Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 98-11-05

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

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CONTENTS

[01] Kosove problem must be solved peacefully - Chinese Minister

[02] Albanian Parliament attaches great importance to relations and cooperation with Greece

[03] Osama Bin Laden has visited Albania in 1994 - Gazeta Shqiptare

[04] Albania, China cultural and educational programme signed

[05] UEFA decided match between Albania and Greece be played in Tirane on November 18

[06] Uncompromising fight against crime

[07] Albanian prostitution cohabits with violence

[08] UNDP to fund rehabilitation of infrastructure in Lezhe

[09] Albania to take part in water bid in Cyprus

[10] Law on private and public electronic mediae comes into force

[11] Meidani: Exchange of experience, basis for long-term cooperation - Meidani meets Greek Minister of Education-

[12] "Mediterranea 1" brings Italian and Albania artists closer

[13] Rugova: OSCE and NATO observers to calm situation in Kosova

[14] Town hall of Durres will execute the law on Referendum to the letter

[15] Customs police block smuggled goods

[16] Lek remains stable

[17] Indexes on the increasing welfare of Shkodra farmers

[18] Number of requests to build houses has increased in Durres

[19] This is not a usual agreement, Arsenis

[20] Working groups point out cases of corruption on public works programs

[21] Two agreements signed between Albanian and German government

[22] Maximal engagement required to observe law on referendum, Majko

[23] Understanding climate to increase cooperation in education, science, culture and sport

[24] We should find new ways to continue Albanian-Chinese friendship, Hu Xhin Thao

[25] "Lucky Mar" Russian sailors released

[26] AIS knows nothing about Bin Laden arrival in Albania

[27] NATO's experts train Albanian military men to eliminate ammunition

[28] DP announces its remarks against Constitution

[29] CoE to assist democratic development in Albania

[01] Kosove problem must be solved peacefully - Chinese Minister

After confirming the formal stand of the Albanian government for a peaceful and lasting solution to the crisis in Kosove, the Chinese minister highlighted the efforts of Albania to follow a moderate line regarding the solution of the crisis.

"Albania is an important country in the Balkans and I believe that it will continue to follow the peaceful way," said Xia Shyen.

The Chinese Minister stated that China is not for a violent change of borders, but at the same time it recognizes and protects the legitimate rights of the ethnic Albanians of Kosove.

"The Yugoslav party should adopt a more flexible stand towards the situation and meet the demands of the Resolution 1199 of the U.N. Security Council. The issue of Kosova must be solved peacefully," said Xia Shyen, adding that during the past recent years, the Chinese government has worked a lot to moderate the stand of the Belgrade authorities.

The chief of the Albanian Government, Paskal Milo appreciated the latest approaches of China in the U.N. Security Council. /dast/xh/

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[02] Albanian Parliament attaches great importance to relations and cooperation with Greece

The spokesman of the People's Assembly said Gjinushi considered the agreement signed in the field of education as a new value in the spirit of friendship and cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.

Focusing on the political developments in the country, Gjinushi said that Albania is on the right track, going towards normalization and political stability. He briefed the Greek Minister of the work of the parliament for the new constitution.

Mr Arsenis considered historical the agreement signed today between the two countries in the field of education and culture.

Mr Arsenis wished a good process to the referendum for the approval of the new constitution and voiced the conviction that Albania will have a good Constitution.

"I assure you," said the Greek minister, "that Greece will make everything possible to promote the bilateral cooperation and will encourage the international support for the democratic processes in Albania." /dast/xh/

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[03] Osama Bin Laden has visited Albania in 1994 - Gazeta Shqiptare

The invitation for the visit, the paper wrote, was extended by Bashkim Gazidede, SHIK Chairman and at the same time chairman of the association of Islamic intellectuals.

Over his stay in Albania, Laden had official meetings with some of the former leaders of the Albanian state, promising them aid, which started with the construction of a complex in Synej of Kavaje. From that moment, still according to Gazeta Shqiptare, the organization he was leading had the doors open in all Albania. Through the foundation "Al Haramen" he financed, Laden had united selefists with Jihad.

One of the Albanian ministers of that time, who has made an official meeting with Bin Laden, told the paper that the agreement for some aid was signed by his subordinates.

"A person who is member of an official delegation signs in the name of foundation is something that leaves room for suspicions. Now that I recall this fact, I worry how great space was created here in Albania," the paper cites Albanian former minister.

Terrorism has been present also in Albania for years. Phantasm foundations, registered in Albanian courts, have offered their "assistance" in exchange for the security of a new basis of terrorism in Europe.

A clear example to this is also the arrest of four Egyptians in Albania and the killing of another in Tirane. /a.ke/xh/

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[04] Albania, China cultural and educational programme signed

The two ministers shared views as regards relations between the two countries, especially the need to open a new chapter of cooperation in accordance with the new time and conditions created.

"We hope that this century's end the two countries will carry their relations ahead in all domains, apart from the domestic or international changes," said the Chinese foreign Minister.

He said that the visit of his counterpart to Beijing will contribute to the strengthening of cooperation between the two countries.

"China will never forget Albanian government's support for its admission in the U.N. as well as Albania's consistent policy on Taiwan." said the Chinese minister.

The will to develop political relations at the highest level was expressed at the meeting. The visit of Albanian President Rexhep Meidani to China will also serve to this.

Milo stressed that a full legal basis for foreign cooperation already exists in Albania.

"I am convinced that the Chinese investments will find a favourable climate in Albania," he said.

The Chinese minister shared this opinion stating that "the year 1999 marks the 50th anniversary of establishing Albania-Chinese diplomatic relations and this year will be a good year for the cooperation between the two countries." /dast/lm/

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[05] UEFA decided match between Albania and Greece be played in Tirane on November 18

The match planned for October 10 was not played due to a decision of UEFA for the situation created in Albania. The match between the Under 21 teams will be played in Tirane as well.

The match in Oslo between the representative soccer teams of Albania and Norway, valuable for the second qualifier group of Euro 2000, ended with the score 2:2. So the Albanian national team won the first point in the qualifiers, with a goal average of 2-3. /lh/xh/

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[06] Uncompromising fight against crime

Uncompromising fight against crime has been the motto of the meetings of the heads of the Vlore prosecutor's office and police with Italian Anti- Mafia deputy Prosecutor Alberto Maritati, on Wednesday.

Also present at the meeting was Prosecutor General Arben Rakipi.

The fight against crime includes prevention of illegal emigrants and drugs trafficking, pursue of incriminated elements, who continue their overseas activity and who try to claw at the Albanian state structures, the head of the Vlore police department, Sokol Kociu, told the press.

He admitted that the information possessed by the Italians on the crime contingents, a part of which are being hunted down by the Albanian police, is sufficient.

"After the information provided by the senior official of the Italian Prosecutor's Office, we are capable of checking a part of the illegal traffic carried out between our two coasts," said Kociu.

At the meetings with Maritati in Vlore, an agreement of cooperation with the district prosecutor's office was agreed upon to be signed in the future.

The possibility of training Albanian police officers in the fight against organised crime will also be considered. /a.ke/lm/

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[07] Albanian prostitution cohabits with violence

Albanian prostitutes are maltreated, abused and sometimes executed by their protectors. The treatment of women in centuries as property, has, without doubt, left traces in the Albanian mentality; also in the canon laws, applied until late by Albanians, the man had the right to kill his wife, sister or daughter.

The study of the Association brings many cases of maltreatments of Albanian women and girls. Hence, in 1995 RAI 2 tv channel showed an interview with a relative of a 17 old Albanian girl, who was beaten hard by her compatriots, to make her agree to become a prostitute. In March 1996, in Florence, a 23 old Albanian girl was seduced by her protectors. In 1997, G.F., 20 years, was scabbed in the face and the sign of the wound could be still seen in her face.

But the maltreatment is more evident in the moment when women want to come out of the prostitution network and return to the normal life. In that moment, violence does, many a time, take their lives.

Hence. A.Gj, was found killed in a hotel in Milan because she wanted to do away with that kind of life. She was killed by her self-styled husband. In November 1996, two Albanian girls were scabbed by their "protectors" near Turin, and one of them died. Frequently these "protectors" exert pressure on prostitutes through their children, by kidnaping, maltreating and then killing them. /pas/xh/

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[08] UNDP to fund rehabilitation of infrastructure in Lezhe

Secretary general of this prefecture, Kujtim Dashi, said to ATA that "with a $650 thousand by UNDP 12 projects on public works are underway in that district. The projects aim at improving further the infrastructure not only in the city but also in some villages of that district."

According to him, $200 thousand of the fund will be used to rehabilitate sewage, to asphalt roads and reconstruct aqueducts. So far, 70 per cent of the works has been made and within the current year, all projects financed by UNDP will be completed, said the Secretary General of the prefecture of Lezhe. /lh/xh/

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[09] Albania to take part in water bid in Cyprus

Also attending the conference was an Albanian delegation, led by Haxhi Aliko, head of the parliamentary agricultural group and member of the Council of Europe (CE) on Agriculture and Food in Strasbourg.

"If for Qipro shortage of water remains a problem, for Albania, which has vast reserves of water, the way of exploiting and selling it was discussed," Aliko told ATA.

In November Qipro will declare the bid on buying water and Albania will prepare to take part in it. /lh/lm/

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[10] Law on private and public electronic mediae comes into force

The law "On private and public electronic mediae", which was approved by the Albanian Parliament on September 30, comes into force today.

Under this law, the radio-TV activity will be supervised by the National Radios and Televisions Council (KKRT), independent body, which will be responsible for the entire radio-TV activity throughout the Albanian territory.

KKRT has the right to exercise control and implement the law, to monitor information programs and guarantee honest competition in the field of electronic mediae. This council has the right to grant and remove licenses for private radios and televisions.

KKRT is composed of seven members, three from the government coalition, three from the opposition and one is chosen from the President of the Republic. One month after the commission is elected by parliament, the government is duty-bound to create it favorable conditions to start the activity.

After this period, for three months KKRT will be trained in cooperation with CE experts. After four months this council will be ready to receive requests for licenses and has six months at disposal to approve or reject these licenses.

Minister of Information Musa Ulqini told ATA that for this issue it is given a six-month's time as so far Albania numbers 30 private radios and 31 TV stations, while there are many others which are expected to begin their activities during these months.

The new law defines nine basic demands indispensable for the private mediae to receive licenses.

As to the relation between the KKRT and the Leading Council of the Albanian RTV, KKRT will supervise the implementaiton of the law in this state and at the same time public institution just as it does with the private mediae.

According to the new law, the new Leading Council of the RTV will comprise 15 members, six of whom will be proposed by Parliament, and nine from the Non-governmental Organisations. Ulqini said that two from the six members proposed by parliament will be from the opposition.

Within 50 days after November 4, 1998, the Leading Council of the Albanian RTV will be appointed. The RTV will begin functioning as a public institution on January 1, 1999.

This Leadin Council defines the politics on which the performance in the RTV will be based, while the director general of the RTV, the Radio and Television directors as well as the administrative board of this institution will deal with the concrete problems of this institution. /pas/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] Meidani: Exchange of experience, basis for long-term cooperation - Meidani meets Greek Minister of Education-

Arsenis considered the agreement signed on Wednesday with his Albanian counterpart Ethem Ruka a new chapter of bilateral cooperation in education and culture and said that this agreement will be worked out in separate working programs soon.

Meidani said investment in education and reformation of higher school to approach the labour market demands are of priority for the Albanian education in this period of transformations and expressed his delight that the Albanian language chair will open in one of the Athens' universities soon.

Meidani also received support from the Greek Minister of Education that, along with the legalisation of the Albanian emigrants in Greece, the Albanian children, whose families have temporary residence in Greece, get schooling in the Albanian language.

Meidani urged the creation of a joint Albanian-Greek centre, the equivalence of diplomas in various specialities and added that for this purpose bilateral relations between the universities of the two countries must be developed.

"Exchanges between universities should not remain at rectors' or deans' level, but be extended especially to professors and students," said Meidani.

Also attending the meetings was Albanian Minister of Education Ruka. /pas/lm/

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[12] "Mediterranea 1" brings Italian and Albania artists closer

Also named "Albania'Italy, common cultural horizon," the activity will be held under the auspices of the Albanian President Rexhep Meidani and the Italian President, Oscar Luiggi Scalfaro, the Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Italy, the Institute of Italian Culture in Tirane in cooperation with Foundation Velija and the Cultural Association "Mediterranea."

Ideator and organizer of the activity, the first of its kind, is the Italian painter, Gaetano Grillo, who a year ago, organized successfully the project "Radio Tirana Fax."

"Mediterranea 1" will focus mainly on visual arts and literature. The well-known painter Ibrahim Kodra will display in the activity a full collection of his works, selected from various periods of his creativeness.

Also the works of 33 Italian painters and 13 Albanian painters and the poems of 20 Albanian poets, among whom Ismail Kadre, and 31 Italian poets will also be presented in the activity.

A special place will be devoted to the technology of the multimedia, to be realised by the company "Comunicare S.R.L." which later, will offer a CD-Rom of all the activity, to be also accompanied with a 350-page volume translated in two languages, in Albanian and Italian. /pas/xh/

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[13] Rugova: OSCE and NATO observers to calm situation in Kosova

"The quick development of the OSCE and NATO verifying missions is indispensable to create conditions for a safe return of the population to their homes and lessen the humanitarian crisis in Kosova," said Rugova at a meeting with German Ambassador Vilfriod Gruber.

Rugova also said that the further attraction of the Serb forces would help calm the situation and create conditions for negotiations and political solution to the Kosova issue, the Kosova Information Centre (KIC) reports.

He said that the situation in Kosova remains grave because of the Serb offensive, whose consequences are uncovered daily and of which he, himself, was convinced during his visit to several localities in the central areas of Kosova two days ago. /lh/lm/

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[14] Town hall of Durres will execute the law on Referendum to the letter

Gorreja stressed that "despite party affiliation, we maintain and defend institutional traditions, because the consolidation of the state starts with the observation of laws."

The town hall of Durres is preparing the lists of the voters. Gorrea said that so far over 75 per cent of the voters have been registered and within November 7, the process will be over. Also the locations where the voting stations will be set up have been determined, and they are mostly institutions of the city.

Although the funds for the expenses for the referendum preparations have not yet been delivered, the work is going on with funds from the town hall, said Gorrea, adding that after the listed names were verified, the voting lists for all the city will be announced. /lh/xh/

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[15] Customs police block smuggled goods

The police of the Customs General Department, in an operation exercised on the Fushe Kruje-Milot road (North of Tirane), today, blocked three vehicles carrying smuggled goods.

According to the spokesman of the Customs General Department, the first vehicle with Durres number plate carried 26 boxes of cigarettes "President" and 10 boxes of imported raki. The confiscation value is 257.064 leks.

The second vehicle, with Laci number plate, was loaded with six tonnes of contraband flour from Montenegro. According to the procedure the confiscation value is 70.128 leks. The third vehicle, with Kruje target plate, carried 40 boxes of cigarettes "LM" and the confiscation value is 343.207 leks. /lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] Lek remains stable

Foreign Currency	exchange rate
US$ 1			141.10
DM			 85.30
LIT(1000)		 86.00
GRD(100)		 50.00

/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] Indexes on the increasing welfare of Shkodra farmers

According to some data publicized in a manual on the social and economic development, prepared by the Council of this district, the incomes of a farmer are increased approximately by 20% compared with 1992. An important place in these dates plays the aid given by the emigration. Approximately 50% of the incomes are secured from livestock sector.

After the soil privatization they prefer to grow vegetables that are to be gathered two times a year.Many farmers have built small greenhouses and their surfaces reaches 12 hectares.

Only during the last four years the above mentioned farmers have bought 13 100 color televisions, 9 000 electric heaters, 2 500 washing machines, a cipher 70% higher than in 1990. /A.A/

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[18] Number of requests to build houses has increased in Durres

According to the specialist of the district city planning office, Ilir Tomorri, the private building companies after having bought or rented sites mainly situated in the empty areas of the city or in the planned surfaces for constructions in the beach, invest considerable sums based on the demands of the market for dwelling flats. But there are many citizens who request legitimitely the building of their houses in their soils.

The amount to be expended for the dwelling centers that have begin to be built during the last nine months of this year is expected to be 1 milliard and 910 million leks. In the same period of the previous year were invested only some 477 million leks. In a five month period time the CRT has given 64 building licences, out of which 35 are for dwelling places. The surfaces occupied by them are about 1700 square meters, while the foreseen expenses are estimated to be more than 550 million leks. /pas/A.A/

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[19] This is not a usual agreement, Arsenis

"This agreement, along with the possibility it creates for the mutual functioning of private schools, goes further on, up to university levels," he added.

The Greek Minister expressed his delight for the beginning of the Albanian-Greek college "Arsakeion," also stressing that special cooperation protocols are expected to be signed on concrete problems in order to make this agreement concrete.

Arsenis met during his visit in Tirana with senior personalities of the state and ended his visit on Thursday noon with the inauguration of the Albanian-Greek college.

The cooperation between Albania and Greece in the field of education has started to be discussed since 1992, but this has faced the severe reactions of nationalist circles in both countries.

A few times ago, the press of Athens had reacted against the opening of schools in the Albanian language for the Albanian emigrants, by justifying it with the pretext that "in the future, the Albanians, whose number is 400 000, would ask to be recognised as a minority."

Meanwhile, a part of the Albanian press has considered the opening of Greek schools in Albania, along with the areas of the Greek minority, as an effort for expansion from Greece. /y.pa/mt/

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[20] Working groups point out cases of corruption on public works programs

"According to the verifications carried out by the controlling structures, it has come out that the funds have not been appropriately used. For this purpose, we have set up working groups to carry out the physical control throughout Albania," stressed Rrapi, who pointed out later on several cases of corruption noticed by the working group.

Explaining the results of the work done by the ministry he heads, Minister Rrapi declared that the Project on Public Works have extended its activity over the last six months of the year. /dast/mt/

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[21] Two agreements signed between Albanian and German government

According to the agreement the German government is to grant 5 million DM to the Albanian government for the emergent program to shelter 20.000 displaced Kosovars, and 10 million DM for the water project supply and the sewage drainage in Kavaja villages.

The agreement was signed for the Albanian part by the Finance Minister Anastas Angjeli and for the German part by the German ambassador to Albanian Hans-Peter Disdorn.

The United Nation High Commission for Refugees in collaboration with the Albanian government are to provide the grounds of the displaced Kosovars with beds, sheets and blankets, food items, water and electric energy.

For the conception and realization of the project will be engaged the German society for technical collaboration GTZ. It will charge the local Albanian building companies for the implementing of the rehabilitation measures and will supervise the proceedings of the construction's building. /dast/A.A/

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[22] Maximal engagement required to observe law on referendum, Majko

Attending the meeting was also the deputy PM Ilir Meta, the Minister of Local Government, Arben Demeti, as well as the Minister of Information, Musa Ulqini.

PM Majko, after underlining the importance that the International Community pays to the new Albanian Constitution, stressed that in order to enable the conduct of this process and to cope with the difficulties, a maximal engagement to observe the law is requested by all the governors of the country.

The governors assured PM Majko for their maximal engagement to successfully realize the referendum process, but pointed out several difficulties they have faced on their way.

They put forward the necessity for a better coordination with several structures of local government to compile the voters' lists and to set up the commissions close to the polling stations. /dast/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[23] Understanding climate to increase cooperation in education, science, culture and sport

The meeting showed the climate of mutual understanding and efforts to increase the cooperation in education, science, culture and sports.

The Greek Minister, Arsenis expressed the predispositions and concrete efforts, for which, he said, we signed yesterday an agreement with the Minister of Education and Science and the Minister of Culture.

Dizdari thanked the Greek Minister, Arsenis and the delegation accompanying him on behalf of the Parliamentary Commission.

Dizdari fully backed the agreement signed by the Ministers of both countries and stressed the Albanian government's efforts on the progress of mutual interest relations. /dast/lola/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[24] We should find new ways to continue Albanian-Chinese friendship, Hu Xhin Thao

After handing over the letter of President Meidani for his Chinese counterpart, Jiang Zemin, Minister Milo expressed to him the consideration for the complete readiness he found during the meetings with senior officials of China regarding the encouragement and development of relations between Albania and China. The Chief of the Albanian diplomacy also estimated the role and contribution of China for peace and international security.

The deputy President of China, after thanking about the message of President Meidani, said among others that "China and Albania have had a traditional friendship, thus we have to find new ways to further promote it in the future."

Later on, the deputy President of China appreciated the stand of the Albanian government on the recognition of a China and non establishment of relations with Taiwan.

"We have similar viewpoints on different international problems," said Xhin Thao, adding that this is a secure base for the further development of friendship and cooperation between the two countries."

Thao praised the politics and role of Albania for the stability in the region and added that he understands its concern for the resolution of the Kosova issue.

"The Republic of China favours a peaceful solution of the Kosova crisis and urges the international community to increase the efforts for finding a wayout," stated Xhin Thao. /dast/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[25] "Lucky Mar" Russian sailors released

The Prosecutor, Bardhosh Bari told ATA that the Russian sailors were released following the study of the material on the crew's activity by the Prosecutor's Office in Durres.

According to him the first captain and officer of the ship, who are legally responsible for the ship's consignments and movements, will be brought to the justice. /dast/lola/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[26] AIS knows nothing about Bin Laden arrival in Albania

TIRANE, Nov. 5 (ATA) - The Albanian Information Service (AIS) knows nothing about the arrival the headterrorist Osma Bin Laden in Albania during 1994 as a member of the Saudi Arabia official delegation.

"I have ordered a detailed control of the protocol to verify this, but I think that Bin Laden has not come in Albania during 1994, because he is a terrorist and if his visit here was real this would not remain only on the protocol," the AIS chairman, Fatos Klosi, told ATA on Thursday.

Klosi issued this statement after some articles in the daily Albanian press which spoke about an official visit of Bin Laden in April of 1994, in which he is said to have met ex-leaders of the Albanian government.

Klosi denied also the existence of any an eaves drop document, that according to an article of an Albanian daily newspaper, Bin Laden has made with one of his persons in Tirane.

"I, personally have not read any documented thing in connection with this issue," said the head of AIC. /dast/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[27] NATO's experts train Albanian military men to eliminate ammunition

This course has been carrying out by experts from NATO's member countries such as: the U.S., Italy, Germany, Great Britain and Greece.

Sources from the Ministry of Defence say that in Albania's territory there exist 15 zones carrying dangerous ammunition, for which the Ministry of Defence and the General Army Staff have taken measures to uncover, classify, systemize and safeguard the ammunition of these zones.

According to the Albanian experts the progress of this course consists a more advanced step in the process of deactivating the mines and eliminating these ammunitions.

At the end of this 6-weeks training the specialized group, lead by the General Army Staff, will operate in 15 affected zones, situated near the military depot. /dast/lola/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[28] DP announces its remarks against Constitution

The Deputy Chairman of this Party, Genc Pollo, focused in the 18th article in a news conference held Thursday, considering it "a severe violation of human rights".

"The article is a violation of the legal principal of equality before the law and that of the non discrimination, because one of the paragraphs of this law abrogates the other paragraphs," said the Deputy chairman of the Democratic Party.

Despite the rejection of this article, DP did not express its reserves on the other parts of the new Constitution.

DP, although it has voiced disagreement with the content of the approved draft, it has not issued the alternative of voting against this Constitution, but it has called on its militants to boycott the referendum of 22 November.

The basic law of the state was compiled by the Parliamentary Constitution Drafting Commission and was supported and approved by the Venecia Commission and by other important European bodies, like OSCE and EU. /dast/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[29] CoE to assist democratic development in Albania

The Ministers, recalling their activities in the field of assistance and solidarity with a view to guaranteeing democratic development in Albania (the Constitutional process, the legal and administrative systems and the judiciary,) referred to the initiative of their Chairman and of the Secretary General to hold a dialogue on 19 September in Tirana with the country's leadership and with their OSCE counterparts, a visit which was followed by the Declaration of the four Chairmen (CE, EU, OSCE and WEU.) They welcomed the intense efforts of the Parliamentary Assembly and the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe (CLARE) and for the process leading to a new Constitution - of the Venice Commission for Democracy through Law. The Ministers called for the widest possible participation in the referendum on the Constitution to be held on 22 November 1998 to finalise this process in the interests of the country. The Ministers also welcomed the holding of the international Conference on Albania on 30 October 1998 in Tirana.

The Ministers reaffirmed their determination to continue close cooperation with the OSCE and the European Union. In this context, they recalled that the 12th Quadripartite meeting with the leadership of the latter, held in Strasbourg on 7 October 1998, at an invitation of the Chairman of the Committee of Ministers expressed support for the Council of Europe's specific role, within the multi-institutional "Friends of Albania" Group, created on 30 September. The Ministers noted with satisfaction the active role of the Special Representative of the Secretary General in Tirana, in contributing to efforts to achieve stability in Albania. /dast/mt/

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