Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-04-21

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CONTENTS

[01] Tense situation prevails in Tropoja district

[02] Information minister meets Catalonia delegation

[03] Albanian first lady thanked US first lady for her contribution to Kosovars

[04] Akant: I am proud to help Albania in these difficult days

[05] USAID to help erect new camps

[06] Foreign Minister Milo leaves for U.S.

[07] Children and pregnant women in camps vaccinated in Elbasan

[08] Mayor says it is never late to stop war

[09] Serb forces attack Kacanik city

[10] Meidani leaves for Washington

[11] Tirana currency rate

[12] Health minister visits Mullet refugee camp

[13] Fighting continues in Rugove

[14] Britain helps Albania deactivate bombs

[15] Radio Gjirokaster broadcasts radiophonic programme for Kosova refugees

[16] Aid campaign of FNV for Kosova refugees

[17] 23 university employees awarded scientific titles and degrees

[18] A protectorate for Kosove would serve peace in the region - Albanian Speaker

[19] This is a challenge and we are convinced we will defy it - Majko

[20] European Union finances two town-plan studies for Korçe

[21] Artists of "Ali Xhixha" circus to stage performance for displaced Kosovars

[22] Inner production to cover 30% of Albanian exports

[23] All wheat quantity of 25 000 ton to be sold

[24] Institute of Insurance: 5 million lek for Kosova displaced

[25] Albanian book takes part in the International Book Fair held in Geneva

[26] March:Increase custom duties of coffee and cigarettes

[27] Kosova's future cannot be seen as a formulae but as a process - Majko

[28] Number of planes to land in Rinas reached to 60

[29] USAID says new camps should be set up for Kosovars

[30] Lieutenant General Jhons Reith on NATO humanitarian operation

[31] Nearly 8 ferries and 600 containers to be shipped every day in Durresi port

[32] Ferries charged with humanitarian aid come from Italy for displaced Kosovars

[33] Custom Police cashed nearly 16,250 million lek by fees and sequestrations

[34] There are no abuses with aid for deported Kosova people - chairman

[35] Terni Syndicalists donate six lorries with aid for Kosovars

[36] Fuels' import to fall during March

[37] Janullatos hands over to Tirana Mayor 12 626 tons of humanitarian aid

[38] Intensive measures for camps' infrastructure

[39] Albanian police are following attentively situation in the north - Minister

[40] There is a common basis of principles accepted by all Kosova leadership - PM Majko

[41] 2 000 other Kosovars come to Albania through Hani i Hotit

[42] Albanian Premier states future of Kosove cannot be seen as a formulae but as a process

[43] Exodus of Kosovars to Albania resumes

[01] Tense situation prevails in Tropoja district

Sources of the police commissariat of the Tropoja district said to ATA that the Serbian forces fired artillery rounds in the direction of the Albanian border in the area of Padesh, Kamenice and Zherke.

There are no reports on casualties because the population of the border areas has been evacuated inland the area of Tropoja. /dast/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] Information minister meets Catalonia delegation

Ulqini briefed the Catalonian delegation about the latest situation resulting from a huge influx of about 350 thousand of Kosova refugees and the urgent need of the Albanian government to face the grave humanitarian situation.

Antonio Gomez conveyed the deep feeling of sympathy of the president of Catalonia and local government for the Albanian people and government for their humanism and solidarity towards the Kosova people and the way they are coping with this unusual humanitarian situation.

He briefed the Albanian minister of Information on the commitment of the Catalonian authorities to help the Albanian government in such difficult moments. /ak/

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[03] Albanian first lady thanked US first lady for her contribution to Kosovars

Expressing the gratitude of the Albanian people for the concern of Mrs Clinton over the human tragedy occurring in the heart of Europe, Mrs Meidani said that "her country, which is showing recently the highest human values, is feeling the support of your country and especially of President Clinton." /dast/ak/

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[04] Akant: I am proud to help Albania in these difficult days

"I am proud to help Albania in these difficult days", she said.

She evaluated Albanian government's transparency in coping with the current humanitarian situation.

"Since the first moment, the Albanian Government has been much open to media and public, creating the possibility for all to closely follow the way the humanitarian situation is handled," said Akant.

Later, she spoke of the cooperation between the Council of Europe (CE) and the Albanian government, especially in information and media, a cooperation which will be further intensified in the future.

Ulqini, after briefing Akant on the situation created by the arrival of 350 000 Kosova refugees and the engagement of the Albanian Government in coping with this situaiton, in cooperation with the International Community, pointed to the indispensability of the CE to engage in sensitizing the international public opinion to help Albania. /s.s/lm/

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[05] USAID to help erect new camps

Atwood showed interest in the health, food and conditions the refugees are living in and other issues.

He said that USAID, in cooperation with the World Food Organisation and UNHCR, has provided help as regards tents, food and other necessary means.

He said that considering the increasing number of refugees, new camps should be set up and USAID will provide its assistance.

Impressed by the history of a mother from Prizren who said that for three weeks now she had not received any information of her 21-year-old daughter, who was in Prishtine for studies, Atwood said that "we will invest for a TV station, which will search out the lost relatives". /dast/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] Foreign Minister Milo leaves for U.S.

Milo, is member of the high-level delegation of the Republic of Albania, headed by President of the Republic Rexhep Meidani. The delegation will take part in NATO's 50th anniversary. /a.ke/lm/

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[07] Children and pregnant women in camps vaccinated in Elbasan

Sources in this district report that the vaccinations have been against diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis and measles. /pas/lm/

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[08] Mayor says it is never late to stop war

Major, in a statement obtained by the Albanian Foreign Ministry, urged on Wednesday from the Paris-based UNESCO headquarters a powerful international efforts to help Kosova refugees and guarantee an immediate return under the protection of the United Nations to an autonomous Kosova.

"It is never late to stop the war," Mayor said.

He stressed that UNESCO was ready to help in the education, culture and science and bring life to normal, according to press office at the Albanian Foreign Ministry. /dast/ak/

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[09] Serb forces attack Kacanik city

The same source said that the Kosova Liberation Army (KLA) units had not responded to the fire while the Kaçanik population, with the exception of elderly people, had managed to leave the city. /pta/ak/

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[10] Meidani leaves for Washington

The President's press and information office reports that this visit assumes special importance in these moments with NATO being actively engaged in resolving the Kosova issue and establishing peace, security, stability and democratic development in the region of Southeastern Europe.

The visit takes place at a moment when Albania and NATO have established a very close cooperation, which also constitutes a sure step towards the process of Albania's integration in the Alliance.

Alongside participation in this activity, Meidani is also scheduled to conduct a series of other meetings.

Meidani will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Paskal Milo and Defence Minister Luan Hajdaraga. /y.pa/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] Tirana currency rate

US$1.00 145.5 German mark 79.8 Italian lire (1000) 80 Greek Drachmas (100) 47.4 EURO 154.3

/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] Health minister visits Mullet refugee camp

Minister Solis assessed the living conditions of the new arrivals and was interested in the work of the field hospital built by the Sirian government where four doctors and 16 Sirian employees worked.

There is also a drug store, which gives medicaments free of charge. Some 140 medical examinations are carried out in a day. The process of vaccination for all age groups is over in this center where some 900 people, mostly women and children, have been accommodated. /pas/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] Fighting continues in Rugove

The agency reports of shelling, which began early on Monday, and unsuccessful attempts by the Serb forces to penetrate in the direction of Qafe e Hajles and Hajles se Keqe.

She added that after the counteraction of the KLA forces, the Serb forces retreated to Qafe e Hajles, but unable to enter the Pecaj village were forced to flee again. The agency reports of three killed and several wounded on the side of the KLA so far. /p.ta/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] Britain helps Albania deactivate bombs

British embassy to Tirana said that the equipment would be used by the Albanian army during a mine sweeping operation in 11 hot spots in Albania resulting from a raid in spring 1997 on ammunition depot of the Albanian army.

The equipment will be used during the operations under way in the north of Albania to deactivate bombs landed in Albanian territory.

The equipment complete the NATO program of Partnership for Peace in Albania including British specialists on bomb deactivation who are training officers of the Albanian army.

The Albanian army will be trained next week how to use equipment in Palikesht near Berat. /ypa/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] Radio Gjirokaster broadcasts radiophonic programme for Kosova refugees

The programme is organised by the Kosovar journalist from Gjakova, Kastriot Shehdati, former journalist of the periodical review "Kosovarja", published earlier in Prishtine.

According to Shehdati, the programme includes a range of topics such as culture, traditions, information on Kosova as well as information available from the ground regarding the current events in Kosova as well as problems of the refugees in southern Albania and the whole country.

According to the director of Radio Gjirokaster, Ismail Xhaferi, the programme has been welcomed not only by the refugees currently accommodated in Gjirokaster and the whole southern region, where the waves of this radio are followed, but also by the listeners of this radio.

The first telephone-calls from Germany and diaspora in general, which ask the establishment of contacts among the Kosova families, have also been recorded during this programme. /f.n/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] Aid campaign of FNV for Kosova refugees

As KSSH reports, the letter writes that the Dutch trade unions voice their solidarity with the Albanian population of Kosove, the grief over the the victims of war and the readiness to help the Kosovars who have been violently displaced from their ethnic territories.

The letter says that up to April 16 the Dutch trade unions had gathered 35 million DM, an amount which is expected to reach to 70 million DM.

Along with the solidarity and the aid in money, the Dutch trade unions are assisting the Albanian members of their trade union (FVN) to establish relations with the families evicted from Serb colons. The friends from Holland want to have cooperation and assistance of KSSH and FSSH. /pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] 23 university employees awarded scientific titles and degrees

Secretary of this commission, Elidiana Canaj, said that the requests presented were numerous, and they were rigorously examined by analyzing the activity and the concrete work of candidates for several years.

After making several debates, the members of commission chaired by the Minister Ruka decided by secrete ballots to give scientific titles and degrees to 23 lecturers and other employees of universities of Tirane, Elbasan and Gjirokaster.

9 lecturers of the above mentioned universities were awarded the title "Professor", 3 were granted the "Researching directors" degree, and 11 others were accorded the "Associated Professors" titles. /pas/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] A protectorate for Kosove would serve peace in the region - Albanian Speaker

Expressing his thanks for the solidarity manifested with the Albanian population in Kosove and the support with humanitarian aid, Mr Gjinushi said that now Kosove is turned into a second Bosnia.

The chairman of the People's Assembly said that the driving out from the territory of Kosove of the Serb military and police forces and placing there of an international NATO-led force are the only solution to guarantee the return of Albanian population in their territories, their self- determination and stability of the region.

The Albanian People's Assembly (Parliament), said Gjinushi, hailed the readiness of all the European Union countries for an international patronage in Kosove.

The Iranian Foreign Minister, Khamal Kharazi, after expressing the solidarity and support of the Islamic countries, stressed that a committee has been created to coordinate all humanitarian aid for the deported Kosovars.

He said the Islamic countries have condemned the ethnic cleansing policy in Kosove and added that the return of the refugees there should be guaranteed not only with the withdrawal of the Serb forces from Kosove but also with the establishment of a peacekeeping force in which Islamic countries have agreed to take part. "It is the right of the Albanian population for self-determination," said the Iranian Foreign Minister. /pas/xh/

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[19] This is a challenge and we are convinced we will defy it - Majko

PM Majko briefed the delegation of the difficult situation the country is passing and its eventual deterioration.

"Our stance is clear, Albania has its doors open to all Kosova war refugees who will come to our country. Knowing the strategy of Milosevic who wants to destabilize the whole region, Albania has being helping as a mechanism to maintain the stability in the region. We are resolute to share all we can with the refugees, this is a challenge and we are convinced we will defy it," said Albanian Premier in the meeting.

The members of the delegation expressed to the PM Majko their total concern that the crisis be settled as soon as possible, condemned the Serb violence on the innocent civilians and demanded the withdrawal of the Serb troops from Kosove.

They said they appreciated what the Albanian Government has made to cope with the problems of the Kosove war refugees and stressed that the crisis is extended not only to Albania but to the whole countries of the world.

The delegation members stressed that their countries are making efforts to help solve the crisis in two directions, on the political aspect and that of humanitarian assistance for Kosove war refugees. /lh/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[20] European Union finances two town-plan studies for Korçe

The town-hall chairman, Dhionis Kotmilo, told ATA that a group of specialists of the companies "Consortium Ecord" and "Hypodoni" are carrying out the work for the study of the area of old market and the industrial region in Korçe.

According to him, the end of the studies and the presentation of projects in respective bodies of EU will pave the way for the financing of rehabilitation of these areas. The main scope is to transform the old market into an area with architectonic and tourists values, and to transform the industrial area into a center of quick economic development.

"The old marked astonished us with the characteristic architecture and the tourists potential it preserves, and during its rehabilitation we will keep into consideration the maintenance of tradition by interlacing it with the modern aspect", Aleko Kotsambopoulos, chief of the group, said. /pas/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[21] Artists of "Ali Xhixha" circus to stage performance for displaced Kosovars

Pavli Sallata, scenario of this circus said that "the circus troop will give performances in the following days among the Kosovars systemized near "Dinamo" complex, in the grounds of the Institute of Physical Culture "Vojo Kushi" and in Mullet". /lh/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[22] Inner production to cover 30% of Albanian exports

The total value of the goods exported in this period marked 10,259 billion lek. 3,059 billion or 30% of this total is exported by the inner production.

While the rest of the Albanian exports during these three months are nearly 7,200 billion lek or 70%, which belongs to active elaboration of the goods.

The inner production cover 23% of the total Albanian exports marking a value of 893 million lek from the total of 3,810 million lek.A fall of the exports of the inner production is shown in March.

In January and February the inner production covered respectively 28% and 38% of the Albanian exports. While the inner production in 1998 covered nearly 42% of the total Albanian exports.

The fall of the inner production is because nearly 62% of the exports are covered by textiles and textiles products such as clothes, shoes, umbrellas, etc.

While the exports of the mineral products, vegetables, alcoholic drinks and tobaccos marked some low values during March./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[23] All wheat quantity of 25 000 ton to be sold

The wheat is bought by three different subjects of flour elaboration by 195 dollars per ton, including the transport as well.

Nearly 21 auctions are hold in the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to sell the total quantity of 25 000 ton wheat given as assistance by the American Government to Albania. During this time the wheat price changed from 180 to 195 USD/ton.

The quantity of 25 000 ton wheat came in Durresi port in August 28, 1998 and then it is kept in the state warehouses of wheat trade in Durresi.

The quantity of 25 000 ton wheat and 3 600 ton sunflower oil is sent for the fourth times in session by the Albanian Government as assistance for Albanian Government.

Meanwhile sources from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture report that the auction of American oil continue./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[24] Institute of Insurance: 5 million lek for Kosova displaced

This sum was predicted before by Institute of Insurance to be used mainly for mattresses, beds and blankets, as well. But the Syndicate Council near this institution decided to cash this sum in the banker account opened near the Saving Bank.

Beside this sum of 5 million lek the Syndicate Council decided the employees of the Institute to contribute by 500 lek each person./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[25] Albanian book takes part in the International Book Fair held in Geneva

Fatmir Toçi, chairman of the Albanian Association of Publishers and at the same time President of the Publishing House "Toena", said that some 15 Publishing Houses from Albania, Kosova and Macedonia were thought to take part in this fair, but due to the situation created the number of publishing houses arriving in Geneva was decreased in five.

This was the sixth year Albanian book was present in the international fair of books. The publishing houses taking part in the Fair were: "Toena", "Dituria", "Koha", "Fan Noli" foundation and "Botim Pex" Publishments.

Participating in the book fair in Geneva were about 1400 publishers from all over the world. /lh/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[26] March:Increase custom duties of coffee and cigarettes

According to the General Custom Directory during this period nearly 25 ton coffee and 104 ton cigarettes entered in Albania by paying regularly the custom duties from the Albanian custom Offices. The coffee quantity is six times higher than the value marked a previous month.

During the two previous months of this year the custom duties are paid for nearly 6 ton coffee and 179 ton cigarettes. In total for the three fist months of the year 1999 the custom duties are paid for 31 ton coffee and 283 ton cigarettes.

Meanwhile the specialists from the Ministry of Finance said that the approval of the custom duties nearly a week ago the rhythm of the imported goods entrance and especially of the strong goods will increase again./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[27] Kosova's future cannot be seen as a formulae but as a process - Majko

Atwood told reporters in Rinas airport that the aid from the international community has improved somewhat the humanitarian situation in Albania as compared with that three weeks ago, but the growing number of the refugees from Kosove makes urgent the need to set up new camps, for which USAID will make its contribution.

On Thursday the USAID director will be in London, where, as he stated, will have contacts with important representatives or other international organizations to assess the situation in Albania and in Macedonia and the measures to be adopted to assist the governments of these countries to cope with another exodus of refugees from Kosove.

Atwood said he was convinced that the transitory situation would not last long for the displaced Kosovars because NATO, he said, "will win the fight against the regime of Milosevic."

Mr Atwood said that the construction of new camps and the assistance for the Albanian families who have housed Kosovars are the main direction for the coming aid.

Asked how much will be the U.S. assistance for the Albanian Government to face with the difficult humanitarian situation in the country, Mr Atwood said it would be great, without identifying any concrete figures. /lh/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[28] Number of planes to land in Rinas reached to 60

After the 24 hours service in Rinas airport the planes' influx is increasing beginning with 16 planes to 60 ones at this time./linda/

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[29] USAID says new camps should be set up for Kosovars

Atwood briefed journalists in one of the halls of Rinas airport that the aid accorded by the International Community has improved a little the humanitarian situation created in Albania compared with the situation of the three weeks ago, but the increasing number of Kosovars arriving in Albania makes urgent the immediate setting up of new camps, on which USAID will deliver its aid.

General Director of USAID is to leave for London on Thursday, and according to his declarations he will have contacts with senior representatives of other international bodies to estimate the situation in Albania, and Macedonia and to discuss about the measures to be taken to help the governments of these countries for facing a huge influx of displaced Kosovars.

Atwood said that he was completely convinced that this transitory situation will not last for a long time because "NATO will soon win the war against Milishevic regime" Atwood pointed out that the building of new camps as well as the aid for the Albanian families who have accommodated Kosovars in their houses, are the main direction where the aids will be concentrated.

Asked on the sum the American government will accord for Albanian government to help it cope with the difficult humanitarian situation at home, USAID Director General did not mention concrete figures, but said that it was quite a lot. /lh/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[30] Lieutenant General Jhons Reith on NATO humanitarian operation

The information office in the Centre for the Coordination with the AFOR Staff told ATA that general Reith said in the meeting that "the operation NATO is carrying out in Albania is humanitarian and serves directly the solution of the crisis. The main aim is to ensure and to quickly put all staffs of the forces in support of the Albanian Government, UNHCR and other non-governmental international organizations to cope with this humanitarian crisis."

Structures of the Albanian Army forces have been cooperating closely with NATO forces and those of the partner countries to support joint plans for the realisation of all the objectives of this humanitarian operation. lh/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[31] Nearly 8 ferries and 600 containers to be shipped every day in Durresi port

This port is facing actually the greater volume of the work due to the entering of the goods as humanitarian aid for Kosova arrivals in Albania.

The Emergence Commission led by the Deputy Minister Ahmet Ceni is set up at this port, to organize the 24-hours work and to transport the goods in their destinations.

The work of the Emergence Commission in Port is concentrated mainly in coordination of the work with different and all agencies and organizations involved in this process, such as custom offices, police and welcome organizations, etc./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[32] Ferries charged with humanitarian aid come from Italy for displaced Kosovars

The ferry of Italian state railways "Scilla", uncharged on early Wednesday in Durres port 63 vehicles of different types, of which 4 were buses to be used for transportation of the expelled Kosovars from the northern Albania to other places. The aid consisted in food items, cloths, medicaments, and in toys for the terrorized children coming from the war.

According to Benintend, some 30 military workers and 22 voluntaries from Italian Caritas arrived in Albania with the ferries. They will serve in the health structures. /lh/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[33] Custom Police cashed nearly 16,250 million lek by fees and sequestrations

According to the sources from the General Custom Directory during this period the following items are sequestrating 122 packages of cigarettes, 10 ton flour, 814 liters alcoholic drinks, 15 000 liters of gasoline and 4 987 kilograms coffee.

The total sum collected by the Custom Police for 60 cases of sequestration is 8,805 million lek.

Meanwhile, the total value of the fees paid by 59 cases abusing the rules is 7,444 million lek.

Severe measures are taken during this period to control the private subjects to avoid the smuggling cases./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[34] There are no abuses with aid for deported Kosova people - chairman

He told ATA that "none of the members of this commission has declared that the aid for the people evicted from Kosove has been abused in the reception and distribution centre."

"I would like to stress," said Bega, "that the proportion of the aid with the people from Kosove sheltered in Albania is 10 to 3 (only three out of ten people can be supplied with aid)."

According to him, now the arrival of the foreign assistance has been slower than the influx of the people dislodged from their homes in Kosove from the regime of Milosevic. /lh/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[35] Terni Syndicalists donate six lorries with aid for Kosovars

The aids delivered by the representatives of Italian Syndicate went straight forward to their destination. They added that the Italian people is expected to deliver other aids for the refugees' camps.

The total number of displaced Kosovars in Elbasan city is estimated at 15.025 people. /lh/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[36] Fuels' import to fall during March

According to the official data of the General Custom Directory, the imports'volume during this month fall by 40% compared with the value marked previous month.

In the fall of fuels'import affect the fall of the exices value by 18%. But the volume of fuels' Import was falling since the beginning of the year.

The custom duty during January is paid for 9 239 ton fuels, while in February is paid for 9 239 ton and in March for 5 561 ton. In total for three months the custom duties are paid for 26 357 ton fuels./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[37] Janullatos hands over to Tirana Mayor 12 626 tons of humanitarian aid

"This is only the beginning of a broad-based aid from the Albanian Autochephalous Church of Albania in response to the situation," said Janullatos.

Until Tuesday, the total number of the refugees registered in the prefecture of Tirane amounted to over 69 699 people, 32 045 of whom are housed in some families of Tirane. /a.ke/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[38] Intensive measures for camps' infrastructure

"As a result of the work done till now more than 220 000 Kosova Albanians are transported," said Shuli.

The Albanian Minister asked foe a great involvement by the part of the private subjects to continue the transport of the Kosovars with their transport means from Kuksi.

According to Shuli, the General Directory of Water Provision has taken all the measures to increase the readiness to protect the water warehouses and to increase the water quantity in the camps, where the Kosovars are sheltered.

The Ministry is asking for further funds to provide the necessary equipment such as elector pomps, transformers to complete the popping station in cities and centers./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[39] Albanian police are following attentively situation in the north - Minister

They took interest in the recent situation created in Northern Albania as a result of the great influx of the refugees from Kosove. "We want to know better the situation in order to find the concrete ways to assist you more in this situation," said Mr de Puig, expressing the aim of his visit to Tirane.

Koci informed the delegation of the present situation and the measures taken by the Public Order Ministry.

The members of the delegation voiced their readiness to assist the structures of Albanian police to cope with the new situation. /a.ke/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[40] There is a common basis of principles accepted by all Kosova leadership - PM Majko

PM Majko said that the crisis is expected to take another dimension now when the number of the war refugees from Kosove keeps increasing.

PM Majko said that political factors in Kosove are united despite the personal problems that may emerge. "There is a common basis of principles accepted by all Kosove leadership. They all share the same opinion for the return of the Kosove refugees to their homes under a NATO protectorate in Kosove after the solution of the crisis and the establishment of new institutions," said Premier Majko.

Ambassador Petrisch expressed his full understanding for everything that Albanian Government has made for the refugees of Kosove. He underscored the common European stance for the return of the Kosovars to Kosove, adding that the European community is ready to assist them.

Ambassador Petrisch highlighted the approach of the Albanian government to unify the Kosove political factor before the talks in Rambouillet and later, for its impact in the signing of the provisional agreement on Peace and Self-rule in Kosove as a rather important contribution to the stability in the region. "However, the possibility for the beginning of the political process for the settlement of the crisis seems to me too far for the moment," added Ambassador Petrisch.

He said that the using of Rugova by Belgrade regime for its negative aims is unacceptable and every agreement he might sign would be considered invalid by the international community. /lh/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[41] 2 000 other Kosovars come to Albania through Hani i Hotit

The spokesman of the police commissariat of the district of Malesi e Madhe told ATA that the new arrivals were bused to the city of Shkoder, accompanied by police forces and are now sheltered in the reception centre in the tobacco-cigarette factory. The total number in this centre reached to 3 000.

Over the past 14 hours, nearly 17 000 Kosovars a part of whom now sent deep in the country, have arrived to Albania through the border post of Hani i Hotit. /lh/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[42] Albanian Premier states future of Kosove cannot be seen as a formulae but as a process

"We want to assure you of our support and appreciation for the Albanian Government and people for the reception you have extended to the Kosove refugees. We also want to see closer the situation in order to find the concrete ways to assist you more in this situation," said Mr de Puig, expressing the purpose of his visit to Tirane.

Prime Minister Majko said that Albania will continue to admit all Kosove war refugees to Albania and those coming from Macedonia and Montenegro. "Now the Kosove war refugees consist 10 per cent of the local population and we are preparing for a double number of refugees," he said.

The Premier explained the stance of the Albanian Government for the future of Kosove, stressing that the future of Kosove cannot be seen simply as a formulae but as a process.

"It is important that the Kosove war refugees return to their homes and their safety there be guaranteed by NATO forces. Albanians of Kosove signed the accord in Rambouillet on peace and self-rule in Kosove, proving they accepted co-habitation with Serbs, but Milosevic projected the massacre," said Prime Minister of Albania.

He voiced the viewpoint of the Albanian Government for full support of the NATO operations and its decision for an unlimited cooperation with NATO. He stressed that the Government of Albania is attaching a special attention to the transparent administration of assistance. /lh/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[43] Exodus of Kosovars to Albania resumes

One of the new arrivals, Halim Fetahu, told ATA that almost all villages of Gjakove, Peje and Prizren have been set on fire.

According to Fetahu, the convoy of refugees coming from the northern areas of Kosove are about 70 km far. They are walking and perhaps after two days, the Morini border post will have another influx of refugees from Kosove.

Fetahu added that the number of the Kosovars coming towards Albania is some thousand people. /lh/xh/

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