Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-05-17

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] Koci: I want my dismissal be decreed as soon as possible

[02] Last week's best sold musical albums

[03] Majko: We see in Switzerland a serious partner not only in protocol relations

[04] Dollar at 142 leks

[05] Lino says Albania - special experience in my diplomatic mission

[06] Most preferred books in Tirane libraries

[07] Albanian president urges Marshall plan for the Balkans

[08] Albanian parliament backs Kosova protectorate under NATO security

[09] Homage to Kosova academician Agani

[10] Hungary backs NATO options for solution of Kosova crises

[11] British Premier due to Albania on Tuesday

[12] Deiss says NATO's demands - basis for solution to Kosova crisis

[13] Slovak officials visit Albania

[14] Center of accounts on crimes, genocide against Kosovars opened

[15] NATO forces aim at creating durable military infrastructure

[16] Saving Bank: Contributions for Kosova expelled reach to 286.9 million lek

[17] 150 tones food to come today in Tirana

[18] Serbian forces fire in direction of Albanian territory

[19] Tirana: New elections at Trade and Industry Chamber

[20] Salaries of budgetary employees increase by 10%

[21] Spanish camp of Hamallaj for Kosova refugees inaugurated

[22] Saving Bank: Interest tax do not bring deposits fall

[23] Albanian Army will respond according to law any border provocation - Chief

[01] Koci: I want my dismissal be decreed as soon as possible

"Given the course of events, this action should not be prolonged," Koci told ATA.

At a news conference on May 8, Minister of Public Order Petro Koci made public his decision to quit. But the next day, after meeting Prime Minister Majko he withdrew his decision under the motive that "he had agreed with the Prime Minister to reestablish a sure climate of understanding to govern the country, especially taking into consideration the difficult situation".

Minister of Information Musa Ulqini told a news conference at the news press centre at the banian telegraphic Agency that "Prime Minister Pandeli Majko has officially presented to President Meidani the request for the discharge of Public Order Minister Petro Koci". /led/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] Last week's best sold musical albums

Meanwhile, the Vengaboys with the Album "Up & down", which for several weeks led the table, last week ranked the second.

Classification of ten best sold albums: 10- Cher Strong enough 9- Laura Pauzini La risposta 8- Offspring American 7- Sottotono Amor de mia Vida 6- Emilia Big big world 5- Britney Spears Baby one more time 4- In go Snow on the Sahara 3- TLC No scrub 2- Vengaboys Up & down 1- Mr. Ozino Flat Beat /f.n/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] Majko: We see in Switzerland a serious partner not only in protocol relations

In his meeting with Swiss Foreign Minister Joseph Deiss, Majko asked that the relations between the two countries be further promoted to better respond to the excellent impact Switzerland has on Albania, the spokesman of the Prime Minister reports.

"Alongside our efforts to cope with the situation created, we are continuing the initiated reforms in economy. The privatisation process in the strategic sectors is being accelerated and we would be open to discussion with the representatives of your business," said Majko.

In Albania there are many spaces not yet discovered by the Swiss business, said Majko, stressing that "in Switzerland we see a serous partner, not only in protocol relations."

The Swiss Foreign Minister said that his government is very much interested in a stabilised Balkans and the return of all Kosovar war refugees to their lands.

He considered the relations between Albania and Switzerland friendly and said that the end of the conflict would add to the chances to increase these relations. /led/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] Dollar at 142 leks

Foreign currency exchange rate:

currency buying selling USD 141,5 142 DM 77 77,4 ITL(1000) 78 78,3 GRD(100) 46 46,3 /lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] Lino says Albania - special experience in my diplomatic mission

Press office at the Albanian Foreign Ministry said that Milo praised the contribution of the ambassador of the United States in strengthening the bilateral relations during a farewell meeting at his office.

"During this period the intensity of our relations has been increased. This is reflected even in concrete programmes in economic aspects, in establishing democratic institutions and improvement of the civil society," Milo said to the U.S. ambassador.

"Now Albania is part of my life and I will continue to be devoted to it even in the future. Albania is a special experience during my diplomatic mission," Lino said.

Milo and Lino discussed the situation in the region, Albania's efforts to cope with the situation and its solutions, the same source said without elaborating.

Marisa Lino was appointed extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador of the United States in Albania in 1996 replacing the ambassador Joseph Lake. /led/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] Most preferred books in Tirane libraries

According to a survey made in the capital's bookshops, the most preferred books were the philosophic, historical, and political ones.

"The life and work of the distinguished German writer Goethe", written by Herman Grim, and translated into Albanian by Injac Saraçi is a very liked book. In both parts of the book, the author presents everything from Goethe work. The book is published by the Publishing House "Toena" and costs 350 leks.

"Insulted and humiliated", written by Fjodor Dostojevski has attracted the reader of the capital. The book is published by the Publishing House "Albin".

Another preferred book in the capital is the "Love psychoanalyzes" written by Eric Fromm.

The historical book "Kosova in geopolitics", written by Shaban Sinai and published by the Publishing House "Dritero" is a summary of studies, analyses, and writer's papers on the events on Kosove during the last two years.

"Dracula" written by the Irish author F.Scott Fitchxherald is another book which has attracted the interest of readers during the last week.The book is published y the Publishing House "Egnatia" /led/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] Albanian president urges Marshall plan for the Balkans

Swiss foreign minister Deiss said that he was ready to this end and added that the Swiss contribution would be increased during this year. He added that "Albania has been and will remain at the focus of the attention of Switzerland's development projects in other countries.

"The Balkan region needs a Marshall plan, which will start with common projects in infrastructure like the eight corridor," Meidani said.

Both officials shared the same views on the attitude of the international community in resolving the Kosova issue, establishing a strong military presence led by NATO as a security factor for the return of refugees.

Regarding this presence, president Meidani said that it would be necessary to deploy mixed military units and not units based on nationalities in certain areas to stir up the return of all expelled people from Kosova.

He also reiterated that he was against the partition of Kosova considering it a very dangerous idea for the region where ethnically mixed population live.

Present at the meeting was also Albanian foreign minister Paskal Milo and ambassadors of Albania and Switzerland in respective countries. /led/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] Albanian parliament backs Kosova protectorate under NATO security

Press office at the Albanian parliament quoted Gjinushi as saying "the basis of the crisis is the policy of ethnic cleansing in Kosova, which aimed at destabilising the whole region."

He stressed that there would be no right and long-term solution to the Kosova issue without meeting NATO's demands.

Gjinushi also urged intensification of NATO operations. He added that the Albanian parliament had called for ground intervention.

Praising the role of the Kosova Liberation Army (KLA) as a resistance and self-defence force in Kosova, Gjinushi said that it should be assisted and strengthened.

"The Albanian parliament backs a protectorate for Kosova under NATO security and administered by the European Union for a medium term period," Gjinushi said.

Swiss minister Deiss, condemning the policy of ethnic cleansing in Kosova, hailed the attitude of the Albanian authorities towards the people of Kosova, who had been driven from their lands. /led/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] Homage to Kosova academician Agani

Head of the academy Prof Ylli Popa condemned the policy of genocide being exerted against the Albanian people in Kosova.

The Kosova academician Besim Vokshi considered Agani a "firm opponent to any compromise with the policy of Serbian genocide against the Albanian people, who are living in their ethnic territories in Kosova."

Prof Shaban Demiraj mentioned the contribution of Agani for the opening of the Prishtina university, development of sciences of Albanology as well as firm opponent against anti scientific theses of the Serbian administration against the Albanian people, which reached its climax with massive expulsion of Albanians from Kosova.

The Academician Kristaq Prifti spoke about the activity of Prof Agani as a prominent personality in science and Albanian culture, unyielding fighter for the sake of our national cause.

Prof Ylli Popa proposed that the Academician Agani be awarded by president of Albania Rexhep Meidani. /led/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] Hungary backs NATO options for solution of Kosova crises

TIRANE, May 17 (ATA) - By I.Luto: The Hungarian parliament backs the strategy in which NATO expounded the solution of crises in Kosove, Mr. Andreas Gyrk, member of the Hungarian parliamentarian delegation which visited Albania for the first time recently to give a first-hand look the results of the aid the Hungarian government accorded to face the emergency situation in Albania, told ATA on Monday.

"We are convinced that the fulfilling of the five conditions proposed by NATO and presented in the meeting of G-8, are a certain way of solving the crises", said Mr. Gyrk.

The Hungarian parliamentary delegation hold a meeting in Tirane with the Parliament Deputy Speaker, Namik Dokle, and they visited some camps where displaced Kosovars are sheltered.

This delegation was accompanied by several television teams. Such a thing "will enable the public opinion to attend what is happening with Kosova people". The Hungarian deputy called the situation in Kosove "an ethnic cleansing". Public opinion will be shown now other images of this reality despite the reality presented by the foreign mediae. /led/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] British Premier due to Albania on Tuesday

Albanian Information Ministry told ATA that the British Prime Minister has scheduled a meeting in Elbasani makeshift camp where several displaced Kosovars are sheltered after arriving in Rinas airport.

He will meet his Albanian counterpart, Pandeli Majko at 13.00 p.m on Tuesday and he is to hold a press relief afterwards.

Tony Blair is to meet the President of Albania, Rexhep Meidani, later in the day. /lh/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] Deiss says NATO's demands - basis for solution to Kosova crisis

"Swiss government believes that two are major priorities for a solution to the Kosova crisis, the return of refugees and the stability in the region through the deployment of a peacekeeping force under United Nations," Swiss foreign minister Joseph Deiss, who is visiting Albania, told today's press conference.

He said that five demands defined by NATO should be the basis of a solution to the crisis.

"Neutrality of my country hinders us to take an active part in different operations for a solution to the crisis but we will try to contribute with all means to its solution," Swiss minister said.

He added that Albania should play a role for the unification of the Kosova political factor. Chief of the Swiss diplomacy said "the European Union should help recover the Balkan region economically, while the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) should work to strengthen the civil society."

Albanian foreign minister Paskal Milo told journalists that the presence of Deiss in Tirana, which is a newly-appointed foreign minister and on his second visit abroad, showed the importance Switzerland devoted to a solution to the crisis in the Balkan region.

Asked about the latest debates by the alliance on a possible ground force in Yugoslavia, Milo said: "The Albanian government has always backed a ground intervention by NATO in Kosova, but this does not depend on us." /lh/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] Slovak officials visit Albania

They are to hold a meeting with the Foreign Affairs Minister, Paskal Milo, and with the State Secretary in the Foreign Ministry, Maqo Lakrori.

Slovak delegation will hold a meeting on Tuesday midday with the Defence Minister, Luan Hajdaraga. /lh/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] Center of accounts on crimes, genocide against Kosovars opened

The Albanian Helsinki Committee issued a press release saying that the center aimed at collecting evidence on those responsible for the crimes committed in Kosova, sensitizing the international opinion on the misinformations of the Serbian propaganda machine.

The center is going to carry out direct interviews with the displaced people and has contacted magistrates of the International tribunal of the Hague on former Yugoslavia in order to fulfil its goal. /lh/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] NATO forces aim at creating durable military infrastructure

Press office at the Center of Coordination with AFOR headquarters said on Monday that investments are under way in Rinas, Farke and other garrisons where NATO forces have been deployed to rehabilitate infrastructure, road network and others. Interventions in the above areas and others planned to be carried out are going to be used by the Albanian army in the future.

Besides the intensive work for new camps and extension of their capacity, NATO forces have continued evacuating the Kosova people settled in northeastern area of Albania.

On Sunday about 2 500 people have been evacuated from Kukes to other parts inland Albania. In Kukes the number of Kosova people driven from their lands totalled 86 511 until Sunday. /lh/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] Saving Bank: Contributions for Kosova expelled reach to 286.9 million lek

According to the Director of Saving Bank Artan Santo 281.8 million lek or 98.2% of the total value is given by juridical persons, including even commercial and productive companies such as different donors, and the rest of 5.1 million lek is the contribution of physical persons.

The contribution cashed by juridical and physical persons put of Albania is 246.9 million lek or 86.1% of the total value of the contributions. 232 million lek out of this sum are cashed during April 1999.

The number of the people to give their contribution in 24 offices of Saving Bank reached to 1.213./led/linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] 150 tones food to come today in Tirana

Tirana, May 17 (ATA) - By E.Xhajanka - 150 tones food came on Monday till 15:00 hrs, inform sources from the Food Directorate. This figure refers to Tirana custom office. A part of these food products is covered by the humanitarian aid in support of Kosova expelled.

Everyday provision of Tirana markets does not affect in price's increase, which even today continue to remain at the same levels of the previous days.

Based upon the observation did on Monday the following are the prices of food products:

Product I whole sale price I price ---------------------------------- -------------------- Flour I 60 lekë/kg I 70 lekë/kg -------- ---------------------------------------------- Rise I 80 lekë/kg I 85 lekë/kg ------------------------------------------------------ Sugar I 60 '' I 70 " ---------------------------------------- -------------- Oil I 175 '' I 180 " ------------------ ------------------------------------ Cheese I I 450 " ------------------------------------------------------ Milk I I 55 lek/litre ----------------------------------------- ------------- Eggs I I 13 lek/egg ------------- ----------------------------------------- Meat I I 630 lekë/kg ------------------------------------------------------ The prices of meat and dairy-products remain stable, while the price of vegetable and fruit varied by showing a tendency to increase./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] Serbian forces fire in direction of Albanian territory

A spokesman of the local police commissariat said to ATA that though the situation in the area was tense, Albanian army forces continued to monitor the situation. They had not responded to the fire of Serbian forces.

He said that they were doing their best not to be a prey of Serbian forces, who were trying to drag Albania into the conflict and turned it into a regional conflict.

Ongoing provocations by Serbian forces have been recorded recently along the border of Albania and Kosova, especially in the region of Padesh and Kamenica, Tropoja district as well as Letaj and Dobrune, Has district, where Serbian forces had tried to enter Albanian territory what had caused an exchange of fire between armed forces of both countries.

Sources from the second Infantry Division of Kukes said that in case of violation of Albania's territorial integrity the Albanian forces would intervene to hinder any possible attempts. /lh/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] Tirana: New elections at Trade and Industry Chamber

The Minister of Economic Cooperation and Trade considered as illegal the election done by this Chamber in February 27, 1999 by saying that "the representatives of the business community were not invited in this activity and even the General Secretary of this Chamber,parts of the leading staff, was not announced to attend it".

According to the sources from the Ministry of Economic Cooperation only 500 subjects are inscribed actually from 8700 subjects being inscribed in the tax offices in 1998. Beside this, the representatives of the 200 great commercial subjects were not announced to take part in February elections.

For these reasons this Ministry in the role of supervising organ of this Chamber decided May 17 for the election repetition, where all the representatives of the strong business community and many others are invited to attend it.

The present representatives of Trade and Industry Chamber did not agree on the repetition of the election by stating that State intervenes in the independency of the activities of this Chamber./a.gj/linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[20] Salaries of budgetary employees increase by 10%

133 is the number of the employees to benefit by the decision of the Albanian Government. The government decided to increase the salaries since April 1, but the financial situation of the state budget was tense due to the expenditures in support of Kosova comers in Albania.

For nearly a month the Albanian Government cut in maximum the expenditures of every kind.

But, after the difficult financial situation created in Albania the international financial institutions, such as International Monetary Fund, World Bank and European Union, reacted immediately and decided to support Albanian budget.

This organization, beside the sums' promises, followed even accelerated disburse procedures. This thing made possibly the increase of the salaries of the budgetary employees.

In the frame work of the reform in the public administrate the Government adopted the new salary's system in the education. In the education system of preuniversitary creates not only new hierarchy, according to the difficulties and the skills in the work, but for different categories an increase of 30% is marked./lh/linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[21] Spanish camp of Hamallaj for Kosova refugees inaugurated

Taking part in the inauguration ceremony for the camp was also the Chief of the Albanian Army General Staff, Brigade General Aleks Andoni. At the entrance of the camp Mr Andoni was welcomed by the commander of the Spanish contingent, Colonel Fernando Sanchez Lafuente.

At the disposal of the Kosova deportees is a Spanish sanitation group and a team of French doctors. At the moment, the first stage pf the plan for the camp is completed, with a capacity of about 15000 refugees. The Spanish contingent is working to set up the other two parts of the camp, with the completion of which a total of nearly 5000 people will be accommodated. The fund for the camp is furnished by the Spanish Government.

The Spanish contingent, as a part of the AFOR humanitarian mission, consists of 400 Spanish militarymen, specialized in coping with civil emergencies.

In cooperation with Spanish troops, two humanitarian organizations, namely Caritas and the Red Cross will take care of the life in the camp. /lh/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[22] Saving Bank: Interest tax do not bring deposits fall

Tirana, May 17 (ata) - By Manjola Pupa - The deposits in the Albanian Saving Bank continue to increase, despite the fact that during the last months the interest tax are applied on them.

According to the heads of this bank these deposits during January- April 1999 increase from 7% to 9%.

"Although during March due to the situation created in Albania as a result of Kosova crisis many clients run to take their accounts at the moment the situation is stabilized and there is an increase of the deposits, as well", stated today fro ATA the director of Saving Bank Artan Santo.

The deposits of three months and twelve months maturity marked the great increase. The additional value in January 1999 was 3.5 billion lek.

Saving Bank is widely spread all over the country. It has its branches and agencies in all Albanian districts.

The interest tax on the deposits (Being in use since January 10 by the Saving Bank) did not affected negatively in the deposits influx of this bank. There is an increase even in the currencies' deposits, as well./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[23] Albanian Army will respond according to law any border provocation - Chief

The inspection was followed by a visit to the Italian brigade, to the Dutch hospital in which Belgian troops are installed and lately the camp in Hamallaj, in which a Spanish contingent operates.

Speaking to ATA of the aim of the inspection, Brigade General Andoni explained that "this is made in the context of the plans of cooperation of the Albanian army with NATO forces, which are involved in humanitarian operations, and with the forces which carry out operational actions."

Referring to the morale of the Albanian border forces, General Andoni explained that "with our inspection in the border recently we found that their morale is rather high." This is due not only to the evolution of the situations in our favour and in the favour of NATO but also to the measures we have adopted for the consolidation of our military disposition, said further on the Army Chief of General Staff.

"Our cooperation with NATO and the partner countries, in the Context of the Program of the Partnership for Peace, has been rather fruitful," he said. "We actually have programs in the general and bilateral contexts." "The assistance from NATO has been all-round both in the conceptual sense and in the logistic one."

Asked of the provocations on Albania's northern border, Andoni explained that "in all the cases the Albanian Army has responded in a legal way to all incidents on our border." "The Albanian army has always operated conformed to the constitution regarding the defence of the sovereignty of the country and on the other hand, the army has been careful not to fall prey to provocations." In the latest case when Serb troops attempted to enter the Albanian territory, they received fire opened from all weaponry by the Albanian army and the signs on the spot show that the Serbs have retreated at a very high cost, said in conclusion the Chief of the Army Staff, Brigade General, Aleks Andoni. /lh/xh/

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