Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 97-12-18

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] ITALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER ARRIVES IN ALBANIA

[02] PRESIDENT MEIDANI VISITS REPUBLIC OF SAN MARINO

[03] DISAPPEARANCE OF PAPERS DOUBTS ALBANIA'S OIC ADHERENCE - spokesman

[04] ALBRIGHT EXPRESSES US CONCERN ABOUT KOSOVA SITUATION

[05] MY PRESENCE AIMS TO ENCOURAGE POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC TIES - Dini

[06] EU SHOULD BE THIRD PARTY IN THE TALKS ON KOSOVA - Dini

[07] REPATRIATION OF REFUGEES SHOULD HAVE BEEN MADE GRADUALLY - Dini

[08] ALBANIAN PRESIDENT ASKS LIBERALIZATION OF VISAS TO ITALY FOR ALBANIAN SET PROFESSIONAL GROUPS

[09] I ASKED FROM MILOSEVIC SOME FORMS OF AUTONOMY FOR KOSOVA - Dini

[10] "NO PROTECTORATE, CLOSE TIES BETWEEN TWO COUNTRIES" - Dini

[11] NANO, DINI CONFIRM VERY GOOD LEVEL OF ALBANIAN-ITALIAN RELATIONS

[12] PRESS REVIEW

[13] ALBANIA'S PARLIAMENT SPEAKER MEETS ITALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER

[14] GOVERNMENT TO ELECT CONSTITUTIONAL ASSEMBLY - DP

[15] ITALY TO OFFER ALBANIA 527,2 BILLION LIRAS - Dini

[16] NGO's DISCUSS JUDICIARY

[17] ARMOURED VEHICLES PATROL HOTBEDS IN TIRANE DISTRICT

[18] EUROPE ENCOURAGES GREEK INVESTMENTS IN ALBANIAN CONSTRUCTION SECTOR

[19] FOURTH CONFERENCE OF SP BRANCH HELD IN VLORE

[20] AROUND ECU 20 MLN FOR ALBANIAN MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION

[01] ITALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER ARRIVES IN ALBANIA

Italian Foreign Minister Lamberto Dini arrived in Tirana this morning for a one day formal visit to Albania.

Dini will hold talks with his Albanian counterpart Paskal Milo who received him at Rinas airport.

Afterwards Italian Foreign Minister will meet President of the Republic Rexhep Meidani, Prime Minister Fatos Nano and Speaker of Parliament Skender Gjinushi.

Dini will also meet the chairman of the DP, the major opposition party, Sali Berisha.

Later Dini will meet Italian entrepreneurs working in Albania.

During his stay in Tirane Dini is expected to sign with Minister Milo four decisive agreements: a statement of understanding on Albanian-Italian cooperation and a memorandum of understanding on emergency interventions in the sector of cooperation; an agreement on scientific and technical cooperation with Minister of Education and Science Et'hem Ruka; a memorandum of Understanding on application of the law 212 in Albania with the Secretary of State, Ermelinda Meksi.

Dini will end his visit with a joint news conference with the Albanian Foreign Minister.

Today Dini will attend an end-of-the year concert performed by the RAI symphonic orchestra, to be held for the first time in Albania, at the opera house in Tirane, and which will be a requiem for Mother Teresa. pas/lm

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] PRESIDENT MEIDANI VISITS REPUBLIC OF SAN MARINO

Expansion of cooperation and bilateral relations, especially in economy and culture, was a topic of discussion with the Regent Captains, according to the President's press and information office.

Meidani pointed to the historical links the have existed since the Skenderbej period, when the two peoples defended the values of European civilisation.

Meidani made a presentation of the political developments, social problems and difficulties Albania is undergoing. The two sides agreed to create a joint commission to draw a similar economic legislation between the two countries, to encourage investment and economic exchanges as well as to reach an agreement on cultural and sports exchanges.

In his meeting with leaders of powerful firms of San Marino as well as in that at the Chamber of Trade of Mantova, which was also attended by Mayor Gianfranco Burcciellaro, deputies and business representatives, Meidani said Albanians welcome investments in various fields such as tourism, agriculture, food industry and other fields.

Meidani said that efforts are being made in Albania for the state administration to be more transparent and serve foreign investments.

The meeting in the Mantova municipality focussed on strengthening exchanges between this rich region of Italy with Albania. a.ke/pas/lm

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] DISAPPEARANCE OF PAPERS DOUBTS ALBANIA'S OIC ADHERENCE - spokesman

"Experts of the ministry interested in the papers found only some lists including names of officials attending the protocols or official visits in the Islamic world in the archive of the Presidency; nothing else, " the spokesman said.

The Foreign Ministry said that it lacks official papers.

"We declare that the truth about the papers on Albania's adherence to OIC is in the hands of those who governed during the last five years and first in Berisha's hands. The fact that the papers have disappeared from all state institutions dealing with Albania's adherence process in this international organisation shows again the doubtful character of its membership," the spokesman said expressing concern about the motifs of such an act, which he calls in question.

He stressed that the Foreign Ministry will publish everything available on this issue.

The press on Thursday quotes Godo as saying that the papers the Foreign Ministry possesses on Albania's adherence to OIC "are insufficient to provide conclusion on that diplomatic step of the Democratic party governing." ake/pas/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] ALBRIGHT EXPRESSES US CONCERN ABOUT KOSOVA SITUATION

She answered the questions of Gani Azemi, leader of the office of the Kosova Republic in Benelux and European Union member states on the North Atlantic Alliance' policy to prevent conflict in Kosova saying that they are much concerned about the situation in Kosova. She held that it is very important to have a common stand on the Kosova issue in the framework of the Alliance.

Albright also expressed hope to work together and engage in peacefully resolving problems, which are more urgent in Kosova. pta/pas/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] MY PRESENCE AIMS TO ENCOURAGE POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC TIES - Dini

Relations with Italy were considered of priority for the Albanian foreign policy. Institutionalisation of cooperation between the two ministries was discussed in this context.

"My presence in Albania as Italian Foreign Minister aims at further encouraging political and economic relations between our two countries," said Dini.

The statement of understanding on cooperation between the Albanian and Italian Republics was signed on this occasion at the Albanian Foreign Ministry.

The statement on emergency interventions based on cooperation between the two countries was also signed.

The Albanian side asked the release of a 22 bln lira fund for emergency cases.

Milo also signed an agreement, according to which the Italian government provides Albania with 6.5 bln lira to be used in health care. Two billion lira out of this sum will be granted.

In the framework of multilateral relations, the Italian government, a European Union member state, will urge facilitating conditions for Albanian emigrants in Italy, Albania's integration in the European Union and in Central Southern European Initiative.

The meeting was focused on corridor 8, in which the Italian government and other European Union member states are interested in. It hailed the steps undertaken by the Albanian government to negotiate with Yugoslavia what will help establish a cooperation between them to resolve the Kosova problem. pas/lm/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] EU SHOULD BE THIRD PARTY IN THE TALKS ON KOSOVA - Dini

"The presence of EU in the Albanian-Serbian talks on Kosova is indispensable," said today the Italian Foreign Minister, Lamberto Dini during talks in the Albanian Foreign Ministry with his counterpart Paskal Milo.

According to the Foreign Ministry spokesman, Sokol Gjoka, Mr Dini hailed the steps of the Albanian Government for the negotiation with Yugoslavia and said that this would help cooperation between them and would contribute to the solution of the question of Kosova.

The Albanian Government asked the Italian party to mediate in the EU to find the formulae for the solution to this question.

"Dini promised to make his own contribution to this issue which he considered very serious during the visit to Belgrade, demanding as an indispensability EU's presence in the negotiations between Prishtine and Belgrade," said the spokesman.

They in the meeting launched the idea to organize a conference in Tirane by mid 1998 which would focus on the question of Kosova and the peace in the Balkans.

"To this end, Belgrade's commitment and EU's pressures are useful to bring Yugoslavia to that conference," said Gjoka.

Italian Minister Dini discussed last Monday in Belgrade with his counterpart Milan Milutinovic the question in Kosova. During the talks, Mr Dini had expressed to Milosevic his concern for the growing tension in the region of Kosova, in which 1.8 million Albanians live. He said that it was high time that the agreement on education, signed more than one year ago by Milosevic and the leader of Albanians of Kosova, Ibrahim Rugova be implemented. The agreement envisages participation of Albanian pupils and teachers in the public school system.

This would be "the first step towards reduction of tensions in Kosova and a good basis for a continuation of the talks on the solution to the issue" of the province, Dini had said then.

Albania refused on Tuesday Belgrade's demand for the normalization of the diplomatic relations, independent media of Belgrade had cited Albanian Foreign Minister, Paskal Milo.

The first proposal in this direction was made by the Yugoslav President Milosevic during the meeting in Crete with Albanian Prime Minister Fatos Nano. Minister Milo considered the situation in the region of Kosova as "very dangerous."

The official Tirane will continue to support the demands of the Albanians of Kosova. pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] REPATRIATION OF REFUGEES SHOULD HAVE BEEN MADE GRADUALLY - Dini

"More efforts should have been made for their integration in the Italian life, taking into consideration the conditions in Albania. Therefore, the emigrants who are there for the moment will be provided with stay permits," said the Foreign Ministry spokesman, Sokol Gjata, after the meeting held between the two ministers. Gjoka explained that Prodi decree will not be annulled, and the possibilities for employment in Italy will be created.

Due to the immediate implementation of Prodi decree, some hundreds of Albanian refugees, who went to Italy during the riots of March, were deported to Albania, after several blitz operations of the Italian police.

Albania's Foreign Minister Milo asked Italy to increase number of seasonal emigrants, as well as the number of scholarships for the Albanian students in Italy.

With regard to the problem of giving Italian visas to the Albanian citizens, it was decided that the two consulates, to be opened soon in Vlore and Shkoder, be not honorific but functional. /pas/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] ALBANIAN PRESIDENT ASKS LIBERALIZATION OF VISAS TO ITALY FOR ALBANIAN SET PROFESSIONAL GROUPS

In the meeting with Mr Dini who paid a one-day visit to Albania, President Meidani insisted in the opening of Italian consulates in Vlore and Shkoder and the realisation as soon as possible of seasonal emigration in Italy.

Dini expressed his evaluation for what has been attained in Albania in the few last months. "You have created all conditions that the concrete results of the international aid for the country's recovery be yielded since the first half of 1998, while the agreements signed today give a very concrete view to the Italian assistance and support for Albania," said Minister dini.

Italian Minister hailed the will of the local authorities in Albania to improve and adopt the economic legislation to the European one, not only as an indispensability for the foreign investments but also for the continuous integration of the country in the EU and NATO.

President Meidani mentioned Albania's efforts for Balkan stability and understanding and pointed out that the very unstable state in Kosova is a threat not only to the region but broader. He asked a great international pressure on Belgrade to sit for talks with Prishtine and to restore trust in the observation of the legitimate rights of the Albanians there.

Minister Dini highlighted the steps towards the normalization of the relations of Albania with the neighbours and voiced the conviction that Belgrade has understood well the messages of the European community and the U.S. and that the road of dialogue with President Rugova will yield its fruits. ssh/ss/pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] I ASKED FROM MILOSEVIC SOME FORMS OF AUTONOMY FOR KOSOVA - Dini

"Certainly," said Dini, "the question of Kosova which Belgrade authorities consider an inner question, is in the attention of the international community. We should find this question's solution through dialogue and we do fully agree with the Albanian Government on this point."

"During the meeting with Milosevic, I told him to take the initiative for the realisation of the agreement of Albanian education signed in 1996," said Dini, because schools and the university there are still closed."

"We do not demand to have conflicts in the Balkans because there have been a lot; we will solve the issue through diplomatic ways," said Mr Dini, who considered Kosova the most important point of the talks with the Yugoslav president. ake/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] "NO PROTECTORATE, CLOSE TIES BETWEEN TWO COUNTRIES" - Dini

"We interpreted positively the climate of the statement made by Albania's Prime Minister Fatos Nano, with the desire to have very close relations between the two countries," said the chief of the Italian diplomacy.

"Anything that Italy can do for Albania, will be undoubtedly in concordance with the Albanian government. We are here to respond to the demands of the Albanian government," said Dini.

"Albania has considered Italy as the door towards Europe and Italy will be ready more than anyone else to keep this door open," said Minister Dini.

Lamberto Dini arrived in Albania on Thursday morning and held meetings with senior authorities of the state, government and the opposition.

"The aim of my visit was to sign agreements with Albania, to accelerate our projects for the land of eagles, because Albania needs this acceleration of the economic and institutional cooperation," said the Italian Foreign Minister. /a.ke/pas/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] NANO, DINI CONFIRM VERY GOOD LEVEL OF ALBANIAN-ITALIAN RELATIONS

"We and the whole international community, which appreciates and encourages the current action to overcome the crisis, ask you not to withdraw from any pressure coming from the road and the boycott of institutions," Dini told Premier Nano. "The maturity and citizenship, manifested by the government against the acts of the opposition, are hopeful for the future of Albania," said Dini, who added that he will ask the Democratic Party to take up seats in Parliament.

Lamberto Dini pointed out that he agreed with the request of Premier Nano to accelerate deadlines for the delivery and beginning of common programs of cooperation between Albania and Italy.

The Italian Foreign Minister guaranteed the Albanian Premier for the support that Italy will offer to Albanian not only in the process of integration into Euro-Atlantic structures, but also in accelerating the signing of an accord, which will promote the cooperation between Albanian and the European Union.

With regard to the problems of the region, both senior officials shared the common viewpoint to increase dialogue between parties in the Balkans, as well as to continue the philosophy of cooperation, reached in Crete between the Balkan leaders. "In this logics, the extremist stands and forces, which mine the process of stability in the Balkans, should be prevented, and the moderated stands should be encouraged as much as possible. This is condition for the future of the Albanian issue," added the Italian Foreign Minister, who voiced readiness to support the idea of Premier Nano for the organization of a Balkan Conference in Tirana within the coming year.

Meanwhile, Italy has asked and will continue to ask Belgrade the implementation of the agreement on education, as well as the beginning of negotiations with the leader of Albanians, Ibrahim Rugova. /a.ke/pas/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] PRESS REVIEW

"Bomb in Gjirokaster and Fier", Rilindja Demokratike says stressing that "students of the Eqrem Cabej University in Gjirokaster boycott auditoriums for fear of terror".

As regards events in Gjirokaster Koha Jone says:"Anti-government terror?", under the title:"The ministry defines avenues. It might be confrontation between traffickers".

Zeri i Popullit says:"Terrorism raises police".

Gazeta Shqiptare covers this topic under the title:"Police attack the crowd", under the headline :"Series of incidents in front of the Greek consulate".

"South: bombs' uprising", says Albania.

Republika entitles the article on the Gjirokaster events: "Ministry accuses Ceka, Commissariat contraband".

Dita: "Two explosions after arrival of special forces", under the headline :"Panic remains present in Gjirokaster".

Dita covers the polemics on the documentation of the Foreign Ministry regarding Albania's adherence to the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC,) under the title "Foreign Ministry: Islami, a suspicious issue," with the subtitle "DP has taken the whole documentation." "Berisha stole the file of Islami," reports Shekulli with the subtitle "The truth on the documentation is in the hands of those who ruled," and under the headline "Foreign Ministry denounces the disappearance of paper on Albania's adherence to the Islamic Conference." "The Islamic Conference, the archive disappeared," Koha Jone carries an article with the subtitle "Berisha is accused. Godo asks explanations for the relations of Albania with Islamic countries."

Among the other titles of the dailies, we quote "ZP - "Malaj: Budget '98, ambitious and solid;" RD - "Hundred million dollars for the rebellion;" Republika - Islami and Fino confess about smuggling;" Koha Jone - "Relations with Belgrade freeze;" Gazeta Shqiptare - "Reconciliation with Belgrade flees away;" Albania - "The integrity of Albania on anger;" Dita - "Greeks eager to build in Albania" and "Small wages open way to corruption;" Shekulli - "The country without capitalists is called colony." /pas/lm/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] ALBANIA'S PARLIAMENT SPEAKER MEETS ITALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER

Gjinushi pointed out that "the priority of Albania in the foreign policy is the integration into the Euro-Atlantic structures, and the role of Italy here is of special importance."

The Italian Foreign Minister appreciated the cooperation with the Commission of Venecia in the process of drafting the new Albanian constitution. "All the political parties should be included in this process and we are ready to give our aid in this direction," he said.

"We will make efforts to convince the Democratic Party to turn back to Parliament, said Dini. I think that new elections should not be discussed now. The opposition should give its contribution in parliament and in the process of drafting the constitution." /a.ke/pas/mt/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] GOVERNMENT TO ELECT CONSTITUTIONAL ASSEMBLY - DP

"With regard to the constitution, we offer consensus for the content, said Berisha, and invite the government alliance to give us the consensus for the procedures. We are ready to go to the referendum through a common agreement," said Berisha.

Along with these statements, the chairman of the largest opposition party, presented to Dini all the complaints and grave accusations on "the organized crime," "government smuggling," "the violence on justice," and others. /a.ke/pas/mt/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] ITALY TO OFFER ALBANIA 527,2 BILLION LIRAS - Dini

The Italian party put at the disposal of the three-year program of Cooperation for 1998-2000 financial sources to the tune of 180 billion liras in the form of soft credits, says the Declaration, and 300 billion liras in form of grants from the budget of cooperation in development. To these are added other sources for various initiatives in the field of assistance including the sources for the institutional consolidation and the financing of activities by voluntary organizations, worth 317,2 billion liras." ake/kei/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] NGO's DISCUSS JUDICIARY

The forum was organized by the Project of the U.S. Jurists' Organization, the Central and Eastern Legal Initiative in Tirana (CELI), the program of the German Technic Assistance (GTZ), in cooperation with the Administrative Center for the Coordination of Assistance and Participation of the Public (ACCAPP), and the Ministry of Legislative Reform.

Attending the meeting were jurists from districts' courts, Appeal Courts and the Supreme Courts, as well as the chairman of the Albanian Committee of Helsinki, Arben Puto, Minister of Legislative Reform Arben Imami, and others.

Among the topics discussed were the election of judges, the role of the Constitutional Court, the main principals on which the judiciary system is organized, issues of human rights and the prosecutor's office, its functioning and dependence, etc. /kei/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] ARMOURED VEHICLES PATROL HOTBEDS IN TIRANE DISTRICT

The 24 hour patrol by armoured vehicles will be accompanied with checking points of police forces of Tirane Department of police, the police groups on the alert and special forces of the Interior Ministry, the same source says.

Police sources report that many people were accompanied to Tirane commissariats on Thursday for identification and verifications. kei/xh/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] EUROPE ENCOURAGES GREEK INVESTMENTS IN ALBANIAN CONSTRUCTION SECTOR

The proposal was made Wednesday at the Ministry of Public Affairs and Transportation. From the same meeting was planned a meeting in February between Greek and Albanian investors of construction sectors.

Greek investors want to invest in road and rail way rehabilitation and airport constructions as well. They also showed their interest in Albanian harbours.

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] FOURTH CONFERENCE OF SP BRANCH HELD IN VLORE

The chairman of the SP branch, Eduard Alushi, focused in its report mainly on the period of crisis and the grave situation during the first months of this year, saying that "it was generated by the state power and the clan of Berisha, who abetted the confrontation with masses of people."

Alushi spoke of the problems in this district, which was gravely damaged due to the recent riots. "The government should work to pull Vlore and the whole country out of the current crisis."

The Socialist Party won in the June 29 polls 63 per cent of the votes in the district of Vlore.

The discussions held in the beginning were tensioned, but were later calmed down due to the interventions of the envoys from the center, the SP Secretary General, Pandeli Majko and the Organization Secretary, Petro Koci.

Majko considered the discussions of this conference as open. He added that SP is concerned about the problems the country is going through. /a.ke/kei/mt/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[20] AROUND ECU 20 MLN FOR ALBANIAN MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION

The ministry of Public Affairs and Transportation profits ECU 20 million from the fund, which will be injected for construction of Durres- Rrogozhine highway and on the road segment Pogradec-Korce-Kapshtice.

The EC ambassador Elio Germano, Albanian Minister of Transportation and Public Affairs Gaqo Apostoli, State Minister for Coordination and Development, Ermelinda Meksi and the minister of Finance Arben Malaj were present in the signing of the agreement.

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