Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-05-07

Albanian Telegraphic Agency Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] MAPE officer found dead in his room

[02] Press review

[03] Press review (2)

[04] The Council of Europe at 50: Towards a Europe of Shared Values

[05] World Bank approves US$30 million for Albania

[06] Tirana currency rate

[07] UNHCR: Evacuation difficult but necessary, Kosovars wait for relatives

[08] World Food Program to help Kosova people

[09] Prof Ylli Popa reelected head of Academy of Science

[10] 500 Kosovars from Vushtri arrive in Morina on foot

[11] Health Ministry takes hygienic-sanitarian measures for summer season

[12] Five lorries blocked in Kapshtice

[13] France accords aid for Albanian hospital system

[14] Apache helicopters resume training

[15] Spanish troops to set up a new refugee camp in Hamallaj, Durres

[16] Opposition: Rugova remains part of Kosova politics

[17] World Food Program in support of Kosova expelled

[18] DP allies to reconsider stay in parliament

[19] Food, drinks and tobacco to cover 30,8% of total imports'

[20] New power station in Tirana

[21] Continue finances on streets' rehabilitation

[22] Milo: Albania supports NATO policy and stands

[23] EU High Commissioner Emma Bonino visits Kosovars in Shkoder

[01] MAPE officer found dead in his room

A spokesman of the police directorate of the prefecture of Tirana said to ATA on Friday that the MAPE officer Helbert Seltier of German nationality was found dead at 13.00 p.m. on Thursday in a room he had booked in the Chateau Linza in Tirana.

He was found lying in his bed and now his body is in the hospital morgue.

Preliminary forensic reports said that the death was caused by difficulties in respiratory system. /s.s/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] Press review

The daily Koha Jone in an article entitled "An important step", says that NATO member states reached an agreement on Thursday in Bon on a 'collection of principles' which reflects all the proposals drafted so far by their political chiefs. G-8 countries reached an accord in principle which envisaged the deployment of an international efficacious, civil and security force under the United Nations in Kosova."

The daily Gazeta Shqiptare under the title "Russia agrees with West" says that "Russia is backing Western countries on a political solution to the Kosova crisis 'being blessed' by the U.N. Security Council." This is the most important step undertaken yesterday by G-8 foreign ministers since the start of bombardment.

The text approved yesterday by G-8 did not mention the word NATO or even "military forces". These are concessions that Russia managed to secure from the seven most industrialised states to go on a train directed by Washington and Europeans. But in the background, according to diplomatic sources, Moscow has already accepted an armed contingent be deployed in Kosova.

The daily Shekulli reports on the Bonn accord in an article entitled "G-8: U.N. peacekeepers in Kosova". It says "German Foreign minister Joschka Fischer, who presided the meeting, said that the alliance would not stop bombardments, which are trying to persuade Milosevic to withdraw military forces accused of ethnic cleansing in Kosova. A political solution, Fischer said, would meet the five points of NATO wanted to be observed by Yugoslavia. The G-8 is trying to reach a U.N. resolution which would bring about peace in the region."

Zeri i Popullit carries the article entitled "The eight big powers wait for Slobo". It says that U.S. president Bill Clinton considered the accord "an important step forward" stressing the need to continue NATO air strikes against Yugoslavia." /ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] Press review (2)

Koha Jone says that the moderated leader of Albanians of Kosova Ibrahim Rugova said on Thursday in Rome that "international forces, NATO forces and from other countries should be deployed in Kosova and Serb forces be withdrawn from there."

Under the title "Rugova: I back Rambouillet", the daily says "Rugova explained that "he left Kosova to meet his collaborators to establish future in Kosova. During the stay in Kosova, I have had contacts with Belgrade authorities, discussed a political solution and built up confidence. I represent the person elected by Kosovars, I represent my people, but there are differences in a pluralist society."

Under the title "We consider Ibrahim Rugova a traitor," the daily says that a spokesman of the Kosova Liberation Army (KLA) Jakup Krasniqi told a news conference that Rugova was not recognised as the Kosova president, but only as the leader of the Democratic League of Kosova (LDK).

The spokesman of the interim government of Kosova urged Rugova to publicly explained all the events and circumstances related to his staying in Belgrade and Prishtine. "We do not change and inch from calling him "a traitor", Krasniqi said.

Under the title "Rugova, how I met Milosevic," the daily Gazeta Shqiptare says that Rugova implied that he had met Milosevic under his free will. "The statement he had made in Rome yesterday has made Rugova ambiguous than before when he was in Prishtina under Serbian police control." In his first public appearance in Europe, Rugova had not explained whether he had met Milosevic under his free will or under pressure. In an article entitled "KLA imposes conditions on Ibrahim Rugova, " highlighting yesterday's news conference of the KLA spokesman, the daily says "Interim government of Kosova urges Rugova to adopt a stand clearly and without equivocal on the following: to back NATO actions against Serbian targets; fulfil obligations undertaken after the signing of Rambouillet agreement which specified modalities for the creation of the Kosova government; to support war intentions; withdraw Serb forces from the Kosova territory and deploy NATO troops."

Under the titles "Rugova: Yes, I have met Milosevic by myself" and "KLA: Rugova should recognise Thaçi government", the daily Shekulli said "Ibrahim Rugova has surprised the Italian prime minister Massimo D'Alema and foreign minister Lamberto Dini in a news conference yesterday. His forward step, considering his previous statements, is related to the fact that "I am waiting for an international force deployed in Kosova, with NATO having the important role," when he before had declared that bombardments should be stopped and negotiations started.

Showing reservations towards the interest of the press, Rugova spoke in French while he was allowed to respond to one question of journalists.

As regards the news conference of the KLA spokesman, Shekulli says "if Rome burnt Nerone, it would be Rome that could burn Rugova. Former president of Kosova, returned to political scenarios with an unexpected surprise, was faced with some conditions by people who fight for the liberty of Albanians." /ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] The Council of Europe at 50: Towards a Europe of Shared Values

TIRANA, May 6 (ATA) - The commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the birth of the Council of Europe is indeed a unique occasion. It is a rare opportunity for a Foreign Minister to hold the position of the Chairman-in-Office of an international organization, which always kept high the torch of human rights, at the very moment when it celebrates the 50th anniversary of its creation and the 10th anniversary of the start of its enlargement into Central and Eastern Europe.

Besides recalling the significance of these anniversaries, the Council of Europe takes this opportunity to look into its future, too. This is a moment to evaluate the experiences of the past in order to make the Council of Europe more effective in the future in furthering progress toward the rule of law and unity in the member states and across our entire continent. This has been the unique strength of the Council of Europe, and will remain its continued mission in the decades to come.

Therefore, the Chairman-in-Office of the Council of Europe adopted a program designed to build a bridge from its history, rich in the experiences of creating democratic institutions, into a future where strengthening the increasing prevalence of European values on our continent demands the profound renewal of the organization.

The 10th anniversary of the beginning of the Council of Europe's enlargement into Central and Eastern Europe is undoubtedly a significant event to commemorate. The admission of new members from this region was not merely a selfish objective for the Council of Europe. It reflected the clear recognition of the fact that, after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the countries east of the River Elbe, led by the unanimously declared will of their peoples, had finally returned to the principles of the rule of law. Thus the two anniversaries that we now celebrate are integrally linked because the Council of Europe, which has always rendered support to establishing democratic institutions, has - with its enlargement into Central and Eastern Europe - received a new mission.

Similarly to the contribution that the OECD made to preparations for enhanced economic cooperation, the Council of Europe made a significant impact on the evolution of European integration by promoting the values and the process of legal harmonization on the basis of which the European Union later emerged. As the process of European integration progressed, the Council of Europe voluntarily withdrew from the forefront of European affairs and gave the floor to the economically stronger European integration organizations. However, the Council received a new task in Central and Eastern Europe: the task to offer manifold assistance to the fledgling democracies in elaborating and adopting new constitutions and in codifying domestic laws and regulations which satisfied European and international standards. Thus, the Council of Europe rejuvenated itself and became a direct participant in the historic processes unfolding on our continent.

The Council of Europe is not merely one among the several regional organizations. It constitutes a symbol of the rule of law and of the protection of human rights. Regional organizations on other continents have also profited from its experiences. The Organization of American States and the Organization of African Unity based their human rights protection mechanisms on the provisions of the European Charter of Human Rights.

The concept of the rule of law means a lot to those who live in countries where it has been the determining feature in the relationship between the authorities and courts and individual citizens for decades or for centuries. But the rule of law means far more to those who were born and raised in countries where its benefits were denied to the citizens. This explains why the citizens of the Central and Eastern European countries hold in such high esteem the Council of Europe which offers an example to follow and teaches everyone to respect human dignity.

Why do the Central and Eastern European countries adopt the standards and norms of the Council of Europe? Because the rule of law serves their own interests. These countries do not adhere to, and implement in practice, the values of the rule of law in order simply to meet certain international requirements. They are well aware of the fact that their efforts aimed at creating the conditions for the rule of law constitute a most profitable investment both in political and economic terms. It will accelerate economic development as the confidence in a transparent and fair legal system will attract more and more foreign investment, and countries with strong democratic institutions will also become trusted economic and financial partners for the developed world. But they also know from experience that countries that fail to make honest progress to the rule of law, countries that keep making promises in words and then fail to implement them, will pay by lagging behind in economic cooperation and progress. And this is indeed the greatest price to pay today.

The renewal of the Council of Europe is also reflected by its enhanced activity in the field of protecting national minorities. This role is not limited to promoting the adoption of new covenants and resolutions. The European Charter on Minority and Regional Languages and the European Framework Agreement on the Protection of National Minorities, together with a number of significant recommendations by the Committee of Ministers and the Parliamentary Assembly, constitute a network of legal instruments for the European continent which can compensate for deficiencies in the codification of international law experienced in the decades that followed the Second World War.

In the 20th century, certain forms of the nation-state, particularly those that had been artificially imported, and often transplanted by force, into Central and Eastern Europe without taking into account the unique conditions of the region, generated deep-rooted tensions. The openly professed quest for the exclusiveness of the nation-state led to endeavors for cultural and linguistic homogeneity. This can exercise a negative influence on those communities which do not speak the language of the majority, on those citizens who wish to maintain their distinct cultural heritage and who profess a different religion. These influences had an even greater effect in those countries where the creation of the nation-state became a tool of historical revenge and where communities that became minorities as a result of the newly drawn international borders were also forced toward assimilation either by open or by hidden means.

The realization that it is possible to establish a network of minority protection in Europe is a historic merit of, and a great achievement by, the Council of Europe. Besides the above-mentioned documents, various agreements and recommendations on cross-border cooperation, subsidiarity, and forms of local and regional autonomy also facilitate the daily existence of the minorities. Practical experience clearly proves that citizens belonging to minorities whose culture and language are respected will contribute to the improvement of the education system, will enrich cultural versatility, and will form a bridge that connects the states, communities and individual citizens on both sides of the borders. Minority citizens are valuable members of society and promote its development.

Thus, for the minorities the concept of Europe means tolerance, dignity, effective - and not merely formal - equality and immediate integration into the community of nations.

The term international cooperation is increasingly used to mean cooperation between the nations and not merely between the states. The Council of Europe makes a specific contribution to diminishing the role of international borders as lines of division separating peoples.

The Council of Europe intends to facilitate that by supporting the various types of Euro-regional cooperation too. Combined regional efforts in nature conservation, joint protection of the cultural heritage and direct economic cooperation are significant new features in this area. Peoples and communities gradually recognize that cooperation is more attractive than conflict, and therefore they will have a vision of cooperation for the future.

It has been an honor to hold the position of the Chairman-in-Office of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe for these six months. I have attached a particular importance to my relationship with the Parliamentary Assembly and with the Monitoring Committee responsible for reviewing the implementation of commitments assumed by the member-states. Our joint efforts have been focused on accelerating the internal reforms of the Council of Europe, on enhancing its effectiveness in every area, on strengthening the strictly professional functioning of the human and minority rights control mechanisms, and also on providing the necessary institutional, financial and personnel support for these priorities.

A key element of the program of the Hungarian chairmanship has been to review the Council of Europe's past experiences and to reaffirm the continued validity of its recommendations, and also to bring the organization closer to the individual citizen. We have constantly striven to make the voice of the Council of Europe heard in all the issues that have a profound impact on the future of our continent, particularly in questions where the unique expertise of the Council of Europe can really make a difference. We conducted negotiations both with the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and with the European Union as an equal partner. As we reviewed the issues of common concern, we managed to identify the framework of our institutional cooperation. I am confident that Hungary as Chairman-in-Office of the Council of Europe has made a successful and consistent effort to realize the overall objectives of the organization. I hope the member states will also give a positive assessment of our activities and the achievements of the Council of Europe during this period.

When I accepted the key that belongs to the Chairman-in-Office, I did not envisage that, by the end of the six-month period, there would be another armed conflict in the much suffering region of the Balkans. Those who attend the 104th Session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on May 6-7, 1999, in Budapest will be undoubtedly saddened by that development. The conflict in Kosovo is the result of a policy that denies the loftiest values of humanity and that unleashed the havoc of ethnic cleansing and genocide onto the Kosovar Albanian population. The conditions for the negotiated settlement to this conflict are shared and supported by NATO, the European Union and the Secretary General of the UN. This demonstrates that the international community is strongly resolved and determined to halt the mass deportation of an ethnic group at the threshold of the 21st century. Gross violations of human rights against any national minority are not acceptable. This is also of crucial significance from the point of view of those values that constitute the very foundation of the Council of Europe.

The expulsion or the elimination of a minority will not be tolerated by the Euro-Atlantic community, the UN, or the Council of Europe. The international community cannot stand idly by when the dignity of a group of people is inhumanely attacked because of their ethnic, linguistic or religious heritage. History has taught us that there are clear dangers in tolerating horrendous crimes against humanity in order to appease an opponent at all costs, and that the consequences of not acting promptly when preparations for such actions unfold before our eyes, or limiting our efforts to putting out the flames as they appear, are dire indeed.

Once the negotiated settlement of the conflict is achieved, legal experts will again play a key role in making the solution a lasting one. With the assistance of our institutions we have to facilitate the return of the refugees, the restoration of the civilian administration and the creation of the various forms of self-government. These shall be based on firm international guarantees. The Council of Europe is ready and willing to take an active part in these endeavors with all its institutions, expertise and experience. The Council of Europe is committed to promoting the values of Europe and to basing the work of all institutions on these values.

The Council of Europe is a community of nations led by the rule of law, an exclusive club of democracies. But this club has a very transparent membership policy. States that adhere to the values and implement them in practice can and will be admitted. The viability of the existence of the Council of Europe lies in its capacity for renewal based on its gradual enlargement and its institutional adaptation to the changing realities on our continent. Peoples and citizens living in states that aspire to membership have the clear perspective of joining this community of nations. When their state complies with the criteria for membership, such as democracy and the rule of law, they will be able to enjoy the benefits of membership in the Council of Europe, too.

The Council of Europe has acquired broad international prestige and respect. It has never compromised on the values it is based on. It has also been able to convince the states of our continent about the strength and the merits of these values. The mightiest asset of the Council of Europe is its unshakable conviction in, and renewed mission of, spreading the experiences of the rule of law, the protection of human rights and of the rights of minorities.

We must promote our shared European values. It is only through our joint efforts to this end that we can reach our goal: a democratic, free, prosperous and united Europe.

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] World Bank approves US$30 million for Albania

Besides the credit, the bank would give Albania an extra US$45 million under the Structural Adjustment Credit (SAC). The amount of the credit is foreseen US$20 million but considering Albania's emergency in the present situation, the World Bank decided to increase it to US$ 45 million.

The amount would be released in two installments. The first one some US$ 20 million will be released within June, while the second worth US$25 million within 1999. According to accounts carried out by the International Monetary Fund in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance it resulted that Albania needed some US$167 million to fund state budget until the end of 1999.

The World Bank has confirmed a credit worth US$75 million to the Albanian government. It also had confirmations from the European Union on a credit worth US$65 million, from Finnish government worth US$2.7 million and some US$3.2 million from the Norwegian government.

The United States are going to put into the disposal of countries affected by the war in Yugoslavia a fund worth US$ 50 million. Officials of the Ministry of Finance said that they hoped Albania had the lion's share because it was coping with a huge number of Kosovars.

On Thursday Japanese prime minister Keizo Obuchi said to Albanian prime minister Pandeli Majko that the Japanese government would accord a fund worth US$10 million to fund financial need of the Albanian government. /led/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] Tirana currency rate

US$1.00 141.2 German mark 77.6 Italian lire (1000) 78.4 Greek Drachmas (100) 46.4 Euro 151.5

/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] UNHCR: Evacuation difficult but necessary, Kosovars wait for relatives

The UNHCR field officer in Kukes, Jette Gottlieb, expressed concern over the reluctance of Kosova people to leave Kukes.

Some of Kosovars do not want to leave because they do not know where to put their tractors, the only property they have because Serbian armed police and civilians burnt their houses.

Local government officials have not thought about a parking lot to park the vehicles of Kosovars and justify it with the lack of security, Gottlieb said.

But the main reason, which forced the Kosovars to stay in Kukes was the hope that they might meet their relatives who are missing in Kosova. A 60 year-old lady in the refugee camp of Zabel is waiting for her two sons from Malisheva. Zehera Musliu (Bajraktari) is waiting for her family from Dumnica e Eperme. She is afraid of news on massacres in the village of Studime, near the village where her relatives are.

"Nothing can separate us from Kukes," she said.

Given the situation, the UNHCR and NATO officials cannot do anything. We could not use force to evacuate the Kosovars, Gottlieb said. But she hoped that if there was a fall in influx, their evacuation to other areas in Albania, though slowly, would be realised. /led/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] World Food Program to help Kosova people

The agreement was signed by the Albanian minister Lufter Xhuveli and by WFP deputy director general Jean Jacques Graisse.

He said that the cooperation with Albania has started since 1997 but now this cooperation would be boosted and the program was delivering some 1100 tons of foodstuff to Kukes.

The WFP has a food reserve of six weeks for 350 thousand people while the fund is worth US$64 million for a three-month period for Albania, Macedonia and Montenegro, which are bearing the brunt of the Kosova arrivals.

The fund, according to Graisse, could reach some US$100 million with major donors of the emergency program being the United States, England, the Netherlands, Sweden, Germany, Japan and others.

During his mission to Albania, the WFP deputy director will monitor the operation for the distribution of foodstuffs to the Kosova people. /led/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] Prof Ylli Popa reelected head of Academy of Science

Popa was born on January 12, 1930 in Elbasan where he finished the secondary school. He graduated the Medicine Faculty in the Bucharest University in 1954 and for four years he had been the chief of the biochemical department at the Medicine faculty of the Tirana University.

He carried out post graduation studies in '58-62 in cardiology in Pirogov Medical Institution in Moscow wining the title "Candidate in Science". In 1971 he was awarded the title of the Reader. In 1977-1994 he was chief of cardiology chair and chief of the hospital clinic no 1.

He was elected deputy of the Albanian parliament during 1982-1990. He is member of the Albanian Helsinki Committee from 1991.

In 1983, he was elected correspondent member of the Academy and three years later was elected academician gaining the title of professor. In 1997, he was elected temporary chief of the Academy of Science. Today's elections were launched after the approval of the status of the Academy by the president of Albania.

Professor Popa is married, with a daughter and masters English, French, Italian, Rumanian and Russia languages.

President of Albania Rexhep Meidani will decree the professor Ylli Popa at the post of the head of the Academy of Science. /pas/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] 500 Kosovars from Vushtri arrive in Morina on foot

The new arrivals told of an exhausted and dreadful journey. Their sufferings started a week earlier when the Serbian police forces entered their villages and obliged them to leave their houses, they said.

Enver Shabani, from Studime village, told that residents of the Vushtri area had left in groups in direction of Prizren at the beginning of the week and two days ago from Prizren to Albania. His daughters 11 and 6 years old had been forced to walk because the carts were loaded with blankets, food and elderly people.

They were immediately assisted and accommodated temporarily in a tent near the main square of Kukes city.

The influx of Kosova people in the Morina crossing point continues. /led/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] Health Ministry takes hygienic-sanitarian measures for summer season

TIRANE, May 7 (ATA) By R.Xhuvani: Albanian Minister of Health, Leonard Solis, issued an order on Friday "On strengthening of measures on hygienic-sanitarian and anti-epidemic control" in all the districts and places where are sheltered the displaced Kosovars.

The aim of this order is to prevent the spread of epidemic deceases during this hot season. A hygienic-sanitary control will be exercises even in the production objects. A special attention is to be payed to the imported goods, and in food items sent by different countries in the framework of humanitarian aid for Kosovars. /led/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] Five lorries blocked in Kapshtice

Spokesman of this custom house told ATA that the lorries are charged with matresses and blankets for refugees settled in Qatromi camp, Korce district, while the documents show that thier destination is in Durres. He said that the non-accordation of the work between the UNCHR and central commission of aid has caused confusion.

Kapshtice custom house has strengthened its control on implementation of legal procedures, after the critics made on its address some days ago on violation of procedures to allow the lorries loaded aid pass the custom house. /led/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] France accords aid for Albanian hospital system

Spokesman of Health Ministry, Artur Rada, reports that the French delegation offered help for the hospital system, because only such a thing will be efficient and will be used for a long time.

In the framework of a master plan drafted times ago for the University Hospital Center, the French part is to send French specialists, who in cooperation with the Albanian counterparts will draft a project for setting up a hospital within this center, and will help in constructing the building. /led/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] Apache helicopters resume training

The Apache helicopters resumed training on Friday, after a temporary halt because of the funeral ceremony of two U.S. army pilots killed in an incident of one of these helicopters a few days ago.

Today's training was held under very normal conditions.

One of the officers of the NATO forces deployed at the military airport of Rinas, or as its is now called "HAWK BASE", stated that although the pain for the two killed colleagues is great, the moral is high and they are there to fulfil the mission they are charged with. /dast/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] Spanish troops to set up a new refugee camp in Hamallaj, Durres

Manuel Rodriguez, chief of the information office for Spanish troops, told ATA on Friday said that the aim of the Spanish troops arriving in Durres port on April 25, is to deliver humanitarian aid for Kosova population driven from their soils by the Serb offensive.

Spanish contingent is actually made up of 400 soldiers, who are working for setting up a new camp with a capacity of 5 000 people.

Part of the Spanish contingent are as well a group of health service (80 people), and a group of engineers to be engaged with the building up of this camp. This group is specialized in missions of the civil emergency, territory regulations, and other similar issues. /dast/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] Opposition: Rugova remains part of Kosova politics

The head of the Democratic Party, Sali Berisha, after hailing Rugova's appearance in Europe, evaluated the ongoing activity of Rugova for the internationalization of the Kosova issue.

"He was the first to ask the signing of the Rambouillet agreement," said Berisha who expressed the belief that Rugova along with the other political and military factors will help correctly resolve the Kosova issue".

The chairman of the Republican Party, Fatmir Mediu, said that Rugova remains part of the politics, as his previous stands have helped develop the political processes that have to do with the future and status of Kosova.

But, the republican leader added that with his latest acts, Rugova has no more the responsibility of being leader and President of the Republic of Kosova, as, besides him there are very sensitive factors, either political or military, which logically define what will be the future of their country. /dast/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] World Food Program in support of Kosova expelled

The Minister of Food and Agriculture Lufter Xhuveli assigned the agreement in the name of the Albanian Government, while for Food World Program it was the Vice General Director of this organization Jean Jacques Graisse.

According to him this cooperation with Albania started since 1997, but now this cooperation is in its high levels by delivering to Kukes 1100 tone ready made food.

World Food Program has a food reserve for 350 000 Kosova comers for 6 weeks, meanwhile a fund of 64 million dollars for three months period is accorded for Albania, Macedonia and Montenegro, which are keeping the greater burden of Kosova expelled.

According to Mr. Graisse this fund will reach to 100 million dollars, where the main donors of this emergent program for Kosova expelled population are USA, England, Holland, Sweden, Germany, Japan, etc.

During his mission in Albania the Vice General Director of this organization will observe the operation of food distribution for Kosova expelled Kosova./led/linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] DP allies to reconsider stay in parliament

The chairman of the Liberal-Democratic Union, Teodor Laco, said that if a decision was taken to remove the mandate of the DP deputies, which he considered a flagrant violation of democracy and of the status of the deputy, then these parties, too, would boycott parliament.

They also denounced the process against the chairman of the Legality Movement Party, Ekerem Spahia, accused of participation in the events of September 14 last year, considering this process an effort to destabilise the situation.

According to the constitution, if the Democratic Party deputies do not return to Parliament until by the end of May, then they will be deprived of their mandate as deputies. /dast/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] Food, drinks and tobacco to cover 30,8% of total imports'

According to the data taken from INSTAT, Institute of Statistics, nearly 34,5% of the commercial import of the "Food, drinks and tobacco" group is covered by the sub group of "Vegetarian products. The import of the group of "Machineries, equipment and repairing parts" marked this month the value of 11,3%.

Textiles and shoes covered in March respectively 40,1% and 28,6% of the total export. The export of the goods of "Minerals, fuel and electric power" group is of great importance during this month by marking so 4,3% of the total export./pas/linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[20] New power station in Tirana

The power station is set up provisionally on ground and will operate this way for two-years period and after than the underground installations will be performed.

This power station is set up by the Italian Government ENEL within a record time of three months./dast/linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[21] Continue finances on streets' rehabilitation

The processes on rehabilitation of the streets of the Albanian villages are spread all over the areas with high agriculture productivity through the implementing 62 contracts. Nevertheless the operations these streets, including even of the towns, are heavily damaged due to the increase of the traffic and the number of the transport means, as well.

A project is implementing to bring back to life these streets in rural areas financed by the World Bank by 15 million dollars, by a grant sum of 15 million dollars of the Italian Government and by the contribution of the Albanian Government of 3,6 million dollars. The improvements to take place are divided in 4 phases.

In the first phase 8 contracts are assigned with some construction companies, which improve till now 88.2 km marking a value of more than 3.7 million dollars. During the second phase nearly 220 km streets are repaired and 13 contracts are planned to have the value of more than 6.4 million dollars.

The operations of the other phases predict the repairing of nearly 379 km. 24 construction companies will work in this phase and the predicted value is nearly 14.3 million dollars. The construction process will be completed in the period of March-June 2000. /linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[22] Milo: Albania supports NATO policy and stands

The CE current president, Hungarian Foreign Minister Mantoni made a special political statement on the crisis in Kosova. He expressed himself in favour of sending to the Hague Tribunal all those responsible for the mass deportations and violations of the humanitarian laws to the detriment of the population. He expressed CE's support for the International Tribunal on Crimes in former Yugoslavia.

Albania's Foreign Minister Paskal Milo spoke of the conflict in Kosova, mass deportations, humanitarian tragedy and the risk of destabilisation of the whole region, severely condemning Milosevic's regime as the only cause for this situation.

Referring to a statement by the G-8 Foreign Ministers in Bonn on Thursday, Milo said that it is still early to give considerations, as many elements and concrete details are lacking.

Milo informed the delegations of the Albanian government's decision to denounce Milosevic and his collaborators to the Hague Tribunal as perpetrators of Kosova Albanians' tragedy.

Referring to the Albanian government's opinions of the crisis solution, Milo stated that it supports NATO's policy and stands, expressed in the five conditions the North Atlantic Alliance has put to Milosevic, considering this as the sole way to start a a reliable peace process in Kosova. /lh/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[23] EU High Commissioner Emma Bonino visits Kosovars in Shkoder

Accompanied by the chairman of the Aid Management Unit Kastriot Islami and the prefect of Shkoder Jetmir Shpuza, Ms Bonino visited two reception centres of the displaced Kosovars in the cigarette factory and in the camp set up by the Austrian Government in village Shtoj, about 4 km from the city. About 6 thousand Kosovars are sheltered in these two centres.

During the talk with the Kosovars in the centers, Ms Bonino said that all efforts are being made for the solution of the question of Kosove as soon as possible and their return to their homes.

Actually, there are 30 000 Kosovars settled in the district of Shkoder of whom 18 thousand in 8 reception centres and the rest in Shkoder families.

It is the second time that Emma Bonino visits the deportees from Kosove in Albania.

She came today from Montenegro and in the Hani i Hotit customs house she was welcomed by senior officials of the local government in Shkoder. /lh/xh/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency Directory - Previous Article - Next Article