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Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 98-05-27Albanian Telegraphic Agency Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) Home Page at <http://www.telpress.it/ata>Albanian Telegraphic AgencyCONTENTS
[01] File of Serb crimes in Kosova be submitted to the Hague courtPRISHTINE, May 26 - ATA correspondent Behlul Jashari reported that a file on crimes carried out by the Serbian forces in Drenica, Kosova, was expected to be submitted on Wednesday to the Hague Court.A delegation of Albanian lawyers from Kosova, headed by Xhaferr Maliqi, head of the Notary House in Kosova will hand over the file. It (file) includes many facts accusing the Belgrade government headed by Milosevic (Yugoslav president Slobodan), different Serb police and military leaders as well as those who ordered and executed crimes in Kosova. The Serbian forces in Kosova have killed at least 215 Albanians during this year, the Prishtina Human Rights Council reported on Tuesday. bca/das/ak/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[02] Number of Serbian forces increases in ferro nickel plantPRISHTINA, May 26 - ATA correspondent Behlul Jashari reported that the premises of the ferro nickel plant in Gllogoc were full of Serb military and police forces on Tuesday.They are deployed there during the day with more than 100 military armaments. It is reported that twelve Serb busloads and around 60 armoured carriers arrived there at 17.30 p.m. bca/das/ak/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[03] Millions of USD spilled, but effectiveness still lowTirana, May 27 (ATA) - The summer time is just few days away and the potable water problem looms in the horizon.Considered as a priority to the social-economic sector, the rehabilitation of current aqueducts network remains on the focus of Albanian government and foreign donors, who play the main role in this sector's investments. Thus, until 1997 the financial assistance mounted $125 million, out of which $33 million belonged to Albanian government and $88 million to various donors. Depending on the type of the financial assistance, $43 million are grants, while the rest $45 million are soft loans. Among the potential donors, Germany comes first with $33 million, than Italy with $21 million, while World Bank has allocated $12 million and the Islamic Bank $7,5 million. At present, the European Union, in the framework of Cross-Border program has pledged to finance the construction of Saranda and Gjirokastra aqueducts estimated at $4,2 and $1,4 million each. While the German government will finance for the rehabilitation of Kruja town aqueduct figured out to be around DM 12 million. Recently the Albanian government has informed donors with its main projects, respective costs and the general studies on Tirana, Durres, Korce, Elbasan, Fier, Shkoder and Lushnje districts aqueducts. Regarding the works in Bovilla aqueduct, through a finance of Italian government worth 22 billion lire, it seems that the cementing of big water reservoir is nearly over. This part of the works is planned to finish ahead of deadline, which is June. In relation with this project foreign financiers have asserted "a maximal commitment" is case Albanian government will permit the liberalization of current water tariff. /gen/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[04] Albania, Italy Premiers to attend Levant FairTirana, May 27 ATA) - Albanian Prime Minister Fatos Nano will join his Italian counterpart Romano Prodi Wednesday for the inauguration of the Levant Fair, in Albania.Organised with the Bari-based Levant Fair, its Albanian twin will be hosting over 200 exhibitors from Italy, including the major public and private groups like ENI, IRI, Gruppo Marconi, Simest, Itainvest and about a hundred from Albania and other Balkan countries as Greece, Bulgaria, Macedonia and Montenegro. The fair covers construction, agriculture, clothing, tourism, interior decorating and the food industry. There is also a stand for the Italian Foreign Ministry topped by a giant map of the five continents. Italy is now leading the economic reconstruction effort and strengthening already strong economic ties through initiatives such as the fair. In numerical terms, a majority of the Italian exhibitors are from Puglia, south east. Italy is Albania's leading commercial partner, and 500 Italian firms are already working there, with investments worth over 200 billion lire ($114 million). The Levant Fair in Tirana will be open until May 31. The collateral events include signing of a cooperation agreement between the Albanian government and Puglia's regional government. The agreement focusses on transport systems, university cooperation, special technical assistance and professional training, and cooperation between the two health systems. /gen/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[05] IFC keen on privatization of strategic sectorsTirana, May 27 (ATA) - The International Finance Corporation (IFC) a World Bank branch is interested to partake in the privatization process of Albania's strategic sectors.IFC representatives have intensified their talks at the ministry of Public Economy and Privatization on the potential sectors under the privatization umbrella. They are more interested in sectors like energy, water system and telecommunication. IFC has actively participated in the privatization process of strategic sectors in the East European countries. In Albania, this branch of WB has allocated $108,5 million in April for the rehabilitation of Patoz - Marinez oil field, in the framework of a $250 million project for the development of this oil field. This project is a cooperation of foreign companies like "Pruessage", "Premier Oil" and IFC with Albanian state-run company Albpetrol. Privatization strategy has revived the interest of foreign investors keen on this process. Albanian Telegraphic Agency[06] USD quoted at lek 155,30Tirana, May 27 (ATA) - Wednesday's average exchange rate in the informal market of Albanian currency "lek" against foreign currencies like USD, DM, SFR, ITL was in favour of these last.So $1 = 155,30 lek, lossing 0,10 points compared with yesterday's 155, 40 lek. The DM was traded for 87,40 lek, lossing 0,10 points compared to yesterday's 87,50 lek. The ITL (1000) was traded for 88,60 lek lossing 0,10 points compared with yesterday's 88,70 lek. GRD (100) was exchanged for 50,40 lek, lossing 0,10 points compared with yesterday's 50,50 The Swiss Franc was traded for 104,30 lek lossing 1,00 points compared with yesterday's 105,30 lek and so on. Wednesday exchange rates Currency Average exchange rates USD 155,30 lek DM 87,40 lek ITL (1000) 88,60 lek GRD (100) 50,40 lek SFR 103,20 lek FRF 23,20 lek GBP 220,10 lek JPY (100) 111,30 lek NLG 73,20 lek /gen/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[07] Union for Democracy welcomes strike of Albanian teachersTIRANA, may 26 (ATA)-By A. Haxhiu, Support for the demands of Albanian teachers, who staged a one-day strike on Tuesday, was the aim of a rally held at the "Scanderbeg" square by the Union for Democracy political grouping."We protest against the Albanian government which is disregarding the demands of the teachers around the country," Sali Berisha, leader of the Democratic party said at the rally. The democrat leader and the other leaders of this grouping renewed demands for the creation of a new interim government and early elections. On Tuesday the Albanian teachers went on a one-day strike in various cities of Albania. "The majority of the teachers in most of the country's districts did not take part in the strike on May 26," Minister of Education and Science Et'hem Ruka told ATA, adding that in many districts of the country classes were held as normal. /s.s/lm/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[08] Enhanced strategy of Albanian electro energy systemTirana, May 27 (ATA) - Within June the development strategy of the Albanian electro energy system will be over, sources from the ministry of Public Economy and Privatization told ATA Wednesday.Three are the main drives which will determine the emergent, mid and long term development of our electro energy system. Firstly in the emergency and mid term phases will be rehabilitated country's system. The second phase is related with the reduction of technical and non technical losses, that currently are at 59,1 percent. Thirdly is being worked to connect our electric grid with the international network to give and to receive energy. Also, in this development plan are defined the alternatives for the final solution of people's heating problem. At present the electric power is the cheapest compared to other energy derivatives. The drafting of the development strategy of the Albanian electric grid is also related with its serious condition, when the consumption of power from 1992 to 97 is increased with 48 percent. The last constructed Koman hydro power dates back to 1985. Meanwhile the debt owed to Albanian Energy Corporation in years is figured out of $50 million, which means less investments by AEC to rehabilitate the electric grid. Albanian Telegraphic Agency[09] Albania concerned about escalation of violence in KosovaTIRANA, May 27 (ATA)-Albania's Foreign Ministry on Tuesday expressed concern at the escalation of the police and military violence by Belgrade authorities against Albanians in Kosova.A statement says that the Foreign Ministry of the Republic of Albania notes with deep concern that the police and military violence of Belgrade authorities against Albanians in Kosova has increased alarmingly in recent days. According to the latest reports available, over the past two days there has been a great number of victims among the undefended Albanian population in Kosova which is facing a fresh wave of violence. The ministry declares that this newly created situation, runs counter to the constant wish and will of the Albanian people of Kosova, as well as of the international community, to resolve the crisis through peaceful means. The violence exercised by the Serbian authorities, the statement says, constitutes an open challenge against the international community interested in a solution to the Kosova crisis and shows that the so-called "responsibility of Milosevic" is merely an illusion. The Foreign Ministry of the Republic of Albania calls on the Contact Group countries and the entire international community to urgently intervene once again and implement decisions they themselves have taken on the crisis in Kosova in the London, Bonn and Rome meetings. All the necessary means should be used to force the Belgrade authorities to immediately stop violence and terror and withdraw the military, paramilitary and police troops from Kosova. This reaction becomes indispensable so that the fragile dialogue which has just started is not incorrigibly compromised. /s.s/lm/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[10] Improvement of relations to affect FYROM Albanians' situation, ministerTIRANA, May 26 (ATA) - Albania's Foreign Minister Paskal Milo told late on Tuesday a group of deputies of the Democratic party of Albanians in Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) that "the improvement of bilateral good neighbourliness should be also reflected on the situation of Albanians living in that Republic."The coordinator Rahmi Tuda, who headed the delegation, briefed minister Milo on the situation of Albanians in FYROM and problems they are facing. He said that the reason why the deputies of his party withdraw from the parliament was the lack of space for negotiation. The Albanian deputies of the FYROM parliament spoke of mutual tolerance and reiterated necessity to legalize the Tetova University and free the elected representatives of the Albanian people in the Macedonian state. Minister Milo reiterated the attitude of the Albanian government which opposed every punishment and imprisonment of elected representatives of Albanians for political grounds. He said that "the university and knowledge are not signs of separatism but a sign of social emancipation and preparation for European integration." Both sides expressed concern on the situation in Kosova and denounced the use of Serb violence against Albanians. They stressed the need to create favourable conditions and start dialogue to help find a solution to the issue. s.sh/das/pas/ak/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[11] Millions of USD spilled, but effectiveness still lowTirana, May 27 (ATA) - The summer time is just few days away and the potable water problem looms in the horizon.Considered as a priority to the social-economic sector, the rehabilitation of current aqueducts network remains on the focus of Albanian government and foreign donors, who play the main role in this sector's investments. Thus, until 1997 the financial assistance mounted $125 million, out of which $33 million belonged to Albanian government and $88 million to various donors. Depending on the type of the financial assistance, $43 million are grants, while the rest $45 million are soft loans. Among the potential donors, Germany comes first with $33 million, than Italy with $21 million, while World Bank has allocated $12 million and the Islamic Bank $7,5 million. At present, the European Union, in the framework of Cross-Border program has pledged to finance the construction of Saranda and Gjirokastra aqueducts estimated at $4,2 and $1,4 million each. While the German government will finance for the rehabilitation of Kruja town aqueduct figured out to be around DM 12 million. Recently the Albanian government has informed donors with its main projects, respective costs and the general studies on Tirana, Durres, Korce, Elbasan, Fier, Shkoder and Lushnje districts aqueducts. Regarding the works in Bovilla aqueduct, through a finance of Italian government worth 22 billion lire, it seems that the cementing of big water reservoir is nearly over. This part of the works is planned to finish ahead of deadline, which is June. In relation with this project foreign financiers have asserted "a maximal commitment" is case Albanian government will permit the liberalization of current water tariff./gen/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[12] Albania, Italy Premiers to attend Levant FairTirana, May 27 ATA) - Albanian Prime Minister Fatos Nano will join his Italian counterpart Romano Prodi Wednesday for the inauguration of the Levant Fair, in Albania.Organised with the Bari-based Levant Fair, its Albanian twin will be hosting over 200 exhibitors from Italy, including the major public and private groups like ENI, IRI, Gruppo Marconi, Simest, Itainvest and about a hundred from Albania and other Balkan countries as Greece, Bulgaria, Macedonia and Montenegro. The fair covers construction, agriculture, clothing, tourism, interior decorating and the food industry. There is also a stand for the Italian Foreign Ministry topped by a giant map of the five continents. Italy is now leading the economic reconstruction effort and strengthening already strong economic ties through initiatives such as the fair. In numerical terms, a majority of the Italian exhibitors are from Puglia, south east. Italy is Albania's leading commercial partner, and 500 Italian firms are already working there, with investments worth over 200 billion lire ($114 million). The Levant Fair in Tirana will be open until May 31. The collateral events include signing of a cooperation agreement between the Albanian government and Puglia's regional government. The agreement focusses on transport systems, university cooperation, special technical assistance and professional training, and cooperation between the two health systems./gen/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[13] IFC keen on privatization of strategic sectorsTirana, May 27 (ATA) - The International Finance Corporation (IFC) a World Bank branch is interested to partake in the privatization process of Albania's strategic sectors.IFC representatives have intensified their talks at the ministry of Public Economy and Privatization on the potential sectors under the privatization umbrella. They are more interested in sectors like energy, water system and telecommunication. IFC has actively participated in the privatization process of strategic sectors in the East European countries. In Albania, this branch of WB has allocated $108,5 million in April for the rehabilitation of Patoz - Marinez oil field, in the framework of a $250 million project for the development of this oil field. This project is a cooperation of foreign companies like "Pruessage", "Premier Oil" and IFC with Albanian state-run company Albpetrol. Privatization strategy has revived the interest of foreign investors keen on this process./gen/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[14] USD quoted at lek 155,30Tirana, May 27 (ATA) - Wednesday's average exchange rate in the informal market of Albanian currency "lek" against foreign currencies like USD, DM, SFR, ITL was in favour of these last.So $1 = 155,30 lek, lossing 0,10 points compared with yesterday's 155, 40 lek. The DM was traded for 87,40 lek, lossing 0,10 points compared to yesterday's 87,50 lek. The ITL (1000) was traded for 88,60 lek lossing 0,10 points compared with yesterday's 88,70 lek. GRD (100) was exchanged for 50,40 lek, lossing 0,10 points compared with yesterday's 50,50 The Swiss Franc was traded for 104,30 lek lossing 1,00 points compared with yesterday's 105,30 lek and so on. Wednesday exchange rates Currency Average exchange rates USD 155,30 lek DM 87,40 lek ITL (1000) 88,60 lek GRD (100) 50,40 lek SFR 103,20 lek FRF 23,20 lek GBP 220,10 lek JPY (100) 111,30 lek NLG 73,20 lek /gen/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[15] Enhanced strategy of Albanian electro energy systemTirana, May 27 (ATA) - Within June the development strategy of the Albanian electro energy system will be over, sources from the ministry of Public Economy and Privatization told ATA Wednesday.Three are the main drives which will determine the emergent, mid and long term development of our electro energy system. Firstly in the emergency and mid term phases will be rehabilitated country's system. The second phase is related with the reduction of technical and non technical losses, that currently are at 59,1 percent. Thirdly is being worked to connect our electric grid with the international network to give and to receive energy. Also, in this development plan are defined the alternatives for the final solution of people's heating problem. At present the electric power is the cheapest compared to other energy derivatives. The drafting of the development strategy of the Albanian electric grid is also related with its serious condition, when the consumption of power from 1992 to 97 is increased with 48 percent. The last constructed Koman hydro power dates back to 1985. Meanwhile the debt owed to Albanian Energy Corporation in years is figured out of $50 million, which means less investments by AEC to rehabilitate the electric grid./gen/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[16] "Onufri" contest thought to assume international dimensionsTIRANA, May 26 (ATA) - By Flora Nikolla: The national contest of visual arts "Onufri" is thought to assume international dimensions, Gezim Qendro, director of the Art Gallery, said to ATA on Wednesday."A working group including well-known people of the Albanian art and culture, is discussing new regulation for "Onufri" for 1998, this time also attended by foreign artists," Qendro said. This is the annual biggest contest of visual arts in Albania which has been held for the first time in 1993. Onufri is an Albanian renowned painter of XVI century, His creativeness covers wall and icon paintings. His paintings are in a number of churches in Elbasan, Berat (centre and south Albania respectively), Macedonia and Greece. Onufri's characteristic was that he lessened the influence of the Byzantium canon and drew life and real environment closer. He is a master of contrast of strong colours. Specialists say none can imitate his red colour. s.s/das/ak/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[17] Albania signs the European Charter of Local Self-GovernmentSTRASBOURG, May 27 (ATA)-Albania today signed the European Charter of Local Self-Government. Bashkim Fino, Vice-Prime Minister and Minister for Local Government of Albania, signed this text in the presence of Daniel Tarschys, Secretary General of the Organisation.This Charter, opened for signature by Council of Europe Member States in October 1985, sets forth the constitutional and legal foundations of local self-government, defines the concept and scope thereof, makes provision for adapting administrative structures and resources to the functions of local authorities, regulates the conditions under which local responsibilities are exercised and describes the principles governing administrative supervision of the activities and financial resources of authorities. It is already in force in Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia (01,09,98), Slovenia, Spain, Sweden "the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia", Turkey, Ukraine and the United Kingdom (01.08.98). It has also been signed by: Belgium, France, Ireland and Lithuania. /rxh/das/lm/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[18] Serbian forces continue military operationsPRISHTINE, May 27 (ATA)-ATA correspondent Behlul Jashari reports:Serbian military operations continue today in a number of regions of Dukagjini and in Drenice. Bombardments have been reported in Decan since early in the morning, and Serbian snipers have made movements in the town impossible and very dangerous. New forces are also reported to have arrived from Serbia and Vojvodina, while the Serbian police minister has warned of tougher operations in Kosova. Troops have been concentrated in the last two days in the premises of "Ferronikel", in Gllogoc and suburbs. Sources of the Human Rights Council report that in this town and its suburbs as well as in Drenice, the situation is on the brink of an attack and that the Albanian resistance forces are established in defence of their hearths, while children, women and old people are being evacuated from the endangered regions. /p.ta/das/lm/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[19] Albanian Parliament adopts presidential decree with some amendments- DP abstainsTIRANE, May 27 (ata) - By Keida Kostreci: Albanian Parliament adopted Wednesday the presidential decree for the procedure of voting in the Central Election Commission (CEC) with some amendments proposed by the socialdemocrat parliamentary group, while the deputies of the opposition Democratic Party abstained. According to the decree, the decision must be taken by a two-thirds- majority of the votes of the members present. Otherwise, the voting is interrupted and nine hours before the second voting are left to reflect and consult experts of the bodies following the electoral process. After this voting, if the two-thirds-majority is not reached again, a new voting is held after three hours and the decision is taken on the basis of the mere majority of the members present. With the amendments made, the words a period of time of "up to nine hours" and "until three hours later" are well defined, and the sentence "while the CEC continues with other questions," is added. "The decree has a very good content, but with regard to the amendments made by the socialdemocrat group I have two objections: first, as a rule, no changes must be made to the presidential decree, and second, their formulation is unclear and leaves room for abuses. To this end we did not support the proposal," said to ATA the chairman of the DP parliamentary group, Genc Pollo. "At the beginning, DP agreed, because in essence the proposal does not add any other element, and the approach adopted later was a consequence of a political position," said the proposer of the changes, Haxhi Aliko (SDP.) /s.s/mima/xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[20] Albania demands NATO in Kosove and a third party in Albanian-Serb talksTIRANE, May 27 (ata) - By Keida Kostreci: Albanian Parliament asked Wednesday that NATO troops be deployed in Kosove and stressed the need of the presence of a third party in the negotiations between Kosova and Serbia representatives.The People's Assembly adopted a statement presented in the name of the Foreign Policy parliamentary commission by its chairman Sabri Godo, demanding an urgent international intervention in Kosove. "The Albanian Government must encourage cooperation with NATO in the Albanian territory as well," writes the statement. "With this statement, the Commission wants to attract the attention of the government to make concrete and more active efforts to make public to the world what is happening in reality in Kosove and to ask from western chancelleries a change of the strategy followed so far in the talks with Milosevic," said Godo. The leaders of the Albanians of Kosove (with a 90 per cent Albanian population) started last Friday the first direct negotiations with the Serbian Government for a solution to the crisis, which has cost more than 200 killed since the beginning of February, 1998, while the Serbian forces have not stopped their attacks against the Albanian population. The direct talks were preceded by the Rugova-Milosevic talks on May 15 without the presence of foreign representatives, a condition set by Milosevic and accepted by Rugova after long efforts with U.S. envoys Richard Holbrooke and Robert Gelbard. The statements urges that within the first 10 days of June, Albanian Foreign Minister Paskal Milo must report to the parliament of the steps undertaken by the Albanian government regarding the issue of Kosova. The Albanian Parliament has issued two resolutions in support of Kosove while the Foreign Policy Commission has met with the representatives of foreign embassies in Albania demanding the establishment of NATO troops in the territory of Kosova and not in the border with Albania. /s.s./mima/xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[21] Nano urges increase of Italian investments in AlbaniaTIRANE, May 27 (ata) - By Keida Kostreci: Albania's Premier Fatos Nano asked on Wednesday in Tirane the Italian Premier Romano Prodi to influence in the increase of Italian investments in Albania."I hope that PM Prodi will help that Italian investments in Albania increase," PM Nano said in a meeting with PM Prodi. Nano praised the importance of Albania-Italy relations for a long term economic cooperation and voiced the hope that this cooperation will yield its fruits for Albanian people. The two premiers led their respective delegations consisting of ministers from the two countries. PM Romano Prodi will attend on Wednesday the opening ceremony of Fiera de Levante fair, held for the first time in Albania. At the end of the meeting, the two premiers will make press releases. /s.sh/mima/xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[22] Serbian forces continue fighting operations in KosovePRISHTINE, May 27 (ata) - ATA correspondent Behlul Jashari reports: The Serb Minister of Police warned last Tuesday that Serbian military presence in Kosove will be stepped up along with riots and operations against the regions of Dukagjin, Drenice, Decan, the villages Cikative e Vjeter and Poklek i Vjeter, sources from the Council for the Defence of Human Rights say, adding that no reports are yet available on the casualties.Hundreds of policemen blocked at about 11 a.m. a part of the roads leading to the city market in Mitrovice. They ordered the closure of all the shops and maltreated a great number of Albanians. In the village Broboniq, near Mitrovice, on the road leading to Skenderaj, many Serbian forces have been deployed. Movements of Serbian forces and ammunition were noticed on Tuesday also in the suburbs of Obiliq, near Prishtine, while all Serbian workers of the enterprise of electro-economy in Obiliq have been armed. A grave situation is prevailing in Peje, in which Serbian police and plain clothes keep provoking and maltreating Albanians barbarously. /p.ta/b/ca/mima/xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[23] I have come to Albania to signal that there is peace and reliability here - ProdiTIRANE, May 27 (ata) - Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi stated on Wednesday in Tirane that he was leading 200 most powerful Italian companies to give the signal that there is peace and reliability here and that Albania is near Italy, the Albanian President's press and Information Office reports."This is the signal of continuity and promotion of Italy's aid for your country," said Prodi in a meeting with Albanian President Rexhep Meidani in Tirane. "Albania's economic development, the encouragement of small and medium investments, the construction of Corridor 8 are a good basis to create the conditions for a normal development of the market economy, democracy and stability in Albania, but also to avoid the conflicts in the region, especially that in Kosove, which is now the concern of all international community," said Meidani during the meeting. Premier Romano Prodi will attend the opening ceremony of the Fiera de Levante fair on Wednesday, held for the first time in Albania. President Meidani and Italian Premier Prodi highlighted the opening of the fair of Fiera de Levante as a lasting message for a guaranty to the foreign investments in Albania. "By knowing well the local situation here, I am completely ready to present Albania positively in the Italian public opinion," said Prodi. Italian PM also asked for a greater commitment by the Albanian Government to make this country attractive for the foreign investments. "I express my readiness to discuss in the Italian Parliament any Albanian project which has a sound basis" said Prodi. /s.sh/mima/xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[24] Albania, Italy Premiers attend Levant FairTirana, May 27 ATA) - Wednesday late afternoon was inaugurated the open of Levant Fair at the Palaces of Congresses in Tirana with the participation of Albanian Prime Minister Fatos Nano and his Italian counterpart Romano Prodi."An extraordinary event which besides commercial and economic values that are special compared to other editions of the Fair, it is also an act filled with important political values," Prodi said. "I hope Premier Prodi will do something more to boost Italian investments in Albania," Nano said. Organised with the Bari-based Levant Fair, its Albanian twin hosts nearly 300 exhibitors from Italy, including the major public and private groups like ENI, IRI, Gruppo Marconi, Simest, Itainvest and about a hundred from Albania and other Balkan countries as Greece, Bulgaria, Macedonia and Montenegro. The fair covers construction, agriculture, clothing, tourism, interior decorating and the food industry. Italy is now leading the economic reconstruction effort and strengthening already strong economic ties through initiatives such as the fair. In numerical terms, a majority of the Italian exhibitors are from Puglia, south east. Italy is Albania's leading commercial partner, and 500 Italian firms are already working there, with investments worth over 200 billion lire ($114 million). The Levant Fair in Tirana will be open until May 31. The collateral events include signing of a cooperation agreement between the Albanian government and Puglia's regional government. The agreement focuses on transport systems, university cooperation, special technical assistance and professional training, and cooperation between the two health systems. Albanian Telegraphic Agency[25] President Meidani praises role of foreign investmentsTIRANE, May 27 (ata) - Albania's President Rexhep Meidani praised the important role of the foreign investments in easing the social problems of his country in a meeting on Wednesday with the president of the Italian shareholding company "Finest" Mr Leonardo Simoneli, the president's press and information office reports.Simoneli presented the ideas of his company (a financial company for cooperation with eastern countries) to be present in Albania through the construction of the industrial zone of Durres, the creation of a fund of insurances for the small and medium enterprises which will invest in Albania. "We want to apply in Albania the type of the enterprises of these dimensions which have been successful in Italy," said Simoneli to the President of Albania. Mr Meidani highlighted the important role of the foreign investments for Albania, voicing his positive considerations for this kind of investments which must yield its fruits also in Albania. /s.sh./xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[26] Italy promises more investments in AlbaniaTIRANE, May 27 (ata) - By Keida Kostreci: Italian Premier Romano Prodi promised Wednesday in Tirane that Italy will make all it can to preserve tranquillity and increase Italian investments in Albania."We shall make everything possible to protect that which Albanian Premier described as 'a peaceful corner of the Balkans'" said Prodi, pointing out the importance of increasing the foreign investments in Albania. Nano highlighted the successful talks with his Italian counterpart, Prodi "in view of the already complete preparations by the two governments and civil administrations to realise products and fruits which Albanian citizens can see themselves." He added that these goals will be realised in the context of the great projects of three-year cooperation in the priority sectors defined by the two governments and in the fields of emergency. "These acts will ensure, before winter comes, priority supplies of deficient goods which would normalize the situation in energy, drinking water, free movement of the entrepreneurs and citizens between the two countries of common trade and private interests," said Nano. "I can notice with pleasure that this country has now entered the period of revival," Prodi told reporters. "With regard to specific problems, Italy is committed to opening its consulate in Vlore, and Premier Nano will make efforts for a total ban of illegal emigration to Italy," said Prodi further on. "The fair Fiera de Levante and the participation in it of more than 200 Italian entrepreneurs is a message for all the international economic and political community," said Prodi. During his one-day visit to Tirane, Prodi met with Albania's President Rexhep Meidani and with Italian investors working in Albania. He attended the opening ceremony of the biggest fair Fiera de Levante inaugurated so far in Albania with the participation of Italian firms. This is the third visit of Mr Prodi to Albania following the unrest of 1997 in Albania. Italy is one of Albania's main economic partners. It led the Alba operation undertaken by the international community to restore democratic normality in Albania after the unrest of the spring last year. /s.sh./mima/xh/ From the Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) Home Page at http://www.telpress.it/ataAlbanian Telegraphic Agency Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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