Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-04-29

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] Post-hospital rehabilitation centre for Kosovars

[02] Coordination centre in Durres in aid of Kosova refugees

[03] Aid from Switzerland for Kosovars housed in Gjirokaster

[04] 2 000 tons of aid from French People's Association

[05] Prime Minister Majko leaves for Germany

[06] Serb artillery shells land in Tropoje

[07] WHO Regional Director for Europe visits Kosovars in Kukes

[08] Italian association CESVI invests for Kosova refugees

[09] Foreign currency exchange rate

[10] Serb forces attack villages of Ferizaj and Shtime

[11] Albanian ministries of Public Order and Defence consider "provocative" statements for "occupation of some Albanian territories from Serbs"

[12] Flights in Rinas Airport suspended on Thursday

[13] Five dinghies carrying clandestine-smugglers sequestrated in Puglia coast

[14] Albanian Justice Minister reports in Parliament on execution of judicial decisions

[15] Rinas airport opened again

[16] 1000 Albanians to be employed in Italy

[17] Tourism: It is impossible hotel opening this season

[18] "Allied Harbour" operation faces successfully the humanitarian missions

[19] Foreign Minister invites Rugova, his family to stay in Tirana

[20] Albanian Minister of Finance met American Deputy Secretary of Treasure

[21] World Bank and IMF to support the countries affected by Kosova crisis

[22] French premier to visit Albania on Friday

[23] Kosova crisis in IMF Spring Summit

[24] Austrian deputy chancellor to visit Tirana on Friday

[25] 400 Kosovars enter Albania via Hani i Hotit

[01] Post-hospital rehabilitation centre for Kosovars

According to medicine specialists, the Kosova sick people, after their medical treatment in hospitals, have difficulties with their adoption fastly in the living conditions in the camps set up for them, and the worse so for those sheltered in tents, said to ATA Makbule Çeco, prefect of Tirane.

Consequently, a centre for post-hospital rehabilitation for the recovered Kosovars, mainly mothers, children and elderly people has been planned to tbe set up. /dast/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] Coordination centre in Durres in aid of Kosova refugees

The Danish Council for Refugees, the Agency for Aid Management as well as organisations DEMA and DRC will carry out their joint activities at this centre.

The head of the office, Steffen Schmidt, told ATA that the Danish governmental and non-governmental organisations will cooperate with the UNHCR structures to distribute aid coming from Denmark.

He said that establishment of contacts with the government and local governments will serve the activity of this office.

A large number of representatives of foundations, associations and humanitarian organisations have been established in the port city of Durres over the past weeks.

A good part of the activities of NATO, Italian humanitarian mission "Arcobaleno", World Food Programme (WFP) and other activities are carried out at this port as well. /led/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] Aid from Switzerland for Kosovars housed in Gjirokaster

Petro Tomazini, representative of the Swiss group, said that a truck with aid, foodstuff, detergents, clothing, etc, is a contribution of the schools of Losana and Zurich for the Kosovars sheltered in Gjirokaster.

Representatives of the association contacted on Wednesday with Kosovars in Gjirokaster to see the possibility for realisation of some of their necessities in the reception centres of the Kosovars settled in the city and its outskirts.

The association Partnership for Gjiroakster has contributed in the last years with some projects for the the University and secondary schools in that city. /led/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] 2 000 tons of aid from French People's Association

The representative of this association Andre Pinotel told ATA that the association has planned to bring to Albania 100 trucks of 20 tons with foodstuff for four months running for 3 thousand Kosovars in Fushe Kruje.

This amount of aid is being collected by businessmen and various individuals through TV stations, which are making coverage of the biblical Kosove exodus to Albania, Macedonia and farther.

The first two trucks left for Fushe Kruje last Wednesday and 10 other trucks are en route from France to Albania. Over the four months, the aid of 2 thousand tons of commodities will be delivered in Fushe Kruje from the representatives of the French association. /xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] Prime Minister Majko leaves for Germany

The Albanian Government delegation also includes ministers Koci, Shuli and Bufi. During his visit to Bonn, Majko will have a series of meetings, including talks with his counterpart Schrouder, Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer, Defence Minister Scharping, head of the parliamentary group of the opposition coalition, CDU-CSU, Scheuble and others. /y.pa/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] Serb artillery shells land in Tropoje

The spokesman of the district police commissariat told ATA that early on Thursday and even in these moments, the Serb artillery continues to shell Albanian territory, in the vicinity of Tropoje e Vjeter village.

There are no immediate reports of casualties and material damage.

According to sources of border police, the Serb army is trying through all manner of means, using artillery as well, to close a corridor opened for KLA forces in the zone of Pradesh, which has under control also the border crossing of Koshare, 200 metres deep in the Kosova territory.

During the night, intensive shooting was heard in the direction of the Albanian territory in the zone of Kamenice and Zherke.

Albanian border forces, said the spokesman, reinforced by army units, are following the situation attentively and have responded with gunfire every provocation by Serb soldiers to violate Albania's territory. /led/lm/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] WHO Regional Director for Europe visits Kosovars in Kukes

At a meeting a day ago with Minister of Health Solis, Dr. Asvall interested himself especially in the current health state of the Kosova refugees in Albania and stressed that efforts to dominate the situation created should be concentrated on the ambulance system to urgently come to the aid of those in need for help.

He said that vaccination of the refugees, drinking water supply, removal of wastes are the main factors to evade various epidemics. For this purpose, WHO will bring a group of foreign specialists to provide their assistance. /led/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] Italian association CESVI invests for Kosova refugees

CESVI, with its regional office in Gjirokaster, along with Delvine has also invested in Sarande for the partial reconstruction of the building of the former tourism hotel Butrinti, in which 700 displaced Kosovars have been accommodated. /led/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] Foreign currency exchange rate

currency exchange rate US$1 145,4 DM 79,7 ITL(1000) 80 GRD(100) 47,3 EURO 154 /lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] Serb forces attack villages of Ferizaj and Shtime

The agency reports that many roads leading to these villages have been undermined by the Serb forces, which have for several times attempted to infiltrate into Jezerce and Mollapolc.

The KLA forces continue to hold their positions. Sources report that the situation of the population in the Llapi area, which actually is under the siege of the Serb forces, is getting increasingly alarming due to shortages of food and medicine. /led/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] Albanian ministries of Public Order and Defence consider "provocative" statements for "occupation of some Albanian territories from Serbs"

A joint press release of these two ministries says that "statements which seek to sow panic cause a serious damage to the national security and the authority of the Albanian state. The aim of these statements is to harm the continuous measures of the Government, Public Order Ministry and that of Defence to guarantee the country's integrity and sovereignty."

The Public Order Ministry and that of Defence do not mention concrete names of the politicians who have authored the statements, but the press of the last two days has issued declarations by some politicians of the Union for Democracy grouping, among whom DP chairman Sali Berisha, according to which, in many zones in northeastern Albania "Serb military forces have occupied observation posts within Albanian territory."

"For several months, Serb military forces have caused continuous provocations by opening fire on our border with infantry and artillery weapons, but in no case has the territory of Albania been attacked by military formations. In all the cases when efforts have been made by Serbs to cross our frontier, the Albanian border and defence forces have responded with gunfire," stresses the joint declaration of the two above mentioned ministries.

"On April 27 and 28, Serb forces' aggressiveness against Albanian territory increased further. Their shelling killed Albanian citizen Shpend Hajdarmataj, age 32, inhabitant of Zherke village.

Also, in several directions of the state border, such as in Zherke, Stoberde, Zagaj, Qafe Prush, Dobrunem Vlane, Kukes prefecture, Serb military forces have attempted to infiltrate into Albanian territory to build positions and plant mines. The Albanian border police units have used fire, forcing the Serb military forces to retreat to their territory.

Considering the recent provocative statements for base purposes, the Public Order and Interior Ministries remind the politicians, their authors, that such statements and stands run counter to the interests of national security. They are not only false but also legally condemnable," the joint statement of the two ministries concludes. /pas/xh/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] Flights in Rinas Airport suspended on Thursday

The airport was blocked at noon, banning all flights. The director of the airport, Stavri Vesho told ATA that the suspension was made because one of the dogs used for controls and security in the airport, had smelled something special in one of the trucks carrying aid for the Kosova displaced people.

Mr Vesho said that the suspension will be temporary and is not so much a serious thing. He said that in these moments the airport continues to be closed and experts are working to clarify the case. /y.pa/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] Five dinghies carrying clandestine-smugglers sequestrated in Puglia coast

This news is delivered by the owners of the speedboats, who pointed out that the clandestines were Kosova refugees entering Albania due to the Serb attacks and they were illegally traveling towards Italy. The same sources clarified that the staff of the speedboats were as well taken in the Italian coast.

The speed boats of Guardia di Finanzia, according to news broadcasted by the Italian channel "Canale 5", have followed the dinghies leaving from Vlore and they sequestrated them while they were being anchored near the coast and were trying to land the clandestines on board.

The number of dinghies moving from Vlore to Italy has drastically increased due to the displaced Kosovars arriving in Albania. This is the greatest number of dinghies blocked during the last months by Guardia di Finanzia.

Different private sources say that the number of clandestines leaving from Vlore to Italy each nights amounts to 1500. /led/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] Albanian Justice Minister reports in Parliament on execution of judicial decisions

Answering the question of the deputy Zamira Çaka, Minister Koçi said that the executive offices have encountered several obstacles regarding the execution of judicial decisions because of the administration, the pressure being exercised from outside, and the lack of total engagement of the police forces.

Regarding the decisions where the state is a part, Minister Kondi said that these processes end in the first scale.

He added also that the law on execution of judicial laws foresees the right of high instances to deliver bylaw acts or regulations for halting the executions of decisions or their temporary blocking.

The Minister of Justice reported that out of 12 300 cases judged during 1998, only five cases are executed, 2 800 cases remained unexecuted while the rest are under the process. /led/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] Rinas airport opened again

Maksim Ethemaj, head of air traffic at Rinas airport, said flights were suspended from for security reasons.

Spokesman of Police Directory of Tirane Prefecture told ATA that Rinas airport resumed its normal activity after the clearing out of facts causing the flight suspend.

According to him the police specialists and NATO specialists intervened, examined the suspicious area and concluded that there was no material causing any risks.

The spokesman explained that the vehicle suspected to be charged with dangerous material was loaded with inert materials. /dast/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] 1000 Albanians to be employed in Italy

According to the sources nearly 1000 Albanian citizens are equipped with work visa in the frame work of the protocol-agreement between the Ministry of Work and Social Affairs and the Italian Embassy in Tirana.

According to this agreement assigned last year Albanian citizens, who have a working card by the Italian employees have the right to benefit a working visa by the Italian Embassy in Albania.

The annual number defined by the Italian Government for Albania is more than 3 000 people.

The service of documents acceptation or taking the visa, in the Ministry and Embassy is free of charge. This contingent is excluded to pay visa fee./dast/linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] Tourism: It is impossible hotel opening this season

The close of the hotels, especially of coast ones, is due to the massive coming of Kosova displaced, located in all over the country.

Another obstacle is the increase of the fee for the foreign tourists. The fee value varies from 37 to 57 USD, but the Tourism Committee insists in fee falling, because it hinders the tourists coming.

Meanwhile no tourists' agency has assigned any contract for summer season./dast/linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] "Allied Harbour" operation faces successfully the humanitarian missions

Information office close to the Coordination Center with the AFOR staff, told ATA that NATO troops are being dislocated during these days in Albania.

Structures of our army forces are totally engaged with the cooperation with NATO troops despite their duties to face the tense situation.

In accordance with the humanitarian mission of this operation, NATO forces are assisting UNCHR and other non-governmental organizations to help displaced Kosovars.

Areal forces continued their assistance and the managing of flights for 100 transport planes on April 27, 28.

Military experts of the Coordination Center with AFOR Forces, in cooperatiopn with NATO specialists have made investigations to decide the places where the new camps are to be set up. /dast/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] Foreign Minister invites Rugova, his family to stay in Tirana

The chief of the Albanian diplomacy told reporters in a press conference, held in the Foreign Ministry, that he invites Rugova "to come in Tirana to contact with all the political factors of Kosova and to also meet with hundred thousands of Kosovars who are actually in Albania."

Milo said that "if Rugova will be really free, he should come to Tirana."

"At the time when Prishtina is occupied and destroyed, Tirana should become the factor of unification for the Kosova political stand," said Minister Milo.

The leader of the Kosova Albanians, Ibrahim Rugova, has caused many reactions recently because of his meetings with the authorities of Belgrade, after the beginning of NATO strikes in Yugoslavia. /dast/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[20] Albanian Minister of Finance met American Deputy Secretary of Treasure

Minister Angjeli in a meeting with the American Deputy Secretary of the Treasure Edwin Truman, thanked the American Government for its support in solving Kosova crisis and presented the current economic-financial situation of the country, the crisis' effects in Albanian economy and finance and the attempts of the Albanian Government to cope with the situation, as well.

He stressed out that Albania needs a financial support to keep the macroeconomics stability and to avoid the humanitarian crisis turn into financial one.

In this frame he asked the American Government to affect to the International financial institutions for a full budgetary support, which will keep under control the budgetary deficit.

Minister Angjeli guaranteed the continuation of good governing, keeping under the control the macroeconomics situation, continuation of the program on structure reforms and privatization, reforms in public administrate, reforms in justice, fight against corruption, etc.

Mr.Truman stressed out the budgetary support to be given to Albania by the American Government directly or even through USA impact in the international financial institutions.

The Albanian delegation held other meeting with senior officials of USAID and Deputy Director of the Statistics Department of International Monetary Fund./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[21] World Bank and IMF to support the countries affected by Kosova crisis

They stressed that the plans for reconstruction and development must start from now and they expressed their support as well.

The maximal and outstanding attempts of Albania to keep the Kosova comers are hailed by the representatives of European Union, USA, Great Britain, Germany, France, etc.

The Albanian Minister of Finance Anastas Angjeli by presenting the problems Albania is facing with due to the coming of 370 000 Kosova Albanians confirmed the engagement of the Albanian Government not only to welcome the comers, but to continue the implementing of the financial and economic program of the year and keeping the macroeconomics stability, as well.

Minister Angjeli presented the request of the Albanian Government for financial support by the International Community as an emergent need.

The continuation of the attempts for a better coordination of the work with the donors, to be realized by the forming of a permanent work group led by EC and World Bank is stressed in this meeting. In the coming meeting to be held in May in Bon will be discussed about this work group./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[22] French premier to visit Albania on Friday

Jospin was expected to meet with the Albanian president Rexhep Meidani and had a working lunch with the deputy prime minister Ilir Meta.

He would visit the Task Force South troops in Elbasan, a refugee camp in Kolonje administered by the "Securite civil" and meet representatives of the non government organisations, which provide French humanitarian aid.

Before leaving Albania for Macedonia, French prime minister was scheduled to have a joint news briefing with the Albanian deputy premier. /lh/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[23] Kosova crisis in IMF Spring Summit

The aim of this meeting is to discuss the economic cost of the region crisis, the appeal to the donors to facing the short-term, longtime crisis, about the bases on institutional coordination of the humanitarian programs and the development of these countries.

Ministers of Finance and the Governors of the banks of the West countries and six ministers of the countries considered to be affected by the crisis such as Albania, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Rumania, Croatia and Bosnia-Hercegovina attend this meeting of a high level.

The meeting decided that all the expenditures connected directly with the Kosova comers needs have to finance by the bilateral donors and by the international specialized agencies.

The deficit in the salaries balances for 1999 caused by the macroeconomics effects of the crisis will be covered by the increase of the bilateral donors and the foreign official finance in proper terms.

The foreign finance of the countries under ESAF agreement will be provided in soft terms. While for the other countries, the form of the foreign finance will depend on the specific situation of these countries. The Albanian Government asked for 220 million USD only as budgetary support./led/linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[24] Austrian deputy chancellor to visit Tirana on Friday

Schuessel will visit the refugee camp constructed by the Austrian forces in Shkodra. Later he was expected to meet with president of Albania Rexhep Meidani, deputy prime minister Ilir Meta and the Foreign Minister Paskal Milo.

He was scheduled to hold a news conference with his Albanian counterpart before leaving Albania. /lh/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[25] 400 Kosovars enter Albania via Hani i Hotit

A spokesman of the police department of the prefecture of Shkodra said to ATA that the new arrivals had been escorted to the former tobacco factory at noon where the people accommodated there totalled 6 thousands.

In the last 18 days some 33 thousand Kosova people have entered Albania via Hani i Hotit border crossing but have been moved to other parts of Albania. /lh/ak/

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