Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-08-13

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] Meidani decorates some distinguished subjects during Kosove crises

[02] PRESS REVIEW

[03] Albanians can be employed in UNO office

[04] Exchange rates of Lek with foreign currencies

[05] Conference of organizations of Islamic countries over

[06] Albanian Ministry of Culture co-organizer in D.J Bobo concert

[07] Three Gerdhuqi brothers killed

[08] "Gjirokaster" folkloric ensemble in Greece soon

[09] Minister Poçi thanks Guardia di Finanza personnel

[10] Albanian Premier arrives in Pristine

[11] We will we reconsider aid at crisis' news stage - Schear

[12] Divjake forest catches fire

[13] Albanian Helsinki Committee asks solution to pension-rise issue

[14] Meidani writes to Italian "La Stampa"

[15] State budget provides new funds for infrastructure

[16] There is still much to be done for Kosova - Blair

[17] Majko visits Prishtine University

[18] Majko asks closer cooperation of Kosovars with International Community and KFOR

[19] Commando troops seize contraband vehicles in Durres port

[20]

[01] Meidani decorates some distinguished subjects during Kosove crises

On the speech held in this ceremony, where participating were Lady Meidani, Premier, Pandeli Majko, and Parliament's Speaker, Skender Gjinushi, Meidani expressed to these subjects the gratitude for the role they delivered to assist Albanian people and nation in coping with the crisis in Kosove.

Meidani awarded the price "Mother Teresa" to the Humanitarian missions of Great Britain, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Arab Emirates, Switzerland, Germany, Greece, America, Italy, Austria, France and Denmark.

Lieutenant General George Reith was awarded the "Golden eagle" price, while World Food Program, WFP, UNHCR, ECHO, the Federation of World Red Cross and Red Crescent as well as Kukes prefecture were decorated with "Gjergj Kastrioti Skenderbeu" award.

The title "Great Master of Work" was given to the prefectures of Tirane, Elbasan, Korçe and Durres as well as the Vlore town-hall. /dast/A.A/

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[02] PRESS REVIEW

KOHA JONE, independent daily

-"Three brothers, members of Zani gang, executed". The three Gerdhuqi brothers are executed on Thursday at 19.30 p.m near Mifoli bridge, Vlore. - "Kukes aqueduct forcefully occupied". Armed persons, inhabitants of Kolesjan village, Kukes district, have occupied for the fourth time without any reason the depot of aqueduct, which supplies with potable water the city of Kukes and some villages near the city. -"Wigs - the mask which rescued Shemsie". The article shows in details the arrest of Shemsie Kadiu, ex-boss of "Gjallica" investment pyramidal scheme, in Izmir.

GAZETA SHQIPTARE, independent daily

-"DP: Finding out of the criminal who killed Azem - 'issue above issues'". Albanian opposition party commemorated on Thursday the 11th month of Azem Hajdari killing. -"Procedures on extradition of Shemsie begin". All the documentation on the "Gjallice" ex-boss is sent urgently to the Justice Ministry. -"Vlore: Gerdhuqi brothers executed". The three brothers are shot in the head near Mifoli bridge, Vlore.

SHEKULLI, daily independent

-"Gjinushi: who scolds - excluded". Social-Democratic Party chairman asks the organization of the meeting of governmental coalition parties. -"Beja: Berisha soon in Vlore". Interview with the Organization Secretary of DP, Fatos Beja. -"27 people dead over last week due to high temperatures".

ALBANIA, daily independent

-"Terror in Vlore: Three Gerdhuqi brothers executed" -"Police: armed clashes expected" -"Gjinushi: Majko is blocking the government".

EKONOMIA, daily of the Albanian Agency for Economic Development

-"There are problems in Albania with the exchange of cheques" -"Almost 6.2 billion Leks additional funds accorded after the crises in Kosove"

ZERI I PUPOLLIT, daily of the Albanian Socialist Party

-"Two "Rambos" taken hostage; spied by police" -"Three strong Gerdhuqi brothers killed". -"Dokle and Legisi on court for double calumny".

RILINDJA DEMOKRATIKE, daily of the Albanian Democratic Party

-"Even three attestors disappeared" -"Flowers and lighted candles for Azem".

REPUBLIKA, daily of Albanian Republican Party

-"10 ministers against Majko" -"Albanian United Right meets French ambassador. /A.A/

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[03] Albanians can be employed in UNO office

A test is scheduled to be held in Tirane on February 2000 on recruitment of young professionists in the sectors of administration, data electronic processing, finance, legal issues and statistics. /s.s/A.A/

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[04] Exchange rates of Lek with foreign currencies

maintained the same levels in the Tirana foreign currency market on Friday morning as against Thursday.

Exchange rates of Lek with foreign currencies:

Kind of currency Bought Sold

USD 132,5 133

DM 71,8 72,2

LIT(1000) 72,2 72,5

GRD(100) 42,8 43

/A.A/

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[05] Conference of organizations of Islamic countries over

Main issues discussed in the two-day long conference were the directions of realization of concrete aid of Islamic countries for Kosove, the majority part of which were approved and entered the work program of the Islamic countries' council, reported Kosova press.

The agency said as well that an agreement was reached on delivery of all aid of Islamic countries in the address of Kosove interim government. /dast/A.A/

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[06] Albanian Ministry of Culture co-organizer in D.J Bobo concert

Swiss singer, D.J Bobo, the Albanian singer Adelina Ismaili and "United Art" will sing live for 90 minutes in the concert.

According to the representative of cultural association "Open hearts", which is one of the organizers of this concert, this activity is dedicated to Tirane people who generously welcomed a great number of Kosove war refugees. /fn/A.A/

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[07] Three Gerdhuqi brothers killed

Bregu said that the three brothers, Gjike, Fane and Kastriot Gerdhuqi are killed on Thursday evening in a vehicle in vicinity of Mifol village, Vlore-Fier road segment.

The leader of Vlore police added that work is being carried in several directions to clarify the crime circumstances.

Gjike Gerdhuqi and one of the killed brothers were released from prison a short time ago. They were detained on September 1997 as members of the so called "Zani gang". /s.sh/A.A/

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[08] "Gjirokaster" folkloric ensemble in Greece soon

Gjirokaster folkloric ensemble after two months of rehearsal is completed and hopes to presented with dignity the folk of Albanian southern area in this festival. /f.n/A.A/

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[09] Minister Poçi thanks Guardia di Finanza personnel

The cooperation results between Guardia di Finanza and Albanian border police, said Poçi, are based on the close cooperation between our two countries. "This is a good experience which has functioned positively and which will function even better in the future", said Poçi.

In the framework of this cooperation, and in the struggle against organized crime we have decided to strengthen our common relations more in the future.

During the stay of a year and a half in Albania, Guardia di Finanza contingent in cooperation with Albanian border police has achieved good results in structuring of border police and in the struggle against the dinghies and vessels which carry illegal activity.

Two ships and six speedboats aiming at clandestine traffic, a ship with 2000 packages of contraband cigarettes on board and hundreds of clandestine smugglers are turned back within a short period of time by Guardia di Finanza.

The cooperation between these two bodies will continue even in the future. /A.A/

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[10] Albanian Premier arrives in Pristine

Majko will pay a visit to Kosove University, and to the family of the Jashari heroes in Prekaz. Majko will meet as well representatives of international missions in Kosove. /dast/A.A/

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[11] We will we reconsider aid at crisis' news stage - Schear

The Ministry of Information reports that Islami thanked the delegation for the great assistance the U.S. has provided in coping with the Kosova and humanitarian crises and briefed it on the performance of the Emergency Management Group.

The humanitarian crisis, he said, has now entered its fourth stage, that of rehabilitation. The first three stages, through the vast aid from the U.S., other European countries and all international organisations were successfully coped with, said Islami, expressing hope that the fourth stage, that of rehabilitation, will as well be successfully handled.

On behalf of the American government, Schaer thanked the Albanian government for everything done in coping with the crisis and the post- crisis situation.

"We have created a great respect for your state, for the way you handled this grave crisis. We will reconsider our assistance at this new stage of crisis," said Schaer, adding that military aid will as well be comprehensive. /dast/lm/

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[12] Divjake forest catches fire

Fire brigades from Lushnje, Fier and Kavaje as well as forest workers were rushed to the area. The fire could be quenched after several hours.

High temperatures in Albania over the last two months have caused fires in several of the southern forests of the country, burning some hundreds of hectares of forests and pastures. /lh/lm/

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[13] Albanian Helsinki Committee asks solution to pension-rise issue

It says that the current situation of the pension-rise issue speaks of a grave violation of human rights.

The government should take effective measures to resolve this issue in essence and create real possibilities for the pensioners to cope with the elementary needs of life with dignity.

It adds that in this regard it bears in mind the situation of nearly half a million pensionists retiring many years ago. lh/lm/

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[14] Meidani writes to Italian "La Stampa"

"Today I visited little Iris Hysmeta who has recently returned home after years of medical care in Italy. I know that the child has been operated by an excellent team of doctors of "Queen Margaret" Hospital and that later, through economic support offered by the readers of the newspaper, was given a medical care worth hundreds of millions of lire".

The little boy, who was injured in the head during a shootout between rival gangs in the events of 1997, was brought to life thanks to the care of the Military Hospital doctors in Tirane, but, above all, to the specialised surgery carried out in Italy and financed by funds gathered by the readers of "La Stampa".

They responded to the sensitisation of this paper and continue to keep him and his family under their patronage. /s.sh/lm/

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[15] State budget provides new funds for infrastructure

Rakaj said that 17 million leks have been earmarked to carry out investments within this year for reconstructing the town's aqueduct, which also supplies with water the inhabitants of the surrounding villages, for asphalting the boulevard in Koplik, repairing pavements, building a new market in the town's suburbs.

This is the biggest investment to be carried out in this this district since 1992, said Rakaj. /lh/lm/

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[16] There is still much to be done for Kosova - Blair

"There is still much to be done. We should be certain that they return home peacefully from Albania and other countries," says Blair in this letter.

As to the demand for continued presence of AFOR to Albania, Blair says "the discussion of NATO's future role is underway. We understand your interest in preserving NATO's presence in Albania. The NATO allied forces, now that the conflict is over, need well clarify the aim of their establishment in the region..."

In conclusion, Blair says "We know there are still people and groups of people seeking to smuggle weapons to Kosova. This is a fruitless development for the newly-created administration in Kosova and adds burden to the KFOR, undermining the efforts for a peaceful dialogue between all parties.

The active support of your government for this purpose will bring about a practical contribution welcomed to the ralisation of our common goal for the post-conflict period". /s.sh/lm/

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[17] Majko visits Prishtine University

"The students in Albania and Kosova should learn with the same books, as they speak the same language and share the same views on the future," said Majko at a meeting with all the deans of the Kosova University faculties on Friday.

Regarding the Prishtine University as the cradle of all the current politicians of Kosova as well as one of the foundations serving the Albanian survival, Majko said that it was necessary that his first meeting during his visit to Kosova be conducted precisely at this university.

"It is a fact that now Albanians have long since been understanding one another even at distance, but this does not mean that vacuums are created in this communication. Our cooperation should continue," said Majko, who promised support and aid for the Prishtine University from Albania.

Meanwhile, the rector of the Prishtine University, Zenel Kelmendi, evaluated the visit of Albania's Prime Minister to Kosova and the aforesaid meeting, saying that now the wall dividing Kosova from Albania has been dismantled and this means more cooperation between Albanians.

This has been the first trip by an Albanian government leader to Kosova since 1912, when the Albanian state was formed. /lm/

PRISHTINE, August 13 (ATA)- By E. Nepravishta, Albanian Prime Minister Pandeli Majko, who visited Kosova on Friday, expressed himself in favour of a close cooperation between the Albanian and Prishtine Universities .

"The students in Albania and Kosova should learn with the same books, as they speak the same language and share the same views on the future," said Majko at a meeting with all the deans of the Kosova University faculties on Friday.

Regarding the Prishtine University as the cradle of all the current politicians of Kosova as well as one of the foundations serving the Albanian survival, Majko said that it was necessary that his first meeting during his visit to Kosova be conducted precisely at this university.

"It is a fact that now Albanians have long since been understanding one another even at distance, but this does not mean that vacuums are created in this communication. Our cooperation should continue," said Majko, who promised support and aid for the Prishtine University from Albania.

Meanwhile, the rector of the Prishtine University, Zenel Kelmendi, evaluated the visit of Albania's Prime Minister to Kosova and the aforesaid meeting, saying that now the wall dividing Kosova from Albania has been dismantled and this means more cooperation between Albanians.

This has been the first trip by an Albanian government leader to Kosova since 1912, when the Albanian state was formed. /lm/

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[18] Majko asks closer cooperation of Kosovars with International Community and KFOR

Milosevic survives when there is a conflict. Any conflict in which Albanians are protagonists influences in his survival", said Majko at the meeting, during which he asked a close cooperation of the Kosova Albanians with the KFOR forces and the international community.

Academician Qosja described Majko's visit to Prishtine as a "historic arrival to new Kosova of new realities created by the Albanian sons and the international community".

Qosja evaluated the performance of the Albanian government in coping with the humanitarian catastrophe during the conflict in Kosova.

Meanwhile, Majko is conducting meetings at his residence at "Grand Hotel" with Larry Rossin, head of the U.S. mission in Kosova and Daan Everts, OSCE ambassador.

Majko's visit to Kosova is not only historical but also personal resonance. Before going into talks with local Albanian leaders, he sought out the hand of a local woman for his younger brother.

According to the Albanian tradition a male relative of the suitor should formally ask an intended bride's family for permission to marry her.

Majko will also meet with Hashim Thaci, Prime Minister of the Kosova Interim Government and Ibrahim Rugova, head of the Democratic League of Kosova (LDK).

Majko is also accompanied by Ilir Meta, Deputy Prime Mini ster. /lm/

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[19] Commando troops seize contraband vehicles in Durres port

Reports available from the army's criminal police say that the vehicles, coming from Italian ports, carried various new and used commodity, while the Durres customs had declared they had been empty. The documents in the possession of this police show that documentation was incomplete also on the Italian side.

The Defence Ministry has been charged with the control and administration of Durres port' s entries and exits. The ministry has assigned this task to the "Commando" troops. /lh/lm/

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[20]

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