Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-09-29

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01]

[02] "Solidarity" provides 30 million leks for schools

[03] League of Albanian Editors created

[04] Meidani leaves for Slovenia

[05] National Theater abandons lethargic life

[06] Press review

[07] Meidani's role in Austria-Albania cooperation highlighted

[08] Exchange-rates in Tirana

[09] Soccer: Sunderland, offer for Alban Bushi

[10] Mike Jackson, commander of KFOR forces, due to Albania on Thursday

[11] Albanian, Kosovar poets in a rally on Albanian poetry

[12] Transitory Council of Kosove convenes

[13] Dispossession causes problems in operations of Corridor 8

[14] Loans for agriculture to be allocated soon

[15] Pollo withdraws his candidacy for post of DP chairman

[16] Kucan and Meidani pro multiethnic character of Kosova

[17] Slovenia supports democracy consolidation in Albania

[18] New NATO Secretary General to intensify relations with Albanian President

[19] National Museum to display relics from burnt mosque in Peje

[20] Ballet Academy reconstructed after 25 years

[21] Albanian PM Majko seeks IMF support for infrastructure

[01]

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] "Solidarity" provides 30 million leks for schools

The children of Avaleas, Drize and Vlashuk villages will continue lessons, by now, in classrooms that will be hired by the department of education. Schools are thought to be reconstructed within a short period of time to be ready for the continuation of the educational process. /lh/so/

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[03] League of Albanian Editors created

The League will help secure the copyright and enhance the quality of Albanian publications.

Members of the League are the Publishing houses "Toena", "Onufri", "Luarasi", "Arbri", "Dukagjini", "Rilindja", "Buzuku", and the School Book Enterprise.

The league members have elected Fatmir Toci, president of "Toena", as head of the League, Bujar Hudhri, president of "Onufri" as its secretary, and Aleks Luarasi, director of "Luarasi" as chairman of the League's control.

According to the source, the first activity of the League is to organise the Prishtine Fair, which will be held in Kosova between November 10-15. /lh/lm/

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[04] Meidani leaves for Slovenia

During his stay in Slovenia, Meidani will conduct meetings with Slovenian President Kucan, Speaker of Parliament Janez Pobodnik and Foreign Minister Boris Frec.

Accompanied by the Parliament's deputy speaker Namik Dokle and a group of Albanian businessmen, the Albanian President will also meet with the Head of the Economic Chamber of Slovenia and representatives of the Slovenian Economic Sector.

A meeting of the President with representatives of the Albanian community living in Slovenia is also planned.

The visit aims to give a new impetus to the comprehensive relations between the two countries, particularly the economic ties, under the Stability Pact.

Recently Albania was visited by Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Drnovshek, who met with President Meidani also during the proceedings of the 54th Session of the U.N. General Assembly. /lh/lm/

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[05] National Theater abandons lethargic life

Distinguished artists, theater supporters and the genius of the Albanian literature, Ismail Kadare, followed gratis for 60 minutes the drama directed by Bora, this time not on stage but at the theatre yard.

Armando Bora, based on Kadare's novel "Who brought Doruntina" staged years ago at this theatre, with a new viewpoint succeeded in rendering assimilating for the spectators the new play 'arena', the plastic elements of the 'dance theatre', the surrealistic and polyphonic elements.

"The dream of a winter night" is one of the five premieres expected to be staged at the National Theatre for this artistic season.

The performance of this premiere, rehearsed from July, was supported by the Ministry of Culture with a fund of 1 million leks. /lh/so/

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[06] Press review

"KOHA JONE", independent daily

- "Nano's escort arrested by surprise". Tens of "Brisku" police forces on Tuesday evening were engaged in the operation for the arrest of four bodyguards of former SP leader Fatos Nano. -"U.S.: Order, the connecting bridge between us". U.S. bolsters the steps undertaken by Public Order Minister Spartak Poci and has promised ongoing assistance to the Albanian police. - "Berisha dismisses Vejsiu and Demi". DP National Council yesterday decided to dismiss its two members, Ylli Vejsiu and Leonard Demi.

"GAZETA SHQIPTARE", independent daily.

- "Nehat Kulla's brother-in-law killed". Albert Tujani, 34, Nehat Kulla's brother-in-law, was killed in the suburbs of the capital yesterday. - "Zela: Nano, you met Berisha too". SP Secretary of Public Relations Ilir Zeta criticized former SP party leader Fatos Nano in Elbasan yesterday. - "Berisha expels Ylli Vejsiu from the party". DP National Council at a meeting yesterday decided Ylli Vejsiu be removed from the party.

"SHEKULLI", independent daily.

- "Nano's gang arrested". A "Brisku" team last night handcuffed the four bodyguards of former SP leader Nano. - "Pollo: They attacked my family". Genc Pollo, DP deputy chairman, candidate for DP chairmanship, said yesterday. - "Majko and Poci, lectures in FBI".

"ALBANIA", national daily

- "Nano's personnel arrested". - "Berisha- Pollo: Peace ahead of battle".

"EKONOMIA", daily of Albanian Agency for Economic Development.

- "Loans for the poor ready". - "U.S. supports Albania. Assistance for Police, justice and anticrime".

"ZERI i POPULLIT", daily of Albanian Socialist Party.

- "First voice within DP: Berisha, you are a criminal". - "USA: Order, almost restored".

"RILINDJA DEMOKRATIKE", daily of the Albanian Democratic Party.

- "Berisha - Pollo, equal chances". - "The National Council suspends Ylli Vejsiu".

"REPUBLIKA", daily of the Albanian Republican Party".

- "Nano's plans ruined". -" Former premier's bodyguards arrested". /gs/lm/

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[07] Meidani's role in Austria-Albania cooperation highlighted

Considering the joint participation in the inauguration of the Catholic church in Velipoje, the Austrian ambassador appreciates the increasing Austrian assistance not only in building the church but also in building other cultural premises.

Riedel, also evaluates the role of President Meidani in the strengthening cooperation and aid between Austria and Albania. /A.KE/so/lm/

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[08] Exchange-rates in Tirana

Currency exchange rates

Currency Buying Selling US$ 135,7 136 DM 72,3 72,6 ITL(1000) 72, 5 72,9 GRD(100) 42,5 42,7

/so/lm/

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[09] Soccer: Sunderland, offer for Alban Bushi

According to Sky Sports TV network, the Premier League team offered 600 000 sterlings to have the Albanian talent. This is a very tempting offer providing the possibility for the Albanian to confront the famous names of world soccer playing in the English League. /lh/gs/

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[10] Mike Jackson, commander of KFOR forces, due to Albania on Thursday

During his one-day visit General Jackson will hold work meetings with Albanian Deputy Premier, Ilir Meta and with the Defence Minister Luan Hajdaraga.

The British General is expected to give a brief press conference in the information center close to COMMZ(W) center after the meetings.

General Jackson is commander of KFOR troops in Kosove since June of the current year. His mandate will be over in October and he will be replaced by German General Klaus Reinhard. /lhu/A.A/

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[11] Albanian, Kosovar poets in a rally on Albanian poetry

Poems were recited in the square of Gjakove city in front of the families of persons taken hostage who are actually jailed in Serb prisons. A protest petition on their imprisonment was also signed and it was addressed to international bodies.

After the exhibition of photographs and that of the painters in the hall of Cultural Palace "Asim Vokshi" was held the Great Literary Hour where the poets Spahia, Ceraje, Taçi, Londo, Gjakova, Syla, Zeqo and others debated on their creativity.

The poets Ismail Syla and Gani Xhafolli were honoured with price for their works.

The chairman of Albanian League of Artists and Writers, Xhevahir Spahiu and his Kosovar counterpart, Tahir Desku, exchanged thoughts on acceleration of cooperation and activity rhythms which will aim pan- national and regional cultural integrations. /lh/A.A/

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[12] Transitory Council of Kosove convenes

Taking part in the session also were the KFOR commander general Mike Jackson and the international police commissar in Kosove, Sven Frederikson.

In a joint statement, the members of the Transitory Council denounced the grenade attack in the market of Fushe-Kosove yesterday, in which two people were killed and more than 35 were injured.

Kouchner expressed his fear that "these incidents may escalate the situation," while Rugova voiced the opinion that this danger does not exist. The representative of the United Democratic Movement, Hydajet Hyseni said that "we denounce such acts of violence carried out by whatever person and consider them as acts carried out against stable peace and as efforts to discredit and endanger the new reality in Kosove."

Representatives of the Serb minority who have withdrawn in response to the creation of the "Protection Corps of Kosove," did not take part in today's session of the transitory Council of Kosove. They are working outside the Transitory Council to form some Serb troops in defence of Serb cantons and enclaves in Kosove, which the international community has been openly opposed. /led/xh/

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[13] Dispossession causes problems in operations of Corridor 8

A number of landowners have the land only in use and do not possess it, and based upon the law passed by the Council of Ministers only the agricultural land has to be compensated and not the land in general.

The work in this segment is going on with leveling the road, nevertheless the problems caused by dispossession process. The contract with "Granit" company worth 6.9 million EURO is financed by PHARE Program.

But the obstacles in the dispossession might postpone the deadline of completing this segment, planned to be over after 22 months. /led/linda/

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[14] Loans for agriculture to be allocated soon

According to the specialists of agriculture, the banks refused to offer credits by justifying that the process of inscribing of farmers property is not performed yet. The banks hesitated to offer credits because the farmers did not guarantee their repayment.

At the moment the project law, which makes the farmers to register their property is sent to the Albanian Parliament and its approval will open the green light to the increase of the loans.

But the offices of bank system are missing in more than 80% of the rural area and this factor might affect again in interrupting the offering of the credits by the part of the banks. /a.gj/linda/

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[15] Pollo withdraws his candidacy for post of DP chairman

During a news conference in Hotel Europa Park, today, Pollo announced his withdrawal motivating it with the irregularities noticed during the campaign for the post of the chairman of the Democratic Party.

Genc Pollo, presently DP deputy chairman, declared he was running for the party chairmanship on September 1, 1999. Only one day before the Congress of the Democratic Party due on Thursday, the number two candidate for the post of the chairman in the largest opposition party, resigned from this candidacy leaving Sali Berisha (presently DP chairman) as the only candidate for the post of the chairman. /led/xh/

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[16] Kucan and Meidani pro multiethnic character of Kosova

Meidani made known once again his approach that the future of Kosova and Montenegro should be in conformity with the will of their people and the requirements for European integration.

Meidani and Kucan share the same idea that positive steps are undertaken in Kosova, but its total normalization needs time."Albania has a very important role in this process", is quoted Kucan saying, by adding that "Albania cannot achieve such a thing alone, but even the international community cannot fulfill its own role without the presence of Albania". The two Presidents analyzed the current situation in Serbia.

The cooperation spaces between the two countries covered a very important place in the meeting between the two delegations led by the Presidents Meidani and Kucan. They will be detailed further on in the special meetings to be held among the members of the delegations, reported the press office close the Albanian President. /led/linda/

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[17] Slovenia supports democracy consolidation in Albania

In the meeting held at 11.00, Slovenian President Kucan stressed out that Slovenia supports Albania in its targets to be integrated in EU and NATO. Slovenian President estimated the good relations between the two countries.

Speaking about the bilateral relations Meidani asked for rapid increase of the cooperation and the economic exchanges between the two countries and for a more liberalized visa system, mainly for the businessmen.

Ministers of both delegations talked about concrete issues of cooperation in the field of economy, justice, etc. /led/linda/

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[18] New NATO Secretary General to intensify relations with Albanian President

Robertson, highlights in his letter the work of outgoing Havier Solana for the further consolidation of the Atlantic Alliance and its adoption to the new climate of the Euro-Atlantic security.

Geroge Robertson, Minister of Defence of Britain, was unanimously elected NATO Secretary General by the 19 Alliance member countries on August 4, 1999. He will take his task officially in October replacing to this post Mr Solana, who has been leading NATO since 1996. /led/xh/

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[19] National Museum to display relics from burnt mosque in Peje

The word is for the remaining parts from the old lamp of the mosque and marble decorated pieces which will be displayed in the museum as a testimony to the anti-Albanian cultural genocide.

The mosque with a special architecture and the biggest in the city of Peje, belongs to the 16th century. Within it was also the grave of one of the most distinguished activists of the anti-Ottoman movement of the second half of the 19th century, patriot Ali Pashe Gucia.

During the war in Kosove, many monuments of culture became subject of torching and destruction.

To mention here is the House of the Albanian League of Prizren, the museum city quarter with about 2 00 houses destroyed in the city of Peje, the torching of the old bazaar of historical architectonic and ethnographic values in the city of Gjakove, etc. /led/xh/

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[20] Ballet Academy reconstructed after 25 years

A simple ceremony organized on Wednesday, where representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science, teachers, students were present, marked the completion of the reconstruction process of this building, an initiative of the technical staff of this school.

The Director of the Academy, Arjan Shukniqi, told ATA that "the reconstruction performed in the two dancing halls, out of use for a long time, changed them completly and made them useful for the students."

Ballet Academy, founded in 1957, is the core institution on preparing skilled ballet dancers in Albania. At the moment there are some 200 students that pursue their studies in this Academy. /linda/

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[21] Albanian PM Majko seeks IMF support for infrastructure

"Our region, more than any other thing has been lacking communication, therefore it is very important that projects in infrastructure be realised as soon as possible," said Majko.

Creation of a climate of cooperation in the region and its inclusion in joint projects were in the centre of this meeting, said to ATA the Ministry of Information.

"You must continue the road you have started. We see with sympathy the acts you have undertaken for the local security, for law and order," said Camdessus. He showed interest in the consequences of the crisis in Albania and its cost for the Albanian economy, and in the priorities of Albania in the new realities and situations.

PM Majko judged the post-crisis situations in Albania of having evident improvements in the field of law and security, while the cost of the crisis is very high, but smaller as compared with the values created. "All we may say that the way how Albanians managed to overcome such a dramatic situation showed the great potential of our people," said Majko.

According to PM Majko, macro-economic parameters are stable, but he said cooperation with IMF is needed also in the field of the credits for the private sector, facilities in the fiscal duties for investors, which would be very important for the economic development of the country.

"We are resolute to go ahead quicker in the construction of the infrastructure and concretely in the work for the construction of Corridor 8, the North-South raod and Durres-Kukes-Prishtine road which is essential for the future development of the country," said Majko. He focused on the importance of communication as a part which has been lacking in the relations between the Balkan countries. Based on this idea, PM Majko demanded support for the project of the road Durres-Kukes-Prishtine, a road which would bring about the intensification of the economic relations between Albania and Kosove. /xh/

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