Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-12-07

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] U.S. government interested in latest developments in Albania

[02] Two cooperation agreements signed with Rumania

[03] Press Review

[04] Exchange rates in Tirana

[05] "Crime of the end of century" testifies war in Kosova

[06] SP Chairman meets with Chancellor Schreder

[07] U.S. help Albanian Army in Communication field

[08] France finances $ 250 000 on agriculture

[09] Nano, Serb opposition leader gathered by German Minister

[10] U.S. provides US$ 1 million for Albanian Army

[11] DP considers hasty discussion of draft-budget 2000 by Assembly

[12] Bernard Kouchner visits Llaushe village

[13] Meta asks cooperation with WB on reforms in administration and legislation

[14] Nearly 130 meters square of quay of freighters terminal is collapsed

[15] Draft-budget will help strengthen economic, political stability - Meta

[16] EBRD finance reaches to 44 million euro in 1999

[17] Number of homeless people to fall by 30% within 5 years

[18] Custom tariffs to fall by 15% in 2000

[19] Humanitarian associations return to Tropoje

[20] Local Government Ministry announces funds for Tirane, Durres, Elbasan town-halls

[21] Speaker of Parliament leaves for Ukraine

[22] Unlimited pre-trial custody for "Gjallica" boss

[23] Austrian business invited extend presence in Albania

[01] U.S. government interested in latest developments in Albania

"We think that these issues should not be instrumented for political purposes", said Limprecht.

Participants in the meeting discussed the need to promote the juridical reform and to further depoliticize the Prosecutor's office. They stressed the performance Albania's Parliament has made and should make, through its commissions, to investigate accusations, in order that the broad opinion get better informed.

Concluding, Limprecht repeated the readiness of the U.S. government to provide all the needed help to the Albanian government. /led/so/

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[02] Two cooperation agreements signed with Rumania

Meidani held a tete-a-tete meeting with his Rumanian counterpart Emil Konstadinesku and the delegations of both countries held official talks afterwards.

During a news conference issued after the meeting, Meidani paid a special attention to the new possibilities created for Albania and Rumania after the crisis in Kosove and realization of the Stability Pact. The delegations of both countries agreed to encourage the economic relations between the two countries. Meidani and Konstadinesku appraised the cooperation between the policies of both countries against drugs traffic, prostitution and organization of joint police actions.

President Meidani began his three-day formal visit to Rumania on Monday at the invitation of his Rumanian counterpart. /led/A.A/

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[03] Press Review

KOHA JONE, independent daily

-"Meta against 20 deputies". Implementation of law on illegal constructions creates conflicts between the socialists. -"DP abandons the Union for Democracy". The DP secretary for public relations, Pjeter Arbnori gave the first signals that DP will go to elections without its allies. -"Zogaj: Development strategy - not in the hands of deputies". The Minister of State Preç Zogaj unfolds during an interview the draft road of development strategy in Albania.

GAZETA SHQIPTARE, daily independent

-"Canon on attestors". The defendant of the legal case of Ura Vajgurore threatened on Monday in the court hall that he would act according to the canon with the attestors who testimonied on Monday. -"Gjinushi: Nano chairman of the Pact". Interview with the Speaker of Parliament Skender Gjinushi. -"Commission: Neither Berisha nor Pollo have declared their wealth". DP leader Sali Berisha and his former alternate have never declared their wealth in the Commission of Declaration and Verification of the wealth of senior officials.

SHEKULLI, independent daily

-"The police fade away 2 kilos of heroine". The head of Tirane Police, Mit'hat Havari suspended on Monday all the employers and the chief of the anti-drugs police office after another grave failure of police on discovering of a drugs network. -"Shemsie: Guilty? Vlore and Kerxhaliu: Former President of fraudulent pyramidal company "Gjallica" accused on Monday her closest cooperator for economic destruction of her company. - "Meta: Italy, a strategic partner of Albania". Albania's Premier Ilir Meta expressed openly his pro-Italian preferences declaring to a diplomat of this country that Italy is a strategical partner of Albania.

ALBANIA, national daily

-"What is happening with DP". -"140 deputies take more money than 500 000 inhabitants of Tirane". -"Greece: Albania prisoners open the Vollosi prison".

"Zeri i Popullit", daily paper of Albanian Socialist party

-"Berisha and Sude, two ex-presidents who have stolen money". -"Nano meets with chancellor Schroder and estimates the reforms". -"Arrested while threatening the members of his victim".

"RILINDJA DEMOKRATIKE" daily paper of Albanian Democratic Party

-"500 million for villas of deputies". -"DP: this is how we will feast the 9th anniversary of party formation".

REPUBLIKA, daily paper of Republican Party of Albania.

-"Scandal in the General Prosecution". -"Mafia of 'Benz' cars uncovered". /A.A/

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[04] Exchange rates in Tirana

Foreing currency exchange rates Currency Buying Selling

US$ 136 136,2

DM 71 71,2

ITL (1000) 71,8 72

GRD (100) 41,8 42 /led/so/

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[05] "Crime of the end of century" testifies war in Kosova

Any war occurring in different world countries is mainly represented in books as a historical testimony for the future.

This is the aim of the book "Crime of the end of the century" written by Arben Kondi, recently published. The author, in the 190 pages of this book, has abridged chronologically tensions of the war in Kosova basing on the information given through different Albanian and foreing TV media, in programmes and interviews given by renowned figures on Kosova crisis.

The book is a chronology held by the author since March 23 when NATO air strikes started, up to June 20, a date which marks the signing of Kumanove agreement.

"I dedicate this book to KLA, all the military activity of NATO and world diplomacy which helped to solve Kosova crisis", Kondi told ATA. /led/so/

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[06] SP Chairman meets with Chancellor Schreder

The German Chancellor hailed the reforms in Albania being carried out by left-wing partied and by coalition government leaded by the socialists. He encouraged the consolidation of reforms and expressed the support of his party and the support of German government.

SP chairman is in Berlin to take part in the International Conference entitled "Political and economical reconstruction in the Southeastern Europe", and in the proceedings of the German Social Democratic Party Congress. /led/A.A/

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[07] U.S. help Albanian Army in Communication field

Present in the donation ceremony, to be held in the communication brigade headquarters in Tirana, will be even the Albanian Defence Minister, Luan Hajdaraga.

This donation will support effective of the Communication Brigade in the military training Herald Hermes 99 - a multinational communication training in which Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece and Romania will take part in the context of the Program for Peace Partnership.

The Albanian Armed Forces bought the equipment and made possible the training, with regard to their use, through the grant delivered by American government for Albania in 1998. The total value of the equipment and training amounts to $ 1 011 525. Albanian armed forces have also utilized an earlier grant worth $ 260 641 donated in 1996 to buy tactical radios. The total value of these grants is estimated to be over 3,5 million Dollars. /sm/A.A/

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[08] France finances $ 250 000 on agriculture

The project of German government on the development of agriculture in Korçe started since 1993 and some $ 1 250 000 are financed so far.

A group of specialists of French Ministry of Agriculture stayed in Korçe during the previous week and organized consultations for extension of this project even in other districts of Albania. /A.A/

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[09] Nano, Serb opposition leader gathered by German Minister

Scharping, chairman of the European Socialist party and deputy chairman of SPD, led by Schroeder, extended an official dinner with the two leaders from Albania and Serbia.

Nano assured Scharping that Albanians not only in Kosova but also in Albania and Macedonia are involved in the integrating processes that will bring about the union of the Balkans with the European Community.

"Serbian opposition should first of all show its European image in Kosova, where fates of the region and the future of former Yugoslavia without Milosevich will be established more than the future of the Albanians who already have it in their hands with the western allies", Nano said to Djindjic.

Participants in the discussion treated issues regarding 'democratic enclosure' of Milosevich regime and commitments coming by the Serbian opposition within Yugoslavia to carry out the same function the Western allies are performing abroad. /led/so/

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[10] U.S. provides US$ 1 million for Albanian Army

This aid is part of Warsaw package initiative of President Bill Clinton since 1994 for countries members of Partnership for Peace.

Limprecht said that U.S. are preparing to officially accord another aid worth US$ 2,3 million for the communication domain of the Albanian army.

"The considerable assistance the U.S. are providing for the Albanian Army will increase its communicating capacities according to western modern parameters", the Albanian Minister of Defence Luan Hajdaraga said.

This donation will help the effective of Intercommunication Brigade, in "Herald Hermes 99" training, started on Monday, a multinational communication training conducted with Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece and Romania in the framework of the Programme for Peace Partnership

Albanian Armed forces have also utilized a grant worth $ 260 641 provided by U.S. in 1996, to buy tactical radios. The total value of these grants envisaged for the Albanian army amounts to US$ 4 million. /led/so/

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[11] DP considers hasty discussion of draft-budget 2000 by Assembly

According to a press statement of this party "hastiness in passing this draft-law cannot hide the fact that it has been drafted and discussed without analysing of the situation at home and without defining the concrete measures to halt corruption and contraband".

The draft-law was submitted to the parliamentary Assembly on November 22 and according to the work programme it was examined by the permanent parliamentary commissions.

Later, the reports were submitted for examination to the parliamentary Economic Commission.

Likewise, the draft-budget was discussed in parliamentary groups and on Thursday it will be discussed and approved in the Assembly plenary session. /led/lm/

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[12] Bernard Kouchner visits Llaushe village

Kouchner was welcomed by a large number of citizens as well as representatives of the commune's leading structures, including the head of the commune, Ramadan Dobra, and the commander of the Kosova Protection Corps for the Drenice zone, General Sami Lushtaku.

Dobra acquainted the guest with the problems facing the population of this zone, among the most damaged areas (with some 1 200 killed and 90% destroyed) and thanked him for helping cope with the difficulties. /led/lm/

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[13] Meta asks cooperation with WB on reforms in administration and legislation

Meta stressed the will of the Albanian government to strengthen institutions and increase cooperation among them.

"Respecting the independence and tasks of each of the institutions, based on the new Albanian constitution, we will not allow any kind of institutional chaos," said Meta.

He asked from the WB and foreign donors to support the projects and priorities to be defined by the Albanian Government.

The WB representative stressed that the project on public administration and juridical legislation is under implementation.

As to the public administration this project will consist in improving and coordinating politics, better handling public expenditures and human resources.

The other direction of the project, which aims improvements in the juridical legislative field, will consist in raising the educational level at the Law Faculty, strengthening of juridical institutions, assistance in creating institutions of alternative solutions, as well as a better distribution of the juridical information. /lh/lm/

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[14] Nearly 130 meters square of quay of freighters terminal is collapsed

Sources from port report on Tuesday ATA that a hole 2 meters deep is the result of the Sunday bad wether.

Referring to the specialists the collapse of this surface has started since some days ago. The anchoring of tens freighters per week after '90 damaged the quay base. The collapse blocked the traffic and at the moment only one freighter is shipped from two shipped normally.

The total value of the quay repairing is some 20 thousand dollars. Port Directorate is working on giving with direct proxy of the operations of the specialized company "Cosmar s.r.l", which is working to extend and modernize the freighters terminal. /led/linda/

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[15] Draft-budget will help strengthen economic, political stability - Meta

The draft-budget for year 2000 will be the budget of macro-economic and public financing consolidation.

Its characteristic will be to lower the budget deficit, financed by internal sources, and to lower the general budget deficit, which also includes capital expenditures, Finance Minister Anastas Angjeli said at the meeting.

Meta said that the draft-law intends macro-economic strengthening, observation of all international obligations of Albania to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other international organisations. It will help strengthen institutions, political and economic stability at home," he said.

The draft-budget for year 2000 was presented on November 22 and later examined by the Assembly's permanent commission. It was also examined by the parliamentary groups and is expected to be discussed and approved by the Assembly at plenary session. /lh/lm/

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[16] EBRD finance reaches to 44 million euro in 1999

Frank explained that this sum includes also the total value of some 40 million euro of the two agreements to be signed on Wednesday.

Meksi and Frank discussed today even about free commercial areas, in particular about Durresi free are and about the development of electric sector and communication.

Minister Meksi, at the same time the Governor of Albania close to EBRD estimated the cooperation with EBRD and asked for strengthening of the ties in the context of Stability Pact for Southeastern Europe.

The agreements to be signed on Wednesday include the finances of ERBD worth 30 million euro on the development of electric system and 10 million euro on the segment Elbasan-Librazhd, part of Corridor 8. /lh/linda/

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[17] Number of homeless people to fall by 30% within 5 years

An action plan on national shelter strategy in Albania is presented by this ministry in one-day seminar held in "Tirana International" Hotel.

According to the organizers, the aim of this plan is to create conditions and mechanisms on constructing the dwelling houses to be afforded even by the families with low incomes. One of the main aims of this plan will be the decreasing of the number of homeless families by 30 within five years.

The construction of dwelling houses for the families with low incomes should be faced with credits lines and subventions by the part of the state and donors, it is stressed in the seminar. At the same time it is asked for construction arrangement plan and a better collaboration between the local government and central on.

The seminar is supported by the Institute of Sheltering and development of Urban Studies in Holland and it is financed by Habit/PNUD project. /lh/linda/

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[18] Custom tariffs to fall by 15% in 2000

For this purpose a project law is presented to Parliamentary Commission of Economy, Finances and Privatization concerning the changing of custom tariffs, which includes two main essential changes, decreasing of maximal custom tariffs from 20% to 18% and gasoline tariffs to 10% from 20%.

Referring to the specialists of the Ministry of Finances, the change of custom tariffs is one of the most important technical requirements of the agreement ESAF 2 with International Monetary Fund. The custom tariff dropped to 20% from 30% in May 1999.

The values proposed for changing of the custom tariffs is foreseen to be enforced on January 1, 2000 and its implementation impact is taken into consideration when drafting the state budget for the coming year. /led/linda/

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[19] Humanitarian associations return to Tropoje

A few days ago one of these associations, "Care International" provided families of Tropoje e Vjeter border communes and of Bytyc with food aid.

According to the district council chairman, Xhevdet Hoxha, a delegation of the International Red Cross has also arrived in this town. In meetings with local government leaders it was familiarised with the emergency needs of the inhabitants of this zone.

Hoxha asked humanitarian aid for 1200 families on the border line, where Serb artillery shelling last spring completely destroyed 26 houses and damaged 45 others. He also asked aid for another 3600 families with minimum incomes. /lh/lm/

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[20] Local Government Ministry announces funds for Tirane, Durres, Elbasan town-halls

According to the press release, some 959 million leks will be provided to the Tirane town-hall for 1999. The fund will address roads, sewers, city cleaning, park adjustment and various reconstructions.

Meanwhile a 10% supplement to the budget of year 2000 has been earmarked for operative expenditures.

A fund of 310 600 leks will address the Durres town-hall for '99 and a supplement of over 16% for year 2000.

The Elbasan town-hall will be given a fund of 181 350 leks for 99 and a supplement of 8.3 per cent for 2000. /lh/lm/

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[21] Speaker of Parliament leaves for Ukraine

The Parliament's press office reported on Tuesday that during its stay in Kiev the delegation will also meet with senior authorities of Ukraine. /lh/lm/

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[22] Unlimited pre-trial custody for "Gjallica" boss

The Tirane district Court had ruled this order at the request of the prosecutor of the case, Birbil Meta, since August '99, when the defendant was arrested in Turkey.

After the collapse of "Gjallica" pyramid scheme, she fled to Turkey, where she was sheltered for two years. On February 10, 1997, the Albanian General Prosecutor's Office issued the arrest order against the defendant.

The Albanian police, in cooperation with the Interpol, arrested her on August 10, 1999 in Turkey. At the request of the Prosecutor's Office she was extradited to Albania on December 5, 1999. She is currently in prison 313 in Tirane.

The debt this firm owes to 97 000 investors is estimated at 325 million dollars. /lh/lm/

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[23] Austrian business invited extend presence in Albania

Albanian Minister of Public Economy and Privatisation Zef Preci on Tuesday invited the Austrian business to increase its presence in Albania.

At a meeting with Austrian Ambassador Riedel in Tirane, Preci stressed that the strategy of Albania's integration into the world economy course necessitates the adoption of concrete steps to facilitate the procedures of introducing foreign investments into Albania.

In this context, according to the Minister of Privatisation, the Austrian business is welcomed to take part in the privatisation of strategic sectors, especially in mining and energy sectors of the Albanian economy. /lh/lm/

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