Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-05-22

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] Press review

[02] Lek gains points in comparison with US dollar

[03] 390 million lek investments to widen quays in port of Vlore

[04] The only possibility for peace and stability is realisation of five NATO terms - Hajdaraga

[05] Meidani says public opinion expects more from Albanian justice -New members of High Court decreed-

[06] Majko, Thaci and Qosja visit refugee camp in Mullet

[07] Albright to Majko: I would like to express You our government's support and gratitude

[08] Last week: Prices at the same level with previous week

[09] Meidani to visit China in a short time

[10] Military soldiers settle a commemoration plate in the graves of French fallen, Korçe

[11] Subjects without permission to be punished

[12] Meidani to visit China in a short time

[13] Small business partly financed by savings

[14] Dryon: Albania to become member of Francophonie soon

[15] Lack of urban plans increase environment pollution

[16] Luan Bregasi is nominated the Head of Trade and Industry Chamber of Tirana

[17] Hajdaraga: Grave situation created after the influx of deported Kosovars urges quick solution-Minister of Defence meets with his Austrian counterpart Fasslabend-

[18] Council of Ministers approves draft-laws for European Integration

[19] Justice council to decide on lawyers refusing to undergo test

[20] Luan Bregasi appointed head of Chamber of Commerce and Industry

[21] Deputy premier urges transparent reform on decentralization of local government

[22]

[01] Press review

"KOHA JONE", Independent daily. - "Smugglers up to highest state level." Interview with director of Investigation in General Attorney's Office, Agim Tirana. - We shall stay in the party to topple Berisha." Moderates in DP have stated they will not follow Ceka-Ruli-Imami road but will stay in the party to oppose Berisha spirit. - Second Rambouillet in Tirane." Second Rambouillet is expected to take place in Tirane soon, and this time with the will of all political forces of Kosove. - "Thaci: Rugova, I am waiting for you to come urgently in Tirana." Prime Minister of Interim government of Kosove has urged an urgent meeting with Rugove in Tirane. - Who is leading war in Kosove," is the comment of the paper.

GAZETA SHQIPTARE, independent daily - "Meidani in APACHE Castle." President of Albania Rexhep Meidani visited NATO troops in Rinas yesterday. - "Thaci sends ultimatum to Rugove." Kosova Prime Minister Hashim Thaci has made urgent invitation to Rugova to meet in Tirane. - NATO hit our convoys because Serbs place tanks between them. Yesterday's newcomers in Kukes say.

SHEKULLI, Independent daily. - "A security Council on Thaci Government." PM Majko said in yesterday's meeting with Kosova PM,Thaci, that he considered useful the idea of transforming the Albanian delegation, which took part in the talks of Rambouillet, into a National Security Council. - "Majko: Policemen, new unrest awaiting us." PM Majko presented yesterday the new Public Order Minister, Spartak Poci.

RILINDJA, independent information daily paper. - "Influx of newcomers from Kosove continues." During last Friday 2 551 Kosovars have arrived in Kukes. - "It is necessary that future governing elite be formed." - "Full representation of political factor of Kosove."

ALBANIA, Independent daily. - Ultimatum to President." - SP-DP meeting in Rogner." - Order is not put by replacing ministers." Interview of the chairman of the Human Rights Union Party Vasil Melo.

EKONOMIA, daily paper of Albanian Agency for Economic Development. - "Lek consolidated. Banks sell foreign currency in the market." Albanian Lek has been yesterday "the king" of the free market. - "European Investment Bank to Albania: Make projects, we will finance you." - "No smooth going between Agriculture and Finances."

ZERI I POPULLIT, daily of Socialist Party of Albania. - "VEFA, firm of Italian mafia." Interview with Attorney General, Arben Rakipi. - "Majko in NATO." PM Majko responded to CNN questions by reporters in NATO Headquarters. - "Police start to hit."

RILINDJA DEMOKRATIKE, daily paper of the Democratic Party of Albania. - "Majko: Government Thaci, illegitimate." - "Pollo: Political forces together round President Rugova."

REPUBLIKA, daily paper of the Republican Party of Albania. - "The fault rested with CIA." - "Despite suspicious movements of Rugova, I will cooperate with him." /y.pa/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] Lek gains points in comparison with US dollar

The exchange rates of Lek with foreign currencies

Kind of currency Buying Selling

USD 140 141

DM 76 76,6

LIT(1000) 77 77,6

GRD(100) 45,5 46

/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] 390 million lek investments to widen quays in port of Vlore

The work in the port of Vlore and the beginning of investments in that district for 1999 were in the focus of an extended meeting held in the prefecture in the presence of heads of local governments at all levels and of representatives of main local institutions.

A number of investments are expected to be made this year in the district of Vlore such as those for the construction of a new hospital for children, reconstruction of some roads within that city and in the areas that link it with other parts of the country, the aqueduct of village Mavrove, etc. /led/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] The only possibility for peace and stability is realisation of five NATO terms - Hajdaraga

"We shall try that the Kosova question be solved as soon as possible and the last dictator in Europe be not allowed to realise his political and military objectives," said Fasslabend.

The only possibility for the establishment of peace and stability is the realisation of the five conditions set by NATO, stressed Hajdaraga. Other partial solutions will not lead to the final settlement of this problem.

With regard to the further NATO actions, Fasslabend said that NATO is making preparations in two directions: to continue the bombings and in the diplomatic field. The International Community is ready to carry to the end the settlement of the crisis through all means and in this respect, through further military operations.

While the Albanian Defence Minister considered the situation on the northeastern border of Albania so grave as a result of the frequent Serb provocations to which the Albanian army has given a legal response, thus safeguarding the country's integrity and sovereignty. In order to increase the security on the border, he stressed, "we have build up the military disposition by sending heavy weaponry in service of the defence of the country. /led/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] Meidani says public opinion expects more from Albanian justice -New members of High Court decreed-

The information and Press office close to the President of the Republic reports that Meidani wished them successes in the new job and asked for devotion in performing with high professional consciousness the job.

"The people and the public opinion expect more from the Albanian justice and together with your colleagues, you must reflect a more positive and qualified image to the other lower systems of justice", said the Albanian President to the newly-elected members of the High Court. /led/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] Majko, Thaci and Qosja visit refugee camp in Mullet

"We will do our utmost to ensure good living conditions here. We are convinced that the realisation of the five conditions NATO has put to Milosevic's regime will enable you to return home," Majko told the refugees at this camp.

"I come here to bring you the message that the day of your return is not far, your stay here is temporary. In Kosova we are fighting to realise such a thing. In these efforts we are not alone, but enjoy the support of Prime Minister Pandeli Majko, his government and of the international community".

The Kosova refugees, housed in this camp, thanked Prime Minister Majko for everything the Albanian government and people have done. /lh/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] Albright to Majko: I would like to express You our government's support and gratitude

TIRANE, May 22 (ATA) - By A.Gjakova: Albanian Premier Pandeli Majko, on Saturday received a message by the American Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright.

The message handed over by the American ambassador accredited to Albania, expresses the support of the American government for the Albanian government's support for NATO operations and its constructive engagement in resolving the crisis in Kosove.

"Given the fact that Albania is facing every day great challenges due to the conflict in Kosove, I want to assure you of the support and gratitude of the American government for your support towards the humanitarian international attempts and NATO military campaign. We hail your cooperation, and the attempts to make the utmost to return the war refugees in their houses and to rebuilt their society on the bases of the democratic standards".

Speaking on the attempts made for unification of political factor in Kosove, Albright writes that "It is very important for different important opinions, representatives of the actual political life in Kosove, are reserved even in this very tenses situation. All Kosova people should work now together to return as soon as possible to their homes, and to secure a reciprocal support for the refugees. The re-beginning of the work for plunging the political pluralist bases in Kosove, right after the end of the conflict, is also very important.

Albright writes on "I want to thank and to encourage for your attempts on unison of the political factor and especially on your concept of "National Council of Security", composed of a wide specter of Kosova leaders. An institution of this kind will enable the creation of the necessary mechanisms for Kosova leaders to reach consensus in several political objectives by establishing the necessary control and equilibrium and to maintain the fundamental diversity in each democratic system, by strongly pointing out the idea of unity. I encourage you to attend this initiative in an energetic way, with the determination which has characterized the leaders of your country".

American Secretary of State, Madelein Albright writes further on: "I can clearly understand that Rexhep Qosja has searched the re-creation of the constructive soul and the unison based on Rambuillet accord", and for this aim she encourages the cooperation of the Albanian Premier Pandeli Majko with Rexhep Qosja.

U.N Secretary of State hailed the meeting Premier Majko held with his Macedonian counterpart, Lukço Georgievski, in Selanik and writes down "I appreciate Your will to cooperate with your neighbors and I encourage You to further widen contacts of this kind. The close cooperation between you will help in facing of the consequences of the humanitarian crisis and will affect the eventual return of the Kosova refugees. I realize that it has been a real tension, but you common opponent is in the north. I am delighted that you and Georgievski are determined in undertaking the difficult and necessary steps to affect the fruitful bilateral relations and the resistance against Milosheviç attempts on the destability in the region". /ll/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] Last week: Prices at the same level with previous week

Daily provision of Tirana market and aid distribution to Kosova comers in organized way did not affect in increase of the prices, stressed sources from Food Directorate at Ministry of Agriculture.

The averages prices of this week are as following: ------------------- ----------------------------------- Product Iwhole sale priceI selling price ------------------------------------------------------ Flour I 60 lek/kg I 70 lek/kg ------------------------------------- ----------------- Rise I 80 lek/kg I 85 lek/kg ------------ ------------------------------------------ Sugar I 60 '' I 70 " ------------------------------------------------------ Oil I 165 '' I 170 " ------------------------------------------------- ----- Cheese I I 450 " -------------------------- ---------------------------- Milk I I 55 lek/litre ------------------------------------------------------ Eggs I I 13 lek/egg --------------------------------- --------------------- Native meatI I 650 lek/kg product I I

Imported meat I I 630 lek/kg product /linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] Meidani to visit China in a short time

The Chinese ambassador conveyed to Meidani a message from the President of the People's Republic of China. In this message the Chinese President expresses understanding on the postponement of the visit of his Albanian counterpart and says that he is looking forward to this visit in a short and appropriate time for both sides, the President's press office reports.

"The Chinese consistently cherish sympathy for the war refugees," says President Jiang Zemin in his message.

In this context, the Chinese Government has decided to offer the Albanian government a free economic assistance, worth five million yen. The concrete formalities to release this aid will be carried out by the respective institutions.

President Meidani thanked for the understanding and assured the Ambassador of his near formal visit to China. He reconfirmed the Albanian state's and government's evaluation of the relations with China as well as their further promotion.

The President of the Republic considers the economic assistance a testimony of solidarity with the grave humanitarian situation of the deported Kosovars. /lh/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] Military soldiers settle a commemoration plate in the graves of French fallen, Korçe

In the ceremony organized on this occasion, Colonel Gross, said that he expresses not only the humanitarian aid the French troops are giving for the Kosova refugees accommodated in Korçe, but at the same tome the traditional friendship between the two countries.

Later, Colonel Gross together with the consul of the French embassy in Tirane, Guilbert, opened the commemoration plate where was written "Honor to the French soldiers fallen for freedom and peace in the Albanian soil".

Participating in the ceremony were also the Prefect of Korçe, Bardhi Aliçkolli, and leaders of the local government.

French troops dislocated in Korçe region have set up a refugee camp in the vicinity of Drenova, about 3 kilometers away, where are to be sheltered 5 000 displaced Kosovars. /lh/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] Subjects without permission to be punished

In absence of the permissions and authorizations their activity will be considered illegal according to a common order assigned by the Minister of Public Economy and Privatization Ylli Bufi and the Minister of Finances Anastas Angjeli.

According to this order the respective subjects can not continue performing their activity without the licenses issued by the General Directorate of Hydrocarbures.

The implementing of this order is needed at the current situation when the new Custom Code started to be applied, by abolishing the floor prices of t imported goods including the fuels as well.

There has been three months since Albanian Parliament approved the law" On elaboration, transport and selling of oil, gas and their sub- products", which defines that the exercise of the activities in fuel business should be done by juridical persons, after their equipment with licenses according to the definitions of this law./led/linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] Meidani to visit China in a short time

The Chinese ambassador conveyed to Meidani a message from the President of the People's Republic of China. In this message the Chinese President expresses understanding on the postponement of the visit of his Albanian counterpart and says that he is looking forward to this visit in a short and appropriate time for both sides, the President's press office reports.

"The Chinese consistently cherish sympathy for the war refugees," says President Jiang Zemin in his message.

In this context, the Chinese Government has decided to offer the Albanian government a free economic assistance, worth five million yuan. The concrete formalities to release this aid will be carried out by the respective institutions.

President Meidani thanked for the understanding and assured the Ambassador of his near formal visit to China. He reconfirmed the Albanian state's and government's evaluation of the relations with China as well as their further promotion.

The President of the Republic considers the economic assistance a testimony of solidarity with the grave humanitarian situation of the deported Kosovars. /lh/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] Small business partly financed by savings

But the business progress is urged even by the undertakers, without receiving credits from the banks,but by using their inner savings. Governmental programs aimed at creating the outer environment.

According to a study of the Institute of Economy, Finance, Business, the main part of the financial sources of this business is covered by personal savings of the undertakers marking the value of 30%, loans 20%, incomes from immigration 17.5%.

The bank credit cover 16,5% of the total values of the businessman incomes.

The study of the structure of the sources of business finance testifies that the undertakers are in an undefined financial environment.

Banks still do not perform the necessary role in finance and economy in general and undertaking in particular.

The greater part within markets is covered by local markets by 54% of undertakers products, while the rest in attracting interregional markets, while export covers a very small specific part.

The businessmen number since 1994 is almost constant, nearly 45000. This is due to the low coefficient of reinvestments of the profit, which in many cases, excluding construction sector is less than one./a.gj./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] Dryon: Albania to become member of Francophonie soon

According to the President's Press and Information office, the French Academician appreciated the Albanian hospitality and reception extended to him by the Tirane university circles in his first visit to Albania.

Later, Meidani and the outstanding French academician exchanged views on the crisis in Kosova and its future in the context of regional and European developments.

The President of the Republic said that the Kosova issue can be resolved only through the creation of an interim protectorate or authority, which will help normalise the political, economic and social life.

Meidani, after pointing to the danger carried by the idea of Kosova's partition, but also its sectoring in the context of the establishment of an international force, said that the Balkan states, and why not, its two other new states, Kosova and Montenegro, likely to be created in the future, should be integrated into Europe as soon as possible.

Meidani said that a rapid economic development of the region is a precondition to put an end to nationalist feelings and devaluate the Balkan borders, under the European Union model.

Highlighting the analyses and ideas of the president on the region and its European future, Dryon expressed the conviction that Albania will soon become member of Francophonie "a unification of friendly countries of moral authority".

Dryon said he was convinced of a better future for Albania and the Balkans, also thanks to the concentration of European attention on its development.

At the end of the meeting he presented the President of the Republic with the medal of the French Academy, which Cardinal Richelieu, its founder, has been stampedon.

Also attending the meeting were the ambassador of the French Republic to Albania, Patrick Chrismant, and the Rector of the Tirane University, Marenglen Spiro.

The 81 year old Mauricie Dryon, one of the most outstanding French intellectuals, writer, publicist and politician, member of the French Academy since 1966, and its permanent secretary since 1985, was awarded the high title "Doctor honoris Causa" by the University of Tirane on Saturday. /lh/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] Lack of urban plans increase environment pollution

This new urban law predicts the constructions' drafts and approval by masterplans or regional studies, which are going to be fulfilled for a long time.

But such objects placed out of limited lines, such as urban depositions, vehicles garbages,parking, fuel provision point, are so needed and cannot wait till the end of regional urban study, which might continue for years, said Raxho.

In Maliqi town and other big villages such as Drenova, Pojan, Mollaj considerable urban garbage is deposited by polluting so the environment.

According to Raxho the collection tax of 6% on new constructions is not well taken into consideration in the new urban law by leaving open way to subjectivism and abuses because the prevention of an object might be manipulated by private urban workers, while the state offices will not be able to perform their controls./Arta/linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] Luan Bregasi is nominated the Head of Trade and Industry Chamber of Tirana

Nearly 62 members of the Assembly took part in the election of the Head and directing staff of the Trade and Industry Chamber of Tirana, The Commission announced as head of the Chamber Luan Bregasi, construction and trade businessman,by 35 votes against 13 of the other candid Marsel Skendo.

The just elected Head of Trade and Industry Chamber in Tirana reported ATA that " the election in this position is a great responsibility and trust and I will do my best to successfully fulfill it based upon my experience and will"./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] Hajdaraga: Grave situation created after the influx of deported Kosovars urges quick solution-Minister of Defence meets with his Austrian counterpart Fasslabend-

Albanian Defense Minister made a presentation of the situation as a whole in Albania and laid stress on the extremely grave situation created after the mass arrival of the deported Kosovars.

This situation urges a quick solution and for this, the aid from other countries is very significant and necessary, said Hajdaraga. He thanked for the special aid provided by Austria, particularly the aid for the refugees in the Shkoder camp.

"The Serb cruel massacres are openly showing the bloody face of Milosevic, this dictator who holds hostage the whole region," he said.

"Only the implementation of the five conditions put forward by NATO would lead to a correct and long-term solution that would ensure peace and security not only in Kosova but throughout the region," said Hajdaraga.

Fasslabend stressed that in the future, too, Austria will continue to provide its assistance for the Kosova war refugees.

"We hold that the main aim will be not to allow Milosevic to accomplish any of his goals. We think there is no time to wait and in this context to intensify the measures for a quick and final solution to the crisis," said Fasslabend. /A.KE/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] Council of Ministers approves draft-laws for European Integration

At the beginning of the meeting a ceremony was held as Thimio Kondi has been relieved of his duties as Justice Minister and appointed Head of the Supreme Court.

The Council approved three draft-laws in the field of justice which have to do with the ratification of the Conventions with the Council of Europe.

The meeting also agreed to a decision on measures to implement the oil embargo and its byproducts against the former Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY).

This decision is based on the Resolutions of the U.N. Security Council, regarding the crisis in Kosova and bans storage of any fuel amount near and along the border belt with the former FRY.

The decision "On direct procurement and signing of contract with the "Falcone" association to realise the first phase of the Italian credit of 6.8 billion lire, for the hydro-network of the Tirane city", was also approved. The total value of this project with three phases amounts to 60 billion lire.

The participants at the meeting approved in principle the credit agreement for development between Albania and the International Development Association for the second project for irrigation and drainage rehabilitation. This project is worth U.S.$ 24 million.

Likewise, the decision on necessary changes and reactivation of the Commissions for the Restitution and Compensation of Property to their former owners was approved. /pas/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] Justice council to decide on lawyers refusing to undergo test

As regards the lawyers, who refused to take part in the professional test and did not present any justification, the council decided to call them next week and later make decisions based on the law.

The test of professional skills for first level lawyers was held under the monitoring of the international organisations from May 8 to 15. /pas/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[20] Luan Bregasi appointed head of Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Bregasi was elected with 35 votes against 13 votes pro the other candidate Marsel Skendo by the 62 members of the assembly. /pas/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[21] Deputy premier urges transparent reform on decentralization of local government

Ministry of Information said that Meta considered this reform one of the priority goals of the government, which urges transparence in the reform based on the principles of the Council of Europe, USAID and other international organisations.

Members of the committee defined the steps to be taken to secure a quick and safe continuation of the reform. They agreed that the short-term goal should be drafting of the first decentralizing package. /pas/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[22]

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