Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-09-17

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] Meidani revalues several World Bank projects for the Albanian economy

[02] Government approves several important resolutions

[03] Government approves two draftlaws on loan agreement

[04] Press Review

[05] Ronaldo in Gjakove to help Kosovar children

[06] Exchange rates in Tirane

[07] Albanian President regards as positive the disarmament process

[08] Leadership in Albania aims at long-term strategies

[09] ORT conducts two-day seminar "Forum of Interaction"

[10] U.S. Institute of Biographies pays tribute to Albanian musician Mustafa Kraja

[11] Albanian agriculture needs instructions on farmers' credits

[12] Disarmament, priority of Defence Minsitry

[13] Germany invests 1 million marks on dormitories' restoration

[14] APC to cash 7 billion leks in 1999

[15] Konispol sets up cooperation relations with Sajadhe

[16] Agriculture credit at low levels

[17] U.S. endorses ideas of Pollo

[18] World Bank finances asphalt process of Devoll rural roads

[19] Albanian police officers certificated

[01] Meidani revalues several World Bank projects for the Albanian economy

Meidani valued Mr Elbirt's work in the intensification and cooperation of our country with WB, press office reported on Thursday. He expressed his certainty that thanks to this close cooperation , WB will play an important supporting role in the framework of the Stability Pact.

The WB resident representative in Albania evaluated the positive direction of the Albanian economy, the development of the private financial sector and the increasing index of the cooperation between Albania and the international community. Mr Elbirt added that the progress made toward the public order control incourages business and and foreign investments in our country.

The president Meidani and Mr Elbirt kept on exchanging opinions on various projects in Albania sponsored by WB. /lh/gs

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[02] Government approves several important resolutions

The Council of Ministers afterwards passed to the discussion and approval of several important resolutions.

Thus, resolutions "On the import-export of goods in and from the Republic of Albania", "On the approval in principle of the loan agreement between Albania and the World Bank for Reconstruction and Development of the fund 10 millions EURO for the national road project Elbasan - Librazhd" were approved. It was also approved in principle the agreement with Government of the Federal Republic of Germany for the extra fund of 1.5 million DM for the project continuation "Support of the productive and commercial professional qualification".

Today was also approved "The project on the technical assistance for the introduction and better use of the essential medicaments in Albania", according to which the Italian government offers the Albanian Ministry of Health the amount of $165 000 to realize this project.

The resolution "On approval in principle of the agreement between the Government of the Republic of Albania and the Federal Council of Switzerland for the swiss personal status to be involved in the toxic scrap destruction situated in the Albanian army stores./lh/gs/

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[03] Government approves two draftlaws on loan agreement

"On the ratification of development loan agreement between the Republic of Albania and the International Development Association (IDA) for the microloan project" was one of the draftlaws the Council of Ministers examined and approved .

This agreement amounts a total cost of $22.8 million provided by IDA association, the Swiss government, SOROS foundation and other donors. Microloan project objectives are the rural areas and aim at the investment increase in the agriculture field, savings services and selfemployment and establish a stable institution of the microloans acting in these regions.

The other draftlaw "On the ratification of the agreement amendment of the Development Loan between Republic of Albania and IDA for the community works project. IDA agrees to give Albania the sum of 10.2 million SDR /lh/gs/

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[04] Press Review

KOHA JONE, independent daily

-"Majko: I will openly ask for the vote of delegates". Premier Pandeli Majko, proclaimed on Thursday during a press conference his candidacy for the post of SP chairman. -"Pollo back with the support of America". Deputy chairman of DP, who is Berisha rival for the post of DP chairman, is returned from the United States with the support of several senators and other American personalities. -"Rally in Tirane: Release Nehat Kulla". About 200 protestors asked on Thursday during a rally held in Tirane suburb the release of Nehat Kulla, while the special forces obstacled the march of protestors for the main "Skanderbeg" square.

GAZETA SHQIPTARE, daily independent

-"Majko-Meta, struggle against Nano". Premier Majko proclaimed on Thursday his candidacy for SP chairman only some hours after he achieved a compromise with his alternate, Ilir Meta. -"Bob Doll: Let Albania be leaded by the youths". The elite of American politics has supported the DP tendency for changes. -"Keep arms for two other years". The People's Assembly adopts the creation of disarmament police. Some 600 new forces to be added to police with the aim of collecting the arms actually in the hands of civil citizens.

SHEKULLI, independent daily

-"Majko to fight a duel with Nano". Albanian Premier, Pandeli Majko broke the silence on Thursday and started his campaign for SP chairman. -"Poçi: The second punishment starts now". The Minister of Public Order made on Thursday the analyses at the end of the first phase strategy of operations for the final restoration of order in Albania. -"Pollo: The ones who hold the country as a pledge should go". DP vice chairman, Genc Pollo presented yesterday the messages that the delegation he led took from America.

ALBANIA, independent daily

-"Majko: I will be SP chairman". -"Vili Minarolli accident". -"Pollo held talks with Bob Dole".

EKONOMIA, daily paper of Albanian Agency for Economic Development.

-"Private Banks will reduce the interests" -"The Ministry of Public Works and Transport unfolds the ideas of Durres-Kukes project". -"The list of buyers of mobile phones issued today".

"ZERI I POPULLIT", daily paper of Albanian SP

-"Majko - a candidate for the SP chairman post". -"Make preparations for the "Winter '99 operation". -"Party - control over the leadership, but not antagonism".

RILINDJA DEMOKRATIKE", daily paper of Albanian Democratic Party

-"Majko: Nano, a gang person". -"Berisha: Let we bring EURO in the Balkans".

REPUBLIKA, daily paper of Albanian Republican Party"

-"The base of arms' traffic discovered" -"Majko: Mercy Nano". /A.A/

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[05] Ronaldo in Gjakove to help Kosovar children

The Brazilian playing for three seasons with Inter, announced he will be in Kosovo and right in Gjakove on Monday.

Ronaldo's help will be financial and part of a Belgian project, to reconstruct the schools in this city, which still suffer the disastrous aftermaths of the conflict.

The Brazilian star will pay a visit to a newly built school but several activities with children of this school are in his agenda as well.

The star's visit is organized in cooperation with UNO Development Program. /gs/A.A/

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[06] Exchange rates in Tirane

Foreign currency exchange rates:

currency buying selling US$ 136 136,4 DM 72,6 73 LIT(1000) 72,8 73 GRD(100) 42,5 42,9 /led/A.A/

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[07] Albanian President regards as positive the disarmament process

Meidani revealed in the speech held in the meeting, where participating was even the UNO Alternate Secretary General, Dhanapala, that "this is a positive and significant example which shows how a very major duty for the Albanian people, such as the disarmament, can be realized".

"Given the importance and delicateness this pan-national action on disarmament has, the pilot project should not have fail. And it happened this way. Gramsh did not disappoint the hopes and belief of our UNO friends", said Meidani.

"After more than two years later, the Albanians are becoming conscious that the arm at home cause a potential and continuous danger, that there is no reason to keep arms home, and that the protection should be demanded by the state and law", Meidani pointed out in his speech.

Meidani thanked in the name of Albanian people and state the UNO, the General Secretary, Kofi Annan, Deputy Chairman, Dhanapala, the aides, and all the foreign friends which help Albania disarm this part of Albania. /led/A.A/

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[08] Leadership in Albania aims at long-term strategies

Majko, in a meeting with representatives of the local government and institution employees of Gjirokaster district, said that "Gjirokaster is the most strategic zone as regards to the Southeastern Albania, and the most important point in relations with the neighboring country, Greece".

"Towards the Albanian State, all citizens are equal and have their responsibilities and obligations", Majko was expressed on the Greek minority in the zone. He demanded the participants to discuss and propose means which will set the long-term strategies and will bring about this area's development. Majko spoke about the necessity of stability and safety, having as a goal the absorption of investments. /led/gs/A.A/

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[09] ORT conducts two-day seminar "Forum of Interaction"

The Democracy Network Programme (ORT), a project financed by the Agency of the United States for International Development (USAID), in cooperation with UNHCR and OSCE organized the seminar "Forum of Interaction" in September 16 and 17 in "Tirana International" hotel.

The Netherlands Organization for Development (SNV) will support the rehabilitation and development process after overcoming the Kosovar crisis through financial aid. The value of each cheque is estimated to be at US$ 10.000.

The proposed projects should concentrate on the basic needs of the society and contribute to the economical and social improvement of the benefactors. Projects' acceptation will continue until the end of 1999, but applicants will be invited to present their projects before November 1, 1999 so that they may have greater possibilities to win. /led/so/

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[10] U.S. Institute of Biographies pays tribute to Albanian musician Mustafa Kraja

The evaluation for Albanian musician comes after this institute considered Mustafa Krantja, among the 500 most outstanding people of this century. The great artist from Kavaje has often been awarded golden titles and medals, making him one of the most outstanding figures of the Albanian pentagrams in the international arena.

Krantja was the founder of the first Albanian orchestra in 1955, later of the Opera and Ballet theater in 1953, while in 1962 he created the symphonic orchestra of the Albanian Radio-Television and after three years that of the Arts Academy in the capital. /lh/so/lm/

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[11] Albanian agriculture needs instructions on farmers' credits

"At the moment the loan receivers have lost their relations with the banks and the number of non-returned loans is a high one", said Xhuveli.

Minister Xhuveli asked for drafting of a special instruction by the part of the banks concerning farmers loans.

At the moment there is only one positive experience in Albania by the Project of Assisting the agricultural associations and businessmen, which has established a department of merchants assistance. These merchants are members of Agribusiness association.

"Banks might accelerate the establishing of such structures because they facilitate their work and activity in this field", stated Xhuveli. /led/linda/

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[12] Disarmament, priority of Defence Minsitry

He said that working groups with militaries and engineering specialists have been set up over the last three years to make evident the inhabited areas mostly exposed to various arms distribution, such as in Mat, Gjirokaster and Gramsh where there have been arms depots.

The Defence Ministry, with the aim to realise the population's disarmament, has cooperated with the Minstry of Culture, Youth and Sports and various non-governmental organisations, sensitizing the public on the risks posed by possessing and mishandling weapons.

The applied projects have also included the voluntarily surrender of weapons and ammunition by the population. /lh/lm/

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[13] Germany invests 1 million marks on dormitories' restoration

"The restoration is foreseen to be completed in the end of 1999. Albanian companies are working led by German specialists, to make possible the implementation of everything within the deadline and in the proper way", stressed the director of the project.

THW project, present in Albania since 1994, is working on drafting the plan on transforming the toxin gather in country, on constructing shelters for Kosova arrivals, who were forcefully driven from their homes and now it will deal with the restoration of the dormitories of Agriculture University. /led/linda/

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[14] APC to cash 7 billion leks in 1999

Referring to APC specialists, the level of the revenues in July 1999 reached to 71% against 51% marked at the same period last year. While as seven months period, the revenues are realized by 65%.

Although there is an increase of the revenues if compared with the previous months, they still are under the foreseen level, reported APC specialists.

APC will undertake the reconstruction process this month. As a result this corporate will be split into two sectors: the one of production- transmitter and distribution sector.

The actions of distribution sectors will be divided between APC and Local Government, which will be more motivated to gather the sums from the consumers under their jurisdiction. /lh/linda/

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[15] Konispol sets up cooperation relations with Sajadhe

The cooperation relations will include through institutionalisation of protocol sister-city relations all fields under local governing, Konispol's mayor, Shuaip Beqiri said on Friday.

He said that attracting Greek investments in local infrastructure in Konispol, after Qafe Bote customs become active will be one of the priorities of Konispol town hall.

According to the town hall officials the realization of this aim has been also encouraged by the official visit they paid lately to Sajadhe town hall, 3 km from Albanian - Greek border, where they were received by the Greek mayor Jorgo Qero and other officials. /lh/so/

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[16] Agriculture credit at low levels

So, Italian-Albanian Bank with the funds of the project on technical assistance GTZ has operated in establishing grinding mills in Fier and Tirana.

While American Bank of Albania started the crediting process in 1999 in Lushnja town with a fund worth some 140 thousand dollars on aggro- processing. The total value of the loans offered in Durres and Kavaja is nearly 20 thousand dollars.

The toll number of the loans offered by German Bank FEFAD during this period reached to 1500. 30% of them are used on transportation and selling of agricultural projects. Tirana Bank has invested in tobacco processing industry, which covers 8% of the activities of this bank.

But, according to the Minister of Agriculture and Food Lufter Xhuveli, there are a number of other businesses in agricultural business, which needs to be financed by the banks. The credit offered till now by the foreign and native banks is not sufficient to support the development of Albanian Agriculture, which needs lot of imputes and machineries. /linda/

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[17] U.S. endorses ideas of Pollo

"In all meetings we discussed the crisis in Albania, its real problems and the way to get out of this crisis. The DP is seen in its development as a party which really has all possibilities, by joining all the right wing forces at home, to go ahead towards political solutions, to take up power," said Pollo.

Kosova issue occupied an important place at the meetings, said Pollo who especially thanked Senator Bob Dole for being the initiator of the political movement in favour of Kosova.

Pollo cited Dole as saying: "Independence is what should be achieved for Kosova, but this is not yet the official stand of the U.S. Government."

During it stay in the U.S., the delegation of the Albanian opposition met with the head of the U.S. Congress Foreign Commission, Gilman, President Clinton's assistant for the Balkans Christopher Hill and others. /lm/

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[18] World Bank finances asphalt process of Devoll rural roads

According to him, the implementation of the project on asphalting of these roads is financed by some 2 million dollars by World Bank.

Mr. Turabi said that at the moment is working in asphalting the road Poloske-Miras, 16 km long and the other roads Bilisht-Grapsh and Bilisht- Hocisht, as well, which constitute the first phase of this project. During this phase the roads of Proger and Tren villages will be asphalted, too.

While the second phase of the project foresees the rehabilitation and asphalt of the roads of other villages, such as Zicisht, Zagradec, Vishocice, etc. /lh/linda/

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[19] Albanian police officers certificated

The Ambassador of the United States of America in Tirane, Joseph Limprecht and the deputy minister of Public Order Bajram Yzeiri joined the diploma granting ceremony which was organized by the Officers Centered House.

The American Ambassador , Limprecht, stressed over his greeting speech that "The certification of the Albanian police officers will influence considerably on their professionalization".

The course was organized under the supervision of ICITAP Technical Assistance Programme for International Criminal Investigations"

Human dignity, ethics and values and UNO's code for Officers behavior for Law Implementation were the topics treated over this course. /so/

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