Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-10-20

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] Press review

[02] Some $ 600 000 to protect forest areas

[03] Exchange rates in Tirane

[04] Some 23 Kurdish illegal emigrants turned back

[05] Bank of Albania approves draft-law on preventing money laundering

[06] Albanian literature in Frankfurt fair also on Bulgarian stand

[07] Meidani asks increased U.S. economic presence in Albania

[08] Majko visits Student's compound

[09] Meidani asks creation of conditions to meet CEC obligations

[10] American association assists training of Albanian magistrates

[11] Finance Minister meets IMF mission

[12] COMM(W) to serve even in humanitarian aspect

[13] Albania - a strategical point for movement in Europe

[14] Revision of military legislation is in synthesis with new Constitution

[15] To re-convene the Convention not based on SP status - Majko

[16] USAID finances to develop the private sector of forests

[17] Albania's SP Parliamentary Group discusses party problems

[18] USAID finances to develop the private sector of forests

[19] Privatization in Albania at satisfactory levels - WB

[20] Albania participates in the international fair of tourism in Poland

[21] The World Foundation of Rural Women laureates the Albanian teacher

[22] The Italian Premier Massimo D'Alema to visit Tirane on Thursday

[23] Fiera del Levante to help consolidate cooperation between Albania and Italy - Meidani

[24] Tarchys thanks Meidani for Albania's cooperation with Council of Europe

[01] Press review

Koha Jone, independent daily,

"Nano does not give up: Congress the sole solution". Debate in SP deepens regarding reconvention of the party Congress. "Ismail Kadare: October of Congresses, politics makes backward steps". Distinguished writer Ismail Kadare analyses the postwar period in Kosova and the internal policy of Tirane. "Scharping: Our troops will build Durres-Kukes road". German Defence Minister Rudolf Scharping met with Albanian statesmen in Tirane yesterday.

Gazeta Shqiptare, independent daily,

"Ranieri to Nano: We cannot interfere in SP internal affairs". Rome seems not to be going to interfere in the home affairs of Albanian political parties. "The anti-Nano: No Congress". Opponents to SP chairman Fatos Nano yesterday said they would boycott the congress declared to be recalled by Nano on Friday. "Customs unveil file of companies and send it to Prosecutor's Office". The Customs General Department has sued 14 subjects, accusing them of exercising contraband and illegal trafficking.

Shekulli, independent daily,

"VEFA, trial of billions". Yesterday former boss of "Vefa Holding" company Vehbi Alimucaj appeared before the judge panel of Tirane Court. He is accused of fraud and creation of armed gangs. "Islami: Nano surrounded by corrupt people". Former deputy premier Kastriot Islami has said call of Congress is an irresponsible and amoral act. "Demi: We are in DP". DP deputy Leonard Demi analyses problems in parliamentary group of this party.

Albania, national daily,

"Life attempt against bodyguard of Majko's advisor". "Nano surrounds government". "DP, at a deadlock".

Zeri i Popullit, daily of the SP of Albania,

"Deputies: Legal congress, illegal congress". "DP deputies group split". "Scharping: Albania to preserve stability".

Republika, daily of the Republican Party of Albania,

"Socialist congress boycotted?". "Visa falsifiers uncovered". /lm/

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[02] Some $ 600 000 to protect forest areas

This fund was presented on Tuesday during the seminar "The contribution of Non Governmental Organizations (NGO) to the creation of protected areas and the project of forests", conducted by REC (Regional Environment Organization) and UTL (Italian Cooperation Office).

A managing plan is being drafted for the four zones Germenj- Sheleguri (Kolonje), Velipoje (Shkoder), Tomori (Berat, Skrapar) and Sotire (Gjirokaster) selected during the seminar, while work to give the status of the protected zone to Dajti mountain is underway.

The forests' project, which began in 1996 with a fund of US$ 21 million, aims at improving forest areas and pastures state owned, protecting natural forests and turning forest and pasture sectors into trade economy. /led/so/

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[03] Exchange rates in Tirane

Foreing currency exchange rates

Currency Buying Selling

US$ 130,8 131,5

DM 72,3 72,8

ITL (1000) 72,6 73

GRD (100) 42,7 43 /led/so/

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[04] Some 23 Kurdish illegal emigrants turned back

He said the Kurds were intercepted in Lukove village of the coastal area while they were travelling to Vlore. Later, they were taken to the police commissariat and on Wednesday they were handed over to the Greek border police authorities.

This has been the second group of Kurdish illegal emigrants blocked in a week in Sarande. Five days ago 32 Kurds (including 10 children) near the border crossing of Qafe-Bote, 35 km from Sarande, were intercepted.

Police sources say that the influx of Kurdish illegal emigrants in the region of Sarande is expected to increase. This is because Greek and Albanian traffickers, who guide Kurdish groups from Greece to Vlore to set sail for Italy, think trafficking is easier from Sarande-Vlore after tightened controls on Kavaje-Gjirokaster axis.

During '97-'98 the Sarande region police has turned back at least 500 Kurdish illegal emigrants. /led/lm/

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[05] Bank of Albania approves draft-law on preventing money laundering

This draft-law, after approval in government and parliament, will fill a vacuum in the Albanian Parliament in this field and will serve the bodies concerned with the fight against money laundering.

Through its provisions this draft defines the efficient ways to prevent this phenomenon as well as the subjects and clients to be subjected to its implementation.

In drafting this law, the Bank of Albania is based on the comparative tables, which reflect comparisons of the provisions of this draft law with the international acts, such as the Bazel Principles, the Vienna Convention 1988, the model law on preventing money laundering. /led/lm/

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[06] Albanian literature in Frankfurt fair also on Bulgarian stand

"Three mourning songs for Kosova", book of the great writer of the Albanian Literature Ismail Kadare, published by the Institute of Balkan studies in Sofia, was displayed on the stand of Bulgarian publications.

In this book Kadare speaks of the innocent country, called "The field of blackbirds" (Kosove) through memories of the past five years. He gives evidence of the lost nobility of Balkans' civilization and appeals for resurrection.

The book was published for the first time in Albanian in 1998, by the publishing house "Onufri".This work, translated in several languages, is a best-seller in Albania.

In the meanwhile, it is made known that works of the Albanian writers were displayed also in the stands of Macedonia. /led/so/

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[07] Meidani asks increased U.S. economic presence in Albania

They discussed further strengthening of cooperation between the two countries. Meidani assessed the current political situation at home and underlined his and other institutions' engagement in constantly strengthening the country's governing and stability.

Also present at the meeting was the ambassador Extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the the U.S. to Albania Joseph Limprecht. /led/lm/

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[08] Majko visits Student's compound

As he had promised about two months ago during a visit to the Students' compound, Majko accompanied by Spartak Poçi, minister of Public Order, is returned to get a first-hand look to the actual situation and the proceedings of the reconstruction of a part of the grounds of Student's city.

Majko held a meeting under closed doors with the leaders of the campus, and afterwards he visited some dormitories where students live. "The best thing is to think for the people's welfare", said Majko. /led/A.A/

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[09] Meidani asks creation of conditions to meet CEC obligations

Meidani, who met them at their request, was familiarised with the work for the institutionalisation of this Commission.

On this occasion views were exchanged on preparing the necessary infrastructure for the local and parliamentary elections. /led/lm/

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[10] American association assists training of Albanian magistrates

The Ministry of Justice in cooperation with the European Council has trained several lawyers, prosecutors, advocates and students of Magistracy in different western countries' schools so far.

Projects are being drafted in the meantime in cooperation with EC and other international bodies for the continuation of Albanian magistrates even in the future. /led/A.A/

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[11] Finance Minister meets IMF mission

The IMF representatives presented the issues to be discussed during their stay in Albania which have to do with the realisation of the objectives of ESAF 2 agreement and of the Letter of Intent. The main macro- economic indices and the state budget for the year 2000 will be discussed in particular.

Angjeli briefly portrayed the general macro-economic situation for the nine-month period. The macro-economic indices of Albania are generally within the objectives defined in the agreements between the Albanian government and IMF.

Angjeli demanded that priority be given to the completion of the state budget indices for the year 2000, so that the deadlines defined according to the budget organic law be realised on time.

Also present at the meeting was the chief of the IMF Permanent Mission in Tirane, Volker Treichel. /led/lm/

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[12] COMM(W) to serve even in humanitarian aspect

Brigade General Luigi Chiavarelli explained during a news conference that "Friuli" brigade is in its reconstruction phase in the Albanian territory. He added that another Italian company is dislocated in Vlore to assist the Italian contingent there.

Asked about the new duties that NATO troops can undertake in Albania, Chiaverelli said "that they (duties) can be undertaken only after decisions of political level which will be settled in the meeting of Atlantic Alliance Council".

The Italian General took over COMMZ(W) mission command in Albania in October 15 of the current year and heads "Friuli" brigade. /led/A.A/

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[13] Albania - a strategical point for movement in Europe

Divella told a news conference that he was convinced that the future of southeastern Italy is completely connected with the future of southeastern Europe and Mediterranean area.

Albanian Premier Pandeli Majko and his Italian counterpart Massimo D'Alema will inaugurate the second fair of Fiera Del Levante in Albania which will be opened till October 25.

Meetings and debates under the auspices of ICE (Italian Institution of Foreign Commerce), the committee of Mediterranean universities, Cispel and other bodies interested on the cooperation theses and modalities on the realization of agreements and projects will be held during the days of Fiera Del Levante. /led/A.A/

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[14] Revision of military legislation is in synthesis with new Constitution

This seminar for qualification in the field of military jurisprudence is being held in the context of the program of cooperation with the Italian party and is presided over by the Italian military chief prosecutor, general Giuseppe Scandurra.

Taking part in the seminar are military prosecutors and judges of Tirana and districts, jurists of the Defence Ministry, officers of judicial police and prosecutor's office, and others.

The questions to be treated during the three days of the seminar are the problems of the military legislation, procedure of investigation into crimes in the army, tasks of the military prosecutor's and judges during the judging of penal acts, tasks of judicial police and military police and the administrative dependance of the military prosecutor's office and judges on the Defence Ministry. lh/xh/

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[15] To re-convene the Convention not based on SP status - Majko

According to the Premier's press office, Majko expressed his determination not to take part in this activity, which "he does not consider neither a convention nor a continuity of the Third SP Convention".

The Premier Majko expresses his conviction that the request to re- convene the Third SP Convention is a precedent that would not affect positively the general political events in the country and estimates that "there is still time and there should still exist enough will to avoid such a precedent,

that would inspire an unnecessary division of SP".

"The Albanian Premier Majko denounces these divisions as harmful and estimates they would affect negatively in the whole country's life, its stability, the continuity of reform and the work of the public administrate", the announcement of the Premier's press office concluded. /lh/gs/

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[16] USAID finances to develop the private sector of forests

The project, according to its representatives, will realize the maintenance and the good management of the forests in the country, relying as well on the economic reforms approved by the Ministry of Agriculture on the private initiatives connected with forests and private pasture.

The project forecasts the establishment of private enterprises in five mountainous districts of the country with an average distribution of 20ha forest land and pasture each by the end of 2000, as well as the employment of the necessary personnel specialised in these areas to work in the enterprises. /lh/gs/

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[17] Albania's SP Parliamentary Group discusses party problems

The Socialist parliamentarians have discussed for about three hours this problem and at the end of the meeting, the SP Parliamentary Group chairman, Gramoz Ruci, made a summary of the opinions expressed during the discussions.

The story transmitted by the Albanian Telegraphic Agency at 4.20 p.m. on Tuesday, entitled "There is no need to convene congress again - Ruci," is not completely accurate. Mr Ruci has made only a summary of the discussions and has not expressed his opinion on the congress. /xh/

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[18] USAID finances to develop the private sector of forests

The project, according to its representatives, will realize the maintenance and the good management of the forests in the country, relying as well on the economic reforms approved by the Ministry of Agriculture on the private initiatives connected with forests and private pasture.

The project forecasts the establishment of private enterprises in five mountainous districts of the country with an average distribution of 20ha forest land and pasture each by the end of 2000, as well as the employment of the necessary personnel specialised in these areas to work in the enterprises. /lh/gs/

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[19] Privatization in Albania at satisfactory levels - WB

Mr Ruhl stressed that the institution he represents is satisfied with the development and rapid rates of the privatization in Albania.

Minister Bufi, after making a panorama of the work of the ministry he directs, thanked the World Bank for the all-sided support it has given to the process of privatization.

According to him, now the privatization of the small and medium businesses may be considered as almost completed. This result is conformed to and within the deadlines set in the agreements of the Albanian Government with international financial institutions.

During the meeting, Bufi and Ruhl also discussed the program of privatization of the strategic sectors and the privatization of the sector of telecommunications, oil and chrome. /lh/xh/

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[20] Albania participates in the international fair of tourism in Poland

The fair will display the tourist packages and contracts, which may be signed between countries and tourist agencies.

Albania will take part in the fair with a stand of 16 square meters, displaying photos, leaflets and items introducing Albturist enterprise and the Committee for Development of Tourism, and offering to the concerned the possibility to visit the country's tourist spots, and the existing potential to invest in the field of tourism. /gs/xh/

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[21] The World Foundation of Rural Women laureates the Albanian teacher

"The rewards for creativity" were delivered to the five most distinguished women in the world,including the Albanian teacher Rrape Veizi, at the Wilson Palace of Geneva in the presence of Mary Robinson, UNO High Commissioner of Human Rights, leaders of the Geneva local government, head of the World Foundation of Rural Women, Filomina Chioma Steady and many other personalities.

In the motivation of this reward for the Albanian teacher was said "distinguished for spreading knowledge. She travelled everyday for tens of miles on foot to spread the light of knowledge in the isolated villages of her birthplace in Mallakaster, Southeast of Albania". /gs/

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[22] The Italian Premier Massimo D'Alema to visit Tirane on Thursday

D'Alema will meet the country's top officials, the President of the Republic, Rexhep Meidani, and the Prime Minister Pandeli Majko, the ministry of Information reports.

The Italian Premier will also meet the Italian investors in the Palace of Congresses, Tirane.

The minister of the Foreign Commerce, Piero Fassino, accompanying the Italian Premier in his visit, will meet the deputy Premier and Minister of Government Coordination, Ilir Meta. /lh/gs/

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[23] Fiera del Levante to help consolidate cooperation between Albania and Italy - Meidani

Mr Meidani, says a press release of the President's press and information office, thanked the organizers of the fair for "the great and serious task they have realised, hoping that it will serve the consolidation of the economic and cultural cooperation between the two countries and the increase of Italian investments in Albania."

The president of Fiera del Levante, Francesco Divella, briefed President Meidani of some moments of the activity of the fair and with its economic effects in the Albanian environment. /lh/xh/

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[24] Tarchys thanks Meidani for Albania's cooperation with Council of Europe

In a letter to President Meidani, Tarchys thanked him for the close cooperation of Albania with CE and also for his participation in many activities held by CE, says a report of the President's press office.

In reply to this letter, President Meidani wrote to Mr Tarchys that during his five-year term in the chairmanship of the CE, Albania was accepted a member of this organization and this marks an important moment for Albania in gaining the joint democratic values and principles of all previous CE memberships.

We are totally ready, continued Meidani in his letter, to consolidate the cooperation to the benefit of democracy, the rule of law and further integration of Albania in the new and united Europe. /lh/xh/

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