Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-05-15

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] Serb shells in zone of old Tropoje

[02] Serb artillery hitting in the direction of Albanian villages in Has district

[03] Exchange rates of local money, Lek, with foreign currencies

[04] Press review

[05] 5 545 newcomers from Kosova evacuated from Kukes last Friday

[06] Topography of integrated circuits in Albania now protected by law

[07] Project on Kapshtice-Korce highway ready

[08] New customs code comes to force on May 15,1999

[09] NATO bombardments along the border between Albania and Kosova

[10] Majko: Catholic Church providing extraordinary help for Albania - Albanian Prime Minister meets USCC delegation-

[11] Ulqini: Albania did not "export" Balkan problems to other parts of Europe

[12] ATA opens international press centre for Albanian and foreign media

[13] AMC ready to apply privatization formula

[14] Majko following situation of Kosova refugees in Tirane

[15] Two new postage-stamps

[16] Meidani asks temporary solution in form of international protectorate

[17] Four billion lek bonus more on sale

[18] Multi-national exercise "Combined Endeavor", the biggest in communication service

[19] Projects on other sites for sheltering Kosova comers

[20] Milo says military pressure on Milosevic should not stop

[21] PM Majko to visit Korca Prefecture on Sunday

[22] Swiss Foreign Minister Delss in Albania tomorrow

[23] Eastern states discuss fight against organised crime -From 17th International Conference in Athens-

[24] Ongoing raids, meeting NATO's demands could guarantee solution to Kosova issue

[25] Yugoslav border forces shot and wounded an Albanian

[01] Serb shells in zone of old Tropoje

The spokesman of the police commissariat of the district told ATA that at 8.35 p.m. on Friday, Serb military forces have shelled for some minutes in succession with heavy artillery in the direction of the commune of Tropoje. Three shells have fallen on the old Tropoje-Bajram Curri road.

The some sources confirm that there have been no casualties while the military forces of the brigade of Bajram Curri have sounded an alarm signal for the inhabitants of the village to go to safe shelters. Albanian military forces have followed the situation closely but have not responded the fire, because the shells have been coming from deep zones in the Yugoslav territory.

The area of Tropoje and especially the villages of Padesh, Zogaj, Kamenice, Zherkaj, etc., since the beginning of April have been targets of the Serb artillery. The tense situation continuing for some time has caused the depopulation of these villages along the border at a length of 57 km in the district of Tropoje. The number of the villagers leaving their homes is estimated as high as over 4 000. /led/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] Serb artillery hitting in the direction of Albanian villages in Has district

Besides numerous mortars falling in that border village, ten artillery shells also fell near village Golaj, the centre of the biggest commune of that district, 3 km deep in the Albanian territory. The same source reported of no casualties or material damage, while the situation in that zone continues to be tense.

The border villages of that district especially Letaj, Dobrun, Zec, etc, have been evacuated of the locals with only men remaining to assist the border and army forces, who are ready in defence of their territories. /led/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] Exchange rates of local money, Lek, with foreign currencies

Follow today's exchange rates of Lek:

Kind of currency Buying Selling USD 141,5 142 DM 77,3 77,5 LIT(1000) 78, 3 78,5 GRD(100) 46,3 46,5

/led/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] Press review

KOHA JONE, independent

- Lino, real president of Albania, leaves." After three years the U.S. Ambassador will leave Tirane. - "Prosecutor's office: Thaci must help us with testimony of Bukoshi's involvement in uprising. Investigators demand from Kosova Prime Minister to assist them with inquiries into the unrest of September 13 and 14 last year in Albania, caused by an abortive attempt for coup d'etat. - "Union for Democracy warns of violent conflicts." The writing treats yesterday's statement of leaders of this political grouping according to which they are ready to lead any protest. - "Kosova Government demands recognition from neighbors." The spokesman of the Interim Government of Kosove in a news conference yesterday asked the neighbouring countries to recognize the Government of Kosova. - "Without KLA the question of Kosove would be marking time." This is declaration of the Defence Minister in the Interim Government of Kosove, Azem Sylaj.

GAZETA SHQIPTARE, independent daily

- "Rugova: I will meet with Hashim Thaci." Rugova pledged from London yesterday their quick unity. - "U.S. and Europe solve the Balkans. "The Big" draft a joint plan. - "Union for Democracy: Gjinushi deceived Majko." This is what leaders of this political grouping declared yesterday. - "Lino relates of her three years as a diplomat in Albania." The newspaper summarizes the Friday evening tv interview of the U.S. Ambassador Marisa Lino. - Bombs on the camp: 56 victims." NATO bombing on Yugoslavia continues. - "Clinton speaks with his Chinese counterpart. Pardon us. Beijing continues keeping silence." U.S. President has managed, after a series of efforts, to have a telephone talk with his Chinese counterpart, Juang Zemin. - "High Tension in Podgorice." Belgrade's lightings hit Montenegrin President following his trip from the West.

SHEKULLI, independent daily

- "Rugova has not condemned Serb crimes." Interview with renowned Albanian writer, Ismail Kadare. - "Friends of Albania: Aid is being stolen. Daan Everts and Natalia Cea demand from Meta that Government stop contraband and corruption in customs houses. - "Recognise Thaci and independence of Kosove." Spokesman of KLA, Krasniqi, addresses an appeal to international community. - "Rugova in London meets with Blair and Cook." From the meetings of Rugova in London yesterday. - "Gjinushi: Rugova is not President." Interview with the chairman of the People's Assembly of Albania, Skender Gjinushi. - "Now the initiative is with KLA." The writing dwells on the naming of the new KLA Chief of Staff, who is appreciated by the Americans. - "U.N. declares state of emergency in Albania." U.N. decided last evening on "a state of emergency" for its staff operating in Albania.

RILINDJA, information daily newspaper, independent

- "Security must be guaranteed for return of people in Kosove," declared Rugova in London yesterday during the meetings he had with the British Prime Minister, Blair and the British Foreign Secretary, Cook. - "I came here to convey messages of hope..." U.S. First Lady, Hillary Clinton met yesterday with Kosova refugees in the camp of Stenkovac (Skopje.)

ALBANIA, independent daily

- "Albania on verge of chaos" - "KLA financed by bin Laden." Statement of chairman of the National Information Service, Fatos Klosi.

EKONOMIA, a daily of the Albanian Agency for Economic Development. - "Customs Houses. Farewell to price-floor." According to the New Customs Code which comes into force today, the commodities will be cleared with invoices and without a price-floor. -"ABA to offer another 3 million dollar credit." American Bank of Albania considering possibility to accord another three million dollar credit. - "Draft law for AMC privatization." - "Foreign companies declare only losses" states general director of Taxes, Kujtim Brovina.

ZERI I POPULLIT, daily paper of the Socialist Party of Albania. - "We must be compensated for war damages - Majko." Albanian Prime Minister met yesterday the chief of the investigation for crimes in Kosove, Milner. - "Now it's Apaches turn. Waiting Order by NATO Supreme Command. - "Rugova meets with Blair." From yesterday's meeting in London of the moderate leader of Albanian Kosovars, Ibrahim Rugova with the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair.

RILINDJA DEMOKRATIKE, daily paper of the Democratic Party of Albania. - "Klosi sells out KLA." - "Any kind of force in Kosove must have NATO in its structure- Rugova"

/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] 5 545 newcomers from Kosova evacuated from Kukes last Friday

According to the sources the border police, only some 90 persons entered Morine pass on Friday. They were maltreated, and one of them had his leg broken. Nine from the new arrivals are sent to Kukes civil hospital. They are mainly from Suareke and Malisheve where Kosova Liberation Army and Serb forces are having severe clashes.

The latest comers tell that the Serb paramilitary forces have taken from the long line of people in the automobilistic road Zhure-Morine several youths and men and did not allow them to pass the border. The total number of people entering Kukes Prefecture since the beginning of displaced Kosovars' influx is estimated at 408 258 people. /led/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] Topography of integrated circuits in Albania now protected by law

With the new law, said to ATA on Saturday the director of the patents office in the Ministry of Education and Science, Spartak Bozo, "it becomes possible that the interests of the inventors, producers and traders of the integrated circuits in Albania be equated with those of other countries, ensuring at the same time the exclusiveness of ownership on a new product."

Specialists also admit that the drafting and approval of this law was made conformed to the TRP Agreement which has to do with international trade aspects of industrial ownership. Albania's membership in the World Trade Organization, stressed Bozo, is conditioned also by the fact that all countries aspire to become members of the WTO, to guarantee the protection of the integrated circuits and their topography. The adoption of the law enables the defence of the interests of local and foreign investors of electronic industry. /led/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] Project on Kapshtice-Korce highway ready

Roland Raço, chief of town-planning section in the district council, told ATA that the project foresees the motor-way to be wide 11.5 meters, and to have four passes. Some 40 art works are to be build in this highway.

The tender to carry out the work for its construction is won by the Macedonian company "Granit". The construction of this highway is financed by the World Bank, and is worth $10 million. The group in charge of the project has finished even the project for the highway Korçe-Pogradec, 45 kilometers long.

The motor way Kapshtice-Korçe-Pogradec-Qafe Thane will connect Korçe region with the 8th corridor and with the neighboring country of Greece. /led/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] New customs code comes to force on May 15,1999

Beginning with May 15, 1999, the price-floor of goods which traders had to pay for their commodities passing through clearance is lifted. According to the deputy minister of Finances, Adriana Berberi "in this way the traders will have their commodities cleared through the customs on the basis of the value which will they themselves will present for their price in the purchase invoice."

The removal of the floor-price for most of the goods means cheaper prices, because the traders will pay the customs fee for their commodities differentiated from the purchase price.

"The removal of the floor-price for most of the articles will limit contraband. The new Customs Code carries many strong sanctions against this phenomenon and the fiscal evasion," said to ATA the Customs General Director, Ardina Maci. /led/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] NATO bombardments along the border between Albania and Kosova

Sources from the Kukes border police inform that the Serb positions in the regions of Dobrune and Shishtavec are shelled recently, and the powerful blasts are heard only some thousands of meters near the Albanian border.

The same sources point out that these bombardments are concentrated to the military centers of the Serb military forces dislocated along the border. NATO shelled during the last weeks even mined areas.

According to the inhabitants of the border regions, Serb border stations as well as military forces near the border are totally destroyed due to these attacks. /pas/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] Majko: Catholic Church providing extraordinary help for Albania - Albanian Prime Minister meets USCC delegation-

Prime Minister Pandeli Majko on Saturday met with a delegation of the U.S. Catholic Church (USCC), headed by the head of this institution Kenneth Hackett.

"The Catholic Church of Albania has carried out an extraordinary and appreciating work in Albania. We have felt its assistance not only in the aid to cope with the emergency situation, created by the influx of the Kosova war refugees, but also in the long-term and its multi-faceted plans, " said Majko.

The Prime Minister added that in Albania, before the outbreak of the Kosova conflict, there existed a spiritual crisis despite efforts to overcome it.

"The arrival of the Kosova refugees, as projected in the Belgrade regime's plans, could cause chaos in Albania. But quite the contrary happened. We felt ourselves more Albanian and better recognised out values. The way the crisis has been coped with has the features of simple people rather than of politicians," said Majko.

The USCC representatives familiarised the Albanian Prime Minister with their ongoing activity in Albania and guaranteed that this activity in favour of the Kosova refugees will continue in the future, too.

"We are interested to be present with our aid and hope that the crisis will be over as soon as possible. We want to help people in a way that they can later help themselves," they said appreciating the hospitality of the Albanian people in treating the refugees.

Also present at the meeting was Apostolic Nuncio Giovanni Bulaitis and Dom Rrok Mirdita. /y.pa/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] Ulqini: Albania did not "export" Balkan problems to other parts of Europe

Albania will face the humanitarian challenge with the aid of the international community.

He said that information coming from Kukes that the refugees are reluctant to be relocated to other parts of the country are somewhat exaggerated.

"It is only a small part that is unwilling to relocate," said Ulqini, adding: "I could say that today in Kukes there are only 80 000, while in my frequent conferences I have always stated that there are 100 000 or 120 000 Kosovars located in this town."

Ulqini considered a success that which he called "action to assist all Albanian families housing Kosova refugees".

Asked how long will Albania be able to house more than 1 million Kosovars that might come, Ulqini said: "We are convinced that NATO will achieve its objectives and they will very soon return home".

Reading a statement, Ulqini said that "the Albanian government did not 'export' refugees to Italy and elsewhere, thus not being part of Milosevic's ethnic cleansing mechanism and not allowing problems to be transferred to other parts of Europe."

Ulqini also said that "the Albanian government, avoiding the country's destabilisation due to the refugee influx, has been turned into a factor of political stability of Macedonia (FYROM) and of the position of moderate President Djukanovic in Montenegro".

Referring to the position of the Albanian Government about the G8 proposals which various Kosova leaders have considered with reserves, the Minister said that "the government has officially declared that it recognises and respects the five conditions put forward by NATO and any other initiative in compliance with these terms". /pas/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] ATA opens international press centre for Albanian and foreign media

The new centre, the first of its kind, will come to the aid of the Albanian and foreign media and, under the auspices of ATA, it will be at their service from 8.00 a.m. to midnight.

The press center was inaugurated today by Minister of Information Musa Ulqini, who held a news conference in its premises.

Through the press centre, the Albanian and foreign reporters will be able to receive a fast and accurate information through the direct lines actually functioning in the agency's network, REUTER, AFP, ANSA, DPA and other agencies, but also through the ATA domestic service in English and French.

The press centre will also offer the service of internet, telephone and fax, FTP Photo-transmission, the diary of daily main events and will enable contacts with Albanian state senior officials. /dast/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] AMC ready to apply privatization formula

The project law will be discussed in the Albanian Parliament and its approval the application of privatization procedures will start.

This company, the only of its kind, has positive balance in the financial components. This company increases the numeric capacity supported by the German company "Alcatel SEL". It is planned the increasing of the number of its clients, at the moment 8000 ones, to 20 000 within two months.

The other companies to be involved in the privatization process are "Albtelecom", "Albcooper", "Albchromium" and SERVCOM./led/linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] Majko following situation of Kosova refugees in Tirane

Majko, accompanied by Minister of Local Government Arben Demeti, expressed to the Tirane mayor, Albert Brojka, the government's interest in getting to know the situation in the capital, where the number of the deported Kosovars, housed in camps and Tirane families is reaching 90 000.

In implementation of the decision of the Council of Ministers on March 28,1999, the Finance and Local Government Ministries have ordered that "the Kosova refugees be provided with a daily food quota up to 200 leks per person".

Brojka evaluated the measures taken by the Government and cooperation with the local government bodies to alleviate the sufferings of the Kosova brothers driven out of their ethnic lands. For this purpose, he said, the Tirana city-hall is also coordinating the work with non-governmental organisations.

Brojka informed Majko that the humanitarian aid is being monitored rapidly and with transparency and asked from the Albanian Red Cross to speed up work on aid distribution, especially of food, also to the capital's families that have housed over 80% of the refugees.

Afterwards, Majko's meeting with the leading staff of the Tirane city- hall continued behind closed doors. /y.pa/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] Two new postage-stamps

Tirana, May 15 (ATA) - By E.Metaj - The State Commission of the Stamps decided to increase the variety of the Albanian postage-stamps with two new ones.

According to the sources from the commercial association "Albapost", which directs all the operation of Albanian philanthropy, Albania will issue two new postage stamps, one with NATO emblem and the other with Holocaust one. This will be implement by Greek stamps' company "Matcquaqis", which won the respective tender organized by "Albpost".

14 new stamps is the average number of the stamps to be issued every year, which are the bases of the export of the Albanian stamp in the International fairs of philanthropy./led/linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] Meidani asks temporary solution in form of international protectorate

The aim of the delegation is to get familiarised with the views of President Meidani on coping with the influx of the deported Kosovars in Albania, the solution of the conflict in Kosova, the role of various factors in the conflict and the development prospect in the region, according to the President's press office.

Referring to the situation in Albania Meidani said that it is an emergency situation towards normalisation, but added that it might worsen in the summer, especially in the winter unless reconstruction or construction of light prefabricated structures are considered since now.

Referring to the solution of the crisis in the region, Meidani said:"We are in favour of a temporary solution in the form of an international protectorate, which will create conditions for institutional, economic and human development in Kosova".

Meidani reiterated the constant objective of official Tirane regarding the idea for the unification of the Albanian forces in Kosova, towards a representative structure with indisputable authority.

He also spoke of the need for international aid for the KLA and the Albanian civilians, under its protection, sheltered in the Kosova mountains and forests. /dast/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] Four billion lek bonus more on sale

According to the sources from Tirana stock exchange the total sum offered on sale for the bonus of three months maturity is 2 billion lek. The total sum for six and twelve months maturity is 1 billion each. The results of this auction are going to be made public on Monday.

In the auction held this week by the Albanian Bank the value of the three, six and twelve months maturity is 6,5 billion lek.

The sum of bonus on sale marked 6,3 billion lek, while different investitures asked to buy nearly 7,3 billion lek. The most interested in buying the bonus of the Albanian Government were the banks of the second level./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] Multi-national exercise "Combined Endeavor", the biggest in communication service

The Albanian army takes part in this programmed exercise, which has begun since May 6, for the first time as a full-status member, after participating four other times during '95 -'98.

Participation under this status means direct engagement in all activity stages, beginning with those of planning down to those exercising coordination with 32 participating nations of NATO and PfP.

The exercise's elements realised by the Albanian army at the communication centre set up at the Communication Brigade in Tirane are transmission of phonic messages and transmission of data by computer through the short-wave radio network.

The training activity has now entered its second phase of development and is very dynamic as to the number of the messages sent and received. /dast/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] Projects on other sites for sheltering Kosova comers

The head of Elbasani District Board Ilir Balliu told ATA that the projects are ready and the operation will start soon. The buildings of the State reserves in Xibraka, Gjinar, Gramsh and Prenjas and the building of Metallurgic Combine will be used for this aim.

Nearly 5 000 arrivals will be accommodated in Xibrake, 1 500 in Gjinar, 3 500 in Gramsh, 2 000 in Prenjas and the rest in Elbasan.

The building of state reserves in Kukel, Gramsh needs reconstruction and improvement of the drinking water system./y.pa.-Ani/linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[20] Milo says military pressure on Milosevic should not stop

Milo explained to the French parliamentarians the tragic situation in Kosova, with the Yugoslav army and other Serb paramilitary and police forces causing unprecedented atrocities.

"Milosevic has long since been preparing for such acts against Albanians. His policy in Kosova has been its Serbisation. But now, facing a strong international political and military pressure for a final solution to the Kosova crisis, he has largely manifested his medieval genocide."

"Therefore, the military pressure on Milosevic should not be halted until he finally surrenders," added Milo.

He said Kosova after the conflict and the entire region should later enjoy a wide international political and economic support.

The French legislators said that "Albania, despite the huge problems facing it during the transition period, found strength to cope with this grave crisis, therefore it merits our all-round support both in coping with the current crisis in Kosova and in implementing the vast development projects for the period to come". /dast/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[21] PM Majko to visit Korca Prefecture on Sunday

PM Majko accompanied by General Reith will visit NATO troops there. Later on he will make a visit in the Prefecture office and the camp of Kosova displaced.

In midday PM Majko will move to Pogradec, where he will hold a meeting in the Municipality office and will visit Kosova expelled camp in this town.

During this work visit PM Pandeli Majko is accompanied by the Deputy Prime Minister Meta, Ministers of Local Government Demeti, Minister of Information Ulqini and the Special Coordinator Islami./lh/linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[22] Swiss Foreign Minister Delss in Albania tomorrow

During his first day of the visit Mr. Delss will visit the camp set up for Kosova comers in Spitalle, Durres, the Red Cross Center in Tirana and will meet representatives of Albanian Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

On Monday, May 17, the Foreign Minister Delss will meet senior personalities of Albanian State, PM Pandeli Majko, President of the Republic of Albania and the parliament Speaker Skender Gjinushi.

At the end of his visit Minister Delss together with his Albanian homologous will hold a common press conference./lh/linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[23] Eastern states discuss fight against organised crime -From 17th International Conference in Athens-

The press office of the Public Order Ministry on Saturday told ATA that the conference, where the participants were mainly from eastern countries, discussed crime and the factors influencing on it.

Albanian Deputy Minister of Public Order Bajram Ezeiri, made a presentation of the situation of public order and organised crime in Albania. He especially dwelt on the factors affecting the crime situation as well as the measures taken to normalise the situation.

The Secretary of State at the German Interior Ministry, Regensburger, treated the possibilities and ways of international cooperation to avoid organised crime.

All participants as well as representatives of "Europol" and "Interpol" dwelt on this issues as well. /dast/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[24] Ongoing raids, meeting NATO's demands could guarantee solution to Kosova issue

The minister briefed the French parliamentary delegation on the reality and activity of the Albanian army, its goals for restructuring and cooperation with NATO, which is now an institutionalised reality.

Hajdaraga mentioned the facilities Albania offered to NATO both for humanitarian and military aims.

He said to the French senators "the situation on the ground is very grave. Massacres, violence and ethnic cleansing have made the situation more dramatic."

"We believe that ongoing air raids and meeting NATO's demands are the only guarantees for a right and long-term solution to the crisis in Kosova as well as the only guarantee for peace and stability in the region," he said.

At the end of the meeting, the French parliamentarians expressed their wish to boost cooperation between the two countries in order to find a right and lasting solution to the Kosova crisis. /lh/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[25] Yugoslav border forces shot and wounded an Albanian

A spokesman of the police commissariat of the Malesia e Madhe said to ATA that this happened at 07.30 a.m. when Ylli Vulaj, 28, from village of Hot on board of a boat with two other co-villagers violated the Yugoslav territorial waters.

Their boat was surrounded by the patrolling ship of the Yugoslav border forces, which opened fire in the direction of three Albanians wounding Vulaj, the spokesman said.

The wounded was sent to the civil hospital of the city of Shkodra and hospital sources said that his health condition is serious due to injuries caused by firearms.

This is the first case this year when the Yugoslav border forces fire at the Albanian citizens.

Last year an Albanian was killed and another wounded by Yugoslav forces. /lh/ak/

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