Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 97-12-13

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] NEW OSCE AMBASSADOR ARRIVES IN ALBANIA

[02] GREEK FEDERATION GIVES PRESENTS TO STUDENTS OF GREEK MINORITY

[03] CONCERT OF AUSTRIAN-ALBANIAN ENSEMBLE "TIRA"

[04] ALBANIAN CITIZEN FOUND DEAD IN YUGOSLAV TERRITORY

[05] PRESS REVIEW

[06] UNIDENTIFIED PERSONS KILL GUARD OF RESERVE WAREHOUSE

[07] ALBANIAN PRIME MINISTER FATOS NANO IN LONDON ON DEC 14

[08] ALBANIAN PARLIAMENT SPEAKER GJINUSHI MEETS WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF PUKE DISTRICT

[09] REACTIONS OF ALBANIAN REPUBLICANS ON LOCAL POLITICAL SITUATION

[10] NANO SAYS FILES WILL RUN THEIR COURSE

[11] 10 THOUSAND JOBS LESS IN ADMINISTRATION UNTIL MARCH 1998 - SP conference

[12] ALBANIA'S IS MAKING STEPS FORWARD UNDER THE NEW GOVERNMENT PARTY COALITION - SDP chairman Gjinushi meets PASOK delegation -

[13] NANO OPPOSES CRITICISMS ON SP MILITANTS NOT BEING APPOINTED TO LEADING POSTS

[14] DRAFT-BUDGET TO BE SUBMITTED TO PARLIAMENT SOON

[15] FOREIGN CURRENCIES "SHED" SOME GAINS

[16] AN AUSTER MONETARY POLICY IS STILL IN FORCE

[17] U.N. GENERAL ASSEMBLY APPROVES RESOLUTION ON HUMAN RIGHTS IN KOSOVE

[18] GREEK BUSINESSMEN OFFER THEIR PRODUCTS

[01] NEW OSCE AMBASSADOR ARRIVES IN ALBANIA

Ambassador Everts held meetings on Thursday and Friday with Albanian senior government officials such as prime minister and party leaders.

Everts aimed at continuing and intensifying the activity the OSCE had started since the elections of June 29 focusing in close cooperation with the Albanian authorities in human rights, media and law on securing assistance for electoral system.

The OSCE representative will continue to provide a coordinating framework for activities of other international organisations, diplomatic missions and NGOs operating in Albania, in close cooperation with the Albanian government.

These mandates were reconfirmed in the meeting of the OSCE permanent council, which was held in Vienna on December 11, 1997. s.sh/kled/ak/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] GREEK FEDERATION GIVES PRESENTS TO STUDENTS OF GREEK MINORITY

"We distributed some 400 packages for the students in Mesopotam, Krane and "Kosta �avo" in Delvine and pupils of the eighth year school in �uke, Saranda district. While 50 other packages were given to the teachers, " Llambros Dhrossos, deputy head of the Federation in �uke said to ATA adding that no distinction was made in nationality.

The presents estimated at 6 million Drachmas included satchels, school equipment and stationary for school directorates.

Spiro Llajo, principal of the school in �uke, said that this association recently put a bus at the disposal of the pupils and teachers, and covers the annual spending. s.sh/kled/ak/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] CONCERT OF AUSTRIAN-ALBANIAN ENSEMBLE "TIRA"

This ensemble has performed more than 60 concerts and presented two compact discs with folk music in Albania in the last three years.

Monika Mat, representative of the Austrian association for education and culture development thanked the Albanian Ministry of Culture, which enabled the implementation of a common project between the two states.

Albania-Austria cultural association has sponsored the School of Arts in the city of Shkodra and helped publish two books of the Albanian dissident writer Kasem Trebeshina. It has also accorded some scholarships for arts and organised tours of Albanian folk groups in Austria.

The "Tira" Ensemble will perform a charity concert in the main hall of the International Culture Center in Tirana early on Sunday. kled/ak/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] ALBANIAN CITIZEN FOUND DEAD IN YUGOSLAV TERRITORY

It reported that Xhavit Ibish Lleshi, 41, born and inhabitant of Kishaj village, of Has district, North of Albania, was killed with fire arms on Friday at 02.00 a.m. in the area of the post D 5/3 near the border command of Pogaj, Kukes district, 1,5 meters in the Yugoslav territory.

The Albanian side urged the Yugoslavs to hold a meeting of respective commissions but the later refused, the same source said.

The Albanian commander of the Morina Pass had a meeting on Friday with the commander of the Vernica border command. The latter said that the victim was found dead and that was not an incident thus the experts could not meet, the source added.

The body of the victim was handed over to the Albanian officials of the Morina Pass border command by the Yugoslav authorities. ak/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] PRESS REVIEW

"I have not intended to sell the national interests to foreigners. The protection we are asking for is in favour of Albanian interests," the paper quotes prime minister Nano as saying.

The paper covers the meeting of the Socialist leader Fatos Nano with the Pasok delegation in the second page under the title "Albanians, non- colonial partners." Failed visit of the DP leader in Shkodra, the paper reports under the title "Berisha took away, but did return nothing to Shkodra."

"Constitutional court juridically adopts two different stances," the paper says in the fifth page. In the same page the paper carries an interview with Sabri Godo, the co-chairman of the parliamentary commission on the draft of constitution under the title "Godo: We should go ahead with the constitution." Banks are business, not state cash-box," the paper reports in the economic column.

"Democrats commemorate the DP founding and the first anti communist demonstration in Shkodra," the newspaper Rilindja Demokratike reports under the title "Berisha exited the city of Shkodra." "Shkodra gives the signals of victory" is the title of the editorial. Berisha returned to Shkodra particularly for this fact, to save Albania and start the great victory of democracy, the editorial says. "Visas' traffic put in motion the neighbouring state," the paper reports under the title "Italian prosecutor's office starts investigations in Embassy." Government drafted a detailed platform to give a final blow to the constitutional court, the paper reports under the title "Bezhani handed over files drafted in SHIK offices." Albanian banks will be sold to foreigners," the paper reports in the fifth page. "Agrarian Bank merges with Savings Bank", it says.

"Deviated policy" is the title of the editorial of Koha Jone.

"Former chief of SHIK has ordered the opening of military depots" the paper quotes Neritan Ceka, Interior Minister as saying. "We possess documents, which destroyed the state," Ceka said.

Senior PASOK members later on Friday met with Socialist leader in the SP headquarters within 24 hours from the rumors caused by the interview of prime minister Nano with "La Repubblica" the paper says under the title "Athens runs to Tirana."

Unidentified persons have recently threatened prosecutors of the General Attorney's office, dealing with contraband, through anonymous phone calls and direct threats, the paper says under the title "Contraband threatens justice." Contraband accuses police chiefs. Three senior local officials under investigation, the paper reports.

The Albanian Trade Minister urges his Montenegrin counterpart to clear out trade relations, the paper says under the title "Vukaj: open the Hani Hotit."

Clashes between gangs in prison. "Zani" clashed with Gaxhai. A policeman sent to hospital, the paper reports.

"Italian Mafia makes the law in Albania," is another article carried by the same paper.

"Berisha starts his tour on the seventh anniversary of the Democratic party," the newspaper Albanian says under the title "Shkodra urges new elections."

"Albanian state does not exist any more. A mafia clan, coming to power five months ago, runs all traffics that of cigarettes, fuel, drugs, prostitution, illegal aliens, weapons, money laundering . . .," today's editorial says under the title "Prime minister leads contraband." "Milo strongly rejects Nano's proposal on Italian protectorate," the paper says under the title "Austria questions about aid." "Kosova, a new threat for the Balkans" is another article carried by the newspaper in the fourth page.

"Banks are bought by foreigners" the paper reports in the fifth page. In the same page it says "VEFA: Banks continue stealing."

"12 people leaving Karpeni for Brindisi were turned back," the paper says under the title "Another dinghy intercepted by Italians."

"Interior minister presents facts on visas abuse to Italian Ambassador," the paper Dita says under the title "Ceka: This is the visas scandal." "Italian deputy consul involved in traffic," the paper says. "Nano: We need even Greece to enter into E.U.", is another article carried by the newspaper in the second page.

"DP leader warned of new elections in spring" the paper says under the title "Berisha: Strike to overthrow Nano."

"Compromise for unity, Washington's suggestion ignored," the paper says under the title "Transport chiefs changed." "Prosecutor's office: Mazreku sentenced to 16 years in prison," the paper reports in the tenth page.

Rilindja covers the news conference of the leader of Kosova Republic, Dr Ibrahim Rugova, under the title "Serbia should recognise Kosova's independence to be free of sanctions."

"International conference of Petersburg warned of putting the Kosova issue and its solution to a special international initiative," the paper says under the title "Kosova clarifies Dayton? . . . "

"Kosova forced Serbian officials to walk out of the Bon conference" is another article carried by the paper.

"Minister Kondi favours death punishment," the paper says.

"Berisha or policy of division" is the title of the editorial of Shekulli. "Berisha insisted on gathering Shkodra people in protests against the government, calling on them to use all the means to achieve his aim," the editorial says. "Head of the Socialist party meet with PASOK representatives later on Friday," the paper says under the title "Nano: Greece, our priority."

"Massacre in prison, Zani hit policeman," the paper says in the second page. "Bourse waits buyers and sellers for shares," the paper reports in the economic column.

"Justice minister Kondi against abrogation of death penalty," the paper says in the third page.

"Though a triumph reception is being organised for former president, present head of state is forced to return his helicopter due to bad weather cancelling his visit in the northern city," Gazeta Shqiptare says under the title "Meidani returns to sky, Berisha arrives in Shkodra."

"Dilemma between Islam and West still exists" is the title of the editorial.

"Incident in Tirana prison repeated. Zani and two others hit the policemen," the paper says under the title "Zani revolted in prison." "Tight measures against super detainee," the paper says.

"Returned emigrants threaten with hunger strike," the paper says in the fifth page.

"Drugs in Albania: Italian mafia under investigation" is another article carried by the paper. kled/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] UNIDENTIFIED PERSONS KILL GUARD OF RESERVE WAREHOUSE

They exchanged fire with the guards of the warehouse claiming the life of Ramiz Sula, 43, guard and inhabitant of quarter 14 in Durres. ake/kled/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] ALBANIAN PRIME MINISTER FATOS NANO IN LONDON ON DEC 14

The Albanian delegation, according to the spokesman of the Prime Minister, will also consist of Mr Milo and Mr Bufi, respectively Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Economy and Privatization. The spokesman Blushi said that the delegation will be completed with respective specialists of the Albanian Government.

"This visit is not spontaneously made only some days before England takes the EU rotating presidency," said Blushi.

Asked of the objective and priorities of the visit of PM to London, Blushi declared that "Albania will ask support also on the basis of the agreements planned by EU countries." Blushi said that the talks will also focus on the question of Kosova and declared that "the Albanian government is pleased with the reaction of the British Foreign Minister in Bonn on the question of Kosova, recently."

Another important part of the visit will also be the contacts of the Albanian government with a number of companies which are interested in investing in Albania. Blushi mentions as priorities the field of oil and minerals.

Blushi said that Mr Nano will have important political meetings and an exchange of messages with the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair. ssh/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] ALBANIAN PARLIAMENT SPEAKER GJINUSHI MEETS WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF PUKE DISTRICT

According to the PM's spokesman, they talked on the questions actually concerning people of Puke. A special emphasis was placed on the problems related with the inhabitants living in zones which risk to have land slides, on the agricultural land occupied by industrial buildings and the question of supplying this remote zone with wheat. They discussed the fixed prize of wheat which the people in Puke cannot afford. ake/pas/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] REACTIONS OF ALBANIAN REPUBLICANS ON LOCAL POLITICAL SITUATION

"The Prime Minister and other leaders of the state administration should speak Albanian. The not well-thought declarations and justifications prove of the failure of the Government to treat the problems of the state at these moments," declared RP leader Fatmir Mediu in his weekly conference today.

With regard to the trafficking and reports on the involvement of some government officials in it, Mediu opposed the creation of a Government Commission led by Deputy Prime Minister Fino for the control of this trafficking, because "there is a judicial confrontation of ministries participating in this commission."

"Only a government-parliamentary commission can make this control, and participation of SHIK in it is completely absurd and unmotivated," said Mediu.

He presented the idea of his party that the ministers and high officials of the state administration who encourage the trafficking, besides legal prosecution, must be deprived of the right of working in the state administration for 25 years. Mediu stressed that the present situation makes indispensable the creation of a commission for the verification of the assets of the power-holders.

"The Republican Party has demanded an immediate interference of President Meidani to eliminate the conflict between the Constitutional Court and the Parliament, considering absurd the request for an imposed rotation, which turns this Court into an instrument of the party in power," said Mediu in conclusion. pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] NANO SAYS FILES WILL RUN THEIR COURSE

Nano did not speak of concrete names at the Socialist Party news conference today, but so far the press has declared the names of ex-deputy Interior Minister Agim Shehu and others, whose files have been opened for "crimes", according to former opposition members, during the time of unrest and earlier. s.sh/lm

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] 10 THOUSAND JOBS LESS IN ADMINISTRATION UNTIL MARCH 1998 - SP conference

"So far, 1 000 places of work have been cut," said Nano, "this number will increase more because the state cannot continue with a large administration in the market economy we want to build."

"Under my signature for the new appointments in the administration which I have to approve, there is a note which reads "For a three-month period," during which the employee will show if he can perform his job correctly or not." ssh/pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] ALBANIA'S IS MAKING STEPS FORWARD UNDER THE NEW GOVERNMENT PARTY COALITION - SDP chairman Gjinushi meets PASOK delegation -

Cukatus, Political Secretary and assistant to the Prime Minister of Greece, Simitis, stressed the Greek readiness to support Albania's developments in the bilateral and multilateral aspects.

Speaking in the name of the SDP, Gjinushi said that this party considers as very important the relations with Greece. "We have a clear program of development, which in cooperation with and assisted by the international community, will be realised step by step," he said.

In reply to a question on the present role of the opposition in eliminating the consequences of the crisis, Gjinushi said that a part of the parliamentary opposition, represented by Berisha, seeks to provoke a new crisis with the destructive consequences that his regime brought about.

"Also for the European Parliament," said eurodeputy Rubatis, member of the delegation, "Berisha's staying out of the Parliament is inconceivable, as are his means and methods towards the new governing, following the profound crisis that Albania experienced."

Gjinushi voiced his determination to make the country with a democratic Constitution, following the legal procedures and for a continuous process of the economic reforms to guarantee stability in the country.

Taking part in the meeting also were socialdemocrat ministers, Milo and Apostoli. ssh/pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] NANO OPPOSES CRITICISMS ON SP MILITANTS NOT BEING APPOINTED TO LEADING POSTS

"The state is not any longer the cow to be milked by the party," said the PM, "this is not not the government of Fatos Nano, neither the government of the party of Fatos Nano, but a government of all the people."

Thus, Nano replied directly criticisms in some party conferences that Socialist party members and militants are not being appointed to leading posts. pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] DRAFT-BUDGET TO BE SUBMITTED TO PARLIAMENT SOON

The team of IMF and World Bank has just ended consultations with the Albanian government to define the new state budget for 1998, which will be presented in the future in government and parliament by Finance Minister Arben Malaj, said Blushi.

The two priorities in preparing the draft have been the strategy of privatisation and administration. Blushi declared that next year the budget deficit as opposed to GDP is estimated at 10 per cent, while currently it is minus eight per cent.

Other important parts will be the ceiling of the state credit for private companies, at $ 40 million.

The spokesman said that inflation which currently is 40 per cent is predicted to be at an average quota of 20 per cent during the next year and at 10 % by the end of 1998.

Blushi dwelt on the performance of the anti-corruption government committee and said that if in September 1996 the import taxes resulted in $ 39 million, in September 1997 these taxes resulted in $ 67 million.

"During the DP governing only 600 tons out of 3000 tons of import coffee were cleared," said Blushi, also referring to other imports which speak of an increasing amount of money collected from taxes. s.sh/pas/lm

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] FOREIGN CURRENCIES "SHED" SOME GAINS

In the informal market the average exchange rate was $1 = 148,5 lek, lossing 1,75 points compared with yesterday 150,25 lek. While the German currency DM was traded for 84,2 lek, lossing 1,12 points compared to yesterday's 85,32 lek. ITL (1000) traded for 84,8 lek and so on.

Saturday average exchange rates

Currency Average exchange rates

USD 148,50 lek

DM 84,20 lek ITL (1000) 84, 80 lek GRD (100) 53,40 lek SFR 103,20 lek

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] AN AUSTER MONETARY POLICY IS STILL IN FORCE

"But the implementation of such policy can't be successful if it is not coordinated with an austere fiscal policy," said Governor Fatos Ibrahimi. "For we can't have a macroeconomics stability, based only on emergent and present condition."

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] U.N. GENERAL ASSEMBLY APPROVES RESOLUTION ON HUMAN RIGHTS IN KOSOVE

According to sources of the Albanian Foreign Affairs, through the Resolution the U.N. General Assembly voiced again its profound concern on the grave violation of the human rights in Kosove and called on the authorities of the Yugoslav Federal Republic to end repression and discrimination towards the ethnic Albanian population in Kosove.

The Resolution puts Belgrade authorities before demands to reopen the educational institutions, to permit the formation of the democratic institutions, an immediate and unconditional permission of OSCE long-term missions in Kosove and the beginning of dialogue with ethnic Albanians. The relations of Yugoslavia with the international community will depend on the improvement of the human rights situation in Kosove.

The resolution attracts special attention to the non-implementation of the Agreement on Education and denounces the use of force by Serbian police authorities towards the peaceful protests held by Albanian students. It also demands from the U.N. Secretary General that in consultation with the U.N. Higher Commissioner on Human Rights and with international regional organizations, to continue efforts to find the ways and manners for the establishment of an international monitoring presence in Kosove. ake/pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] GREEK BUSINESSMEN OFFER THEIR PRODUCTS

According to sources from the Tirana Chamber of Commerce part of offers are submitted here, through the commercial attache of Greek Embassy in Tirana, aiming at establishing links on mutual interest for both sides.

So Greek firm "Cooperative Cereals Industry" wants to sell in Albania various brands of flour, while the "Hellenic Gases Industry" offers gas for industrial consumption, etc.

With the situation being stable in Albania, Greek businessmen have augmented their offers towards the agriculture sector like the "Megara Municipal Fertilizers Co". Other offers come from the "Papaemanuel Ltd, Solar Energy" which produces systems exploiting the solar energy.

Other Greek companies like "Iris International S.A" and "Mochlo Ltd" which produces jeans outfits and school articles want to establish links with Albanian partners.

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