Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-11-04

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CONTENTS

[01] Day of Albanian Music in Festival "Autumn of Tirana '99"

[02] William Walker declared Citizen of Honour of Kosova

[03] Albanian Premier Meta demands control on funds

[04] Press review

[05] Days of Ulqin culture in Shkoder

[06] Humanitarian aid increase imports volume in Albania

[07] Exchange rates in Tirana market

[08] DP 'moderators' in Parliament during vote of confidence

[09] U.S. to create a guarantee fund for U.S. investors in Southeast Europe

[10] Parliament adopts draft-law on status of NATO troops in Albania

[11] Eight dinghies with illegals on board turned back

[12] USA to create a guarantee fund for American investors in Southeastern Europe

[13] Albanian army greatly involved to become NATO worthy partner

[14] Albanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Paskal Milo signs Convention on mutual recognition of diplomas in Europe

[15] More than 23 billion leks collected by taxes

[16] Swiss cinematography present in Experimental Film Festival "Autumn in Tirana '99"

[17] Albanian foreing minister demands long-term solution for Kosova

[18] Nobelist Ferid Muradi sends letter of thanks to Meidani

[19] "Deutche Welle" to organize training seminar in Tirane

[20] Premier Meta presents Government economic objectives

[21] Government programme aims promotion of economic reforms

[22] PM Meta demands vote of confidence for his government

[23] DP deputies boycott session to vote government

[24] DP protests Meta government vote of confidence

[25] Albanian illegal emigrants turned back from Italy

[01] Day of Albanian Music in Festival "Autumn of Tirana '99"

Pieces by 12 Albanian composers composed particularly for this event were played in the musical show, called "Days of Albanian Music."

The festival "Autumn of Tirana '99" started three days ago in Albanian capital. The activity is being held under the auspices of the Council of Europe, the Albanian Ministry of Culture, Soros Foundation, the Tirana city-hall, German Embassy in Tirana, Hotel EuropaPark and the Cultural Foundation Fan Noli. The festival will last on November 15, 1999. /led/xh/

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[02] William Walker declared Citizen of Honour of Kosova

"Kosova is full of hope and life, because it survived the war and is building its future in freedom. This pleases me a lot," said Walker in the solemn ceremony held in the National Theater Hall of Prishtina.

Thousands of citizens of Prishtina greeted Walker as a hero and great friend of Kosova and the Albanians. /dast/xh/

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[03] Albanian Premier Meta demands control on funds

Anastas Angjeli, Minister of Finance informed the Council of Ministers on the realization of the expenditure investment program for the nine-month period of 1999.

Meta said that "our economy needs revival, so besides the task of income realization, the efficient accomplishing of the budgetary expenses and those of earmarked by the foreign donors is very indispensable, since this is the only way the country's economy can provide the necessary funds for more roads, hospitals and schools for our children." /led/gs/

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[04] Press review

Koha Jone, independent daily

- "Deputy Premier Çeco: Corrupted Minister must be arrested." The iron lady of SP, Makbule Çeco, getting ready for an offensive against the three ministers who have had relations with former pyramid investment schemes and structures of contraband. - "Government adopts program Meta, today the file before deputies." The Albanian Government, gathered under the chairmanship of PM Meta, adopted the program which will be presented to the Parliament today. - "Berisha in Shkoder: 'You are the hope for new elections.'" DP chairman Sali Berisha organised in Shkoder yesterday a meeting, in which he reiterated the call for new elections.

Gazeta Shqiptare, independent daily.

- "Kadare returns home for ever." Albanian renowned writer, Ismail Kadare decided to return home definitely. "But I cannot abandon Paris, as well" he adds. - "D'Alema votes for Ilir Meta." Italian PM Massimo D'Alema had a telephone talk yesterday with his Albanian counterpart, Ilir Meta. D'Alema invited Meta for an official visit to Rome on Nov.14. - "Six people involved in money-laundering arrested." Police of Librazhd has uncovered a storehouse with electric house appliances which were not cleared through the customs, and they have arrested 6 people suspected to be involved in money laundering.

Shekulli, independent daily.

- "I will seize speedboats on the ground" - Minister. Minister of Public Order Spartak Poci had a meeting yesterday with the deputy secretary of state in the Italian Interior Ministry, in which they have discussed the measures to be adopted in the future to prevent illegal traffic of people. - "Meta threatens Berisha." PM Ilir Meta gave a reply yesterday to the harsh statements by DP leader, Berisha. - "Killed and burnt together with the car." The macabre event with two youths killed and torched in the car they were travelling, happened two days ago near Rrogozhina.

Albania, national daily.

- "Opposition is not given Government program." - "Tirana, 'capital of crime'". - "Why is dialogue missing?"

Zeri i Popullit, daily of Socialist Party of Albania.

- "Ambassadors in the hall, Berisha in the streets." - "Line of organized crime between Albania and Italy." - "Police on alert: We against criminals."

Rilindja Demokratike, daily of the Democratic Party of Albania.

- "No to the corrupted Government." - "Seven files for murders disappear."

Republika, daily of the Republican Party of Albania.

- "18 files of government senior officials in prosecutors office." - "Anti- contraband, six people arrested." /xh/

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[05] Days of Ulqin culture in Shkoder

In the framework of these days an exhibition of painters from Ulqin, Bilal Nekzic and Qazim Muja opened at the Arts Gallery.

Visar Bala, culture expert of the City Hall said that "the cultural and artistic traditions between the two territories are ancient".

The activity went on with the promotion of the book "From Ulcinium to Ulqin", written by Sari Resulbegu.

Apart from the prehistoric and historic values this city went through, the books treats the theme of its first inhabitants, foundation and name. The author has also written a lot about the Albanian genesis and epic.

Two months ago artists from Shkoder participated in the days of Ulqin '99, which is held each year. /dast/gs/

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[06] Humanitarian aid increase imports volume in Albania

During January-September '99 period, according to the official sources of this directory, the imports were 126,5 billion Leks and compared with the same period of the last year the imports are increased by 38%.

In September 1999 the imports were 10,707 billion Leks marking an increase of 16% as compared with September 1998 when were imported goods with a value of 9,191 billion Leks.

The imports level in Albania during the first three month period of 1999 was lower than the level of imports in 1998.In January, February and March the imports decreased respectively by 7%, 18% and 5%. But the tendency changed in the following months due to the arrival in Albania of humanitarian aid to assist about 500 000 Kosove refugees.

The imports level increased in April by 103%, in May 111%, and in July 29%, compared with the respective months of the last year. The imports increase was smaller in August (7%).

Imports ciphers during 1998-1999 period (in billion Leks)

1998 1999 Change (in %)

January 9,052 8,393 -7 February 9,938 8,143 -18 March 10,621 10,039 -5 April 9,727 19,707 +103 May 12,115 25,539 +111 June 10,414 19,546 +88 July 11,170 14,377 +29 August 9, 370 10,049 +7 September 9,191 10,707 +16

9-month period 91,598 126,500 +38

/dast/A.A/

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[07] Exchange rates in Tirana market

Kind of currency

Bought Sold

USD 134,5 134,57

DM 72,5 72,8

LIT (1000) 72,9 73,2

GRD (100) 42,7 43,0 /xh/

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[08] DP 'moderators' in Parliament during vote of confidence

"On the bases of the status of Democratic Party the chairmanship can not adopt political decisions. The political decisions can be adopted by the National Council of the National Assembly", the DP deputy Tritan Shehu told ATA on Thursday.

Shehu added that "even the decision for boycott is not a political decision and this thing was accepted in a meeting of the parliamentary group even by DP leader, Sali Berisha. That is why every deputy can decide whether to attend or not this session".

The meeting of DP parliamentary group, held on early Thursday, could not give a way to the polemics between the deputies of this party.

Ylli Vejsiu, DP deputy said that he could not be pronounced in the name of DP deputies, but he accepted that he would take part in Thursday's plenary session. The deputies Leonard Demi, Ferdinand Xhaferri and others shared the same opinion.

When the Parliament will give the vote of confidence on late Thursday to Meta government and its program, DP chairmanship has decided to protest in "Skanderbeg square". /dast/A.A/

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[09] U.S. to create a guarantee fund for U.S. investors in Southeast Europe

This was declared by the U.S. representatives during the Forum "Southeast Europe - trade possibilities and partnership," held in Sofia from Nov.1-2, 1999. Additionally, the creation of a business forum between Albania, Kosova and Macedonia was also proposed.

Southeast European countries and representatives of the U.S. government and business met for two days in Sofia in the Forum which was part of the Clinton initiative for the development of Southeast Europe, held by the U.S. Trade Department.

Taking part in the forum were representatives from Albania, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Croatia and Romania, accompanied by the U.S. ambassadors in the respective countries and a group of businessmen.

There was a round table discussion held on Albania in the Forum, in which the Albanian Minister of Economic Cooperation and Trade Ermelinda Meksi spoke of Albanian economy, legislation and priorities in the context of the Stability Pact. /dast/xh/

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[10] Parliament adopts draft-law on status of NATO troops in Albania

The first draft-law adopted in the plenary session was that "On ratification of the Agreement and its amendment between the Republic of Albania and NATO, regarding NATO status and its personnel". This agreement has to do with the status, rights and duties of NATO forces which will stay in Albania.

The second draft-law "On ratification of agreement and additional protocol on creation of a multinational force of Southern Europe", is connected with restoration of stability in the region.

The third project "On ratification of loan agreement and the project between KFW of the Albanian Republic and the Albanian Energetic Cooperation on the energy supply project for southern Albania" aims at supplying electric energy for the cities of Gjirokaster and Sarande through a better use of Bistrice 1 and 2 hydro-power stations. /dast/A.A/

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[11] Eight dinghies with illegals on board turned back

Sources from Guardia di Finanza, deployed in the port of Durres, said to ATA that the radar system signaled overnight that 8 dinghies had set sail towards Italian coast carrying illegal people on board.

Two of them, which were bound to leave from the coast of Vlore, were seized before they left.

While in Torre Testa, near Bari, forces of Guardia di Finanza sequestered a dinghy which was abandoned by its leader and turned back to Albanian coasts another dinghy with illegals.

Near Taranto, police forces stopped 40 illegal people, among which 37 of Albanian nationality, two Kosovars and one Romanian. The vessels of Guardia di Finanza managed to turn back in the same zone also four of the dinghies with illegal people on board. /dast/xh/

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[12] USA to create a guarantee fund for American investors in Southeastern Europe

This is made known by the American representatives during the sessions of the forum "Southeastern Europe - Commercial possibilities and partnership" organized in Sofia, November 1-2, 1999. Creating of the business forum between Albania, Kosova and Macedonia is proposed in this forum, as well.

The countries of Southeastern Europe and governmental officials and American businessmen gathered in Sofia in this forum, which is part of Clinton initiatives aiming at development of Southeastern Europe and organized by the part of American Trade Department.

Representatives from Albania, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Croatia and Romania, accompanied by American Ambassadors of respective countries and by a group of businessmen attended this forum.

A round table about Albania is held in this forum,where the Albanian Minister of Economic Cooperation and Trade Ermelinda Meksi talked about the Albanian economy,legislation and the priorities in frame work of Stability Pact. /dast/linda/

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[13] Albanian army greatly involved to become NATO worthy partner

General Andoni stressed the importance and values of the close cooperation with NATO, which was so evident during Kosova crisis. According to him the multinational training "Cooperation Dragon 2000", which is going to be held next June in Albania, will offer new possibilities to Albanian army aiming at benefitting from NATO experience.

By estimating the sessions efficiency of the conference on the training "Cooperation Dragon 2000", General Durusloy said that NATO is open with the partner countries and strongly support them in important transformation processes. /led/linda/

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[14] Albanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Paskal Milo signs Convention on mutual recognition of diplomas in Europe

Albanian Minister Milo met the new Secretary General of Council of Europe Mr.Walter Schwimer, and in this meeting he signed the convention, as well.

Albanian Minister of Foreign Affairs at the moment is in Strasbourg to attend the 105 Session of the Ministers Committee of Council of Europe, which has started in November 3, 1999. /led/linda/

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[15] More than 23 billion leks collected by taxes

Referring to these sources, the total plan is fulfilled by 97,3% and the Value Added Tax VAT marked high levels even last month by bringing considerable incomes. Tirana district that covers more than 52% of total incomes by the taxes fulfilled the ten months plan by 95,3%.

Among the main districts that overfulfilled the "absorbing" plan of the tax incomes are Durresi, Gjirokastra, Korca, Saranda, Shkodra respectively by 105,9%, 128%, 104%, 109,8% and 105,1%.

Referring to these sources all the small districts the plan is fulfilled by 100%. /lh/linda/

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[16] Swiss cinematography present in Experimental Film Festival "Autumn in Tirana '99"

The movie "Under Ground Insert 4", 42 minutes long, is based in a documentary material of Moska and St.Petersburgut underground. The film "Echos Vocis Imago" is realized in 1991 and took part in the international festival of artistic film in Paris in 1992.

The festival "Autumn in Tirana '99" is an activity of contemporary art, which includes music, visual art and movie.

The Festival of Experimental film will go on with the presentation of Austrian experimental film. /led/linda/

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[17] Albanian foreing minister demands long-term solution for Kosova

Milo, in his speech held at the 105th Session of the Committee of Ministers of the European Council, which began its proceedings in Strasbourg on November 3, said that Kosova should find a solution in the framework of the integration in Europe.

"A total solution can not be defined if we do not take into account the situation of Kosove neighboring countries", said Milo.

As regards minorities in Kosova, Milo said that the murders of 20 or 30 Serbs can not be compared to the fate of thousands of Albanians killed and disappeared as well as thousand others who are still in Serbian jails.

Present in the 105th Session of the Committee of Ministers of EC was also Bernard Kouchner, UN special representative and UMNIK chief in Kosove who has been very optimistic of the situation there. /led/so/

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[18] Nobelist Ferid Muradi sends letter of thanks to Meidani

Muradi also wishes successes in building infrastructure and health service programmes, according to the cabinet of the President of the Republic.

The Nobel Prize Laureate in Medicine for '98, along with his wife, paid a three day visit to Albania by the beginning of October, during which he met with Albanian statesmen, and was awarded the title "Doctor Honoris Causa" by the Tirane University. /lh/lm/

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[19] "Deutche Welle" to organize training seminar in Tirane

The renowned German radio "Deutche Welle" will organize for the fourth time a several day training seminar, in Tirana, for the Albanian journalists.

"Twelve radiophone journalists will be trained in the seminar due on November 8 to 19", sources from the German Embassy in Tirana told ATA on Thursday.

"Deutche Welle" has long since been engaged in training young journalists, giving way thus to a tradition.

Besides journalists from Albania, in the previous seminars have been also included journalists from Kosova, Macedonia and Montenegro.

Two months ago, a similar seminar was organized in Prizren, Kosove. /lh/so/

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[20] Premier Meta presents Government economic objectives

Albanian Premier Ilir Meta presented the Government programme in Parliament on Thursday.

According to Meta the budget deficit for 1999 is expected to be lowered at 5,1% of the Gross Domestic Production (GDP).

The Government is determined to maintain and preserve the macroeconomic stability, develop structural reform, improve governing, and combat crime, corruption and contraband.

Also in understanding with IMF experts, an increase of budget expenditure by 5% is expected. The government will devote special attention to expenditure on public investments, based on national incomes and foreign resources.

The Albanian Government considers of priority the energy sector in developing the country's economy. Hence, the programme of the Power Distribution Enterprise (KESH) is based on the needs for the current and future development, considering the strategy of medium and long term development of electric power system.

Among the strategic sectors planned to be privatised, the Albanian government will devote priority to the privatisation of Albanian company Albanian Mobile Communications (AMC), reconstruction of Albtelecom, completion of the privatisation process of Albakri, Albkromi companies and other mines.

In the sector of hydrocarbures the oil companies will be consolidated and reconstructed.

Economic cooperation with the European Union (EU) and the international financial institutions such as WB, IMF, the European Investment Bank (EIB), and other institutions, which have engaged important financial sources, will be the basis of multilateral cooperation," said Premier Meta.

In drafting and implementing policies of trade and business, the Albanian government will take into consideration the new global and regional developments. It will work to integrate Albania into the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the European Union (EU), and take part in all regional initiatives that have to do with the implementation of the Stability Pact.

Besides Albania's membership of WTO, important government objectives in trade will be also those that have to do with Albania's integration into the EU and strengthening of cooperation with the countries of the region.

In encouraging foreign investments, especially in private sector, the government will concentrate itself on: 1- an increase of security for investments, 2-creation of an encouraging legal framework which will help motivate and build confidence for foreign investors, 3-on a serious engagement in eliminating administrative barriers. /led/so/lm/

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[21] Government programme aims promotion of economic reforms

In its programme, the government aims at promoting economic reforms to levels similar to those in European developed countries.

The government intends a fast increase of communications with the countries of the region and Europe through air, sea, railways and roads. Service infrastructure will be expanded at what are called "gates of the country" and concretely at Rinas airport, Durres, Vlore, Sarande and Shengjin sea ports.

New railways will be constructed which will ensure connection with Montenegro and Macedonia at the border points of Morine, Bllate, Kakavije, Kapshtice, Qafe Thane, Hani i Hotit and new border points with neighbouring countries for the movement of citizens and goods.

Of priority will be the realisation of major projects that have to do with the 8th Trans-European Dalmato-Ionian Corridor, on which the respective agreement has been signed by the Foreign Ministers of the region in the framework of the Stability Pact.

Also, the developments in the region, following the Kosova crisis, have brought to the forth the need for the construction of the Durres-Kukes- Morine road, which will be treated as a priority project by the government.

Agriculture and food as main branches of the national economy will make up one of the government priorities, in which the main objectives will be: drafting and implementing policies which encourage the creation of efficient structure for increasing agricultural production, efficiently exploiting natural and human potentials of the country.

Registration of land and development of its trade, according to the agreement ESAF-2 with IMF will enable consolidation of land ownership, enlargement of farms and creation of greater possibilities for their specialisation.

The government policy in livestock development will aim at exploiting the productive capacity of the existing animals through improvement of breeds, treatment techniques and veterinary measures.

Fishing and development of aquaculture are sectors of great perspective in Albania. The government will support the speedy development of the management of fishing infrastructure with the aim to organise a powerful export.

The implementation of the existing legal framework for forests and pastures will lead to a better management and protection of these areas.

Taking into consideration the ongoing achievements, the latest developments in the country and region as well as improvement of the existing schemes of employment and social insurances, the Albanian government will concentrate itself on job creation and social benefits up to 20%. /led/so/lm/

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[22] PM Meta demands vote of confidence for his government

Meta presented the government's new programme and its priorities.

Afterwards, Meta demanded the deputies' vote of confidence for the government.

This request closed today's session to continue on Friday morning with deputies' discussions on the programme of the government and its voting. /lh/so/lm/

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[23] DP deputies boycott session to vote government

Present at the session was only Jemin Gjana, chairman of DP Parliamentary Group, assigned to read a statement on behalf of his Party. /lh/so/lm/

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[24] DP protests Meta government vote of confidence

"We will stage protests and strikes all over the country to acomplish our goal, early elections in Albania", DP chairman Sali Berisha said.

Parliament convened this afternoon to discuss new Albanian government vote of confidence. DP deputies boycotted the session.

The Government will be voted at Friday's session, after Premier Meta presented the programme of the newly formed government on Thursday. /led/so/lm/

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[25] Albanian illegal emigrants turned back from Italy

Some 60 Albanian nationals, who attempted to illegally enter Italy were turned back on Thursday evening, according to the spokesman of the Vlore police department.

The illegal emigrants were intercepted by the Italian police on the Puglia shores while trying to enter the neighbouring state.

Two Moldavian citizens, contingents of prostitution trafficking, were among them. They, as well as the Albanian citizens have been returned and subjected to verification procedures at Vlore police station.

The Vlore police, according to the spokesman, have intensified operations on land to block illegal emigrants trafficking.

Around 200 Albanian citizens, attempting to cross to Italy on speedboats have been intercepted and turned back to their districts this week. The mainly came from northern Albania. /lh/lm/

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