Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-06-09

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] NATO forces in Albania closely follow latest developments

[02] Has under Serb bombardment

[03] PM Majko meets mayors of six cities

[04] Foreign currency exchange rate in Tirane

[05] Van with 220 clandestine Kosovars intercepted

[06] Press Review

[07] Serb artillery shells Has border villages

[08] Make-shift camp near Tepelene still witjout inhabitants

[09] Albanian Bank approved instructions "On markets' risks"

[10] May: Tax income's plan fulfilled by 90,2%

[11] Dade says SP chairmanship decided to call the districts forums

[12] Meidani welcomed new Polish ambassador accredited to Albania

[13] Greece has allocated more than 10 billion Drachmas to Albania during the last two years

[14] USAID continues food distribution through parachutes in Kosova

[15] Constitution has solved problems that consolidate electoral process - Gjinushi

[16] Rrogozhina-Lushnja section: "GRANIT" starts to bring machineries

[17] ecognition of Thaci Government also crowns efforts of Albanian Parliament - Speaker

[18] New methodology on calculating liquidation level

[19] CE backs implementation of cultural program for Kosova deportees

[20] Government gives priority to telecommunication development in rural areas

[21] France ready to continue assistance on development of Albanian Agriculture

[22] New medical health centre in a Kosova refugee camp in Elbasan district

[23] Latest data of UNHCR for exodus of Kosova refugees

[01] NATO forces in Albania closely follow latest developments

The NATO forces deployed at Rinas military airport, now called the "Hawk Base", are following with great interest the talks to establish peace in Kosova and throughout the region, the spokesman of the NATO force installed at Rinas Lieutenant-Colonel Garrie Dornan, told ATA on Wednesday.

Asked whether the Apache helicopters could enter into operation, according to Pentagon's suggestion, Dornan said that the Apache helicopters, like all the troops, are waiting for orders that might come in the course of the peace process which has just begun.

As to the role the Task Force Hawk can play, now that the Kosova crisis is near solution, Dornan said that the Task Force Hawk will do everything possible to best serve the peace process. /pas/lm/

D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail:

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] Has under Serb bombardment

The situation on the country's northeastern border remains tense because of the Serb artillery shelling.

After 20.30 on Tuesday, shelling in the direction of Albanian territory in the zone of Has, especially in the villages of Cahan and Vlahen, continued for more than one hour, the spokesman of Kukes prefecture police department told ATA.

As a result of the Serb shelling over the past days in the town of Krume four people have been injured and over 60 per cent of the population of this small town has left in the direction of Tragtan, Fajza, Myc Has and other villages.

At least seven villages along the border belt of Has district have been destroyed by the Serb bombardments over the last two months. Five have been killed and 12 injured during this period. /led/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] PM Majko meets mayors of six cities

Majko, considering significant an aid to the budget of the city-halls, announced a package of US$1.5 million for Tirane city-hall, US$1 million for Durres city-hall, US$1 million for Vlore city-hall and a preliminary package for the city-halls of Korce, Shkoder and Elbasan, of US$ 0.5 million.

According to Majko, this budget aid will help create more spaces to absorb foreign investment and meet the demands of the citizens. He considered this aid as an expression of cooperation between the Central and Local governments.

Also present at the meeting were Minister of Local Government Arben Demeti, Minister of Public Affairs and Transport Ingrid Shuli and Finance Minister Anastas Angjeli. /led/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] Foreign currency exchange rate in Tirane

Follow the foreign currency buying and selling rates on the Tirane currency market on Wednesday:

Currency Buying Selling USD 138,5 139,5 DM 74 74,5 ITL(1000) 74,5 75,3 GRD(100) 44,4 44,6

/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] Van with 220 clandestine Kosovars intercepted

A van carrying 220 Kosovars, who intended illegal crossing to Italy, on one of the Vlore-Brindisi service ferries, was intercepted on Tuesday morning in the Vlore city port grounds.

The district police commissariat sources confirmed that the van belonged to Italian Piento Donimaria Napoli, who was returning to his own country.

The police, shortly after a signal, checked the van and found the Kosovars hidden inside.

The vehicle was blocked while the Kosova refugees went back to the district they had come from.

The same sources said that the number of the Kosova refugees attempting to cross via Italy to other western countries has increased.

The local police are taking tough measures to prevent access to the ferries of the Vlore-Brindisi and Vlore-Otranto service. /s.sh/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] Press Review

Koha Jone, independent daily,

- "Here are the borders of Serbia in 1817". The Balkan map of 19th century is published for the first time in Albania, according to the Russian encyclopedia, historical ally of Serbia. - "The majority against Majko". At yesterday's meeting of the socialist parliamentary group, the name of Ilir Panda, proposed for the positin of Justice Minister, was rejected. - "If we were free, there would be no faction". Interview with the Democratic Party leadership member, Ferdinand Xhaferri.

Gazeta Shqiptare, independent daily,

- "With Meidani watching G8 on CNN". The President of the Republic speaks for "Gazeta Shqiptare": I see two new states, Kosove and Montenegro. - "Socialist Party attacks the new Minister of Justice: He is a man of DP. Debates and polemics at the meeting of socialist parliamentary group due to the nomination of the Justice Minister. - "Shells threaten Bajram Curri". Yesterday, for the first time, Serb shells detonated 28 km inside the Albanian border.

"Shekulli" independent daily,

- "Zogaj: Within the summer the refuges will be back to Kosove". Preç Zogaj, the political adviser to the President of the Republic, said yesterday "We hope the return of the refugees will start and be accomplished within the summer..." - "On 22nd of June the DP without mandate." The DP deputies have only two weeks at their disposal to return to parliament, otherwise they lose their mandates. - "The missiles' looters found". The rockets stolen days ago, in Qafe- Molle, are found and have been turned to their storing place, meanwhile the guards, who had been on duty have been arrested.

Rilindja, informative indipendent daily,

- "Albanians have agreed to the common strategy since in Rambouillet..." "Reconciliation in principle, details clarified in the coming days". "Milosevic poses danger for Kosova and the neighbouring countries".

Albania, independent daily,

-"Rugova meets with Thaci". -"Majko either with Mafia or against it!". -"Minister of Majko, Berisha's man".

Ekonomia, daily of the Albanian Agency for Economic Development,

-"Danger from import! Cancer in hens also in cows". -"Concession: State unclear on conditions of granting permission".

Zeri i Popullit, daily of Albania's Socialist Party,

-"Berisha, base of terror" -"SP of Tirane, full support for the government". -"The people who will serve the state alone".

Rilindja Demokratike, daily of Albania's Democratic Party,

-"Serb bombs, two km from the town of Bajram Curri". "Thaci: KLA will become political party".

Republika, independent of Albania's Republican Party.

-"DP grabs SP a ministry". -"Ceka, strong charges against Berisha".

/ledi/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] Serb artillery shells Has border villages

Serb military forces early on Wednesday opened artillery fire in the direction of Albanian territory, Has district.

The distrcit police commissariat spokesman said that 36 Serb artillery shells fell this morning in the villages of Kishaj and Pogaj, Pashtrik zone, causing material damage to several houses of these villages.

The same source told ATA that from 05.20 to 05.30 on Wednesday 10 Serb artillery shells landed in the villages of Dobrun and Letaj, causing considerable material damages, while six shells fell in the Xhebecie of Golajt quarter.

Police sources report that artillery shells were also fired in the direction of the Krume town. Hence, four shells fell the Pla quarter of this town at 5.50, causing power curtailment for the second time.

Reliable sources report that fierce fighting continues between the KLA and the Serb military forces in the vicinity of the state border. /led/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] Make-shift camp near Tepelene still witjout inhabitants

Maksim Bakiri, one of the representatives of the Italian association which set up this camp, told ATA that the camp is ready but Kosovars have not yet shown up. Signals on the departure of Kosovars from Kukes are given every day, but as a matter of fact no buses have yet arrived in the small southern city of Kukes, added Bakiri.

According to Bakiri, only the high temperatures can be e problem in the tends, while the other conditions in the camp are acceptable and the food is good.

This camp is erected near the national road in the subburn of Tepelene city. /dast/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] Albanian Bank approved instructions "On markets' risks"

According to the source of Albanian Central Bank, the regulation is approved in the general regulator frame of the control and supervising of the risks connected with the market operations performed by the banks and the foreign sub banks in Albania.

The regulation "On markets' risks" consists of the methodology of calculating the request about regulator capital, by defining the minimal limit of its value. /dast/linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] May: Tax income's plan fulfilled by 90,2%

High deficit during May, some 250 million lek, is due to two main reasons. Firstly the incomes' annual plan increases by 1,5 billion lek, which are transferred from the custom plan due to the difficult situation in fulfilling the plan of this administrate, because the items import fall considerably during the last two months.

Secondly, some state enterprises do not cash regularly their duties at the tax offices. So Albpetrol did not cash nearly 100 million lek during May. The same figure stands for the National Agency of Air Transport(NAAT), due to putting Rinas airport in NATO disposal, as a result solidarity tax is not cashed.

Nearly 52% of the incomes or 1,172 billion lek are cashed by tax office of Tirana, while some sub offices in districts exceed the plan, such as Elbasani, Shkodra, Gjirokastra, Berati, tax offices.

The value cashed during the first five months of 1999 is 10,035 billion lek or 96,8% of the plan. The annual plan of tax income is 30,5 billion lek. /linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] Dade says SP chairmanship decided to call the districts forums

SP Secretary of Foreign Relations, Arta Dade, told ATA on Wednesday that the forums will be gathered to analyse the achievements reached so far and to take all measures to fulfil the objectives by the structures nominated in the local level.

"Their realization will lead towards the realization of the Local Autonomous Charter signed by Albania in the European Council", said Dade.

A deep analyses of the economic problems of the daily newspaper of Socialist Party "Zeri i Popullit" was also made in the meeting.

The representatives of Women Forum held a speech in the meeting and complained about the postponment of Women Congress organization. /dast/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] Meidani welcomed new Polish ambassador accredited to Albania

State Protocol Director close to the Foreign Ministry, told ATA, that present on the ceremony held on this occasion was the Vice minister of Foreign Affairs, Pellumb Xhufi.

Chodakowski was accompanied by other diplomats of Polish embassy in Tirane. /dast/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] Greece has allocated more than 10 billion Drachmas to Albania during the last two years

From this aid have profited almost all the ministries either in the form of credits, scholarships, qualifications or training courses.

Regarding the project of the current year, Greece embassy in Tirane mentioned as important the implementation of a study for extension of the railway from Pogradec to Kapshtice. Greece will offer technical help even in the field of aerial and automobilistic transports.

In the institutional framework, a cooperation act signed between the Albanian Radio Television and ERT.A.E in May 1999, foresees an assistance for the Albanian television consisting in the personnel training and in the delivery of technical equipments. The Greek aid foresees even the settling of a TV amplifier in Curfew for the programs of Albanian Television.

Greek ambassador to Albania, Mallias, said in a meeting he hold some days ago with Albanian deputies that Greece is engaged to hold as soon as possible the long-term economic projects between Albania and Greece. /dast/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] USAID continues food distribution through parachutes in Kosova

Meanwhile, USAID actively is giving its contribution to support Kosova refugees, the ones located out of Kosova and the ones hidden in Kosova mountains.

According to Palmer " since a week the mission on distributing humanitarian aid through parachutes has started to support the Kosova Albanians hidden in Kosova mountains, who are starving. Nine missions are completed till now by distributing some 12 000 food rations".

Palmer explained that "based upon the information we possessed the food is received by Kosova population". We know that the food needs in Kosova are greater than the assistance we are offering to them.There is a need for other planes to increase the number of the flights".

USAID representative expressed his gratitude and that of the organization he represents for the Albanian Government and People for the welcoming of the great number of Kosovars." Without the generosity of the Albanian People, the world would face a real catastrophe", ended Mr. Hugh Parmer. /dast/linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] Constitution has solved problems that consolidate electoral process - Gjinushi

Gjinushi stressed that the Constitution has solved two important problems to consolidate the election process, it has determined the system of elections and a permanent Central Election Commission.

Further on, Gjinushi demanded in particular cooperation with this institution for the construction and completion of a full infrastructure of elections in Albania.

Voicing his readiness and highlighting the work made for the approval of the construction, Mr Bailey said that the consolidation of the election system is an important element to increase citizens' faith in the institutions and the state in general. /dast/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] Rrogozhina-Lushnja section: "GRANIT" starts to bring machineries

Meanwhile, the import of the machineries and other necessary equipment for the construction operations. The work program is already drafted.

January 4 is considered as the official beginning of the operations and it will be completed within 22 months. The value of the contract is 6.9 million EURO and it is financed by PHARE Program. /linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] ecognition of Thaci Government also crowns efforts of Albanian Parliament - Speaker

TIRANE, June 9 (ata) - By A Gjakova: The Speaker of the Albanian Parliament, Skender Gjinushi said on Wednesday that the Tuesday's talks between three Kosova leaders, Qosja, Thaci and Rugova, with the U.S. Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright proved that the U.S. and the majority part of the international democratic community support the agreement reached in Rambouillet because they want a united Albanian political factor.

Gjinushi told ATA that recognition of Thaci Government is a positive factor and crowns the efforts of the Albanian Assembly to reach to this point, thus barring the way to those who want to stir the water. Now Kosova has its temporary institutions because later the free vote will decide on them.

Government Thaci will contribute to the establishment of peace and will assist in the period until elections will take place.

"We are glad to see the confirmation of what is said in the Resolution of the Assembly which means that the Assembly, as a representative of the Albanian political forces, has defined very clearly which is the way of unification of the Albanian political factor: recognition of the Rambouillet Agreement, recognition of Thaci Government, completion of vacancies in Thaci Government, hence unity with LDK," ended his pronunciation the Speaker of Albanian Parliament. /dast/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] New methodology on calculating liquidation level

According to the source of the Albanian Central Bank this regulation defines the methodology of calculating the liquidation level and its minimal limit. This regulation is drafted in conformity with the New Accounts Plan and Bank Countability Manual.

Several improvements in bank system are also presented in this regulation.

The meeting of the Supervising Council analyzed the information "About the fulfillment of ESAF program objectives and the monetary developments in April 99". Several decisions concerning the inner activities of the Albanian Bank are approved as well. /a.gj/linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] CE backs implementation of cultural program for Kosova deportees

The program, which envisages the conduct of some artistic cultural activities in the camps of the Kosova refugees, will start with the project "The Mobile Bus" which will go to the camps set up outside Tirane city.

For the implementation of this project, the CE has adopted a fund of 22 000 dollars.

Sources from the Ministry of Culture told ATA on Wednesday that the idea of the project is to create a normal atmosphere in the refugee camps through music, theater, painting and movies.

In the context of the program "Assistance for Kosova refugees" work is going on also for the realisation of some other projects.

Courses for little art amateurs set up close to the camps of refugees, the project of mobile libraries which aims to distribute text books on art and culture, the project for the distribution of musical instruments and various didactic instruments for the encouragement of art are some of the projects expected to be realised in cooperation with artistic NGOs and will be supported financially by the CE. /dast/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[20] Government gives priority to telecommunication development in rural areas

These areas have low levels of average incomes and the costs for telecommunication service are high.

For this aim a specific strategy is planned, where "Albtelecom" should offer finances in its network in all rural areas of the country.

This will be achieved through establishing a center in each center of the communes, by putting in disposal till December 31, 2001 no less than 4 lines per each commune. These center will be used for the connection of the phones, in service to the inhabitants of these areas.

The rural independent network will be established on commercial bases, public enterprises or like local union. Each commune will be licensed based upon the principle "who asks first, will be served first". In the licensed areas the operators will install at least one line per 100 inhabitants.

In order to stimulate the offer of phonic services in the rural areas, a fund will be created partly by the incomes provided by the privatization and partly by the annual incomes generated by the sector, which will be used by the Government for the finance and enlargement of the national network in these areas. /a.gj/linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[21] France ready to continue assistance on development of Albanian Agriculture

According to the official sources from the Ministry of Agriculture Minister Xhuveli met his French counterpart Glavani in his visit in France.

The current positive relations between the two countries and the contribution given by France in agriculture development through implementing different programs in animal breeding, agriculture mechanisms and the qualification of Albanian specialists, are estimated in this meeting.

Minister Xhuveli expressed to the French Minister the interest on further development of the current relations, by stimulating French investments in Albanian in different fields.

Minister Glavani ensures Minister Xhuveli about the attention and the determination of the French Government to support the development of the Albanian Agriculture.

French Minister promised to send in Albania an expert's mission to identify and discussed about concrete ways to undertake initiatives and projects in the frame work of bilateral and multilateral relations with international organizations, especially with European Union. /dast/linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[22] New medical health centre in a Kosova refugee camp in Elbasan district

The spokesman of the prefecture, Sefedin Greca told ATA that two local doctors, two nurses, and a Kosova gynecologist are serving there.

The medical team of the centre visited today more than 30 Kosova refugees. A concern for the medical team are the high temperatures of these days which influence negatively in the health situation of the elderly people and the infants. /xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[23] Latest data of UNHCR for exodus of Kosova refugees

Follows a table of the number of the displaced Kosova refugees and the respective countries where they are sheltered according to the data from this office:

COUNTRY PERSONS

- Montenegro 69 700 - Macedonia 247 400, of whom 107 800 are living in camps, 138 600 in the host families.

- Albania 444 200 - Bosnia Herzegovina 21 700

Total 783 000

Follow the latest data on the Kosovars evacuated from Macedonia to other countries:

COUNTRY PERSONS

- Australia 2 486

- Austria 5 080

- Belgium 1 223

- Canada 5 174

- Croatia 284

- Czech Rep. 824

- Denmark 2 507

- Finland 958

- France 5 175

- Germany 14 013

- Island 70

- Ireland 749

- Israel 206

- Italy 5 829

- Malta 105

- Holland 4 067

- Norway 6 070

- Poland 1 049

- Portugal 1 112

- Romania 41

- Slovakia 90

- Slovenia 618

- Spain 1 240

- Sweden 3 089

- Switzerland 1 350

- Turkey 7 793

- Britain 3 119

- U.S.A. 5 658

Total 79 979

/dast/xh/

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