Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-10-01

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CONTENTS

[01] European parliamentarian Doris Pack does take part in DP Congress

[02] Press review

[03] NGO-s seek to projects for continuous investments

[04] Exchange rates of Lek with foreign currencies

[05] Seminar held on ruling transparency and media ethics

[06] Former hotel "Butrinti" to become University compound of Turism

[07] U.S. General Robert Ruth, to visit Albania

[08] Berisha and idea of Albanians' Federation in the Balkans

[09] Albanian MP to observe elections in Austria

[10] Six dinghies with emigrants returned in Vlora shores

[11] Confidential meeting of Kosovo political subjects

[12] U.S signs the agreement on membership of Albania in WTO

[13] New 8-year school inaugurated in Koplik

[14] Albanian Minister of Finances met senior officials of IMF

[15] U.S. new military attache to Albania presented

[16] PM Majko ends visit to U.S.

[17] Presentation of International Fair '99 projects

[18] Hans-Peter Furrer proclaimed Tirane Citizen of Honor

[19] Finances Ministers discussed about Stability Pact

[20] IFC interested to take part in privatization process in Albania

[21] Albanian Helsinki Committee urges end to corruption in justice

[22] FAO defines new projects in agriculture

[23] Aggro-processing industry risked by unfair competition

[24] Albanian Government projects under Stability Pact evaluated

[25] Exploitation of electric energy gives possibilities for economic development

[26] Hill praises Albanian Government performance

[27] U.S. promises help to Albania

[28] Appeals Court building in Tirane inaugurated

[29] Berisha reelected DP chairman

[01] European parliamentarian Doris Pack does take part in DP Congress

"We discussed the local political situation, the DP Congress and that of SP to be held in the coming days. With the conduct of these congresses, no perspectives are opened for good hopes that democracy will have a quick progress in Albania along with a political stability," said Godo.

Referring to the fact that Ms Dock did not take part in the DP congress which started on Sept.30, Godo said that Pack and the grouping of the parties in which she takes part, have not seen it right to take part in congress which is not being held according to democratic procedures.

Ms Pack has not agreed to make her own pronunciation for Albanian media. She had meetings with the mayor of Tirane, Albert Brojka, the former DP chairman Tritan Shehu and the State Secretary for Euro-Atlantic Integration, Maqo Lakrori. /a.ke/xh/

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[02] Press review

Koha Jone, independent daily paper

- "Rally could not be made in congress - DP." Instead of debate and ideas to be presented for year 2000, shouting and servile attitudes were the characteristics of the first day of the DP congress which has been abandoned by all international organizations. - "Albania, all debts with U.S. canceled." U.S. President Bill Clinton has proposed on Wednesday to renounce totally the debt of poor countries to the U.S. - "Presidency will render accounts when I become chairman - Nano" This was stated by former SP chairman Fatos Nano in the conference of socialists in the capital.

Gazeta Shqiptare, independent daily.

- "Embassies abandon Berisha's Assembly." Almost all foreign ambassadors accredited in Tirane have been absent in the first day of the DP congress, while Doris Pack, EDU envoy has not preferred to take part in the congress of DP. - "Tirana, quarrel between Nano and Legisi." The conference of the branch of the Socialist Party for the district of Tirana, the socialist former chairman Fatos Nano has had a replica for some moments with the organizational secretary of the party, Ndre Legisi. - "We need 500 million USD more - Tirana." In a meeting of the deputy ministers of Transport of the countries through which East-West axis passes, Albania has requested 500 other million USD to realise the present projects in the infrastructure of Corridor 8.

Shekulli, independent daily

- "Nano lost Tirane." Former chairman of socialists Fatos Nano, who seemed to have lost also in the district of Tirane conference, continued yesterday too. - "Europe abandons Berisha." Parliamentarian Doris Pack arrived in Tirane yesterday and has not preferred to go to the Congress but she has met Pollo, Brojka and Godo. - "Shemsia blocked in Turkey." Interpol Tirana has categorically denied voices for the release of the former boss of the pyramid investment scheme Gjallica, Shemsie Kadria, who continues to be in prison in Turkey.

Albania, national daily

- "Berisha: Now elections." - "We will remit your debts if you fight poverty." - "Pollo: I will remain in DP."

Ekonomia, daily paper of the Albanian Agency for Economic Development.

- "The Balkans representatives in Tirane for Corridor 8." - "WB updates its programs with requests of Albanian Government." - "Open tender on cement. Government privatizes factory of Fushe-Kruje."

Zeri i Popullit, daily of Socialist Party of Albania.

- "Berisha, here is how he rigs vote." - "SP chairman massacred." - "USA: A new politics in new Balkans."

Rilindja Demokratike, daily paper of the Democratic Party of Albania - "Now let's go to new elections - DP." - "EDU takes part in DP Congress."

Republika, daily of the Republican party of Albania

- "Some 145 billion lek blocked." - "Public order presents difficulties - Jackson." /xh/

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[03] NGO-s seek to projects for continuous investments

According to the NGO coordinator, Teuta Graceni, the director of the educational department of the district of Elbasan, Kozma Hakani, has presented the project for the reconstruction and the didactic material for two secondary vocational schools of the city have been presented while the mayor of Cerrik town, Mishelina Xhelo, has presented the project for the reconstruction of the cine-club Ptoleme Xhuvani and the construction of a cultural centre for children of that town. /lh/xh/

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[04] Exchange rates of Lek with foreign currencies

Exchange rates of Lek with foreign currencies

Kind of currency Bought Sold USD 133,9 134,4 DM 72,7 73,1 LIT(1000) 73,3 73,7 GRD(100) 43,2 43,5 /lh/xh/

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[05] Seminar held on ruling transparency and media ethics

The minister of Information, Musa Ulqini, stressed among others in his speech the ministry's achievements over the ten months of its activity, the special importance devoted to the communication with media and public, the daily activity, the government's transparency as well as the work done and to be done to complete the legal framework of the Albanian massmedia.

The communication between government and massmedia as an open democratic system, was the in the focus of the seminar. Special attention was attached to the role of the ministries' spokespersons, as part of this system, the fair and proper relations and the service on time for the journalists and media as a whole.

The seminar, held in the form of a debate, was a direct confrontation of the ministry of Information and the media with the aim of improving the communication between them for the daily activity of the government. /lh/gs/xh/

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[06] Former hotel "Butrinti" to become University compound of Turism

The work for the rehabilitation of the hotel building, ruined during 1997 unrest and its adoption for the University of Turism in Albania will start soon. Students of the branch of tourism will study in the building, he continued.

The branch for tourism and hotels has been functioning for one year now in the secondary school of economics in Sarande.

The nine-storey building of the former hotel was looted in March 1999, thus becoming of no use. The building was abandoned until April 1999 when some 650 Kosovars were accommodated there for the first time after the demolition, and after a non governmental organization invested $50 000 for its rehabilitation. /leh/gs/xh/

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[07] U.S. General Robert Ruth, to visit Albania

During his stay i nAlbania, Ruth, accompanied by General Brigade Pietro Frizone, will visit the military hospital in Durres on Friday. On Saturday, he will participate in the farewell ceremony of the Italian contingent of soldiers. /lh/gs/xh/

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[08] Berisha and idea of Albanians' Federation in the Balkans

Mr Berisha, former President of Albania from 1992-1997, after declaring in his report to the 6th Congress of DP that his party supports the independence of Kosove, said that "if the international community fails to halt anti-Albanian racism which has started since the beginning of this century, one cannot rule out the possibility that on the basis of self- defence, the Albanians will unite to form a joint Federation within the Balkans, as a condition for their survival."

It is the first time that Albanian politics makes a declaration for the grouping of the Albanians of Kosove, Montenegro and Macedonia into a political-territorial formation in the Balkans. So far, the policy of Tirana and that of the Albanians outside Albania, has not proposed the unification of the Albanians into a single state. Hence, with regard to Kosova, which is under international protectorate, an extended autonomy is envisaged at the end of a transitory three-year period of time. While the practice for the Albanians of the Montenegro and Macedonia is that they have cultivated the human and national rights within the territory of the states where they live. /y.pa/xh/

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[09] Albanian MP to observe elections in Austria

It said that ex-diplomat Begaj has been invited by the Austrian Government as expert to monitor parliamentary elections there.

Deputy Begaj was also charged by the Council of Europe to observe parliamentary elections in Bosnia some months ago. /lh/xh/

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[10] Six dinghies with emigrants returned in Vlora shores

Sources of Guardia di Finanza, located at the Durres port, told ATA that their boats with Albanian-Italian personnel, had repelled six dinghies to the Vlore Bay, with 30 persons aboard each. Six other dinghies were repulsed the previous night by the Italian-Albanian police forces at the same zone, whereas in Vlore local police detained some fifty persons while they were preparing to cross the Adriatic illegally.

Guardia di Finanza forces, according to the same sources of Taranto, detained 72 illegal emmigrants, half Albanian and half Kurds, just when they arrived aboard dinghies the Italian seashore. /gs/xh/

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[11] Confidential meeting of Kosovo political subjects

The meeting was organized by the UNO representative, Bernard Kouchner, at the new headquarters of the UN Mission in Kosovo, in the building of the Kosovo government and assembly. Taking part in the closed-door meeting were the premier of the Kosove Provisional Government, Hashim Thaci, LDK leader Ibrahim Rugova, the leader of the United Democratic Movement, Rexhep Qosja, and other leaders of Kosove political parties.

UNMIK officials did not give information about those present or what the meeting was about. There will be no reporting for the media "before something concrete is attained," a participant of the meeting is quoted to have said.

In the building where the meeting was held, there was a delegation of the UN Parliamentary Assembly, which earlier that day had had special meetings with Kosovo leaders and top officials.

Leaders of UN Mission in Kosovo had previously warned that direct talks had started under the direction of Mr. Kouchner over the formation of an executive body of Kosovo, with a wide political range, in which the members of the present Kosovo Provisional Government and those who have refused to take part in that government, would be included. /gs/xh/

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[12] U.S signs the agreement on membership of Albania in WTO

The bilateral agreement was signed in Washington by the U.S. Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky, and by Albanian Trade Minister, Ermelinda Meksi.

U.S Trade representative, Barshefsky, said that "we consider this a historical moment. The American government is proud to support Albania, a country that after the isolation is making huge steps towards reforms and market economy".

According to her the integration in WTO structures will offer possibilities to Albania to make steps towards development, consolidation of market economy and attraction of foreign investors.

"The American government will continue to support Albania with assistance to help it consolidate the steps made in this integration process".

Premier Majko said that "The signing of this agreement shows that we are making irrevocable progress in the reforms roads". He expresses his resoluteness to support the ratification of Albanian membership as soon as possible even by the American Congress. /led/A.A/

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[13] New 8-year school inaugurated in Koplik

The new 8-year school of Koplik i Siperm village, 6 km far from Koplik district, was inaugurated on Friday.

According to the head inspector of Malesia e Madhe educational department, Kadri Ymeri, the construction of the new school of Koplik was made possible by a fund of 22 million leks provided from the state budget.

The new school is equipped with all needed materials to conduct a normal educational process.

Operations to build this school were undertaken by the local construction company "Curri", concluded 3 months ahead of time. /lh/so/

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[14] Albanian Minister of Finances met senior officials of IMF

They discussed about the macroeconomics situation, main fiscal indicators, structural reforms and the preparation undertaken by the Ministry of Finances on drafting the budget of 2000.

Ministry of Finance is working on drafting the budget-project 2000 and the representatives of Albanian delegation asked the IMF team to come in Albania at a suitable time, in order to respect the deadline on preparing the budget-project.

Structural reforms were the other topic discussed in the meeting.Albanian delegation presented the work done till now on privatization of National Commercial Bank and on measures taken for the privatization of National Bank, ALB Telecom, AMC and a number of small and medium enterprises.

The representatives of International Monetary Fund estimated the achievements of the Albanian Government and in general all the economic reforms and that the other parameters related with structural measures are in conformity with the request of the agreement ESAF-2.

They pointed out that the work of the Albanian Government should be focused in collecting the custom revenues. IMF mission showed its readiness to come in Albania in mid October. /linda/

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[15] U.S. new military attache to Albania presented

On this occasion was held a special meeting between the Albanian Defence Ministry, Luan Hajdaraga and American ambassador in Tirane Joseph Limpreht, who was accompanied by two U.S military attaches in Tirane.

While presenting the new attache, ambassador Limpreht presented the priorities he is to attend in the new duty. "In the framework of the pact of Stability, NATO and Washington have a great desire to assist Albania", said Limprecht.

Minister Hajdaraga assured the newly-appointed ambassador for a closer cooperation in the interest of defensive duties.

Lieutenant Colonel Chris Kreitline replaces in this position the outgoing attache, Lieutenant Colonel, Thomas Meek. /led/A.A/

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[16] PM Majko ends visit to U.S.

Majko, invited to the proceedings of the annual meeting of the World Bank and IMF governors, has considered his visit to the U.S. very successful.

At Rinas airport he told reporters that the Albanian government has signed the agreement on Albania's admission to the World Trade Organisation.

He said that in his meetings with U.S. senators and congressmen he had been assured that in a brief time a law, which removes Albania from the ranks of the communist or former communist countries as regards the relations with the U.S., will be presented and approved in the U.S. Senate.

Majko expressed himself in favour of consolidating the relations between Albania and the U.S.

He started his formal visit to the U.S. on Saturday. During his visit to Washington Majko met with top officials of the WB and IMF, leading officials of the U.S. Prosecutor's office and FBI, with U.S. senators as well as representatives of the U.S. State.

In this visit Majko was accompanied by Spartak Poci, Minister of Public Order, Anastas Angjeli, Minister of Finance, Ermelinda Meksi, Minister of Trade as well as by the Governor of the Bank of Albania Shkelqim Cani. /led/lm/

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[17] Presentation of International Fair '99 projects

"In the construction and transport section the short-term and long- term strategic projects, such as the project on constructing Corridor 8 and North-South Corridor, will cover the main place", said the Minister of Transport Ingrid Shuli.

Klik Ekspo Klik company, the organizer of the 6th edition of this fair, suggested in the meeting the Academy of Science to find its own position in this fair. This proposal has to do with the preparation of a catalogue, which includes all the Albanian personalities in the field of science, art, culture in the period 1990-2000.

Fair '99 will be held in November 25-29 under the care of Albanian Government and the assistance of European Community and World Bank.

Klik Ekspo Klik has assigned a number of contracts with foreign televisions channels, such as Tele Norba, Rai Uno, Macedonian television, Greek one, beside the Albanian written and electronic media, to make known the organizing of the international fair. /led/linda/

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[18] Hans-Peter Furrer proclaimed Tirane Citizen of Honor

In this function Furrer "paid a special attention and has delivered a useful aid for the Albanian political and diplomatic life. Due to its contribution was accelerated the acceptance of Albanian in EU in all levels; in the parliamentary and local government level", is said in the relation of municipality council.

The political directory leaded by Furrer has undertaken all the procedures on signing of the Charter of Local Autonomy and is assisting in acceleration of ratification of this charter.

Furrer follows several other Albanian and foreign personalities who are proclaimed Citizens of Honor in Tirane. They are; Nikita Krushov, Mohathir Bin Mohamed, (Malaysian Premier), Norman Winsdom, Wolfang Shysel, Ibrahim Kodra, Osman Kazazi, Azem Hajdari, Ismail Kadare and Shefqet Ndroqi. /led/A.A/

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[19] Finances Ministers discussed about Stability Pact

Albanian Minister of Finances took part in this meeting.The representatives of the participant countries expressed the need of a region reconstruction plan in the frame work of Stability Pact and confirmed the cooperation between their governments.

The Finances Ministers of Albania, Bulgaria and Macedonia held the second meeting in Washington concerning the continuation of the regional cooperation in the frame work of Stability Pact and about the preparation of the round table to be held soon in Bari, Italy.

The Ministers agreed to meet in November 5-6 in Sofia, by inviting even the Finances Ministers of Rumania, Montenegro, Bosnia Hercegovina to present the common projects to International Community. /lh/linda/

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[20] IFC interested to take part in privatization process in Albania

During the meeting they discussed about the project that IFC is performing in Albania and about the possibilities to extend this participation in the future. The main themes of the discussions were the Privatization of National Commercial Bank, telecom, steel production, banking credit, etc, where IFC was interested.

IFC representatives considered as positive experience the steps undertaken by the Albanian Government in developing the macro-credit system, as an important aspect for the time the Albanian economy is passing by and the privatization of strategic sectors.

They guaranteed Albanian delegation for their participation in privatization of National Commercial Bank and their presence with investments in Albania. /lh/linda/

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[21] Albanian Helsinki Committee urges end to corruption in justice

"Many decisions have been issued not only with delay but often they have not been provided with arguments, thus creating dissatisfaction and disbelief among the citizens towards the judicial bodies and certain judges, " the statement says.

"The KSHH asks from higher judicial bodies, the Ministry of Justice and the High Council of Justice that, within their powers and in compliance with the law, also respecting the principle of the court's independence, they analyse the situation created and adopt measures to improve it," the statement says. /led/so/lm/

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[22] FAO defines new projects in agriculture

These projects are presented on Friday in a meeting organized at Tirana International Hotel entitled "FAO priority projects on rural areas in Albania after Kosova crisis".

Rural areas played the main role in accommodation of some 70% of Kosova displaced and FAO prepared several assistance projects to support these areas.

The Coordinator of FAO Commission on emergency in Balkan, Daniele Donati, presented in the meeting FAO priority projects in agriculture, dealing with the technical assistance in the field of managing the agricultural production, setting up green houses, etc. /led/linda/

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[23] Aggro-processing industry risked by unfair competition

In a press release this association asked the directorates of food control to increase the control and to draft new standards for aggro- processing industry.

In order to protect the production of its merchants, the association is working on establishing the trade mark or the seal "HABA", which will support the food control in making evident the falsified products.

"Taking into consideration the demands for products export in EU are strict ones, the falsifications ruin the image not only of the merchants, but even of Albanian market", it is stressed in the meeting of aggro- processing industry businessmen. /led/linda/

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[24] Albanian Government projects under Stability Pact evaluated

"The Albanian Government's projects in the framework of the Stability Pact have been correctly defined, they are of regional character and in priority field," stressed Countryman in his meeting with Milo in Washington.

Countryman appreciated the principled and farsighted stand of several of the main leaders of the Kosova political forces who really want to create a civic society.

"Of importance in all the Albanian leaders of Kosova is that they want to come to power simply through democratic ways, elections and not through the force of arms as we have observed in many other countries of the world," said Countryman. /led/lm/

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[25] Exploitation of electric energy gives possibilities for economic development

In this meeting they offered their contribution to increase the exploitation of the new sources of electric energy.

The first hydro power station put in use in Albania was Selita (Tirana) in 1951, with the power of some 5 000 KW and annual production of electric energy some 20 million KWh. While the last hydro power station is Komani, put in use in 1985 with 600.000 KW and its annual production of some 2 billion KW/h.

The need for electric energy in the future is discussed in the meeting and having in mind an increase of 5-6% per year some 300 million KWh are needed.

The construction of three hydro power stations on Drini river during 1967-1985, Vau i Dejes, Fierze and Koman with an installed power of 1 350 000 KW and annual production of 5 billion KWh, are works that stand for excellent achievements of Albanian scientists in this field.

The construction and exploitation of Komani hydro power station in 1985 increased the power of eight main hydro power stations to 1431500 kw. They produce 5,17 billion kwh electric power per year or 1500 kw per head.

The projectors and the applicants of these works asked for the participation of other projects foreseen to be financed in the frame work of Stability Pact for electric power sector, where the construction of several other hydro power stations, such as Bushati, Skavica, Kalivaci, etc, is planned. /led/linda/

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[26] Hill praises Albanian Government performance

"Dissolution of this government because of the political developments would be catastrophic," the Albanian Foreign Ministry press office cites Hill as saying on Friday.

"This government has won our confidence with its firm stands in Rambouillet during the humanitarian crisis and the conflict in Kosova, and lately with its fight against crime".

In the course of his stay in the U.S., to attend the proceedings of the 54-th session of the U.N. General Assembly, Milo made a two-day visit to Washington, where he had a series of important meetings at the White House and State Department.

He also met with the Deputy Secretary of State for International Affairs of Narcotics and Law Strengthening, Rendy Bers, Deputy Assistant First Secretary of State Anthony Wain, the Director for Central and Eastern Europe at the State department, Tomas Countryman and others.

All meetings concentrated on the latest developments in Albania and Kosova as well as on Albanian Government's future plans, especially those connected with the Stability Pact. /led/so/lm/

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[27] U.S. promises help to Albania

"U.S aid for Albania will consist not only in the direction of the Stability Pact but also in technical assistance, strengthening of public security, customs system, improvement of legislation on foreing investment as well as in the fight against corruption", Albanian Foreign Ministry cites Wain as saying on Friday.

Milo was officially informed that U.S. Deputy Secretary of State for Defence will visit Tirane on Sunday, to see to the possibility of U.S. forces deployment in the framework of AFOR. /led/so/lm/

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[28] Appeals Court building in Tirane inaugurated

The reconstruction of this Court, which has turned into a model court as regards working premises, should be associated with a greater devotion by its judges to giving justice.

Later Meidani participated in the ceremony organised on the occasion of the beginning of the new academic year at the Magistracy School.

Also present in this ceremony were representatives of international organisations which are assisting and helping with the reform in the system of justice in all aspects such as the OSCE, CE and EU. /lm/

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[29] Berisha reelected DP chairman

This contest, with rivals Sali Berisha and Uran Butka, the latter chosen by the DP leadership one day before the Congress, ended in favour of Berisha, who succeeded in winning 594 votes, out of 693, as against 81 votes won by his rival. /lm/

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