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Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-12-09Albanian Telegraphic Agency Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) Home Page at <http://www.telpress.it/ata>Albanian Telegraphic AgencyCONTENTS
[01] Government approves credits to inhabitants of Northern overflowed areasTIRANE, Dec 9 (ATA)- Giving credits to inhabitants of the areas overflowed due to hydro-power stations construction in districts of Kukes, Has, Tropoje and Puke was one of the decisions the Council of Ministers approved on Wednesday, the Information Department reported to ATA.A supplementary fund worth 90 million leks was accorded for this purpose to the National Enterprise of Residences from the Council of Ministers' fund. Also, the Council of Ministers made some changes to the decision "On oil, gas and their by-products trading". /led/so/ D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail: Albanian Telegraphic Agency[02] Albanian President awarded "Golden Star of Romania"TIRANE, Dec 9 (ATA) - Albanian President Rexhep Meidani during the visit to Romania was awarded "Golden Star of Romania", while the Romanian President Emil Kostantinesku was awarded "Gjergj Kastrioti" order, for special merits in encouraging relations between the two countries.The decoration ceremony was held at the Presidential Palace, Kotrocen, President's press office told ATA on Wednesday. Meidani met with his Romanian counterpart Kostantinesku. The two delegations held talks to encourage economic relations between the two countries on the new situation created in the region with the end of Kosova crisis and the beginning of the Stability Pact implementation. The Albanian President on Wednesday ended his two-day formal visit to Romania. /led/so/ D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail: Albanian Telegraphic Agency[03] Albanian President ends visit to RomaniaTIRANE, Dec 9 (ATA) - Albanian President Rexhep Meidani and the delegation accompanying him concluded on Wednesday the two-day visit to Romania, where he met with the country's senior officials and discussed the consolidation of the relations between the two countries, President's press office told ATA on Thursday.At the meetings held on Tuesday with heads of the two houses of the Romanian parliament, Meidani asked the consolidation of the relations between the two countries' parliaments. Meidani, on Tuesday, met with representatives of the Albanian diaspora in Romania as well. During this meeting he praised the preservation of the traditions by this community settled in Romania since 400 years. He called for psychological and spiritual union with joint performance to preserve and consolidate traditions. "I agree with the integration, but the continuous preservation of national dignity and the best Nations' traditions are also needed", said Meidani. Romanian Premier, Radu Vasile, in honor of President Meidani, extended an official dinner where different issues on relations between the two countries were discussed. On Wednesday afternoon, Meidani, according to a new tradition respected by all foreing Presidents who pay formal visits to Romania, planted the tree of Albanian-Romanian friendship in the garden of Katrocen Palace. /dast/so/ D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail: Albanian Telegraphic Agency[04] Exhange rates in TiranaTIRANE, Dec 9 (ATA)- By Dorian Koca, Dollar maintained same values in its exchange rates against the Lek on Tirane currency market on Thursday. US$ 1 was bought at 135,4 leks and sold at 135,8 leks.Foreing currency exchange rates Currency Buying Selling US$ 135,4 135,8 DM 71 71,4 ITL (1000) 71,6 72 GRD (100) 42 42,2 /so/ D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail: Albanian Telegraphic Agency[05] Press Review TIRANE, Dec 9 (ATA)- By Urim Bajrami, Follow several of the main headlines of Thursday's papers: "Koha Jone", independent daily-"Government coalition breaks agreement". The attacks of President of DAP against Government have incited SP dissatisfaction against their ally in the government coalition.-"Government puts opposition in two commission". Government's representative, Prec Zogaj, at yesterday's meeting the "Friends of Albania" held with the Albanian opposition said that the fact that representatives of the opposition parties were engaged to discuss the new anti corruption plan in their forumes is very positive. After this they will decide whether they will participate or not.-"Pollo, DP member, only after he declares his wealth". The DP former deputy chairman has immediately reacted against the suspension measure taken by the party at the meeting held two days ago. "Gazeta Shqiptare", independent daily -"Bank : Your roads are miserable". The poor conditions of the roads in Albania constrain the World Bank to give an emergent credit for their repairing.-"Pollo: I can't be expelled". This is what Pollo declared yesterday. He was suspended some days ago by DP extended meeting for Tirana.-"Governor Cani accuses Government". General Governor Shkelqim Cani yesterday accused Government of not taking Albanian Bank opinion when drafting economic laws. "Shekulli", daily independent-"Zogaj - Mustafaj, pact with OSCE". OSCE , yesterday united Government and opposition on fight against corruption.-"Day of expulsion is coming". Genc Pollo urges Berisha to declare in writing his wealth as well as Topalli, Bode or Gjana.-"Bases of arms trafficking with Macedonia found out". "Albania", National daily-"Pollo : Suspension, unlawful".-"Fight in DP leaves socialists in power".-"No investigation on corrupted ministers". "Zeri i Popullit", daily of the Albanian Socialist Party-"Berisha, proclaimed with the majority of votes the most corrupted Albanian".- "Albanian socialists and German social democrats: Joint Commission on activities, initiatives and political undertakings".-"Nano: Albania in EU, this is our commitment for the new decade". "Rilindja Demokratike", daily of the Albanian Democratic Party-"Berisha: Together, to topple new walls".-"2000 Budget, expression of government corruption". "Republika", daily of the Albanian Republican Party-"Ministry sells students scholarships".- "Captured Kurds start protests"./so/TIRANE, Dec 9 (ATA)- By Urim Bajrami, Follow several of the main headlines of Thursday's papers:"Koha Jone", independent daily -"Government coalition breaks agreement". The attacks of President of DAP against Government have incited SP dissatisfaction against their ally in the government coalition. - "Government puts opposition in two commission". Government's representative, Prec Zogaj, at yesterday's meeting the "Friends of Albania" held with the Albanian opposition said that the fact that representatives of the opposition parties were engaged to discuss the new anti corruption plan in their forumes is very positive. After this they will decide whether they will participate or not. -"Pollo, DP member, only after he declares his wealth". The DP former deputy chairman has immediately reacted against the suspension measure taken by the party at the meeting held two days ago. "Gazeta Shqiptare", independent daily -"Bank : Your roads are miserable". The poor conditions of the roads in Albania constrain the World Bank to give an emergent credit for their repairing. -"Pollo: I can't be expelled". This is what Pollo declared yesterday. He was suspended some days ago by DP extended meeting for Tirana. -"Governor Cani accuses Government". General Governor Shkelqim Cani yesterday accused Government of not taking Albanian Bank opinion when drafting economic laws. "Shekulli", daily independent -"Zogaj - Mustafaj, pact with OSCE". OSCE , yesterday united Government and opposition on fight against corruption. -"Day of expulsion is coming". Genc Pollo urges Berisha to declare in writing his wealth as well as Topalli, Bode or Gjana. -"Bases of arms trafficking with Macedonia found out". "Albania", National daily -"Pollo : Suspension, unlawful". -"Fight in DP leaves socialists in power". -"No investigation on corrupted ministers". "Zeri i Popullit", daily of the Albanian Socialist Party -"Berisha, proclaimed with the majority of votes the most corrupted Albanian". -"Albanian socialists and German social democrats: Joint Commission on activities, initiatives and political undertakings". -"Nano: Albania in EU, this is our commitment for the new decade". "Rilindja Demokratike", daily of the Albanian Democratic Party -"Berisha: Together, to topple new walls". -"2000 Budget, expression of government corruption". "Republika", daily of the Albanian Republican Party -"Ministry sells students scholarships". -"Captured Kurds start protests". /so/ D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail: Albanian Telegraphic AgencyThe 12th week of National Championship starts TIRANE, Dec 9 (ATA) - The match between Dinamo-Bylis, to be played on Friday in Tirana, will open the 12th week of the 61th Albanian national championship of soccer. Fixtures of this week are: Dinamo - Bylis Flamurtari - Elbasani Skenderbeu - Lushnja Teuta - Shkumbini Tirana - Shqiponja Tomori - Partizani Vllaznia - Apolonia Follows the clasification after the 11th week: P W D L F A Pts 1. Teuta 11 7 1 3 14 6 22 2. Shqiponja 11 5 4 2 9 4 19 3. Tirana 11 5 3 3 15 5 18 4. Lushnja 11 5 3 3 15 10 18 5. Tomori 11 5 3 3 11 8 18 6. Elbasani 11 5 2 4 11 11 17 7. Bylis 11 4 4 3 15 15 16 8. Dinamo 11 4 3 4 12 11 15 9. Vllaznia 11 4 3 4 12 13 15 10. Shkumbini 11 3 5 3 12 12 14 11. Partizani 11 3 4 4 13 12 13 12. Skenderbeu 11 3 2 6 8 13 11 13. Flamurtari 11 2 1 8 10 21 7 14. Apolonia 11 1 4 6 5 21 7 /so/ D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail: Albanian Telegraphic Agency[06] Germany to help Albania associate with EUTIRANE, Dec 9 (ATA) - By Eva Londo, Albanian Prime minister Ilir Meta will visit Berlin next year in January, while the State Secretary in the German Foreign Ministry, Volfgang Ishinger will visit Tirana in Spring next year to support the agreement on implementation of the Stability Pact and Albania's association with EU.This was reported at the meeting the Chairman of the Socialist Party Fatos Nano held on Wednesday with the State Minister Kristian Zopel and the Secretary of State in the German Foreign Ministry, the SP press office told ATA. The German Social Democratic Party and SP will set up a joint commission to institutionalize the relationships between them. At the meeting with Zopel, Nano responded to his concern on the positive developments in SP and coalition government led by this party. Participants in the meeting discussed about the initiative undertaken in the framework of the Stability Pact and cooperation of the democratic left wing in the region to integrate all factors that altogether perform these processes. /sm/so/ D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail: Albanian Telegraphic Agency[07] Italian Foreing deputy Secretary, Ranieri in Albania on ThursdayTIRANE, Dec 9 (ATA)- By Eva Londo, The Italian deputy Secretary of State for Foreing Affairs Umberto Ranieri will pay a visit to Albania on Thursday, where he will meet with state senior officials, the Press and Information Department close to the Ministry of Foreing Affairs reported to ATA.Ranieri, after the meetings with Albanian state officials scheduled in his one-day visit agenda, is expected to hold a joint news conference with the Albanian Foreing Minster Paskal Milo. Ranieri visited Albania by mid October 1999, to discuss the further cooperation between Albania and Italy and Albania's role in the Stability Pact. /dast/so/ D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail: Albanian Telegraphic Agency[08] Three new health centers constructed in KukesTIRANE, Dec 9 (ATA)- By Riza Hoxha, Operations for the construction of the three new health centers in communes of Shemrise, Shishtavec and Bushtrice in Kukes district, North-East of Albania were recently concluded.A fund of 15 million leks, accorded by the KFW German bank, made possible the construction of these centers. In the meantime, another fund of this bank worth 21 million leks will enable the conclusion of operations for the construction, within the first three months of 2000, of other three health centers in communes of Bardhoc, Bicaj and Dukagjin. These investments as well as those made possible by the state budget and UNICEF have improved health service in the district's remote areas, the head of the health department Shefqet Kumanova reported to ATA. /so/ D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail: Albanian Telegraphic Agency[09] Adherence to WTO brings advantages to Albanian agricultureTIRANE, Dec 9 (ATA) By E.Xhajanka - Benefits of the agriculture sector from Albania's adherence to WTO ( World Trade Organization) and possibilities of agricultural and livestock products' export in markets of EU, was the topic of the conference held by AC/DC VOCA and Ministry of Agriculture and Food on Thursday."The participation in European markets, reduction of customs tariffs from 6 to 3 degrees (5,10,20%) as well as the liberalization of services and licensed activities, are some of the facilities to be benefited from the adherence to WTO", the deputy minister of Agriculture and Food, Selim Dedej said. "We have managed to reduce customs tariffs to 5% for several agricultural and livestock imputes, facilitating their passage to the country, said Dedej. In the meantime for the products that do not meet people' demands (such as vegetables out of production season) we have proposed a 10% customs tariff while for those that currently cover most of the national production, remains a 20% maximal tariff". /sm/so/ D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail: Albanian Telegraphic Agency[10] Albania takes rotating presidency of PABSEC Parliamentary AssemblyTIRANE, Dec. 9 (ATA) - By R.Xhuvani: Albania took on Thursday the rotating presidency of the General Assembly of Organization of the Black Sea Countries (PABSEC), the parliament press office reported to ATA.The rotating presidency of this assembly was quoted as an important event for our Parliament and country by the Parliament Speaker Skender Gjinushi. During his speech Gjinushi pointed out that "Albania's presidency of PABSEC will develop the cooperation between Parliaments to intensify the attempts in harmonization of the legislation by using the parliamentary diplomacy for strengthening of friendly relations between countries". "We will continue to consider the economical cooperation as a main priority for restoration of peace and stability in the region. At the same time we will extend the cooperation with other parliamentary organizations and first of all with the European Parliament. We will actively take part in the process of implementation of Stability Pact for southeastern Europe", said Gjinushi. The 15th session of General Assembly of PABSEC will be held during the forthcoming year in Tirane on June 6-8. /dast/A.A/ D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail: Albanian Telegraphic Agency[11] Political Secretary of Hungarian Defence due to Albania on ThursdayTIRANE, Dec. 9 (ATA) - By Enkelejda Koraqi: The Political Secretary of Hungarian Defence Janos Homoki will arrive on Thursday in Tirane to sign a cooperation protocol between Albania and Hungary, sources from the Defence Ministry reported to ATA.In Rinas airport Janos Homoki will be received by the Albanian Alternate Defence Minister Ilir Boçka. In his two-day visit agenda the Political Secretary of Hungarian Defence is expected to have an official meeting later in the day with the Deputy Minister of Defence Ilir Boçka and afterwards the two parts are expected to sign the cooperation protocol where Hungary signs as NATO member. Jonas Homoki is expected to meet with the Defence Minister Luan Hajdaraga on Friday. This is the first visit of a senior personality of Hungarian defence in Albania after the membership of Hungary in NATO. /dast/A.A/ D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail: Albanian Telegraphic Agency[12] Draft-budget of 2000 - the most important economical document of a year old governingTIRANE, Dec. 9 (ATA) - By R.Xhuvani: Albania's PM Ilir Meta estimated the draft-budget of 2000 as the most important economical and financial document for the one-year old government during the plenary session of the Parliament on Thursday."It is an undeniable the fact that our economy has thrown stabilized steps for the second year in succession. The budget incomes mark the highest levels ever achieved, inflation is under control and the domestic and foreign investment are increasing constantly". The budget of 2000 is another sign proving the seriousness and commitments promised before the electorate", said Meta. Meta pointed out that the government he leads will carry forward the structural reforms as an important priority of social development. He referred symbolically to the budget as a great pact between the government, citizens and private business. The state budget of this year foresees even the treatment of home and foreign debt. During his speech in the Parliament Meta mentioned the increase of wages, and pensions foreseen by the draft-budget of 2000, increase which will be followed even by a second intervention. /dast/A.A/ D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail: Albanian Telegraphic Agency[13] Offered price basic for AMC purchaseTirana, December 9 (ata) - By Elton Metaj - The basic criteria of estimation in the purchase process of Albanian Mobile Company AMC will be the offered price, reported on Thursday ATA the press office of Ministry of Public Economy and Privatization.Albanian Government approved on Wednesday in a special decision on estimation criteria of AMC purchase the proposal of this ministry. According to this decision the purchase criteria will be defined by the Council of Ministers and not by the Ministry of Public Economy and Privatization, as it is decided in the previous decision of the government. Referring to the press office, the fundamental estimation criteria will be the offered price, which will cover 80% of the total estimation points.Such a thing aims at providing maximal transparency and selecting of the best possible investor. Consultant and Transparency Committee on privatization of the sectors of special importance defined five foreign companies to continue the competition on buying AMC share-certificates. These companies are Turkcell, Mobilcom Austria (in collaboration with Telecom Italia), Telenor International (in cooperation with Cosmote), Panfon Greece (in cooperation with Vadafone Europe and Albatel), and MIC USA. /dast/linda/ D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail: Albanian Telegraphic Agency[14] Budget of 2000 - budget of macroeconomic, financial consolidation; AngjeliTIRANE, Dec. 9 (ATA) - By Elton Metaj: Albanian Finance Minister Anastas Angjeli revealed on Thursday during a Parliament plenary session where is being discussed the draft-budget of 2000, that "the budget of 2000 is the budget of macroeconomic and financial consolidation".According to him "the budget comprises, within our possibilities, sufficient sources to finance a stable development of economy and to realize the needs for investments on education, health, culture and strengthening of order and defence". The leader of the finance ministry presented before the deputies the main characteristics of the budget of 2000. After the presentation of main lines of the draft-budget for 2000 Minister Angjeli invited the deputies to adopt it. /dast/A.A/ D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail: Albanian Telegraphic Agency[15] Protest to release Kosova Albanian hostages from Serb jailsPRISHTINE, Dec 9 (ATA)-By B. Jashari, The largest protest to release more than 7 000 Albanian hostages from Serbian jails will be held in Prishtine on Friday.The organizational council, set up by all Albanian subjects, is expecting all protestors to come to the capital from all over Kosova, as the International Conference for Human Rights, organised by UNMIK and OSCE, starts in Kosova. The Albanian hostages, abducted by Serb forces during the war, are held under terrible conditions of terror in the Serb prisons. Four of them have been returned killed to Kosova over the last ten days, while another died from tortures as soon as he was sent home in a grave condition. Only few Albanian hostages have been released so far, under the care of the International Red Cross. They have sounded the alarm that Serb prisons are more than hell for Albanians. Meanwhile, Serbian courts have launched a campaign of judicial terror through framed processes, false accusations and draconian sentences against the Albanian hostages. The Albanian outstanding poet and activist, Flora Brovina, abducted by the Serb forces at her home in Prishtine last April, is brought for the third time to the Serb court of the Nish city in Serbia. /dast/lm/ D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail: Albanian Telegraphic Agency[16] Distribution of Governmental fund for inhabitants in danger from land slideKukes, December 9 (ata) - By Riza Hoxha - Albanian Government accorded 106 980 264 leks for the inhabitants of Kolesian village,Kukes district, whose houses are destroying due to land slide.The head of economic division in district council Xhavit Germizi told ATA that the number of the people to profit from this fund is 237 or 98% of the total number of the village inhabitants. According to Mr.Germizi the distribution of this fund is foreseen to be completed within this week. The land slide phenomena in Lolesian village, 20 km way from Kuksi town, in the road Kukes-Peshkopi, has stated since years by causing a real concern to inhabitants of this village. The geology specialists performed different studies concerning the earth formation in this village and resulted in its instability and asked for transferring of the people to another area. /dast/linda/ D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail: Albanian Telegraphic Agency[17] Albanian businessmen attend a training course in GreeceGjirokaster, December 9 (ata) - By E.Serjani - 20 Albanian businessmen from the field of commerce, production and services started on Monday two- weeks training course organized by "Helenic Foreign Trade Board" HEPO, in Ioannina, Greece.The course program consists of wide activities specific for the countries in economic transition, where the market economy has just started and the business in its first steps. General Counsel of Albania in Ioannina Ilirian Zhupa told ATA that"the qualification of the business people is of great interest not only for Albanian business, but even for the Greek one, which recently is increasing its presence in Albania". /dast/linda D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail: Albanian Telegraphic Agency[18] DP will take part only in institutional commissions against corruptionTIRANE, Dec. 9 (ATA) - By A.Haxhiu: Albania's Democratic Party (DP) will not take part in any commission which depends on the legislative, but it will participate only in the institutional commissions, that are parliamentary commissions, DP Secretary for Foreign Relations Besnik Mustafaraj reported on Thursday.According to him the participation of DP in an anti-corruption commission demanded previously by PM Ilir Meta is not in the function of combat against this phenomenon for as long as this commission depends on the legislative. The pronunciation of Mustafaraj was connected, as he said, with the meeting held on Wednesday in OSCE office in Tirane with the participation of OSCE ambassador Ahrens, representatives of Albanian government and opposition, U.S.A. and German ambassadors in Albania. "In this meeting, said Mustafaraj, are discussed issues regarding the ways of fight against corruption in Albania". As regards to the fight against corruption Premier Meta had demanded the creation of a anti-corruption governmental commission and has invited the opposition parties to take part, request which continues to be rejected by DP. /led/A.A/ D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail: Albanian Telegraphic Agency[19] Membership in WTO brings advantages to Albanian GovernmentTIRANE, December 9 (ATA)- By E.Xhajanka-The benefits of agricultural sector due to Albania membership in WTO and the possibilities of exporting agricultural and animal products in EU markets, was the topic of the conference organized by AC/DC VOCA and Ministry of Agriculture and Food held on Thursday."The participation in European markets, reduction of custom tariffs from 6 to 3 degrees (5,10,20%) and the liberalization of services and licence activities, are some of the facilities to be profited from the membership in OBT", said in conference the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food, Selim Dedej. "For many agricultural and animal inputs,we managed to drop the custom tariffs to 5%, providing facilities in entering in our country, said Dedej.In the meantime for the products that do not meet people demands ( like vegetables out of growing season) we have proposed a custom tariff of 10%, while for those that cover a considerable part in domestic production, the tariff of 20% is kept". /linda/ D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail: Albanian Telegraphic Agency[20] Prices Index falls by 1,2% in November 1999Tirana, December 9 (ata) - By Dorian Koca - The Index of Consumption Prices ICP marked a fall of 1,2% in November 1999 compared with the value marked in the same period previous year, reported on Thursday Albanian Institute of Statistics INSTAT.Referring to INSTAT, ICP in November 1999 reached to 215,46% against December 1993, by marking an increase of some 0,78% against the value marked previous month. ICP decreased by 3,2% if compared with the value marked in December 1998. The Index of Consumption Prices dropped 1,8% in October 1999if compared with the value marked in the same period previous year by reaching to 213,79% against December 1993. /lh/linda/ D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail: Albanian Telegraphic Agency[21] Ahrens interested in aid OSCE can give to Constitutional CourtTIRANE, Dec 9 (ATA)-By Gj. Filipaj, Geert Ahrens, ambassador of OSCE office in Tirane, on Thursday showed interest in the aid this organisation can give to the Constitutional Court.In his meeting with Fehmi Abdiu, Chairman of the Constitutional Court, Ahrens expressed interest in the constitutional provisions and the Constitutional Court's competences, this court's organsiation and functioning, the nature of the cases it handles and the execution of the Constitutional Court decisions and other issues. The head of the constitutional court told Ahrens that there have been few cases of encountering difficulties in executing Constitutional Court's decisions. Abdiu also familiarised Ahrens with the fields in which OSCE can help the Constitutional Court. By the end of November, President Rexhep Meidani met with representatives of OSCE, European Commission and the Council of Europe in Tirane and asked these organisations to help the Constitutional Court of Albania. /led/lm/ D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail: Albanian Telegraphic Agency[22] American assistance on Albanian development to continue even in the future, says LimprechtTirana, December 9 (ata) - By E.Xhajanka - The ending ceremony of IFDC first project is held at the International Fertilizers Development Center IFDC in Tirana.I am positive that American assistance through its projects on developing of Albanian economy will continue even in the future, stated USA Ambassador in Tirana Joseph Limprecht. IFDC project started in 1992 and contributed in establishing of a stable farmers system to fulfill their needs with agricultural inputs and fertilizers. This project is financed by USAID and reached to 24 million dollars. Albanian private economy, through this project, made possible to fulfill 100% the country' needs for fertilizers and 80% the needs for seed (imported or produced home). IFDC is one of the most successful examples of USA assistance fro Albania, said USAID General Director Sumka. /lh/linda/ D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail: Albanian Telegraphic Agency[23] Economy Commission proposes expenditures increasing in 2000Tirana, December 9 (ata) - By Dorian Koca - Parliamentary Commission of Economy, Finances and Privatization accepted on Thursday the request of some parliamentary commissions on increasing the expenditures for 2000, by referring to the ones proposed by the Ministry of Finances in the project law.According to the head of this commission Arben Malaj "we reached to the conclusion that the expenditures in budget 2000 will increase to 1,075 billion leks. 490 million out of this sum will be used on economic assistance, 167 million leks on operative expenditures, 386 million leks on investments, 28 million leks on subventions and 4 million leks on wages and salaries". This commission in cooperation with the experts of Ministry of Finances concluded that the sources of covering this increasing will be the increases if the incomes plan in several divisions. The commission accepted even the proposal related with the increasing the level of conditioned expenditures for the sum of 726 million leks and transfering of the funds from operative expenditures to investments of 165 million leks. /lh/linda/ D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail: Albanian Telegraphic Agency[24] DP rejects state draft-budget on local self-governingTIRANE, Dec 9 (ATA)-By A. Haxhiu, The Democratic Party (DP) on Thursday rejected the state draft-budget for year 2000 regarding local self- governing.The draft-budget has defined as a local budget an amount of 5, 263 billion leks, covering only three per cent of the state budget, at a time that the central budget is 149,086 billion leks, the head of the DP local government department told a news conference on Thursday. He said that in this draft-budget, the financing to the local government is not balanced and does not take into account the territorial repartition of local administration. Albania's Assembly on Thursday started to discuss the state budget for 2000. The improvement of relations between the central and local budgets has been regarded as one of the priorities of this draft-law. /lh/lm/ D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail: Albanian Telegraphic Agency[25] Police achievements should be furthered - PociTIRANE, Dec 9 (ATA)-Public Order Minister Spartak Poci on Thursday emphasised the importance of consolidating the ongoing police achievements, the Public Ministry press office reports.Poci, who was present at the analysis of the one-year performance of the Berat prefecture police, stressed the importance of organising the work against organised crime in all forms of its manifestation. So, the upgrading of the scientific level of police is required along with their juridical and professional levels. /led/lm/ D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail: Albanian Telegraphic Agency[26] President of Albania-Taiwan association withdrawsTIRANE, Dec 9 (ATA)-By E. Londo,The initiator of the Albania-Taiwan friendship association and its president of honour, Deputy Neritan Ceka, announced his withdrawal from this office on Thursday. The reasons that made him take this decision have to do with the change of China's position towards the Kosova issue as well as towards Albania, with China offering investments and expressing the desire of becoming serious economic partner with Albania, Ceka told a news conference. Also, Albanian President Rexhep Meidani will make a formal visit to China this year. Ceka also called on all deputies, members of this association, to withdraw their membership, as the political phase of this association is over. "This association can remain in the functions of establishing trade relations with Taiwan, but free of any political stripes," he said. The Albania-Taiwan friendship association was created several months ago on the initiative of a group of deputies to enable the implementation of several projects worth several million leks. /lm/ D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail: Albanian Telegraphic Agency[27] Agreement on Hungarian aid for Albanian army signedTIRANE, Dec 10 (ATA)-By Gj. Filipaj, Secretary of State at the Hungarian Defence Ministry Janos Homoki signed an aid agreement on the Albanian army in Tirane on Thursday.The delegation, which arrived in Albania on Thursday plans to conduct several meetings and visits in the context of bilateral relations and partnership for peace. It was received by the Albanian Deputy Defence Minister Ilir Bocka and the two sides exchanged views on bilateral cooperation between the armies and the current situation in the region. Meanwhile, an aid worth US$52 000 provided to the Albanian Army by the Hungarian Army has already arrived in Albania. It consists of computers, satellite antennas, telephones, 35 mine-searching devices and other articles. The aid is offered in the context of the projects drafted by NATO for the Partnership for Peace countries. The delegation will be received on Friday at a separate meeting by Defence Minister Luan Hajdaraga. This is the first time a Hungarian military delegation has visited Albania, since Hungary's admission in NATO. /lh/lm/ D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail: Albanian Telegraphic Agency[28] PM Meta asks from EU aid to modernise customs systemTIRANE, Dec 9 (ATA) - Albanian Prime Minister Ilir Meta on Thursday had a working meeting with the European Union (EU) representative on customs, Tomas Carol, who was accompanied by EU ambassador in Tirane Michel Peretti and the chief of "Cain Albania", Natalina Cea.According to the Information Department, Meta, evaluating the contribution these organizations have given to the Albanian customs, confirmed the determination of the government to promote cooperation in this field. It is necessary that great projects are realised to modernise the customs system to improve its performance and facilitate the work to prevent economic crime. The EU representative expressed his consideration for the Albanian government performance and stressed that there will be important projects that will give a new impulse to the Albanian customs. /lh/lm/ D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, Albania E-Mail: From the Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) Home Page at http://www.telpress.it/ataAlbanian Telegraphic Agency Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |