web

[27] Bushati: Bilateral discussions on defining geological zone

[28] Albania Foreign Minister to meet U.S. State Secretary

[29] Police in border zone are in readiness, official

[01] Project for mouth hygiene by Albanian Red Cross

The project organized and financed by the Albanian Red Cross and supported with funds by Spanish Government, aims at presenting and assimilating the ways of treatment and care that the children from 6-8 years, must attach to the teeth and mouth, the spokesman of the organization, Zamir Muca told ATA.

Muca added that the project has started at the end of the past year and will continue in 1999. The first results are now evident with a good part of children knowing the elementary information about the mouth hygiene.

The project will be implemented also in the context of the general strategy drafted by the Albanian Ministry of Health for the oral health. /pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] Information on sexual education is still taboo for Albanian women

According to the study, the women have a little information of how their organism functions; they underestimate the information on sexual life; there is insufficient information on these problems; there is lack of sensitization means of the danger from the sexually transmitted diseases, contraceptions are not extensively used.

From a poll with 1 2000 women in various districts of Albania, in town and countryside, it came out that 12 per cent know the biological function of their body very well, while 50 per cent had a very little information of them.

57.08 per cent of the women consider their knowledge for these problems as sufficient, whereas 40.42 per cent consider this information to be insufficient.

As far as the information of the sexually transmitted diseases is concerned, the figures are low. Nearly 60 per cent of the women do not know them. The aim for this, according to them, is the resistance that women have from their partners for the use of contraceptives. /pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] Albania, Greece discuss Kosova developments

Both officials stressed the need to boost negotiations aiming at reaching an agreement before the new deadline given by the Contact group ended.

Milo reiterated the position of the Albanian government and said that Albanians of Kosova were more ready than Serbs to accept an agreement as long as they agreed on the presence of the international peacekeeping forces in Kosova.

Kranidhiotis referred to the critical moment and stressed that both sides should undertake all efforts to reach the agreement.

As regards the Greek-Albanian relations, both sides confirmed the very good level of relations as a result of close contacts and cooperation between the two governments.

The Greek Foreign Ministry quoted Albanian minister Milo as saying that the Albanian side was considering possibilities of extending the mandate of the Greek military force in Albania which expired on March this year.

Milo said to ATA that if he had a phone conversation with the new Greek foreign minister George Papandreu, who was attending a meeting of the European Union Council of Ministers in Luxembourg.

Papandreu said to his Albanian counterpart that he would continue the policy of Pangalos as regard the Greek and Albanian relations and expressed his wish to visit Albania as soon as possible. /edk/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] Explosion leaves Durres and Kavaje without water

The chief engineer of the water enterprise of Durres, Naim Keci, told ATA that in midday on Saturday, as a result of explosion, nearly 50 meter tube in the main pipeline of the aqueduct was split, leaving without water the cities of Durres and Kavaje.

The specialists are working to fix it as soon as possible.

Damages with explosives in the water pipeline of Fushekuqe have started since March 1997, with some people, who, claiming to be the owners of the land where the pipeline was laid, wanted to become co-owners and work in the water enterprises. After talks between the leaders of the water enterprise and the local government, some of these people were employed. But still, there are cases when tubes have been damaged.

This is the 12th case within the last two years that the Fushekuqe water pipeline has been exploded, creating great worries for the water supply of Durres and Kavaje. /s.s./pas/xh/

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[05] Use of dynamite risks fish in Shkodra lake

"It happens every day in the lake," Asim Krasniqi, fishing specialist, said to ATA.

He added that dozens of people use dynamite to catch fish and they damaged its larvas. The damages are increasing annually and no measures have been taken to multiply the fish for the last six years.

Dozens of quintals of fish are traded in Shkoder and Koplik daily, most of them caught by using dynamite.

The control by tax police would prevent fishing without licence while establishment of fishing police would blame those people who use dynamite or explosive substances to catch fish, Krasniqi said.

Some 30 fishermen have been issued licence to fish. They are concerned over the damage caused by use of dynamite but say that they are unable to prevent such illegal fishing in the region.

Use of explosive substances in the lake has not only damaged the fish but also claimed the lives of people. Three people, one from Shkodra and two from Malesia e Madhe, have been killed during 1998. s.sh/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] 200 people employed in foreign subjects in Pogradec

Defrim Mazelli, chief of the employment office in that district, told ATA that of six foreign private subjects registered in that office, two operate with their capital, the rest with joint capital.

According to Mazelli, the Greek firm MIK which produces ready made garments, has employed 102 women from the city. 32 other people are employed in the Albania-Macedonian joint venture Mak-Tabak which produces cigarettes and 21 from the Italian firms Plas-Italia of the production of plastic packaging, Deter-Alba for the production of detergents and another firm for fuel.

Since 1992, there are also three foreign charity foundations operating in Pogradec. They are the German Foundation Nehemia, which has opened also a private school, the Dutch Angrinas, for the cultivation of potatoes and the Islamic Foundation Relief. Along with humanitarian aid for the people of the district, these foundations have established computer, tailor, and foreign language courses, in which about 40 people have been employed. /s.sh/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] Police seize Ukraine nationals crossing border illegally

Police forces seized three Ukraine young women at 19.00 p.m. near the border crossing of Hani i Hotit accompanied by an Albanian from Kosova.

They also seized and took to the police station two citizens from Laçi and another from Koplik, who were suspected of women trafficking, the same source said. /s.sh/ak/

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[08] Serb forces attack Albanian villages east of Mount Qyqavica

A source from the spot, said through telephone, that the strikes towards Qyqavice continued also with bombing from heavy artillery. The people of villages Dolak, Shtitarice, Okrashtice, Pantine and other outskirts of Vushtri are moving from the scene.

The city of Vushtrri is encircled by Serb forces, who are stopping and maltreating Albanians on the streets. /la/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] Police seize narcotic herbs, arrest eight persons

A spokesman of the police station said to ATA that they arrested them at 15.00 p.m. during a routine control of the vehicle. The narcotic herbs were pressed and packed in plastic bags and placed in 8 sport bags.

This is the second case in a space of one month that police seize a large quantity of narcotic herbs in the Qafe Thane-Korca road axis.

A few weeks ago the police seized 90 kg cannabis sativa and arrested the person who possessed it. s.s/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] Koha Ditore says OSCE verifiers beaten

Recently, there were reports of increasing pressure and threats by Serb forces and civilians against OSCE verifiers in Kosova. /la/ak/

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[11] Two Albanians killed near Hani i Elezit

Albanian subjects accuse, in addition to the Serb police army, the so- called "Crna Ruka (Black hand) which has links with Belgrade regime.

Reports from Hani i Elezit say that unidentified people killed last night father and son, Gafur and Dritan Lahu in their home. OSCE verifiers have been informed of the case in their centre in Ferizaj, but they have not yet reached the spot. /la/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] OSCE verifiers banned to enter Kosova-Albania border area

Serbian forces have ordered the closure of the OSCE mission office in Zhur village and verifiers have been banned to enter the five km border area, sources from Prizren said.

OSCE sources and those of the Human Rights Council in Prizren said that there was an unusual Yugoslav military build-up in the border region.

The Vermice village near Albania is under total control of the Yugoslav army, which have also blocked the road from Prizren to Kukes. /la/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] Rare animals in Alps of Albania towards elimination

Hilmi Hysja, director of regional forestry service, told ATA that the hunting without criteria is the main cause of this phenomena, which is becoming more and more evident.

Wild boar, deer and some other animals are among the rare animals surviving in the Alps, whose low number dictates the need of adopting of the proper measures to protect them.

According to Hysja, the best solution would be to declare the Alps as a zone of special importance. Only in this way can the elimination of the rare animals considered as "relics," be avoided in the zone, he stressed.

A British specialist, who visited the Alps recently, was surprised by their beauty, and pointed out that the flora and fauna are a real asset but considerably damaged in that area. He stressed the fact that the rare animals must be protected through a greater control against illegal hunting.

In around 50 per cent of the 195 hectares covered by Alps, the hunting out of the set season is prohibited. Nonetheless, some people continue to damage this asset.

The protection of rare animals in the Alps would also dictate the development of tourism in that zone, which foreign visitors have appreciated for its rich flora and fauna since the past century. /s.sh/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] Rilindja appears in Prishtina after nine-year ban

The daily was published despite the fact that the ban was still in place. It was printed in a private printing house because the Rilindja publishing house and all its property in Kosova worth 400 million marks were occupied and seized by the Belgrade regime.

The preparation for the newspaper was done under extremely difficult conditions outside the building of the Press Palace where the Serb police had banned the work of its employers since last year when Bujku was also banned. /la/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] Albanian delegation to attend meeting of economic commission

Development of economic cooperation between the two states and implementation of projects in special sectors of mutual interests would be at the focus of the meeting.

Both sides will discuss ongoing projects in the transport, construction, agriculture, trade as well as energy.

Bilateral agreements on promotion of economic cooperation are expected to be signed at the end of the meeting. /ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] Exchange rates in Tirane today

The exchange rate on Feb.22

Kind of currency	The exchange rate
USD			141.50
DM			 80.50
LIT(1000)		 81.75
GRD(100)		 48.40
EURO			151.50

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] Unidentified persons wound Albanian jurist

A spokesman of the police department in Tirana said that Koçi was shot and wounded at 22.00. p.m. on Sunday near his apartment in the capital.

He said that Koçi was immediately rushed to the military hospital in Tirana.

Hospital sources said that his condition was good though he was wounded in abdomen and lungs. Doctors could not say if he were out of danger. /pas/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] Military forces in Kukes on alert to face every situation that might be created

Although no incidents are reported to have happen in the border with ex-Yugoslavia, the military forces continue to be on alert by being trained according to the foreseen program on the conditions of an unusual situation, the spokesman of second infantry division dislocated in this district, told ATA on Monday.

The spokesman added also that these preparations are dictated by the dislocation of Serb military troops in the vicinity of the Albanian state borders.

The campaign of mobilizing new recruits in this district is under way.

The chief of the regional mobilization center, lieutenant colonel, Zaim Noka, told ATA that this campaign can be considered as going on in a successful way.

Noka pointed out that February is considered as a normal period of mobilization of new recruits, and the situation created does not have to do with the situation created in the Albanian border. Concern remains the fact that about 20% of the new recruits are abroad in emigration.

Noka stressed that this problem can be solved in collaboration with the local government and parents, who have promised to make their children come home and perform the military service or pay the money according to the law. /pas/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] Statement of Albanian Government on Rambouillet talks

The Albanian government appreciates, hails and supports the contribution of all political and military factors of the Kosova Albanians for the unification of their stand on the solution of the crisis in Kosova.

The Albanian government reiterates its stand that it backs any solution acceptable by the Albanian delegation in talks, who have taken the mandate to express the will of the Albanian people in Kosova.

The Albanian government expresses its deep conviction that the political agreement between parties in Rambouillet talks should be guaranteed by the presence of NATO troops in Kosova.

The Albanian government appreciates and backs the role to be played by the OSCE, as it is envisaged in the accord for the restoration and functioning of the democratic institutions in Kosova.

The Albanian government states that any agreement to be reached in Rambouillet will be temorary, that is for three years, in order to leave the necessary scope to the free expression of the will of the Kosova people in any form, guaranteed according to the international standards and the international factor itself, which is working for the preparation of this accord. /mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[20] President Meidani discusses with Treichel financial situation and economic priorities of Albanian govt.

The increase of fiscal incomes from the collection of direct taxes and the acceleration of the privatisation process, mainly for the small and middle enterprises, were in the center of this meeting.

During this meeting, it was also discussed that along with the privatisation, the encouragement of a fair competition would be a positive tendency in all the fields of the Albanian economy. /dast/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[21] EU offers assistance, collaboration for Albanian justice

The spokesman of Justice Ministry, told ATA on Monday that different thoughts were exchanged in the meeting on important issues of Albanian justice. Minister of Justice, Kondi, informed EU delegation on the work being carried out by the Albanian experts on laws for Attorneys Office, Juridical police and law on heavy crimes.

Asked by representatives of EU delegation on judging of lawyers, Justice Minister, explained that OSCE and EU experts will work together with Albania experts to test the knowledge of lawyers. The test is to be carried out under the authority of Magistracy School.

At the end of this meeting, EU representatives said they were ready to offer continuous assistance and collaboration for the Albanian justice. /dast/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[22] Union for Democracy backs option of independence for Kosova

"The first conflict in the Balkan is that between the Albanians and the Serbs, created since the beginning of the century, by leaving the major part of the Albanian territories under the Serb invasion," the leader of the Democratic Party, Sali Berisha, declared, adding that "with the dissolution of Serbia, the first to be detached from it should have been Kosova. I do not see any better and stable solution for the region than the independence," declared Berisha.

The leaders of the grouping stressed that the Rambouillet agreement will be accepted by the Albanians only if it will recognise the right of the Albanians to express their will for the future, after the transitory period. Also, the presence of NATO troops in Kosova would be the only guarantee for the implementation of the agreement, they pointed out. /dast/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[23] Pyramidal schemes' auction provides 43,4 million lek

The assets include mainly office equipments, a site, a hotel- restaurant and a supermarket. The three last are VEFA company's assets.

The highest value of the sale is that of the supermarket, which is nearly 23,714 million lek.

According to the experts of Deloite & Touche, another auction will be hold on Friday 26. In this auction will be on sale the cognac factory "Skenderbeu", immovable estates and transport and construction machineries./linda/

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[24] We support every acceptable solution of Albanian delegation in Rambouillet, Premier

Premier Majko pointed out the fact that the Albanian government will willingly respect those solution considered acceptable by Albanian delegation of Kosova.

Regarding these stands, Majko said that they are "pro" an agreement which should bear a transitory character of three years, to give free space to the will of Kosova people and which should be guaranteed by the presence of military presence of NATO troops in Kosova."

Albanian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Paskal Milo, and the Chairman of Parliamentary Commission on Foreign Policy, Sabri Godo, left for Rambouillet on Monday. Special groups from different embassies are also attending carefully the peace talks in Rambouillet, confirmed Premier Majko.

In order to alternate the movement of the Albanian diplomacy with the international movements, Majko stressed the close cooperation with USA, which according to him makes "the most important factor in the international stage for settling of peace in Kosova, dislocation of NATO troops there, and a solution according to the will of Albanian population in Kosova.

In continuation, Majko mentioned two phone calls made today with the American Secretary of State, Madelein Albright. /dast/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[25] UÇK pushes back attacks of Serb forces in Vushtri and Podujeve

The forces of the Kosova Liberation Army, UÇK, pushed back the attacks of the Serb forces in vicinity of Vushtri and Podujeve. Fighting was also extended in the regions of Mitrovice. The hospital of this city is blocked by the Serb forces, and the wounded have been sent there for medical treatment.

"There are too many wounded in the ranks of the enemy, probably even killed," radio 'Free Kosova' reported, adding that the Serb forces have also faced losses in materials. The same sources said that 4 Albanians were killed, 3 UÇK members and a civilian, in the fighting of Vushtri.

Due to the insecurity and shelling, the inhabitants of Vushtri and Podujeve have fled to other villages. /dast/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[26] Excessive load on electric web

Due to the overload two transformers of power 560 kVA are burnt in Kombinati part in February 18,1999. While another one is burnt in February 20, 1999 near the glass factory.

Considering, the very difficult situation and the minimal reserves about this equipment AEC make possibly the provision of this part with three strong transformers 2 x 400 KW and 1 x 250 KW.

The provision with these transformers is done in February 20,1999, while their mountings in February 21. During their work the AEC employees faced the resistance of some citizens, who asked for 2 transformers 400 KW in each electric cabin.

In this situation AEC will provide this cabins with other transformers, increase by more than 50% of installed capacity./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[27] Bushati: Bilateral discussions on defining geological zone

"HAINAN SIT" company brought the equipment needed for the study of the zone.

The hydropower station is predicted to reach an annual production of 320 million kW/hour. The first turbine will be used within 36 months./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[28] Albania Foreign Minister to meet U.S. State Secretary

The chief of the Albanian diplomacy, as well as the chairman of the foreign parliamentary commission, Sabri Godo, left Monday for Paris.

The Albanian diplomacy has been very active recently regarding the unification of the Albanian factor in Kosova, as well as in the efforts with the western allies, mainly with USA, to encourage reaching of a fair agreement in the Rambouillet conference. /dast/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[29] Police in border zone are in readiness, official

The situation in the northeastern border has been considered very grave, thus a series of measures were taken to cope with any kind of situation that might be created in the Albanian-Serb border line.

"While, the Special Forces, the Rapid Reaction Forces, the Unit for the Elimination and Neutralization of the Hostile Element (RENEA) and the forces of BRISKU will be always ready to leave towards these zones if needed," added Miftari.

The effective of the Tirana police are also in readiness no. 3.

Along with these measures, two days ago, a series of operation- military measures were also defined. The close cooperation with the Defence Ministry, local government and the National Information Service (SHIK) was defined with priority.

The return of the normal readiness in the border zones and the readiness of police is related with the results of the Rambouillet talks, whose deadline is 14:00 GMT on Tuesday. /dast/mt/

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