Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-05-08

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] Italian president arrives in Tirana

[02] Press review

[03] Blood conservation center invites people to provide blood

[04] Over one thousand Albanians apply for Italian universities

[05] Hundreds of orphan Kosova children present difficulties in their special treatment

[06] Exchange rates of Lek with coreign currencies in Tirane

[07] IFDC supports with logistic means families housing displaced Kosovars

[08] Earthquake near southeast Albanian-Greek border

[09] 5000 Kosovars arrive in Morine in 6 hours - The influx continues -

[10] Buildings to be rehabilitated for Kosovars and families who have housed them to be assisted - Bonino

[11] zAlbanian deputy Premier Meta meets with E.U High Commissioner

[12] Scalfaro and Meidani visit camp for Kosovars in Kukes

[13] AEPC in difficult financial situation

[14] Six persons in jails for drugs distribution

[15] New Durres-Brindisi ferry boat sets sail

[16] Donors' Conference before Bon meeting

[17] Majko says it's dangerous to divide Albanian factors in Kosove in terrorists and in moderated persons

[18] Association of Real Estate: "Facilitates on transactions"

[19] Miloshevic aims at destabilising the region: Speaker of Albanian Parliament

[20] Deficit of Custom Offices marks 2,2 billion lek

[21] Bonino says that all EU aid are to undergo transparency process

[22] Wood Industry: 70 units with 2 000 employees are operating

[23] Tribute paid to MAPE officer

[24] Koci says he will present resignation as Public Order Minister

[01] Italian president arrives in Tirana

President Scalfaro was expected to visit refugee camps built by Italy as well as Italian forces joining the NATO operation "Allied Harbour". He would also meet representatives of Italian humanitarian organisations.

Scalfaro will hold talks with the president of Albania Rexhep Meidani, prime minister Pandeli Majko, parliamentary Speaker Skender Gjinushi and members of the parliamentary groups. /led/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] Press review

The daily Koha Jone carries an article entitled "Chernomyrdin hurries to Belgrade," saying that "Waymar troika urges Milosevic to bow to G-8 conditions. Russian envoy on Yugoslavia, Viktor Chernomyrdin, said on Friday that he would go to Belgrade in the coming days to talk with Yugoslav president Slobodan Milosevic." Chernomyrdin said that principles approved on Thursday in Bonn are "a good basis for a peaceful solution to the conflict in Yugoslavia."

In an article entitled "Pressure should be exerted" it is said that NATO Secretary General Javier Solana said yesterday that Yugoslav president Slobodan Milosevic should accept the agreement of G-8 on Kosova.

Under the title "Chernomyrdin to present G-8 decisions to Milosevic" and sub title "Clinton: peacekeeping force like in Bosnia", the daily Shekulli says that U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan nominated another envoy, who will mediate in the Kosova issue Karl Bildt, foreign minister of Sweden. The other envoy is Eduard Kukan, who was appointed a week ago to help this process.

"Solana, Klinton, Cook and Chirac have spoken about the kind of force to be deployed in Kosova. This force would be like a peacekeeping force in Macedonia (SFOR). President Clinton stressed that NATO would be the core of this force," Shekulli says.

In another article carried by the same daily entitled "Extra 176 bombers in NATO bases" it says that NATO has drafted plans carefully. Military peacekeeping forces to be deployed in the region has been prepared to react hostile attacks.

In an article "Kosova: Hunger and chemical weapons," the daily Shekulli which is referring to the news conference of the spokesman of the KLA regional command Gani Sulaj in Kukes, says that two children died of gas poisoning, other 50 from hunger.

Gazeta Shqiptare under the title "Troops in Kosova like in Bosnia" says that Clinton has showed that troops should be deployed, like in Bosnia, in specific areas of Kosova: every sector would have a command structure. In another article entitled "Milo-Rugova, mystery meeting," the same paper quotes Albanian Foreign Minister Paskal Milo as saying "every negotiation among Albanians is useful". /y.pa/ak/

Today's press highlights other articles and themes in relation to the crisis in the region.

Shekulli under the title "We refuse to give up weapons" says that the political adviser of the Kosova prime minister has rejected the peace plan of the G-8 in Germany. "It is unacceptable for the fact that an international security force without NATO could not secure and guarantee its defence," the daily quotes Bilal Sherif, adviser of Hashim Thaçi, Kosova prime minister. In another article entitled "Milo: reservations on peace plan," the same paper says that the official Tirana reacted yesterday against the peace plan on Kosova.

Koha Jone in its article "Milo: We are going to sue Milosevic in the Hague" reports that "Milo, referring to the statement of the G-8 ministers in Bonn, said that it is to early to make statements because there are not many elements and concrete details."

The daily Gazeta Shqiptare under the title "KLA, graves in Tropoja" and subtitle "No blood in hospital for the injured," says that the KLA fighters were buried among Albanian martyrs. The KLA army general staff had thought of creating a cemetery for its fighters to honour all those, who have laid down their lives for the national cause.

Zeri i Popullit in its articles entitled "G-8 agreement and five NATO conditions" and "KLA greets G-8 agreement" reports that "this is a diplomatic step to follow the political line besides the military one in order to meet the five conditions imposed by NATO on Milosevic. This was the statement issued by the Foreign Ministry on behalf of the Albanian government as regards the G-8 accord."

Zeri i Popullit quotes the spokesman of the Kosova Liberation Army in the city of Kukes saying "We were flexible even in Rambouillet, despite the fact that we accepted alternatives, which did not meet our aspiration for independence." /y.pa/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] Blood conservation center invites people to provide blood

A spokesman of the Health Ministry Artur Rada said that the mobile center had gone to different parts of Tirana to those who wanted to provide blood.

Now it is time to help and show solidarity, doctors said. Due to a great number of people who have been wounded and hurt in the North, the demand for blood has been increased, they said.

The center is engaged in the initiative of the health Ministry "Provide blood to save a life," under defined schemes and proper conditions for blood donors. /led/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] Over one thousand Albanians apply for Italian universities

To facilitate the procedures, the Institute of Italian Culture and the Italian Embassy in Tirana have opened three offices, Doc Luccia Cenerini, chief of the institution said.

She said that the registration of Albanian candidates, who want to study in Italy would end on May 14.

The Institute of the Italian Culture has drafted special forms informing young girls and boys about universities or higher schools they want to study while the embassy has eased the practice of visa registration. /led/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] Hundreds of orphan Kosova children present difficulties in their special treatment

According to statistics, only in the camp of Rashbull, administered by the Italian humanitarian mission Arcibaleno and housing about 2 000 Kosovare, over 100 children have lost one of the parents with 66 others remaining alone, under the care of relatives and caretaking staff.

The Italian doctors in Durres said that the treatment of these category of children is rather difficult with the present small number of staff members, because all children are in a traumatic state. In addition, there is a great number of women who have lost their husbands due to the war. Killed during Serb reprisals or lost for a long time, these men have left behind their wives without any support for the children and with many difficulties to cope with. /led/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] Exchange rates of Lek with coreign currencies in Tirane

Follow the exchange rates for Saturday:

Kind of currency Buying Selling USD 140 140,1 DM 76,7 77,5 LIT(1000) 77,8 78,5 GRD(100) 45,6 46,1

/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] IFDC supports with logistic means families housing displaced Kosovars

Sources from IFDC are preparing evidences for these families and are preparing the first package of aid. USAID has also prepared a questionnaire for the families who are hosting Kosovars and has started distribution of first assistance. Sources from the national association of farmers say that thousand of families in the Albanian villages who have housed Kosovars for more than a month, have urgent needs for foodstuff. /xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] Earthquake near southeast Albanian-Greek border

Sources from this Institute report that the quakes were localized on the Albanian-Greek border area.

The strongest tremor was at about 9.21 a.m. (local tine) and measured about 5 points (EMS-92) in Leskovik and the nearby zone.

There are no reports of damages, the same sources said. /s.s./xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] 5000 Kosovars arrive in Morine in 6 hours - The influx continues -

The first convoy of tractors reached this crossing post at about 8 a.m. and it continued nonstop for 6 hours. The border police have registered until 1 p.m. about 5 000 newcomers, while the rate of the flood continues with the same intensity.

The deportees are from villages Lugllat, Dabergjan and Osdren of the commune of Peje and Dubollat, Karshice, Tersdenik, Rovod and Saradoran of the commune of Istog.

The bombings of the Serb army which started a week ago, forced about 10 000 people of those villages to take to the forests of Staradoran, only 9 km from Istog. The previous day they were forced to abandon the forests of Staradoran and come in the meadow between Destenik and Verohot. There they found themselves surrounded by armed Serb policemen and civilians who detached from the group the greatest part of youths.

The most affected by the Serb violence and barbarities, according to the newcomers, has been the village Daberxhan. In that village, Isuf Rexhep Dreca said, Serb paramilitary forces had executed 3 members of the family Iberdemaj. He added that 4 masked civilians had first rushed into their house and maltreated three brothers of Iberdemaj family, breaking their legs, arms and stabbing them in front of 30 members of that family. Then the Serbs took them to the second floor of the house, executed them and then set the house on fire.

Besides this massacre, the newcomers said, Serb paramilitaries have executed many Albanians in their homes in Daberxhan.

At about 10.30 a twenty-year old girl arrived in Morine from village Dabllave of Peje in a very grave state after hit by a bullet in the backbone. At first she was sent to the first Italian camp in Kukes from where she would be airlifted to Tirane for further medical treatment. /xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] Buildings to be rehabilitated for Kosovars and families who have housed them to be assisted - Bonino

Bonino said that in order to cope with this situation, 62 million Euros have been allocated for Albania by the European Union, and the amount will be managed by the Red Cross and other non-governmental organizations.

As for the question of the abuses with a part of the aid, Bonino said that this is a known problem and has been discussed also by representatives of the Albanian Government.

Ms Bonino paid a two-day visit to Albania in the context of her visits to all the crisis-striken region. /pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] zAlbanian deputy Premier Meta meets with E.U High Commissioner

During the meeting, Mr Meta stressed the need of measures for a long- term coping of the emergency situation so that the dilodged Kosovar be accommodated properly for the coming winter in Albania.

Meta said that more importance must be attached to the rehabilitation of the buildings put at the disposal of the Kosovars than to the construction of tented camps which are not proper for the winter time.

Highlighting the work of the Albanian Government in this situation, Ms Bonino said that she agreed with Mr Meta for the improvement of the living conditions for the Kosovars. The creation of proper living conditions in those buildings, added Bonino, would increase jobs and improve the local infrastructure.

Mr Meta said that the government is making all efforts for a maximal transparence regarding the delivery of the humanitarian aid. He stressed that for this aim the non-governmental organizations operating in Albania must coordinate better their work with the Local Government Ministry. /pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] Scalfaro and Meidani visit camp for Kosovars in Kukes

The two presidents, also accompanied by the respective foreign ministers, Dini and Milo, expressed their thanks to all those who had worked for the construction and supplies in that camp, both Albanians and Italians. Scalfaro and Meidani listened to stories of the Kosovars accommodated in the camp, of their sufferings and difficulties encountered until they arrived in Albania.

Many of them thanked the Albanian and Italian states for the welcome and the conditions created in the camp.

Two girls, one 12 years old and another a student, conveyed to the two presidents messages in the name of all the displaced Kosovars. The younger girl recited a verse for Drenice while the student from Fushe Kosova asked the Italian President to influence in the international community so that the historic injustice of 1913 be mended. She asked continuation of NATO strikes until the demands of the international community are met by Milosevic. /pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] AEPC in difficult financial situation

According a decision of the Council of Ministers in February 27,1999 a loan of 650million dollars is accorded to AEPC by the Swiss company EGL. But only 270 million are handed to AEPC inform ATA sources from the Economic Directory of AEPC.

This is the reason why 254 million lek are transfered by the National Commercial Bank in favor of Taxes, after announcement of the sum in the end of April, which against the laws. So with the rest of the sum of nearly 257 million lek the company cannot be able to pay back the value asked by the Swiss company.

According to these sources this is the reason of the interruption of the energy provision of EGL company./led/linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] Six persons in jails for drugs distribution

The regional office of the war against drugs told ATA that police forces arrested on Friday evening Agron Basha, aged 33, Vexhi Gjoni, 56, Eduard Zoto, 21, Kliaton Ferasini, 25, and Elton Fihe, 19, because they were caught while they were distributing drugs.

The arrested persons, inhabitants of Tirane, were caught in the act of distributing 6,8 grams of heroine divided into 18 packs in the billiards of Basha, the same source explained.

The arrest was made by the anti-drugs forces in cooperation with the forces of the Commissariat number II. /pas/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] New Durres-Brindisi ferry boat sets sail

According to employees in the naval agency, the ferry boat is the biggest so far in the transport from Albania to Italy and vice versa. It has cargo space in three floors and a capacity for 1 600 passengers, 75 lorries and 30 cars. The speed of the ferry boat is 20 miles per hour and it covers the distance from Durres to Brindisi in 4 hours.

Besides the transportation of passengers and vehicles, the ferry boat Jupiter is also helping to bring aid such as foodstuff, clothing, etc coming from Italy to Albania for the deported Kosovars. /pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] Donors' Conference before Bon meeting

Although the right day is not defined yet, Albanian Minister of Finance Anastas Angjeli said that there are several initiatives for a donors' conference, but the main initiative for organizing such conferences being small and limited one, has a defined target.

"The main target of this conference is the covering of the budgetary expenditures, which remained such till now," said Minister of Finance Anastas Angjeli.

He said that the "aim of this conference is the making of the balance of the needs, the balances of the needs to be fulfilled till now and for the rest to appeal to the donors to meet them in order not to allow any financial shake to occur in these moments."

The World Bank and European Union, which decided to open a common office in Balkan to be so close with the countries affected by Kosova crisis, are discussing the implementing of such conference and suggested this conference to be held before Bon conference.

The country to be held this conference has also been discussed and according to the suggestions it might be Italy, Brussels or any other country.

Meanwhile on Monday the European Commission for the Monetary Question Yves Thubault de Silguy will present to the Ministers of Finance the first study related with the impacts of Kosova crisis in the economy of Balkan countries affected more by the conflict, such as Albania, Macedonia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania and Bosnia-Hercegovina./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] Majko says it's dangerous to divide Albanian factors in Kosove in terrorists and in moderated persons

Majko added that the war has always an end, it has always a winner and a loser and the determination of the winner and the loser in Kosove, creates conditions for the peace.

Albanian Prime Minister, Pandeli Majko, highlighted the importance of the close cooperation between the Albanian and the Italian governments for a full information on the steps to be undertaken in these very delicate situations, and these steps should be well-studied.

Scalfaro considered Albanian Premier's concern as right, and pointed out that he shared the same opinion with Majko on keeping of close contact between the Albanian and the Italian government. /dast/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] Association of Real Estate: "Facilitates on transactions"

National Association of the Real Estates of Albania is established in 1996 by organizing and improving the activities of the co-between agencies, which relate the operation of selling and buying and renting of the real estates according to the respective commissions.

The Association draft, issued and distribute even informative materials concerning the information of the market of the Real Estate in Albania and abroad.

This Association keeps regular contacts with the construction companies, which are the base of the development of the Real Estate./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] Miloshevic aims at destabilising the region: Speaker of Albanian Parliament

The events after Rambuillet are clearly showing who is the causer of the crises and who is in its bases. Through the ethnic cleansing Miloshevic aims not only the change of the ethnic relationships in Kosove, but he aims as well the destabilizing of the entire region, said Gjinushi.

Afterwards Gjinushi pointed out that the international community reached once more a peace accord through G-8 and we hail the initiative of the European Union for e protectorate in Kosove as well as the presence of an international force with NATO participating in it, as a guarantee on a long term stability in the region. This is the only solution, said Gjinushi. /A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[20] Deficit of Custom Offices marks 2,2 billion lek

"Nevertheless Kosova crisis there is an increase during April, where the plan reached the value of 90%", stated today the Minister of Finance Anastas Angjeli in the analyze of the first four months with the Directors of the Custom and Tax Offices.

According to Angjeli it is obvious a deficit of 2,2 billion lek, where 1,3 billion is the deficit of Tirana, Durresi and Gjirokastra.

The Minister stressed out that the custom duties are paid for only 36 tones during this period and do not justify the work done by this directory. This thing speaks for hide smuggling.

"It is said that this contraband is occurring in Kapshtica, Gjirokastra, Shkodra through the lake or any where else", said Angjeli.

He complaints about the work did by the Custom Police, which nevertheless the fees did not manage to eliminate the smuggling phenomena.

"We have decided to implement embargo towards Serbis.To fulfill this aim all the structures in cooperation with NATO are authorized to hit it strongly," said Angjeli concerning smuggling phenomena.

According to Angjeli the control in Montenegro border must be strengthened not to allow any smuggling attempts.

He said that 40 other anti-contraband Offices are going to be employed and perhaps 100 other ones within a year./linda.

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[21] Bonino says that all EU aid are to undergo transparency process

Majko mentioned some ways of achieving this engagement, such as the delivery of aid for the Albanian families hosting the displace Kosovars, the setting up of new camps and reconstruction of the public places.

Premier Majko insisted in creating conditions for a completely open and transparent process in delivering and managing of the aid for the displaced Kosovars in order to guarantee totally their well-administation.

Majko expressed also his reserves on the work of some non-governmental organizations carrying out this process in Albania.

Commissioner Bonino said that she was interested to get acquainted with the views of the Albanian government on the priority principles and the way where and how to address the humanitarian aid delivered for facing the situation created due to the dislocation of the war refugee Kosovars.

"All the aid accorded by the EU are to undergo transparency process and the Albanian government will be supplied with all the necessary data to administrate the humanitarian aid. I will make clear the necessity of transparency in this direction", said Bonino. /lh/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[22] Wood Industry: 70 units with 2 000 employees are operating

The statistical specialists in Shkodra Prefecture Mimoza Jahaj told ATA that nearly 70 units with 2 000 employees are operating. According to her these units realize nearly 10% of the total industrial production of the district.

The great part in this production is covered by "Ital-Shqip" enterprise. This enterprise is producing different furniture for bedrooms, kitchen and chairs. Most of these products are exported.

Other companies such as Afrim, Lezha and Shkodra.The products produced in Shkodra are bought all over the country, by making it a profitable business always in progress.

Two new lines are adding to this industry constructing by native and foreign investitures in Shtoj and Berdice villages, These two lines will be completed in June.

Shkodra district had a forest area of nearly 110 000 ha, dominated by pines and the wood elaboration industry has done a great progress during the last years./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[23] Tribute paid to MAPE officer

Taking part at the farewell ceremony were Minister of Public Order Petro Koci, the chief of the MAPE mission to Albania, General Alaine Labror, and other leaders of the Public Order Ministry and MAPE mission. Seltier's contribution to Albanian police's training was highly evaluated.

Later, the his body was sent to his birthplace in Germany. /lh/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[24] Koci says he will present resignation as Public Order Minister

"I have decided to present to the president my resignation from the position of the Minister of Public Order," said Koci, explaining that he had taken this decision after strained relations with Prime Minister Pandeli Majko.

"The unexpected dismissal of Deputy Minister of Public Order Ilirian Celibashi several months ago for a groundless reasons, my refusal of two candidatures for the position of the Public Order Deputy minister, the students' hunger strike, for which I did not agree to their being forced out of the strike premises, my suspension of the Vlore police commissar, Sokol Kociu, whose discharge has not yet been signed by the Prime Minister, " were the reasons provided by the Minister of Public Order regarding his strained relations with the Prime Minister.

According to Koci, "The relations began straining since the Majko- Berisha meeting and the latter's proposal of the pact on order".

Responding to reporters' questions, Koci stressed that his resignation at this situation did not influence in the possibility of a destabilisation, as "the Albanian police are now very much consolidated".

"The final decision for my resignation will be taken after official contacts and written request I will hand over to the President of the Republic today," said Koci, adding that "I am acting in this way not to fall victim of clans," without giving further details on them. /lh/lm/

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