Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-07-22

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] Draft law on AMC privatization adopted

[02] Representatives of the American Embassy meet Prefect of Vlora

[03] About three dinghies with illegal people on board heading for Italian coast forced to retreat

[04] PRESS REVIEW

[05] Exchange rates of Lek with foreign currencies on Thursday

[06] Albanians' ethnic-cultural values in focus of a project

[07] KLA demands 4 000 of its soldiers become members of police

[08] There is no place in Kosova for those who have supported Miloshevic crimes - Rahmani

[09] Sefedin Çela elected chairman of National Council of Albanian Radio- Television

[10] Six hectares of forests burned in Vithkuq.

[11] Police destroyed 900 canabis sativa plants.

[12] ART to organize a big Concert in Pristine

[13] Albtelecom:19% of profits from telephone booths

[14] Parliament passed changes in state budget of year 1999

[15] Seminary organized to introduce EU and its structures

[16] Meta: It is the time to intensify the Italian investments in Albania

[17] Regional Authorities on implementation of WB projects delivered for Albanian health

[18] 213 million lek on renewal of "AJKA" factory

[19] Miedani welcomes strengthening of cooperation with WHO

[20] Ministry of Agriculture asked for 87 million dollars on watering and drainage

[21] Miedani welcomes strengthening of cooperation with WHO

[22] People's Assembly endorses draft-law "On protection of personal information"

[23] Police forces will protect makeshift camps in use of UNHCR

[24] Minister Poçi leaves for Germany

[01] Draft law on AMC privatization adopted

AMC will be privatized through offering most of the shares to a strategic partner who will be selected on the basis of a open international tender. The law envisages that at least 85 per cent of the capital must be offered to strategic investors. At least 51 per cent of the share will be offered to one or more investors, who are in specialized companies in the field of telecommunications.

In the mean time, up to 15 per cent of the shares of the capital will be offered to the former ex-owners of the site and to AMC staff in return of the privatization bonuses they and their family members have. The remaining shares are envisaged to be transferred on the basis of the laws "On trade companies," "On vouchers" and other laws related with public auctions. /led/xh/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] Representatives of the American Embassy meet Prefect of Vlora

Hamo stressed the potentialities and possibilities that Vlora offers to the American investors for investments. He added that there are actually 111 projects in different fields drafted by national experts.

Representatives of the American embassy reiterated the extraordinary support that Albania offered to the population of Kosovo during the conflict there that lasted for several months and the message of President Clinton to the Albanian people after the conflict ended.

Participants in the meeting dwelt also on the problems of public order. "Order must be restored within a short period of time as a guaranty for investments", they in the meeting underscored. /led/so/xh/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] About three dinghies with illegal people on board heading for Italian coast forced to retreat

According to sources of this mission in the port of Durres, on Thursday morning about 50 illegal people were blocked in the southern coastline of Italy. They seem to have arrived a few hours on the other side of the Adriatic.

A night before, Italian-Albanian forces of Guardia di Finanza blocked the ship "Hurricane" with about 20 tons of smuggled cigarettes. The ship was accompanied under strict security measures to the port of Durres. The 10-member crew most of whom Albanians, are detained in the ship. /led/xh/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] PRESS REVIEW

"KOHA JONE", daily independent.

- "Gjinushi with Nano, Ceka and Berisha with Majko". Secret allies defined before the Congress of socialists; The Albanian prime minister remains the most privileged. - "Socialists, you must explain your sins to us". The full address of the chairman of the DP parliamentary group, Genc Pollo, on occasion of the return of democratic MP to the parliament on Wednesday is published. - "Albania, the privileged, but conditional membership ". Albania will be privileged in NATO assistance for its membership.

"GAZETA SHQIPTARE", daily independent. - "DP in parliament: New elections". For the first time after 13 months, democrats rejoin their socialist colleagues in the Parliament's hall. - "Klosi is walking on ice- Majko". The early conflict between the Albanian Premier and the chief of the Albanian Secret Service rises again. - "Here are foreign debts of Albania". Albania has a debt worth 1.2 billion dollars, for the past six years.

"SHEKULLI",daily independent. - "Democrats back in parliament". After more than a year of boycott, DP came back to parliament on Wednesday. - "The European left wing backs Majko". The Albanian Premier and the Parliament Speaker Gjinushi leave for the conference of the European left wing parties. - "Albanian President, Meidani will head the Albanian delegation to Sarajevo". The head of the Albanian state is invited to take part in the summit on the Stability Pact for the Southeastern Europe in Sarajevo.

"ALBANIA", daily independent. - "Gjirokastra with Greek police". - "New elections, now". - "90 percent of alcoholic drinks are false".

"EKONOMIA", the daily newspaper of the Albanian Agency for Economical development. - " One million packets of cigarettes in Italian-Albanian anti- contraband net". - "Ministry of Finance concludes Greek loan". - "Americans to construct Kashar-Rinas road by concession".

"ZERI I POPULLIT", daily, Albania Socialist Party newspaper. - "Clashes in Fier in drugs kingdom". - "Majko: The European left wing, assistance for Albania". - "Milo in Brussels, meeting with 'Friends of Albania'".

"RILINDJA DEMOKRATIKE", daily paper of the Albania Democratic Party. - "Zani: Gjinushi and Meidani are my friends". - "DP returns to Parliament".

"REPUBLIKA", daily paper of the Republican Party. - "Ceka readying for minister". - "Government cabinet, in line before DP". /led/NA/xh

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] Exchange rates of Lek with foreign currencies on Thursday

Exchange rates on Thursday

Kind of currency Bought Sold

USD 134,5 135

DM 72 72,5

LIT(1000) 73 73,5

GRD(100) 43 43,5 /led/xh/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] Albanians' ethnic-cultural values in focus of a project

Agim Bido, vice-director of the Institute of Folk Culture, reported to ATA on Thursday that an expedition is gathering facts about the closer ties established now between Albanians and their Kosovar brothers, the deportation of cultures from Albania to Kosovo and vice-versa.

Testimonies, films and photos collected during the expedition will soon be published in two editions: a book and a photo album. The project of the Institute is expected to be close with a symposium to be held in Tirana in October, in which 40 topics will be discussed. /led/so/xh/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] KLA demands 4 000 of its soldiers become members of police

During his visit to Irzniqi, commune of Decan, together with the commander of the peace multinational force (KFOR), the British general Mike Jackson, Ceku stressed that after the KLA will hand out its weapons, 4 000 of its soldiers must join the police force to be established in Kosova and they will be trained by foreign officers, led by United Nations authorities.

Ceku denied reports for alleged use of violence by KLA soldiers, saying that the Staff has now full control on this army units. /led/xh/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] There is no place in Kosova for those who have supported Miloshevic crimes - Rahmani

Rahmani opposed a call of the so-called Gypsy leader of Roms, Ibrahim Hasani, who demanded the removal of 5000 Roms from Kosova.

Though treated as Roms, the peasants of Dubrava speak the Albanian language, they are taught in Albanian and their traditions are quite different from those of gypsies. /led/ld/xh/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] Sefedin Çela elected chairman of National Council of Albanian Radio- Television

The parliament also approved the draft-decision for the payment of the members of the National Council of Albanian Radio-Television, which will be equal to 30% of the monthly salary of the council chairman. /led/na/xh/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] Six hectares of forests burned in Vithkuq.

Sources from forest service told ATA that fire was restrained making possible its extinguishing helped by forest service workers.

In Korca district there have been fires in pastures and forests during this month. Considerable pasture areas were burned in Pojan village, there have also been fires in the forests of Liqenas area, but the damages have been quickly eliminated. /led/NA/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] Police destroyed 900 canabis sativa plants.

The regional drug squads at this directory, have identified some other places planted with narcotic plants, which are to be destroyed according to a schedule.

During March-July period, the police of Korca-Pogradec- Devoll region have captured four groups and detained 10 smugglers of 20 to 98 kg narcotic plants coming from Fieri and Lushnja towards Kapstica. /led/NA/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] ART to organize a big Concert in Pristine

This thing was confirmed during a visit a delegation of ART composed of Deputy Director, Mimoza Pahko, artistic leader, Zhani Ciko and a technical staff, held recently in Kosove.

Genc Ymeraj, director of program's department in radio-Tirana told ATA that this group discussed with the Kosove authorities on the possibilities of a concert organization in the main square of Pristine.

No details are delivered by the organizers of the concert regarding the content of this spectacle and its participants, but this activity is reported to serve as a meeting to strengthen the cooperation between art and culture in Albania and in Kosove. /dast/A.A/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] Albtelecom:19% of profits from telephone booths

According to the above mentioned sources "the profits will be greater if the phenomena of false telephonic cards were not so wide spread.Nevertheless the measures taken it is not solved yet".

The total revenues of Albtelecom for 1998 were 8.8 billion lek. The revenues in 1998 increase by 54% compared with the value marked in 1997.

During this year some 33 thousand new telephonic lines are added and the number of the clients reached to 115 675 persons.

As far as year 1999 is concerned, this enterprise foresees to increase the number of the clients by some 35 thousand new clients and at the same time to increase even the profits. This will be implemented through the contract signed with Alcatel. /dast/linda/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] Parliament passed changes in state budget of year 1999

The changes in the law for the state budget for year 1999 is drafted immediately after the giving of the sum of some 200 million dollars by the International Community.

According to the Minister of Finances Anastas Angjeli "a part of 200 million dollars will be used during the second half of year 1999 to face the consequences of Kosova crisis".

This law foresees the supplemental expenditures for some Ministries, which kept the main burden in receiving of Kosova comers.

Nevertheless the effects of Kosova crisis, the situation till now of the budget for 1999 showed the Financial and Economic Program of year 1999 and the law of the state budget defined by the Government, approved by the Parliament in December 1998, were studied and supported. /dast/linda/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] Seminary organized to introduce EU and its structures

Participating in this seminary were the EC deputy ambassador in Tirane, Antonio Castelaci, the director of information office, Ylljet Aliçkaj, and other representatives of Albanian pan-European movement.

Castelaci, after making a summary of EU activity in the Eastern and Central European countries, spoke for Albanian perspective on the bases of support to be delivered by the United Europe.

This seminary marks the preliminary phase of the project bearing the same title, foreseen to start in July 26.

Sensitizing groups are going to be set up on implementation of this project in Tirane, Shkoder, Durres and Elbasan, charged with informing of the intrested population.

This project is worth 300 000 EURO, and is expected to be spread all over the country. /dast/A.A/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] Meta: It is the time to intensify the Italian investments in Albania

By expressing the readiness of the Italian Government for the continuation of the investments, Minister Bersani said that "we are looking for the necessary means to continue the projects started before the conflict", told ATA the Ministry of Information.

Albanian delegation, part of which was the Minister of Public Economy and Privatization Ylli Bufi, met different leaders of several Italian companies and discussed about the privatization strategies of important sectors. They presented to them concrete projects for investments such as the gasoline transporter coming from Algeria and the one of setting up the dykes on Vjosa river, where six hydro power station will be constructed.

The projects presented by the Albanian part found full support of the heads of these companies, who were so ready to cooperate for the implementation of these projects. /dast/linda/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] Regional Authorities on implementation of WB projects delivered for Albanian health

This structure will be composed by specialist doctors, representatives of Health Ministry, representatives of University Hospital Center, representatives of local government and its aide structures, and it will decide the way how this project will be implemented in Albania.

The Regional Authority will decide its competencies to start and continue the work till the final implementation of the project, and will fix the intervention ways in the districts of Tirane, Shkoder and Vlore where is foreseen to be invested the longtime credit of the WB.

WB has granted to Albania $ 17 million for the second four-year project for development of health system in Albania. Some $ 11 million out of this sum are destined for rehabilitation of the wards of University Hospital Center. /dast/A.A/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] 213 million lek on renewal of "AJKA" factory

Minister Xhuveli thanked in particular the German project GTZ (German association on tecnic cooperation), representatives of German embassy, etc, that worked for five years period in constructing the greatest factory of milk processing in Albania, since 1992 was out of use.

"Ajka" factory is increasing its productive activity year after year, by marking and averages milk proccesing of some 9000 litres per day.

The total value collected by the farmers during this period is some 325 thousand dollars. For the same period of time the total revenues of the factory reached to 817 thousand dollars, twice more than last year. /dast/linda/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] Miedani welcomes strengthening of cooperation with WHO

Press office close to the Presidency told ATA on Thursday that Kikbush in on a work visit in Albania, and explained the role of WBO on development of health sector in the framework of the Pact of Stability. She expressed her support in coping with the grave situation created, and with the health service needs in Albania.

President Meidani hailed the visit of Kikbush in Albania, and her prestigious candidacy for the post of the Regional Director for WHO. /dast/A.A/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[20] Ministry of Agriculture asked for 87 million dollars on watering and drainage

For fulfillment of the map of the watering and drainage system all over the country, FAO project defined that a finance of some 160 million dollars is necessary for the full rehabilitation of this system.

According to the above mentioned sources, the Albanian Government, IFAD and World Bank provide some 73 million dollars and the financial gap in this field is some 87 million dollars.

The project on watering rehabilitation is working since 1996 and has implemented the systemizing of the field and coast areas. Three projects of IFAD are working as well for this system.

But according to the specialists, donors for the above mentioned finance are needed, in order to cover 100% the needs of systemizing the agriculture lands. /linda/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[21] Miedani welcomes strengthening of cooperation with WHO

Press office close to the Presidency told ATA on Thursday that Kickbusch is on a work visit in Albania, and explained the role of WBO on development of health sector in the framework of the Pact of Stability. She expressed her support in coping with the grave situation created, and with the health service needs in Albania.

President Meidani hailed the visit of Kickbusch in Albania, and her prestigious candidacy for the post of the Regional Director for WHO. /dast/A.A/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[22] People's Assembly endorses draft-law "On protection of personal information"

This law sanctions the protection of private life and privacy of a citizen as one of the main aspects of a person's right.

With the drafting of this draft-law is completed an important legal package, where is involved the law "On the right of information on official documents" and the law "On state secrecy". /dast/A.A/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[23] Police forces will protect makeshift camps in use of UNHCR

The spokeswoman added that according to the contract signed on Wednesday between the Ministry of Public Order and UNHCR, the later will put in the disposition of police forces $ 1,2 million for this aim.

The contract was signed by the Albanian Minister of Public Odder, Spartak Poçi, while the senior commissioner, Hashim Utkan, signed for UNHCR part. /dast/A.A/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[24] Minister Poçi leaves for Germany

Invited by the the German Interior Minister, Otto Schily, Minister Poçi is expected to discuss about the strengthening of cooperation between the two countries, the determination of logistic and technical aid needed for Albania, as wel as issues with mutual interest, the spokeswoman of Ministry of Public Order, Edlira Birko, told ATA on Thursday. /dast/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