Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 00-01-07

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] National Theater defines strategy for 2000

[02] Press Review

[03] Exchange rates in Tirana

[04] Serbia increases forces in Presheve, Bujanovc and Medvegje

[05] Normal traffic on Tirana roads

[06] Treasury bonuses worth 9,1 billion leks sold

[07] Three men from Lazarat open gunfire against police armoured vehicle

[08] Institutionalisation of ruling coalition in Albania - objective of HRUP for 2000

[09] Some 53 new books for students during '99

[10] Traffic of vehicles on Albania roads is normal

[11] Year 1999: 850 hectare of agricultural land hired

[12] Treasury bonds worth 9,1 billion leks sold

[13] Draft-law on elections to be discussed by OSCE representatives and Albanian opposition

[14] Mineral licenses issued for 287 private subjects

[15] German Red Cross accords DM 2 million on rehabilitation of Kukes hospital

[16] Council of Terrority Regulation of Republic of Albania passed four construction studies

[17] His Holiness Anastassios attends Mass said in Bethlehem

[18] Destruction of illegal construction behind Palace of Culture

[19] Albanians and Greeks hold talks on obstacles at border crossings

[20] "Everlasting is Albania" - a book for all Albanian immigrants throughout world

[21] Albanian Minister of Foreign Affairs expects for opening of Interconnection Office in Kosova

[22] Weather forecast for Saturday

[01] National Theater defines strategy for 2000

National Theater, the biggest staging institution in Albania, on Friday defined the way of communication with public for 2000.

The active repertoire of the National Theater, alternated with the shows of the private Theater "Publimedia", will make up the artistic programme of the first two months of 2000. In the meantime, during the whole year it is envisaged to put on stage several premieres, the head of the National Theater, Xhevdet Ferri, said.

According to him, 12 projects have been presented for 2000, of which the artistic-administrative Council of this institution will soon select the shows to be staged. /lh/so/

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[02] Press Review

Koha Jone, independent daily "Destroyers of national road blocked". Premier Ilir Meta yesterday met the heads of the main institutions and asked to block companies that use rivers gravel for construction. "Godo: Berisha misunderstands, we do not agree to early elections". Republican Sabri Godo reacted yesterday after the declarations of DP leader Berisha, according to whom DP and AUR (Albanian United Right Wing) will advance together towards early elections. "We issue the criteria that candidates in the local government elections should meet". Interview with Genc Ruli, president of the Institute of Contemporary Studies.

Gazeta Shqiptare, independent daily

"State treasury risked". The State treasury door breaking due to the ground sliding alarmed yesterday the Ministry of Public Order, which only in the evening made known that the State Treasury in Qafe-Krrabe had had no problems. "Meta is not obliged to leave FRESSH" According to FRESSH Secretary General, Monika Kryemadhi, Premier Meta has no statute obligations to leave the post of the head of the youth forum. "Klosi: Bukoshi's accusation is a calumny". Bukoshi's accusation is a defamation that no one can trust. This is how the head of the State Informative Service, Fatos Klosi, reacted.

Shekulli, independent daily "Poci: Gangs disappear, now we are fighting crime". Ministry of Public Order on Thursday conducted its annual analysis at the presence of Premier Ilir Meta. "Ceka: Order the strongest point of 'Meta' Government". Interview with the head of Parliamentary Commission of Order and SHISH, (State Informative Service), Neritan Ceka. "Xhaferri: Sali Berisha, negotiator of Ramiz Alia". Democrat Deputy, Ferdinand Xhaferri, on Thursday responded through an interview to accusations of DP chairman Sali Berisha, against opponent reformers.

Albania, national daily

- "New elections: Opposition." - "DP celebrates and prepares for a great victory." - "Rudi Vata, footballer of the year."

Zeri i Popullit, daily of the Socialist Party of Albania.

- "Criminal must be seen straightforward and hit in the forehead." - "Commandos in Vlore, in two months 100 vehicles blocked." - "Savings Bank has ready the money of pyramid schemes, but it is waiting for the lists from Arapi."

Rilindja Demokratike, daily of the Democratic Party of Albania.

- "Treasury of Krraba plundered." - "Construction firms kill people."

Republika, daily of the Republican Party of Albania.

- "Pro-Majko prefects fall." - "Corruption brings about wild killers." /so/xh/

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[03] Exchange rates in Tirana

Foreign currency exchange rates Currency Buying Selling

US$ 135 135,3

DM 71 71,4

ITL (1000) 71,3 71,7

GRD (100) 41,2 41,5 /lh/so/

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[04] Serbia increases forces in Presheve, Bujanovc and Medvegje

The press of Prishtina wrote on Thursday that some 140 thousand other special police troops from Nish have been installed in the commune of Bujanovc. He said also that Serb police checking points have been functioning in Albanian ethnic dwelling places such as in Gryka e Koncullit, in the biggest village, Ternoc, and in the villages Llucan, Nasalc and some other villages. /lh/xh/

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[05] Normal traffic on Tirana roads

According to sources of traffic police, on Friday, differently from the two previous days, there is a normal traffic of vehicles in most of Tirana streets.

The streets with the busiest traffic are as usually those of Kavaja, Durres, Jean d'Arc, Bajram Curri and some segments of Tirana Ring. /lh/xh/

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[06] Treasury bonuses worth 9,1 billion leks sold

Interest rates marked a decrease in this auction, where maximal interest rates varied from 15% to 15,7 % and the minimal interest rates varied from 14 % to 15 %.

According to sources from the Albanian Central Bank, as regards bonuses with three-month maturity period the amount declared to be sold was of 2,5 billion leks, while investors demanded 2,46 billion leks. The maximal interest rates accepted were 15% and the minimal interest rates 14 %. As regards bonuses with three-month maturity period, six demands were issued, which were all accepted.

Regarding bonuses with six-month maturity period, the amount declared to be sold was of 2,5 billion leks, while investors demanded 3,1 billion leks. The maximal interest rates were 15,4 % and minimal interest rates 14, 9 %. As regards bonuses with six-month maturity period there were presented 4 demands, of which only three were accepted.

Regarding bonuses with 12-month maturity period, the sum declared to be sold was 4,5 billion leks, while investors demanded 4,2 billion leks. Maximal interest rates were 15,7 % and minimal interest rates were 15,03 %. As regards bonuses with 12-month maturity period, seven demands were issued, which were all accepted.

The main buyers of treasury bonuses issued by the Albanian Government were banks of the second level. /lh/so/

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[07] Three men from Lazarat open gunfire against police armoured vehicle

According to these sources, the event occurred at about 7.45 p.m. on Thursday, in the place called the turn of Lazarat on the Kakavije- Gjirokaster national road, in southern Albania, when police patrol was found under the rounds of automatic rifles and a light machine gun.

A police armored vehicle was patrolling at that hour on the national road when it was hit by the shells which, according to the police report, have fortunately caused no victims among the patrol members. Immediately after this event, police forces started searching the culprits, but profiting from the darkness and the terrain, the three youths could hide deep in village Lazarat.

From investigation and reports of police, the culprits of the attack are nationals Sokol Skendi, Sherif Kazma and Arjan Gapa, the three from village Lazarat.

Work is continuing for the full inquiry into the event and the gathering of legal documentation for this penal act. /xh/

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[08] Institutionalisation of ruling coalition in Albania - objective of HRUP for 2000

According to him, this is linked with the defining of the modalities and rules for the proper functioning of the coalition both in the centre and the grass roots, which will influence in the future of the government and the state.

The good functioning of this coalition, according to Melo, is a premise for the results of the coming local polls.

Referring to these elections, HRUP has not yet a clear platform if they will be presented through the "Alliance for the State" or as a separate party. Clarifying this aspect, Melo explains that the representation in the local elections as a coalition would demand the creation of spaces for the representation of the parties, something which for the moment has not been made. /lh/xh/

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[09] Some 53 new books for students during '99

The number of books' copies varies up to 30 500 copies. This figure has increased twice as against 1997. Also, the publication cost of a book is reduced by 74 leks less, as against the last two years.

What we aim at, said Xhaxhiu, is the increase of the number of university texts, the reduce of the printing costs and selling prices. Great attention has been paid to the graphic presentation, realization of outlines and illustrating pictures, covers and so on.

SHBLU during 2000, said Xhaxhiu, will give priority to the printing of texts used by a great number of students, mainly of the Economic faculty, Medicine, History-Philology, Sciences of nature, Law and others. /lh/so/

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[10] Traffic of vehicles on Albania roads is normal

According to these sources, the normal movement of the vehicles of all capacities increased after the work made in most difficult segments by the staff of street-bridge maintenance enterprise, especially on the roads of northeastern and southeastern zones of Albania, but also due to a slight increase of temperatures. The roads in those zones were cleaned from the thick ice layers and scoria and salt was poured on them, the same sources explained.

The difficult movement of the vehicles due to the ice layer started on the first day of this year and continued for 6 successive days. /lh/xh/

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[11] Year 1999: 850 hectare of agricultural land hired

The Ministry of Agriculture, during 1999, began for the first time on country scale the process of agricultural land hiring.

According to sources from the Ministry of Agriculture, by this process during this period have been hired over 850 hectare state land, and have been registered over 5000 transactions carried out by farmers themselves.

At the same time attention has been paid to the process of property consolidation, creating in this way a total registration system for real estates.

Currently, operate 2300 cadastral zones out of 3046 or 76 % of the area, 2050 cadastral zones or 65% of the area have been evidenced, and has been issued the documentation in registration offices in 1100 cadastral zones. /lh/so/

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[12] Treasury bonds worth 9,1 billion leks sold

Interest rates dropped during this auction, where maximal interest rates varied from 15% to 15,7 % and the minimal interest rates varied from 14 % to 15 %.

According to sources from the Albanian Central Bank, as regards bonds with three-month maturity period the amount declared to be sold was of 2,5 billion leks, while investors demanded 2,46 billion leks. The maximal interest rates accepted were 15% and the minimal interest rates 14 %. As far as the bonds of three-month maturity period are concerned, six demands were issued, which were all accepted.

Regarding bonds of six-month maturity period, the amount declared to be sold was of 2,5 billion leks, while investors demanded for 3,1 billion leks. The maximal interest rates were 15,4 % and minimal interest rates 14, 9 %. As regarding bonds of six-month maturity period 4 demands were presented,and only three were accepted.

Regarding bonds of 12-month maturity period, the sum declared to be sold was 4,5 billion leks, while investors asked for 4,2 billion leks. Maximal interest rates were 15,7 % and minimal interest rates were 15,03 %. Seven demands were issued for the bonds of 12-months maturity period and they were all accepted.

The banks of second level were the main buyers of treasury bonds issued by the Albanian Government. /lh/so/

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[13] Draft-law on elections to be discussed by OSCE representatives and Albanian opposition

The draft-law, which defines the structure of the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) and the way of organising the elections, has been drafted based on the new constitution. It has been submitted to the Assembly from the government. The content of the draft-law has not convinced the opposition, which has totally rejected it.

According to the draft-law, the seven CEC members are elected by the Assembly, the President and the High Council of Justice, while the electoral subjects, based on the constitution, are represented in the CEC without voting right.

The last law on elections was drafted in 1997 by the consensus of all political forces. /led/lm/

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[14] Mineral licenses issued for 287 private subjects

Referring to them, 68 licenses are issued on chromium mineral exploitation, 37 objects of them are privatized with all assets, while the rent contracts are signed for the other ones. Three mineral licenses are issued on coal exploitation, while Memaliaj mine, the greatest of the country, is privatized by two private subjects.

The coal mine in Lozhan (Korce) is privatized and the ministry issued four research permissions.

18 from 287 licenses are issued to foreign private subjects. Some 41 licenses are renewed during the second half of the year 1999. /lh/linda/

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[15] German Red Cross accords DM 2 million on rehabilitation of Kukes hospital

According to the same sources the rehabilitation of this hospital will be made within a short period of time because it is the only hospital where all the deceases are treated and all kinds of operations are made except the operations on heart and brain.

A great number of inhabitants of northeastern Albania including Kukes, Has, Krume, Bajram Curr and Tropoje are treated in this hospital.

The German Red Cross is successfully operating in the field of Albanian health for many years. /led/A.A/

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[16] Council of Terrority Regulation of Republic of Albania passed four construction studies

The Council, led by the Prime Minister Ilir Meta, passed the study on construction site of Kuksi Airport, which is building up through the financial contribution of Arab United Emirates.

The Council adopted the study on construction site and license for the new custom of Qafe-Botes in Konispol (Sarande), whose construction is foreseen to mark some 4 million dollars.

The members of the council passed the study on protecting boundary line of the area Leskovik-Erseke, having as its priority tourism development and the town planning study of Fieri town center.

Some changes in town planning study of the area from Hotel Turizmi to Kanali i Cukes (Sarande) are discussed in the meeting, but due to the remarks their approval is postponed for the next meeting. The approval of the study of the inhabited center of Ksamil and the study "On management of Albanian Coastal Area" is postponed as well. /led/linda/

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[17] His Holiness Anastassios attends Mass said in Bethlehem

A delegation from the Albanian Orthodox Autocephalous Church, headed by archbishop of Tirane, Durres and of all Albania, His Holiness Anastassios Iannulatos, attended the Mass said on Friday morning in Bethlehem of Jerusalem on the occasion of celebrating Christmas.

According to the press office of the church, the Mass, which is held in Jerusalem according to the old Julian calendar, is also celebrated in several states such as Russia, Georgia.

The Mass, which was celebrated in the magnificent Basilica of Bethlehem, set up on cave where Christ was born, was attended by 13 patriarchs and archbishops of Orthodox Churches, headed by Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Vartholomeu I.

At the end of this Mass a joint message was read.

His Holiness Anastassios was accompanied by Metropolitan of Korce Johani and the chief-secretary of the Sacred Synod, Protopresvita Jani Trebicka. /lh/lm/

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[18] Destruction of illegal construction behind Palace of Culture

Like the last actions undertaken by the construction police, the owners themselves have started to dismantle the buildings. Although in some other bars of the area, where the known bar-restaurant "Berluskoni" is located, the work goes on normally.

This most preferred area, where ten years ago one of the most beautiful public gardens is constructed, did not escape from the "kiosks' epidemic" that came out last years all over the capital.

This region was full of trees before these constructions took place, while the kiosks' constructions have concreted the green surface, and cut all the trees, as well. /led/linda/

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[19] Albanians and Greeks hold talks on obstacles at border crossings

Albanian Foreign Minister Paskal Milo on Friday draw the attention of the Greek Government on the two latest measures applied against Albanian nationals at border crossings.

At a meeting held at the Foreign Ministry with the first secretary of the Greek Republic Embassy in Tirane, Ana-Maria Bura, Milo said that "for the good of cooperation, the Albanian government should be preliminary announced of the implementation of such unilateral measures, in order to find a way to solution".

The measures taken by the Greek government have to do with the non- recognition of the international license issued by the Albanian state as well as with the necessity for the Albanian nationals with Schengen visas to have an amount of 35 000 Greek drachmas to go to Greece.

The obstacles encountered by the Albanian nationals at the Albanian- Greek border crossing has been explained by the Greeks with Albania's not being member in the Geneva Convention of 1968 on transport of vehicles and goods.

"So far we have been based on the Convention of 1949 which was signed by the Albanians side," the Information Director at the Foreign Minsitry, Sokol Gjoka" said, adding that the negotiations which have started to clarify this issue are yielding the first positive results.

The representative of the Greek Embassy in Tirane, Ana-Maria Bura, stressed at the meeting that she would immediately convey the concern of the Albanian Foreign Ministry to official Athens. She expressed the hope that ways will be found to eliminate the recent problems as soon as possible. /led/lm/

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[20] "Everlasting is Albania" - a book for all Albanian immigrants throughout world

Present in the ceremony organized on this occasion was the President of the Republic Rexhep Meidani, historians and distinguished personalities of the Albanian art and culture.

The twin authors, actually living in Austria, landed into the Albanian soil at the age of 30 and have published this book in the name of all the Albanian immigrants throughout the world.

The book is conducted in a form of a conversation about the right of the oldest nation in the Europe, Albanian people, where the authors are based in accurate historic data. It comprises a bibliography of 100 main titles of the English Albanologists (scholars of Albanian studies).

"Given that the book is drafted in the essay conversation form we should not be surprised when immediately after Aleksander and Pirro follows the liberation of Skopje by Albanians. These omissions are acceptable for these kinds of books with free conversations. This book is like an anthology of national issues", Prof. Bahri Beci writes in its preface.

The book is of special importance because it reflects chronological information connected with the development of our nation with all the civilization attributes which rank this population up to the altar of the noblest nations.

The publishment of a similar book was estimated during the presentation as an initiative which is worth not only for the diaspora, but even for the circuits of foreign information systems which play an important role for sensitizing our problematic in the Balkan space. /led/A.A/

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[21] Albanian Minister of Foreign Affairs expects for opening of Interconnection Office in Kosova

As the Press Office Director Sokol Gjoka stated in a press conference "the delays in responding to the request of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are related with the analysis of the requests of the other countries, which ask for opening of such office in Kosova".

According to him, the existence of other offices of this kind is due to the settlement of the military troops of these states and their direct participation in solving the problems of the country.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs presented to UNO its request for opening of interconnection office in Kosova in September 1999, and it is reiterated during the visit of Albanian Minister of Foreign Affairs in UNO General Assembly. This request is addressed even to UNO administrator in Kosova Mr.Bernard Kouchner during the visit of Foreign Minister Paskal Milo in October. /led/linda/

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[22] Weather forecast for Saturday

The weather will be mostly clear. The wind will blow lightly and averagely from northeast.

The lowest and highest temperatures are forecast to be: in the mountains -9 and 2 degrees, in lowlands -4 and 8 and in the coastal areas - 2 and 10 degrees Celsius. /a.ke/lm/

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