Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-07-09

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] Press review

[02]

[03] DP Assembly must pass a vote of confidence for those who have been for a final boycott of Parliament - Tirana Mayor

[04] Operation has not to do with Albanian emigrants - Vlahaqis

[05] "Adriatic Initiative" to make restorations in Butrint and Gjirokaster

[06] Exchange rates of lek with foreign currencies on Friday

[07] Albania destined to be a stable country - Majko

[08] U.S. Mission "Shining Hope" close to completion of its mandate in Albania

[09] USD10 thousand in support of national minorities in Albania

[10] We will attach great importance to internal challenges - Premier

[11] Socialist Party sets October 9, 1999 as date for its 3d congress

[12] Albanian Minister of Public Order meets the Chief of Greek Secret Service

[13] Falling of budget deficit during six months period

[14] State subjects mark 40% of customs' debt

[15] ABNA 8th Assembly to resume its proceedings on Saturday

[16] Germany to assist Korçë prefecture

[17] Consume of Belgian meat imported before January 15,1999 is allowed

[18] Tirana exchange stock: 5,2 billion lek treasure bonus are sold

[19] Albania becomes member of Social Development Fund of European Council

[20] Measures should be adopted to halt maltreating of Albanian refugees in Greece; Milo

[21] German Army accords aid for its Albanian counterpart

[22] Changes in custom tariffs in conformity to WTO standards

[23] UNHCR says all equipment of Albanian refugee' camps to be carried to Kosove

[24] Albania - Health report

[25] Kondi visited Macedonia invited by Dimishkovski

[26] Albanian President meets the organizers of "Thanks Mother Albania" concert

[27] German military members rehabilitate Lushnje road

[28] "Adriatic initiative" to restore Butrinti and Gjirokaster

[29] Some 1000 persons repatriated by UNHCR in a day

[01] Press review

Koha Jone, independent daily - "Salonica is not the only centre for reconstruction of the Balkans - Meidani." Despite the will to have the best possible relations of cooperation between Albania and Macedonia, presidents Meidani and Gligorov have adopted different stances in Skopje yesterday when the question for the future of Kosova was discussed. - "Milo arrives in Athens, emigrants in Kakavija." Massive expulsion of thousands of Albanians working in Greece continues. - "We are not totally virgin - politicians." Albanian politicians react one day after the declaration of the Public Order Minister Poci that the politicians are not involved in corruption and contraband. - "Men of Bin Laden released." They were arrested for terrorism, while they were sentenced for fake papers and illegal possession of weapons.

Gazeta Shqiptare, independent daily.

- "Albania and Macedonia will remove customs tariffs and visas." Albania and Macedonia without customs tariffs and visas, this is the conclusion reached by Meidani and Georgievski yesterday after their meeting in Skopje, proposals that will be discussed very soon between the parties to reach concrete conclusions. - "2.7 billion lek for holes." The Public Works and Transport Ministry takes the lion's share for the supplementary amount in the budget. - "Massacre of Ura Vajgurore: Trial for 12 defendants starts."

Shekulli, independent daily

- "Here is how policemen were burnt." Process of the massacre of Ura Vajgurore starts. Former local commissar put the tank at the disposal of the bandits. - "Meidani - Gligorov, differences on Kosova." Macedonia and Albania did not agree yesterday on the future status of Kosova. - "Doctor patient recovers." Bode and Topalli return optimistic after the visit to their leader's home.

Rilindja, information daily, independent

- "Protests and return." These are the daily events in Kosova. - "Mass demonstrations of Albanian youths in Pristina, Mitrovica and Rahovec. - "Meidani and Gligorov adopt opposite stances on coming status of Kosova.

Albania, independent daily.

- "Government accuses presidency." - "I was asked to arrest Ilir Meta - Zani's prosecutor. - "208 billion lek disappeared."

Ekonomia, independent daily of the Albanian Agency for Economic Development.

- "Deficit 3.5 billion lek less than envisaged." - "Illegal market towards elimination - money exchange" - "Fierza hydro power station at full capacity."

Zeri i Popullit, daily paper of Socialist party of Albania

- "Pact of Stability, key to region development." From the official visit of Albanian President Rexhep Meidani to Macedonia. - "5700 released militaries take money." - "Majko in Fierza." He inaugurates two transformers of the hydro power station.

Rilindja Demokratike, daily paper of the Democratic Party of Albania.

- "Owner of Radio-Kontakt murdered." - "Parliament has right to vote on anything."

Republika, daily of the Republican Party of Albania.

- "Gang of Shkodra ruined." - Here is how we would eliminate Nano: Prosecutor's office." /a.ke/xh/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02]

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] DP Assembly must pass a vote of confidence for those who have been for a final boycott of Parliament - Tirana Mayor

"The Assembly cannot pass votes of confidence for the entire National Council of the party, where many members had not agreed to a final boycott of the parliament. The vote of confidence must be made for those who have been for a final boycott," said Brojka to ATA today.

The DP organizational secretary, Fatos Beja did not support this idea. "The vote of confidence of the National Council by the Extraordinary Assembly has not been discussed because the decision of the Council at that time was correct," said Beja.

However, he did not dismiss the idea that the Assembly may pass a vote of confidence on the DP National Council or its chairman, because it is the highest structure of the party.

The Extraordinary Assembly of DP is expected to be held on July 11, 1999. It will focus on the question of democrats' participation or not in the parliament. /pas/xh/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] Operation has not to do with Albanian emigrants - Vlahaqis

For the cases of maltreatments of Albanian emigrants by Greek authorities, Vlahaqis said that "if such cases have occurred, they will be verified and measures will be taken for the people involved in these acts." He considered as very good the bilateral relations stressing that he supported declarations made some days ago by Albanian Foreign Minister Paskal Milo that "the relations between the two countries are entering a new period."

During his visit to Athens on Friday, Mr Milo will discuss besides the problem of Albanian emigrants, also other important issues on the cooperation between the two countries. /led/xh/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] "Adriatic Initiative" to make restorations in Butrint and Gjirokaster

This projects envisages intervention in the gate of Skea in the ancient city of Butrint, the restoration of one of the Venetian posts in that city and the reconstruction of the most characteristic people's homes in Gjirokaster.

The Italian group consists of specialists of the University of Bologna, private specialists and specialists of the section of culture in the Italian Foreign Ministry. /led/xh/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] Exchange rates of lek with foreign currencies on Friday

Exchange rates of Lek with other currencies:

Kind of currency Bought Sold

USD 135,2 135,3

DM 70,5 70,7

LIT(1000) 71,7 72

GRD(100) 42 42,1 /led/xh/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] Albania destined to be a stable country - Majko

The Prime Minister stressed that it is the time that the role and country of the Albanian factor be further consolidated in the new geopolitical and economic realities which have been and are being created, in order to exploit thoroughly the chance offered to us. In this context, "I would mention" said Majko, "the steps made by the Albanian Government to expand and consolidate the relations with Macedonia, the signals made in the direction of the Montenegro, and the positive, mutual and normal influence Tirana is exerting with regard to Kosova," stated Majko.

He added that a new economic space which would cover this hot bed in the Balkans will force hot heads of politics that the region has generated and would possibly generate also in the future, get cooler. /led/xh/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] U.S. Mission "Shining Hope" close to completion of its mandate in Albania

One of the leaders of the mission Major Smith told ATA that after nearly three weeks, the contingent has to leave the base "Hawk" of Rinas definitely since now the Kosova refugees have been repatriated almost completely and there is nothing to do more in the humanitarian aspect.

Smith added that the rehabilitation of the road and inner facilities in the airport of Rinas, for which USD6 million have been invested, are near completion and after three weeks everything will be accomplished.

"Shining Hope" is a mission mostly of humanitarian character with activity in several countries such as in Bosnia, Croatia and lately in Albania, where it helped set up refugee camps and deliver aid for the displaced Kosovars. /led/xh/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] USD10 thousand in support of national minorities in Albania

Arben Puto, KSHH chairman, said on Friday to ATA that the aim of the project is to improve the situation and positions of this committee. There are several minorities in Albania among which three are the biggest, the Greek minority in southern Albania, the Macedonian minority in the eastern part and Slav minority concentrated in Vrake near Shkoder in the north, which are recognized by the state.

In order to realise the objectives of the project, monitoring groups will be set up and will move to the places lived by national minorities and will gather proofs for cases of discrimination or racism towards them. This is the first phase of the project, which will last one year. The other phase which is not yet financially supported, is expected to start after September 2000. /led/xh/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] We will attach great importance to internal challenges - Premier

Speaking of his party, Majko stressed that "I feel and believe that SP has changed the the concept it offers not only to Albanian voters, but also to all world left wing movement," referring to his latest participation in the meeting of the Socialist International meeting in Argentine, where SP won the status of a consultative member.

The Socialist Party General Leading Committee is holding a meeting to discuss, besides others, the date when the SP congress will be held. /led/xh/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] Socialist Party sets October 9, 1999 as date for its 3d congress

After four and a half hour discussions, Albanian socialists decided to convene their congress without passing a vote of confidence for the Party presidency. The Prime Minister and SP Secretary General, Pandeli Majko, told reporters after the meeting that the setting of the date of the congress is a very important event for SP.

Former SP chairman Fatos Nano said during a break of the meeting that October is the most appropriate month to make serious preparations for a political process covering all SP structures. /pas/xh/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] Albanian Minister of Public Order meets the Chief of Greek Secret Service

Regarding the forceful repatriation of Albanian refugees settled in Greek, Poçi pointed out that "the continuous controls of Greek police forces on the regularity of refugees' documents is a necessity, but the tearing of documents and maltreating of Albanian refugees can not be accepted."

"The tearing of passports into pieces, even if they are false, is an illegal act. If not legal, the passports can be send to the respective bodies of the countries issuing them", reiterated Poçi. According to him "the repatriation of about 4 000 refugees only during the last days, several of whom maltreted by the police forces, is a tough action, and measures should be adopted to stop it."

The Chief of Greek Secret Service, Pavllos, said hat he would inform the Greek respective structures on this issue. /led/A.A/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] Falling of budget deficit during six months period

During this period some 56,3 billion lek are spent, while nearly 42 billion lek are cashed.

The custom incomes created a great deficit during this period of six months. The total value collected by this administrate is 16,8 billion lek, marking a deficit of some 3,6 billion lek.

The incomes of the tax administrate mark the value of 12,8 billion lek, realizing the plan by 99%. /led/linda/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] State subjects mark 40% of customs' debt

Privates are also indebted to the customs, which are in a difficult situation and cannot pay the debt, due to the closure of their activity ans restarting it with another name. /pas/linda/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] ABNA 8th Assembly to resume its proceedings on Saturday

This assembly will be organized under the attention of the Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), which has the rotating presidency of ABNA until the end of the assembly proceedings.

Some issues to be discussed in the assembly are the 6-th month activities of the presidency, the technical development of agencies where an important part is occupied by "DIAVLOS", a common project of agencies, as well as the realization of collection and delivery of common interest through Data-Bank system.

During the proceedings of the assembly, a resolution on the role of Balkan mediae will be compiled, and the application of Macedonian News Agency on its membership in ABNA will be observed. This agency has been an observer so far.

The participants in ABNA Assembly are expected to meet Albanian President, Rexhep Meidani, on late Saturday.

Delegations from Greece, Turkey, Bulgaria, Rumania and Macedonia have arrived in Albania on Friday.

ABNA is an organization established four years ago, where national agencies of Balkan countries take part. /s.s/A.A/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] Germany to assist Korçë prefecture

Korçë prefect, Bardhi Aliçkolli, the chairman of district council, Frederik Miço, and the mayor, Dhionis Kotmilo, presented some projects being realized in this prefecture with finances of foreign donors and asked the German ambassador to increase the number of projects of his country.

Dizdorn, told Korçë local authorities that the aqueduct project will be followed by other projects to be sponsored by the German government.

Korçë prefecture, southeastern Albania, includes the districts of Korçë, Pogradec and Devoll. /pas/A.A/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] Consume of Belgian meat imported before January 15,1999 is allowed

The situation created recently in the commercial network due to Belgian meat infected with dioxine (especially imported chicken) made possibly the veterinary control all over the country to block all the quantities of the meat, stored in warehouses and markets, imported since the beginning of January '99.

But according the above law the Belgian meat entered in Albania till January 15, will be on sale again, because it is guaranteed in food security.

Based upon the Control Inspectors, there is any case of contraband entering of Belgian meat. /linda/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] Tirana exchange stock: 5,2 billion lek treasure bonus are sold

Different investitures asked to buy treasure bonus marking the value of some 7 billion lek.

The main buyers of the treasure's bonus issued by the Albanian Government were the banks of second level. /pas/linda/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] Albania becomes member of Social Development Fund of European Council

Development Fund of European Council, only few days before the fourth anniversary of its membership in EC", it is stated in a press release issued by European Council. /pas/linda/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[20] Measures should be adopted to halt maltreating of Albanian refugees in Greece; Milo

During these meetings Milo asked for adoption of immediate measures for halting the violation and maltreating of Albanian refugees in Greece, Press Director close to Albanian Foreign Ministry, told ATA on Friday.

The talks with Kraniodhis were focused on the help and support Greek government should give Albania to help its integration process in Europe. In this framework, the both parts decided to organize a meeting with experts from both countries where issues regarding the Stability agreement will be discussed. At the end of the meeting Kranidhiotis said he would pay a visit in Albania in September of the current year.

Regarding the concern of Albanian Government on the violation and maltreating of Albanian refugees in Greece, which were the main issues of the meetings, Minister Kranidhiotis said that a unsafe climate is created in Greece due to the influx of illegal emigrants, but he added that the Greek police forces should be more careful and moderate in their behavior.

Greek Parliament Speaker, Kaklamais, regarding the same issue said that he rejects some hasty actions of Greek police forces, but he considered as important the identification and halting of the criminal elements, and such a thing would help even the Albanian emmigrants in Greece. "I hope that the signing of a cooperation agreement between the two respective ministries in the near future would help in this direction", said Kaklamais.

In the meeting with the Greek President, Albanian Minister said that " you will find Albania a reliable partner in bilateral relations, and a partner of peace and stability in the region."

Mr. Stefanopulos said that he was optimist as regards to bilateral relations and pointed out that " Our interests will strengthen in the future as our relations are based on common interests". /pas/A.A/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[21] German Army accords aid for its Albanian counterpart

The German Army has accorded to the Albanian counterpart considerable amounts of medical aid during the last months. Sources for the Albanian Defence Ministry told ATA on Friday that the total aid is estimated to be about 44 tons, and their total value is approximately 500 000 German Marks. /led/A.A/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[22] Changes in custom tariffs in conformity to WTO standards

According to him the working group of this Ministry bear in mind the reduction of tariffs levels from 6 to 3 (5%,10%,20%) in its suggestions.

There were many imputes for the animal breeding, which are imported, including food, medicaments, ect, the custom tariff proposed to them will be 5%.

The suggestions for the tariff of 10% are done for the animal products such as butter, meat, etc. The tariff of 20% will be used on animals, non traditional meat, powdermilk, etc.

The proposed custom tax on the agricultural mechanics is 5%./pas/linda/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[23] UNHCR says all equipment of Albanian refugee' camps to be carried to Kosove

Unidentified sources report that representatives of United Nations and other intergovernmental agencies, donating countries, NGO-s as well as the Albanian government agreed recently to dislocate some assets remained in camps, because they can be used in Kosove.

The remaining refugees are thought to be sheltered in some collective centers and makeshift camps, as works will be carried out to repair the ecologic damages caused in camps due to the great influx of refugees accommodated there. /lh/A.A/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[24] Albania - Health report

This is confirmed for ATA by the Spokesman of the Ministry of Health Artur Rada, based upon the data taken from the Statistics Directorate and Information after the elaboration at the Ministry of Health.

Albanian population is considered a young population, with average age of 28,6 years old and some 33% of it is under 15 years old.

Life span, according to INSTAT, for 1990-95 was 68,5 for males and 74, 3 for women, less than the European average.

As far as the births are concerned some 70 thousand children are born every year or 2,2% of the population, while 11% of it is under 5 years old and 6% of it is above 65 years old./lh/linda/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[25] Kondi visited Macedonia invited by Dimishkovski

According to the spokesman of this Court Mr.Kondi accompanied by Dimishkovski visited Supreme Court of Macedonia, Appeal Court and District Court in Skopje.

In his meeting with Macedonian representative Mr.Kondi exchanged different opinions on recognition of the justice systems of the two countries and the increase of the cooperation in the future.

He asked for the participation of the representatives of Macedonia Court at the Court Conference to be held in September in Tirana. /lh/linda/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[26] Albanian President meets the organizers of "Thanks Mother Albania" concert

The representatives of Interim Government of Kosove, Zenel Klemendi, hailed the contribution given by Albanian people and government during the crisis in Kosove.

President Meidani appealed to the artists and to all the intellectual elite of Kosove to organize such concerts even in thier Motherland.

Regarding the situation in Kosove and the final solution of its issue, Albanian President proposed "less euphoria in this delicate period and more cooperation climate with international authorities, because Kosove merits a lot after all the material and spiritual sacrifices it passed" /pas/A.A/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[27] German military members rehabilitate Lushnje road

The spokesman of this contingent, Karl Leutschaft, told ATA that 30 German military members in cooperation with the Albanian company "Shpata", started on Friday the construction of a road 400 meters long.

The German troops which operate in the framework of AFOR humanitary mission are settled in Berat and Kuçove. AFOR forces will rehabilitate the roads of Lushnje, Berat and Fier and will reconstruct the bed of Osum river. /lh/A.A/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[28] "Adriatic initiative" to restore Butrinti and Gjirokaster

This project foresees the reconstruction of the antic city of Butrint, the reconstruction of the characteristic dwelling places of Gjirokster and the like.

The Italian is made up by specialists of Bologna University, private specialists and specialists of the cultural session close to the Italian Ministry. /led/A.A/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[29] Some 1000 persons repatriated by UNHCR in a day

According to the Emergency Managing Group, the reduction of this capacity is due to the lack of possibilities created to resettle the refugees and to the continuous transport limits.

According to the plan issued by UNHCR, the normal influx of returned refugees should be 3 000 people a day.

Emergency Managing Group appeals to all the refugees returning spontaneously to their soils, to get in touch with this body to prevent many of the transport difficulties and life dangers. /lh/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