Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-05-18

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Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] British Prime Minister Tony Blair arrives in Albania

[02] Albanian army repels Serb forces' attack on Has

[03] PRESS REVIEW

[04] Number of Kosova refugees in Kukes decreases

[05] Dollar at 142 leks

[06] British Prime Minister Tony Blair greets Tirane inhabitants

[07] War chronicle from operational zone of Karadak

[08] Blair says Milosevic belongs to the past, Albanian people to have our support

[09] Blair says this is a battle for democracy, civilization values

[10] Yugoslav side closes border crossing of Hani i Hotit

[11] Albania president visit Turkish navy ship

[12] Blair says NATO to continue air raids against Yugoslavia

[13] Albania feels justice be established through international community support

[14] World Bank and European Commission: Economic coordination on Balkan region

[15] Fall prices of food products in Albanian markets

[16] PM says Albania considers Britain an ally, most important partner

[17] English and Turkish Finance Ministers confirm budgetary support for Albanian state

[18] Sukth-Durres: "Ruskala" company to start the construction process

[19] Paris Club suggests postponement of foreign debth payment

[20] Albanian Democratic Party hails British initiative for ground intervention in Kosove

[21] Blair says British government ready to help Albania

[22] Currencies increase main indicator for investments

[23] Increase non deposit money

[24] Slovakia in support of Albania to overcome difficult moments

[25] British Prime Minister Tony Blair visits camp of Mjekes in Elbasan

[01] British Prime Minister Tony Blair arrives in Albania

British Prime Minister Tony Blair arrived at Rinas Airport at 08.50, for a brief visit to Albania.

Blair left for Elbasan by a military plane to visit the camps erected there for Kosova refugees.

Blair made no press statement upon his arrival. He will meet with his Albanian counterpart Pandeli Majko and later will give press statements.

Blair will also meet with the President of the Republic Rexhep Meidani. /s.sh/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] Albanian army repels Serb forces' attack on Has

Serb military forces on Monday evening and early on Tuesday shelled Albanian territory, Has district, the spokesman of this district police station told ATA.

At around 18.00 on Monday the Serb artillery shelled for more than one hour in the direction of the Letaj village, also destroying a house, said the spokesman, adding that Serb military forces also attempted to enter Albanian territory but met with the fire of the Albanian military forces, deployed in this area.

The exchange of fire continued for nearly one hour and the Serb military forces were forced to withdraw.

Meanwhile, the same source says that at around 04.30 on Tuesday, the Serb army resumed artillery shelling in the direction of the border village of Vllahan, Has district.

The Serb forces also attempted to enter Albanian territory but were firmly counteracted by the Albanian military forces and after two hours of fighting retreated deep on the border.

Sources from the second infantry division of Kukes, which covers the Kukes-Tropoje border region, stressed that the Albanian military forces are determined to respond with fire to any attack of the Serb army on the northeastern border, not to allow violation of the country's territorial integrity. /s.s/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] PRESS REVIEW

Koha Jone, independent daily, "For Majko: Meidani 'sheep" and Nano 'woulf'"- the paper's editorial. "Meidani rehabilitates Majko's incapable people". Former director of Public Sector at the Prime Minister's office, sacked by Premier Majko, proposed by the President of the Republic for member of the Supreme Court. "Gjinushi asks strengthening of KLA". This is what Speaker of Parliament Skender Gjinushi said to Swiss Foreign Minister Joseph Deiss at a meeting yesterday. "Pollo: Ground intervention in several weeks". For the DP deputy chairman, NATO's ground intervention is only a question of time because of an Alliance's plan. "DP chairman: America my repentance". The DP chairman, Sali Berisha, had been willing to reestablish bridges of relations with the U.S. in his meeting with U.S. ambassador Marisa Lino before she left Albania. "Rugova: 'I have not done anything with Milosevic'". This is the statement of the LDK leader Ibrahim Rugova in Brussels on Monday evening. "This great war requires a high leadership". Interview with the chief of the KLA General Staff, Agim Ceku. "Three villages occupied in two hours". The Albania-Kosova border yesterday engulfed by a wave of Serbian attacks. "The survivals of Milosevic tell of their terror". The article deals with the tragedy occurring on Saturday by midnight when five people were drowned after a speedboat with 42 Kosovars hit a reef off the Durres coast.

Gazeta Shqiptare, independent daily, "Tanks at Morine. Ready for fire". Albanian army has sent its tanks to Kukes" "Blair, 'NATO's hawk' arrives in Albania today". Prime Minister Tony Blair visits Albania today. "Koci vows fight in the SP group". After the proposal of the Prime Minister for sacking the Minister of Public Order, fiery debates are expected at the meeting of the Socialists' parliamentary group today. "Majko: Everything for investments". Premier Majko has asked that the Government structures begin drafting projects to be implemented after the signing of the Stability Pact for the Balkans. "Cook to Solana: ground troops should intervene". The chief of the British Diplomacy, Robin Cook, has asked from the NATO Secretary General, Javier Solana, that ground troops enter Kosova. "Businessmen clans leave the Chamber of Commerce without presidency". The Presidency of the Chamber of Commerce failed to be elected yesterday.

Shekulli, independent daily, "Here are the black colonels". KLA has sent to NATO's headquarters in Brussels the first names of the war criminals. "Poci, Meidani's question mark". The President of the Republic is verifying the candidature for the position of the Public Order Minister, proposed by Pandeli Majko. "Kosova, not a Second Berlin". In his meeting with Swiss Foreign Minister, President Meidani has asked that the international force of peace be unique in Kosova. "Let the Albanian government gather us". Interview with the KLA spokesman, Jakup Krasniqi. "I was the human shield of the Serb tanks". Was the account of a Kosovar, who escaped the Alliance's missiles while being used as a human shield by the army.

Rilindja, independent daily, "Hundreds of refugees at Bllace crossing point. Albanians' violent deportation from Kosova continues. "President of the Republic of Kosova, Dr. Ibrahim Rugova in Brussels". From the meetings of Rugova in Brussels, with ambassadors of Finland, Great Britain, France and Germany. "Over 100 000 Kosovars in Kukes". UNHCR renews requests for their relocation to the centres prepared by them.

Albania, independent daily, "Ruci: Today we will topple Majko". "Rugova:'Thaci' Government, illegal". This was declared yesterday by the moderate leader of the Kosova Albanians, Ibrahim Rugova. "Six killed and 39 injured". The article deal with the speedboat with illegal emigrants capsizing in Karaburun, on Saturday at midnight.

Ekonomia, daily of the Albanian Agency for Economic Development, "IMF & WB: Albania the back of the Kosova crisis". The International Fund and the World Bank has envisaged a rise in the payments deficit and curb of privatisation investments. "Trade and Industry in Tirane with woman president". The Assembly of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry as well as its president were elected yesterday. "NATO has started to adjust roads around Rinas".

Zeri i Popullit, daily of Albania's Socialist Party, "Blair: Good morning Tirane". British Prime Minister visits Albania today. "Meidani signs: Poci, Minister of public order". President of the Republic yesterday signed the dismissal of Minister Koci. "Missiles, tanks arrive at border, North of Albania". "Rugova against KLA, but also against Rambouillet".

Rilindja Demokratike, daily of the democratic Party of Albania "Rugova: I have not ignored the KLA sons". "DP, unshakeable friend of the U.S".

Republika, daily of Albania's Republican Party, "The other Balkans", is the editorial of the newspaper. "Train with civilians towards hell". "Appeal to Kosovars: be careful of traffickers". /y.pa/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] Number of Kosova refugees in Kukes decreases

Only 19 Kosova refugees passed through the Morine crossing point in Kukes district over the past 24 hours, district police sources report.

The decrease of the number of refugees has enabled local government structures to concentrate their attention on their evacuation from Kukes.

The responsible for the Kosova refugees Commission, Qemal Perllaku, told ATA that the number of the Kosova refugees continuing to stay in Kukes is over 80 000, a figure almost equal to the population of this district.

The relocation will continue in the coming days as Kukes is considered a transit region for the Kosova refugees, he added. /pas/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] Dollar at 142 leks

Foreign currency exchange rate Currency Buying Selling USD 141,5 142 DM 77 77,5 ITL(1000) 78,1 78,4 GRD(100) 46,2 46,5 /lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] British Prime Minister Tony Blair greets Tirane inhabitants

Thousands of people have crowded the central entrance of the Prime Minister's office, where British Prime Minister Tony Blair has just arrived.

Mr. Blair is greeting the Tirane citizens and the Kosovars gathered at the square. A meeting with Albanian Prime Minister Pandeli Majko will begin afterwards.

The people are carrying Albanian, U.S, British, NATO and Albanian flags in their hands. They write: "Blair, make our dreams a reality", "Blair do not negotiate with criminals", "This is a war of principles". /s.sh/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] War chronicle from operational zone of Karadak

The agency reports that in the morning of May 11, the villages of Kamenice: Hogosh, Topanice, Shipashnice, Rogacice, Koretin, Karaceve and several other villages were besieged by the Serb forces, which killed an Albanian in his house yard who did not obey the police orders, and burnt the houses of his two sons.

Three Albanians killed and eight houses burnt have been recorded in Hogosht and Kopernice, while in Koretin and Topanice the inhabitants are expelled and beaten by the Serb police.

According to the agency, such a situation also exists in the commune of Gjilan. The villages Perlepnice, Kmetovc, Shillove, Zheger, Uglare, Pogragje, and other villages of Malesi e Gallapit, are now empty.

Most of the population has been deported to Macedonia and Albania, while the villages of Bresalc, Ponesh, Pasjan, Livoc i Eperm and i Poshtem are under the siege of the Serb army and police forces, while the village of Cernice has been destroyed.

Also in the commune of Vitise, whole villages have been have been emptied while the population is located in more secure places, such as Sllatina, Remnik, Pozhoran. /led/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] Blair says Milosevic belongs to the past, Albanian people to have our support

Followed by powerful applause of the Tirana residents, Prime minister Blair said "Horrors we saw in Kosova have no place in a future Europe and in the values of present civilisation."

British premier gave the Albanian people a special message saying "We will be by their side, to help them integrate into a modern Europe and a common future."

Blair and the Albanian premier Pandeli Majko were greeted by the crowd and met residents of Tirana and the Kosova people, who were present at the rally. /s.sh/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] Blair says this is a battle for democracy, civilization values

He was welcomed there by his Albanian counterpart Pandeli Majko among an unusual interest by thousands of residents of Tirana.

"In Europe we have seen a policy of ethnic cleansing, have seen people fleeing their houses at gunpoint, scenes of horror and killings. I want to say that these things have no place in a future Europe," Blair told Tirana residents.

This is not a battle launched by NATO to occupy territories, but a battle for the values of democracy and civilization everywhere, Blair said.

"I have a vision of the future and this vision is to enable the Kosova people to return to their land, in peace and security. This is our cause, which is a just cause. I appreciate your support and we will do our utmost to be successful."

"The people of Albania, I know you have experienced difficult times, but we can build a different future, for the people to live side by side, irrespective of their faiths, irrespective of their religious past," said Blair, adding that these are the values which I believe in, the values which you, too, believe in."

"Milosevic and his policy of ethnic cleansing belong to the past. We are the future," British Prime Minister Tony Blair concluded. /s.s/ak/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] Yugoslav side closes border crossing of Hani i Hotit

Reinforcement of Serbian military forces are seen along the border while inland their territory there are check points where Kosova people are stopped and not allowed to enter Albania, he said.

Three days before Serbian military forces stopped three buses with Kosovars coming from Rozhaje, 3 km from the border, to Albania. They forcibly separated 150 men between 18 to 50 years old whose whereabouts were unknown. Their relatives are worried about their fate.

During the last 50 days about 40 thousand Kosova people, many of them settled in the city of Shkodra and the rest in other district, have entered Albania via Hani i Hotit.

The border crossing was closed by the Yugoslav side in '97 and opened in March '99 when the expulsion of Albanians from their ethnic territories started. /led/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] Albania president visit Turkish navy ship

The ship has brought 126 soldiers, 30 military trucks and other materials, which are going to be delivered to the refugee camp constructed by the Red Crescent in Elbasan.

Following the national anthems of both countries, president Meidani hailed the Turkish soldiers, who would be involved in humanitarian operation under NATO forces.

"I welcome you in my country and thank you for your presence, solidarity which is a human solidarity," said Meidani.

He added: "We should all try to establish a future for our region, our children, for the people of Kosova to return to their land, to a free and democratic Kosova."

Meidani called on the international community to "consider seriously the fulfilment of NATO's demands by Belgrade regime in order to create possibilities that people driven from their lands be return there."

Ambassador of the Turkish Republic in Albania Ahmet Rifat Okçun voiced the commitment of his government to continue delivering humanitarian relief to Albania to help the latter cope with the difficult humanitarian situation. /led/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] Blair says NATO to continue air raids against Yugoslavia

British prime minister told journalists following a meeting with his Albanian counterpart Pandeli Majko that the alliance had defined its "minimum" demands, which should be met by Belgrade.

Yugoslav president Slobodan Milosevic should withdraw forces from Kosova and an international force should be deployed in its territory to guarantee the return of Kosova refugees to their land, Blair said.

He is optimistic for a solution to the Kosova crisis which, according to him, "represents a turning point for all countries in the Balkans" implying a future within integrating structures.

Albanian prime minister Pandeli Majko said that the Albanian government and people backed the NATO attitudes towards the crisis.

"Air raids should continue until the demands are met," Majko said.

British prime minister Blair arrived in Tirana early on Tuesday and visited a refugee camp being constructed by the British troops.

Prior to a meeting with the Albanian prime minister, Blair addressed the Tirana residents gathered in front of the government's headquarters holding slogans saying "Blair, do not negotiate with criminals", "Make our dreams reality," and others.

Talks between British prime minister Blair and Albanian president Rexhep Meidani, which are under way, will mark the end of the first visit of a British senior personality in Tirana. /s.s/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] Albania feels justice be established through international community support

Press office at the presidency said that president Meidani praised the Tunisian assistance as part of the humanitarian contribution provided by the international community to the Albanian people of Kosova in these difficult days.

"Our nation is sure that the support and solidarity of all the international community will help establish justice," President Meidani said.

He stressed the necessity for unified efforts in meeting NATO's demands to pave way for the return of the Kosova people to their houses and an interim solution for an international protectorate in Kosova.

Mhenni said that the Tunisian government backed the NATO efforts for a solution to this issue, which is not only of the Albanian nations but a great and right issue for humanity and its future. /led/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] World Bank and European Commission: Economic coordination on Balkan region

The agreement is assigned in the name of two institutions by respectively Mr. James D.Wolfersohn, President of World Bank and Mr. Yves- Thibault de Silguy, European Commissioner for Financial, Monetary and Economic issues.

The agreement makes concrete the decision taken in April 27 in Washington meeting between the high governmental representatives and international organizations, which give to World Bank and European Commission the right to coordinate the attempts to define the needs and the organization of the economic support for Balkan region.

According to this agreement both parts will closely cooperate with International Monetary Fund that the group of high level to coordinate the economic assistance for Balkan countries.

This agreement follows the decision taken some days ago by the World Bank and European Union for opening of a common office in Balkan, in order these two institutions to be very effective in site in performing their action about the estimation and coordination of the aid in the border countries with Yugoslavia./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] Fall prices of food products in Albanian markets

Specialists of this Directorate stressed for ATA that despite the increase of the food products consume over the predicted levels due to the influx of Kosova comers, the Albanian market managed to meet their needs, which is followed by the fall of their prices.

Based upon the figures of this week the import products marked a fall in the selling prices compared with their values marked previous week.This week is characterized by the fall of the selling prices of the dairy- products, meat and vegetables, as well.

According to the specialists of this Directorate the factors to affect in the price stability is the apply of the New Custom Code, which abolished the low price for a considerable part of the goods, because the custom duties of the goods will be paid according to their buying prices./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] PM says Albania considers Britain an ally, most important partner

"Your visit in Tirana is more than historic, missing visit for over 50 years when the British soldiers and generals were by the side of the Albanian people and fought together against Nazi fascism. The same history is being repeated today; the conflict in Kosova is a conflict of civilisation and values created after the World War Two against barbarity, but the end is clear, the triumph of these values," Majko said, hailing the first visit of a British prime minister to Albania.

Prime minister Majko stressed the firm resolution of the Albanian government in supporting NATO's demands on a solution to the conflict in Kosova and necessity to meet without any compromise the five conditions imposed by the alliance.

"We are the country, which is paying the highest cost of the conflict but we are convinced the NATO air raids should continue until the five demands are met. An end to air raids will destabilise the whole region and waves of Kosova refugees would pour to other countries," Majko said.

He said that the Albanian government was working to build up a future Balkan, by orienting good relations with Macedonia and concepts of cooperation with Montenegro.

"We have worked against the strategy of the regime of Milosevic which foresaw dragging Albania into chaos, destabilising Macedonia and civil war in Montenegro. Milosevic is carrying out one of the greatest massacres of the century in Kosova, which is the most uncontrolled center in Europe generating conflicts. The concept of Great Britain and United States for a solution to the conflict is very clear," Majko said.

Albanian premier said that the Albanian government, people and the whole political class considered Great Britain an ally and one of the most important partners for the future and urged confidential cooperation relations with it.

"Today we deserve to be by your side and values you are protecting. We are very interested in and opened to your investments in Albania, military and all kinds of cooperation. In the process of strategic privatisation in Albania we would like British investments have an important place," Majko said, stressing that the British aid would be useful and welcomed in the process of Albania's integration into the European Union.

On his part, British prime minister Tony Blair said that he knew Albania was bearing the brunt of the conflict and the way how it was copying with was a source of inspiration.

"I hope that the cause for which we are fighting is the right one and the five conditions imposed by NATO should be met. NATO's demands are very clear and no compromise can be reached for their fulfilment. Air raids should continue and nothing could make Milosevic believe that our resolution is fading. We are working for a diplomatic solution to the conflict but based on NATO five demands. Milosevic understands the language of diplomacy only when is forced to. NATO could not be a loser in this conflict otherwise, the consequences would be horrible," Tony Blair, British prime minister, said.

"I cannot find the word to stress the unusual importance for a cooperation and unification of all factors in Kosova. I have seen that all factors in Kosova are united in supporting NATO's demands. Any dispute between them would risk its credibility. We should do our best to keep the Albanian factor united," Blair said. He added that it was very important that the Serbian barbarity be recognised and what was really happening in Kosova be revealed.

British premier Blair praised what the Albanian government had done to cope with the crisis.

"Gratitude for the Albanian people and government for their unusual efforts. We know that Albania is paying dearly for the crisis in the region and we are ready to help build up a better future for Albania, which we see from the point of view of the relations between the European Union and NATO. I believe that a solution to the conflict in Kosova would be a turning point for Albania and the whole Balkan region, a new start based on common values," Blair said.

British prime minister assured ongoing British assistance to help Albania cope with the situation resulting from the influx of Kosova people. He said that his country would assist Albania's efforts for an association agreement with the European Union as well as support to reforms under way in Albania.

"Now we are thinking of possible changes, we should invest for peace and prosperity," Blair said. /lh/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] English and Turkish Finance Ministers confirm budgetary support for Albanian state

According to the voices from the Ministry of Finances both Governments of these countries confirmed their determination to provide financial support to the Albanian Government in the emergency situation due to the coming of many thousand Kosova expelled in Albania. Its details will be defined as soon as possible.

According to the calculations of the Albanian Government and International Monetary Fund, Albania needs 167 million dollars as a budgetary support till the end of 1999.

Meanwhile according to the sources from the Ministry of Finances 140 million dollars are provided till now by the World Bank, European Union, and many different countries all over the world./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] Sukth-Durres: "Ruskala" company to start the construction process

According to the General Road Directorate this company was announced as winner of the tender, because it presented the best offer with the financial value of 22 million ECU accorded by the European Investment Bank (EIB).

The length of this route segment is 9 km and 22 meters wide./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] Paris Club suggests postponement of foreign debth payment

The President of Paris Club told this fact to the Minister of Finances Anastas Angjeli through a letter.

"This proposal is made after the analysis of the last situation by the creditor countries of this club concerning the attempts done by the Albanian Government at the moments of Kosova crisis", the President of Paris Club said.

The countries of the Paris Club are ready to make true this proposal through an agreement between Albania and the creditors of this Club.

Nearly two weeks ago, Paris Club decided the postponement of the paying of the foreign debt by the part of Albania for one year period till 31.3.1999.

Our country will benefit nearly 60 million by not paying the interests by this measure./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[20] Albanian Democratic Party hails British initiative for ground intervention in Kosove

DP leader Berisha, through a statement, appealed to the Albanian Government to pronounce itself ready to provide all necessary facilities so that this offensive by NATO troops be realised in case this will be carried out through the territory of Albania conformed to the decisions to be taken by NATO.

"The democrats and the Albanians in general welcome such a NATO drive and are resolute to support and cope with any sacrifice that this commitment may require," said the DP chairman Sali Berisha.

The British Government has pronounced itself for an eventual ground intervention against Serb forces in Kosove as an efficient means to end the conflict in the region as soon as possible. lh/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[21] Blair says British government ready to help Albania

President Meidani briefed Blair about his opinion for all aspects of the crisis and perspective for its solution.

Premier Blair backed the opinion of the Albanian president that it was not the time to articulate a final political solution to the Kosova issue. He backed the idea of president Meidani that introducing an international authority in Kosova with all its military and civil components was necessary to create a safe atmosphere for the return of all people driven from their lands.

President Meidani and premier Blair stressed that the perspective of the Balkan region was related to the development of multiethnic democracies, by encouraging a spirit of cooperation and understanding between the Balkan countries.

British premier Blair voiced his commitment as well as the support of the European Union and the United States for a plan to reconstruct the Balkans after the peace. Responding to a proposal for a Marshall plan by the Albanian president, Blair said: "Investment of the international community in the Yugoslav crisis aims at protecting the values of the Western civilisation and we will continue to work for peace be successful."

The British government was ready to help Albania directly to guarantee effectiveness of its development, Blair added.

Referring to the efforts of the international community on finding a diplomatic solution to the crisis, Meidani and Blair said that the success for such a solution could be achieved only by intensified military actions by the alliance.

Albanian president reiterated that "Milosevic is a war criminal and he could not be a side in a political solution."

Meidani and Blair stressed the necessity for the unification of the Albanian factor in Kosova and said that NATO's demands for a solution to the Kosova issue represent a cohesion moment for this factor.

President Meidani and prime minister Blair gave a joint briefing and held a tete-a-tete meeting. /lh/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[22] Currencies increase main indicator for investments

In the conditions of unemployment the emigrants' support is one of fundamental bases of money provision for the Albanian families to meet the main living needs.

The value of the currencies sent in a form of concrete transfers in 1998 reached to nearly 453 million dollars, reports Albanian Central Bank.

These transfers increase considerably during the second half of 1997, due to the loss of the savings in the pyramidal schemes, after that the emigrants continue to increase the trust and the currency sending in Albania.

The emigrates transfers marked a high value in 1997 by 235,7 million dollars, while in 1996 this figure was 476 million dollars.

The currencies' entering increases not only by the sending of the emigrants, but even from Kosova arrivals, the great military contingent and representatives of the foreign humanitarian organizations performing their activities in Albania for nearly two months.

Small businesses profit by this considerable currency value, which continues to have as their priority the investments in construction, bars, restaurants, hotels and very little in productive sector./led/linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[23] Increase non deposit money

According to the sources of the Albanian Central Bank this increase due to the coming of a considerable number of Kosova expelled, which affect directly in increasing the value of the money in circulation.

The currency transfer, where the great part is covered by the relatives of Kosova comers in emigration and by the coming of many foreigners in Albania, continues at the moment to be the main factor in increasing the value of the non deposited money.

The increase of the money in circulation affects positively in strengthening of the small and medium business./led/linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[24] Slovakia in support of Albania to overcome difficult moments

The Information Ministry told ATA that the Slovakian State Secretary, after highlighting the work made by the Albanian Government in coping with the situation created as a result of such a huge flood of refugees from Kosove, stressed that his country was making all efforts to assist Albania in these difficult moments.

"Besides the humanitarian aid consisting of facilities for camps and medical supplies, we, Mr Figel said, have adopted all measures to facilitate the procedures of NGO-s that wish to assist your country in these moments."

The two interlocutors shared the idea that the growth of cooperation in the future would be of interest for the consolidation of the relations between the two countries and the quickest possible integration into the Euro-Atlantic structures. /lh/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[25] British Prime Minister Tony Blair visits camp of Mjekes in Elbasan

After a briefing of the situation of the Kosovars in the camp, the British PM visited some tents and talked for five minutes with a Kosovar from Mazrekaj family, from Decan of the zone of Drenice, who told him of the atrocities Serbs had made in his village.

Later, PM Blair gave a news conference. "My message is quite simple. These people have been violently driven out of their homes and our support for them is very clear. It is their right to live free in the land of their ancestors, in the homes they themselves have built. Nobody can deny these people the human right. We, all NATO members have pledged we will fight together just like the European countries have assisted one another for hundreds of years in succession for their existence. We are here to convey to the whole world a message that we are fighting everywhere to establish freedom and justice for peoples. You and the entire Yugoslav people should live in your own land and we do not allow this people to die. We are sure that we are being successful in the mission against genocide of Milosevic and we are resolute we have the support of the entire world."

Then, PM Majko stressed that Albania shares the same objective, the same mission that Europe and the world has. /lh/xh/

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

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