Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-06-22

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] Number of returning Kosovars reaches 92 640

[02] Press review

[03] SOS! To all Royal Courts for Durres symbol villa

[04] Public opinion on local governing of little consideration

[05] The exchange rates of Albanian lek for Tusday

[06] Albanian government delegation arrives in Skopje

[07] Some 350.000 Swiss francs in aid for Albanian army

[08] Activities in Athens on the Day of Albania

[09] Clinton, Meidani, Gligorov meeting in Skopje

[10] Memaliaj miners' strike ends

[11] Hillary Clinton awarded title "Mother Teresa"

[12] $US 410 000 allocated for reconstruction of Kukes roads

[13] Solana says NATO will cooperate with Albania, Kosove even in the future

[14] Spaces for close cooperation exist in the relations with Albania; Clark

[15] Hungarian Premier says we see Kosova future no longer under Serbia

[16] Address of PM Majko in 16th NATO Workshop in Budapest

[17] First contacts between Kukes and Prizeren Prefecture

[18] U.S. will assist Albania in all fields - President Meidani

[19] Italian police to be close to Albanian police

[20] Hope and optimism is being restored to Albanians - PM Majko

[01] Number of returning Kosovars reaches 92 640

Both in Kukes and in Krume almost 90% of the refugees have now left the camps, while in the region of Kukes and Has there are now 79 484 Kosovars coming from other districts of the country waiting to return to Kosova.

The Kosova refugees who are reported to have tractors or cars have begun to sell their food to buy fuel to return to Kosova.

The incidents with mines have, in dozens of cases, threatened the life of the returned, a part of who have been immediately sent to hospital. /led/lm/

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[02] Press review

Koha Jone, independent daily,

"Milo: This is what we will ask from Clinton today". Interview with the chief of Albanian diplomacy Paskal Milo several hours before the meeting in Skopje. "Berisha: The first step to dismiss Majko". The chairman of the Democratic Party, Sali Berisha, foresees the DP acts after joining parliament. "Surface-to-surface missiles at the FARK bases". Surface to surface missiles have also been found at the FARK bases by the police which have been looted from the army base depots.

Gazeta Shqiptare, independent daily,

"The Balkan's pro-American fourth". The Balkans chooses the leadership to administer Europe's money. "Boycott of democrats ends". The DP to join Parliament, this is yesterday's decision of this party's presidency. "Life attempt near the house, Valbona of the "Eagle" police group wounded. The police Valbona Muka injured last night and her condition remains grave.

Shekulli, independent daily,

"Meta: we, another mandate". Interview with deputy Prime Minister Ilir Meta. "NATO: This is our plan for the repatriation of Kosovars". NATO yesterday unfolded its plan for the Kosova refugees' repatriation.

Rilindja, independent informative daily,

"Towards our homes". Some 135 000 refugees returning to Kosova until Sunday evening. "Vitality restoring to Mitrovice" "End of Serb rule in Kosova"

Albania, independent daily,

"Massacre at the "Studenti" campus. One student killed and three other injured in a skirmish with knifes between two groups of students. "DP, one step towards Parliament". "Albanian police besieges KLA".

Ekonomia, daily of the Albanian Agency for Economic Development.

"IMF: Albania's duties at current situation". "NATO: US$50 million for infrastructure". "Memaliaj: Dialogue ends strike".

Zeri i Popullit, daily of Albanian Socialist Party,

"Berisha's army dispersed". "Majko says to Solana: We in NATO"

Rilindja Demokratike, daily of the Democratic Party of Albania,

"Special Sssembly for Parliament". "KLA, transformation began". "Berisha:"Our future begins with Kosova".

Republika, daily of Albanian Republican party,

"Civil war within the SP, the grassroots against the centre". "Berisha decrees return of DP to Parliament". "Republicans to Vlore".

/lm/

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[03] SOS! To all Royal Courts for Durres symbol villa

The city Mayor, Arqile Gorrea, said that "this villa, one of this century symbols of the coastal town should regain its glitter and for this we have to ask help from other European Royal Courts."

The villa, damaged in these last years, has suffered massive landslide and its foundations are seriously endangered.

The villa was built in 1926 by merchants of Durres, 98 metres above the sea level, as a present for King Zog, then President of the Republic. It is a work of renowned architect Kristo Sotiri, who built in the year 1937. /led/Na/

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[04] Public opinion on local governing of little consideration

A survey carried out by the Association for Democratic Culture with the assistance of specialists from the Contemporary Study Institute showed that only 13.2% of the questioned think that the citizens' opinion is considered by the local government.

Although 73.6 per cent of the citizens questioned recognise the chief of the zone, 41 per cent of them admit they rarely address him for their problems, while 22,6% never address him. /led/lm/

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[05] The exchange rates of Albanian lek for Tusday

Follow the exchange rates of the main currencies for Tusday

Kinds of currencies bought sold USD 135,2 138 DM 72,3 74,2 LIT(1000) 73,03 74,94 GRD(100) 43 44,5

/Na/

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[06] Albanian government delegation arrives in Skopje

The delegation is composed of Prime Minister Pandeli Majko and Foreign Minister Paskal Milo.

First, a tripartite meeting will be held among President Clinton, President Meidani and Macedonian President Gligorov.

The bilateral meeting with the Albanian delegation is expected at around 13.40 at the Macedonian Parliament's seat in which the U.S. President will hold talks with Albanian President Rexhep Meidani, Prime Minister Pandeli Majko and Foreign Minister Paskal Milo.

In the meantime, the First Lady of the U.S., Hillary Clinton, today, is expected to be awarded the order "Mother Teresa" by Mrs. Meidani.

Clinton is scheduled today to address special greeting to Macedonia regarding the situation in Kosova, one day after the public greeting he addressed to the Albanian people.

The visit of the Albanian delegation to Skopje is made at the invitation of President Clinton.

Meanwhile, yesterday, Macedonian President Kiro Gligorov, through a letter to his Albanian counterpart, welcomed the visit of Meidani to Skopje and meetings with him. The Albanian delegation returns to Tirane this afternoon. /led/lm/

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[07] Some 350.000 Swiss francs in aid for Albanian army

This was confirmed during a visit of a Swiss military delegation, headed by the chief of Information, General Franz Zolch, to Albania on Tuesday.

After the end of the first two phases, this has been the third phase of the cooperation Zolch told reporters.

"During this phase Albanian information experts, through two pilot projects, will be trained in Switzerland for the use of the communication means and for providing information.

The hitherto assistance totals 350.000 Swiss francs.

Assistance in the field of information and communication for the army will continue also in the future, based on a plan of cooperation in the framework of partnership for peace. Cooperation with the Swiss army began since one year ago. /led/lm/

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[08] Activities in Athens on the Day of Albania

The activity started with a poetical-musical party in which Albanian artists, emigrants in Greece recited verses by renowned Albanian poets under the sounds of a string quartet of Albanian instrumentalists.

In the context of the festival an international exhibition was also held with the participation of five Albanian painters.

At the International Fair of Pashaliman in Pireaus, an Albanian pavilion, which displayed various Albanian national products, was opened. The day of Albania ended with the concert by the group of Albanian musician Altin Shehu "The dream ofthe Balkans".

The President of UNESCO in Piraeus, Janis Maronitis, greeted the participants on behalf of the Organisers of the Day of Albania and praised the good cooperation with the Albanian Embassy. /led/lm/

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[09] Clinton, Meidani, Gligorov meeting in Skopje

A tripartite meeting among U.S. President Bill Clinton, Albanian President Rexhep Meidani and Macedonian President Kiro Gligorov is being held in Skopje.

After the closed door meeting, which will last 15 minutes, Clinton will meet with the Albanian delegation at a bilateral meeting.

The visit to Skopje of the Albanian government delegation, headed by President of the Republic Rexhep Meidani, is made at the invitation of U.S. President Bill Clinton.

Meanwhile, Gligorov, through a letter addressed to his Albanian counterpart yesterday, welcomed the visit of Albanian President to Skopje and meetings with him. /led/lm/

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[10] Memaliaj miners' strike ends

On June 24, a meeting between the miners and the government in Tirane will decide on one of two alternatives: final closure of the mine or partial licensed property.

In case of a final closure of the mine, the miners will be provided with a full monthly payment by the government for one year as well as one year of social benefits.

In the case of partial license, the state will consider all the maximum possibilities to create the necessary facilities for the would-be owners of the mine.

The strikers who left the deep galleries generally enjoy good health.

/led/lm/

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[11] Hillary Clinton awarded title "Mother Teresa"

The First Lady of the U.S., Hillary Clinton, a few moments ago, was awarded the title "Mother Teresa" by President of the Republic Rexhep Meidani. The title was presented to Mrs Clinton by Mrs Meidani.

The wife of Albanian Prime Minister was also present at the ceremony. The Albanian delegation is expected to leave for Albania at these moments. /a.ke/lm/

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[12] $US 410 000 allocated for reconstruction of Kukes roads

In the meeting of weekly analyses of this ministry, the minister Ingrid Shuli pointed out that the General Road Directory should maximally manage together with the implementing companies the funds in disposition of road rehabilitation.

Shuli has also asked the respective bodies of this ministry to prepare a detailed projects on the funds necessary for the encirclement of Tirane park, in order to prevent its further destruction. /dast/A.A/

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[13] Solana says NATO will cooperate with Albania, Kosove even in the future

During the meeting Solana held on Tuesday in Budapest with the Albanian Premier, Pandeli Majko, he hailed the role of the Albanian government for solution of the conflict in Balkan and expressed his belief on a safe and quick return of Kosove war refugees to their soil, the spokesman of Albanian Premier, told ATA on Tuesday.

Regarding Kosove issue Albanian Premier said that Albanian government and people have only performed their duty meriting to be a NATO partner.

Majko asked for a long-term presence of NATO troops in Albanian and wider in the region by considering them as a guarantee for peace and stability.

Solana informed the Albanian Premier on a visit he plans to pay soon in Tirane and in Prishtine. /dast/A.A/

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[14] Spaces for close cooperation exist in the relations with Albania; Clark

The spokesman of Albanian Premier, told ATA on Tuesday that Majko highlighted during the meeting the attempts made in cooperation with Skopje, to share the same ideas regarding the Pact of Stability for the Southeastern Europe, the regional attempts with reciprocal interest, as well as the support the two countries have decided to offer to Kosove and Monte Negro.

Majko asked for a long-term presence of NATO troops in the region which will serve as a guarantee for Balkan's peace and stability.

General Clark hailed the role of Albanian government in coping with the crisis created due to arrival of Kosove war refugees, and pointed out that spaces for close cooperation exist in the relations with Albania.

NATO Supreme General guaranteed a presence of NATO troops in Albania and mutual trainings of Albanian army with NATO forces. /dast/A.A/

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[15] Hungarian Premier says we see Kosova future no longer under Serbia

Interested on the views of Albanian government on Kosove future status, Orban said that "We see Kosove future no longer with Serbia. Milosheviç regime has practically lost Serbia", the Premier's spokesman told ATA on Tuesday.

Majko assessed positively the Hungarian role and stance since the beginning of NATO bombardments and said that Albania will support Hungary in its options for solution of Vojvodine problem.

Albanian Premier said that Albania will welcome and will appreciate Hungarian role in the context of the Stability Pact of Southeastern Europe and made an invitation to his Hungarian counterpart to visit Tirane.

Hungarian Premier accepted this invitation with pleasure. /lh/A.A/

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[16] Address of PM Majko in 16th NATO Workshop in Budapest

PM Majko pointed out that the objectives of Milosevic were not realised and this is a merit of the politics and acts of NATO and its leadership, the U.S. and the Great Britain in particular.

The chairman of the Albanian Government confirmed that the Albanian Kosova deportees, those who were direct victims of the planned policies and acts of Milosevic and his vagabonds, did never waver in the indispensable need of the air strikes until the five NATO conditions were met. "This has been the resolute stance of my government. I am proud to tell you that despite the great difficulties that the humanitarian crisis caused in Albania, the task of my Government was somewhat easier, because almost 100 per cent of our public opinion supported the air strikes, the deployment of NATO troops in Albania and the decision of the Government to welcome all the Kosova displaced people, despite their great number," said PM Majko.

He pointed out that now the most difficult task is the reconstruction of the society in Kosova which must be based on democratic principles.

Referring to the Yugoslav President Milosevic, PM Majko stressed that he was not worried of his fate, but of the fact who will replace him. "Without intending to prejudge Serbia and its people, I am sincerely telling you that my impression is that something does not go right in the approach of this society towards the Albanians. I have not heard so far of any repentance or regret from the Serbs, their organizations or the so- called opposition parties in Serbia, not to speak of condemning what the Serb Government made against the Albanians in Kosova," said Majko. He added that the terror that Milosevic exerted in Kosova was not a matter of 100 or 1000 criminals. "In one way or another, those tens of thousands of Serb military and pramilitary troops who ruined over 75 per cent of the houses in Kosova, who killed scores of thousands of civilians, who deported over 1.5 million Albanians, had the blessing of the majority of the Serb society. The Serb Orthodox Church too, its so-called stand against Milosevic did never refer to his barbarous acts against Slovenians, Croatians, Bosnians or Albanians. By condemning initially the International Court for crimes in Yugoslavia as being instrumentalised, it demanded the withdrawal of Milosevic and his replacement by someone acceptable by the West. Hence, there is also a collective responsibility in Serbia. This is a problem that must be treated, because it would have an influence in the future of Serbia and consequently in the region's future as well," said Premier Majko.

With regard to a proposal of the leader of the Serb opposition, Drashkovic, for a Kosova with two political systems, one for the Serbs with Christian values and another for the Albanians, based on the Shariah, PM Majko said: "Either Drashkovic has understood nothing from the conflict in Kosova, or he wants the same policy of Milosevic to continue. The conflict in Kosova was not religious; it was a conflict of humanitarian values and it was won by those who defended these values."

PM Majko asked that policies that guarantee Serbia's not being able to threaten its neighbours again, be determined. "But Serbia must pay compensations for the damages and massacres against the civil population in Kosova," said Albanian Prime Minister.

With regard to the future of Kosova, Majko pointed out that "he could not see Kosova under the Serb power."

"After the terror that Serbs caused in Kosova, it is impossible for the Albanians to leave under Serbs'rule. It is difficult to find a moral excuse and to ask the Albanians of Kosova to be governed by Belgrade. I see the future of Kosova as an integral part of the developments in the region and in Europe," stressed PM Majko, pointing out that the relations of Albania with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Greece, Bulgaria, Romania etc., are a brilliant example and provide a solid basis for the region's future.

"We believe that the Alliance must be present in the region for a long time and not only in the political sense but also through the presence of its troops in our countries. This would generate internal stability and I consider this a very important investment for the security that the stability and progress of the region would reflect," said PM Majko. He stressed that almost all the countries of Southeastern Europe, except the present Serbia, aspire to become members in the Alliance and ask from NATO to play an important role in the efforts of the whole region for development.

"In the final say, if for the present moment and for the first time in our history the region is seeing a sure perspective this is devoted to NATO," said at the end of his address to the NATO workshop the Albanian Prime Minister, Pandeli Majko. /pas/xh/

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[17] First contacts between Kukes and Prizeren Prefecture

A delegation chaired by the Prefect of Prizeren, Kadri Kryeziu, visited on Tuesday Kukes Prefecture, where they held a meeting with the Prefect of Kukes, Qemal Elezi.

The talks were focused on the managing of the situation on the return of Kosovars sheltered in Kukes, as well as the obstacles encountered in this direction due to the mined areas. Kryeziu asked for continuous help and cooperation from Kukes prefecture, in order to normalize as soon as possible the situation in Prizereni Prefecture.

This request was welcomed by Kukes Prefect who declared that " we will offer our help in our contacts, which will be more often in the future". /lh/A.A/

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[18] U.S. will assist Albania in all fields - President Meidani

President Meidani said in a pronunciation for Albanian reporters, that "the meeting with Mr Clinton increased the ideas for a new democratic Balkans, totally integrated into Europe." "The United States," said the Head of the Albanian State, "will intensify the aid for Albania not only in the economic aspect including direct assistance and encouragement of U.S. investments, but also in the human infrastructure of the modernisation of the Albanian society."

President Meidani said the Mr Clinton pledged to pay an official visit to Albania in a near chance. /lh/xh/

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[19] Italian police to be close to Albanian police

The Albanian Minister of Public Order, Spartak Poci, had on Tuesday a meeting with a delegation of Italian Police Schools, led by the prefect Michele Galerano Lepri, who is also general director of these schools.

The aim of the meeting, said the spokesman of the ministry, was the materialisation of the bilateral cooperation. /lh/xh/

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[20] Hope and optimism is being restored to Albanians - PM Majko

"The presence of NATO troops in Albania, their extraordinary role in the resolution of the conflict in Kosova and the aid they have provided for the rehabilitation of the infrastructure in Albania, have brought back to the people the optimism that the country has now a future, it has partners and worthy allies," said PM Majko.

PM Majko said also that Albania is making an active contribution to the acceleration of the work for the completion of Corridor 8 and that it is following with the same interest the construction of the North-South Corridor, which will influence in the creation of an economic space that would include Albania, Kosova, Macedonia and Montenegro. /dast/xh/

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