Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-04-13

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] Idea for division or partitioning of Kosove, most dangerous for solution of crisis - President

[02] Serb artillery shells fell near border post of Kamenice

[03] One-day visit of Albanian Foreign Minister to Germany on Tuesday

[04] NATO must continue operations against Milosevic, Fini

[05] Cooperation between ruling parties and opposition in Albania is now a being made a practice

[06] Some 4000 Kosovars are sheltered in camp close to Kavaje

[07] Israel offers $1.5 million for Kosovars in Albania

[08] 23 Kosovar babies born in three weeks in Durres maternity hospital

[09] Nearly 4900 Kosovars have come through border checking of Morina

[10] Italian ferry "Scilla" brings aid, volunteers for Kosovars

[11] We are facing difficulties but no panic - Majko

[12] Nearly 3000-4000 inhabitants displaced from their homes

[13] The Hague Tribunal is resolute to give legal response about events in Kosove - Dutton

[14] Albanian Catholic Church assists Kosova people

[15] Kosova doctors helping medical teams in Kukes

[16] KOASH assisting people deported from Kosove

[17] Albania president convenes national security and defence council

[18] Guardia di Finanza helps Kosova refugees again

[19] Multi-ethnic democracies - best solution to regional peace, stability

[20] Albanian army to respond to any violation of its territory

[21] Albanian, Serbian forces involved in fighting in Kamenica

[22] Korce prosecutor's office gathers first testimony of Serb Army massacres against Kosovars

[23] WCO to finance 16-20 million sterlings for Kosova displaced

[24] Australian government decides to take in Kosova refugees

[25] Institutions and armed forces ready to face Serb provocations at any moment - Ulqini

[26] Start vaccination of Kosova children sheltered in Saranda

[27] 9 040 Kosovars enter Albania via Hani i Hotit

[28] Canada to support Albania in international financial institutions

[29] Albanian, Serbian forces involved in fighting in Kamenica (correction in paragraph three)

[30] Albanian PM to order taking measures against corruption

[01] Idea for division or partitioning of Kosove, most dangerous for solution of crisis - President

Informing the two personalities of the Italian policy of the events on the northern border, the President of Albania considered the acts by the Yugoslav forces as "a clear aggression," stressing that the provocation aims to draw Albania at war and to change the nature of the conflict.

This position was valuated by the Italian parliamentarians who held that the Albanian state, being in the centre of the crisis, has been and is holding a excellent political stance for its solution.

President Meidani asked from Italian friends to sensitize the forums they are members of for the dangerous aspect of the idea launched for the division or partitioning of Kosove, which , according to him, means "broad war in the region consisting of a various ethnic groups.""I don't know how this idea has generated, but I may say that this is the most dangerous and most unacceptable idea circulating with regard to the solution of the crisis," he said. /dast/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] Serb artillery shells fell near border post of Kamenice

There were no casualties, while the forces of border police were on the alert.

Spokeswoman of the Public Order Ministry said that fierce fighting was continuing in zones on the other side of the state border. She said that in village Koshan, in the Yugoslav territory, Serb heavy artillery pieces have made continuous bombardments.

In addition, in Monday afternoon, artillery fire was heard near the border post of Kamenice. /dast/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] One-day visit of Albanian Foreign Minister to Germany on Tuesday

Besides a meeting with his German counterpart, Mr Fischer, the Albanian Ministers will also have meetings with the Defence Minister of Germany, Rudolf Sharping, the Interior Minister Schili and with the Minister of Economic Cooperation and Development, Viezorek-Zyl.

The situation in Kosove, its impact on the region and Albania in particular, as well as the aid offered to Albania in these difficult moments, will be in the centre of all the meetings. /dast/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] NATO must continue operations against Milosevic, Fini

After the meeting, which was held behind closed doors, Fini told reporters that it is not a matter of a conflict between Yugoslavia and Albania.

"NATO forces should continue strikes against Milosevic to stop the policy of ethnic cleansing against the Albanian population of Kosova," declared Fini.

According to him, NATO should guarantee the frontiers of neighbouring countries, also including Albania; NATO must also guarantee the return of exiled Kosovars after finishing its operations.

Berisha on his side said that his party will make all efforts to help in this difficult situation, created due to the influx of Kosova refugees. /dast/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] Cooperation between ruling parties and opposition in Albania is now a being made a practice

Premier Majko expressed his gratitude for the action undertaken by Italy, the coherence of the Italian political forces to assist Albania and to coordinate the solution of the crisis in Kosove.

Majko said that the adventurous policy of Milosevic aimed to take Albania to chaos, but the opposite has occurred.

"Now Albania has a greater stability than before, cooperation between the ruling parties and the opposition has passed from political declarations to a practical reality, there is a cooperation between the central and local government, which is being controlled by the opposition," said PM Majko considering this cooperation as brilliant.

Referring to the question of Kosove, PM Majko said that every idea for its possible division would be an open war bed which would keep generating conflict.

Mr Fini stressed that no division ever exists between the ruling and opposition parties in Italy with regard to the question of Kosove. "We are convinced that the responsibility for what is happening falls only on Milosevic, whom I would consider a Nazi-communist," said chairman Fini. /dast/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] Some 4000 Kosovars are sheltered in camp close to Kavaje

The chief of the department of the Italian Red Cross in this camp, Paolo Lanzani, told ATA that most of the Kosovars are children and woman. They are assisted by medical aid in two nursery units made up of 5 doctors and 10 nurses who carry out 200-300 visit per day.

Two kitchens function in the camp and work is going on to build the massive tents that will be used as canteens.

The camp occupies a surface of 7 hectares in the seashore, some 2 km far from the national road and 3 km far from Kavaje.

Lanzani added that the supply with food items and logistic means in the framework of the "Ylberi" operation has been good and in this camp some 120 volunteers of the Red Cross and 100 volunteers of the Italian Civil Defence operate. According to him, working relations have been set up with the local Red Cross and the organization of joint activities have started, so that the children enjoy the life. /pas/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] Israel offers $1.5 million for Kosovars in Albania

Since April 2, the day when the first contingent of aid arrived from Israel, accompanied by the Minister of Science, Silvan Shalom, nearly 8 airplanes are landed in Rinas bringing food items, clothes and others for the displaced Kosovars.

In support of the right cause of the Albanian people of Kosova, peaceful manifestations have been held in Tel Aviv and performances with the participation of some 100 000 persons under the motto "We cannot remain silent." /pas/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] 23 Kosovar babies born in three weeks in Durres maternity hospital

The chief of the gynaecological service Arian Prodani told ATA that over 50 would-be-mothers from Kosove have come to that hospital ver the past period to receive the medical aid by the staff of the hospital.

Over 20 thousand Kosovars have been sheltered in the district of Durres over the past three weeks bringing the total number of the Kosovars in this district to over 25 thousand people. /pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] Nearly 4900 Kosovars have come through border checking of Morina

The number of Kosovars in Kukes is estimated at 283 034 persons since 26 March.

Meanwhile, their evacuation towards other districts of the country continues. Nearly 4109 persons have been distributed towards other districts, thus carrying to 155 243 the number of Kosovars evacuated from Kukes.

Actually, some 127 791 continue to stay in the town of Kukes and its suburbs. /a.ke/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] Italian ferry "Scilla" brings aid, volunteers for Kosovars

The chief of the team, Raffaelo Conte, told ATA that 40 volunteers of the civil defence from Calabria will go to Burrel together with three doctors who will offer medical assistance for the sick Kosovars. This is the first contingent, which will be followed by other aid and tents for a new camp in this town. /pas/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] We are facing difficulties but no panic - Majko

The World Bank mission visited Albania to discuss the ways and possibilities for a quick assistance for Albania to cope with the situation created as a result of the arrival of the Kosova war refugees and to reduce the impact of this fact to the macro-economic equilibriums of the country.

PM Majko voiced the gratitude of the Albanian Government for the rapid reaction by the World Bank and explained the concrete measures that the Albanian Government has adopted to face the emergency.

"We are trying to make our best. We have difficulties, but no panic exists in our actions," said Premier Majko.

Minister of Finances Anastas Angjeli explained the financial situation the country is passing, stressing that the Albanian Government is trying to avoid the transformation of the humanitarian crisis into a crisis of the Albanian economy.

"The crisis has manifested its first signals of impact in the macro- economic system of the country," said Minister Angjeli.

The department for Albania of the World Bank, Anna Hartman expressed her profound admiration for the measures taken by the Albanian government and the its support from the people in coping with the influx of war Kosovar refugees.

The WB mission reported that the procedures for a 30 million USD are being made as a budgetary support for Albania.

The participants in the meeting stressed that despite the difficulties Albania is actually passing it is resolute to continue its assistance in realising the tasks related with the reform in Albania. The preliminary measures taken by the Albanian government to ensure an open and controlled process for the management of the aid were considered as a useful step welcomed by the world bank. /pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] Nearly 3000-4000 inhabitants displaced from their homes

The chairman of the district council, Xhevdet Hoxha, told ATA that the bombardment of the last two days has forced the inhabitants of border zones of Tropoje to flee their homes and shelter in their relatives. Mainly women and children have fled away, while the men are guarding the village and the border line by also cooperating with the border police.

The inhabitants of the border zones of Tropoje have faced since a year the provocations of the Serb military and police forces and the shells of the Serb artillery inside the Albanian border. Scores of shells have fallen during this period in the villages of Padesh and Kamenica, but the provocation which occurred two days ago where two persons were killed and 12 others were wounded is considered as the gravest one. /pas/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] The Hague Tribunal is resolute to give legal response about events in Kosove - Dutton

According to the spokesman of the Prime Minister, Majko stated that "we are very much concerned in the success of your mission in Albania. The children and women have lost their family members in the massacres made in Kosove and they make up the majority in the number of the war Kosova refugees, they need to learn the names of the culprits of those crimes and their punishment."

PM Majko said that "the Albanian Government is completely committed to the process to find out the truth for the crimes made by Milosevic in Kosove and that the members of the Government will be ready to testify for these crimes in the Hague tribunal."

The chief of the operations for the Hague Tribunal, Frank Dutton said that they are making inquiries into the crimes in Kosove. "The Hague Tribunal is resolute to give a legal response, as soon as possible, for what has happened in Kosove," said Dutton. /pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] Albanian Catholic Church assists Kosova people

Sources from the Cathedral of this church in the capital told ATA on Tuesday that "so far the the Tirane city-hall has received a total of 20 thousand USD for emergent needs in the camps with Kosovars.

In the mean time, European associations of Caritas have brought a number of blankets, mattresses, food clothing, medicaments and tents.

In the recent days, the Catholic Church has been distributing food items mainly for children, to the tune of 28 million lek. /pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] Kosova doctors helping medical teams in Kukes

Zyber Rizanaj, doctor in the town of Zhur, 7 km from the Morini crossing post, told ATA the he visits about 200 sick Kosovars a day. According to him, most of the sick are with different infections, head pains and psychological problems. The majority of the pantients are children with signs of depression from the war in Kosove.

Rizanaj said that the supply with medicaments, mostly from UNICEF, is not sufficient although it keeps going. He added that the medicaments for the Kosovars are distributed free of charge.

In the centres where Kosovar doctors are working, there are also UNICEF people helping with the children in particular. /pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] KOASH assisting people deported from Kosove

Sources from KOASH report that "so far this church has been helping with money and food the Kosovars settled in the cities of Korce, Kukes and Pogradec."

During the last Easter, this church distributed 11 thousand breads and 1 000 family tents for about 8-10 thousand Kosovars.

In the coming months, KOASH hopes to accumulate 5.5. million dollars for the emergent needs of the dislodged Kosovars.

The church keeps constant contact with its friends in Europe and in the United States for a real support for the Kosova people who are having their most difficult days at the end of this century. /xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] Albania president convenes national security and defence council

commander in chief of the armed forces of Albania Rexhep Meidani has called a meeting of the Council for national security and defence to discuss the grave situation in the northeastern zone of the Albanian border, where frequent incidents had been provoked by the Serbian side, a president's spokesman Sotiraq Hroni said to ATA on Tuesday. /ypa/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] Guardia di Finanza helps Kosova refugees again

This is the third contingent of aid sent by these forces for the Kosova refugees.

Earlier they had sent a contingent of aid to Kavaje and last week some four tonnes of aid in food and clothing for the Kosova refugees in the Fushe-Kruje town-hall. /lh/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] Multi-ethnic democracies - best solution to regional peace, stability

Ottunu considered the drama of the Kosova families forcibly displaced by the Serbian aggression "unprecedented and beyond any prediction."

He was not happy with the international humanitarian presence in Albania given the extreme situation especially in Kukes, press office at the presidency said on Tuesday.

Special envoy praised the hospitality of the Albanian families considering it a rare example of the human solidarity.

President Meidani stressed the necessity for an international protectorate over Kosova as a condition for the return of the Kosova people to their lands.

"Crime and genocide cannot be tolerated and no solution can be successful for NATO unless there is a guarantee for the return of Albanians in their territory in Kosova," president Meidani said.

Otunnu expressed the committed to sensitize the international public over a Marshall plan for the whole Balkan region respecting Meidani's idea that" multiethnic democracies are the best solution for peace and stability in the Balkan region." /lh/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[20] Albanian army to respond to any violation of its territory

The national security and defence council presided over by the president of Albania and commander in chief of the armed forces Rexhep Meidani held a meeting on Tuesday to analyse the situation in the northeastern area of the Albanian border due to an incursion of the Serbian army as well as incidents and provocations caused by the latter.

Ministers of public order, defence and head of information service briefed on the situation and the council discussed the respective measures and actions to avoid provocations, which aimed at dragging Albania into a conflict by changing the essence of the present conflict.

The national security and defence council urged the Albanian army to firmly respond with fire to any violations to the territorial integrity of the Republic of Albania. /lh/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[21] Albanian, Serbian forces involved in fighting in Kamenica

A spokesman of the Ministry of Public Order said to ATA that the Serbian forces surrounded the border post at 14.30 and fighting erupted between the Albanian and Serbian forces. Later the Serbian forces entered 500 to 600 meters inland the Albanian territory.

After a several-hour fighting the Kamenice border post Albanian, Serbian forces involved in fighting in Kamenica police forces, also backed by the Padesh police forces, forced the Serb forces to retreat. Now the fighting has stopped.

The Serb forces have granaded there houses which are stillburning. No casualties have been confirmed so far. Reinforcements from the Tropoje police station, headed by the chief of this station, are on the spot. The situation is under the observation of the Albanian forces.

The Serb forces today also granaded Padesh, Zogaj and other villages. /s.sh/ak/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[22] Korce prosecutor's office gathers first testimony of Serb Army massacres against Kosovars

Vangjel Tanellari, prosecutor in this district, told ATA that 17 persons have so far told about the massacres exercised. He said the "accounts are thrilling, they not only testify to the atrocities of the Serb military machine but also to a detailed plan of the Milosevic regime to carry out Kosova's ethnic cleansing".

According to Tanellari, these accounts will be sent to the General Prosecutor's office, and then to the International Tribunal in the Hague on war crimes. /lh/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[23] WCO to finance 16-20 million sterlings for Kosova displaced

World Consumers Organization predicts to move this fond within April. This fond will be used by the Albanian Government to meet the needs of the comers from Kosova./lh/linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[24] Australian government decides to take in Kosova refugees

Australian authorities would grant a three-month visa, which would be extended due to circumstances.

The four thousand refugees will be provided medical care, food and all living conditions. They will be settled in special camps or military garrisons.

The parliament was expected to pass special laws for an emergency aid package.

The government would call on humanitarian organisations to provide aid for refugees. It said that it would set up a special force to cope with the refugees.

It (Australian government) will accord some US$2.520 000 to humanitarian organisations operating in the Balkan region to help refugees in Albania and Macedonia. /lh/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[25] Institutions and armed forces ready to face Serb provocations at any moment - Ulqini

The Ministry of Information told ATA that its Minister Musa Ulqini, in regard to the incident of 14:30 at the police post of Kamenice, Tropoje district, is authorised to declare as follows:

"The Albanian government, based on its constitutional commitment to guarantee the country's sovereignty, has undertaken and is undertaking a series of measures to respond to the Serbs' provocations on the North's state border. It guarantees that, at any moment, the institutions and armed forces are ready to face the provocations by the Serbs with determination and cold blood, guaranteeing the country's security and inviolability". /y.pa/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[26] Start vaccination of Kosova children sheltered in Saranda

The General Director of the Public Health for this district Dhimiter Xhaferri told ATA that after the clear identification of the cases in all Kosova children, started the regular vaccination, which is going to be followed by the respective record card.

There is no any epidemic problem in the centers where the kosovars are sheltered in Saranda.

The medicaments are granted for each issued prescription to the sick kosovars.

The expenditures are covered by the fonds of the Health Directory, inform sources of this directory.

The prescriptions, beside the signatures of two doctors, have the label "For Kosova," in order to avoid the manipulation or abuses of any kind.

Nearly half of the 900 kosovars sheltered in Saranda is children./lh/linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[27] 9 040 Kosovars enter Albania via Hani i Hotit

A spokesman of the police directorate of the prefecture said to ATA that about one thousand people arrived on Tuesday at 15.00. p.m. and were in Shkodra city.

Town hall secretary Bardhyl Shaqiri said that the new arrivals were accommodated in the collection center at the city's palace of sports.

Shkodra has 12.500 Kosovars, 7.500 of whom accommodated in the secondary veterinary school, dormitory of music school, in Albanian Karitas office and Velipoja beach. Others have been settled in with Shkodra families. /lh/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[28] Canada to support Albania in international financial institutions

During the meeting the Albanian Premier Majko informs the measures taken by the Albanian Government to stand the situation created after the coming of Kosova displaced and stressed the importance of the international assistance accorded for kosovars and for a direct support of the state budget.

Albanian Premier Pandeli Majko stressed that the end of conflict after the returning of the kosovars and the dislocation of NATO troops as a guarantee for their life.

"Roumbulliet Agreement considered by us as a first very important step toward peace is refused by Serbs, who already confesses that they do accept the concept of coexistence with Albanians", said the Premier Majko.

Albanian Prime Minister stressed the Albanian decision to be a peace and stability factor in the region even after the end of the conflict.

"We show this even when we decide to welcome all the refugees placed in Macedonia, so we offering our poverty for the stability of our neighbor country," said Majko.

The special representatives of Canada Rafael Girald said that he knows and understands the continuous and unavoidable pressure upon the Albania concerning the difficult situation the region is passing by.

"I came here to see and give an answer to Canada to support you and together with Albanian Government to find the ways to support by financially through IMF, World Bank and Paris Club," said Mr.Girald, by adding that Canada considered as very important the quick solution of Kosova conflict.

In this meeting is discussed about the bilateral cooperation between Albania and Canada and about the possibilities of their intensification in different fields, as well./pas/linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[29] Albanian, Serbian forces involved in fighting in Kamenica (correction in paragraph three)

A spokesman of the Ministry of Public Order said to ATA that the Serbian forces surrounded the border post at 14.30 and fighting erupted between the Albanian and Serbian forces. Later the Serbian forces entered 500 to 600 meters inland the Albanian territory.

After a several-hour fighting, the Kamenice border post police forces, also backed by the Padesh police, forced the Serb forces to retreat. Now the fighting has stopped.

The Serb forces have granaded there houses which are stillburning. No casualties have been confirmed so far. Reinforcements from the Tropoje police station, headed by the chief of this station, are on the spot. The situation is under the observation of the Albanian forces.

The Serb forces today also granaded Padesh, Zogaj and other villages. /s.sh/ak/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[30] Albanian PM to order taking measures against corruption

Based upon the order of the Prime Minister, the Minister of Finance through the General Tax Directory will strengthen the measures concerning the controll of the efficiency of the expenditures of the budget fonds according to their planned destinations.

Albanian Prime Minister ordered the beginning of the controls in all central and local institutions to be involved with the welcome, transport, accommodation, food provision for the displaced Kosova.

Premier ordered the General Custom Directory to control all the juridical and physical persons, being native or foreign ones, private or public ones concerning the quantities of the humanitarian goods to enter in the custom points and their destination, as well.

This directory is ordered to coordinate the work with the governmental organization and the foreign ones to increase the efficiency of the procedures of entering the humanitarian aid.

The General Custom Directory must coordinate the work with the Tax one to evidence the destination of the humanitarian aid and the respective quantities.

Based upon the order of Albanian Premier Majko " About some measures against corruption", the Ministry of Public Order through its structures must identify and present everyday reports to the Prime Minister concerning the abuses that might take place in the custom points during the transport and distribution of the humanitarian aid, and the measures to be taken for these abuses, as well.

The Ministry of Public Order through its respective structures will strengthen the control of the documents for means and goods that move in Albanian territory, for their truth and destination as well aiming at the public order and insurance.

Albanian Prime Minister Majko ordered the Ministry of Local Power to closely cooperate with the native power to provided the information necessary information concerning the distribution and administration of the humanitarian aid, that is to say the quantity, ways, time, associations and organizations that offered their support and the measures taken by these organisations./lh/linda/

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