Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-06-12

Albanian Telegraphic Agency Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] British plane crashes in Kukes

[02] Turkey hails signing of military agreement

[03] Ciampi: Italy to assist the displaced until their complete return

[04] Albania feels itself equal partner to NATO - Majko -Albanian PM meets with NATO military attaches in Tirane-

[05] U.S. militaries' departure from Rinas continued today Uorges: Nearly 2 000 troops of marine infantry may stay at "Hawk Base"

[06] IMF Executive Director Camdessus to visit Tirane on Friday

[07] The Netherlands provides humanitarian aid for Kosovars in Albania

[08] Vanguard of German troops to enter Kosova Sunday arrives in Kukes

[09] Saturday's exchange rates of Lek with foreign currencies

[10] Albanian President due to Germany on Sunday

[11] Norwegian Premier, Bondevik, to visit Albania on Sunday

[12] Hajdaraga says Albanian Army will continue to play its role towards peace and security in the region

[13] A new political, military reality is being created in Kosove, Hajrizi

[14] Albanian Premier leaves for Denmark on Sunday

[15] Albanian to be associated in EU soon; Gjinushi

[16] Russian troops in Kosove should be under NATO command; RP

[17] AFOR will continue its humanitarian mission in Albania

[01] British plane crashes in Kukes

The incident took place at around 23.15 on Friday when the plane, as a result of a technical defect, after flying over the Kukes town, tried to land in the vicinity of the Kukes airstrip at the site called Meteor, dragging for more than 1.5 km.

After passing the Shtiqni channel the aircraft stopped and caught fire. It had only 12 people on board who fortunately were safe, while one of them is in a serious condition.

There is no immediate official report of the causes of this accident.

This has been the first crash, after nearly three months when the flights of the NATO planes and helicopters have become usual in Kukes. /pas/lm/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] Turkey hails signing of military agreement

A statement of the Turkish Foreign Ministry says that "in this way the NATO attacks reached the set goal and the NATO member countries' resolution to rigorously preserve their values yielded the expected result.

Afterwards, the statement says that with the acceptance of the peace plan, the signing of the military agreement and the approval of the U.N. Security Council a new era opens in Kosova.

At this period Kosova faces numerous difficulties and Turkey like so far will continue to provide an active contribution.

"On the other hand, our country plans to actively take part in all the efforts for security and stability, for the regions's restructuring and economic welfare," the statement concludes. /led/lm/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] Ciampi: Italy to assist the displaced until their complete return

Referring to this visit Ciampi added that it "not only has cemented a personal friendship but has further promoted cooperation among peoples".

Meidani said that "At their meeting they had a full understanding on all political, economic, diplomatic and other issues. After the official protocols we feel ourselves very well amongst you, with people trying to help people. I hope Italy will also help Kosova's building, democratisation and integration into the European Union".

During this visit both presidents visited the Italforce mission command in Durres, where President Ciampi saluted his country's militaries.

"Italy is proud of their performance, the love they offer to a long- suffering people everyday," he said.

On the impressions book Meidani expressed the profound gratitude of the Albanian people for the Italian contribution.

After a simple dinner at a soldiers canteen, the two delegations left for the Mali i Robit camp ran by the Italian Red Cross and had a special meeting with the war children, who are taught by Albanian and Kosova teachers. Some 950 children, who at leisure time draw war memories as well as peace flowers, attend classes in these tents.

Later the two toured the Italian camp in the city of Vlore, They visited a gigantic classroom where the children sing KLA songs and recite for Albania and Kosova and a hospital where children are born and wounds healed.

In less than one one month Albania has been visited by two Italian Presidenta: By President Scalfaro at the end of his mandate and new President Ciampi, who began his first visit abroad to Albania. /pas/lm/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] Albania feels itself equal partner to NATO - Majko -Albanian PM meets with NATO military attaches in Tirane-

At a ceremony, attended by the Government cabinet, Majko said that "NATO stood side by side my people and my people lined themselves totally by the side of NATO in the role of an equal partner in this gigantic battle, one of the biggest in the history of mankind".

Majko thanked NATO's member countries and praised the Albanian Army which "ranked itself with dignity side by side the NATO militaries, turning into the most meaningful symbol of close cooperation with the most powerful military Alliance in the world".

Majko also hailed the Kosova Liberation Army. "The KLA fighters embodied the determination to fight and defend the same cause with that of the NATO generals," said Majko. /led/lm/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] U.S. militaries' departure from Rinas continued today Uorges: Nearly 2 000 troops of marine infantry may stay at "Hawk Base"

The marine infantry troops are part of the "Task Force Hawk" contingent, installed at Rinas military airport, the spokesman of the "Task Force Hawk-Public Affaire", Captain Uorges told ATA.

He said that 5 000 troops are at Rinas but it is thought that this number may be reduced to 2 000, as they are more needed in Kosova.

As to a possible visit of NATO's supreme Commander General Wesley Clark to Albania, Urges said that he will now visit only the peacekeeping forces to be deployed in Kosova.

For two days now, the U.S. military base installed at Rinas airport, composed mainly of Apache helicopters and their backing logistics, as well as a considerable number of marine infantry troops, is being transferred to Macedonia, where it will join the military contingent named KFOR, which, under the command of British General Mike Jackson, will lead the peacekeeping force to stay in Kosova. /led/lm/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] IMF Executive Director Camdessus to visit Tirane on Friday

The visit is directly linked with the initiative undertaken by the IMF for the Balkan region's economic recovery and for the financial support of Albania, shortly after the end of the conflict in Kosova.

Camdessus has promised that IMF and the World Bank will be ready to help ease the Kosova war economic effects. /pas/lm/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] The Netherlands provides humanitarian aid for Kosovars in Albania

It is for the seventh time that the Dutch humanitarian aid organisation "Motherhood" is bringing aid for Kosova war refugees sheltered in Albania, the head of the organisation, Doctor Nicolien de Krron told ATA.

Sensitizing nearly 100 000 citizens, this organization has managed within less than three months to bring in Albania more than 1 400 tons of humanitarian aid consistig in food, medicines, clothing, toys and other aid, said Krron.

The aid coming from Holand has been distributed to the Kosovars accomodated around Albania, such as in the towns of Diber, Mat, the cities of Fier, Elbasan, Shkoder, Durrës.and other cities.

The "Motherhood" has also provided humanitarian aid for other countries which have experienced crises and wars such as Iraq, Bosnia, Russia and lately Albania. /na/lm/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] Vanguard of German troops to enter Kosova Sunday arrives in Kukes

The main group is expected to arrive in around two hours.

Meanwhile, the arrival of the German troops vanguard has gathered at the town's main square hundreds of inhabitants and Kosova refugees.

Likewise, numerous foreign media reporters are waiting at the square for the arrival of this group.

The German military contingent to enter Kosova via Kukes is composed of 5000 soldiers. /dast/lm/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] Saturday's exchange rates of Lek with foreign currencies

Follow the exchanges rates of Lek on Thursday:

Kind of currency Bought Sold USD 137,5 138 DM 73,5 74 LIT(1000) 74,1 74,5 GRD(100) 44,3 44, 6

/A.A/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] Albanian President due to Germany on Sunday

The press and Information Department close to the presidency informs that Meidani will hold several meetings during his visit in Bon with senior personalities of German state. He will meet the Federal President, Roman Herzog, the chancellor, Gerhard Shreder, the Parliament's Speaker, Wolfgang Thirse, the Foreign Minister, Joshka Fischer, the Defence Minister Rudolf Sharping, and the chairman of Christian Democratic Party, Wolfgang Shojble.

Albanian president will hold meetings even with the senior leaders of "Fridrich Ebert" foundation, in the grounds of which he will hold the speech "The conflict in Kosove and its perspective: Albanian contribution".

Another important part of his visit to Germany will be occupied by the meeting with different personalities of media in the Land of Bavari.

Participating in the delegation leaded by President Meidani will also be the vice-Chairman of Parliament, Namik Dokle, the chairman of Parliamentary Commission for Foreign Policy, Maqo Lakrori, the state secretary for European Integration, Maqo Lakrori and others. /dast/A.A/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] Norwegian Premier, Bondevik, to visit Albania on Sunday

Bondevic is expected to arrive in Rinas airport at 8:30 and he will hold talks with the Albanian Premier, Pandeli Majko, and with other senior Albanian state personalities.

Norway is actually the country having the current OSCE chairmanship, and it is also a member of EU. Norwegian Premier, Bondevik, has been very active in his accuses against the Yugoslav President, Slobodan Milosheviç.

Norwegian Premier hold a meeting in Oslo a week ago with the Premier of Interim Government of Kosove Hashim Thaçi, where they discussed the situation created and the development of NATO actions after the acceptance of the international peace deal by the Yugoslav President. /dast/A.A/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] Hajdaraga says Albanian Army will continue to play its role towards peace and security in the region

Speaking for the meeting held today between the government and NATO military attaches in Tirane, Hajdaraga said that Albanian army represented with dignity itself against several provocations made by Serb forces, and fulfilled its constitutional mission for protection of the country during the whole military confrontation between NATO and Serbia.

Albanian Defence Minister, thanked in the name of the ministry he leads the Premier, Pandeli Majko, and the Albanian government for the aid and care towards the strengthening and modernization of Albanian army.

He pointed out the humanitarian aid Albanian army, in cooperation with NATO forces gave to the displaced Kosovars.

He estimated the cooperation with the NATO countries, and especially the cooperation with USA, Great Britain, France, Germany, and Italy as an experience which will carry forward Albanian army integration in NATO structures.

At the end thw Defence Minister, Hajdraga, said that Albanian army will cooperate with NATO structures, and it will be a guarantee of protection and integrity of Albania, and a guarantee for protection of peace and security in Balkan. /dast/A.A/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] A new political, military reality is being created in Kosove, Hajrizi

TIRANE, June 12 (ATA) - By A.Haxhiu: The new political developments in resolving Kosove issue were the focus of the meeting, Albanian President, Rexhep Meidani, held on Saturday with the Deputy Premier of Kosove Interim Government, Mehmet Hajziri. Participating in the meeting were also the Justice Minister of Kosove Interim government, Hydajet Hyseni and the Minister of Public Information, Bajram Kosumi.

"A new political and military reality is being created now in Kosove, and this makes possible the beginning of a positive process for the final solution of Kosove crises", said Hajziri.

The interlocutors pointed out the necessity of a close cooperation between the Interim Government of Kosove and Albanian political factor in general with the international community for realization of achieved agreement, and to make possible as soon as possible the return of Kosove deportees to their soil.

The representatives of Interim Government of Kosove thanked Kosove people and the people of Albania for the aid given to shelter and treat hundreds of thousands of expelled Kosovars.

The participants in the meeting added that there are more possibilities of cooperation between Kosove and Albania now due to the creation of new circumstances.

Participating in the meeting was also the Paliament Deputy Speaker, Namik Dokle. /s.sh/A.A/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] Albanian Premier leaves for Denmark on Sunday

Majko will be accompanied by the Foreign Minister, Paskal Milo, and they will meet together the Danish Premier, Rasmussen. The two Premiers are expected to hold a common press release at the end of the meeting.

Majko will hold special meetings with the Danish Defence Minister, Hans Hakkerup, with the Foreign Minister, Niels Hevek Petersen and with the Minister for Cooperation and Development, Anne-Marie Neilson. /y.pa/A.A/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] Albanian to be associated in EU soon; Gjinushi

"Here its a question of association of Albania in EU, attempt which failed during '94-'95'", Gjinishi told ATA on Saturday.

Parliament's Speaker said that the will towards Albanian now has changed and it is affected by the stabilizing policies applied by the Albanian government recently, and by the long-term projects to be attended by the European Union on the development of the whole region.

Gjinushi pointed out the responsibility of all the political factors in the creation of conditions for a political stability at home, which will help Albania be a member of EU.

EU has assisted Albania quite a lot during the recent time to help it cope with the difficult situation created as a result of the arrival of thousands of Kosova deportees in Albania. It accorded an economic aid worth 62 million Euros accorded recently to balance the state budget.

The governments of EU member countries are resolute to give the full support to the Southeastern countries in order to create possibilities for development of the region. /y.pa/A.A/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] Russian troops in Kosove should be under NATO command; RP

The chairman of RP, Fatmir Mediu, after expressing the gratitude for NATO insistence against Milosheviç regime, expressed his concern for the presence of Russian troops in Kosove.

"The concentration of Russian troops in Kosove operating not under NATO commands, renders possible the division of Kosove in two parts, where the north belongs to Serbs while the rest remains an independent Kosove", said Mediu According to him this concern of RP members comes as a result of the information delivered by KLA sources on a participation of senior Russian military officers in the ethnic cleansing the Serb army exercised upon the Kosova population.

The leader of RP pointed out that the policy of Miloshevic to conceal all the documentation verifying the identity of Albanians in Kosove, was a scenario thought previously to stop the return of displaced Kosovars afterwards.

"I hope that no kind of obstacle will be encountered for the return of displaced Kosove refugees to thier soil", added Mediu.

During this conference Mediu expressed the necessity for cooperation between the political and military factor to appoint their final scope; independence of Kosove.

UN Security Council adopted on Thursday a peace plan resolution through which a peace keeping force leaded by NATO is authorized to secure the return of displaced Kosovars, as well as the establishment of UN organization which will help Albanians to self-govern within a wide autonomy. /y.pa/A.A/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] AFOR will continue its humanitarian mission in Albania

AFOR troops will have the full support of NATO in the humanitarian missions, and on the other side they will continue the cooperation with the Albanian government and with other different organizations on finalization of the projects on Albania, added Williams.

He said that one of their perspectives is the reconstruction of Durres-Kukes road, which will serve as the main road to supply Kosove people with the necessary items. "The engineers, logistic means and other medical equipment will remain here, and they will be used in the function of realizing our plans. We have signed several contracts with building companies for reconstruction of main Albanian roads, said Williams.

AFOR is closely cooperating with the Albanian government and UNHCR, in order to arrange the return of Kosovars in an organized and controlled way, said Williams.

AFOR humanitarian mission is installed in Albania some months ago, when the displaced Kosovars arrived here. The scope of this mission was the delivery o humanitarian aid (through NATO logistic means) to the camps set up for Kosove refugees. /y.pa/A.A/

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

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency Directory - Previous Article - Next Article