Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-12-03

Albanian Telegraphic Agency Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] President Meidani highlights work of Mr Kouchner in Kosova

[02] Press Review

[03] Albanian government concerns about Alimucaj release

[04] Exchange rates in Tirana

[05] SOS village set up for orphan children in Elbasan

[06] In October number of unemployed amounted to 238 028

[07] Independence and devotion are basic elements judiciaries - Meidani

[08] Pediatric hospital in Korce to be rehabilitated by German Red Cross

[09] Economic infrastructure, main sector of Greek investment

[10] Five companies to continue race for privatization of Albanian AMC determined

[11] Three dinghies sequestered in Vlore

[12] "Swindlers" of Ilir Bezhani applauded in Paris

[13] Albanian Minister of Trade asks for Albania membership in WTO

[14] Image that in customs you become rich very soon should change - Meta

[15] American embassy donates equipment for technical school "Harry Fultz" in Tirane

[16] Five companies to continue AMC privatization race are defined

[17] Protests to release Albanian hostages from Serb jails

[18] Mass graves in a mined area of Malisheve

[19]

[20] Albania and EBRD to sign two projects worth 40 million euro

[21] Serbs attack Tirane-plated car

[22] Police sequesters three speedboats, blocks tens of clandestine smugglers

[23] Leonard Solis met with UN Administrator in Kosova Bernard Kouchner

[24] Food items import falls by 3% in 1999, says Minister of Agriculture and Food

[25] Border Police forces trained on mine clearance

[01] President Meidani highlights work of Mr Kouchner in Kosova

President Meidani appreciated the work made by Mr. Kouchner and his administration during this period, considering "the tendencies of the development of the situation as positive." He guaranteed the UN Administrator of the support of the Albanian state in the difficult task of stability, reconstruction and political, economic and social development of Kosova. "We have followed attentively all the developments in Kosova, because the stability of Kosova influences in the stability of Albania and vice versa." He highlighted the beginning of the census for the population there and the cards of identity being given to them, creation of an authority with competence in the banking sector and the encouragement of continuation of these processes. "Naturally there are incidents, said Meidani, because the collective memory of the Albanian people can hardly forget the crimes against them."

The President considered the question of Mitrovica as a great source of tension, and called for the release of all Albanian prisoners from the Serb prisons, finding full approval by Mr Kouchner. "The issue of the prisoners is important and I thank you for your comprehension," said Mr Kouchner, underlining that he had treated this question with all senior officials who have visited Kosova. As for the issue of Mitrovica, Mr Kouchner said that this problem will be solved step by step.

The President briefed Mr Kouchner also of the regular messages conveyed to the Kosova political class, for cohesion, cooperation of its subjects with the international factor, something which was appreciated by Mr Koucher. Mr Meidani and Mr Kouchner also spoke on the need of the gradual involvement of the local population and its political structures in the governance of Kosova at all levels. /era/xh/

D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail:

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] Press Review

Koha Jone, independent daily

- "Meta in Athens to take investments for five years." Greek Ambassador in Tirana, Mallias, presented yesterday the strategy of Greek investments in the Balkans and in Albania, while on Dec. 22, Albanian Prime Minister Ilir Meta, will have an official visit to Greece. - "Nano: No politician will interfere in customs."."In Bilisht, the closest city of the border crossing with Greece, chief socialist Fatos Nano, promised yesterday in the SP meeting of activists the iron hand attack for all smugglers. - "Albania in the lead of the Black Sea countries." Albania expected to take the rotating presidency of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation.

Gazeta Shqiptare, independent daily

- "Watch with Enver's head in market." Wrist watch with the head of former dictator Hoxha, coming from Bielorussia, are being illegally sold in kiosks near SP headquarters. - "Kouchner: I will open office in Tirana." So said the chief of the mission of U.N. in Kosova, Bernard Kouchner who started an official two-day-visit to Albania yesterday. - "Control: We have given Meta list with 40 names of corrupted people." Deputy chairman of State Control, Arben Kraja, stated in an interview that he had handed over to PM Meta a list with more than 40 names of ministers, deputy ministers, directors and customs staff members.

Shekulli, independent daily

- "Alimucaj released from jail." Tirana district court decided yesterday to change the form of custody for the former boss of the company Vefa Holding from jail arrest to house arrest. - "Kouchner: Peace with Serbs." The most difficult challenge of peace in Kosova is cohabitation of Albanians with Serbs. This has been the essence of yesterday's statements in Tirane by the Chief Administrator of Kosova, Bernard Kouchner. - "Rakipi: We reconciled with Premier."

Albania, national daily

- "DP must do away with byzantine like efforts." - "Prosecutor's office hides financial balance. No traces for 15.2 billion lek." - "Serbs stop RP directors."

Zeri i Popullit, daily of the Socialist Party of Albania

- "Mafia buys trial of Vehbi with money of Albanians." - "Government: We are resolute to fight any form of crime and corruption." - "Nano: Let us solve the problems of economic, legal development, of justice and order..."

Rilindja Demokratike, daily paper of the Democratic Party of Albania

- "Meta, hostage of Nano." - "Vehbi Alimucaj, from prison to house arrest."

Republika, daily paper of the Republican Party of Albania.

- "55 million dollars for Albania." - ""Guardia" unfolds strategy to eliminate illegal dinghies." /xh/

D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail:

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] Albanian government concerns about Alimucaj release

"The Albanian government declares that it resolutely sticks to its commitments shown in the programme to eliminate any kind of corruption or crime in the country. But It has required and still asks from each institution the same engagement, because if it misses the joint will to eliminate roots of crime, effective results can not be achieved", the Information Department's press release reports.

Regarding the independence of the juridical system as one of the basic rules of the democracy, the Albanian Government stresses that it has no intention to interfere in the juridical power. "But it urges that the juridical power should be independent from any form of influence be this political or moral".

Albanian government expresses its determination to continue without compromises the fight against swindlers and speculators of the pyramidal schemes or of any other kind and urges to exercise competencies of all institutions in the fight for the implementation of the law.

Tirana District Court declared on Thursday the change of the form of custody, from prison to house arrest for Vehbi Alimucaj, president of Vefa company. Vehbi Alimucaj is accused of stealing in great amounts by deceiving, as well as of the creation of the armed gangs during March '97's tumult. /led/so/

D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail:

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] Exchange rates in Tirana

Foreing currency exchange rates Currency Buying Selling

US$ 137 137,5

DM 70,7 71,2

ITL (1000) 71,5 72

GRD (100) 41,5 41,8 /led/so/

D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail:

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] SOS village set up for orphan children in Elbasan

At first, the village will have 36 orphans to be selected from 5 regions of the city of Elbasan, and at the beginning of January 2000, their number will amount to 70. The staff for these children consists of 20 social workers.

For the construction of this village, the German family "Kolping" invested 1 million USD. This family, operating in this city for 4 years, has set up another centre which provides accommodation for 60 orphans of the city. Kolping family assists every month with food and clothing also 500 low-income families in Elbasan. /led/xh/

D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail:

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] In October number of unemployed amounted to 238 028

In October the number of the unemployed marks a small decrease as against September. By the end of September '99 in Albania some 238 708 persons have been registered as unemployed.

In October, males result to make up the greatest number of the unemployed with 131 657 persons. While the unprofitable farms have been 106 371 up to the end of October.

Only 23 087 out of the number of persons registered as unemployed by the state bodies, take unemployment assistance. In meantime some 1800 persons out of them registered as unemployed, have began work during October.

To reduce unemployment in Albania, during 1999 is being applied the programme of Encouraging Employment, drafted by the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. /led/so/

D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail:

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] Independence and devotion are basic elements judiciaries - Meidani

"All of us must coordinate the joint efforts to consolidate the rule of law, because it is important that the judiciary problems be institutionally treated," said Meidani in his address to the Conference.

The President stressed that work in this regard must be made in two directions, consolidation of the elements of autonomy of the judiciary on the one hand, and realisation of the duties with high professionalism and devotion on the other.

Meidani expressed the idea that such organizations must be more efficient and functional so that their objectives become realisable.

The two-day National Judiciary Conference (Dec.3-4,1999) aims to realize the reformation of the judiciaries from the constitutional and institutional points of view. /led/xh/

D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail:

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] Pediatric hospital in Korce to be rehabilitated by German Red Cross

The hospital complex in Korce consists of six medical centers, among which the central hospital, the maternity home, the new first aid hospital which is under construction and funded by the German Government with a total of 3 million DM.

During this year, rehabilitation work has also been made in the maternity hospital with an investment of 70 million lek by the state budget, and for the heating system in the hospital complex. /led/xh/

D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail:

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] Economic infrastructure, main sector of Greek investment

Albania during the five coming years 2000-2004 will profit $ 22,75 million from Greek investments in sectors of economic infrastructure and services. This investment will be provided in the framework of the national Plan of Greece to reconstruct the Balkans.

Greece, in the framework of the Stability Pact, will provide a fund of US$ 334 million for the Southeastern Europe during a five year period. Some US$ 55,35 million will be provided for Albania, to be used in the economic and services infrastructure, social infrastructure and producing sector.

The economic and services infrastructure will profit the greatest part of the fund of US$ 22,75 million. In year 2000 some US$ 2,37 million will be invested in this sector, while in 2001 the investment will be of US$ 4,55 million. These sums will be increased of US$ 5,69 million in 2002, US$ 5,23 million in 2003 and US$ 4,55 million in 2004.

Greece will provide a fund of US$ 14,75 million for the development of the producing sector in Albania, of which US$ 1,77 million will be accorded in the first year of the plan's application. In this sector will be invested some US$ 2,95 million in 2001, US$ 3,69 million in 2002, US$ 3, 40 in 2003 and US$ 2,95 million in 2004.

The social infrastructure in Albania will profit some US$ 17,84 million from the Greek investment. In 2000 will be accorded some US$ 2,14 million to continue in 2004 with a fund of US$ 3,57 million. The greatest fund provided for Albania, of US$ 13,84 million will be accorded in 2002, for the three sectors together. /led/so/

D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail:

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] Five companies to continue race for privatization of Albanian AMC determined

The latest meeting of the Committee of Consultation and Transparence for the privatisation of the special important sectors discussed the criteria for the evaluation of the offers for the AMC privatisation.

Five foreign companies which claim the AMC privatisation are Turkcell, Mobilcom Austria in cooperation with Telecom Italia, Telenor International (in cooperation with Cosmote,) Panafon Greece (in cooperation with Vadafone Europe and Albtel) and MIC USA.

The government is expected to approve soon the criteria and the system of points for the estimation of the offers from these five companies, to continue the privatization and the declaring of the winner.

AMC Company has a positive macroeconomic and financial balance and it is the first Albanian state company which opens the road to the process of privatization of strategic sectors. /led/xh/

D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail:

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] Three dinghies sequestered in Vlore

Last midday, at a distance of around 18 miles from the Italian coastline, the radars signaled the movement of dinghies. Immediately, police started to chase them and finally seized and blocked the two. The same sources said that vessels of Guardia di Finanza had made possible the seizing of another dinghy and two of its crew a few days ago.

Also 30 Kurds and an Albanian were accompanied to local police commissariat because in the moment when they were dictated by police, they had tempted to jump out of the dinghy. /led/xh/

D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail:

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] "Swindlers" of Ilir Bezhani applauded in Paris

The comedy "Swindlers" written by Ilir Bezhani was performed successfully in "L'Echangeur de Bagnolet" theater in Paris, the Link of Writers and Artists of Albania told ATA on Friday.

It considers the performance of this comedy on the Parisian stage as 'an event of the Albanian dramatic art.

Staged by the French director Dominique Dolmieu and translated by Christiane Montecet, the comedy of the Albanian author performed from November 17 to the first days of December has aroused the interest of the Parisian public.

The comedy "Swindlers", which hits pyramidal-schemes phenomena, spread in Albania by the mid of 90'ies, was put on stage of the National Theater two years ago. /led/so/

D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail:

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] Albanian Minister of Trade asks for Albania membership in WTO

"We are determined to work close with our partners to remove the political and administrative obstacles to increase the economic cooperation between the countries of the region and the rest of the Europe and world", stated Meksi.

By taking into consideration the attempts of Albania to become a member of WTO, Minister Meksi said that "from the obligations point of view, Albania has completed the membership process. The last phase, the approval of membership report in the final meeting of the Work Group, has to be implemented".

As the only obstacle on Albania membership in WTO Albanian Minister Meksi mentioned the problem related with the engagements in the field of audiovisual services.

WTO member countries, especially European Union and USA, have been quarreling for a long time concerning this sector. According to Meksi "the involvement of Albania in this field is moving in the same direction with USA and EU requirements".

Referring to the Minister "solving of this issue will solve at the same time the issue of Albanian membership, which represents a market completely undeveloped in the field of audiovisual services".

Minister Meksi asked the participants in the conference for not allowing Albania be held as a pledge, and treating it as a victim of endless debates between the member countries. At the same time she asked for the solution of this debate. /dast/linda/

D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail:

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] Image that in customs you become rich very soon should change - Meta

Albanian Premier Ilir Meta on Friday said that the Albanian government should change the image created so far that in customs house one can become rich very soon with the support of politicians.

"There should be no justification on the part of the customs administration for not functioning properly and not realising the plan," said Meta at a meeting with senior officials of the customs administration on Friday.

Referring to contraband, in which several customs officials are suspected to have involved, Meta said we should not expect to catch contraband customs officials in the act.

"If the plan is not fulfilled by the customs affiliations in which its realisation is possible and in which these customs officials are employed, it means that there is contraband and corruption and they should be removed," said Meta.

Finance Minister Angjeli, present at the meeting, asked that the role of the anti-contraband department increases.

"Anti-contraband should cooperate more with the customs administration, but it should also be in opposition with it when cases of violations are observed," said Angjeli.

One month ago the Premier warned the customs top officials that they would be fully responsible if incomes were not realised.

The plan for depositing customs incomes for 1999 is 43,5 billion leks, while some 29,2 billion leks with a five billion leks of deficit have been deposited instead for the ten month period. /dast/lm/

D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail:

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] American embassy donates equipment for technical school "Harry Fultz" in Tirane

"We are convinced of the fact that the aid offered together with the defence department on equipping the school serves to the students who are actually studding there and the other students who will follow for a better education", pointed out the American ambassador Limprecht.

The aid delivered by the U.S.A. Defence Department for the technical school in Tirane dates back in 1995, said the official of the humanitarian aid of the European command of U.S.A. Lieutenant colonel Dalton Nikolson who pointed out that during the two successive years they reached the value of $ 100 000.

The Deputy Minister of Education and Science Andrea Marto highlighted that "the aid offered from U.S.A. serves to transform this institution into a state-of-the-art institution in the professional education system that as it is known is very precious".

In 1992 the school was reconstructed due to the will and readiness of American embassy, Albania-American foundation "Harry Fultz", and USAD program. /led/A.A/

D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail:

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] Five companies to continue AMC privatization race are defined

The estimation criteria of the offers on AMC privatization was the central topic discusses in the last meeting of Consultation and Transparency Committee.

Sources from the Ministry of Economy and Privatization reported that the following companies are ready to go on the privatization process:Turkcell, Molbilcom Austria (in cooperation with Telecom Italia), Telenor International (in cooperation with Cosmote), Panafon Greece (in cooperation with Vadafobe Europe and Albatel) and MIC USA.

The Governmental decision on the estimation criteria and system of the offers of these five companies, to continue the privatization and selection of winner company, is expected to be approved soon.

AMC company is presented with a positive macroeconomics and financial balance and it is the first Albanian public company to open the way of privatization process of strategic sectors. /dast/linda/

D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail:

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] Protests to release Albanian hostages from Serb jails

On December 10, when the International Conference on Human Rights begins in Prishtine, new mass protests will be staged to ask the release of 7 000 Kosova Albanians from Serbian jails.

This was decided at a consultative meeting of the political subjects, the Students' Union and several associations of Kosova. /lh/lm/

D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail:

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] Mass graves in a mined area of Malisheve

Experts from the Hague-led Tribunal went near the spot but the inquiry is impossible because the area is mined by Serb forces which had the fighting positions during the war in Malisheve.

According to the inquiries made so far on the war crimes in Malisheve, the Serb forces have killed and massacred 342 Albanians. /lh/A.A/

D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail:

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19]

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[20] Albania and EBRD to sign two projects worth 40 million euro

The first project marking some 30 million euro will be used on reconstruction of electric energy system, while the other project of some 10 million euro on rehabilitation of the road Elbasan-Librazhd.

These two agreements will be signed during the visit of EBRD deputy president Charles Frank in Albania in December 7-8,1999.

In his first visit in Albania Mr.Frank will meet Albanian Prime Minister Ilir Meta and other senior officials of the ministries dealing with economic problems.

Mr.Frank will introduce the new director of EBRD Office in Tirana Mr.Guilio Moreno, who will substitute Mr.Philippe Leclercq.

EBRD has financed several projects in Albania reaching the total value of some 280 million euro. The projects are concentrated mainly in the field of telecommunication, energy, tourism, banks and financial sector. /lh/linda/

D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail:

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[21] Serbs attack Tirane-plated car

The source stressed that the incidents and risks provoked by the Serbs on this road are great. /lh/lm/

D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail:

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[22] Police sequesters three speedboats, blocks tens of clandestine smugglers

According to him several forces of Vlore police supported even by forces arriving from Tirane and other cities and by vehicles of Guardia di Finanzia exercised a full control along the whole coastal zone of the bay and in the water space.

During these actions are caught 3 dinghies and are blocked in one of the beaches of the coast 31 illegal smugglers who were preparing to travel towards Italy.

This is the widest action organized by police during the last months. Only during the last 10 days are held 7 actions where as a result are blocked about 120 clandestine smugglers. In the meantime the number of sequestrated speedboats has amounted to 11 and they are under the protection of Guardia Di Finanzia forces in the island of Sazan. /lh/A.A/

D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail:

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[23] Leonard Solis met with UN Administrator in Kosova Bernard Kouchner

The French Government charged French Agency of Development to supervise the construction operations of the this new hospital to include three specialities.

The Head of Ministry of Health Leonard Solis confirmed that the operations on constructing this hospital, whose promoter is Kouchner, will start in December 15.

They talked even about the period of Kosova emergency in Albania, about the concerning problems in health sector in Kosova and about the holding of a conference in Pristine with the hospital directors in Albania and Kosova. /dast/linda/

D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail:

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[24] Food items import falls by 3% in 1999, says Minister of Agriculture and Food

According to him the imports in agriculture sector fall by 16%, animal breeding by 10% and fishing sector by 9%. The falling of these imports came mainly from the increase of domestic agricultural and animal products, stated the Minister Xhuveli.

Referring to the data of the ministries, based upon the General Custom Directorate, there is fall of the import in agricultural products, mainly in vegetables, fruit, eggs and animal products, as well.

Albanian markets are supplied with domestic products, respectively by 620 000 ton vegetables or 96%, 125 000 tons fruit or 76%, 120 000 meat or 92%, 880 000 tons milk and 400 million eggs or 97% of the total plan. /lh/linda/

D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail:

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[25] Border Police forces trained on mine clearance

UNHCR has accorded a fund worth $ 8 000 on organization of this course, UNHCR coordinator for the region Xhemil Shahu reported to ATA. "This fund involves as well the insurance of logistic equipment for this aim", said Shahu adding that "the course is being leaded by specialists of the American association 'Helt'"

The spokesman of second infantry division said that mines are removed in a surface of 120 hectares mined by the Serb army during the conflict in Kosove. "Total demining of the border line, about 125 kilometers long, needs a longer time", explained he.

Some 15 people have died and 54 others have remained wounded since June 13, 1999. /dast/A.A/

D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail:

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency Directory - Previous Article - Next Article