Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-07-26

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CONTENTS

[01] Week starts with stable exchange rates compared with Saturday

[02] Sofia meeting aims integration into European and Euro-Atlantic structures of Albania, Bulgaria and Macedonia

[03] Proposals of Albania included in document on Sofia meeting

[04] Albanian Government outlines program of Priority Projects

[05] Assistance for Kosovars and orphans in Durres

[06] Three Ministers shared views on the implementation of the stability Pact for South Eastern Europe

[07] Meeting of Finance ministers in the context of "Stability Pact"

[08] Three energy projects to be presented in Sarajevo

[09] Investments in arboriculture

[10] 6 million dollars to support Albanian economy

[11] Japan granted 5,2 million dollars on agriculture mechanics

[12] Preparation on drafting priority projects of investments for period 2000-2003 started

[13] Task Force of Albanian Power Corporate punished 250 subjects

[14] AFOR engaged in second phase of refugees repatriation

[15] Pollo: I hope Kosova becomes part of European families

[16] Hajdaraga says transformation of Albanian Armed Forces

[17] Theses of Congress will condition our governing activity - Majko

[18] General Steering Committee discussed Congress theses; Legisi

[01] Week starts with stable exchange rates compared with Saturday

Exchange rates on Tirana market on Monday:

Kind of currency Bought Sold USD 135 135,5 DM 72 72,2 LIT(1000) 72,5 73 GRD(100) 43 43,5 /xh/

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[02] Sofia meeting aims integration into European and Euro-Atlantic structures of Albania, Bulgaria and Macedonia

As the press and information department of the Albanian Foreign Ministry reports, they in the meeting stressed the strategic goal of the three countries, their integration in the European and Euro-Atlantic structures, which will serve the consolidation of peace and stability in Southeast Europe. The ministers discussed the joint projects in the field of the infrastructure, energy, telecommunication, etc., which are of interest of the three countries.

Albanian Foreign Minister, Milo, underscored that so far, the Balkan countries have had statements which have not been applied. "Albania," he added, "supports the opening of agencies for the reconstruction of the Balkans and holds that these agencies must be installed in the countries mostly-affected by the conflict: Kosova, Albania, Macedonia and Montenegro. /a.ke/xh/

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[03] Proposals of Albania included in document on Sofia meeting

2. Lifting of visas from Albania, Bulgaria and Macedonia for all the citizens after the pattern of Schengen.

3. The construction of a joint energy system, including the connection of electric systems of Albania, Macedonia and Bulgaria through the construction of the line 400 KV.

The Albanian and Macedonian foreign ministers insisted that the projects related only with Albania, Macedonia and Bulgaria be treated with priority. The three ministers were of the opinion that in order to have a lasting stability in the region, of fundamental importance are the democratization, stability and development of a civil society in the countries of the region and especially in the FRY.

With the insistence of the Albanian party, the final document issued at the end of the meeting, the following proposals were included:

1. Removal of visas between Albania, Macedonia and Bulgaria and efforts to be made for the liberalization of the regime of visas with EU;

2. Development and stability in Europe may be reached only through the reconstruction of the entire region, with priority to the countries mostly-affected from the conflict in Kosova; 3. Holding in Albania of the first meeting of the Round Table (No.2) for the economic reconstruction of the region; 4. Importance for the Mission of AFOR in Albania (and the presence of NATO in Macedonia) to continue for the stability and security in the region;

5. Holding of regular meetings of the foreign ministers and approval for the next meeting to be conducted in Albania. /pas/xh/

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[04] Albanian Government outlines program of Priority Projects

The director of the Priority Projects office in the Premier's headquarters, Fatos Galanxhi, told ATA that the priorities defined by the Albanian Government are related with three fundamental problems of the Stability Pact of Southeast Europe: the democratization and the human rights, cooperation and the economic development and reconstruction and the questions of security.

Galanxhi said that now work is going on in ministries to define in details the projects and that among the main projects to be presented by the Albanian Government will be those in the field of the infrastructure and energy. In the field of energy, projects will be forwarded for the financing of the construction of new hydro and heat power stations and for the extension of an international gas pipeline which will pass through Albania to the neighbouring countries.

Albanian PM Majko has urged that maximal work must be made by all ministries so that the Albanian Government present a clear and detailed strategy in the Sarajevo Summit. /pas/xh/

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[05] Assistance for Kosovars and orphans in Durres

In cooperation with the local authorities, they delivered recently 80 portable beds for Kosovar children in the "Hysen Çela technological middle school and a quantity of food for 16 Kosova families.

The officers of this group brought aid also for nearly 40 infants in the Durres orphanage.

The 28th maritime group deployed in the port of Durres, has always been available to help the Kosovars sheltered in Durres and the nearby cities. In the first days of the crisis, the group sent a truck with food aid for 700 Kosovars accommodated in Kavaja.

"We feel it as an indispensable moral obligation," the Italian officers said referring to the assistance which is not part of their functional task. /pas/NA/xh/

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[06] Three Ministers shared views on the implementation of the stability Pact for South Eastern Europe

The Ministers underlined the importance of their trilateral meeting confirming the willingness to contribute to the transition of South Eastern Europe from a geographical to a genuine part of the European continent.

The Ministers, reaffirming the strategic goal for integration in the European and Euro - Atlantic structures, stressed that the integration of their countries in the European family will enhance peace and stability in the region and in Europe.

During the first trilateral meeting, the Ministers shared views on the implementation of the Stability Pact for South East Europe proposed by the European Union and adopted by the Cologne Ministerial Conference on June 10, 1999.

The Ministers confirmed their support for the principles of the Stability Pact as a new basis for the relations between the countries of the region. They asserted their belief that through its implementation, lasting stability can be achieved on the basis of comprehensive economic development of the region, fostering of security, enhancement of the democratic institutions and ethnic tolerance.

The Ministers emphasized that for alasting stability to be achieved, democratization and development of civil society in the countries of the region and in particular in the FRY is essential. In this context they underlined the importance of the respect of human rights including the rights of persons belonging to national minorities, free and independent media and civil society building. With regard to this the three Ministers welcomed the initiative of Bulgaria to host a Democracy Information Center which will promote civil society values, contacts and multiethnic dialogue and cooperation.

The Ministers welcomed the proposal of the Macedonian Foreign Minister for his country to host the first meeting of the Working Table I on democratisation.

The Ministers agreed with the proposal of the Albanian Foreign minister to work towards the abolishment of the visa regime between their countries, as well as the further liberalization of the visa regimes that the European Union has with the three countries. This will contribute to the rapid development of the economies, free communication of people and free circulation of goods.

The Ministers expressed their understanding that sustainable development and stability in South Eastern Europe could be achieved only through comprehensive economic reconstruction of the whole region, giving priority to the mostly affected countries in the region. The economic activities of the countries in the region should be encouraged through direct foreign investments, development of trade, development of regional infrastructure-transport, energy and telecommunications as part of the Pan - European infrastructure and participation of firms from the region in the reconstruction activities.

The Ministers stressed that companies from the countries of the region should be entitled to participate on an equal basis in all project tenders.

The Ministers strongly believe that projects of regional and cross- border importance should be financed within the framework of the Stability Pact. Such projects will secure more efficient connections of the region with the European infrastructure. Some of these projects which can be named Stability Pact Relevant projects, are the following: - Corridor No 8 - highway, railway, telecommunications and oil pipeline linking the three countries: - Construction of a power cable line connecting the Republic of Bulgaria, the Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Albania and interconnection of their national electric power systems.

The implementation of the above mentioned projects is of importance for several countries of the region and for the establishment of direct links with the European infrastructure.

The Ministers supported the reestablishment of the free movement along all Pan European transport corridors passing through the region of South Eastern Europe.

The Ministers stressed the importance of the facilitation of the cross-border check points conclusion of free trade agreements, establishment of free trade zones and developing programs for revitalization of small and medium size enterprises.

The Ministers stressed the need the EU to create a concrete fund in order to meet the argent needs of the most affected countries of the region.

The three Ministers believe that each country of the region should establish an Investment Fund for financing of infrastructure projects implemented in the country, whereby the Fund's resources would be accumulated from the payments of the respective country's financial obligations to the Paris Club and other creditors. The Fund will be managed with the active participation of the creditors in defining the projects, in close cooperation with the respective country. In case of co-financing of a certain project, the financing of the Fund will have e multiple effect through mobilizing additional investments from other sources as well.

The Ministers propose the EU to establish a special regional facility providing financial resources for projects in the countries of the region similar to the each - up facilities.

The Ministers consider that providing of Governmental guarantees for the foreign investments in the region will facilitate the mobilizing of such investments and the accelerated commencement of implementation of priority projects of the Stability Pact.

The three Ministers welcomed the decision of the European union to set up the European Agency for Reconstruction and called for the soonest possible commencement of its activities. They shared the view that the Pact of Stability should aim at the economic reconstruction of the whole region and therefore the Agency should open offices in all countries of South Eastern Europe and in particular in their three countries.

The Ministers welcomed the proposal of the Albanian Foreign Minister for his country to host the first meeting of the Working Table 2 on economic reconstruction.

The three ministers paid a special attention to issues of regional stability and security in view of the positive outcome of the Kosovo crisis. They confirmed the support of their countries for the full implementation of UN SC Resolution 1244 and for the KFOR peacekeeping operation in Kosovo and their countries' contribution to its goals by providing logistic facilities along the entire route of the KFOR units.

The three Ministers consider the continuation of the AFOR mission in Albania and the NATO presence in the Republic of Macedonia to be of considerable importance for the stability and security in the region.

The Ministers agreed that substantial steps for strengthening regional stability should be undertaken in the framework of the Stability Pact. The Ministers shared the opinion that NATO and Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC) should be involved very closely in the work of its Working Table 3 on security issues. The Ministers welcomed the proposal of the Bulgarian Foreign Minister his country to host and chair the first of its meetings.

The three Ministers welcomed the establishment of the Multinational Peacekeeping Force/South Eastern Europe and the forthcoming opening of its Headquarters in Plovdiv, Bulgaria in September 1999 as a contribution to the security dimension of the Stability Pact.

The Ministers decided to reinforce the cooperation in the field of combating organised crime, corruption terrorism and all forms of illegal activities and took note of the Macedonian proposal to host a regional consultative and educational Center to that end.

The three Ministers of Foreign Affairs agreed to present their joint position on the implementation of the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe at the Sarajevo Summit on July 30,1999.

The Ministers confirmed the significance of their first trilateral meeting and agreed to hold such meetings in the future on a regular basis, the next being in Albania. /xh/

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[07] Meeting of Finance ministers in the context of "Stability Pact"

The Albanian delegation, led by Finance Minister Anastas Angjeli, will present in the meeting the projects of priority defined by the Albanian Government, especially those in the field of energy and the infrastructure and the funds from the donors for the development of these sectors. /a.gj/xh/

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[08] Three energy projects to be presented in Sarajevo

The Minister of Public Economy and Privatization, Ylli Bufi, stressed that "the projects identified by the Government are very important and with regional values and as such they will be presented as joint projects with the neighbouring countries in the context of the Stability Pact."

Some of the priority projects are the sources of water energy (so far less than 35 per cent of the hydro-energy reserves have been exploited,) which are in three main water-gathering territories, namely in those of the rivers Drin, Vjose and Devoll.

In the water basin of Drini, on which three of the largest hydro- power stations of the country have been built, two other hydro-power stations are envisaged to be constructed such as that of Bushat and the other in Skavice, which for its importance and in relation to the border problems, may be treated as a joint project with Macedonia.

As second priority is the construction of new heat power stations as well. Two of such will be set up in two regions mainly in Southern Albania.

The connection of Albania with the international gas pipeline network may be realised through Italy with the gas pipeline coming from North Africa. The advantages of this variant, supported both by Italy and Albania, is that Albania's participation in this project makes it a transition point, and with considerable profits.

Referring to the inclusion of Albania in Italy-Greece gas network, Minister Bufi stressed that soon the working groups will be set up to study the feasibility of this project.

The third priority identified by the Government in the field of energy in the context of the regional cooperation is the consolidation and construction of inter-system lines which will link the system of Albania with those of the neighbouring countries and with regional and European ones, later.

The Minister stressed that EBI, EBRD etc., have voiced their interest and predisposition to co-finance these projects which will be presented to the Summit of Sarajevo. /pas/xh/

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[09] Investments in arboriculture

Jetnor Hysolli, director of the district agriculture sector, said to ATA that almost 50 thousand apple saplings were planted this year, while over the last three years there were planted over 300 thousand apple and plum trees as well as 1 milion vine plants.

According to Hysolli, the extension of the agricultural and food industry in this district has been an encouragement for this growth in fruit growing sector.

In Devoll, there are over 2 milion fruit trees, mainly apples, plums and pears, but most of them have low yields because they're old trees. Consequently, regeneration of the fruit trees plantations, for which farmers get technical assistence from the district advisory service, is an indispensability. /pas/xh/

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[10] 6 million dollars to support Albanian economy

The total sum of 6 million dollars offered to the Albanian economy, will be used even in sectors dealing with social and education issues.

A part of this fund will be given to the Albanian Fund of Development to be used in improving the infrastructure of rural areas. /led/linda/

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[11] Japan granted 5,2 million dollars on agriculture mechanics

Through this grant fund of some 5,2 million dollars accorded to Albanian Government different equipment and repair parts for agriculture mechanics, at the moment out of use, will be bought.

Sources from the Agriculture Ministry report that these equipment and repair part of agriculture means will be distributed to the farmers through the association of agriculture mechanics based on credits.

This program is foreseen to improve the mechanism, taking into consideration that 73% of the population in Albania villages did not use mechanic means. /a.gj./linda/

Tirana, July 26 (ata) - By M.Pupa- Canada will finance some 6 million dollars till the end of the year 1999 to support the Albanian economy. It is going to be used in different sectors aiming at development of the Albanian economy, told ATA sources of this Ministry.

The total sum of 6 million dollars offered to the Albanian economy, will be used even in sectors dealing with social and education issues.

A part of this fund will be given to the Albanian Fund of Development to be used in improving the infrastructure of rural areas. /led/linda/

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[12] Preparation on drafting priority projects of investments for period 2000-2003 started

This Ministry, which has as main function the drafting the policies on public investments, coordination of the financial needs of the Ministries and finding of the foreign financial sources, asked all the Ministries and budgetary institutions the concrete instructions, upon which this strategy will be drafted.

The instructions on preparing the Sector Strategy of the Program on Public Investments (PPI) for period 2000-2003 consists in defining the elements and the measures to be taken into consideration during the reviewing of the sectoral strategies and policies to be proposed in order t be included in the Program of the Public Investments for the period 2000- 2003. /led/linda/

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[13] Task Force of Albanian Power Corporate punished 250 subjects

During the five months of its activity, the structure of Task Force checked up in Tirana some 3 000 subjects and founded some 250 cases of abuses of electric power.

The subjects found guilty are punished with different fees, marking some 60 million lek for this period. /pas/linda/

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[14] AFOR engaged in second phase of refugees repatriation

Williams said that some 50 AFOR soldiers will stay in Kukes at least for a week period to assist the repatriation of Kosova refugees.

During the last 24 hours some 600 Kosova refugees are returned home and more than 40 ton food items are transported from Korca to Prishtina.

There are some 16 thousand Kosova refugees in Albania. Apart of them might have to stay here even for a long period of time, which is why the Albanian Government and UNHCR will be involved directly with the winter program in the areas where they are accommodated, said Wiliams.

Asked about AFOR work on rehabilitation of the infrastructure in Albania, Williams said that the road to Rinas Airport is almost completed, while Italian engineers are working in Kuksi road. The work contracts in Albania will be fulfilled till the end, he said.

NATO humanitarian mission, AFOR (Allied Shelter) is performing its activities in Albania since April.

5 thousand forces remain already from 8 thousand forces of this contingent, consisting of 19 NATO member countries and 8 countries of Partnership for Peace. /pas/linda/

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[15] Pollo: I hope Kosova becomes part of European families

"We came from Albania, from its north and south, to hail the Albanians of free Kosova. We came in Kosova that will be independent" , said in the meeting the Under Secretary of Democratic Party Genc Pollo.

Mr. Pollo said that the dreams of the representatives of Albanian Renaissance and the mistakes done in the beginning of the century are corrected at the end of it. For this thing the democratic leader thanked NATO, USA, Western Europe and KLA resistance and all those who died for Kosova liberation.

"I hope Kosova will become democratic, independent and part of European family", said Pollo.

This is the first visit that deputies of this political party are performing in Kosova, since the interruption of the conflict there. /led/linda/

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[16] Hajdaraga says transformation of Albanian Armed Forces

TIRANE, July 26 (ATA) - By Enkelejda Koraqi: The role of Albanian army for solution of Kosove crisis and the assistance it accorded for coping with the humanitarian crisis at home, were in the focus of the 6- month analyses organized on Monday in the Albanian Defence Ministry.

An important issue remarked in the speech of minister Hajdaraga was the stance of Albanian Armed Forces during the war in Kosove, where the Albanian army supported without hesitations NATO options by placing in disposition of the solution of Kosove crisis every thing it possessed.

Minister Hajdaraga said that the main duty of Albanian army now is the transformation of Armed Forces, problem which has become a first hand issue after the presentation of the Document of Policy and Security, and the Defence Document. Hajdaraga pointed out that this transformation is the bases for achieving the standards which will lead the country towards NATO.

Speaking about the cooperation with Kosove Liberation Army, Hajdaraga said that it was a precious work of Armed forces.

Regarding the plans of this ministry for the forthcoming 6 month period, minister Hajdaraga highlighted the duties connected with the increase of elements of military alert. /pas/A.A/

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[17] Theses of Congress will condition our governing activity - Majko

"I would like that the subject of the recently conducted debates inside the SP had been the request for higher level of our performance. But in our debates there has been a clear, although undeclared, component of reciprocal grudges, narrow personal interests, which have been mistreated and misused by a part of the local media," said Majko.

As a government head Majko said that "any loss of equilibrium, either temporary in the SP, would have its effect on the governing it realises in majority."

Majko stated that "Albania is now close to a new era and will certainly be on the path of its full integration, like all the countries of the region both as separate parts and as a whole, into the euro-Atlantic structures and global security systems."

"The question now is how we and the whole region will be able to manifest and affirm those values which join the countries of Europe, for a dignified participation in the economic life to rebuild the region,' said Majko.

In this context Majko said that "the changes we plan to undertake in our governance programme will be changes on the method, content and governing activity of the SPA which should be raised at a higher level." /pas/lm/

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[18] General Steering Committee discussed Congress theses; Legisi

According to Legisi, other issues discussed at the meeting were the technical procedures that will be attended by the chairmen of SP affiliations in districts regarding the development of conferences and the organization of campaigns in districts.

Regarding the candidacies presented so far for chairmen of SP, Legisi said that "they will be issued by the party basis and will be passed to the presidency, which functions on the bases of a special regulation to be implemented to the end."

According to the status of the party, the right on candidacy is not prohibited to anyone", said Legisi. /led/A.A/

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