Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-05-06

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] Press review

[02] Serbian artillery shells land in Perollaj village

[03] Tirana currency rate

[04] More vegetables and meat for Kosova people

[05] Switzerland provides milk for Kosova people

[06] Kosova teachers become principals of summer schools

[07] Albanians in Prishtina become human shields

[08] Kosova war - a conflict between Milosevic and world democracy

[09] With his art Albanian paVelo condemns violence in Kosove

[10] Constitution is to be applied from everybody - Speaker

[11] Milosevic must pay for what is happening in Kosove - Majko

[12] EU High Commissioner to visit Albania

[13] Elton Deda preparing charity concert for Kosovars

[14] Biggest camp for Kosovars under construction in Fier

[15] Airfield Meteor waiting to be inaugurated

[16] Abuse with human rights in Kosove is a human genocide - Meidani

[17] Krasniqi: Rugova should declare himself openly in favour of NATO strikes

[18] Rugova's departure from Kosova, possibility to express himself freely - Ruci

[19] NATO aircraft engaged in eliminating border mines

[20] Bundestag deputies evaluate Albania's efforts in coping with created situation

[21] Some 440 other Kosovars enter Albania through Hani i Hotit

[01] Press review

The daily Koha Jone reports that the Yugoslav president Slobodan Milosevic allowed Kosova leader to travel to Italy. In an article entitled "Rugova released. Now tell about Milosevic. U.S. and its allies: we are happy he is free to travel" the daily says Rugova arrived late on Wednesday in Rome invited by the Italian government.

The daily quoted Italian news agency ANSA as saying that the initiative on Rugova travelling to Italy was undertaken directly by Belgrade authorities who later informed Rome.

Under the headline "Rugova, Milosevic envoy in Rome," the daily Gazeta Shqiptare reports that the news on Rugova's arrival in Rome has surprised all like one month ago when he appeared in TV channels with Milosevic while half of the population was forcibly driven out of their lands. He left Belgrade with his family, including his spouse Fane, sons Mendim and Uke and nine years old daughter Teuta ... Now that Rugova and his family are out of Belgrade it would be easier to understand if his latest statements from Prishtina and Belgrade, which had caused reactions, are made under pressure or free will."

Under the title "Rugova, 'hostage' in Italy," the daily Shekulli reports that the LDK leader Ibrahim Rugova, who has been under house arrest, arrived in Rome on the approval of the Yugoslav leadership to meet the leaders of the Italian government. Later it says: "This is the first journey of Rugova out of Yugoslavia since NATO started air raids on March 24 against Yugoslavia."

Zeri i Popullit says that Italy could not be the final destination of the moderated chief of Albanians of Kosova. In the article entitled "Rugova arrived in Italy" the daily says that "Ibrahim Rugova, who arrived yesterday afternoon in Rome met with the Italian prime minister Massimo D'Alema. The venue of the meeting where Lamberto Dini, chief of the Italian diplomacy was present, was not revealed for security reasons."

Today's press reports about the crash of an Apache helicopter early on Wednesday and death of two pilots.

The daily Koha Jone says that another tank-killing helicopter crashed in training mission. "Albania, unlucky place for Apache." NATO records the first two martyrs on May 5. First investigations on the accident in Albania's mountains showed that the helicopter had probably hit a power line.

Gazeta Shqiptare, another daily, reports "An Apache blows off near the border." It was thought of an engine fault or crash to a power line. Within ten days, state-of-the-art helicopters suffered two heavy "blows" in Albania.

Shekulli reports that an Apache crashed overnight in Puka mountains. "NATO, first casualties. Helicopter hit a power line causing serious power fault in the site of the accident. Two military investigators arrived in Rinas from the U.S. military base in Germany to investigate on the accident.

"Republika" under the title "Apache crashed, pilots died" reports that everything on accident of the tank-killing helicopter is still a mystery. NATO says our plans are undeterred, helicopters to be replaced. $32 million spend for peace. /y.pa/ak/

Thursday's press highlights the visit of Austrian chancellor Viktor Klima in Albania on Wednesday.

Under the title "Majko: We are waiting your money" the daily Gazeta Shqiptare says that Wednesday had been a busy day for Albanian senior officials.

Regarding the talks between prime minister Majko and Austrian chancellor Klima, the daily Koha Jone says that Austria strongly backed the stability of the Balkans. "Majko: We exchanged views on the situation in the region and quick implementation of peace in the region and establishment of a stability pact."

While Austrian chancellor said that our efforts would aimed at putting an end to this tragic war, drafting plans to establish a political and economic stability in the region. The daily highlights the talks of chancellor Klima with president of Albania Rexhep Meidani. It says that Meidani expressed reservations on a possible political and diplomatic solution with Milosevic being a side in an accord. /ypa/ak/ led

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] Serbian artillery shells land in Perollaj village

He said that the heavy artillery shelling started at 04.30 and lasted until 05.00 a.m. but there were no reports on casualties in the village, which was some 10 km from the border line. Residents of the surrounding villages are concerned over the shelling.

Military forces of the Kruma brigade have launched tactical training exercises with infantry and artillery forces at the presence of the Albanian Minister of Defence Luan Hajdaraga. /led/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] Tirana currency rate

US$1.00 140.6 German mark 77 Italian lire (1000) 77.8 Greek Drachmas (100) 46.2 Euro 151

/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] More vegetables and meat for Kosova people

Sources of Ministry of Agriculture said to ATA that the project foresaw changes in the foodstuff basket for the Kosova people increasing the quantity of vegetables and meat besides other foodstuffs.

"Foods would be imported and distributed free of charge to Kosova people maintaining the domestic balance of the market," specialists of the ministry say. /led/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] Switzerland provides milk for Kosova people

for the Kosova people settled in the Durres prefecture based on a plan for a regular milk supply for the prefecture.

Representatives of the Swiss unit in case of disaster, Marco O. Nathusius said to ATA that this quantity and the others would secure an ongoing supply of 1 to 2 liters per day for every family.

The quantity would be distributed within the week. Nathusius said that the Swiss government was considering the possibility of sending financial assistance to families hosting Kosova people besides milk.

A week earlier, Swiss farmers sent some 52 thousand liters of milk in Durres which were distributed within some days in communes and families hosting Kosovars. /led/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] Kosova teachers become principals of summer schools

selected among the Kosova teachers.

A study presented by the Ministry of Education and Science in cooperation with the project on Albanian Education Development Program (AEDP) in Albania of the Soros Foundation said that the Kosova pupils of the elementary schools would attend classes with 32 persons each, while those at the eight year schools would have separate classes with reduced teaching program.

The project would be applied in a four-month period, deputy minister Andrea Marto said to ATA. The cost for each pupil is estimated at 408 leks while the cost of text books is some $1 129 262, Marto said.

The study foresees the rehabilitation of some 22 secondary schools in different districts where a large number of Kosovars have been settled in.

Chief of the investment office at the ministry Isuf Bogdani said "the enrollment of 92 938 pupils would need some $29 764 000 including the rehabilitation of 4 021 classrooms," /lh/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] Albanians in Prishtina become human shields

They were obliged to stay in houses and buildings near the places where weapons and military equipment were hidden and in buildings, which might be bombed by NATO, sources in Kosova said to ATA.

Many families have been obliged to stay for days near the new post building in Prishtina, in Dardania quarter, eyewitnesses entering Macedonia on Wednesday said.

Many of them are children and women while men have been separated by Serbian forces. Women from the Llapi region told of about 200 Albanian young boys and men separated from families in the road between Obiliq and Prishtina.

People deported from the village of Hade, Obiliq, told about the execution of 13 Albanians. Thousands of displaced people in the last 24 hours are mainly from Llapi and Prishtine regions and villages of Ferrizaj and Lipjan. /pas/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] Kosova war - a conflict between Milosevic and world democracy

"Situation in Kosova shows we are facing both a humanitarian catastrophe and catastrophe of violating human rights," Robinson said.

She said that materials she had and accounts of Albanians would be deposited in the Hague Court.

"It is very important that the situation be better monitored not only in Albania, Macedonia, Montenegro where there are a large number of displaced Albanians but especially in Kosova where the tragedy of Albanians started," Robinson said, considering unacceptable such inhuman massacres in the turn of this century.

"We are impressed by Albania's hospitality towards Kosova brothers as well as the attitude of Albanian government to keep its borders open for the Kosova displaced people," she said.

Lakrori said that the conflict in Yugoslavia is a conflict between the dictatorship of Milosevic and democracy of a civilised world.

"Albania is doing its best to maintain balance and stability in the Balkans," Lakrori said. /pas/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] With his art Albanian paVelo condemns violence in Kosove

The word is for some drawings reflecting and protesting through his art the tragic events in Kosove.

In 1996, Velo worked a "Livre d'artiste" entitled "The Wars." Through the book consisting of 32 pages, the artist relates the genocide and unjust wars. The book is also displayed in the international exhibition in Bar-Le- Due and Echirolles in France. /pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] Constitution is to be applied from everybody - Speaker

Gjinushi, in a press briefing today, said that the fuss in the media these days should not be seen as a conflict of people but as a conflict between those who have boycotted the Parliament and the Constitution. "To make a compromise with this means to violate the law. If the deputies have any remark, they may appeal to the Constitutional court for the relevant interpretations, but I, as a Chairman of the People's Assembly, consider my duty to speak out for this article of the Constitution," said Gjinushi.

The debate with regard to an article of the Constitution, which penalises those deputies who abandon the parliament sessions for six months in succession, started some days ago, sparkling polemics between the ruling parties and those in opposition and within the majority parliamentary group. The Democratic Party, which has 28 seats in the Albanian Parliament, has boycotted its sessions since August last year. /dast/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] Milosevic must pay for what is happening in Kosove - Majko

"What is happening in Kosove is beyond any human opinion and concept. Kosova is transformed into a battlefield and Milosevic must pay for this. The Albanian Government is studying the steps to be taken to send him and the Serb government to the Hague Tribunal, holding them directly accountable for what is happening in Kosove," said PM Majko.

Ms Robinson said that there is clear evidence of the abuses with the human rights in Kosove and their monitoring and verification would be rather important.

"This is a catastrophic crisis of the human rights. We must have proved documents for these violations and on their basis to support the Hague Tribunal," said Robinson, who considered useful the cooperation of Tirane in the undertaking. /pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] EU High Commissioner to visit Albania

After her arrival in Albania on Friday by 3 p.m. through Hani i Hotit border crossing, Ms Bonino will have visits to ECHU financed centres. Later she will visit the refugee camp of Blinisht in which Albanian Kosovars are sheltered.

Bonino is also expected to visit the Mother Teresa University Hospital Centre in Tirane. She will have a meeting with NGO representatives in the EU headquarters in Tirane.

The programme of the meetings on Saturday of Ms Bonino will start with a working meeting with the ambassadors of EU member countries.

Later, she will be received by Albanian Prime Minister, Pandeli Majko and at about 10 a.m. she will meet Deputy PM Ilir meta.

At the end of her visit to Albania, Ms Bonino will give a news conference in the EU headquarters in Tirane. /dast/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] Elton Deda preparing charity concert for Kosovars

The protagonist of the concert, the biggest held in Tirane this year, tells that the money from the tickets on the first night concert will be used to assist Kosova displaced people in Albania.

Deda will be accompanied by 16 instrumentalists, mostly jobless young artists. Composer, pianist, singer and orchestra director, for the first time in his musical event Deda will be also accompanied by a string quartet.

The concert is the first project of the Cultural-Artistic Association, Lotus.

For the realisation of the concert, the Albanian Ministry of Culture will bear the brunt of the financial support. Assisting for the concert are also the Soros Foundation, the Fan Noli foundation and Hotel Florida.

The concert is expected to be performed other days later in the Hall Dea and in some of the main cities of Albania. /pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] Biggest camp for Kosovars under construction in Fier

Dano added that the camp has a capacity for 25 000 people and is located near village Seman in an area as big as 64 hectares. Besides the tents, the project has also the necessities for a normal life, such as showers, places for recreation or entertainment, etc. The contract also envisages the return of the land into its initial stage following the closure of the camp in the future.

"According to the plan, the first refugees will be installed on May 14," said Dano. /dast/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] Airfield Meteor waiting to be inaugurated

Only ten days have passed since the time when work for the airfield started and on May 8 the first plane will land on its runway (which is not laid with concrete,) said one of the leaders of Pacani firm.

The runway is 950 meters long and 70 meters wide, it is surrounded and partially illuminated and with possibilities to be expanded in the future, the same source said.

Many years ago, the airfield site was bought by the former King Zog Government in which the first airfield in the northeastern extreme part of the country was built, only 15 km from the border with Kosova.

Besides the helicopters landing there every day, scores of NATO lorries have parked next to the airfield ready to be used in the context of the broad humanitarian operation in support of the Kosova deportees.

The airfield will be used by all helicopters and average-sized planes which will airlift assistance for the deported Kosovars and make their massive evacuation in case of eventual escalation of the conflict in the region. At the end of the war, it will serve for the transportation of the Kosovars to their homes and as a centre to distribute aid to Kosove.

Also members of the Government cabinet are expected to be present in the inauguration ceremony of the airport Meteor, an employee of the prefecture of Kukes said.

The construction of the airport is considered as an important point of air communication not only to assist the evicted people of Kosove but also for any other operation, humanitarian or military. /dast/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] Abuse with human rights in Kosove is a human genocide - Meidani

The Head of the Albanian State voiced the support and appreciation for the mission of Ms Robinson for the evidence they are gathering from direct sources about the tragedy and barbarities by the Serb war machine in Kosove.

Meidani added that the abuses with the human rights in Kosove is a real human genocide.

Ms Robinson highlighted the stance of the Albanian Government towards Kosovars as the most supporting approach that Albania is giving to the international community for a successful management of the crisis.

She briefed Mr Meidani of her contacts with Albanians in Macedonia, Albania and lately in Montenegro to figure out the real dimensions of the Serb crimes and killings among civil population in Kosove. She pledged coordinated efforts with other international organizations in overcoming the situation and especially with regard to the question of the defence of human rights. lh/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] Krasniqi: Rugova should declare himself openly in favour of NATO strikes

The Kosova interim government, headed by Hashim Thaci, referring to the unexpected visit of Ibrahim Rugova to Italy, publicly asked the leader of the Democratic League of Kosova (LDK), on Thursday to openly pronounce himself on the three main issues preoccupying the Albanians of Kosova.

The spokesman of the Kosova government, Jakup Krasniqi, told a news conference this afternoon that Rugova should publicly declare himself in favour of the NATO strikes against Yugoslav military targets, should fulfil the obligations taken with the Rambouillet Agreement on February 23, 1999, which stipulates the modalities of the formation and performance of the Kosova interim government, as well as declare himself openly in favour of a complete withdrawal of the Serb military forces from Kosova and the dispatch of th4er NATO troops there as a peace-keeping force.

The spokesman of the "Thaci" government also pronounced himself on other aspects of the war in Kosova and the performance of the interim government.

The most unexpected political event, in relation to the crisis in Kosova, was the arrival of the LDK leader, Ibrahim Rugova in Italy on Wednesday afternoon, by a special government plane.

The Italian Council of Ministers, considered Rugova "an official guest of the Italian government". On the same day Rugova met with Italian Prime Minister Massimo D'Alema and Foreign Minister Lamberto Dini. The visit to Rome of the LDK leader was hailed by the western governments, which expressed their satisfaction that Rugova enjoys good health and is now free. /lh/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] Rugova's departure from Kosova, possibility to express himself freely - Ruci

The head of the SP parliamentary group, Gramoz Ruci, told ATA that he hailed the establishment of Rugova in Italy for two reasons: first because he enjoys good health and second because Rugova is now enabled to express himself freely as regards the much disputed Milosevic-Rugova negotiations.

"After we learn about Rugova's statements at a news conference due in Rome today, we, too, as a majority will express our political opinion of him," said Ruci.

"I think Rugova should be consistant in his thoughts both as regards the Rambouillet Agreement and the five points determined by the International Community," he said.

The Kosova political leader, Ibrahim Rugova, arrived in Italy on Wednesday, after Rugova's earlier request to Milosevic for his departure from Yugoslavia. /lh/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] NATO aircraft engaged in eliminating border mines

NATO aircraft on Thursday have carried out bombardments along the Kosova-Albanian border belt to eliminate the mines planted by the Serb army. The bombardments were concentrated on the areas of Pashtruk and Gorozhub, where Serb army barracks had been set up earlier.

The spokesman of the Has district police commissariat reports that on Wednesday at around 21.30, Serb military forces pounded the Mariq quarter of the Pogaj village. The Albanian border forces, also in cooperation with villagers, held their positions but did not respond to this provocation by the Serb army. /lh/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[20] Bundestag deputies evaluate Albania's efforts in coping with created situation

Sources from the Albanian Foreign Ministry say that the German deputies of all political groupings showed special interest in the situation in Albania after the arrival of nearly 400 000 Kosova Albanians, due to the violence and ethnic cleansing exercised by Milosevic.

They highly evaluated the great efforts of the Albanian government to cope with this situation and its readiness to keep its borders open to all Kosovars addressing the Republic of Albania.

"We have and will continue to support you powerfully," said the German deputies at the meeting. "You merit this support. As a Bundestag, we have evaluated the measures of the German government and on Friday we will have a special session about sending 1000 other troops in aid of the deported Kosovars."

Zeneli, expressing thanks for the support offered by Germany, responded to the interest of the German deputies in various aspects of the Kosova crisis, its effects on Albania and the ways to resolve it. /lh/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[21] Some 440 other Kosovars enter Albania through Hani i Hotit

Some 4400 Kosovars, mainly women, children and old people from the cities of Peja and Gjakova, crossed into Albania on Thursday through the border point of Hani i Hotit, some 30 km from the city of Shkoder.

The spokesman of the prefecture's police department told ATA that the new arrivals, accompanied by Public Order forces, have been transported in the direction of the country's southern cities.

Over the past 29 days, some 35 000 Kosovars, a part of whom have gone to other cities of the country, have arrived in Albania through Hani i Hotit.

In Shkoder district, some 30 000 Kosovars have been housed in eight reception centres, the Austrian camp, Albanian Caritas, music school, veterinary school and other buildings. /lh/lm/

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