Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-11-03

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CONTENTS

[01] Parliament Speaker meets with Ecumenical Patriarch

[02] Press Review

[03] Albanian children leave school for economic reasons

[04] Exchange-rates in Tirane

[05] D'Alema invites Meta to Italy

[06] Information Department close to Council of Ministers

[07] Albanian armed forces ready to take part in NATO exercises

[08] Domestic production remains inferior in exports

[09] "Status of civil clerk" to be voted in Parliament on Monday

[10] German cinematography opens experimental film festival "Autumn in Tirana 1999"

[11] Vartholemeu I inaugurates work for construction of Cathedral "Birth of Christ" in Shkoder

[12] PNUD offers 1 million dollars on enterprises rehabilitation

[13] Germany offers 2 million marks on development of dairy products sector

[14] Minimal interest levels fall again

[15] Italian-Albanian authorities discuss fight against men-smuggling

[16] EC offers aid for decentralization of Local Government

[17] Projects with Local Government - OSCE priorities

[18] UNCHR finances reconstruction of Berat schools

[19] NATO in Albania - humanitarian or military mission ?

[20] Albanians pay dearly to have a telephone line installed at home

[21] Emergency measures adopted in Albania to fight contraband and corruption

[22] SDP of Albania will give vote of confidence to Meta cabinet

[23] Tense situation in Mitrovica

[24] Close cooperation with U.S. to continue - PM Meta

[25] PM Simits invites Meta for official visit to Greece

[01] Parliament Speaker meets with Ecumenical Patriarch

Albanian Parliament Speaker Skender Gjinushi on Tuesday afternoon met with Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeo I.

Gjinushi said that all Albanian parliamentary political forces support the religious tolerance and that the Albanian constitution guarantees the free exercise of religion.

Stressing the importance of this visit, Gjinushi evaluated the great role played by the Ecumenical Patriarch in the renascence of the Albanian Autocephalous Church as well as its reconfirmation as equal among other sister churches.

Patriarch Vartholomeu I was pleased to notice positive developments in Albania. Making evident the tolerance among various religions, the Patriarch considered the new constitution one of the best constitutions also as regards religious freedoms and rights.

In this context he wished the Albanian Autocephalous Church successes in its pastoral performance.

Later he added that Albanians are part of Europe and have all chances for European integration, for which he pledged support.

Vartholomeu I started a formal several day visit to Albania. This has been the first visit of an Ecumenical Patriarch to Albania and the first of a Primate of an Orthodox Church. /lh/so/lm/

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[02] Press Review

"KOHA JONE", independent daily, - "Meta: Compromises against State outside the government". New cabinet led by Ilir Meta underwent the first test in SP parliamentary group. -"DP: We punish those who don't boycott". DP presidency has taken an extreme decision on government's vote of confidence session. Deputies that will not obey presidency's decision may be expelled from the party. -"We come to help Albanians with the will of God". Visiting Ecumenical Patriarch Vatholomeo met on with President of the Republic Rexhep Meidani, Premier Meta and Parliament's Speaker Skender Gjinushi on Tuesday, the day he arrived in Albania.

"GAZETA SHQIPTARE", independent daily, -"Hostage Denis released". Police forces of Vlora on Tuesday released the 6 year old kid, Denis, and arrested three of his kidnappers. Meanwhile, the police have declared wanted the fisherman Fotaq Zaharia, 40, also being searched by "Guardia di Finanza". - "Nano meets with Djukanovic". SP chairman Fatos Nano on Tuesday proposed to the President of Montenegro, Millo Djukanovic, that Albania and Montenegro hold a bilateral conference in Shkodra with the participation of the main actors of the Stability Pact. - "IMF: Return usuries". International Monetary Fund (IMF) has asked from the newly formed government to return the money to Albanian investors as soon as possible.

"SHEKULLI", independent daily, - "Meta passes the first test". Socialist Party parliamentary group on Tuesday gave the vote of confidence to the government cabinet chaired by Ilir Meta. - "Metaj: I, the victim of "equilibriums". Ex-minister of Finance Arben Malaj in an exclusive interview has revealed the latest events in SP which left him out of the government. -"On the square, otherwise out of DP". DP deputy chairman Jozefina Topalli has directly expressed herself for ousting from the party those who do not obey the leadership's decision to boycott.

"ALBANIA", national daily, -"IMF: If you want assistance, combat corruption!". -"No dinghy registered by police". -"We are under traffickers' pressure".

"ZERI I POPULLIT", daily of the Albanian Socialist Party. -"Berisha gets ready to kill people". -"Socialist group, total vote of confidence to the Meta government". -"Meta warns Berisha: No compromise at the expense of institutions".

"RILINDJA DEMOKRATIKE", daily of the Albanian Democratic Party, - "SP:'Meta' distances us from government". - "IMF:Money, if you combat corruption".

"REPUBLIKA", daily of the Albanian Republican Party, -"Double game of Nano's loyalists". -"Eleven members of Italian-Albanian network arrested". /so/lm/

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[03] Albanian children leave school for economic reasons

The centre, through a study under the topic "Causes for abandoning school and what is the future of Albanian education", distributed questionnaires among 2 802 pupils and 328 teachers in 11 districts of the country.

Abandoning school carries in itself other problems of concern such as sexual, physical or emotional abuses, exploitation, abductions for economic profits and other problems. /dast/so/lm/

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[04] Exchange-rates in Tirane

Currency exchange rates

Buying Selling

USD 134,3 134,5

DM 72,4 72,7

ITL (1000) 72,8 73,1

GRD (100) 42,6 42,9

/lm/

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[05] D'Alema invites Meta to Italy

Meta had a telephone conversation with his Italian counterpart, during which D'Alema reconfirmed Italian Government's support for the new Albanian government, the office reported.

Expressing his confidence of further strengthening bilateral relations between Italy and Albania, D'Alema invited Meta to visit Italy next week to discuss and identify the concrete steps to be made in this direction. /dast/so/lm/

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[06] Information Department close to Council of Ministers

The Ministry of Information has ceased operation while the administrative relations of the former ministry are now under the administration of the Council of Ministers.

"This transformation is still underway," said Prec Zogaj, Minister of State close to the Premier on Wednesday.

The personnel of the Ministry of Information will continue to work at the new department of the Council of Ministers, which will cover communication with the media.

The Minister of Information for the first time was included in the structure of the Albanian government on October 2, 1998, when the Majko government was decreed.

This ministry is not included in the new structure of the Meta government, decreed by the President of the Republic, Rexhep Meidani, last week. /dast/so/lm/

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[07] Albanian armed forces ready to take part in NATO exercises

According to the spokesperson of the Defence Ministry during the first day of this conference was presented the scenario of "Cooperative Dragoon 2000" training. The aim of this exercise is the development of well- understanding based on the doctrine of military contribution in the supporting operations for peace and humanitarian aid.

The conference is holding its proceedings in groups where military experts from 14 NATO countries are materializing the scenario aspects with the instructions on training by NATO staff.

This conference will last three days and will be followed by two other conferences and two seminars. /dast/A.A/

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[08] Domestic production remains inferior in exports

Referring to the official information from the General Customs Directorate the total value of the goods exported during this period is 28, 578 billion leks. 9,619 billion leks out of it are exported from the domestic production, by covering some 34% of the total export value.

The other part of the exports during the period January-September is covered by the goods of active elaboration marking some 18,959 billion leks or 66% of the total export value. This group includes goods with the clients' material, because the materials are imported and later on elaborated in Albania ready for export.

Thus, Albanian production continues to be inferior versus the other goods of active elaboration even during the first nine months of year 1999. /led/linda/

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[09] "Status of civil clerk" to be voted in Parliament on Monday

This draft-law was discussed and endorsed on Wednesday in the meeting of the Parliamentary group of Socialist Party after being examined by Law Commission.

The new project drafted by the commission in cooperation with specialists of the Department of Public Administration close to the Council of Ministers, and the international bodies as OSCE, comprises some remarks and amendments that have to do with the way of civil service commission election. It concerns as well the principles of division of legislative power from the executive one. The commission has re-concepted even the procedures of recruitment, education, a part of disciplinary measures and transitional dispositions.

The commission has made partial regulations in the draft-law in order to make it more contemporary. /led/A.A/

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[10] German cinematography opens experimental film festival "Autumn in Tirana 1999"

The movies "Cloks", "Smash" and "Just in time", eight minutes long, bring to the audience a part of German contemporary cinematographic art represented by the film director Kristen Winter.

A number of experimental movies produced in different European countries will be shown during the days of the multi-cultural activity "Autumn in Tirana 1999". /led/linda/

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[11] Vartholemeu I inaugurates work for construction of Cathedral "Birth of Christ" in Shkoder

Attending the ceremony were thousands of believers, senior local authorities, representatives of religious communities and the Arch Bishop of Tirana, Durres and all Albania, Prof. Dr. Anastas Janullatos.

In his address the Ecumenical Patriarch, who is on a several-day official visit to Albania, said that "every foundation laid for a church is sacred, but the laying of the corner stone for this institution today is special because it coincides with the 2 000th anniversary of the Birth of Christianity, which we will celebrate the coming year."

Considering Albania as a good example of religious cohabitation, Vartholemeu I said that "religious flourishing resumed after the communist prosecution and together with its the Orthodox Church as well."

The Orthodox Church will be constructed in the vicinity of the city of Shkoder. /led/xh/

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[12] PNUD offers 1 million dollars on enterprises rehabilitation

The value of this project, which will be implemented at once in Albania, is 983.400 dollars.It is a grant financed by PNUD, stated in a press conference United Nations permanent resident in Albania Jan Wahleberg. According to him economic development in Albania is one of the priorities of United Nations and this project aims at supporting these enterprises in post privatization period to make them effective as soon as possible by increasing the employees' number.

The first phase of the project to be implemented within two years foresees the offering of foreign assistance to support the industrial sector to adapt it to the market economy and making these enterprises fruitful ones.

The selection of the enterprises will be based upon several criteria, where the priority remains the productive activity. Priority will be given to the enterprises producing clothes, shoes and food items.

The medium enterprises, with some 50-200 employees, and enterprises of juridical status will be included in this project financed by PNUD. /led/linda/

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[13] Germany offers 2 million marks on development of dairy products sector

During four-years period 1995-1999 the German specialists gave assistance and supported the Institute of Food and Zootechnic in implementing new technologies in milk processing.

The training of Albanian farmers and specialists of dairy products sector and the technical assistance for private farms having as priority the animal products, were some of the objectives fulfilled by German experts of this sector.

According to the specialists of the Ministry of Agriculture, the German projects supported the development of milk processing sector in Albania by setting up even a milk factory "Ajka". /led/linda/

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[14] Minimal interest levels fall again

The decision of Central Albanian Bank on reducing the interest level is due to many factors, but the most important is the further decrease of inflation level till the end of September 1999.

The Central Bank of Albania intervened six times since the beginning of the year to fall the minimal interest level for the deposits of twelve months maturity, by starting at the level 16,5% to 9% at the end.

Minimal Interest Deposits maturity Before Now 3 months 10,5 % 9,25 % 6 months 10,5 % 9,25 % 12 months 10 % 9 %

/led/linda/

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[15] Italian-Albanian authorities discuss fight against men-smuggling

According to the spokeswoman of the Albanian Public Order Ministry, Minister Poci, after briefing Mr Maritati of the situation of law in Albania and the activity of police, stressed that Albanian police, now placed in a new position, have the fight against trafficking especially illegal one, one of its priorities. He focused on the causes that instigate this phenomenon in and outside Albania, the ways of fighting it, demanding from the Italian party an exchange of information and joint actions at sea and on the ground.

Mr Maritati voiced the concern of the Italian Government on this problem, and demanded a joint more efficacious fight against organized crime, especially of illegal trafficking, frequently accompanied by a criminal activity of different forms.

Poci and Maritati shared the opinion that the two respective governments should intervene with supporting projects for the economic development of Albania.

Taking part in the meeting was also the Italian Ambassador in Tirane, Mario Bova. /lh/xh/

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[16] EC offers aid for decentralization of Local Government

The Albanian Minister of Local Government Bashkim Fino held talks on Wednesday with the EC ambassador to Albania Reyhan Akant where he highlighted the fact that the Autonomy Charter of Local Government, signed a year ago, is expected to be send to soon in Parliament for ratification. This process will be a great aid for the Local Government.

The ambassador Akant spoke about the aid EC will offer to the Local Government sector, which will be mainly in the preparation of legal frame. Of priority, said Akant, will be the aid to be offered in the framework of the project on preparation of local elections of 2000. /lh/A.A/

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[17] Projects with Local Government - OSCE priorities

"OSCE will work with priority on the projects concerning the Local Government, which is considered as very important", said Ahrens.

Minister Fino stressed three main directions of the work to be performed, concerning the electorate registration, drafting of election code and creation of a full legal frame in fulfilling an effective decentralization of Local Government. /led/linda/

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[18] UNCHR finances reconstruction of Berat schools

According to the director of the district education department Ymer Kordha UNHCR has decided to administrate this fund through the non- governmental organizations such as the English organization "International Care", with its center in Durres, and the foundation "Solidarites ECHO".

The reconstruction of the third floor of the dormitory of the general high school "Kristo Isak" will be made with a fund worth $ 60 000. Some $ 47 000 will be used on reconstruction of the school in Uznove village, while $ 38 000 will be expended for reconstructing the elementary school in Çiflik. UNHCR has allocated as well $ 41 000 on reconstruction of Vodice school where were sheltered Kosove refugees, too. /lh/A.A/

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[19] NATO in Albania - humanitarian or military mission ?

TIRANE, Nov. 3 (ATA) - NATO troops are dislocated in Albania in function of humanitarian operations nearly seven months ago.

The grave situation created in Albania due to the pouring of almost 500 000 Kosove refugees made the presence of a multinational troop a necessity. The hard test Albanians faced in coping with the crisis was successfully signed by the trinom Albania-NATO-UNHCR.

AFOR humanitarian mission bearing more than 8000 troops from different world countries under the command of the Britain General John Reith managed to transport and systemize in the makeshift camps erected by them the Kosove refugees, who more than the humanitarian aid received the sincere love and friendship of NATO officers.

The multinational troops of the Alliance did not only offer aid to the expelled Kosovars but at the same time they were engaged in a series of projects aiming at rehabilitating the most important road axes in Albania.

But it is obvious that NATO presence in Albania showed even it military character. "NATO is engaged to preserve at every condition the integrity of neighboring countries with Yugoslavia" declared to the journalists the Supreme Commander of Allied Forces for Europe, General Westly Clark.

The situation created in the northern borders of Albania as result of continuous incidents and provocations of Serb military forces and the implementation of NATO mission on destruction of military objects of Milosheviç brought to Albania about 24 helicopters of "Apache" tanks. Their presence in Albania as well as the presence of the troops of American marine of "Shining Hope" mission with its bases in Rinas made the "brain" of NATO troops in ex-Yugoslavia, General Clark to come three times in Albania

The mission of NATO troops in Albania seemed to have finished as peace was settled in Kosove and Kosovars were repatriated to their soils. In the context of security for implementation of Stability Pact and the stay of KFOR peace-keeping in Kosove for three year, the Atlantic Alliance decided to continue NATO presence in the region, and consequently in Albania, for a non-definite period of time.

More than 1500 military troops of NATO, coded under COMMZ(W), and commanded by the neighboring country, Italy, were dislocated in Albania to support logistically KFOR troops in Kosove. The mission of these troops is the protection and control of Durres-Kosove communication line and the continuation of engeneering projects started before in Albania by AFOR military troops.

"COMMZ(W) is a more military mission than AFOR because it is totally in support of KFOR troops and it operates to keep open the communication line with Kosove", one of NATO spokesmen in Albania has revealed.

Now, 50 years after the creation of the Atlantic Alliance the double aspect of NATO action spectrum is being reflected. The maneuvers where the humanitarian aspect and military forces are mingled, is engaged in several peace-keeping missions. /A.A/

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[20] Albanians pay dearly to have a telephone line installed at home

In this way Albanians have found an expensive but faster way to have a telephone line installed.

They are tired now of making requests for telephone in the Albanian Telecom and waiting long to have it installed.

"It's better to pay under the table for a telephone installation," said Adelina, a woman who has come several times to the requests section of the Telecom to ask whether her telephone will be installed soon or not.

The payment in this case is greater than the usual amount needed and it amounts up to 5 000 lek.

Liljana, 36, says that the telephone is an indispensability and I have to pay whatever the price, she adds.

Many people have solved the problem of having a telephone number installed in this way. But not everyone can have this possibility because they cannot afford extra payment with the low salaries they get. The staff dealing with requests of the people for telephone lines say that the people have to wait responses from the telecom with regard to this problem, and sometimes they must wait to have their telephone number installed perhaps until December, next January or June.

But for those who can pay more than the due for the telephone installation, certainly, have no reason to queue up. /xh/

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[21] Emergency measures adopted in Albania to fight contraband and corruption

Angjeli has ordered the General Customs Department "to analyze and correct the reference value files, based on the market prices, with the assistance of the Mission CAM-Albania and to inform urgently the Minister of Finances within Nov.10."

Additionally, the Internal Control Unit, with the assistance of CAM- Albania, will present reports at least once in three weeks, making evident the cases when the customs evaluation is not made conformed to the Customs Code.

According to the order, the general director will present a detailed report to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finances on the measures adopted for all the cases up including information on the complete collection of customs dues.

The chief of finances has demanded that within Nov.12, 1999 a report on the work started to verify employees of customs and has ordered "urgent functioning of the Independent Commission for the control of appointments..."

Likewise, within Nov. 15, groups of anti-contraband are also expected to be organized. /led/xh/

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[22] SDP of Albania will give vote of confidence to Meta cabinet

"Since we have been members of the coalition together with SP, we must support the new government," said on Wednesday the SDP chairman, Skender Gjinushi. Whereas, the social-democratic deputy Pavli Zeri said that "after studying and discussing the program and the structure of the new government, his party agreed on every point of the program and accepted to give its vote of confidence."

Government Meta, decreed last week by President of Albania, Rexhep Meidani, will be presented on Thursday to the People's Assembly to get the latter's vote of confidence. /lh/xh/

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[23] Tense situation in Mitrovica

The Serb militants, wearing uniforms, have provoked and openly attacked the Albanians who happened to pass near the bridge on River Iber, which divides Albanian community from the Serb one.

In the mean time, 50 Serb civilians attacked on Tuesday in Mitrovica a patrol of the U.N. civil police.

Another case of violence was that against two agents, a Tunisian and an Albanian, who had just graduated from the police school course held by OSCE, who were beaten while patrolling in a car, that had stopped on the northern part of the bridge on Iber. /lh/xh/

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[24] Close cooperation with U.S. to continue - PM Meta

Meta described as the main priorities of the Albanian Government the improvement of law and order, fight against contraband and corruption, ensuring as many projects as possible in the context of the Stability Pact and the quickest possible integration of the country in Euro-Atlantic structures.

The USAID director in Albania, Haward Sumka, reported that an agreement with the Albanian Government is made ready, according to which every year the state budget will be supported with USD25-30 million, with 12 other million US dollars to be provided in the framework of the assistance to avoid the consequences of the Kosova crisis, while USD14 million will be used for the rehabilitation of the infrastructure ruined during the period when Kosova refugees were sheltered in Albania.

Meta shared the same view with Mr Limprecht regarding the commitment of the Albanian Government to cooperate with the opposition within institutions so that it, too, play its role as a constructive political force to help improve law and order, and in the fight against contraband and corruption. /led/xh/

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[25] PM Simits invites Meta for official visit to Greece

The press office of the Council of Ministers told ATA that PM Meta had a telephone talk today in the morning with his Greek counterpart, Simitis. During the talk, Simitis reiterated the Greek support for Meta cabinet and the efforts to increase the bilateral cooperation.

On the same day, PM Meta had a telephone talk with his Italian counterpart, Massimo D'Alema, who invited Mr meta for an official visit to Italy, next week. /led/xh/

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