Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 97-12-30

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] GREEK NATIONAL DEFENCE MINISTER AMIDST GREEK SOLDIERS IN YZBERISH

[02] ALBANIA, GREECE UNDERSTANDING IN CULTURE

[03] POLICE CORDONS BLOCK KOSOVA CITIES STREETS ON EVE OF STUDENTS' PROTESTS

[04] SERBIAN POLICE DISPERSE THROUGH FORCE OVER 20 000 ALBANIAN STUDENTS TAKING PART IN THE PEACEFUL PROTEST IN PRISHTINE

[05] PRESS REVIEW

[06] OUR EFFORTS ARE FOR A NEW REALITY IN RELATIONS AMONG BALKAN COUNTRIES - Nano

[07] OUR EFFORTS ARE FOR A NEW REALITY IN RELATIONS AMONG BALKAN COUNTRIES - Nano

[08] PRESIDENT MEIDANI MEETS GREEK DEFENCE MINISTER

[09] "STABLE COOPERATION WITH THE ALBANIAN ARMY" - Thzokazopulos

[10] GREEK AID HAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE RESTORATION OF THE ALBANIAN ARMY

[11] CLINTON ASKS GIVING STATUS OF THE MOST FAVORED NATION TO ALBANIA

[12] PILOT ENTERPRISES OWE MONEY TO AEC

[13] LOCAL CURRENCY LOSSES POINTS AGAIN

[14] TSOHATZOPULOS REJECTS ACCUSES OF ALBANIAN OPPOSITION FOR PRESENCE OF GREEK MILITARY UNITS

[15] MORE THAN 25 PERSONS HURT AFTER INTERVENTION OF SERBIAN POLICE AGAINST ALBANIAN PROTESTERS

[16] "WE WILL CREATE AN INSTITUTION FOR SECURITY IN THE BALKANS"

[01] GREEK NATIONAL DEFENCE MINISTER AMIDST GREEK SOLDIERS IN YZBERISH

The Greek Minister expressed his wishes on the celebrations of Christmas and the New Year. "I am sure you will realise the objective of your stay in Albania," said Thzokazopoulos to the Greek soldiers. "You showed this in the overcome of the difficult times that this country passed and you contributed together with the Albanian people to overcome the difficult situation."

"Our presence in Albania," he stressed, "is the will to be close to our ancient neighbor. It is a contemporary opinion that the peoples of the Balkans must help one another for peace, public order and security in the future. Our country sticks to the principle of cooperation not only in the military field but also in the economic and cultural fields so that this country overcome the difficulties it is experiencing."

In his greeting to the Greek soldiers, Albanian Defence Minister Sabit Brokaj said among others that "Our people realised clearly that the relations between our two peoples were and remain very good," said Brokaj, adding that the presence of the Greek soldiers is the relationship without any prejudice, between the peoples of Albania and Greece." ake/kled/xh/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] ALBANIA, GREECE UNDERSTANDING IN CULTURE

As regards cultural inheritance this meeting leads to cooperation between the two countries in joint archaeological researches and excavations in archeological spots in Albania, the release says.

Greece will provide technical assistance for the Albanians in all fields, including training, scholarships, and provide support in the legislation on cultural inheritance.

The Greeks will also bring back to Albania all Albanian cultural inheritance works found in the Greek territory during this period and which normally have been preserved in Greek state museums.

Greece will organise in Albania during 1998 the activity:"Greek days", while Albania will hold in Greece a series of artistic activities such as the week of the Albanian film and various exhibitions. lm/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] POLICE CORDONS BLOCK KOSOVA CITIES STREETS ON EVE OF STUDENTS' PROTESTS

The students demand an access to schools and universities, from which Albanians have been expelled seven years ago.

ATA correspondent in Prishtine, B. Jashari, reported earlier that armoured vehicles, water cannons as well as truckloads of police forces have been moving in the Kosova capital.

Jashari said that the Prishtine centre and many of its roads are under the control of police units, wearing bulletproof vests. Movement of military troops and means have also been observed. p.ta/kled/lm/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] SERBIAN POLICE DISPERSE THROUGH FORCE OVER 20 000 ALBANIAN STUDENTS TAKING PART IN THE PEACEFUL PROTEST IN PRISHTINE

After the police intervened in the centre of Prishtine, the student protest continued in other roads and squares of the city, always followed by police. Around 2 000 students protested in the square in front of the Press Building in Prishtine.

Reports which refer to the sources of the Independent Student Union say that an unconfirmed number of students has been arrested. bj/pta/pas/xh/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] PRESS REVIEW

Referring to the visit of Greek Defence Minister, the paper carries the article:"Albania knew its real friends in difficult moments".

The paper covers the news conference of Minister of Culture ,Youth and Sports Arta Dade, under the title:"Culture belongs to all".

"DP applies the destructive policy of destabilising the country," the paper says under the title:"The United Right: No to DP cooperation".

"Farewell to bad year!", is the headline of Rilindja Demokratike. "This year will go down in the history of Albania as the most savage year in the country's history," the paper says.

Under the title:"The year 1998, the year of elections", the paper covers the news conference of democratic leader Sali Berisha. "Albania step by step to dictatorship", the paper says under the title:"From rebellion to dictatorship".

Nano preparing to embezzle 20 billion liras, the paper says under the headline:"Italian aid embezzlement scandal reappears".

Some 1700 killed and 12 000 wounded during 1997. Public order fails in fight against crime, the paper says under the title:"Criminality speaks in figures, Ministry with pledges".

"Farewell to bad year!" is the title of the editorial of the newspaper Republika.

"In '97 some 4000 Albanians were killed and harmed as victims of a political situation and not of moral motives", the editorial says. "Vefa leaves for Strasbourg", is another article of the paper.

Under the title:"Berisha jokes when asking for elections," the paper covers yesterday's conference of the United Right Wing.

"The bad year passed", is the title of Koha Jone editorial. Documents on mysterious financing at the Defence Ministry uncovered, says the paper under the title:"Scandals of Gazidede", the paper says.

The paper covers the news conference of the leaders of the Albanian United Right Wing under the title:"No to early elections", while the conference of the DP leader under the title:"Berisha government falsifies economic indices".

The paper carries an interview with the VEFA President, Vehbi Alimucaj, under the title:"VEFA: I do not fight with the government". The paper also carries the article:"In memoriam-From one tragedy to the other".

Albanian entitles its editorial:"Endless year of Albanians". The paper says: "Italian-Albanian Arthropod commands illegal emigrants", under the title:"Diary of a bad year". "Traces of 1997 in history", is the title of another article of the paper.

Dita carries the article:"Berisha greets Meidani and Nano", under the title:"The list of greeting includes Fino, Malaj but not Gjinushi". The chairman of the parliamentary media commission, Musa Ulqini, has criticised the DP rally-concert on TV for "Violation of professional criteria", the paper says under the title:"Thirteen unprecedented cases of violence against reporters in 1997".

The paper says that the Interior Ministry has conducted an activity with 130 children of 70 policemen killed during this year. "Ceka promises state assistance to 130 children" the paper says. "The Albanian culture should come out of the abyss," the paper cites Minister of Culture Arta Dade as saying.

"New business of white blouses", is an article run by newspaper Shekulli. The paper says that the socialits of Tirane have charged Tirana's local government with corruption.

"Brojka, implement the law", the paper cites deputy Prime Minister Fino as saying. The paper also covers the news conference of Cultural Minister Arta Dade.

Rilindja cites president of Kosova Ibrahim Rugova as saying:"Next year expects greater cooperation with all political forces". The paper also carries an appeal of the Council for the Defence of Human Rights and Freedoms of Prishtine under the title:"Education of Albanians to be separated from Politics".

Gazeta Shqiptare entitles its editorial :"The 1997, the year that will not leave". The paper reports on the investigations into the spring events of 1977 in Albania.

Police detains nine curds, the paper says regarding the illegal emigrants traffic. kled/pas/lm/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] OUR EFFORTS ARE FOR A NEW REALITY IN RELATIONS AMONG BALKAN COUNTRIES - Nano

PM Nano highlighted the fruitful and professional cooperation between the two respective ministries, the numerous projects underway in this field and underlined the idea that this cooperation must exist at all levels of the armed forces.

"Who claims, said Mr Nano, that Greece is occupying Albania with 200 soldiers engaged at present in the context of the interstate agreements and the projects of cooperation, he rests again in all anachronistic formulas of the past times, about the Balkan of conflicts and splits. We are applying today new criteria in the policy of defence, the NATO criteria, keeping also in mind the Albanian patriotic tradition to be capable of defending the homeland. Our efforts are a new reality in the relations between the Balkan countries," said Nano.

Albanian PM hailed the steps undertaken by the Greek Government to create the legal basis for the Albanian emigrants staying in Greece as an important step contributing to the consolidation of the friendly relations between the two countries.

The Greek Defence Minister made a balancesheet of the bilateral cooperation in the field of defence for the passing year and stressed the need of further materialising the idea of cooperation between the armed forces at all levels. He stressed the need of coordinating the projects of the Balkan states for the creation of the system of collective security in the Balkans. Regarding this point, the two high officials exchanged their opinions for the situation and security in the Balkans.

Attending the meeting also were the Albanian Defence Minister Sabit Brokaj, Greek Ambassador in Tirane, Prevenduraqis and members of the two delegations. kled/xh/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] OUR EFFORTS ARE FOR A NEW REALITY IN RELATIONS AMONG BALKAN COUNTRIES - Nano

PM Nano highlighted the fruitful and professional cooperation between the two respective ministries, the numerous projects underway in this field and underlined the idea that this cooperation must exist at all levels of the armed forces.

Albanian PM hailed the steps undertaken by the Greek Government to create the legal basis for the Albanian emigrants staying in Greece as an important step contributing to the consolidation of the friendly relations between the two countries.

The Greek Defence Minister made a balancesheet of the bilateral cooperation in the field of defence for the passing year and stressed the need of further materialising the idea of cooperation between the armed forces at all levels. He stressed the need of coordinating the projects of the Balkan states for the creation of the system of collective security in the Balkans. Regarding this point, the two high officials exchanged their opinions for the situation and security in the Balkans.

Attending the meeting also were the Albanian Defence Minister Sabit Brokaj, Greek Ambassador in Tirane, Prevenduraqis and members of the two delegations. kled/xh/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] PRESIDENT MEIDANI MEETS GREEK DEFENCE MINISTER

Stressing the importance to boost the cooperation and assistance of all member countries of the Alliance, President Meidani voiced the conviction that "the contribution of Greece will be greater in the future, mainly in the context of the assistance and integration into NATO, so that our country, gradually from partner country of the Alliance, find its own place as natural member of it."

"Our democratic ruling, explained Meidani, aims at bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the field of defence, backed on clear Euro- Atlantic ideas, by contributing to peace and security of the whole region."

He considered very important the cooperation between Albania and Greece for other problems, where the army can be engaged, referring to the role of the army in support of social developments.

He considered as fields of this cooperation the logistic assistance for the fight against smuggling and illegal trafficking, the security of customs-houses, and others.

The Greek Minister of Defence expressed his optimism for the future that bilateral cooperation in all the fields will fit with the changes of traditional policies by giving a new Euro-Atlantic dimension of regional cooperation.

"The prospective of our cooperation will be positive for each country, " stressed Thzokazopoulos. /s.sh/kei/mt/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] "STABLE COOPERATION WITH THE ALBANIAN ARMY" - Thzokazopulos

"We have the will to continue cooperation further on, as much as the Albanian government wishes," said Thzokazopulos.

He stressed that "the cooperation between both our armies will continue with the efforts to finish the agreements reached and elevate to a new stage of development of these relations."

"The Greek Minister voiced the readiness to continue the programs of training of the Albanian staff in Greece.

Further on, the Greek Defence Minister proposed the cooperation for the establishment of units to supply the officers and for the encouragement of the Greek businessmen from the Greek government, who will construct homes for the Albanian military men. /s.sh/kei/mt/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] GREEK AID HAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE RESTORATION OF THE ALBANIAN ARMY

"There is no political crisis in Albania now; the crime is localized, some 20 gangs have been eliminated, the movement in the whole country is free and the activity in it has considerably improved," said Brokaj.

He added that the situation in the army is better, because the Albanian military men are prepared, but they have been also supported by the international aid of partners, where the Greek party has played an important role.

The Albanian Defence Minister pointed out the assistance of the Greek army to recover the lost ships, provide the Albanian army with clothes, normal working conditions for the two Albanian companies of Vlore and Tirana, and others.

For the future, Brokaj underlined the cooperation regarding the infrastructure of the Rinas airport, continuation of the work started in the naval fleet, development of the activities of southern divisions, etc.

The Greek Minister on his side considered "with special social importance" the problem of the living conditions for the Albanian military men. /a.ke/kei/mt/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] CLINTON ASKS GIVING STATUS OF THE MOST FAVORED NATION TO ALBANIA

U.S. President said that Albania is in complete accordance with the requests of Freedoms of Emigration of Chapter IV of the Commercial Act in 1974, considered as the Amendment Jackson Vanik.

After the decision taken by the U.S. administration, it is expected the Congress to approve the respective law regarding the treatment of Albania with the status of the most favored country.

This definition will strengthen further on the commercial relations between USA and Albania. In this context, USA will also contribute so that Albania becomes member of the International Organization of Commerce. /kei/mt/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] PILOT ENTERPRISES OWE MONEY TO AEC

These enterprises have managed to collect only 7 percent of the electricity bills during 1997 period.

In the meantime the World Bank, which has assisted these three pilot enterprises with 30 percent of private share holders and 70 percent of state share holders, is reconsidering its approach towards them and will launch its ideas for the continuation of the pilot project on these enterprises.

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] LOCAL CURRENCY LOSSES POINTS AGAIN

In the informal market the average exchange rate was $1 = 149,75 lek, gaining 1,40 points compared with yesterday's 148,35 lek. The German currency DM was traded for 83,55 lek, ITL (1000) were traded for 84,15 lek and so on.

Tuesday average exchange rates

Currency Average exchange rates

USD 149,75 lek DM 83,55 lek ITL (1000) 84,15 lek GRD (100) 52,95 lek SFR 102,76 lek

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] TSOHATZOPULOS REJECTS ACCUSES OF ALBANIAN OPPOSITION FOR PRESENCE OF GREEK MILITARY UNITS

"In the meetings I held in Albania I heard about a negative comment made on Television. In democracy, any person is free to say whatever he likes, but it is important that the people should see the reality and the reality is different," said the Greek Defence Minister in response to a question.

The Greek minister was also supported by the Albanian counterpart, Brokaj, who explained that 205 Greek soldiers in Albania are not here to invade it, but to protect the military objects which cannot be protected by our army, and mainly to gather and store the aid of the Greek army for Albania.

The chairman of the parliamentary commission of defence, DP deputy Azem Hajdari, has attacked the legalization of the Greek forces in Albania as "the loss of the country's sovereignty."

Minister Tsohatzopulos explained that his troops will leave Albania as soon as it does not need them anymore.

Minister Brokaj made a brief description of cooperation between Albania and Greece in the field of defence. /kei/mt/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] MORE THAN 25 PERSONS HURT AFTER INTERVENTION OF SERBIAN POLICE AGAINST ALBANIAN PROTESTERS

The students were supported by more than 100 000 Albanian citizens.

According to the current data, in three towns of Kosova, in Prishtine, Peje and Gjakove, along with the injured, hundreds of other persons have been arrested, while some hundred persons have been maltreated.

Police have arrested several persons even in Prizeren. /a.h/kei/mt/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] "WE WILL CREATE AN INSTITUTION FOR SECURITY IN THE BALKANS"

TIRANA, DEC. 30 (ATA) - By A. Simoni: The Defence Ministries of the Balkan countries are trying to create "an institution of the collective security in the region," declared Tuesday the Greek Minister of Defence, Akis Tsohatzopulos, during a news conference in Tirana.

"The institution will offer a possibility to discuss the establishment of a forum or organization, of a joint Balkan country, of a table, etc., to guarantee in a collective way the security in the region," said the Greek Minister.

According to the Greek Minister, the initiative has been taken by the Defence Ministries of Albania and Greece, while attending the discussion for this institution will be Albania, Greece, Bulgaria, Shkup, and others. /a.ke/kei/mt/k

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