Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-05-25

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] Cooperation and solidarity among states - vital elements to benefit of mankind - Scalfaro

[02] Albania benefits special quota in permissions to European road transport

[03] 1 billion lek investments in Vlora district for this year

[04] Press review

[05] 110 thousand Kosovars arrive in Tirane

[06] Tirane exchange rate

[07] New passing route for displaced Kosovars

[08] Mema resigns from the post of Tirane sports-club trainer

[09] Some 12 shells of Serb artillery targeted at Kamenice region

[10] 10 thousand Albanian hostages "sign" Rugova-Milosevic agreement - writes Shekulli newspaper on May 25 -

[11] Thaçi backs the propose on creation of National Security Council

[12] Book "A branch link" by Kosova poet Riza Greiqvci presented in Kukes

[13] Fan Noli poses as archbishop for a painter ...

[14] Dutch Premier, Wim Kok, due to Albania on Wednesday

[15] Time when Milosevic will capitulate is very near - Clark - PM Majko meets with NATO Supreme Commander, Wesley Clark -

[16] Albania enjoys support from entire Europe - Jean Luc Dehane -PM Majko meet with NATO Supreme Commander Wesley Clark-

[17] We support NATO's military air campaign -Thaci -Albanian Foreign Minister Milo meets with PM of Kosova Interim Government-

[18] Albania's priorities are closely connected with Balkan ones

[19] Operation on Kakavija- Gjirokaster highway to start soon

[20] Milo urges unification of Albanian factor

[21] "General Motors" and "Mitsui" to invest on railways

[22]

[23] Some 115 former prisoners of Merkonice enter Kukes

[24] Saving Bank: Good progress toward privatization

[25] President Meidani appreciates performance of Guardia di Finanza

[26] Communication extension in camps of Kosova comers

[27] Serbs continue to shell Albanian territory

[28] Social Center to be opened soon

[29] Any military option remains open for Kosova - Solana

[30] European Union earmarks EURO 62 million for Albania

[31] Colonel Dervishi provisionally appointed chief of Vlore police

[01] Cooperation and solidarity among states - vital elements to benefit of mankind - Scalfaro

The letter writes among others, according to the President's press office, that "my seven-year mandate is over now and I felt the desire to part with you with a very special greeting.

Back in my memory come, besides other moments, our meetings in which we have discussed and valued most delicate moments of the international reality and the intensification of the relations and cooperation between our two countries.

In the great operations of fight against evils which are still causing wounds in the lives of many peoples and are a grave threat to peace, nobody can be able to win a victory by himself: cooperation and solidarity among states are vital elements to the benefit of mankind." /lh/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] Albania benefits special quota in permissions to European road transport

On the basis of this resolution, Albania, a full member in the conference, was granted a special quota 33, while Macedonia a special quota 25.

The Albanian Minister Ingrid Shuli made, in her address to the conference, after expressing her thanks to all the countries that are contributing to overcome this situation, a panorama of the difficulties and losses that the sector of transport and the entire Albanian economy is having in these moments. Shuli demanded an increase of aid and finances for Albania in order to cope with the present situation. /lh/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] 1 billion lek investments in Vlora district for this year

These finances, coming through the state budget and various organizations of the European Unions, said the spokesman of the prefecture, will be used mainly to improve the infrastructure, the water supply of various zones, for the reconstruction of some schools, medical health facilities, etc.

The spokesman said that these funds were planned since the beginning of the year, but with the grave situation following the influx of the Kosova deportees in Albania, these funds were used to solve the emergency problems. /pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] Press review

KOHA JONE, independent daily.

- "Qose: Of importance is the future of Kosove, that's what we must think of." Interview with the outstanding Kosova academician, Rexhep Qosja, who is also leader of the party "Movement of Democratic Union" in Kosove. - "Police on alert for eventual unrest." After reports reaching the Ministry of Public Order for expected unrest, the latter have strengthened controls in road checks and patrols. - "One of bodyguards of Sali Berisha killed in Tirane." On Monday morning, Gani Neza, 35, one of the bodyguards of DP leader Sali Berisha was killed.

GAZETA SHQIPTARE, independent daily.

- "The future of Kosove in Enver's villa." Almost all the delegation that represented the Albanians in the Rambouillet Conference is accommodated in the former villa of Enver Hoxha, while Rugova is expected to come. - Scharping: We will topple Slobo." German Defence Minister Rudolf Scharping had an official visit to Tirane yesterday. - "Majko: We need some other 45 million USD." Albanian PM Pandeli Majko is expected to ask donors in Brussels some other 45 million dollars to overcome the emergency.

SHEKULLI, independent daily

- "Thaci: NATO, continue bombing! Mistakes can be made." PM of the interim government of Kosove Hashim Thaci visited refugees from Kosove settled in Kukes and Korce. - "'Voting' for Rugova-Milosevic pact." About 10 thousand Albanian hostages in Cermjan (Kosove) have been coerced to sign in favour of the agreement signed some time ago between Rugove and Milosevic. - "Meidani: Agreement but five NATO terms included." President of Albania Rexhep Meidani met yesterday with the German Defence Minister Rudolf Scharping.

RILINDJA, Independent information daily.

- New arrivals in Morine coming from Kosove." - "We shall win this war." The Prime Minister of the interim government of Kosove, Thaci, visited camps of refugees in Kukes,.

ALBANIA, independent daily.

- "Hashim, work with Rugove!" - "NATO must not change course." - "Government of Kosove, on basis of negotiations and consensus."

EKONOMIA, daily of the Albanian Agency for Economic Development.

- "IMF- Reforms in the administration and profound privatization. - "Majko in Brussels today will demand 50 million dollars." - "Bank of Albania: "Marshall Plan demands new financial structures."

ZERI I POPULLIT, daily of the Socialist Party of Albania - - "Why are you blaming Majko?" - "Signatures for coffee." Prosecutor's office is investigating into the official who signed for the clearance of the commodities of the firm "Murati do Brazil." - NATO and KLA will win the war."

RILINDJA DEMOKRATIKE, daily paper of the Democratic Party of Albania.

- Differences between two KLA groupings. - "Serb artillery ruins villages of has."

REPUBLIKA, daily of the Republican Party of Albania

- "Berisha-Thaci meeting proves of the shifting of state power towards KLA." - Serb artillery and snipers hit Has people." /xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] 110 thousand Kosovars arrive in Tirane

The number of the Kosovars in the prefecture of Tirane amounted on Monday to about 110 thousand, said to ATA the prefecture spokesman Dashamir Pellumbi.

According to Pellumbi, 88 000 of them are accommodated in families of the Prefecture of Tirane, the rest are housed in camps and other reception centers. In the district of Kavaje, which is part of the Tirana prefecture, there are 21 607 registered evicted Kosovars, of whom 13 000 are in families and 8 607 in tented camps. /led/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] Tirane exchange rate

Follow the buying and selling of foreign currencies against the Lek on the Tirane currency market.

Foreign Currency Buying Selling

US$1 141,5 141,7

DM 76,5 76,8 ITL(1000) 77,5 77,8 GRD(100) 46 46,2 /A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] New passing route for displaced Kosovars

KUKES, May 25 (ATA) - By R.Hoxha: A new route is opened late on Monday for the entrance of the displaced Kosovars in Albania. About 83 persons passed the border in the village of Cahan, Has district, in the north of Morine, and this thing did not occurred previously, the spokesman of police commissariat told ATA on Tuesday.

As much as 1450 people, mainly from the northern Kosove, entered Albania through Morina pass. Sources from the border police forces in Has district told ATA that the total number of dispatched Kosovars is estimated at 2 650 so far. /led/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] Mema resigns from the post of Tirane sports-club trainer

Mema has made the same action even in the season 1995-1996, when the football team he leaded won the Championship and the Cup.

Sources from the football sports-club Tirana report that a possible candidature is that of Faruk Sejdini, who has trained the Dinamo team. /pas/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] Some 12 shells of Serb artillery targeted at Kamenice region

The spokesman of Tropoje district police commissariat told ATA that some 12 shells of the Serb artillery are launched in Kamenice region during Monday afternoon and evening. Two houses of the village are damaged due to the the bombardments. No casualties are reported, because the inhabitants of this village left previously further in the area.

The same source stresses that bombardments are made even in Padeshi area, near a free route enabling Kosova Liberation Army forces enter Albania.

Almost everyday KLA and Serb forces are locked in heavy fightings in the Koshare region. Serb forces are trying to close the new access route opened for passing of KLA members into Albania.

Sources from Kukes prefecture report also that gun shots are also heard in the Albanian territory in the Dobrune area, Has district, during the late hours of Monday. No casualties are reported so far.

The Albanian military forces continue to attend closely the situation, without responding to the attacks because the bombardments are made from deep in Kosova territory. /pas/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] 10 thousand Albanian hostages "sign" Rugova-Milosevic agreement - writes Shekulli newspaper on May 25 -

According to it, "10 thousand Albanians, mainly women, old people and children, after abused in a quite special manner by experiencing in them all kinds of torture, killing with bullets, beatings, cold and hunger, have been coerced to sign and agreement, as the only thing that had remained for them to do, but which was an act that was considered unexpectedly necessary for the Serbs."

...10 thousand hostages gathered in village Cermjan have pressurized to "vote", in favour of the agreement signed some time ago between the Kosova leader, Ibrahim Rugova and the present president of the rump Yugoslavia, Milosevic."

The newspaper Shekulli cites spokesman of the KLA: "This action is unimportant for the Albanians because it has no legal value."

According to the same paper, the Serb TV has broadcast film sequences on the time when Rugova was meeting Milosevic in Belgrade, commenting that "a historical agreement" was signed between the two leaders.

For the same document, Rugova has said in an interview with German media that he had not signed any agreement with the Yugoslav President, Milosevic. /led/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] Thaçi backs the propose on creation of National Security Council

Thaçi declared in Tirane on Tuesday, after a meeting he held with the Albanian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Paskal Milo, that he considered the idea of the creation of the National Security Council as a positive movement. "We hail every propose undertaken for the unification of the political factor in Kosove", said Thaçi.

The creation of this council, which will be the object of the meeting to be held in Tirane between the political leaders of Kosove, is now waiting only the confirmation of the promised visit in Albania of the Kosove Democratic League, Ibrahim Rugova.

"I hope that Rugova will come" said Thaçi who added that he was informed on Rugova arrival in Tirane by the daily Albanian press.

Foreign Minister Milo, highlighted that Rugova will not come in Tirane on Thursday as the Albanian dailies inform."I can say only that he will arrive in Tirane soon", added Milo.

According to Milo, the National Security Council will be composed mainly by the Albanian delegation in Rambuillet and by other elements to be elected by the Kosovars.

"This Council will be a body of a consultative type which will support the Interim Government of Kosove" said Milo. /pas/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] Book "A branch link" by Kosova poet Riza Greiqvci presented in Kukes

The poems and drama cover the present topic with the Kosova Liberation Army and its martyrs in the focus of the attention of the author.

"We wish we organise such activities together in Drenice," said Greiqvci at the end of the meeting. /led/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] Fan Noli poses as archbishop for a painter ...

It is a color portrait of Fan Noli where he has posed for the first time dresses in a ceremonial dress of an archbishop.

Sources from the National Museum report that this picture will be exhibited together with 20 other old unknown works in an exhibition to be opened in the grounds of the National Museum.

"The value of the portrait is unique, not only for the fact that Fan Noli, the first Albanian archbishop, is wearing a clerical dress, but because this is his only picture", said the Director of the National Museum, Moikom Zeqo.

The portrait is realized in 1924 by the famous Albanian painter Vangjush Zego who derived from a distinguished family in Korçe. Until 1980 the portrait belonged to Zengo family, which was in emigration in America. The portrait was presented to the National Historical Museum in 1980. /led/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] Dutch Premier, Wim Kok, due to Albania on Wednesday

Sources from the Albanian Ministry of Information report that after arriving in Rinas airport, the Dutch Premier is expected to make a visit in the refugee camp in Shamogjin, Vlore.

Dutch Premier will visit afterwards the displaced Kosovars accommodated in the Palace of Spots "Asllan Rusi".

After the visits in the refugee camps, Dutch Prime Minister will meet the President of the Republic, Rexhep Meidani, the Deputy Premier, Ilir Meta and other political representatives from Kosove. /led/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] Time when Milosevic will capitulate is very near - Clark - PM Majko meets with NATO Supreme Commander, Wesley Clark -

General Clark had a separate meeting with PM Majko at 1.30 p.m. in Manfred Verner Building, which is the headquarters of the countries of the Partnership for Peace in Brussels.

In the mean time, PM Majko voiced his conviction that the war in Kosove will be over with NATO as the winner.

Addressing the NATO Supreme Commander, Majko said that now General Clark is an Albanian National Hero. /s.s./xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] Albania enjoys support from entire Europe - Jean Luc Dehane -PM Majko meet with NATO Supreme Commander Wesley Clark-

According to formal sources from this meeting, which was held behind closed doors, they discussed the issue of the Albanian political factor unification and that of the Kosova refugees.

Responding to the interest of Belgian Prime Minister in Mr. Rugova, Majko spoke of his (Majko's) initiative to create a Kosova National Security Council, in which will take part representatives of the entire Kosova Albanian political factor, the source says.

They also discussed the issue of the deported Kosovars and the aid Belgium can give on this occasion.

The Albanian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium, Idriz Basha, told ATA that some US$ 40 million have been gathered to address the Kosovars in Albania.

After meeting Majko, the chief of the Belgium Government, in a brief pronouncement for Albanian reporters, said that Belgium will help Albania both bilaterally and in the context of the EU.

"Albania has now the support and sympathy of the whole international community," said Dehane. /dast/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] We support NATO's military air campaign -Thaci -Albanian Foreign Minister Milo meets with PM of Kosova Interim Government-

The Foreign Ministry press department reports that Thaci thanked the Albanian government and diplomacy for its contribution to a viable and long- term solution to the crisis in Kosova.

"We support NATO's military air campaign. It is indispensable that the Alliance be present in Kosova also through ground troops, to bring political solutions closer and to enable a quick return of the deported Kosovars," said Thaci, referring to NATO's campaign.

"Kosova's interim government, emerging from Rambouillet, is working under war conditions. We have decided and are keeping contacts with the main political subjects of Kosova, Albania and Macedonia. We also expect to meet with Rugova," said Thaci.

"We have signals that Rugova will come in a couple of days to Albania, " said Milo, adding that it would be in the interest of all that all the Albanian forces, mainly those of Kosova, share their approach both in the solution of the current crisis and in governing the postwar Kosova."

Further on, they exchanged views on the creation and operation of the Kosova National Security Council. This institution, they said, should be based on the Rambouillet agreement and also consolidated by other prominent elements. /dast/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] Albania's priorities are closely connected with Balkan ones

Minister Ermelinda Meksi presented to Hartman the work done by the Albanian Government concerning the finances of the international donors.

She presented also the economic priorities of the Albania in the framework of Balkan reconstruction and the initiatives to be undertaken in this frame by the international institutions, such as World Bank and European Union.

Hartman said that World Bank will continue to support financially the continuation of the current projects and the beginning of new ones./led/linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] Operation on Kakavija- Gjirokaster highway to start soon

According to the Secretary of the District Boars Belul Hila the number of the landowners reached till now to 220 ones.

The land price according to the experts of work groups is defined to be 4 000 lek/ m2, but in some cases they vary from 600-800 lek/m2.

Already the project of Kakavije-Furra e Dervicianit, 25 km long, is completed and the operations on the next road segment Furra-Dervicianit- Subash, 30 km long, go on./pas/linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[20] Milo urges unification of Albanian factor

The unification of the Albanian factor is a significant element to be realised as soon as possible," said Milo adding that in this context, the Student Union, too, can play a significant role, just as it has always played.

Further on Milo also spoke of the creation and operation of the Kosova National Security Council, a significant all-embracing body, to come to the aid of and cooperate with Kosova's interim government.

Dugolli said that the Student Union has played and will continue to play a significant role in unifying the Kosova Albanian political factor.

"Almost all the political forces of the student and trade union movement in Kosova are united. We hope that this union will receive the final seal also from the LDK. Just like before the Rambouillet agreement, the official Tirana should continue to play a significant role in this direction," he said. /dast/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[21] "General Motors" and "Mitsui" to invest on railways

Minister Shuli, by estimating the "interest letter" proposed by the representatives of "General Motors" and "Mitsui", considered it as a good chance on the development of the railway transport in Albania.

The development projects on Albanian Railway are divided into parts, short term and mid term. In short term projects are including the insurance and the bringing of several engines for the Albanian Railway.

While in the mid projects is foreseen the use of a soft loan by the Japanese Government, which consists in provision of new engines for Albanian Railway produced by the American company "General Motors".

Japanese loan has to be paid within 30 years by an annual interest of 2-3% and for the first 10 years there will be no financial duties./lh/linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[22]

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[23] Some 115 former prisoners of Merkonice enter Kukes

A large number of Kosova refugees entered the Kukes district on Tuesday at around 15.00.

Sources from the Morine border police report that some 115 refugees, all former-prisoners of Merkonice prison, some 7km from the Mitrovice city, crossed into Kukes through Morine in an hour.

The latest arrivals told ATA that had been accused of being supporters of KLA. But lacking facts, they were pushed on buses, which brought them up to Zhure. They had then walked seven kilometres to arrive at the border point of Morine.

They also said that the Merkonice prison is being filled with other inmates, which like the current prisoners are used to dig ditches for the Serb army. /lh/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[24] Saving Bank: Good progress toward privatization

The total privatization of Albanian bank system is predicted in ESAF 2 agreement assigned between Albanian Government and International Monetary Fund. Saving Bank will remain the only state bank after the decision of the Albanian Government to recognize "Kent Bank" as strategic investiture of National Commercial Bank.

In 1998 the deposits of the Saving Bank were at good levels. Only in December they mark an increase of 2 billion 734 million lek, while in the end of 1998 the deposits of the second rate banks reached the value of 114, 7 billion lek. The great increase in the total value of the deposits is marked in the deposits of twelve months maturity, followed by the ones of three months maturity and the ones in foreign currencies.

The increases of the deposits continue even in January, although the interests percentages fall. The additional value of the deposits was 3.5 billion lek.

Meanwhile in 1999 the Saving Bank will credit only projects of state guarantee by the cashed values.

Saving Bank is wide spread in Albania. It has established its sub- offices and bank agencies in all over the country./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[25] President Meidani appreciates performance of Guardia di Finanza

Meidani thanked Colonel Lizi for his and his mission's performance in helping the Albanian police fight contraband and other illegal phenomena.

He expressed his conviction that upgrading professionalism among the police, improvement of the legal framework and economic conditions of the population will powerfully help the state triumph over these phenomena.

Colonel Lizi expressed his satisfaction over his meeting with the Albanian President and appreciated his support for the performance of the Albanian police and the foreign specialists working with them. /lh/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[26] Communication extension in camps of Kosova comers

The fulfilment of the plan by the Italian part in the Albanian telecommunication network on the possibilities of extending the communication in the receiving camps of Kosova comers and the reactivation of international roaming GSM in Albania, is predicted in this agreement. This thing needs the increase of the capacity on covering the GSM network, especially in the areas where the camps of Kosova comers are located.

The project foresees the realization of a telecommunication network based on the satellite connection, which consists in the phonic and data transition services between the receiving camps and their connection with Italy, as well.

The project foresees the cooperation between Albanian and Italy on fulfilment of a developing plan in the capacity of Albanian mobiles according to AMC plans. The extension of GSM network covered by AMC in the areas where Italian staff is operating and there is no any service by AMC network is predicted also in this agreement.

Understanding Memorandum assigned on Tuesday predicts the cooperation in creating the public telephonic places connected with Albanian fixed network.

Albanian part put in disposal the necessary frequencies for satellite connections, to be used in the systems established in the receiving camps to offer telephonic services./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[27] Serbs continue to shell Albanian territory

Serb military forces on Tuesday continued to shell Albanian territory in Has district.

The spokesman of the Kukes prefecture, Emri Peca, told ATA that at around 11.00 today, the other side fired artillery shells in the direction of Albanian territory, in Qafe e Prushit, Has district.

The Serb artillery shells fell some hundreds of meters inside Albanian territory, said Peca, adding that there have been no casualties or material damage.

Qafe e Prushit is one of the areas which has often been the target of the Serb artillery over the last two months. Hence, in Letaj village, near the Qafe e Prushit, three houses have been damaged and the border customs and post have been destroyed. The shelling has also killed an Albanian citizen. /lh/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[28] Social Center to be opened soon

This project consists on establishing and functioning of a social center in Vaqarr, Tirana District, where the specialized training for needed categories having social problems respectively with women in difficulties and having babies, with children, teenagers and youth in danger.

This agreement is discussing at the moment in the Parliament Commission of Economy, Finances and Privatization and later on it will be discussed by the Parliament.

The project costs 1,580 billion lirets and will be financed by "Emanuel Community" and Albanian Caritas.

This is the first center of this kind in Albania, which will make possible the rehabilitation and social integration of the above mentioned groups and will support in solving many sharp social problems./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[29] Any military option remains open for Kosova - Solana

Solana thanked the Albanian government for endorsing the NATO options as well as the Albanian people for their stand towards the humanitarian crisis and influx of the Kosova refugees.

Majko stated that the Albanian government will agree only to the implementation of NATO's five terms by Milosevic. Majko said that if there is a ground intervention, one cannot speak of an invasion of Kosova but of a halt to Milosevic's massacre against Albanian people.

This afternoon at 16.30, Majko has a tete-a-tete talk with the NATO Secretary-General, after which he held a news conference, and later had a meeting with the Alliance's Council of Ambassadors. /lh/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[30] European Union earmarks EURO 62 million for Albania

The European Union on Tuesday earmarked EURO 62 million for Albania to balance the state budget, EU Foreign Affairs Commissioner Hans van den Broek said this afternoon, after a meeting with Albanian Prime Minister Pandeli Majko.

Broek said that the first tranche of EURO 20 million, will be released immediately and very soon will arrive the next tranche earmarked by the EU commission. He said that negotiations for Albania's association with the EU will soon begin under a new spirit.

Majko arrived in Brussels on Monday evening, at the head of a government delegation composed of Ministers Angjeli, Meksi, Lakrori and many government experts and economic advisors. /lh/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[31] Colonel Dervishi provisionally appointed chief of Vlore police

The Head of the Public Order Department at the Public Order Ministry, Colonel Albert Dervishi, has provisionally been appointed Head of the Vlore prefecture police.

He was introduced by deputy Minister of Public Order Bajram Yzeiri on Monday evening.

Dervishi has replaced Colonel Sokol Kociu, who was dismissed from office one month ago by former Minister of Public Order Petro Koci. /lh/lm/

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