Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-09-03

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] Meta asks cooperation with OSCE strengthens in several fields

[02] Majko praises performance of All-national Reconciliation Mission

[03] Serb cantonisation movement active in Kosova

[04] Angjeli, Cea and Treichel to take anti-contraband actions

[05] Press review

[06] Exchange rate in Tirane

[07] Police arrest top Vlore ganster

[08] Fifth session of 15th Legislature of Albania's Assembly opens Monday

[09] Gjinushi to take part in 50th anniversary of German Bundestag Constitutional Meeting

[10] Albania to take part in international fair of Zagreb

[11] Candidacy of Pollo, sign of civilization in Albanian Democratic Party - DBSH

[12] Tax plan for the first eight month period realized by 97,1%

[13] U.S. Army to assist Korca's Division

[14] Minister Xhuveli visits Israel

[15] Some eighteen trade enterprise to undergo auction without a primar price

[16] Albanian institutions cooperating in order to bar the way to corruption

[17] A gang attempts to loot a bus; three persons arrested

[18] Singers of light music to stage a concert in the context of anti-mine campaign

[19] A tourist complex to be set up in Bay of Lalez

[20] OSCE to assist Albania in measures against corruption - Ahrens

[21] Relations with US will remain a priority - Majko

[01] Meta asks cooperation with OSCE strengthens in several fields

"The OSCE office role in Albania has been very significant during this difficult period our country has gone through. The Albanian government is totally engaged in further strengthening relations with the OSCE, especially in such fields as decentralisation of local government, fight against corruption, reform in public sector," said Meta.

Ahrens stressed that the OSCE office to Albania is ready to offer assistance in all the fields proposed by the Albanian government.

Ahrens is appointed OSCE ambassador to Albania, in stead of Daan Everts, who now is OSCE ambassador in Kosova. /lh/lm/

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[02] Majko praises performance of All-national Reconciliation Mission

"Your mission is both noble and fruitful. Blood-fued reconciliations are in itself people's lives you have saved through your word. In this mission you can account on the Albanian government's full support," said Majko.

Expressing concern about the spread of blood-feud phenomena, Majko underlined that the state will strongly react against crime through the force of the law and will not reconcile itself with such realities inherited from the past and coming back to light.

Majko pledged cooperation with the Ministry of Justice to create wider spaces for the Mission's activity as well as aid for the fasting families, especially children. He said he would order that possibilities are considered to offer a number of offices in various districts of the country for the All-national Reconciliation Mission.

The representatives of the mission thanked Majko for this support and asked contacts with government representatives.

Vengeance, nourished due to the lack of law and state in Albania, in the medieval period was based on laying down the law.

During the totalitarianism period in Albania this negative phenomena weakened but after '90s it began spreading again. /lh/lm/

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[03] Serb cantonisation movement active in Kosova

The so-called: "Serb Resistance Movement" seems to be acting as a cantonist movement, after the demand of its leader Trajkovic and bishop Artemije for less than five Serb cantons to be extended even where there is only one Serb and which would include almost half of Kosova.

And it seems to act from inside Kosova in contact with Belgrade, which conducts it, after facing the Albanian and international flat refusal of Serb cantons in Kosova.

It is clear that only verbal refusal of Serb increasing tendencies to erect blockades, barricades and borders around their enclaves does not suffice. Artemije, in his statements to the mediae, goes so far as to openly pretend that the Serb presence in Kosova be restored like at the time of Serb occupation and colonisation.

But this would mean return of many criminals, who, with their bloodstained hands were the first to leave Kosova along with the Serb army convoys, before the NATO troops entered it.

The return of such Serbs in Kosova is a Serb vanished dream. However, the Serb demands for cantons show that they have not given up this claim.

One can see how they are puffed up by some toleration in establishing borders inside Kosova, such as in the city of Mitrovice, which is in the responsibility zone of the KFOR French troops.

Another Serb "canton" is tolerated by the KFOR French troops only 12 km north of Prishtine, in the village of Prilluzh of Vushtri commune. The Albanians are not allowed movement in this village in the heart of Rrafshi i Kosoves, packed with Serb militaries and paramilitaries.

However such moves should not be tolerated. It is the clear Albanian as well as the international stand that such cantonisations and divisions are not allowed, that is, Kosova's partition will not be allowed. /led/lm/

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[04] Angjeli, Cea and Treichel to take anti-contraband actions

The participants at the meeting regarded verification of the invoices presented below their value as an important step to increase customs incomes. Angjeli asked the CAM-Albania Mission (Customs Assistence Mission in Albania) to accelerate verification procedures in order to respect legal deadlines and not hamper business.

Angjeli, Treichel and Cea particularly analysed the situation in the Durres, Morine, Vlore and Kakavije customs and defined the ongoing measures.

CAM-Albania, the Europian Community mission, has largely helped Albanian customs to combat contraband during 1998 and 1999. /dast/so/lm/

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[05] Press review

Koha Jone, independent daily,

"Zani fights on his own, ends in prison". Myrteza Caushi, know as Zani of Vlore, released from the Tirane court several months ago and declared wanted later, was arrested in Vlore last night. "Nano: Court should be set up for the SP". For the first time in his meeting in Durres, former SP chairman Fatos Nano makes proposals for changes in the statute. "The Alliance decides: Coalition to remain in power ". SP stated yesterday that it would end the country's governing in 2001 in coalition with the "Alliance for State" grouping.

Shekulli, independent daily,

"Gjinushi liquidates the "fire" group in the SDP. Factionists Dhori Kule and Bahri Myftari were expelled from the SDP Steering Committee last night. "Pollo -Berisha, farewell to friendship". Political co-existence between Berisha and Pollo in the Democratic Party is a history full of political backgrounds.

Albania, independent daily,

"Who stole Vlora's money". "Hostile group uncovered in SDP. "Nano fails in Durres".

Ekonomia, daily of the Albanian Agency for Economic Development,

"Angjeli: this is the plan on customs". "Bank of Albania: Inflation and increase of money, these are the objectives for the second six months".

Zeri i Popullit, daily of the Socialist Party of Albania,

"Berisha leaves homeless those who lost their money in pyramid schemes". "This is why Albright, Cohen.. did not come to Tirane". "Berisha and his people refuse to bear testimony for Azem Hajdari".

Rilindja Demokratike, daily of the Democratic Party of Albania, "Rice" to hide weapons". "Nano: I will do away with Majko".

Republika, daily of the Republican Party of Albania,

"War in Vlore, Zani reappears". "Prostitute smuggling in Kapshtice". /lm/

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[06] Exchange rate in Tirane

Foreing corrency exchange rate

currency buying selling

$US 135,8 136,2

DM 73,2 73,5

ITL(1000) 73,6 74

GRD(100) 43,7 44 /led/so/lm/

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[07] Police arrest top Vlore ganster

According to the above sources, Caushi was caught on the Mifoli bridge along with five others. After arrest he was taken to Tirane and currently is in the premises of the capital's Police Department.

By the beginning of July, the Vlore court sentenced Myrteza Caushi, aged 30, inhabitant of Vlore, to prison arrest in absentia, on charges of premeditated killing of citizens Robert Shehu and Luan Bedeni, in complicity.

Caushi, earlier accused of "creating armed gangs and crimes committed in complicity", of kidnaping and taking hostage people and of illegal possession of weapons, was sentenced three months ago by the Tirane court, to pre-trial custody, only for illegal possession of weapons. /dast/lm/

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[08] Fifth session of 15th Legislature of Albania's Assembly opens Monday

The session will tackle a series of important draft-laws such as "On the status of civil official", "On referendums", "On the state police", "On the Supreme Court's organisation and operation", "On changes to the Civil Code", "On arms and ammunition collection", "On some changes to the status of the war veterans".

Several agreements, submitted during August by the Council of Ministers, will also be ratified.

The request for debate, put forward by the DP parliamentary group, in support of the region's Stability Pact, will also be considered in the coming parliamentary week. /dast/so/lm/

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[09] Gjinushi to take part in 50th anniversary of German Bundestag Constitutional Meeting

Skender Gjinushi, the Assembly speaker, will take part in the Conference of Parliaments' Speakers, on the occasion of the 50th jubilee of the German Bundestag Constitutional Meeting, Assembly press office told ATA on Friday.

Mr.Gjinushi will join this Conference at the invitation of the German Bundestag President and Federal Council.

The Conference, due between September 5 and 7 1999, will open proceedings with the enrollment of the Parliaments' Speakers in the golden book of Bon city. Latter, on Monday, the participants will attend a festive activity of the Federal Council in Bon.

The conference on "European integration and international cooperation" will be held on Thursday. /dast/so/

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[10] Albania to take part in international fair of Zagreb

This Committee and the Albtourist enterprise will forward their projects and the fields of priority for the development of tourism.

According to the same source, the foreign firms in the fair will be informed of the projects on which they may invest in tourism in Albania.

Taking part in the fair will also be representatives from the Telekom, institutions of Privatization, Transport and Public Works, which will present the offers and programs for the privatization of strategic and non- strategic sectors in Albania. /dast/xh/

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[11] Candidacy of Pollo, sign of civilization in Albanian Democratic Party - DBSH

Last Wednesday, the DP deputy chairman Genc Pollo announced his candidacy for the post of the DP chairman along with that of the present DP chairman, Sali Berisha. The candidacies will be examined by the congress of the Democratic Party, due on September 30.

According to DBSH, it is still early to speak of a unification of the Albanian opposition if some people who prevent this unification are not dismissed.

DBSH demands from the democrats to oppose their previous act regarding the law on the restitution and compensation of former ownerships, to support the platform against crime of the Republicans and the demand for the temporary restoration of the death penalty in Albania. /lh/xh/

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[12] Tax plan for the first eight month period realized by 97,1%

In the incomes cashed to the state budget during the eight-month period, the majority part is occupied by Tirane tax affiliation, which realized about 53% of the total plan of tax administration.

According to the operative data, some 2,554 billion Leks are expected to be cashed into the state budget for August, versus 2,751 of the planned figure. Sources from the General Tax Directory, the main cause for not realizing the plan for this month were the low level of incomes continued to be gathered from the value added taxes. /lh/A.A/

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[13] U.S. Army to assist Korca's Division

This was anounced by the American colonel, Hellis in a meeting with the Division's leading staff in Korce (South-West of Albania), said the spokesman.

Korca's Division Commander Ethem Shkurta informed the U.S. military of the achievements in the field of training and direction of the military units and sub-units of the Army Division of Korca.

Later, Colonel Hellis attended a tactical exercise of the Division, accompanied by the tank brigade shooting in Voskopoja shooting range.

While visiting Lumalas airport, where AFOR has already completed the first working phase, the U.S. Colonel promised he would talk to NATO'S authorities for a completion of the work in the airport. /dast/gs/xh/

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[14] Minister Xhuveli visits Israel

A delegation of the Agriculture and Food Ministry, led by minister Xhuveli, left on a working visit to Israel invited by the Deputy Premier and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Haron. /gs/xh/

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[15] Some eighteen trade enterprise to undergo auction without a primar price

The procedure of the auction which will function on the bases of the ratio between the request and the offer, comprises among others the commercial enterprises of Alimpex, with 51% of the share package, Dinamo with 51% of the shares, NF Communication with 51%, Arteksportimport with 51% and productions of construction material with 51%.

The offer made by the participants will be accompanied by the bank guarantees of the money paid for 30% of the offered price.

As regards to some other enterprises which will be sold with auction without the primar price, the packages of shares will vary from 20%-51% of the shares.

Some 5% of the value of realized selling process of the share package of commercial enterprises will pass to the account of National Agency of Privatization. /a.gj/A.A/

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[16] Albanian institutions cooperating in order to bar the way to corruption

According to sources from the Ministry of Finances, all the heads of the above mentioned institutions have received an invitation for cooperation in the fight against corruption and contrabad, by the Minister of Finances, Anastas Angjeli.

Last Thursday, Minister Angjeli, IMF Chief in Tirane, Treichel and the chief of the Customs Assistance Mission, Cea, analysed the Joint Act Plan and the situation in the customs of Durres, Morine, Vlore and Kakavije, and adopted the measures for the future. /lh/xh/

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[17] A gang attempts to loot a bus; three persons arrested

According to the official sources, the mobile group reached the spot immediately after being signaled. Three suspected were accompanied to the police commissariat.

Panic was high among the people traveling in the bus and the by- passers due to arm shots, but no casualties are reported so far, the source explains.

This is the first incident encountered in this road axes, after several months. It was not a long time ago that Gjirokaster police detained a group of looters operating in Gjirokaster-Kakavije road axe, and in the secondary roads which connected this city with the zone of Pogon and city of Libohove since 1997. /lh/A.A/

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[18] Singers of light music to stage a concert in the context of anti-mine campaign

This concert is organized by the Albanian Youth Council and UNICEF, which have organized several sensitizing activities in the framework of anti-mine campaign. /lh/A.A/

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[19] A tourist complex to be set up in Bay of Lalez

The village and the camp will be constructed conformed to the town- planning study for the Bay of Lalez zone. The tourist complex will have a full infrastructure of tourism and some sport grounds.

The Interministerial Council of the Tourism Development Policy adopted at the beginning of August 20 projects for investments on the Albanian coast, which are estimated at USD258 million. lh/xh/

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[20] OSCE to assist Albania in measures against corruption - Ahrens

In the capacity of the chairman of the Friends of Albania Group, Ambassador Ahrens stressed that "the Albanian Government will get the indispensable aid in the field of the fight against corruption and crime, for which it was criticized in the latest meeting of the Friends of Albania Group in Brussels."

Ahrens highlighted the relations of Albania with its friends as very good adding that he "was optimistic with the quick rapprochement of Skopje with Athens."

With a clear Albanian, Ambassador Ahrens read before reporters a brief biography of his diplomatic activity. Taking into consideration his experience as Ambassador in Columbia, Ahrens said that for him the problems in Albania seemed to be a little more simple. "Important is not to allow the situation come out of control and create unexpected events," said Mr Ahrens, stressing that the aid of the organization he will direct will not be lacking.

OSCE Ambassador in Albania, Ahrens, has been ambassador over the past four years in the International Conference of Geneva for Former-Yugoslavia, while from April to June this year, he was the Special Envoy of the European presidency in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. /lh/xh/

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[21] Relations with US will remain a priority - Majko

According to him, the U.S. congressman was accompanied in the meeting by a number of Albanian-American activists of the Council.

They in the meeting discussed the relations between the U.S. and Albania, the level of cooperation, the local situation, developments in the Balkan region, their prognosis and the relations between Albania and the Albanian factor in the Balkans.

PM Majko highlighted the assistance that congressman Engel has given with his activity for Albania, especially during the period of the conflict in Kosove, considering it as a voice speaking in English for Albania in the U.S. Congress.

PM Majko said that for the Albanian Government the relations with the U.S. are and will continue to be at the level of relations of priority. "These relations have become part of the national strategy of the Albanian politics and we aim to extend them to all the fields," said the Premier. He also underscored the U.S. investments in the Albanian economy such as in the Telecom, the copper industry and the interest manifested to invest in the transport and other fields.

The Albanian Government, said Majko, will accomplish to the letter its commitments to further improve the domestic situation, to fight corruption and to restore completely law and order.

PM Majko said that the Albanian Government is also committed to the peace and stability in the region and explained this with the relations being created in the new regional reality with the neighbouring countries.

Majko also explained the initiatives undertaken for the cooperation of the Albanian factor in the Balkans, initiatives which have to do with the infrastructure, education, telecommunication etc., and which are also considered in the global context of the integration into the EU.

Speaking of the future of Kosova, PM Majko voiced the readiness of the Albanian Government to completely respect the will and the decisions to be adopted by the democratic institutions of Kosova.

Congressman Engel expressed his appreciation for the contribution and role that PM Majko and the Albanian Government have made over the period of the conflict in Kosove, adding that the Albanian-U.S. National Council will continue its efforts for the consolidation of the relations between Albania and the U.S., considering it as necessary and useful to establish close contacts between this council and the Albanian Government. /lh/xh/

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