Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-06-29

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CONTENTS

[01] Message of President Meidani on latest developments in Kosova

[02] Local Government Minister speaks of situation in Parliament

[03] World today is more secure than yesterday and tomorrow more secure than today

[04] Press Review

[05] Majko urges implementation of projects with Italy

[06] 16 million DM for infrastructure in Korce

[07] Exchange rates in Tirane on Tuesday

[08] Civil flights start at Rinas airport

[09] About 20 thousand Kosovars return to their homes every day

[10] Elbasan-Librazhd: Tender on process supervision is opened

[11] Mirush Kabashi, one of the 500 most important personalities of the world

[12] 300 Italian soldiers of KFOR arrive in Durres

[13] Kosova radio stations start their programs

[14] New system in communication field of Albanian Army inaugurated

[15] Italy:"Bota shqiptare", first informative newspaper for Albanian immigrants

[16] News conference of Chiefs of Staff of Albanian and German armies

[17] Italy: 22 possible projects for investments

[18] One person killed, another wounded due to mine blasts in Has

[19] Consultative meeting of provisional government and political subjects of Kosova

[20] Albanian President leaves on official visit to Austria

[21] Gazment Braka, known as "Gaxhai" of Vlore arrested

[22] Dutch investments welcomed in Albania - Speaker

[23] The Netherlands offers cooperation in development of aggro-industrial sectors

[24] Political cooperation must extend to economy as well - Godo

[25] Germany feels its increasing obligations towards Albania; Von Kirchbach

[26] Albania third part of international gas network

[27] Two Albanian citizens arrested by Guardia di Finazia

[28] We will contribute more to economic recovery of Albania - Sultan Al Nahjan

[29] Albanian Government is working to manage situation - Premier

[01] Message of President Meidani on latest developments in Kosova

"Today we can say that the solution of the crisis is finally under way, that the undescribable sufferings of the Albanian people of Kosova are ending, that the forcibly displaced people see their way back to their lands open, that peace, freedom, justice, self-governing and, further on, self-rule in Kosova are being realised or will be realised to become unshakeable pillars of the democratic and human life there," the message says.

The Assembly also studied the candidatures of the National Council of Radio-television which will be voted on Tuesday by secret ballot. /pas/lm/

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[02] Local Government Minister speaks of situation in Parliament

"The difficult period has been overcome thanks to the cooperation offered by the international factor, the Albanian people, the political parties, non-governmental organisations and other factors," said Demeti.

"Villages and lands are said to have been damaged. The affected people will be treated the same as the Kosova refugees," said Demeti referring to the current situation in the northeastern zone of Albania. /led/lm/

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[03] World today is more secure than yesterday and tomorrow more secure than today

Meidani says in his message that "what we have long since been dreaming is now becoming a reality," referring here to the deployment of the NATO troops in Kosova, the complete withdrawal of the Serb military, police and paramilitary units, and the international temporary administration of Kosova.

This development, says Meidani, will help the difficult region of southeastern Europe close the "powder keg" cycle once and for all.

"The large knot of Balkan entanglement is being cut off where it is formed, in Kosova," says Meidani, stressing that the current investment for peace by the Atlantic Alliance goes beyond the Kosova borders and, with its messages and effects, it embraces the whole of Europe, even the entire planet.

"The world today is more secure than yesterday and tomorrow will be more secure than today," says Meidani, stressing that the tyrannic regimes have now been given a lesson to be remembered for long.

Referring to the role played by Albania and the Albanian institutions in resolving the crisis, Meidani says that "this Assembly passed the historic law for the unlimited deployment of the NATO troops in Albania".

He also refers to the Assembly's support for the KLA "as the factor which shook to the foundation the statuesque of the "calm" Serb curfew in Kosova.

"Cases are not not frequent in history for small peoples to come out before a very wide international opinion with their real greatness and their entire spiritual wealth. The readiness of the Albanian families in Albania, Macedonia and Montenegro to share their troubles and everything with the displaced from Kosova is now already known the world over," the message says.

"The Albanian people did their utmost to pave the way for a new future. Kosova is reaching its legitimate right, bur there is still much to be done. The safe return of the displaced, establishment of international administration in cooperation with the structures of the Kosova society, maintenance of law and order, organisation of life in general, observation of the Security Council resolution and the gradual construction of democratic institutions, are some of the priorities of the present," says Meidani.

Referring to the future of the Balkans, Meidani says that the initiative for this should come from the Balkans, in our case also from Albania, which, given its specific geopolitical and geostrategic location, is the gate of integration for the region as well as the starting point of the economic human corridors which connect the Western Europe, go through the region up to the Far Asia.

"The question is how to better exploit the chance we are given," Meidani says, stressing that the Pact of Stability marks a new era from every point of view.

"I hold this time requires and legalises a determined separation from the eight-year routine, the traditional taboos and dogmas or individual or party "shows" which have no little effect on the political and institutional life," says Meidani.

He adds that time requires today the contribution of all, either in the government coalition or in the opposition.

He asks from the Assembly, the Government, the coalition parties and those of the opposition as well as from the local government bodies to seriously verify the readiness and capability of the executive-administrative structures at all levels in order to respond to the nature, the new proportions and directions of the national and regional developments, whose trunk, first of all, remains the 8th Corridor. /pas/lm/

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[04] Press Review

"KOHA JONE", independent daily,

- "The most wanted, known as Gaxhai, arrested". After committing two murders, the criminal, hidden in a house which was encircled by the police forces, was wounded and arrested along with his accomplice in Durres last night.

- "Majko: I will govern till 2001". This is how Prime Minister responds to a question about new elections in Albania. - "Shehu: I fear boycott will be repeated". The DP National Council has set July 8 as the date for calling the Emergency Conference which will discuss DP deputies' return to Parliament. Meanwhile the former DP leader, Tritan Shehu, said that "a care free attitude toward the act of boycotting does not much promise that the DP has taken the return to Parlament seriously". - "Meidani declares the electoral process". The President of the Republic has appointed the members of the Central Electoral Commission."

"GAZETA SHQIPTARE", independent daily.

- "Majko: The Army to assume control of Rinas Airport". As an unlimited strike has begun at Rinas airport, the Premier has ordered the army to assume control of everything at the airport.

- "The owners of the park kiosks: We want a two-year time". Yesterday, the owners of "Rinia" park, protested in front of the government's building and asking for time to remove their kiosks to other places. - " Gaxhai caught in the act". Yesterday, the notorious criminal from Vlora, Gazmend Braka, dubbed Gaxhai, was arrested in Durres.

"SHEKULLI", independent daily,

-Five persons killed and three wounded in a shootout between two gangs. - "We will return to Parliament". The DP National Council decides to call the Special Assembly. July 8, the official decision for DP to join Parliament. - "Deda: If the High Council of Justice signs my dismissal, I will open the cards". The High Council of Justice will decide on the conflict between ex- minister of justice Thimio Kondi and deputy-chairman of Tirana Court Martin Deda in the next meeting.

"RILINDJA", independent, daily informative.

- "UNHCR starts the organised return of Kosova refugees". - "We should tell the World that we know to and we can hold the state". - "Fearing anarchy and chaos".

"ALBANIA", independent, daily.

-"Massacres in Shkoder and Durres, 9 persons killed and 6 wounded." - "Nano in Vlore to return the money". - "Angjeli, ready the plan for customs cleansing".

"ECONOMY", daily of Albanian Agency for Economic Development.

- "Taxes on houses likely to increase". - "Shuli: The Rinas strike unauthorised". - "Telecommunications toward new investments".

"ZERI I POPULLIT", daily of Socialist Party of Albania.

- "Gaxhai arrested after committing two murders". - "Majko: We will govern till 2001". - "Poci and Angjeli pass the night in the port of Durres".

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

- "The decision to return to Parliament on July 8." - "Massacre in Shkoder, five persons killed".

"REPUBLIKA", daily of Republican Party of Albania.

- "RENEA fails to release the 4-year hostage, Goga". - "The "Rinia" park without electricity and water". /na/lm/

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[05] Majko urges implementation of projects with Italy

Majko said that encouragement of the regional projects, which include the two countries and broader, assumes a special significance in the bilateral relations at present.

"We are intensively working concerning the details of the practical implementation of the Stability Pact objectives, but the Albanian government will refuse any idea and project which will also include Serbia, " said Majko.

Referring to the Kosova issue Majko pointed to the importance of the return of the Kosova war refugees to their homes and the construction of new democratic and self-governing institutions in Kosova.

Fassino said that he had come to Tirana to testify to the Italian presence in the regional projects of the EU and the programme of reconstructing the region, in coherence with the Plan of Stability, and to show its interest in a further promotion of the bilateral relations with Albania.

Fassino stressed the importance of several projects in infrastructure, especially of the construction of the 8th corridor. /led/lm/

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[06] 16 million DM for infrastructure in Korce

This fund will be used to improve the energy system, to construct the sewage and its cleaning facility and the completion with necessary equipment of the city hospital.

In the mean time, work for the construction of the aqueduct of Korce will start soon with an investment of 24 million DM by the German Government. /led/xh/

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[07] Exchange rates in Tirane on Tuesday

Follow exchange rates of Lek with foreign currencies:

Kind of currency Bought Sold USD 137 137,5 DM 72,7 73 LIT(1000) 73,5 74 GRD(100) 43,5 44 /xh/

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[08] Civil flights start at Rinas airport

Although the employees continue their strike, it is agreed with the Ministry of Defense to guarantee the normality of the civil flights.

"We have signed a contract even with NATO forces, located in Rinas, to guarantee normal flights", Mr. Petri said.

The negotiations with striking workers go on, beside the beginning of the normality in the airport. /led/linda/

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[09] About 20 thousand Kosovars return to their homes every day

On Tuesday from 4-11 a.m. nearly 5 546 Kosovars have crossed the border point, sources from the Kukes prefecture told ATA.

From the beginning of the repatriation of the Kosovars on June 13 until now, some 258 490 from 418 600 that arrived in Albania through this prefecture, have returned to Kosova. Some 181 759 from the total number have been sheltered to other prefectures of Albania. /led/xh/

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[10] Elbasan-Librazhd: Tender on process supervision is opened

This road section is 30.5 km long and marks the total value of 14.5 million dollars.

According to Bimbli it is planned to provide funds even for the supervising of the operation in the other segments through a credit from EBRD and Italian Government. /led/linda/

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[11] Mirush Kabashi, one of the 500 most important personalities of the world

"It is a great pleasure to offer to you as an expert in you field, the chance to join 499 other personalities", is said in an announcement of this center addressed to Kabashi who is also involved in the edition of the most senior People of the XXth century, and is awarded the Silver Maedal of this edition together with the respective certificate.

Mirush Kabashi, aged 51, counts in his artistic career 100 roles. Kabashi is assessed as the best actor and is awarded the "Gold Sphins" in the 9th International Festival of Theaters held in Cairo two years ago where participating were 46 world countries. /led/A.A/

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[12] 300 Italian soldiers of KFOR arrive in Durres

The freighter ferried also 25 tanks, a considerable number of military vehicles and logistic equipment for this military contingent. This evening, another Italian freighter San Marco is expected to arrive in Durres with 300 other Italian Alpine soldiers to also leave for Kosova. /led/xh/

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[13] Kosova radio stations start their programs

The radio stations in different area of Kosova are in function of this purpose. Abaz Cenkaj, one of the co-producers of Dragashi radio station told ATA that "three radio stations function along the northeastern border with Albania, respectively in Prizren, Gjakove and Dragash".

Although with reduced radio program during days, the three radio stations are giving a considerable support concerning the situation stability in Kosova.

According to Cenkaj there are at least ten radio stations in Kosova, which will start the broadcasting in the coming days. /led/linda/

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[14] New system in communication field of Albanian Army inaugurated

The intercommunication system can be well used when it is applied by well-prepared military members in this field, said Kirchbach, who pointed out that this technique asks for a high professional engagement. This kind of communication system is spread in the whole Albanian territory. /led/A.A/

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[15] Italy:"Bota shqiptare", first informative newspaper for Albanian immigrants

"Bota shqiptare" is the title of the weekly and informative newspaper. Roland Sejko is the publisher and editor-in-chief of this newspaper.

Sources from the newspaper, with its quarter in Roma, told ATA that "this newspaper started to be published since a week in Roma and its aim is fulfilling of the gaps of the Albanian immigrants that live and work in Italy".

At the Moment "Bota shqiptare" is distributed in Roma, Bologna, Firence, Milano and Torino.In the future it will be distributed in all Italian towns", report the above mentioned sources. /dast/linda/

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[16] News conference of Chiefs of Staff of Albanian and German armies

The Chief of the German Army Staff, Von Kirchbach highlighted the role of Albania in the solution of the crisis and the creation of a climate of security which will be an investment for the future.

Regarding role of the Russian troops in the peacekeeping mission of KFOR, General von Kirchbach said that "Russia has borne an important weight in the last talks on Kosova and the cooperation of NATO with Russia has a special importance." In the zone where Russian troops have been deployed, there is also a U.S. contingent and cooperation between them goes on well, said Kirchbach.

Speaking of the risk of existence of zones mined by Serb forces in the Albanian territory, Andoni said that the U.S. Army has accorded a fund of USD5 million for their clearance. /led/xh/

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[17] Italy: 22 possible projects for investments

Minister of Public Economy and Privatization Ylli Bufi presented today to the Italian Minister of Foreign Trade Piero Fassino 22 projects concerning the field of energy, oil, gas and mines.

The meeting held today, in which the Italian Deputy Minister Ranieri and Italian Ambassador in Tirana Spatafora were present, aims at discussing the primary projects in Albania, in this phase after the end of Kosova crisis.

Albanian side presented to the Italian delegation even the problems that exist in oil sector, where the privatization of refinary is considered as the best solution. The domestic oil product covers 40% of the fuel market in Albania.

Italian delegation was interested especially about the way of privatization and developing of different sectors such as telecommunication, railway, airports, hydro power station, etc. /lh/linda/

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[18] One person killed, another wounded due to mine blasts in Has

The citizens Sadri Ahmeti, aged 50, from the village of Vlahen, and Xhelil Muja, 53, from Zarisht village, Has district, while walking near the state border, have encountered a mined area. Ahmeti died while Muja is badly wounded due to the blast of mines.

Five persons have died, while 22 others are wounded recently in the northeastern region of Albania. About 22 hectares of earth are mined by the Serb military forces in Has district. /led/A.A/

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[19] Consultative meeting of provisional government and political subjects of Kosova

LDK representatives are not taking part in the consultation although Thaci voiced his belief that "they too will united with a structure which has the legitimacy of the agreements signed in Rambouillet.

In his opening address, PM Thaci said, after calling on all subjects of Kosova for cooperation, that the interim government "is and will be open to a broad political, professional and intellectual spectrum."

"We claim to establish contacts also with the democratic movements in Montenegro," but, he underscored, "our orientation is that Kosova may construct its future only proceeding from the democratic orientation and transformation towards Western Europe, but not towards Belgrade." /led/xh/

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[20] Albanian President leaves on official visit to Austria

In the summit, which will be attended by heads of states and governments of the countries of the region and broader, the Head of the Albanian State will attend some planned activities to be devoted mostly to the vision of Europe in the coming millennium, the President's press and information office reported to ATA.

During his stay in Salzburg, President Meidani will have bilateral meetings with heads of states and governments, participating in this activity.

Taking part in the Albanian delegation are also the Minister of Finances, Anastas Angjeli, the Chairman of the Economy-Finance Parliamentary Commission, Arben Malaj and the Governor of the Bank of Albania, Shkelqim Cani. /dast/xh/

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[21] Gazment Braka, known as "Gaxhai" of Vlore arrested

The event happened at about 19.00 o'clock on Monday, in the quarter "Aleksander Goga", time when an antitank blast and automatic shots were heard, sources from the Albanian Public Ministry reported.

The police forces arrived on the spot some moments later, and found two dead persons in a car bearing foreign number plates. They were Arben Paja, aged 22, and Ilirjan Xhunga, 23, both inhabitants of Spillate, Durres. Four other badly wounded persons were found in another vehicle. Some automatic rifles, two grenades and a "Motorola" radio were found in the two vehicles.

Durres police forces, reinforced with special forces from Tirane, shadowed the authors of the crime and they arrested Gaxhai, who was wounded and his two friends.

Gazmend Braka, Alfred Nebiu, known as Kakami and his collaborators, are accused of creation of armed bands, of nine identified killings, kidnaping, robbery and the like. /A.A/

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[22] Dutch investments welcomed in Albania - Speaker

Gjinushi pointed out the stance of the Albanian Parliament for the solution of the crisis in Kosova, stressing that the hopes for peace are greater than ever.

According to him, "placement of a protectorate on Kosova is necessary especially for the self-governing, the building of its democratic institutions and their integration in the Euro-Atlantic structures."

Gjinushi focused on the inner developments in Albania and the efforts to overcome the crises.

The chairman of the Dutch parliamentary delegation highlighted the role of the Albanian authorities regarding the crisis and the hospitality of the Albanians towards the forcefully evicted Kosovars. He said that Albania will have in its developments the cooperation and assistance of Holland. /dast/xh/

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[23] The Netherlands offers cooperation in development of aggro-industrial sectors

Dutch parliaments stressed out that they will have their impact to their Government to assist Albania in the agricultural sector and aggro- industrial field.

Minister Bufi told the Dutch delegation with the procedures and deadlines of the privatization process of strategic sectors of Albanian economy, such as AMC, Albchromium and Albcooper, Telecommunication, etc./lh/linda/

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[24] Political cooperation must extend to economy as well - Godo

"It is a very interesting exchange of opinions which will be extended to the parliamentary aspect as well. The Parliament of Holland will encourage the government of this country to expand the relations with Albania," Godo.

The Dutch delegation took interest in the political situation in Albania, the situation in Kosova and the opinions of Albanian politicians for the future.

Holland is one of the countries which has assisted Albania so far in the humanitarian aspect through various foundations in its efforts to cope with the crisis in Kosova. /lh/xh/

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[25] Germany feels its increasing obligations towards Albania; Von Kirchbach

Sources from the office of Public Relations in the Defence Ministry, told ATA that a more detailed conversation on the field of military cooperation was held in a special meeting reserved by the Chief of Army General Headquarter, Aleks Andoni.

Hailing the great aid NATO gave Albania in the latest events in Balkan region, General Von Kirchback said that "Germany, as a NATO member, feels its increasing obligation towards Albania, its government and army. /lh/A.A/

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[26] Albania third part of international gas network

"The implementing of this project offers to Albania many chances, in making it a transit country by profiting financially", told ATA the Director of Projects and Negotiations at this Ministry, Bujar Leka. This project between Italy and Greece at the moment is in preparing phase and its construction will start in September.

According to Leka the gas transport through Vlora does not cost much because the distance through the sea is shorter than the one from Italy to Greece.

Meanwhile Albania offers possibilities of gas depositing, marking a capacity of 1.8 billion m3./lh/linda/

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[27] Two Albanian citizens arrested by Guardia di Finazia

According to the same source, the two arrested persons are intercepted by the forces of Guardia di Finanzia and shadowed for almost 24 hours. Guardia di Finanzia forces in in cooperation with the Vlore border police forces arrestted the two citizens in vicinity of Sazan island.

The speedboats of Guardia di Finanzia intercepted to days ago four dinghy and a speedboat with about 180 clandestines on board. In cooperation with the Albanian police forces they managed to repatriate the four dinghies and the speed-boat. /dast/A.A/

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[28] We will contribute more to economic recovery of Albania - Sultan Al Nahjan

"I am very happy to welcome you as representatives of the Albanian Government because your hospitality towards Kosova refugees has impressed me much. I will ask from the Government to take into consideration your demands, proposals and economic projects and to realise them," said President Ben Sultan Al Nahjan.

After appreciating the humanitarian contribution of the Emirates to the efforts made in coping with the crisis of the Kosova refugees in Albania, Mr Meta asked in the name of the Albanian Government that the United Arab Emirates must be present also in the process for the economic recovery of Albania and the Balkans.

Meta invited President Ben Sultan Al Nahjan to visit Albania, invitation which he accepted with pleasure.

The Albanian government delegation was received on Tuesday also by the Chief of the Army Staff of Emirates, Muhammed Bin Said Nahjan. During the meeting, they spoke on the role of the army of the United Arab Emirates especially in the construction of the airfield of Kukes and the treatment of over 10 thousand refugees sheltered in the camp close to the airfield.

The Albanian Defence Minister, Luan Hajdaraga and the Chief of the Army Staff of the United Arab Emirates discussed later the relations in the military field. /dast/xh/

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[29] Albanian Government is working to manage situation - Premier

Albanian PM stressed that now the Albanian Government is working to manage the situation in the projects of priority for the economy, underscoring the need for aid for Albania, especially in the infrastructure, the spokesman of the Prime Minister told ATA.

He voiced the proccupation for the building of the self-governing and democratic institutions in Kosova and the steps to be made for the orientation of the structures of the international protectorate there.

The leader of the Dutch delegation Jan Dirk Blaaw expressed his admiration for the way how the Albanian Government managed the crisis adding that such a thing has put all the West into debt with Albania. According to him, this would condition an increase of efforts by Holland to help Albania on the bilateral and multilateral aspects.

The Dutch parliamentarians said they would like to see in the Albanian Parliament also that part of the opposition which is outside it so that they take the political responsibilities belonging to them. /dast/xh/

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