Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-04-19

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

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CONTENTS

[01] Number of Kosovars in Tirana prefecture reaches 67 thousand

[02] Sweden to help Albania cope with present situation

[03] Tirana currency rate

[04] New refugee camps for Kosova people

[05] Minister says Albania should be rewarded by European Union

[06] Premier says NATO - military and political factor in the Balkans

[07] San Marco ferry transports militaries, vehicles

[08] Minister says Albania united with NATO but not to attack Serbia

[09] Meidani says a great issue is at stake in Kosova crisis

[10] Most preferred books of outgoing week

[11] Acceleration of international aid is necessary - Speaker

[12] Most preferred video films of last week

[13] We are resolute to survive because we have no other alternative - Majko

[14] 54 799 Kosovar patients treated by Albanian health system

[15] Meidani asks broader aid from CE

[16] Solana voices determination of NATO for a stable solution of conflict in Kosove

[17] Best sold musical albums of last week

[18] Sweden expresses support and solidarity with Albanian people

[19] Total number of deported Kosovars in Albania amounts to 345 thousand

[20] Argentina accords aids for Kosovars forced to flee their soil

[21] Serb provocations continue on Albania's northern border

[22] Number of new arrivals entering Albania through Hani i Hotit amounts to 1 000

[23] Foreign debt to be postponed

[24] Tirana bakery to produce even for NATO forces

[25] 19 planes and 16 helicopters to be involved in humanitarian aid transport

[26] Increase financial contributions for Kosova Albanians

[27] It is important that NATO be on side of UNHCR - Majko

[28] Edi Rama to propose Albania as candidate for Nobel Prize for Peace

[29] Nearly 95% of checked transport means to be load with humanitarian aid

[30] Meidani: Your presence in Albania moral and human support for Kosova Albanians

[31] EBRD calls on foreign investors to continue to stay in Albania

[32] Parliament discusses needs of Kosova refugees

[01] Number of Kosovars in Tirana prefecture reaches 67 thousand

The total number registered in Tirana prefecture on Sunday is over 67 thousand, Makbule �e�o, prefect, said to ATA.

She said that 30 thousand had been settled in with families while about 51 thousand were accommodated in the Tirana district. /dast/ak/

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[02] Sweden to help Albania cope with present situation

The Swedish delegation held talks with the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Kadri Rrapi and exchanged views on humanitarian situation of war refugees from Kosova, steps to be taken by the Albanian government and coordination of international aid to cope with the present situation, a spokesman of the Ministry said.

Sehori said that they considered Albania a European country therefore they found it a duty to take care and help it in such a difficult situation not caused by it (Albania).

Both delegations were ready to establish ministerial cooperation.

The Swedish minister asked for a list on needs and fields where the Swedish Ministry of Development and International Cooperation and Policies of Integration could help respective Albanian ministries and institutions. /dast/ak/

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[03] Tirana currency rate

US$1.00 145.2 German mark 79.8 Italian lire (1000) 80.1 Greek Drachmas (100) 47.6 EURO 154 /ak/

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[04] New refugee camps for Kosova people

It said that such situation urged the need of new refugee camps. Therefore, new camps are being set up or planned to be set up soon in Tirana, Fier, Durres, Vlore and Elbasan as well as In Lezha Shkoder and Berat.

They are planned to house some three thousand to 15 thousand people.

Recently in Tirana, besides premises of the sports palace and the complex of the sport club Dinamo where the largest part of the Kosova people has been accommodated, some 630 tents are planned to be erected and 6 buildings to be prepare for the new arrivals.

Such centers are functioning even in Ndroq, Dajt communes and former Dinamo plant.

Many Kosova refugees have been settled in refugee camps in Durres, Kor�e, Elbasan, Lezhe, Kavaje and Tirana while the rest have been settled in with urban and rural families, sources of the Ministry of Information said to ATA on Monday. /pas/ak/

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[05] Minister says Albania should be rewarded by European Union

Milo told journalists after the meeting with the ambassadors that Albania had proved that it deserved greater attention by the E.U.

"A maximum assessment on the role and contribution of Albania in resolving the regional crisis is evident," Milo said.

"It is demonstrating values, which are part of the European treasure, for which Albania deserves to be rewarded."

Milo said that such contacts would continue in the coming days in the run-up to the political dialogue between Albania and European Union on April 27 in Luxembourg. /pas/ak/

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[06] Premier says NATO - military and political factor in the Balkans

"We are here to show that we want to help people in need, Kosova war refugees to feel that we are sharing in the concerns with you. We are trying to find all possible ways to assist you," Swedish minister Schori said, briefing on his mission to Tirana.

Prime minister Majko expressed the will of the Albanian people and government to cope with the present situation and its worst precipitations.

"It is expected that the number of Kosova refugees to Albania be increased by half a million. The Albanian government has taken a series of steps to tackle the present situation by mobilizing all its structures and being backed by different donors and specialised international organisations, " Majko said.

The Albanian premier reiterated the views of his government to welcome all Kosova refugees to Albania by offering maximum transparency for the whole aid provided.

Majko said that Albania backed NATO operations in the Balkan region adding that it (NATO) was becoming not only military but also a political factor. He underlined the firm determination of the Albanian government for Albania continued to be a factor of stability in the region as well as the readiness to pay the respective cost for safeguarding stability of other regional countries.

"Your people and government deserve the admiration of all for what they are doing. You are in the focus of the attention of the European policies because you are doing extraordinary work," the Swedish minister said.

He assured Majko that his country was trying to provide assistance to help cope with the problems Albania is facing with.

"Our efforts will be concentrated in both bilateral and multilateral aspect," Schori said. /s.sh/ak/

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[07] San Marco ferry transports militaries, vehicles

Sources of the port command said that 50 militaries include forces of the Italian military police battalion who arrived in Albania under the NATO operation known as Allied Harbour.

They include also 170 forces of the 60 regiment of engineers, whose number is estimated at 460 persons. They will rehabilitate roads, build refugee camps, carry out different electrical works.

About 200 soldiers of the Taurinense brigade who with other 800 soldiers present in Albania since last week, will be engaged in setting up refugee camps to accommodate the new arrivals from Kosova.

120 trucks, vans and excavators, an armoured vehicle and generators were also on board of the ferry. /s.sh/ak/

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[08] Minister says Albania united with NATO but not to attack Serbia

Milo told journalists following a meeting with ambassadors of the European Union member states that this decision occurred in the framework of an anti Albanian campaign undertaken by Belgrade earlier.

"Such decisions recalled the old codes of the cold war," Milo said in a brief meeting with journalists remembering that Belgrade had severed once the diplomatic relations with Tirana in 1949, 50 years ago.

The break of relations by Belgrade "is a step by step action because a week ago it withdrew the embassy staff," said the Albanian chief of diplomacy.

"This is a move done under nervousness but also a threat, which does not frighten us because we are ready to defend Albania's integrity and have NATO support," Milo said.

Asked whether it saw a true reason on Belgrade's decision, Milo replied: "It is true that we are united with NATO but not to undertake an aggression against Serbia. It is Belgrade, which is carrying out an aggression against Albanians of Kosova."

Chief of the Albanian diplomacy said that "Tirana has not liked to undertake such an action" and that "it will be good if relations between states are maintained even formally in difficult situations." /s.s/ak/

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[09] Meidani says a great issue is at stake in Kosova crisis

Sweden minister expressed the admiration of his people for the solidarity and sacrifices of the Albanian citizens to help the Kosova displaced people and assured president Meidani for the support of his country in coping with the problems resulting from the huge influx of people, press office at the presidency said.

President Meidani briefed minister Schory on his idea for a better management of humanitarian aid in refugee camps to be administered totally by each or a group of assisting countries.

Both officials said that the origin of the Kosova crisis and all the crisis in the Balkans in the last ten years was the same, thus one should bear in mind the lessons of the past.

President Meidani said that we should think first for the return of people to their houses in Kosova with an international protectorate or authority including militaries or civilians as an intermediate phase towards a final solution.

He said that "a great issue, that is, the future of Europe and world, especially when its reflections are evident everywhere, is at stake" in this crisis.

President Meidani briefed the Swedish guest about the total support of the Albanian people and nation for the presence of the NATO forces in Albania's territory as a dependable factor for the humanitarian crisis but also as a factor of peace, security and stability factor. /pas/ak/

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[10] Most preferred books of outgoing week

A survey made in the libraries of the capital shows that the most preferred books were the philosophic, historic and political books. The following is the qualification list of the most preferred books of the last week:

1. "The history of Balkan" written by George Castellan, and published by the publishing house "�abej". This work is translated by the scholars Arben Puto and Luan Omari, and it describes the history of Balkan during six centuries.

2. "Contemporary political history", written by Janos Kis, and published by the Publishing house "Onufri". The book is translated by Arben Kallamata.

3. "Historical Biography" written by Tom Pejn and translated in Albanian by Vasil Gjymshana. The book unfolds the historical biography of the second World War. The book is published by the Publishing House "Argeta LMG".

4. "The life and work of Goethe" writen by Herman Grimm, and translated by Injac Sara�i. The book is published by the Publishing House Toena"

5. "Konfuc and his philosophy" written by the Chinese philosopher Konfuc". The book translated into Albanian by Hysni Bregu, is a part of the work "The changes" and is published by the Publishing House "Phonex". /pas/A.A/

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[11] Acceleration of international aid is necessary - Speaker

The intensification of the NATO operations up to the complete destruction of the military machine of Milosevic, said Gjinushi, the complete withdrawal of the Serb forces from the territory of Kosove and the deployment of a NATO-led international force there to guarantee the return of the people to their territories and the implementation of peace in Kosove, is the only solution that would guarantee the construction of institutions, economic revival in Kosove and the stability in the region. Every other experiment would only delay the solution, said Gjinushi.

He pointed out the maximal commitment of the Albanian authorities to cope with the crisis and added that it is necessary that international aid be greater. Gjinushi suggested that the aid from each country must be sent to set cities taking upon themselves the complete treatment of a certain number of refugees. He also said that the situation in Kosove is worse, and Kosove needs an all sided support.

The chairman of the Commission, de Mera, voiced the engagement and readiness of the commission he leads and the Council of Europe to face with the difficult situation without delay. /pas/xh/

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[12] Most preferred video films of last week

The comic film "Flubber", with the participation of the distinguished actor Robin Willis, is listed in the second place in the qualification list of the most preferred video films of the last week

"Double team", one of the latest productions of American cinematography, is listed in the third place.

"The patriot" is another preferred film during the last week.

"Lethal weapon" is listed at the end of the qualification list of the most preferred video films of the last week. The main actors playing in the film are Mel Gibson, Donny Glover and Rene Ruso. /pas/A.A/

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[13] We are resolute to survive because we have no other alternative - Majko

The spokesman of the Premier reports that Majko pointed out that Albania has enacted all its potentials to face with the arrival of the Kosova war refugees who are expected to reach to half a million, soon.

"The Albanian Government has declared that Albania has its doors open for all war refugees of Kosova coming through the border with Macedonia and Montenegro. Our aim has been the stability in the region despite the cost we have had to pay. We hope that the arrival of the NATO mission to Albania with a humanitarian aim will be a factor of special importance for the situation," said PM Majko.

"Our survival as a nation has now been tested and we are resolute we will survive because we have no other alternative," said PM Majko.

The Albanian state structures, he said, have taken the role of coordinating the assistance and have adopted strict measures to ensure maximal transparence in managing them. "Albania has not accepted to play the role of the victim, but of the partner with the international community in the solution of this situation," said Majko.

The future for Kosove is a process and not a ready formulae, said Majko, stressing that it is important the fact the Kosova be placed under the NATO protectorate, that democratic institutions be established there and elections be held.

Majko considered the internal situation in Albania having an evident stability, adding that the efforts of the government to cope with the situation have had the excellent cooperation with the local government dominated by the opposition.

The members of the delegation of the CE Commission of Emigration and Refugees assured PM Pandeli Majko that Albania is not alone in its efforts to face the situation. "You have our solidarity and complete commitment in this situation which is rather dramatic for the Albanian people of Kosova and Albania," said Diaz de Mera, leader of the delegation. /pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] 54 799 Kosovar patients treated by Albanian health system

The total number of Kosovar patients treated all over Albania results to be 54 799. As much as 17 398 are children aged 0-14.

Since the beginning of the arrival of Kosovars driven from their lands, the health centers have registered 23 571 visits payed by the Kosovars.

Some 1 487 patients suffering from different deceases are cured in the hospitals, and 498 out of them are being treated in the health centers of the priory health system.

Kosovar women have given birth to 175 babies during these weeks, and the health of the babies is completely guaranteed in the prior health system.

The death toll of Kosovars during this period is estimated at 25 persons. /pas/A.A/

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[15] Meidani asks broader aid from CE

TIRANE, April 19 (ATA)-By A. Haxhiu, President of the Republic Rexhep Meidani on Monday met with a Council of Europe (CE) delegation of rapporteurs for Emigration and Refugees and discussed the emergency humanitarian situation and the role of the CE in the current crisis.

Meidani asked CE's engagement in a multi-faceted aid, not only humanitarian.

"The CE and the OSCE should contact representatives of the Kosova Albanians' civil society to prepare the conditions for organising the institutional life, elections, local and central government after the establishment of a NATO-led international authority in Kosova".

The European representatives assessed that the humanitarian assistance only alleviates the consequences of the crisis, which can be resolved through political means. Meidani said that under the situation created, this solution "should be imposed to the Belgrade regime".

The head of the CE delegation, Spanish de Mera, expressed sympathy for the Albanian hospitality towards the refugees and confirmed the readiness of various organisations, states and international public opinion for humanitarian support.

The participants at the meeting also endorsed an international plan for the economic recovery of the whole region, similar to the Marshall plan, applied in the Western Europe after the World War Two. The members of this delegation also made clear their efforts for and international conference on Kosova. /pas/lm/

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[16] Solana voices determination of NATO for a stable solution of conflict in Kosove

Through this letter, says a report of the press and information office of the President, Solana makes a number of valuations for the main directions of the increase of the cooperation in the context of the Partnership with NATO, which will be discussed extensively during the Summit to mark the 50th anniversary of this organization, in which President Meidani is invited to make his intervention.

NATO Secretary General voiced in the letter his will to meet the Head of the Albanian state in Washington soon. /s.s/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] Best sold musical albums of last week

The following is the classification of the most preferred albums of outgoing week:

10- Britney Spears Baby one more time 9- Five Five

8- N'Sync The winter album 7- Cher Believe

6- Venga Boys Open down the party album 5- Emilia Big big world 4- Prodigy The cast Breeder 3- Metallica Garage Inc 2- Offspring Americana 1- Best Alternative (Mix) /pas/A.A/

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[18] Sweden expresses support and solidarity with Albanian people

"We are in favour of parallel military and diplomatic actions in Yugoslavia, to force Milosevic to accept the five NATO options for the solution of the crisis in Kosova," Milo told the Swedish delegation.

Milo told the Swedish Minister of the high price Albania is paying due to the destabilising policy of Milosevic and asked that aid be increased and accelerated in Albania.

In this context, Milo stressed that it would also be in the interest of the West-European countries to accelerate the processes of Albania's integration into the European Union structures.

Schory expressed the admiration of his Government for the political line the Albanian Government is pursuing in the very complex situation of the Balkans and guaranteed support and solidarity with the entire Albanian people.

He once again condemned the atrocities of Milosevic in Kosova and the humanitarian crisis caused by him.

Schory expressed the readiness of his Government for the organisation of a "Marshall" type plan for Kosova and other countries of the region. /lh/lm/

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[19] Total number of deported Kosovars in Albania amounts to 345 thousand

According to Ulqini, about 11 thousand Kosovars were transported from Kukes with 600 vehicles last Sunday. "This transportation is continuing today, while it is expected that NATO transportation vehicles will evacuate 3 000 Kosovars every day," said Ulqini.

During Sunday, 47 helicopter flights have been made internally, and because of the bad weather, only ten out of 26 planned flights, have been realised in Rinas airport.

One of the worrying problems still existing, said Ulqini, is the situation in the Prefecture of Kukes, with an increase of the number of the new arrivals. A solution to this question is the increase of the number of evacuations and of the rates for the setting up of new refugee camps in that prefecture.

"It is urgent for the agencies, donors and respective states to start setting up new camps in the places the Albanian Government has put at their disposal. The greatest number of such places for camps is for the UNHCR," said Minister Ulqini.

According to him, assistance from the UNHCR and the World Program of Food for the families which have sheltered Kosova refugees is another worrying concern. "So far, only preparatory work has been made but the government is insisting that this process be accelerated," said Ulqini. /lh/xh/

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[20] Argentina accords aids for Kosovars forced to flee their soil

According to the sources of the Albania Foreign Ministry, the aids delivered to the Albanian embassy in Argentina by the citizens of this country, as well as by members of Albania-Arberesh community in Buenos Aires, are to be landed in Albania gratis by an airline company from Argentina.

Albanian ambassy has started another wide campaign in cooperation with the humanitarian foundation "Red Solidaria", some Spanish non- governmental organizations, as well the Israeli community in Argentina. In this context, a bank account is opened close to the "Citybank" in Argentina bearing the name "Kosova refugees". These financial means will be used to buy different material to help displaced Kosovars settled in Albania.

Several nurses from Argentina have come to Albania to contribute with their help for the displaced Kosovars. /lh/A.A/

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[21] Serb provocations continue on Albania's northern border

Ulqini said that there have been no casualties or material damage, while army teams are working to deactivate the areas mined as a result of the shelling.

In the meantime, the border point of Hani i Hotit, Qafe Thane and Tushemisht are open, while the border points of Qafe Morine and Qafe Prushi are periodically opened and closed by the Serbs.

Ulqini confirmed the fact that on Sunday a vehicle-load of Kosova refugees struck a mine, a few metres beyond the border point of Morine. The explosion killed five people and wounded several others. /lh/lm/

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[22] Number of new arrivals entering Albania through Hani i Hotit amounts to 1 000

The spokesman of district police commissariat reported that the new arrivals were immediately transported by bus to the hosting center in Shkoder, where are actually accommodated 1 800 Kosovars. /lh/A.A/

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[23] Foreign debt to be postponed

Already, after this accord, the other financial international organizations such as "Paris Club" must take decisions, as well.

In this meeting, to be attends by the President of the World Bank James Wolfensohn, the Ministers of Economy and Finance said that the postponement will continue "for a long time."

The decision will cost more than 150 billion EURO concerning the interest lost, according to the French Minister of Finance Dominique Strauss-Kahn. While the sum provided by the European Commission as humanitarian aid as a result of the war in Kosova marks the value of 780 million EURO.

Sources from this meeting inform that Kosova emergence will be the main topic of the special meeting of the International Monetary Fond and World Bank, planned to be hold in April 27./lh/linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[24] Tirana bakery to produce even for NATO forces

After the visit on Monday of a group of NATO officers in this bakery and in the analysis' lab agreed the bakery to produce bread for NATO forces in Albania.

According to the Director of this bakery Abdyl Sinani "the process of suppling with bread NATO forces will not interrupt the production and everyday provision of Kosova displaced in Kukes."

The bakery will provide every day more than 3 000 loaves of bread "corosan".

Actually the bakery is working with its full capacity, by producing 44 000 loaves of bread within 24 hours since the beginning of April./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[25] 19 planes and 16 helicopters to be involved in humanitarian aid transport

According to the Minister of Information Musa Ulqini "the situation created in Kukes after the great influx of the Kosova Albanians these days made UNHCR to send there 30 000 blankets and 5 000 mattresses and in the coming days will be sent 10 000 blankets".

World Food Program provided these areas with food by giving priority to the Prefectures of Kuksi, Shkodra, Fier and Elbasani.

"47 helicopter flights are fulfilled during Sunday, by sending humanitarian aid for Kosova expelled. Only 10 flights from 26 scheduled ones landed in Rinas due to the bad weather," said the Minister of Information Musa Ulqini.

According to the Minister of Information Ulqini, today till 12:00 19 planes and a group of 16 helicopters in the frame work of NATO will make 44 flights to transport food, medicaments and other equipment necessary in Kukes, Has, Tropoje and Shkoder.

Concerning the Kosovars evacuation nearly 11 000 people are evacuated from Kuksi on Sunday.In this process nearly 600 transport means are involved. According to Ulqini "the evacuations continue even today and nearly 3 000 people it is predicted to be evacuated each day.

"Albanian Government identifies several concerning issues. It is urgent that the agencies, donors and respective states to start the work in the areas put in disposal by the Albanian Government to be used on new camps' construction. The greater number of the ready places to start this process is possessed by UNHCR", always according to the Minister of Information Ulqini.

Concerning the agencies of the humanitarian aid such as UNHCR and World Food Program, it is shown that they work only in the preparatory plan, but the Albanian Government insists in the acceleration of this process./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[26] Increase financial contributions for Kosova Albanians

Since June 1998 till mid April in two accounts opened in Saving Bank are cashed 7,6 billion lek, 200 000 dollars, 1,1 million lirets, 2,200 German marks, 3 000 Swiss francs and 7 000 Belg. francs.

According to the sources the increase of the value of the contributions is marked after March 30, 1999.

The sum, to be collected in the Saving Bank, will be used by the Emergence Commission to fulfill as normally as possible the needs of the Kosova arrivals.

The contributions are provided by different individuals and companies./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[27] It is important that NATO be on side of UNHCR - Majko

We are at the beginning of a very difficult job due to the situation created from the great influx of the Kosovars pouring into Albania, said Majko. This is a part of the problem because now refugees in a worse conditions have been arriving, he added.

General Reith underlined that some long vehicles with assistance for the Kosovars, along with a NATO team, are now going towards Kukes to cope with the emergent situation .

The British General Reith was appointed two days ago by the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces for Europe, Wesly Clark, as leader of the NATO Mission in Albania to face the emergent situation in this country. /lh/xh/

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[28] Edi Rama to propose Albania as candidate for Nobel Prize for Peace

This initiative, the release says, comes with Albania becoming the focus of the whole world due to the grave humanitarian crisis humankind has ever experienced since after the World War Two, as well as with Albania becoming a world example of human solidarity this century end.

According to the Minister of Culture this prize would only mean that the Stockholm Commission makes known worldwide the special sacrifices of the Albanian people to defend human dignity, the right to life, freedom and peace. /lh/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[29] Nearly 95% of checked transport means to be load with humanitarian aid

From the control undertaken by the Custom Police nearly 90-95 % of the checked means have been loaded with humanitarian aid for Kosova expelled.

"But there were cases of sumuggling as well. The onwer of the means do not declare the right quantity or declare that they are loaded with humanitarian aid, but the reality is quite different", informs on Monday the Custo Directory.

Custom Police punish these cases according to the law, and sequestrated the means as well./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[30] Meidani: Your presence in Albania moral and human support for Kosova Albanians

"I consider your presence in Albania as a moral and human support for Albanian People of Kosova, who is abused by Serbs violence and genocide," said to Magaret the Albanian President.

The number of Kosova expelled to enter in Albania reached the number of 400 000 people, while the humanitarian situation in Kosova is worsting.

"From non confirmed sources there are nearly 100 000 Albanians to be lost as a result of the last days events," said the President.

Princess Margaret, who is the head of the Permanent Committee of the International Red Cross hailed the outstanding Albanian welcome. She informed the Albanian President for the direct contributions of her country in improving the living conditions of several camps in Vlora./lh/linda/

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[31] EBRD calls on foreign investors to continue to stay in Albania

"EBRD is cooperating with financial institutions and is discussing with the European Union for a supporting financial package where EBRD has its share," declared Horts Kohler, president of EBRD in the meeting with the Albanian Minister of Economic Cooperation and Trade, Ermelinda Meksi.

During the meeting, Minister Meksi informed the EBRD president of the work the Albanian Government was making to cope with the situation created following the exodus of Kosovars in Albania.

"The situation," said Meksi, "urges from the international community to accelerate the delivery of humanitarian aid and budgetary support so that the situation continue to be under control.

"The bank is present in Albania," said Kohler, calling on foreign investors to continue working in Albania. Kohler expressed guarantees that the EBRD projects in Albania will continue to have a normal financing.

Over her stay in London, Minister Meksi received confirmations for financial support also from her British counterpart, Claireshort. Minister Meksi had meetings also with representatives of the international donors such as the World Bank, IFC, IDF, Germany, Italy and the Kuwaiti Fund, which, in the context of the EBRD annual meeting will realise a special day for Albania. /lh/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[32] Parliament discusses needs of Kosova refugees

The chairman of the Parliamentary Commission for Refugees, deputy Jonuz Begaj, was called to report on the situation created following the large influx of refugees.

He stressed that the situation to cope with the emergencies created should be managed by the NATO forces and that the families which have hosted refugees should be compensated.

Deputy Prime Minister Ilir Meta, charged with the task of the chairman of Intergovernmental Commission to cope with the situation, stressed that the Albanian government has made maximum efforts for the international organisations to bring aid.

Meta said that enrolling the population and providing them with the respective identification documents remains the key problem. The government, in cooperation with the CE, OSCE, UNHCR and local government, is working for the registration of all the refugees.

Parliament will meet again on Thursday for a question and answer session for the Council of Ministers and several ministers on the refugee issue. /lh/lm/

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