Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-04-08

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CONTENTS

[01] Majko: Already there is a trauma in bilateral relationship between Albanian and Macedonia

[02] More than 6 000 Kosovars in Dibra Prefecture

[03] United Nations High Commissioner on Refugees to visit Albania on Thursday

[04] Students and teachers of Arts Academy perform concert in refugee camp in Tirane

[05] Charity concert for displaced Kosovars in Vlore

[06] Albanian book for children in Book Fair in Bologne

[07] Kosova: Serbs cannot eternally rule the land on which Albanians live

[08] Kosova: Serbs cannot eternally rule the land on which Albanians live

[09] Albanian deputy PM meets with his Czech counterpart

[10] First food aid for Kosovars in Sarande

[11] Majko: We will cope with this situation, this is the only way to survive

[12] Koci urges protocol of cooperation between Albanian and Czech police

[13] Students, teachers of Tirane University side by side Kosova brothers

[14] Europe is resolute to put an end once for ever to policies of genocide - Meidani

[15] CRS provide food for Kosovars settled in Kruje

[16] Italian military hospital ready for Kosovars in Durres

[17] Some 1.800 Kosovars arriving in Kavaje in last 36 hours

[18] British personalities visit Butrint

[19] Foreign Investments estimated at $45 million

[20] Meidani: solidarity for a people at difficult moments, significant basis to strengthen friendship among states

[21] Nearly 30 maltreated Kosovars arrive in Kukes

[22] Parliament sees NATO intervention the only hope to resolve conflict

[23] Czeck Republic to help Albania cope with refugee influx

[24] You deserve our special admiration, Ogata

[25] New camp be built in commune of Shirgjan

[26] Greek consulate earmarks one million Drachmas to Kosovars

[27] Team of Ministry of Health closely follows situation of Kosovars in Korce prefecture

[28] Moslem community assists exiled Kosovars

[29] Albania-Czech Republic to boost cooperation in defence

[30] Congress of European local government to help Albania town halls

[31] Albanian govt. coordinates activity with international community

[32] Arab United Emirates bring aid for exiled Kosovars

[33] Albanian families welcoming refugees to receive aid soon

[01] Majko: Already there is a trauma in bilateral relationship between Albanian and Macedonia

Tirana, April 7 (ata) - By E.Nepravishta - Albanian Prime Minster Pandeli Majko met on Wednesday the Greek Minister for Foreign Affairs Jorgos Papandreu and the Macedonian one Alexander Dimitrov.

"Albania is passing through a difficult time and I am content that Greek is standing close to us. But I can say the same thing for Macedonia. Already there is a trauma in our relationship, which start with the way of treating the Kosova displaced in the border between Kosova and Macedonia", said Majko.

The Albanian Prime Minister asked for the evidence of the individual common responsibility for those who caused the death of the Kosova displaced in this border and the way of treating them by the Macedonian police.

Albanian Prime Minister stressed the viewpoint and the strategy of the Albanian Government, which considered as very important the stability with Macedonia.

"Now we are paying the respective cost of this strategy", said Majko, who stressed his request about the right to live for the Kosova displaced sheltered in Macedonia.

"If you can't guarantee them accommodation, we are going to welcome them in Albania," said the Albanian Prime Minister Pandeli Majko.

Macedonian Minister for Foreign Affairs Alexander Dimitrov on behalf of his Government asked for an excuse concerning the events that took place in the border between Kosova and Macedonia.

"We believe and we are determined for good relation with Albania in future," said Dimitrov.

Macedonian Minister for Foreign Affairs said that his Government is ready to solve the problem of Kosova displaced, who enter in Macedonia and added that the possibilities in their disposal are so small.

Greek Minister for Foreign Affairs Papandreu said that whole region is the victim of the policy followed by Millosevic and emphasized as very important the attempts of finding the ways to solve the problems already exciting, especially the way of treating kosovars.

Greek Minister Papandreu considered as very responsible the attitude of Albanian Government and of Prime Minister Majko, as well, concerning the Kosovars question and the bilateral relationship between Albanian and Macedonia.

"Greece is doing its best to stand next to Albania in this difficult time," said the Greek Minister for Foreign Affairs Jorgos Papandreu./dast/linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] More than 6 000 Kosovars in Dibra Prefecture

The number of the new comers from Kosova in this Prefecture is increasing every day. Their number till now marked 6335 people, 2539 of them are accommodated in Dibra families./dast/linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] United Nations High Commissioner on Refugees to visit Albania on Thursday

Mrs. Ogata will meet the Albanian President Rexhep Meidani, the Prime Minister Pandeli Majko and other senior officials of Albanian Government and international organizations involve in the process of supporting Albania during this difficult time caused by the displaced kosovars, who came in Albania.

The High Commissioner of the UN for Refugees will visit Kuksi town, where the number of the new comers is greater than any other Albanian town.

After the visit in Albania Mrs.Ogata will visit Macedonia, where a considerable number of kosovars entered there and the living conditions are so difficult due to indifference of Skopje Government for their accommodation and better treatment./y.pa/linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] Students and teachers of Arts Academy perform concert in refugee camp in Tirane

In the sounds of music, the Kosovars could forget for a few moments the atrocities of the past days caused by the Serb violence in Kosove.

The spectators, mostly the youngsters in the camp, accompanies the songs and danced with the students.

The Academy of Arts will continue such cultural activities also in the coming days in other refugee camps in the capital. /f.n./xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] Charity concert for displaced Kosovars in Vlore

The concert, performed in the hall of the Catholic Church of Vlore, had pieces by renoenwed classical authors and poetry by Albanian poets. It was attended by well-wishers, intellectuals, businessmen and ordinary people who, at the end of the concert donated for Kosova brothers an amount of money which were deposited in the running account opened for this aim in the savings bank affiliate in Vlore.

Another concert is also expected to be performed in Laberia Palace of Culture of the city soon. /f.n/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] Albanian book for children in Book Fair in Bologne

TIRANE, April 7 (ata) - By Ornela Kadaifciu: The Albanian book for children will be presented from April 8 - 12 in the International Book Fair in Bologne of Italy, Fatmir Toci, chairman of the Association of Albanian Publishers told ATA on Wednesday.

Taking part in the fair, the biggest exhibition of the book for children and youth in the world being held for the fifth year now, are also Albanian publishers. Eight publishers such as Toena, Dituria, Globus R, M�M �abej will present their best works in the literature for children published in the recent years, the same source said.

Odhise Grillo, chairman of the International Association of Writers for Children and Youth, invited in the Fair, told ATA that "this year the stand of the Albanian book is not complete because there are no publications for children from Kosove."

According to Grillo, "the publishing houses Buzuku, Rilindja, Dukagjini of Kosove, which have taken part regularly in the fair, cannot present their publications and still nobody knows of their situation.

The Albanian book was presented in March this year in the International Book Fair in Paris and in the Book Fair in London. /f.n./xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] Kosova: Serbs cannot eternally rule the land on which Albanians live

One of the latest arrivals, Shefqet Gjikoka, from Decan city, tells ATA that every 300-400 metres the Serb patrols stopped and asked from 50- 100 marks to pass along. In case they refused to give the money they were executed.

He adds that the situation in Kosova is extremely grave, as a result of the departure of the OSCE observers whose stay there was impossible.

Another refugee arriving on Tuesday, Arif Cacaj, from Decan, says that they only were asked to give money and after receiving them said: "get off, as we do not want Kosova either".

The latest arrivals tell that recently the Serb military forces have looted all the houses of Kosovars. They say they saw vehicles of Serb military forces loaded with cattle and household appliances. Many asked the inhabitants they could find at home: "give us all what you have in your houses and then we will leave".

Shefqet Gjikopa, adds that although few inhabitants have remained in Kosova, other declarations by Serbian military forces, have caused some inhabitants who could still stay in mountains, to hope that the Serb army will leave also due to NATO's continued bombardments. /pas/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] Kosova: Serbs cannot eternally rule the land on which Albanians live

One of the latest arrivals, Shefqet Gjikoka, from Decan city, tells ATA that every 300-400 metres the Serb patrols stopped and asked from 50- 100 marks to pass along. In case they refused to give the money they were executed.

He adds that the situation in Kosova is extremely grave, as a result of the departure of the OSCE observers whose stay there was impossible.

Another refugee arriving on Tuesday, Arif Cacaj, from Decan, says that they only were asked to give money and after receiving them said: "get off, as we do not want Kosova either".

The latest arrivals tell that recently the Serb military forces have looted all the houses of Kosovars. They say they saw vehicles of Serb military forces loaded with cattle and household appliances. Many asked the inhabitants they could find at home: "give us all what you have in your houses and then we will leave".

Shefqet Gjikopa, adds that although few inhabitants have remained in Kosova, other declarations by Serbian military forces, have caused some inhabitants who could still stay in mountains, to hope that the Serb army will leave also due to NATO's continued bombardments. /pas/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] Albanian deputy PM meets with his Czech counterpart

The Czech deputy PM said that the Czech Government is preparing an extensive program of assistance for the Albanian Government so that to help the humanitarian crisis pass as soon as possible, whereas today 14 tons of aid with medical equipment and medicaments reached the military hospital in Tirane. "I am coming directly after the meeting of the Czech Government and I would like to assure you of the maximal efforts for a greater assistance from us in coping with this humanitarian crisis, which has been a consequence of the Serb genocide towards the innocent Albanian population living in Kosove," said Mr Lanski.

Referring to the relations between the two countries, Mr Meta stressed that the Czech Republic is for the Albanian Government a good example to be followed for a quick membership in the NATO and other international organizations.

Mr Lanski voiced the full support for the Albanian Government, stressing that the Czech Republic stands on its side, honouring the commitments stemming from the Czech Republic's membership in the NATO. /pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] First food aid for Kosovars in Sarande

The responsible for the Emergency Staff Economic Commission at the municipality, Robert Maci, said that this is the first food aid coming from the Kosovars in need for help who are accommodated in the city.

The aid is a contribution by the Italian Caritas and is enabled by the catholic missionaries in Sarande "Sisters Marcelini", he added.

Sources from the economic commission report that the aid consists of food articles such as sugar, tinned meat and fish, beans and milk also for children.

Currently, the 282 Kosovars in this district are mainly supplied with food by the "Lidia" foundation, the Evangelical church of the city. Funds have also been provided by the municipality. /s.sh/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] Majko: We will cope with this situation, this is the only way to survive

"There are nearly 300 000 Kosovars in Albania at present, but with the development of the situation this figure is expected to be brought to half a million."

"Nevertheless, we will cope with this situation because this is the only way to survive," he said.

Meanwhile, he said, "we should find the ways to develop relations in all fields, especially in economy with the Czech Republic."

He said Albania in the future will be e very good market for the Czech Republic. He expressed optimism that the situation created will not continue for long. /dast/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] Koci urges protocol of cooperation between Albanian and Czech police

The Czech delegation is headed by deputy Prime Minister for Foreign Policy and Security, Egon Lanski, while the Albanian delegation by Public Order Minister Petro Koci.

"The current situation urges a protocol of cooperation between the two countries' police in their fight against organised crime and trafficking, as the international mafia is interested in destabilisation," said Koci.

Lanski expressed readiness to realise agreements of cooperation in security and public order as soon as possible. He underlined the fact that the Czech Republic will do its utmost not only to provide humanitarian aid to cope with the situation created but, above all, as a NATO member, to act to finally resolve the Kosova crisis.

Later, the talks continued at experts level creating spaces for future meetings to materialise bilateral cooperation. /pas/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] Students, teachers of Tirane University side by side Kosova brothers

The Rector of the University of Tirane, Marenglen Spiro, told ATA that moral support is also associated by financial, food and other aid.

Students and high school teachers continue to donate blood at the University Hospital Centre "Mother Teresa" and other centres. Voluntary students and teachers of the Faculties of Medicine, Law, and History and Philosophy have voluntarily donated blood.

Students of the Law Faculty are gathering data on the crimes committed by the Serb militia and paramilitaries against the unprotected population of Kosova. /pas/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] Europe is resolute to put an end once for ever to policies of genocide - Meidani

The President's press office reports that Ms Ogata stated that the "rate of the deported from Kosove was beyond any forecast."

"We will make all we can so that the humanitarian emergency for the people of Kosove continue until the complete resettlement of the Albanians in their homes in Kosove," said ogata.

Ogata expressed full support for the stance of the President of Albania for the withdrawal of the Serb troops and war machine from Kosove and the indispensable need for the deployment in Kosove of NATO-led ground forces to enable the complete return of the refugees.

President Meidani stressed once more thr will of Albania to consolidate the spirit of understanding and cooperation with all regional countries.

Referring to yesterday's statement of the Macedonian President Gligorov, Mr Meidani said that "Albanians, wherever they have been living or are living inside or outside the territory of Albania, they all are in their ethnic territories and every effort to identify the territory of Albania as the only homeland of all Albanians in the region are approaches which not only carry a chauvinistic spirit but they also do not serve the climate of regional cooperation or good neighbourliness."

"Europe is resolute to put an end, once and for ever, to the policies of genocide and ethnic cleansing, setting an example to all humanity," said President Meidani. /dast/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] CRS provide food for Kosovars settled in Kruje

According to the spokesman of the Durres prefecture, Gezim Dervishi, the Catholic Relief Service (CRS), authorised by the UNHCR to act in this prefecture, have sent nearly 4 000 kg of food aid for 1 200 Kosova refugees, accommodated in the Kruje town-hall, as well as nearly 4 000 kg for 1 300 refugees accommodated in the Fushe-Kruje town-hall.

According to CRS, this aid is going to be increased over this week to cope with the increasing influx of refugees in this district. /dast/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] Italian military hospital ready for Kosovars in Durres

The spokesman of the Centre of the Coordination of the humanitarian Operation Ylberi told ATA that 180 Italian militaries are working for the establishment of a military hospital in the newly built Centre for Pediatric Diagnostics set up in Durres with funds from the Lions Club Italian District.

The hospital, whose medical equipment were brought on the board of the Italian San Giorgio warship, will have a capacity for 100 patients from Kosove. A team of 10 doctors and 12 nurses of all specialities and eight Red Cross volunteers will be serving in the hospital.

The same source from the Ylberi Coordination Centre also said that during the past days a regular airlift with Kukes has been functioning flying there assistance and bring from there to Tirane about 60 gravely sick Kosovars assisted by Italian Red Cross volunteers. /dast/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] Some 1.800 Kosovars arriving in Kavaje in last 36 hours

The District Council reports that the total number of the refugees enrolled by local authorities until Thursday morning has reached 8 900.

More than half of them have been sheltered by Kavaje town and village families.

Under this difficult situation, along with the local government, UNHCR and CRS as well as companies "Haveriku", "Shpetimtari", brothers Ferizaj and "Shala", have provided a great aid. /pas/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] British personalities visit Butrint

The British group, consisting of the British Lord Rothschild, founder of the Butrinti Foundation, the renowned British writer, Patrich Leight Fermmor and the Duchess Devonshiret (member of the British Royal Family) were invited for this visit by the office for administration and coordination of Butrint in Sarande.

The director of this office, Auron Tare told ATA that the British personalities were informed of the plans and projects for the future of Butrint and met with Albanian and British archeologists working on a joint expedition in the ancient city.

The British group saw closely the unique values that the national park of Butrint will have also with the support for the park from UNESCO, the World Bank, the GETTY Program and the World Fund for Monuments.

At the end of the visit, Mr Mandleson said that the project to maintain and turn Butrint into a unique park in the Mediterranean is very important and will have the continuous support of international organizations. The British PM Tony Blair, he said, in his address in favour of the admission of Britain in UNESCO, brought as an example the protection of Butrint from this international organisation."

In 1996 UNESCO declared the ancient city of Butrint an international cultural asset. /pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] Foreign Investments estimated at $45 million

"After 1997 and constant political tensions during 1998, as well as after the worsening of the situation in the region, one could not expect an immediate boom of foreign investments in Albania," the Bank of Albania assesses.

However, the Albanian economy has offered indices which support the realisation of these investments at $45 million.

In 1997, direct investments have been $47.5 million, while in 1996 this figure has been $90,1 million.

Under the pressure of vast currency entry in the form of capital or current transfers, the economy has been leaning towards export and accumulation of currency means of the banking system and other sectors. Despite this, by the end of the year, a net import of capitals of $23 million has been registered.

Release of credits in favour the government's projects, the use of credits and loans from IMF and cash of interests from the currency reserve have led to the increase of the Monetary Authority reserves. By the end of the year the reserves were enough to cope with 4.8 months of imports (goods and services). /lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[20] Meidani: solidarity for a people at difficult moments, significant basis to strengthen friendship among states

"The Czech Government members are the first contributors to the Banking Accountancy opened to the Czech Republic in token of solidarity of the Czech nation with the Albanian one," said Lanski, according to the president's press office.

He told Meidani that besides the civil field hospital arriving in Albania, another military hospital and other humanitarian aid are expected soon.

As regards the military aspect, the Czech Republic has put the air space at NATO's disposal.

Meidani considered the support of the Czech Government and this humanitarian assistance a new basis to give an impulse to the intensification of bilateral cooperation in all fields. He repeated at the same time the official invitation for the Czech President.

Further on, Meidani said that "Today's events testify that the Albanians are also a civil, peaceful and humane nation. We are determined to follow a policy of regional understanding, integration and cooperation. And we testify this both in good and bad times. /dast/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[21] Nearly 30 maltreated Kosovars arrive in Kukes

Sources from the border police and the Kukes prefecture told ATA that the new comers had insisted to enter Albania, thus they were maltreated by the Serb police forces, who have closed and mined the border in this region.

According to the newcomers, thousands of other Kosovars are waiting beyond the border to come to Albania. /dast/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[22] Parliament sees NATO intervention the only hope to resolve conflict

According to the parliament's press office, Gjinushi stressed that the Albanian parliament had backed a peaceful solution to the crisis in Kosova. At the same time, the parliament had been convinced that this solution was very difficult to be achieved given the policy of Milosevic since the beginning of the crisis in former Yugoslavia and especially the policy of ethnic cleansing he had and was following in Kosova.

The parliament had strongly supported the attitude of the international factor and considered the NATO intervention as the only solution to the conflict, Gjinushi said. He thanked the new NATO member for its role under all political and military NATO decisions.

Briefing Lanski on yesterday's decision on the Albanian parliament to allow NATO forces in the Albanian territory, Gjinushi said that this showed that Albania backed NATO intervention without reservations and its commitment to do everything possible to contribute successfully to this intervention.

Parliamentary speaker stressed the importance of backing the Kosova Liberation Army (KLA) as the only self-defending force for the population of Kosova and the need for NATO forces on the ground.

Czech deputy prime minister Lanski hailed the parliamentary Speaker for Albania's efforts in coping with the humanitarian crisis of Albanians from Kosova. He assured Gjinushi that the Czech Republic under NATO would participate in all actions undertaken by the organisation.

Lanski praised the importance for a long-term peaceful solution, which should be obligatory by the presence of a military force on the ground in Kosova, as a guarantee for a long-term and stable peace.

He also hailed the importance for the promotion of bilateral relations and reinforcement of economic relations. /lh/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[23] Czeck Republic to help Albania cope with refugee influx

Albanian prime minister expressed the readiness of his government to welcome possible aid from the Czech Republic for the Kosova refugees as well as the setting up of a camp with the contribution of the Czech government.

Majko said that the bilateral relations were of importance for both countries.

The Czech deputy prime minister Egon Lanski said the present situation facing Albania was tragic. He said that his government had decided to enlarge the quantity of aid for Kosova refugees and stressed that a bank account was opened in a Czech bank to collect financial aid for Kosova refugees.

Lanski promised that his government would consider the possibility of building a collection center for the Kosova refugees in the Albanian territory as well as expressed his government's readiness to host some thousand refugees in the Czech Republic. /lh/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[24] You deserve our special admiration, Ogata

Premier Majko briefed on the very difficult situation created in Albania after the arrival of a huge number of Kosova refugees and stressed that he hoped the High Commissioner for Refugees understood the necessity of a strong leadership of UNHCR in treating the problems regarding the Kosova refugees.

"We need urgent aid to shelter the refugees, whose number may soon reach 300 000 persons, supply them with food items, medical assistance and guarantee the assistance for the families which have accommodated the refugees in their homes," said Majko.

The Albanian PM considered important taking of further steps which would enable a better coordination of the aid that has come and the one that is expected to arrive soon in Albania.

Majko reiterated the viewpoint of the Albanian government that Albania will continue to welcome all the refugees, despite the obvious difficulties for its realization. "This a challenge, a fight for survival which we should win," he said.

Ogata appreciated the work and action undertaken by the Albanian government to deal with the displaced Kosovars.

"You deserve our special thanking and admiration," said Ogata, adding that such an influx of refugees was not foreseen before.

"We tried to bring aid, but it was not easy. Now I can say that we are able to work quickly. We must coordinate out acts to become efficient in the aid we offer," said Ogata.

The High Commissioner for Refugees estimated the readiness of the Albanian Government to assure a transparent and monitoring process regarding the aid accorded for the Kosova refugees. Ogata promised a concrete aid for the families which have sheltered refugees. /lh/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[25] New camp be built in commune of Shirgjan

Nearly 5000 Kosovars are expected to be sheltered in this camp. /lh/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[26] Greek consulate earmarks one million Drachmas to Kosovars

Sources from the consulate said that the accorded aid would be followed by others from the Institute of Aid in Ioannina. The fund will be used to provide minimum accommodation such as mattresses,

blankets, clothing and the like.

Government commissioners charged with the refugee issue said that this assistance was useful because many of Kosovars housed in public premises lack proper accommodation. /lh/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[27] Team of Ministry of Health closely follows situation of Kosovars in Korce prefecture

Korca is dealing with a large influx of refugees over the last two days. Their number in the zones of this prefecture is estimated at 13 000 persons. They are distributed in the district of Kolonje, Devoll, Pogradec, communes of Korce districts and families of Korce. /lh/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[28] Moslem community assists exiled Kosovars

Sources from this community reported to ATA that nearly 230 persons have been accommodated in the medrese 'Haxhi Mahmud Dashi.'

The above sources reported that after the appeal, all Moslem believers and associations collected a large number of food and non food items, which were sent to Kukes, Fier, Korce, Mamurras and others.

The aim of this mission is to ease the grief of the exiled Kosovars.

Meanwhile, the association of the Islamic Vakfi will soon build a camp in the town of Lezhe with a capacity of 10 000 persons. /lh/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[29] Albania-Czech Republic to boost cooperation in defence

During the meeting, both parties agreed to sign soon an agreement of bilateral cooperation in the field of defence.

In the end of the meeting, the ceremony of signing and giving a field hospital was also organized.

The Czech delegation also held meetings with the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister, the deputy PM, Parliament Speaker and other members of the government. /lh/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[30] Congress of European local government to help Albania town halls

The Ministry of Information said to ATA that the Congress could call on six thousand cities and regions of Europe to be mobilised in solidarity action, which was being organised in most of the European countries via governments, U.N. High commissioner of Refugees, Red Cross and non- government humanitarian organisations.

"This appeal, in a second phase, would be followed by a partnership city to city and province to province action to help the Albanian town halls provide temporary accommodation for deported persons as near their country as possible," Chenard said.

Head of the Congress of European local and regional governments Alain Chenard hoped that such a partnership could be extended to other communes or cities of Kosova as soon as "the population return home." /lh/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[31] Albanian govt. coordinates activity with international community

The Minister of Information, Musa Ulqini, told a new conference on Thursday that in all the meetings with foreign personalities, the Albanian PM Pandeli Majko has asked all those countries and international organizations, which want to help Albania, to also build one or more camps and to be responsible for their complete management.

According to Ulqini, the Albanian government put at disposal the site where the camp will be built and the police station to maintain law and order.

Meanwhile, the number of displaced Kosovars in Albania is estimated at 290 000 persons. Nearly 5000 persons have crossed the Albanian border over the last 24 hours through the border checking in the prefecture of Korce and Shkoder, because the other checking in the prefecture of Kukes has been closed by the Serb army.

According to Ulqini, only two small groups have entered the prefecture of Kukes and they were in a very serious health condition, which testifies that the Serbs have exerted violence on them.

Some 150 000 persons have been evacuated towards the other districts. Nearly 54 000 of them are sheltered in families, 76 000 are in some 80 public grounds, while 20 000 in the camps built in Kukes, Tirana, Durres, Kavaje, Elbasan, Krume and Shkoder. Meanwhile, nearly 20 new camps will be built soon. /lh/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[32] Arab United Emirates bring aid for exiled Kosovars

The aid in food items, clothes and others will be also accompanied a media group, added the above source.

Meanwhile, it is reported that the association "Red Crescent" of the United Emirates, in cooperation with the Albanian government will soon built a camp in Kukes with a capacity of 2000 persons and a hospital, where difficult operations are thought to be carried out. An airport will be also constructed in the town of Kukes by this association. /lh/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[33] Albanian families welcoming refugees to receive aid soon

Impressed by the work of the Albanian government and especially by the Albanian families to accommodate the Kosova people, the high commissioner Ogata told a news conference that the UNHCR would take care of good coordination of aid coming from different organisations and assistance for Albanian families, who house the Kosova new arrivals.

"The aid for hosting families will start within this week," Ogata said.

She hailed the efforts of the Albanian government in this difficult humanitarian situation and strongly criticised the Macedonian government.

"Their political problem does not justify the fact that the border is closed for the displaced people from Kosova," Ogata said.

"Our representative offices there were present but we could not contact with Macedonian authorities," said Ogata, who was going to visit Skopje after Tirana.

The U.N. commissioner for Refugees said that the treatment of Kosova refugees in Albania and Macedonia was in right direction.

"What concerns us most is what is happening with the rest of the population in Kosova." /lh/ak/

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