Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-08-25

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] Albanian President Meidani meets Greek Prime Minister Simitis

[02] Starting of asphalt process in Plepa-Kavaja segments, Corridor 8

[03] Greek Premier, Simitis, concludes his visit to Albania

[04] Six Greek companies operate in Vlora

[05] Press Review

[06] AMC privatization brings fall of mobile tariffs

[07] Exchange rates on Wednesday

[08] Italian, Greek and Turkish companies interested in AMC privatization

[09] Increase number of ships to be elaborated in Durresi Harbor

[10] Abolishing of custom tariffs on machineries costs $ 3 million to state budget

[11] About 1.5 million lek accorded for cinema reconstruction

[12] Investments on reconstruction of schools of border villages to be carried out

[13] Greek provides aid for Korce inhabitants

[14] Joint strategy against crime between Korce and Kosan police

[15] Chief of Kolonje district police commissariat arrested

[16] Kosova Interim Council meets in Prishtine

[17] Albanians and international authorities reject Kosova cantonisation

[18] Heads of "Laberia" division in Ioannina

[19] OSCE to continue to provide aid for Albania's prisons

[20] Rakipi asks creation of better investigation structure

[21] Albania, Greece cooperation in military education increases

[01] Albanian President Meidani meets Greek Prime Minister Simitis

Tirana, August 25 (ata) - Albanian President Rexhep Meidani met yesterday in Tirana the Prime Minister of Hellenic Republic Costas Simitis and the delegation that accompany him, told ATA the press office close to President.

According to the press office, during this meeting the Greek Prime Minister presented to the President of Republic the vision of Greek part for a new Balkan without antagonisms and crises, and peaceful relations between different states in the coming years.

As far as the relation between EU and the region countries is concerned, the head of Greek Government stated that it is necessary "the adaptation of unique policy for all Balkan and not only in some countries".

Speaking about the current and the forthcoming developing in Kosova, Simitis said that Greece is against the changing of the border lines in Balkan, it is against creating of new countries in former Yugoslav space, while it is for establishing of a structure of federal character in Kosova.

While the Albanian President Meidani explained further on the idea on the need of integral cooperation concept between the international organizations of economic-military character, such as EU and NATO, with Balkans countries.

As far as Kosova question is concerned, Meidani stressed the difference between his point of view and that of Greek Prime Minister, by saying that "Kosova fate or even Montenegro one should be decided upon the will of the countries themselves".

By going on with the explanation of his concept, considered by him "more liberal", President Meidani said that the increase of the role of international organizations in particular countries decreased the independence importance in its real meaning, and paid less importance to the borders. In this aspect after a period of time I see the establishing of two new units, Kosova and Montenegro integrated in United Europe.

"These events based upon the principles of Stability Pact do not destabilize the region, but they serve to stability, development and integration", stated Meidani.

Speaking about the bilateral relations, Albanian President stressed the need of increasing the cooperation in different fields.

Mr.Simitis expressed the readiness of Greek part in increasing the cooperation between the two countries and the presence of Greek investments in Albania. /dast/linda/

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[02] Starting of asphalt process in Plepa-Kavaja segments, Corridor 8

The road construction operations, which mark the beginning of the Corridor 8, started two years ago by the specialists of the Italian-Greek Joint Venture Sarantopulos Falcone.

According to them the operations are performed within the defined time. The asphalt of this part will be completed within 15 September. /dast/linda/

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[03] Greek Premier, Simitis, concludes his visit to Albania

According to this ministry, this center carries out several services, such as medical examinations in the fields of pathology pediatrics, cardiology, surgery, neurology and others, equipped with several modern labs to guarantee an efficient diagnosis to patients.

Greek Premier, Simitis, paid a visit to the Greek company in Yzberisht, where he was informed on the activity of this company and the accomplishment of military duties.

"You are the best peace ambassadors, here and in Kosove as well", Simitis said. "The future Balkan needs the commitment and cooperation of everyone and your activity is the best demonstration".

After this visit, Greek Premier, Kostas Simitis, accompanied by Milo and Ulqini, set off for Rinas airport, towards Greece. /SO/A.A/

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[04] Six Greek companies operate in Vlora

Mr. Gjokoli said that these companies, which perform their activities in different sectors, construction, commerce, production and services and had employed great number of people, followed all the legal parameters of Albanian state on employment.

The activity of the Greek companies in Vlora stated in the beginning of '90 and after a pause due to the troubles of 1997, restarted again after the order establishing.

Referring to the local official sources, an increase of the Greek capital in Vlora is foreseen. This is favored by the geographical position and the increase of the commerce volume by both parts.

These exchanges will be stimulated by the marine line, where recently the line Himare-Korfuz has started. /dast/linda/

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[05] Press Review

KOHA JONE, daily independent

-"Albanian Minister cooperator with the Italian impostor". Italian businessmen denounced the chief of Albanian Agricultural Ministry, Lufter Xhuveli, for corruption in the Italian Prosecution. -"Simitis: Majko to have only a Premier's mandate". The Greek Premier, Costas Simitis has promised good relations between the two countries during the meetings he had on Tuesday with Albanian state leaders. -"The one who thinks otherwise, excluded". One of the points of DP draft status halts the alternative thoughts within this party.

GAZETA SHQIPTARE, independent daily

-"Simitis: Kosove within Yugoslavia". The only company of mobile phones in Albania is being sold with ridiculous prices. -"Meksi: Berisha presents the Congress theses". Ex-premier Aleksander Meksi comments the latest changes in DP.

SHEKULLI, independent daily

-"The promise of Simitis: Who finds work to be legalized". Finally Greece promises the legalization of Albanian immigrants and gives money for the reconstruction of dwelling places of those who lost their houses in the investing pyramidal schemes. -"DP status: all dolls before Berisha". The new project-status of DP foresees a great increase of political powers of the party chairman and the secretary general. -"Rakipi meets Poçi today. They will discuss about laws". Police directors and the districts' head- prosecutors will discuss the mutual strategies against the crime.

ALBANIA, independent daily

-"Simitis: Majko, forget about refugees". -"The drunken head-police terrorizes Erseke". -"Shkoder Commissar resigns".

EKONOMIA, daily paper of the Albanian Agency for Economic Development

-"Scandal in Durres port. Commandos transferred to uniformed custom officers". -"Majko-Simitis: Economic cooperation amid political differences". -"Privatization: AMC selling, a good sign for the decrease of phone tariffs".

ZERI I POPULLIT, daily paper of the Albanian Socialist Party

-"Simitis asks in Tirane support for Milosheviç". -"DP will confiscate all the owners of political mafia".

REPUBLIKA, daily paper of the Albanian Republican Party

-"Malaj: I will offer my candidacy for chairman". -"Simitis fires the socialists into hot debates".

/A.A/

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[06] AMC privatization brings fall of mobile tariffs

According to him, "Albtelecom will take part actively in the competition. The fall of the mobiles tariffs, which is reckon to be high, will make people to use the mobiles".

"In many areas, where Albtelecom is not present, many mobiles will be put in use with competitive tariffs, that is why Albtelecom should think about the competition", stated Xhixha.

According to him, in December Albatelecom will not have the dominant role any more, nevertheless the fixed network, but telephoning service will not be Albtelecommunication exclusive any longer.

"Mobile will be a strong competitor, so Albtelecom should increase the investments and the service quality", said Telecommunication Director Pirro Xhixha. /dast/linda/

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[07] Exchange rates on Wednesday

Exchange rates

Kind of currency Bought Sold

USD 132,7 133

DM 71,6 72

LIT(1000) 71,8 72,1

GRD(100) 42,6 42,8 /A.A/

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[08] Italian, Greek and Turkish companies interested in AMC privatization

According to AMC general director, Genc Hamzaraj, different companies Telecom Italia Mobile (TIM), Panaphon, etc showed their interest to take part in the privatization process.

According to the director of strategic sectors privatization close to Privatization Ministry Vaso Pano "the Greek Embassy presented an immediate request to have an invitation on buying the mobile services company in Albania".

Mr.Pano and Hamzaraj refused to made public the companies interested to participate in privatization process, although the deadline is September 15, 1999. /dast/linda/

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[09] Increase number of ships to be elaborated in Durresi Harbor

According to the same source the number of the ships elaborated in the harbor is 1 037 native and foreign ships or 317 ships more than their number during the same period previous year.

Eight of them are shipping at the moment and four other are ready to enter in the harbor. These results bring to marine port considerable profits like never before.

Sources from the harbor stressed that the total quantity to be elaborated in this port till the end of the year will be some 1 million 300 thousand tones elaborated goods. /led/linda/

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[10] Abolishing of custom tariffs on machineries costs $ 3 million to state budget

These two topics are proposed by the Ministry of Finances, Work Group on reviewing of economic, monetary and social policies, established upon the order issued by the Prime Minister Pandeli Majko.

Based upon a study on imports volume in years and the prediction for this year, the possible abolishing of the custom tariffs on machineries and equipment would cost some 3 million dollars to the state budget.

While about the stimulated person, the New Custom Code at the moment did not permit such excluding. The experience showed that the regimes on stimulated person in custom legislation and tax one have not been effective. /led/linda/

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[11] About 1.5 million lek accorded for cinema reconstruction

The inner grounds of "September 13" cinema were completely ruined during the riots of 1997.

Only burned and damaged chairs, black and torn walls are seen within the cinema now.

Sources from the town-hall say that the funds accorded are not enough to reconstruct this cinema and make it seem like years ago.

According to Blendi Gonxhe, cabinet chief of minister Rama, this fund will only serve for a partial reconstruction of the cinema which is scheduled to be over within 1999. /fn/A.A/

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[12] Investments on reconstruction of schools of border villages to be carried out

The work is underway now for the reconstruction of the schools in the border villages of Letaj, Dobrune, Dobaj, Kishaj and others. The teaching process in this schools will start two weeks later than scheduled.

The bombardments of Serb artillery during March-July 1999 caused damages to the education sector of this districts which are estimated to be 80 million Lek (about $ 60 000). /led/A.A/

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[13] Greek provides aid for Korce inhabitants

Two days ago, the first contingent of aid arrived in Korce to be distributed in the district of Korce, Pogradec, Devoll and Kolonje.

Garilidhis confirmed that food aid for the inhabitants of Korce prefecture will continue in the future. /led/lm/

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[14] Joint strategy against crime between Korce and Kosan police

The head of Korce police, Colonel Sokol Cela, informed the Greek police about the results attained in the fight against crime, while the Greek police chiefs evaluated the professionalism of the Albanian police and promised aid and cooperation.

Both sides decided to tighten border regime, reconstruct the border posts on the border line between the two states, to strengthen cooperation and track down the criminals acting on both sides of the border, strengthen ties in combating drugs, arms, goods, prostitution and other trafficking.

They also agreed that cooperation to facilitate transport of vehicles, passengers and goods strengthens at the border crossing point of Kapshtice. /led/lm/

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[15] Chief of Kolonje district police commissariat arrested

On Tuesday by midday, Zoto went out drunk and together with his bodyguards exercised violence against a group of citizens and fired into the air several times, causing panic among the passers-by. The Korce military prosecutor's office confirmed that penal prosecution has already started against Zoto. /led/lm/

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[16] Kosova Interim Council meets in Prishtine

Attending the meeting are Hashim Thaci, head of Kosova Interim Government, Ibrahim Rugova, Chairman of the Democratic League of Kosova, Rexhep Qosja, leader of the United Movement, Veton Surroi, independent intellectual and representatives of the minorities.

The meeting is being held behind closed doors, but it is reported to be discussing issues of security and international administration with the participation of Kosovars.

Several "ideas" are also being discussed such as the proposal of Serb minority representatives for cantonisation, that would mean division of Kosova. But, according to reports, the Serb proposal has been flatly rejected by the Albanians and the international authorities. /led/lm/

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[17] Albanians and international authorities reject Kosova cantonisation

"Cantonisation - division of Kosova, suggested by the representatives of Serb minorities, "can in no way be discussed".

This is the stand of Prime Minister of the Kosova Interim Government, Hashim Thaci, at today's meeting of the Kosova Transitional Council.

"This issue was finished since today. Anyone who wants to discuss it further should go to "Number 7 Francuska street in Belgrade," Thaci told reporters after the Council's meeting.

The Serb minority representative, Momcilo Trajkovic, stated that at the Transitional Council he had asked for five Serb enclaves in Kosova; 1- in the region of Prishtine, 2-in the region of Mitrovice, 3-In Northern Kosova, 4-the region of the Shari-Brezovica mountains, Zhupa e Sreckes in the district of Prizren as well as Gora e Dragashit and 5-the canton of Metohia, including Peje, Kline and Istog.

Asked whether the Serb cantonisation proposal issue is closed or still open, Veton Surroi said that "there was no space for this but it is a democratic right to be discussed, just it is a right and obligation of the one who raises it to understand that the will to discuss something that leads to nowhere does not exist".

Today's third meeting of Kosova Transitional Council, chaired by U.N. administrator Bernard Kouchner, held with the full participation of the Albanians' representatives, Thaci, Rugova, Qose, Surroi and others, as well as of the minority representatives, was held behind closed doors.

Issues of security and international administration with the participation of Kosovars are also reported to have been discussed. /led/lm/

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[18] Heads of "Laberia" division in Ioannina

According to these sources, the aim of the meeting has to do with the promotion of cooperation between the crossborder military units.

This meeting, which follows the visit of the head of the Greek government, Costas Simitis, shows that the relations between the two countries are strengthening also in military, the officials said.

The conclusions of this meeting, which is also covered by the official media of the neighboring state are expected to be made known on the same day," heads of the "Laberia" division explained. /dast/lm/

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[19] OSCE to continue to provide aid for Albania's prisons

Walker, appreciating the performance in the Albanian prison system, promised assistance from the OSCE, especially in training the prisons' personnel in the west, assistance for the prisons' legislation as well as support to complete the construction of the prison in Lezhe (holding 800 inmates), through a financing from the European Community budget.

Panda, thanking the OSCE representative for the aid provided to the Ministry he heads, pointed to the indispensability of a further cooperation in this direction. /dast/lm/

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[20] Rakipi asks creation of better investigation structure

Problems emerging in coordinating the performance between the police and the prosecutor's office, always aiming at a more organised and successful war against any kind of crime, as well as professionalism of the two ministries' judicial police, as the main condition for a precise and complete investigation into the events, were the topics discussed at the seminar.

The seminar, the first of this kind between the two institutions, was held after a request that Prosecutor General Arben Rakipi made to Minister of Order Spartak Poci by the beginning of July.

The participants at the seminar agreed that other meetings of this kind are held in the future not only in the centre but also in districts. /dast/lm/

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[21] Albania, Greece cooperation in military education increases

According to official sources, the visit of the Greek experts, headed by Brigade-General Ellinas Nikolaos (Director of Multinational Education at the Greek General Defence Staff), is part of a five-year agreement of cooperation in the field of Albanian-Greek military education.

The Greek delegation plans to meet senior officials of the Defence Ministry, to visit premises of the "Scanderbeg" Military Academy, the foreign languages centre, the Greek language cabinet.

The issues to be discussed with representatives from the Albanian Defence Ministry will be further cooperation in military education between the two armies and signing of a protocol-agreement in this field for 1999- 2000. /lh/lm/

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