Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-12-10

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] We are engaged to as active as possible in Stability Pact projects - Meta

[02] Milo, Ranieri discuss on progress of Stability Pact implementation

[03] Press Review

[04] About 2000 families to be sheltered with state budget funds

[05] Exchange rates in Tirana

[06] About 200 000 persons protest against Kosovars imprisonment in Serbia

[07] TDA provides a grant worth US$ 3,6 million for 8th Corridor infrastructure

[08] Minister Hajdaraga asks to intensify cooperation with Hungary

[09] Albanian Parliament Speaker meets with Ukrainian counterpart.

[10] Capital punishment scrapped in Albania

[11] WEU to continue aid in restructuring Albanian police

[12] TDA grant on infrastructure of Corridor 8 marks 3,6 million dollars

[13] Discussion of project budget 2000 in Parliament goes on

[14] Freedom has not arrived in Kosova yet

[15] Hungarian delegation visits CPR unit

[16] Parliament passes budget for 2000

[17] Nearly 30-40% of fuel businessmen are not registered

[18] DP estimates as unworthy decision on final sentence

[19] TDA grant on infrastructure of Corridor 8 marks 3,6 million dollars

[20] Twenty convicts escape execution

[21] DP considers decision on capital punishment invalid

[01] We are engaged to as active as possible in Stability Pact projects - Meta

"We hope the projects we have presented will be taken into consideration, for the importance they represent", said Meta.

Premier Meta praised the engagement of the Stability Pact to support countries that have suffered crises and are the most economically backward ones. In this way it can be realized a real evaluation also for the countries that actively took part in solving the Kosova crisis, the Council of Ministers' Information Department told ATA.

Ranieri expressed the commitment of the Italian government to accelerate the materialization of the realization of the Stability Pact. Continuing he said that they will demand the rapid realization of the presented projects so that time asked for the implementation of the Stability Pact be limited.

Participants at the meeting, regarding the further activity as well as issues brought forward from Albania, said that they will also be discussed at the meeting due in Rome in this framework. /lh/so/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] Milo, Ranieri discuss on progress of Stability Pact implementation

"The structures of the Stability Pact took time to define problems and concrete domains of the implementation of the Pact, mainly in the Economic Table", said Ranieri responding to Milio's concern regarding the rapid initiation of the implementation of the economic projects in the framework of this Pact, the Press Department of the Ministry of Foreing Affairs reported.

For this purpose, in December 17, in Rome will be defined the priorities of the economic projects of each country in the framework of the Stability Pact, said Ranieri.

As regards the process of Albania's integration into EU structures, Ranieri said that "Italy will strongly support Albania's signing, as soon as possible, of the Agreement for the Stability Pact and Association with EU".

Milo also proposed the institutionalization of the relations between respective ministers for Foreing Affairs. He will serve as coordinator for the progress of the bilateral economic relations as well, to pass from the emergency phase to concrete economic cooperation. /lh/so/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] Press Review

"Koha Jone", independent daily

-"Italy : Let's soon realize projects of Meta Government". The Italian deputy Minister for Foreing Affairs Ranieri yesterday at the meeting with Premier Meta confirmed the support for Albania's association with EU. -"DP, definitively refuses Meta's invitation". DP has conditionally responded to the new anti-corruption plan presented yesterday by "Friends of Albania". - "The property of Meta Government passes to Parliament". The most important draft-law for Albanians in the new century, the one "On state budget" to be voted on Friday in Parliament.

"Gazeta Shqiptare", independent daily

-"Fatmir Haklaj's brother: I talk for Hajdari". Interview of Hamdi Haklaj, the eldest of the five brothers of Haklaj family. -"Pact, Ranieri promises aid. Meta: OK, but we are late". Italian deputy Secretary of State Umberto Ranieri paid a formal visit yesterday to Albania.He discussed with the Albanian Premier Ilir Meta on the progress of the Stability Pact implementation. -"Budget 2000, Parliament today gives the green light". After more than two weeks of debates and discussions, Parliament votes on Friday the draft- budget of 2000.

"Shekulli", daily independent

-"Kombinati gang in prison for life". Suitor's representative asked yesterday from the court imprisonment for life for assassins of policeman Azem Meshi. -"Budget, no problem for Meta'. Government defended yesterday in Parliament the state draft-budget for 2000 that is expected to be voted today. -"Zogaj: DAP in Government? This is a civil act". Interview of the state minister and DAP Secretary General Prec Zogaj.

"Albania", national independent

-"Assassin of Azem Hajdari in jail". -"Mustafaj: DP urges anti-corruption in Parliament".

"Zeri i Popullit", daily of the Albanian Socialist Party

-"They killed the policeman, punishment: in prison for life". -"Poci in Berat, the edge of triangle of drugs' trafficking and prostitution". - "Prosecution repeats the demand for the extradition of Pellumb Shehaj".

"Rilindja Demokratike", daily of the Albanian Democratic Party

-"Secret-Plan to penalize opposition". -"Government withdraws, rector discharges".

"Republika", daily of the Albanian Republican Party

-"Italy "shower" for Albania". -"Tirana Interpol: We will cooperate with every one". /so/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] About 2000 families to be sheltered with state budget funds

The government fund for the construction of residences during 2000 will be twice as that of 1999. This fund will make possible the construction of 2000 apartments to accommodate unsheltered families all over our country, stressed Dajci.

According to him, the most emergent categories to benefit from this fund will be families that pay rent for their lodging, as well as the families that have lost their houses in pyramidal schemes.

As to the second category counting about 6 000 families all over the country is expected to be utilized the fund of the Greek government worth 1, 7 billiard leks as well, said Dajci. /lh/sm/so/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] Exchange rates in Tirana

Foreing currency exchange rates Currency Buying Selling

US$ 135 135,4

DM 71 71,4

ITL (1000) 71,4 71,8

GRD (100) 41,8 42

/lh/so/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] About 200 000 persons protest against Kosovars imprisonment in Serbia

At least 200 000 persons participated in manifestations in Prishtina. In this city began today the International Conference for Human Rights.

Protests started at 11:00 a.m. and are still going on. /lh/so/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] TDA provides a grant worth US$ 3,6 million for 8th Corridor infrastructure

The accordance of this grant was confirmed at the 11th meeting of the Coordination Group for Southern Balkans Development Initiative (SBDI) in Skopje.

A part of this fund will be utilized to help Albania, and the other part will be used to buy equipment, to be commonly used in Albania, Bulgaria and Macedonia.

TDA during the last three years has closely cooperated with Albania. Due to this cooperation have been accorded the necessary means for the construction of a reliable transport corridor in Southern Balkans.

TDA, since 1995, has actively promoted the U.S. business interests in Albania. In 1996 TDA donated a fund worth US$ 2.3 million to the Albanian Ministry of Transports to buy the necessary equipment and machineries for the construction of roads and railways. Half of the equipment has been already utilized and is still being used to build the East-West corridor through Durres-Tirane-Qafthane.

TDA this year offered assistance to 62 world countries. /lh/so/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] Minister Hajdaraga asks to intensify cooperation with Hungary

"The experience of the Hungarian army is very important to us, because you have recently adhered to NATO and your experience will serve us to eliminate mistakes that can be made along the way for our adherence to NATO", said Hajdaraga.

Homoki said that the aid protocol signed by the two parties will pave the way for a more intensive cooperation in the future.

The Hungarian Secretary of State Janos Homoki on Thursday signed an agreement to provide a fund worth $52 million for the Albanian army. /lh/so/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] Albanian Parliament Speaker meets with Ukrainian counterpart.

Tkachenko praised as very good relations between the two countries as well as their cooperation in the framework of the Organization for Cooperation of Black Sea countries, PABSEC.

Gjinushi said that the Albanian policy aims at the European integration of the country and it considers as a great opportunity its commitment to the Stability Pact.

Gjinushi expressed his belief that economic relations will be encouraged also within PABSEC. He highlighted the fact that the next meeting of PABSEC General Assembly will be held in Tirana, in 2000. /lh/sm/so/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] Capital punishment scrapped in Albania

According to the chairman of the Constitutional Court of Albania, Fehmi Abdiu, the decision was taken on the basis of the principles set forward by the Council of Europe, as well as on the basis of the Albanian Constitution, which sanctions death penalty, existing since in the previous constitutional provisions.

Attending the meeting organised at the Assembly's Presidency on Friday which discussed the issue of capital punishment, were, besides representatives of the Constitutional Court, members of the Meta cabinet, leaders of the "Alliance for State" coalition as well as chief Prosecutor Arben Rakipi.

Abdiu said that death penalty can be realised only for crimes committed when the state is in a state of war or on the brink of war.

Also, if the persons sentenced to death for crimes in Albania are caught outside the state borders, they cannot be extradited to implement death sentence against them in Albania, said Abdiu.

The 25 - year imprisonment or life sentence appear as the most possible alternatives of capital punishment. Several decisions have been taken since 1995 for persons committing crimes, but capital punishments has not been applied. /lh/lm/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] WEU to continue aid in restructuring Albanian police

"The constant efforts to accelerate the reconstruction of your country and police forces will find the support of the WEU and MAPE's experts," says Cutileiro in a letter addressed to the President of the Republic of Albania Rexhep Meidani on Friday.

Cutileiro visited Albania recently. /led/lm/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] TDA grant on infrastructure of Corridor 8 marks 3,6 million dollars

The offering of this grant is confirmed in the 11th meeting of the Coordination Group of Southeastern Balkan Development Initiative SBDI in Skopje.

One of the grants will support Albania in particular, while two others will be used in buying of equipment of common use in Albania, Bulgaria and Macedonia.

TDA has closely cooperated with Albania during three-years period and as a result of these attempts the main circulation of the equipment to create a trustful transport corridor in Southeastern Balkan is performed.

TDA promoted in active way the interests of USA business in Albania since 1995. In 1996 TDA granted a sum of 2.3 million dollars for the Ministry of Transport in Albania on buying of the equipment and machineries for the construction of the roads and railways. Half of this equipment are taken already and are using on reconstruction of the corridor East-West through Durres-Tirana-Qafe Thana.

TDA offered assistance to 62 countries of the world this year. /lh/linda/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] Discussion of project budget 2000 in Parliament goes on

The project budget is supported by Parliament Members of the majority, who stressed the priorities of this project in their discussions. Some of them considered it as "budget of macroeconomic consolidation", while the deputies of Democratic Party (greatest opposition party) considered the project budget as "poverty budget".

In respond to these opinions Prime Minister Meta said that "personal crises should not be treated as general crises". He pointed out that the government will work harder in implementation of the institutional duties.

The final vote on the approval of the project budget 2000 is foreseen to be held on Friday afternoon. /led/linda/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] Freedom has not arrived in Kosova yet

"Freedom has not yet arrived in Kosova as we have Mitrovica divided and other problems tensioning and aggravating the situation," he said calling for "a full freedom for Kosova".

Demaci called on the Kosova people to "restrain themselves from retaliation, not to give anyone the reason to equal them in the Serbs' crimes."

Also addressing the participants of the international conference on human rights which began in Prishtine on Friday, Demaci called on "all friends, the whole democratic world to make their utmost to save the life and release the Albanian hostages held in the Serb prisons and camps, where horrors are taking place."

More than 200 000 people protested in Prishtine on Friday against holding 7 000 Kosovars in Serb prisons.

The Albanian prisoners, abducted by the Serb forces during the war, are held in Serb jails under terrible conditions of terror. Four of them have been returned killed to Kosova over the last ten days, while another died from tortures upon his return home due to his grave condition.

Meanwhile, the Serb courts have launched a campaign of juridical terror with framed processes, false accusations and draconian sentences against the Albanian prisoners. /led/lm/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] Hungarian delegation visits CPR unit

Mr.Bocka presented the missions of CPR unit in case of natural misfortunes and stressed that this division is the first to be involved in the attempts for Peace Partnership. This unit can offer its help even in action abroad and in earthquake cases, as well.

During Kosova emergency a great part of the staff of "Civil Protection of Republic" was involved in receiving of Kosova refugees. President of Republic Meidani conferred the decoration "Golden Eagle" to this unit. /led/linda/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] Parliament passes budget for 2000

The project stipulates an eight percent increase of GDP. /led/lm/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] Nearly 30-40% of fuel businessmen are not registered

For this puropose the State Control Inspectorate of oil, gas and their sub-products asked for holding of a common meeting with the General Tax Directorate within December 15 to program the activities in conformity with the law "On processing, transport and commerce of oil, gas and their sub-products".

With a reference to the request of this inspectorate the tax offices in districts sent in June 1999 the list of the inscribed subjects, that perform their avtivity in fuel purchase. Referring to the controls the number of the registered subjects is not the same with the ones performing their activity in this field and nearly 30-40% of them are not inscribed. /led/linda/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] DP estimates as unworthy decision on final sentence

"Similar decisions have no value in a country where the justice is driven by politics and is obliged to adopt such decision as release of criminals who have killed several persons", DP spokesperson declared to ATA.

On Friday the Constitutional Court decided to remove the capital punishment for the violators of law, decision that according to chairman of this court Fehmi Abdiu was adopted on the bases of principles set forth by the Council of Europe and the Constitution of Albania. /led/A.A/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] TDA grant on infrastructure of Corridor 8 marks 3,6 million dollars

The offering of this grant is confirmed in the 11th meeting of the Coordination Group of Southeastern Balkan Development Initiative SBDI in Skopje.

One of the grants will support Albania in particular, while two others will be used in buying of equipment of common use in Albania, Bulgaria and Macedonia.

TDA has closely cooperated with Albania during three-years period and as a result of these attempts the main circulation of the equipment to create a trustful transport corridor in Southeastern Balkan is performed.

TDA promoted in active way the interests of USA business in Albania since 1995. In 1996 TDA granted a sum of 2.3 million dollars for the Ministry of Transport in Albania on buying of the equipment and machineries for the construction of the roads and railways. Half of this equipment are taken already and are using on reconstruction of the corridor East-West through Durres-Tirana-Qafe Thana.

TDA offered assistance to 62 countries of the world this year. /lh/linda/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[20] Twenty convicts escape execution

This court began considering death penalty removal when the case of Flamur Rokaj (sentenced to execution), after being rejected by the Supreme Court, was referred to the Constitutional Court.

This case as well as the request of the Council of Europe, which had defined December 26 as the deadline for this issue, helped accelerate the procedure of taking the decision whether to lift or not capital punishment.

The Rokaj case, arriving on November 5, 1999 from the Supreme Court, presented difficulties as the time to examine it was short. Although the decision to scrap death penalty should have been taken by Parliament, the Constitutional Court, after a month of intensive work in examining the whole legislation of the European member countries as well as after consultations with the "Venice Commission", decided to scrap this punishment.

This decision also suspended the execution of 20 persons convicted of crimes by first and second instance courts from 1995 to 1999. /led/lm/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[21] DP considers decision on capital punishment invalid

"Such decisions have no value in a country where justice is guided by politics and is forced to take such decisions, such as considering innocent the criminals who have killed several persons," the DP spokesman told ATA.

The Constitutional Court today decided to scrap capital punishment for the law violators, a decision which, according to the chairman of this Court, Fehmi Abdiu, was taken based on the principles set forward by the Council of Europe and the Albanian Constitution. /led/lm/

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