Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 98-01-16

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

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CONTENTS

[01] Albanian Army to attain standards of NATO armies

[02] Law "On Organization of Judiciary" affects none of jurists' categories - Meidani

[03] Albanian Democratic Party decides to cooperate on Constitution

[04] Press Review

[05] Cultural inheritance - a priority for Albanian Ministry of Culture

[06] Burrel jail expects first convicted after unrest

[07] Burrel jail hosts post-unrest convicts

[08] Local currency strengthen its position v USD

[09] Council of Europe accords $3 million to reconstruct castle

[10] Albanian parties consider Nano's visit to Macedonia fruitful

[11] Swiss government to assist Albanian health care

[12] Union for Democracy comments parliament proceedings

[13] Union for Democracy comments parliament proceedings

[14] Nano says education be resolved through democratic means

[15] Education issue to be resolved through negotiations - Macedonian Prime Minister

[16] Nano says Albania follows policy of cohabitation

[17] No one prevents Leka Zogu from returning to Albania - party chairman

[18] Albania, Hungary agreement on tourism soon

[19] DP has boycotted parliament since July 23 - parliament speaker

[20] DP used to extreme politics - SP leader says

[21] Greece favours meeting among Tirane, Prishtine and Belgrade

[22] Albania, Kosova sign protocol of cultural cooperation

[01] Albanian Army to attain standards of NATO armies

During the meeting, Andoni said that the objective of the Albanian Army, in close cooperation with NATO, is to reach the level that armies of the members countries of this organization have.

Colonel Vanselov voiced NATO's readiness "to intensify the technical and material assistance for the Albanian Army, along with scholarships to be offered for qualification of Albanian militaries. /mima/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] Law "On Organization of Judiciary" affects none of jurists' categories - Meidani

President Meidani proved to the participants in the meeting that "the law affects none of the categories of the lawyers or prosecutors." He assured them that "according to the law, the decisions on punitive measures for any lawyer are adopted only if it is proven that they have violated laws and made office abuses, running counter to professionalism and the ethic of labour. Mr Meidani also said that the right for complaints to the Supreme Court is a new rather significant point of this law." /mima/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] Albanian Democratic Party decides to cooperate on Constitution

"All the DP structures will be committed to use all forms and means of the democratic resistance to enable the creation of a technocrat Government which will be supported by all local political forces."

The resolution pointed out that DP "will help cut every cooperation with gangs and trafficking, by putting incriminated individuals out of state structures. It will organize, in the shortest possible time, free elections to be internationally monitored, through a total committment to dialogue with Albanian electors, Albanian anticommunist political forces, western institutions and governments.

Further on the resolution points out that "DP is open to dialogue with the government coalition to solve jointly the problem of the constitution and other questions of the country." At the end, the resolution highlights the indispensable need for changes in the program of that political force with regard to the plan for the compensation of former owners and former politically persecuted and in support of the local government and its autonomy, which must be guaranteed through the signing and ratification of the European Charter on local self-administration. /a.ke/mima/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] Press Review

"The number two of the Government," writes Koha Jone, largest independent paper, refuted since the very start of his address the charges for government members being involved in trafficking." It cites Fino to have said "Government Nano is not involved in trafficking," and that "if there was any proved charge against me send it to the Prosecutor's office." In the course of this idea, Gazeta Shqiptare writes that Fino has said "if names are given here I will be the first to resign and will not wait for you to lift my mandate."

The figures, on which deputy PM had based the strategy of the fight against this so much discussed phenomenon, did not convince Lesi, who, according to newspaper Shekulli, insisted in his opinion that "it is Nano's fault if trafficking continues." The battle against trafficking cannot be considered as won, said socialist deputy Pandeli Majko, adding that "Smuggling is directed by mobile phones," writes Gazeta Shqiptare. In reply to the panorama made by the deputy PM, according to whom the figures presented show that the fight against trafficking is being won every day by the executive, independent deputy Lesi, said that "the fight against trafficking is more a 'show' than a concrete work," writes Koha Jone. He has demanded that a special parliamentary anti-trafficking commission be set up, a proposal which was supported by former chairman of the Republican Party Sabri Godo and Christian Democrat leader, Zef Bushati. In this regard, according to the same paper, Majko said that "this function may be very well played by the anti-mafia parliamentary commission, something asked by the government coalition parties." This problem is also covered by other papers such as Zeri i Popullit, which called the charges against the government as "a speculation to hide out the real corruption," or Rilindja Demokratike, which considers the session of questions in the parliament as "a parliamentary farce on trafficking."

PM Fatos Nano's visit to Macedonia, the first of an Albanian PM to that country, has been the main story of many of the dailies today.

"Nano melts ice in Skoplje" is one of the headlines in Zeri i Popullit, which makes coverage of this successful visit. "Eight agreements signed in a day between the two governments, agreements on border regime, customs houses, anti-crime, judiciary and agriculture," writes this paper. After the signing of those documents, writes Koha Jone, Albanian PM has said that "They mark the development of a cohabitation philosophy of cooperation and long-term partnership, not only between the two countries but also between our two peoples." For his Macedonian counterpart, Branko Crvenkovski, the newly-signed documents mark the institutionalization of the bilateral cooperation in various fields. "What pleases me is that during the talks the sincere will that cooperation must also continue in the future was manifested," said the Macedonian PM. The two countries are creating a new reality in the old Balkans, said Albanian PM, stressing that "We hope that this commitment and reality we are establishing will create incentives and positive ambitions also for our common Yugoslav neighbours, because the future of all Balkan citizens, wherever they live, despite historic conflicts, is only the integration into new Europe and the community of the interests which integrate our ancient nations and civilizations in the European democratic civilization."

Crvenkovski, writes ZP, considered the interest of the Albanian party in the Albanians living in their territories in Macedonia as "legitimate." Referring to the question of the Albanian education in Macedonia, Nano declared that "this topic is not a taboo in the relations between the two countries." Regarding this issue, Gazeta Shqiptare writes that Nano launched yesterday the first signal, underlining that it would be of interest the opening of an Albanian-American university which would complete the education of the Albanians. "It not known which is the official stance of Skoplje regarding this proposal which Nano presented in one of the local papers," writes this paper, stressing that "Anyhow, the great number of the agreements signed in Skoplje yesterday, seems to bring a new wind blowing on the two neighbour countries."

Newspaper Shekulli writes that in view of the regional questions, the two interlocutors voiced their concern on Kosova. "Any radical reaction from Belgrade - said Nano - would create room for the intensification of the terrorist and radical acts, which we oppose," while Crvenkovski said that "Macedonia insists in a dialogue to start between Prishtine and Belgrade because this would stabilize the region and would be a forward step towards peace."

In the context of this visit, Zeri i Popullit writes of the meeting of Albanian PM with Albanians in Tetove. Referring to that meeting, the PPD chairman in Macedonia, Abdurrahman Haliti, said that it was cordial, fraternal and pleasant." /s.sh/mima/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] Cultural inheritance - a priority for Albanian Ministry of Culture

"Cultural inheritance is the most fundamental part of our culture but unfortunately it is in a rather serious situation and with problems," said the head of the department of culture, Virgjil Muci.

"Considerable land slides have been noticed in the territory where the Castle of Gjirokaster, which is also one of unique museums in the Balkans, that of weapons, has been set up. There are about 150 churches in Albania which are declared monuments of culture and in around 100 of them there are mural paintings of the 16th-19th centuries.

Another sharp problem for this department is also the looting and trafficking of the objects of art. "An agreement reached some days ago with the Greek Minister of Culture, Venizelos, has opened the way to the repatriation of these objects to Albania," the same sources say.

Actually there are 1200 monuments of culture which are protected by law in Albania, among which Butrinti with the status of the World Cultural Asset, given by UNESCO. /s.sh./mima/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] Burrel jail expects first convicted after unrest

He said that some prisoners, who were suffering sentences in prison 313 and 325 in Tirana, and whose number was not revealed, were sent on Friday to Burrel.

Transfer of other prisoners, who are now in Tirana overpopulated prisons, will continue in the days to come, the spokesman said.

The Burrel jail, which was reconstructed during December creating favourable conditions, was stormed during the March unrest last year.

Four museum rooms have been opened there to show the sufferings of hundreds of political prisoners who passed long horrible years during the communist regime.

The tight security jail has a capacity of 140 places. s.s/kled/ak/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] Burrel jail hosts post-unrest convicts

He said that some prisoners, who were suffering sentences in prison 313 and 325 in Tirana, and whose number was not revealed, were sent on Friday to Burrel.

Transfer of other prisoners, who are now in Tirana overpopulated prisons, will continue in the days to come, the spokesman said.

The Burrel jail, which was reconstructed during December creating favourable conditions, was stormed during the March unrest last year.

Four museum rooms have been opened there to show the sufferings of hundreds of political prisoners who passed long horrible years during the communist regime.

The tight security jail has a capacity of 140 places. s.s/kled/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] Local currency strengthen its position v USD

So $1 = 153,10 lek, lossing 0,10 point compared with yesterday's 153, 20 lek. The DM was traded for 83,96 lek lossing 0,95 points compared with yesterday's 84,91 lek.

The ITL (1000) was traded for 84,51 lek lossing 0.84 points compared with yeasterday's 85,35.

GRD (100) was exchanged for 52,67 lek, lossing 0,71 points compared with yesterday's 53,39 lek and so on.

Friday exchange rate

Currency Average exchange rate

USD 153,10 lek DM 83,96 lek ITL (1000) 84,51 lek GRD (100) 52,67 lek SFR 101,54 lek

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] Council of Europe accords $3 million to reconstruct castle

The first installment worth $500 thousand was released and the work was expected to start soon to prevent further destruction of the castle.

Slow destruction of the castle built six centuries before urges the need for its reconstruction. s.sh/kled/ak/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] Albanian parties consider Nano's visit to Macedonia fruitful

"This visit is another indication of the Albanian government's will to contribute to the creation of a climate of understanding and peace in the Balkans," Musa Ulqini, SP secretary of Public Relations, told ATA.

Ulqini said that the signing of a series of agreements will help create a positive climate among border communities and facilities for businessmen.

"Any contact helps ease tensions," Republican Party spokesman Neritan Alibali commented the visit, stressing however, that the Albanian government "should be more aggressive in protecting the demands of the Albanians".

Referring to the situation created in the Balkans, he said that "There will be no reduction of tensions as long as the rights of Albanians, wherever they are, are violated".

"The agreements signed in Skopje will serve the Albanian issue," said Zef Bushati, chairman of the Christian Democratic Party.

He expresses reserves as regards the position of the Macedonian government towards the Albanians living in their own lands when saying that "if the Skopje government does not change position, the agreements reached between the two sides have not attained their goal".

Considering the situation in the Balkans "explosive", Bushati stressed that "it is not the Albanian factor that creates this tension, but the Belgrade governmental circles which do not hold talks". kled/lm/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] Swiss government to assist Albanian health care

This was confirmed in a meeting on Friday between the Albanian Health and Environment Minister Leonard Solis and European parliamentarian Victor Ruffy, president of Rega organisation, Kurt Bolliger, in the premises of the ministry in Tirana.

Ruffy and Bolliger were focused on three projects, which are related to the setting up of a service and repair center for four health helicopters, rehabilitation of Puka hospital and building of a communication center for all first aid units. kled/ak/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] Union for Democracy comments parliament proceedings

"We also favour cooperation with the government coalition but not under the conditions we have been forced to, in the role of the facade," one of the DP representatives, Vili Minarolli, told a news conference of the Union for Democracy on Friday.

The leaders of the largest opposition group dwelt on the parliament proceedings yesterday.

"The interpellation of deputy Prime Minister Bashkim Fino on the fight against smuggling produced nothing," said Teodor Laco, the chairman of the Social-Democratic Party.

"This interpellation only scratched the iceberg of the contraband," said laco.

Speaking of the customs system, Laco said that the customs incomes of 1997 are 20-30 per cent lower than those of 1996.

"Fino said that 200 customs workers had been fired, and others had been employed through contest, but in fact they have employed the people of today's power holders," Laco said.

Minarolli denounced the change of the law by parliament on the scrutiny of the officials' figure. He asked the abrogation of the law on the High Council of Justice and dismissal of the incriminated people in power.

At the end of the conference all the Union for Democracy parties expresses their support for the striking judges.kled/lm/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] Union for Democracy comments parliament proceedings

"We also favour cooperation with the government coalition but not under the conditions we have been forced to, in the role of the facade," one of the DP representatives, Vili Minarolli, told a news conference of the Union for Democracy on Friday.

The leaders of the largest opposition group dwelt on the parliament proceedings yesterday.

"The interpellation of deputy Prime Minister Bashkim Fino on the fight against smuggling produced nothing," said Teodor Laco, the chairman of the Social-Democratic Union Party.

"This interpellation only scratched the iceberg of the contraband," said laco.

Speaking of the customs system, Laco said that the customs incomes of 1997 are 20-30 per cent lower than those of 1996.

"Fino said that 200 customs workers had been fired, and others had been employed through contest, but in fact they have employed the people of today's power holders," Laco said.

Minarolli denounced the change of the law by parliament on the scrutiny of the officials' figure. He asked the abrogation of the law on the High Council of Justice and dismissal of the incriminated people in power.

At the end of the conference all the Union for Democracy parties expresses their support for the striking judges.kled/lm/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] Nano says education be resolved through democratic means

"The education issue should be resolved through democratic means and not through road protests; not because they (protests) are not democratic but dialogue is important as a solution of slight losses," Nano said.

He said that the diplomas the Albanians received in universities out of Macedonia will be recognised.

"We agreed with prime minister Crvenkovski (Branko) that the Macedonian authorities recognise the diplomas of students whenever they study," Nano said adding that this was reached in yesterday's meeting. "We thought to propose this to the Macedonian prime minister, but it was he who proposed it first."

"This is a new epoch of relations between the two states which emerged unexpectedly," Nano said. "The nomination of the Republic of Macedonia is the only obstacle in our accords. We do not have any prejudice; We, Albanian and Macedonian governments, agreed to reach an agreement and the obstacle was cleared up."

"The only problem between us, Nano said, is to support not only financially but also scientifically and humanly, a worthy university. We will not spare our support and bilateral relations will enable this."

Nano said: "The idea of common universities was received well."

He added that not only the Albanian-Macedonian universities but also the Albanian-American ones, without damaging the national interests of the peoples.

The students and pedagogues welcomed the ideas of the Albanian prime minister hoping they are concretely carried out. ake/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] Education issue to be resolved through negotiations - Macedonian Prime Minister

TETOVE, Jan 16 (ATA)-Macedonian Prime Minister Branko Crvenkovski considers the visit of Albanian Prime Minister Fatos Nano successful "not only for the eight agreements reached but also for the bilateral expression that this train goes ahead also in the future".

"The visit has a historic character which also symbolises the new spirit dominating the Balkans. I hope this will extend to the whole of the Balkans," Crvenkovski said at the tourist spot of Mali i Sharrit on Friday.

"I do not think there is a risk of cooling in the future. On the contrary, I hold we should be optimistic, as bilateral definitions are not of a one-day politics but optimistic. Balkans' experience should serve us as an example. We look towards Europe and collective security institutions, " he said further on.

"The negotiations showed that there are no topics taboo between the two sides. There are several issues which should be discussed and which we should agree with. The right road should be found to avoid subjectivism. European norms should be accepted, not only as regards education, but also other fields". a.ke/kled/lm

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] Nano says Albania follows policy of cohabitation

TETOVE, Jan 16 (ATA) - Albania's prime minister Fatos Nano on Friday told journalists in the tourist spot of Mal i Sharrit where he had a dinner with his Macedonian counterpart that "it was not only an official but also a warm and humane reception."

"We are very near; Albania, Macedonia and the still old Yugoslavia," Nano said. "This should be as such even for that country (Serbia) whose inhabitants want to live in peace, create common institutions."

"Democratization of the Balkans is starting from the South because the North is still under Belgrade's communist totalitarianism, which have led to apartheid particularly on Albanians."

"In Albania, we have gained as many votes as we can behave like dictators, not like triomphateur, or boast we are maintaining democracy. We do neither of these. We are following the policy of cohabitation, which means coherence of values, which a ruling party or coalition lacks." ake/ak/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] No one prevents Leka Zogu from returning to Albania - party chairman

According to some papers, if Zogu comes to Albania, he should give evidence in the law court regarding a rally in support of monarchy on July 3 of the past year in which one was killed and several others injured.

"If people will call him, Leka will respond to their call, working for the homeland," he said.

Besides voting for parliament on June 29, 1997, a referendum on the form of regime, republic or monarchy, was held in Albania which resulted in favour of the Republic.

Only 33,26 per cent of the Albanians voted in favour of monarchy, according to the Central Electoral Central Commission. a.ke/kled/lm/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] Albania, Hungary agreement on tourism soon

The draft agreement was discussed Friday between the Albanian Minister of Trade and Commerce, Shaqir Vukaj and the Hungarian Ambassador to Tirana.

They agreed in the meeting that specialists of both countries should meet within two weeks to prepare the text of the agreement. The agreement is planned to be signed in March.

The interlocutors stressed out that both countries would benefit from the expansion of economic ties.

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] DP has boycotted parliament since July 23 - parliament speaker

Gjinushi referred to the first session of parliament, emerging from the June 29, 1997, in which the DP did not take part.

"The opposition has always had the proper spaces in parliament and has spoken more than the majority, as its role is to oppose the government coalition. It has been reserved the direction of several commissions and is provided with the possibility not to be a facade, especially when it is about institutions," Gjinushi told ATA.

Gjinushi does no more consider important the fact whether DP deputies join parliament or not, but the aim they will join it.

"It is important whether they come to carry out their duty, or to spark tensions," he said.

"Since we are not afraid of Berisha, there is no reason for him to be afraid of us," said Gjinushi.

The DP deputies left parliament for the last time after DP deputy Azem Hajdari was injured by former socialist deputy Gafurr Mazreku on September 18 last year, inside parliament, after a previous quarrel./kled/lm/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[20] DP used to extreme politics - SP leader says

Referring to the DP last demands for early elections and a care taker government, Majko said that "it (DP) is in a crisis of alternatives since its policy has been led by the same factors, which caused the crisis Albania experienced."

"I do not understand which is the crisis of majority, which can dictate the need of a care taker government. The DP said the SP is incriminated and this 'incrimination' is forgotten when a care taker government is proposed," Majko said.

Concerning the problem of parliament, head of the Christian Democrat party, Zef Bushati, said that "it would be better the DP return to parliament."

He added that it (DP) has its reasons not to return.

"We are for a cooperation even with the coalition government, but not on conditions they imposed, in the role of fa�ade," Vili Minarolli, a DP official said to ATA on Friday.

The DP leader stated on Thursday that the DP deputies are not safe in parliament.

Democratic deputies boycott parliament after the DP deputy Azem Hajdari was shot and wounded by the former SP deputy Gafurr Mazreku on September 18 last year inside the parliament after a previous quarrel.

While the DP considered this a political attempt, Mazreku, himself, had said through his lawyer that the motifs were merely personal.

In a visit to Albania, Gerard Stoudmann, Director General of OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said that his meetings, especially with the DP leader Sali Berisha, aimed at promoting the efforts of the international community to persuade the political opposition to participate in parliamentary activity and debate. ake/kled/ak/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[21] Greece favours meeting among Tirane, Prishtine and Belgrade

Papandreou said that Greece shares the same views on the Kosova issue with the other European Union countries, adding that the principles on which the policy for stability in the region should rely are observation of the current borders, of human rights and those of the minority.

Papandreou said that the developments in Kosova worry the Greek Government, therefore it is ready to negotiate in any contact which serves the solution to problems, such as the Nano-Milosevic meeting at the Crete summit. s.s/kled/lm/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[22] Albania, Kosova sign protocol of cultural cooperation

Albania's Minister of Culture Arta Dade said "the protocol signed today represents the act of institutionalization of cultural agreements to further unify our national culture."

The Minister of Education, Science and Culture of the Republic of Kosova, Muhamet Bicaj, said "this protocol helps unify and integrate spiritual values between the two countries without limits."

"The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports of the Republic of Albania, along with the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic of Kosova, will be engaged against apartheid and genocide exerted in Kosova to defend the Albanian culture in Kosova and other territories." s.s/kled/ak/

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