Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-02-05

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] Albanians of Kosova be recognizes right for self-rule

[02] Intellectuals - less backed by credit

[03] Orthodox church to have an additional building

[04] Informatori, evening paper, suspends publication

[05] Albanian govt. provides funds to protect insurance

[06] Albanian females prefer social sciences

[07] "Prizereni" restaurant in Tirane engulfed by fire -Fire-engines stop dispersion of fire in neighboring locals-

[08] Police guarantee normal rally in support of Rambouillet

[09] Usual client abandons bingo

[10] Tirana currency rate

[11] KLA ready for a solution to Kosova issue

[12] Rally of Tirane inhabitants in support of Kosova issue -The rally was organized a day before Rambuillet Conference-

[13] Tough measures taken for building companies polluting Tirane

[14] Albania hopes, believes that Rambuillet will issue Freedom and Justice for Kosova.

[15] OSCE to open its office in Berat

[16] 90% of pork is imported

[17] Albania President meets chief of EU delegation in Tirana

[18] Custom incomes in 1998

[19] VAT cashes 20,3 billion of custom incomes

[20] Book "Albanian state and Kosova issue" presented

[21] Economic credits to be in highest level in 1999

[22] Bufi: Privatisation of strategic sectors in 1999

[01] Albanians of Kosova be recognizes right for self-rule

It said that the resolution of their political status urged the recognition of their right to self-rule which was a sacred principle. "Only this can make Kosova a factor of new balances, peace and European integration in the Balkans," the memorial said.

Pointing out that a break-out of war in Kosova would be inevitable as long as the torch was at the hand of Serb chauvinism, it said that the defenceless Kosova needed support and presence of international forces which was a precondition for a peaceful right and final solution.

The memorial hoped that Paris 1999 would put an end to tragic consequences of the past and would not allow the ideals of Europeanism of the Balkans be killed in Kosova. /dast/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] Intellectuals - less backed by credit

Director of the affiliation of the Savings Bank Dhurata Dondo said that in the last eight years the bank had provided considerable credits but in 60 persons profiting them one was an intellectual.

No credit had been stimulated to help teachers, agronomists, doctors, pharmacist and dentists compete in a market economy, she said.

Those who had been provided credits worth millions of leks from the banks were people of political support.

Among 300 people who had not paid the debt (credit) none of them had graduated the university, Dondo said.

"In the last two years some 100 intellectuals have asked for credits but their demands have remained in the drawers because we are waiting for a delivery of credit fund for 1999," Dondo said.

"The statistics of previous years, show that those intellectuals who have managed to take credits have paid them. Their intellectual and professional self-formation, accompanied by the seriousness in work have been guarantees for trade or production success," Dondo said. /dast/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] Orthodox church to have an additional building

The building has been designed by the Technical office of the Orthodox Church and has a traditional architecture of the southern districts.

A fund worth 80 million leks was accorded by the Archbishop Anastas for the construction of the building.

Another church is going to be built in the same site which will serve the people of the area and assumes services in nearby cemetery. /dast/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] Informatori, evening paper, suspends publication

"Informatori, a publication of Kosova Information Center (KIC), was published until January 31 and ended its publication due to financial means, " KIC said.

Two Albanian dailies were published in Kosova in the second six-month period of 1998. The daily Bujku, follow-up of Rilindja which was the oldest newspaper in Kosova, was banned from publication last December. /lh/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] Albanian govt. provides funds to protect insurance

The draft law on activities of insurance and reinsurance said that the contributions are defined every year for every company by the Ministry of Finance in rapport with the amount of prims or quotas but it could not be more than one thousand of the amount of these prims or quotas.

The insurance market is being slowly developed and the population is not aware of the role and importance of insurances. As a result, the total of present prims for insurance is low thus the quota for one thousand is very low. In other countries where the insurance market is much developed the contribution rate is 2 to 5 times larger.

According to the draft law the rate of contribution for the commission of insurance protection from the insurance and reinsurance company is expected to change from one thousand to seven thousand.

At present there is only one insurance company in Albania the Institute of Insurance (INSIG) and the increase of contribution for the commission of insurance supervisor is expected to bring about a new development in private institutions of insurance. /lh/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] Albanian females prefer social sciences

The Institute of Statistics (INSTAT) said that the number of females who had graduated the faculties of social sciences in 1996-1997 were twice the number of males in the same faculty.

Number of females and males who prefer faculties of medicine and economic is almost the same.

While faculties dominated by males are those of gymnastics, arts, agronomy and engineering.

In these faculties the number of males is twice or thrice the number of females. /lh/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] "Prizereni" restaurant in Tirane engulfed by fire -Fire-engines stop dispersion of fire in neighboring locals-

The spokesman of Tirane Police Prefecture told ATA that at about 22.20 p.m on Wednesday, exploded a powerful fire in "Prizereni" restaurant, in front of "Bolero" boutique.

The fire engulfed all the grounds of the restaurant, and the immediate intervention of the fire-engines could not prevent its furniture, but it prevented the dispersion of flames in the neighboring locals.

According to the experts, the fire blow out as a result of an electric arch.

Investigations to clear out the full event are being carried out. /pas/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] Police guarantee normal rally in support of Rambouillet

He said that all police structures would be present at the square and the road traffic police had taken all measures to deviate the movement of cars from the square of Mother Teresa.

Representatives of parliamentary parties decided on Thursday to hold a rally in support of the Rambouillet conference which will discuss a solution to Kosova crisis. /lh/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] Usual client abandons bingo

Mr. Z.Pirani, aged 40, inhabitant of this city, who frequented regularly "Arsidi" bingo, decided not to step any more in its grounds.

At about 9p.m on Wednesday, after having lost all his money in the fortune games, he appealed to the other frequenters to give up playing fortune games.

"Only the owners win in bingos. The only way to win is through work", said Pirani while leaving disappointed the bingo grounds.

The first bingo in this city was opened in 1991, while 9 other bingos were opened in the successive years.

Many of the persons frequenting the bingos, were convinced of the fact that they were losing their money. Shkodra city has got actually only 2 fortune-games locals. /lh/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] Tirana currency rate

US$1.00			140.60
German mark		 81.80
Italian lire(1000)	 82.10
Greek Drachmas(100)	 49.45
EURO			158.60

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] KLA ready for a solution to Kosova issue

The Kosova delegation, which will leave for France on Friday, also includes the president of Kosova Ibrahim Rugova.

Xhemail Mustafa, a spokesman of Rugova told a news conference in Prishtina on Friday that "the delegation of Kosova is leaving for Paris conference convinced that the independence of Kosova is the only right and stable political solution which will be accepted by all Albanians and stabilize the region."

Mustafa added: "A temporary acceptable solution should include the establishment of the democratic institutions of Kosova, independence from Serbia in order that after three years the people of Kosova have the right to declare through an internationally guaranteed referendum the independence of Kosova."

He also expressed concern over the fact that "the Serb violence can be intensified while the conference of Rambouillet is underway."

Therefore, he stressed the "necessity of a quick and overall reaction of NATO. Only these forces can oblige Belgrade to accept a temporary solution for Kosova while their deployment in Kosova is a guarantee for such a solution." pta/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] Rally of Tirane inhabitants in support of Kosova issue -The rally was organized a day before Rambuillet Conference-

Today's rally, held under the appeal of all the political parties and Albanian associations, was organized one day before the Rambuillet Conference.

Participants of this rally, gathered initially in "Mother Theresa" square, leaded towards the OSCE headquarter in Tirane and afterwards they moved to Skanderbeg's square.

The persons in the rally as well as the political parties asked for immediate prevention of violence in Kosova and the respect of the human rights of this population for self-determination.

A conference initiated by the Contact Group is to be held in Rambuillet of France, in the center of which is to be the situation in Kosova and the achievement of an agreement between the Albanian and the Serb part. The Albanians are to be presented in this meeting by a wide group of politicians, who represent almost all political factors in Kosova. /dast/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] Tough measures taken for building companies polluting Tirane

The Ministry of the Public Work and Transport, after the controls exercised recently in the framework of the action "For a clean and cultural Tirane" fined 18 building companies and proposed to exclude the licences of 4 other building companies, which during their work have created problems for the environment, is said in a declaration of Tirane Prefecture.

In the framework of the action "For a clean and cultural Tirane", the Minister of the Public Work and Transport, Ingrid Shuli, has issued an order for taking tough measures regarding the building companies, which pollute the environment with their work and create problems in the aqueduct and electric system.

Despite the cleaning, systemizing and repairing of Tirane infrastructure, one of the priorities of the workgroup which leads the action, has been the polluting and damaging of Tirane.

Several of Tirane streets have lost their shape by being covered with mud. They have become unused as a result of the work the building companies do in the streets.

These firms have not encountered tough measures so far, despite the damages and pollution of environment in the grounds of Tirane. /dast/A.A/

TIRANE, Feb. (ATA) - By A.Haxhiu: Thousands of inhabitants of the capital manifested Friday noon in Tirane to support Kosova issue.

Today's rally, held under the appeal of all the political parties and Albanian associations, was organized one day before the Rambuillet Conference.

Participants of this rally, gathered initially in "Mother Theresa" square, leaded towards the OSCE headquarter in Tirane and afterwards they moved to Skanderbeg's square.

The persons in the rally as well as the political parties asked for immediate prevention of violence in Kosova and the respect of the human rights of this population for self-determination.

A conference initiated by the Contact Group is to be held in Rambuillet of France, in the center of which is to be the situation in Kosova and the achievement of an agreement between the Albanian and the Serb part. The Albanians are to be presented in this meeting by a wide group of politicians, who represent almost all political factors in Kosova. /dast/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] Albania hopes, believes that Rambuillet will issue Freedom and Justice for Kosova.

Transmitting his wishes and full support of the Republic of Albania for this Conference, President Meidani, stressed that "it is realistic to admit that, the democratic world, terrified by the state violence and the massacres committed in Kosova, has thrown its sight towards Rambuillet, and is unexpectedly looking forward the clear-sighted political solution of the conflict.

The Albanian President mentioned once more the stand of the Republic of Albania in favor of the peaceful solution of the conflict, under the attention of the international factor, and expresses his believe that "Rambuillet, regarding the situation we are living in, will give Freedom and Justice for Kosova and will open, for the new century, the epoch of a constant peace in this Balkan region."

At the end of his message, Albanian President, Rexhep Meidani, stressed that "I am conscientious that the Albanians and Serbs have today the historical chance to touch and develop, like two neighboring countries, the new collaboration future of reciprocal progress, I believe that this future can start in France". /dast/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] OSCE to open its office in Berat

Milika Jaho, the mayor of the town, told ATA that from the meetings we have had with OSCE representatives in Tirana, ambassador Everts has promised that an OSCE office will be soon open in this town. February is the month which will realise this bilateral effort, she added.

With the opening of the OSCE office in Berat, possibilities for a more fruitful cooperation with the local government are created.

The OSCE has opened its offices in several other towns of Albania, like in Vlore, Shkoder, Korce, Tropoje, Kukes, Peshkopi, Gjirokaster and others. /dast/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] 90% of pork is imported

This figure is nearly 40% lower compared with the figures in the begining of '90.

2 000 tons sausage and 2 500 tons pork is imported in 1998, and it comes mainly from Greece.

According to the specialists of the Nutrition Directory in the Ministry of Agriculture the native pork costs more than imported one.

Actually in Albania there are four centers of pigs breeding respectively in Vlora, Shkodra, Korca, Lezha which have approximatly 100 sows.

The pork industry is represented by 68 enterprices, which in 1998 produced 1518 tons pork's products, mainly of imported one./pas/linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] Albania President meets chief of EU delegation in Tirana

Attending the ceremony of presenting the credentials was also the Albanian Foreign Minister, Paskal Milo.

Ambassador Paretti was accompanied by other diplomats of the diplomatic corps accredited in Tirana.

Mr. Pareti replaces in this post Mr. Elio Germano, who left Albania several days ago in the end of his diplomatic mission in Albania. /dast/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] Custom incomes in 1998

According to the recent figures of the General Directory of the Custom houses the figure of year 1998 is 14,2 billion lek higher than that of 1997.

The December figure marks the highest monthly value of the incomes during 1998, by 3,671 billion lek. This is due to the large quantities of the products entered in Albania in the end of the year.

The custom house in 1999 is nearly 45 billion lek, which is 9 billion lek higher that that of year 1998.

The custom incomes in 1998 (million lek)

January		 2,440
February	 2,867
March		 2,743
April		 2,705
May		 3,231
Jun		 3,176
July		 3,259
August		 3,317
September	 2,701
October		 2,992
November	 3,140
December	 3,671
In total	36,242

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] VAT cashes 20,3 billion of custom incomes

VAT is followed by the custom taxes, which increases with 3,5 billion lek more compared with the incomes of a previous year. Meanwhile there is also an increase of excise tax by 1,1 billion lek. This is due to the approval of the new law on excise tax, which decreases this tax on imported goods.

But for the specialists the pass of the law on unification of the excise of imported goods with the native ones will bring a further increase of incomes in 1999.

1998-1997 - The changes of the custom incomes (million lek)

	VAT	Custom Tax	Excise Tax
1998	20,368	12,149		2,504
1997	11,224	 8,622		1,415

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[20] Book "Albanian state and Kosova issue" presented

In this book, author Gjecovi aims at offering help in familiarizing the public opinion with the stands maintained on Kosova issue.

The book includes several important moments of the Albanian history. The author generally develops the period of independence and that of the consolidation of the Albanian state, and focusing after that on the years of the World War II and after the liberation, meanwhile that the Kosova issue and the stands maintained towards it have been deeply analysed.

Thus, through three chapters, the author shows a part of the history of the Kosova issue and asks why Kosova was not joined with Albania. In the last part of the book, the author presents some documents on the Kosova issue and the Albanian-Yugoslav relations.

The book has been published and financed by "BotimPex." /dast/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[21] Economic credits to be in highest level in 1999

The predicted increase of the credit by 8 billion lek will open the possibilities to the second rate banks to enlarge their credit activities of the economy.

The credit activities, according to the sources of the Central Bank, depends on several factors. The most important ones are the deposits' level, the level of the financial market development, the expected inflation, the rate of economic increase and the attractive and accumulative ability of the credit. But according to the bankers the credit increase in the specific condition in Albania is closely related with the new structure and the privatisation process of banks system.

According to the same sources there is an increase of the deposits on the second rate banks. A part of these deposits will be used for the economic credits during 1999.

Nearly 2.79 billion lek is the value of the credits given during 1998, most of which are short term ones./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[22] Bufi: Privatisation of strategic sectors in 1999

According to the sources of this Ministry this meeting aimed at presenting to these organisations the begining of the procedures from the Albanian Government in privatisation of the strategic sectors. A main importance was given to the coordination of the activities between the Ministry and these representatives, in order to achieve the best financial results during the privatisation process.

The minister Yli Bufi introduced the concrete steps of privatisation in 1999. The procedures on privatisation of AMC will start in April. During the three first months of the year the privatisation of nearly 40 mines will take place, while in July will start the procedures on TELEKOM privatisation.

During the first six months the preparation on Albkrom and Albbaker privatisation will start. In the same period will start the privatisation procedures of ARMO company, Servecom and KESH, as well.

During the first six months the transformation of the public companies of Durresi Port and aeroport is expected to take place. Beside this the possibilities on the begining of privatisation process of this two will be taken into consideration.

The privatisation of the National Commercial Bank will be realized within a year, while in second six months the procedures on privatisation of the Saving Bank will start.

The representatives of the international organisations stressed that the privatisation process as a most important points of the Albanian Government programm, as a challange, as a very important objective, which will become true if we coorperate together. They are so interested to take part in this process./linda/

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