Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-04-28

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

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CONTENTS

[01] French prime minister to visit Tirana on Friday

[02] Five big refugee camps to house Kosova people

[03] Local government to administer aid for Kosova people

[04] Durres port - open gate to international humanitarian aid for displaced Kosovars

[05] Homage paid to late sportsmen

[06] Spanish military doctors in Hamallajt camp

[07] Preparation to implement WB and EU projects in Durres port continues

[08] Some 300 French troops and humanitarian aid arrive in Durres port

[09] OSCE office says influx of Kosova people continue in Kukes

[10]

[11] KLA seizes Serb mine launcher battery in border area

[12] Tirana currency rate

[13] Lakrori meets with German legislator

[14] Pakistani prime minister arrives in Tirana

[15] Paris Club grants foreign debt relief to Albania

[16] Premier says partnership related both to emergency and future

[17] Pflyger says NATO-led international force is indispensable

[18] Albania, Italy renew agreement in health sector

[19] IMF, WB discuss about Kosova crisis

[20] Albanian General Prosecutor leaves for Egypt

[21] Some 32 000 Kosovars have entered Albania through Han i Hotit

[22] Italian battalion "San Marco" lands in sea port of Vlore

[23] Difficulties created in drafting National Health Policy

[24] Saving Bank: Contributions for Kosovars reached 282 million lek

[25] Permanent Francophone Council discusses crisis in Kosova

[26] International Monetary Fund and World Bank to discuss about Kosova crisis

[27] April: Food prices to increase by 54%

[28] Some 750 Kosovars from Gjakove arrive terrorized in Morine pass -At least 500 men halted by Serbs-

[29] Albania to ask for strategic plans about economy survival in Balkan

[30] Some 19 dinghies charged with clandestine-smugglers back in two days

[31] FEFAD Bank decrease bank transfers commission

[32] EU: 62 million EURO to support Albanian budget

[33] Democratic Party condemns Serb attacks on Albanian territory

[34] Tense situation causing depopulation of border villages in Albania

[35] Majko says government has adopted stiff measures to control the health of displaced Kosovars

[01] French prime minister to visit Tirana on Friday

On the eve of the visit of the French prime minister, it is enough to show France commitment towards Kosova refugees and Albanian and Macedonian population, the press communique of the embassy said.

It said that "four cargo airplanes of the French air forces in Macedonia have distributed 25 tons of aid and airlifted 279 Kosova refugees to France."

"In Albania six C-160 Transal and C-130 Hercules airplanes have enabled the transport of 50 tons of aid," the communique said.

"Since the establishment of the air bridge, 1 125 tons of humanitarian aid have been transported from France to Tirana and Skopje. In this operation the French air forces have carried out 180 shuttle flights and some 1400 hours of flight. 'Puma' helicopters have carried out 169 shuttle flights between Tirana and north of Albania."

First French team of the Task Force South,which are being deployed under the Allied Harbour operation in Albania, is arriving in Albania on board of Uragan ship. The second contingent is foreseen to depart on April 26 and 27," the press communique said. /lh/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] Five big refugee camps to house Kosova people

The biggest camp with 4 700 new arrivals is the one in the Dinamo sports complex and weight-lifting gym. Even the premises of the sports palace is over populated with 2 500 people. The living conditions in this transit center continue to be difficult.

About 600 people are settled in the handicap dormitory while other 500 in the building of the former Dinamo plant, and 25 tents have been erected in its yard. Even the premises of the porcelain factory has housed 10 persons.

The total number of people accommodated in Tirana camps is estimated at 9 thousands. In order to cope with the influx of Kosovars, two other refugee camps are being prepared in the former combine plant with the new camp to be constructed by an Israeli-American association as well as the premises of former textile plant. /led/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] Local government to administer aid for Kosova people

Head of the control group in the Elbasan prefecture Osman Loshja said to ATA that we would control everything starting with drivers payment, transport of Kosovars, administration of foodstuffs and their distribution in respective destinations. /led/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] Durres port - open gate to international humanitarian aid for displaced Kosovars

Recently, when the number of Kosova refugees is approaching the biblical figure of 400 000, the amount of aid and the number of the European states, which are in solidarity with Kosova, Albanian people and state, has increased in the Durres port.

According to the spokesman of Italian Experts' delegation most of aid is regularly dispatched from the Bari port with military vessels and civilian transport means.

Besides the Italian aid, in the framework of the humanitarian operation "Arcobaleno", they are also bringing in Durres aid contingents for UNHCR, Caritas, prefectures and municipalities, foundations and various religious and laic associations

Considerable amounts of food, medicaments, clothes as well as tents, beds and mattresses from more than 15 European states as well as from the U.S. have arrived in this port over the last three days.

Besides England, Austria, Belgium, Germany, France, Spain, Greece and Holland, also "present" at Durres port have been the Scandinavian countries as well as the ministate of Liechtenstein. All for Kosova. /led/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] Homage paid to late sportsmen

"We have the simple aim to keep alive their memory who enhanced Albania's reputation and hope that this performance would not be the last one to honour their deeds," Mirjan Hakani, responsible for sports activities at the Tirana town hall said.

The Tirana town hall in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and the Albanian Radio Television have not only commemorated late sportsmen but have also brought an entertaining atmosphere in such difficult days Albania is facing with. /led/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] Spanish military doctors in Hamallajt camp

There are 25 doctors of various specialities who will serve the refugees at the Hammallajt camp, where there are over 1 000 Kosova refugees, as well as those sheltered in families.

Representatives of this team said they will set up a medical base provided with all the necessary equipment in aid of Durres hospital.

Five Spanish civilian doctors started work on Tuesday. /s.ke/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] Preparation to implement WB and EU projects in Durres port continues

The Durres port, regarded as the starting point of the 8th corridor, normally continues the preparatory procedures for the selection of the specialised firms through bids organised at the Public Works and Transport Ministry.

The chief of the Unit for the implementation of the WB project, Tomorr Spahiu, told ATA that after negotiations with U.S. Agency TDA, charged with the development of the Clinton initiative of the 8th Corridor, the economic benefit for the construction of containers' terminals at the port's site of eastern quay as well as the road and railway infrastructures will be studied. /a.ke/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] Some 300 French troops and humanitarian aid arrive in Durres port

It also landed 300 French soldiers. According to captain Maronzo, they will head for Albania's south to escort and distribute aid and build camps for the Kosova refugees.

Italian navy ship "San Marco" came on Wednesday again to unload 30 trucks of 20 tons of food. /a.ke/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] OSCE office says influx of Kosova people continue in Kukes

Kukesi is a northern city with the largest number of Kosova refugees. The latest figure tells of some 90 thousand refugees housed in the city while its population is some 20 thousand.

International observers have suggested that the new arrivals from Kosova be moved to south of Albania because the area is considered much exposed to 'provocations' of Serbian forces in the border between Albania and Yugoslavia, which were frequent recently. /y.pa/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10]

TIRANE, April 28 (ATA)-By I. Luto, The Serb military forces on Tuesday night continued to shell Albanian territory, the OSCE office in Tirane told ATA.

Eight artillery shells landed on Cahanaj village, at around 23 00 on Tuesday but caused no casualties or material damage.

Another incident was recorded on Wednesday at 01.00, when seven shells, of which six were mortar 122mm bombs, hit the village of Vlahane, north of Krume. One of the bombs fell very close to a building, but caused no damage.

All information is verified by the OSCE teams, which closely monitor the border between Albania and Yugoslavia. /a.ke/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] KLA seizes Serb mine launcher battery in border area

The news agency said that heavy fighting between KLA units and Serbian forces erupted in the front lines in Guri i gjate, Zhare, Koshare, Shkoze.

"Serbian forces have been killed and wounded and they have withdrawn from their positions," Kosovapress reported.

It informed that the KLA forces had eliminated a sniper unit in fighting on Tuesday and had taken war prisoner a Serb soldier, whose name is Tahirovic Shefkija. /led/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] Tirana currency rate

US$1.00 145.1 German mark 79.7 Italian lire (1000) 80.2 Greek Drachmas (100) 47.3 Euro 154.6

/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] Lakrori meets with German legislator

They discussed Albania's efforts for membership in Euro-Atlantic structures as well as the support it has won from the international community for its policy over the last years.

Referring to the humanitarian crisis Albania is undergoing due to a very large influx of Kosova war refugees, Lakrori considered it an accelerating factor for Albania's integration into euro-Atlantic organisations.

"This integration alone would bring stability not only in Albania but also in the whole region," said Lakrori.

The German legislator expressed optimism for Albania's near membership of the integrating structures.

"Albania's positioning over the last years has been much positive but there is still much to be done," said pflyger.

He also guaranteed that the challenge Albania is facing will continue to be assisted by the international community. /pas/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] Pakistani prime minister arrives in Tirana

He arrived in Rinas at 13.30 and was welcomed by the Albanian deputy prime minister Ilir Meta and other Albanian authorities.

An official source from the Ministry of Information said to ATA that Sharif was expected to hold talks with Albanian prime minister Pandeli Majko as well as the parliamentary Speaker Skender Gjinushi to discuss the crisis in the region and assistance offered by Pakistan to help Albania cope with the humanitarian crisis as well as relations between the two countries. /ake/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] Paris Club grants foreign debt relief to Albania

The Paris Club, joint body of renowned public creditors, on Tuesday decided to grant debt relief to Albania and Macedonia so that the financial sources help cope with the emergency situation, due to the crisis in Kosova.

The French Minister of Economy and Finance, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, had proposed the Paris Club a debt relief for a two-year period.

From foreign debt relief, according to the French Finance Ministry, Albania will "benefit" some $60 million, while Macedonia $250 million.

The decision to grant foreign debt relief to Albania and Macedonia was taken at a meeting of the EU ministers of Economy and Finance in Drezden, Germany, on April 19. /led/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] Premier says partnership related both to emergency and future

"The situation resulting from the huge influx of Kosova refugees to Albania is almost totally under control and correct management," Majko said, stressing the resolution of the Albanian government to welcome all Kosova war refugees, who want to come to Albania.

"We should further strengthen our relations in all fields because our partnership is not only related to the emergency but also to the future," Majko said.

The Italian Interior minister Jervolino said that the "presence of the Italian delegation shows the good will of this government to boost cooperation with the Albanian government and people. We would like to stress the message that we are side by side with you and with concrete goals of cooperation." /ake/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] Pflyger says NATO-led international force is indispensable

Stressing the role of Germany as a member of NATO and the European Union in resolving the conflict in Kosova, Gjinushi said that Albania's approach has been clearly for a peaceful solution, but Milosevic has responded to this approach by expelling hundreds of thousands Albanians from their lands, by burning and looting hundreds of villages and cities, by massive killing and terror.

Gjinushi stressed that under these conditions, the only solution is the destruction of the military machine of Milosevic, the withdrawal of all police and military forces from the territory of Kosova and the deployment there of a NATO-led international force.

Any other experiment, said Gjinushi, would delay the solution to the crisis and augment sufferings of a people.

Hailing Washington's statement, Gjinushi stressed that Albania looks to the future of Kosova as a protectorate which would guarantee the implementation of peace and self-governing in Kosova. /led/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] Albania, Italy renew agreement in health sector

The three projects worth 7.7 billion lire have been drafted by the Ministry of Health. Their aim is to help develop health sector in Albania.

The first project includes reorganisation of all health system of the Elbasan region and even the rehabilitation of all the outpatient health network, hospital system, hygiene service in Elbasan, Gramsh, Librazhd and Peqin. Special importance is devoted to the rehabilitation of the Elbasan hospital including the reconstruction of the whole building, surgery ward and operation theaters.

The reconstruction of the Berat hospital, which is going to be done on two phases, foresees a master plan to define the way of reorganisation and refunctioning of hospital and also the reconstruction of its infrastructure.

A program for the Institute of Public Health includes the organisation of the monitoring system as regards the epidemic situation and its impact on infantile mortality and transmitted diseases. /ake/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] IMF, WB discuss about Kosova crisis

During this session, representatives of 45 participating countries have discussed, also including the Albanian delegation. The Albanian delegation is made up of the Governor of the Bank of Albania and Governor close to the IMF for Albania, Shkelqim Cani and the Minister of Finances, Anastas Angjeli.

The representatives of Albania, in the annual meeting of IMF and WB, have presented the difficult situation created in Albania due to the crisis in Kosova and the needs of Albania to cope with this situation. The Albanian government has foreseen that some 220 million dollars are needed as a budget support.

During the stay in Washington, the Albanian delegation has held important working meetings with leaders of IMF and WB. This delegation is also expected to meet with the senior authorities of these international financial bodies, ended the spokesman. /dast/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[20] Albanian General Prosecutor leaves for Egypt

The visit of Rakipi in Cairo is held in the framework of establishing a closer cooperation climate between counterpart bodies of both countries and setting up of direct relations of senior officials, the spokesman of the General Prosecutor's Office told ATA.

According to him, this visit will contribute to issues with mutual interest, as well as to the agreement for the mutual extradition, which is expected to be signed during the visit in Cairo of the Albanian Minister of Justice. /dast/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[21] Some 32 000 Kosovars have entered Albania through Han i Hotit

SHKODER, April 28 (ATA) - By M. Malja: Some 600 Kosovars, mainly from Peje and Gjakove, have entered Albania on Wednesday through the border checking of Han i Hotit, some 30 km far from the town of Shkoder.

The spokesman of the Shkoder Police Prefecture told ATA that nearly 600 exiled Kosovars entered on Wednesday morning through the border point of Han i Hotit, and they were mainly women, children and elders.

The newcomers were immediately accommodated in the new collection center in the former tobacco factory, where some 6000 Kosova refugees are actually sheltered.

Some 32 000 Kosovars have entered over the last 18 days through the border checking of Han i Hotit and most of them have moved towards other districts of Albania. /mt/

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[22] Italian battalion "San Marco" lands in sea port of Vlore

The Italian battalion "San Marco," with some 400 soldiers, accompanied by nearly 100 armoured vehicles and others will be deployed in the areas round Kukes. It is coming in the framework of the humanitarian mission of NATO forces in Albania.

The chief of Vlore Port, Dionis Andoni, told ATA that the arrival of many other military vehicles is expected in this port.

A Danish force, made up of 97 soldiers and scores of vehicles, landed Tuesday in the sea port of Vlore and they already left for Northern Albania. /dast/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[23] Difficulties created in drafting National Health Policy

During this meeting, they discussed about the work to draft the National Health Policy, which is expected to pass through parliament within September, but the situation created due to the arrival of exiled Kosovars has created difficulties in this process.

The talk was focused later on the current health situation of the Kosova refugees in Albania.

Dr. Asvall will go Thursday in Kukes to closely see the situation of the refugees and the needs of the health sector.

Eiric Jo Asvall has been appointed three times Regional Director for Europe of the World Health Organization since 1985. /dast/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[24] Saving Bank: Contributions for Kosovars reached 282 million lek

The great contribution of 98% is provided by juridical persons, while the rest of 2% by physical persons.

The total number of the people to contribute in 23 sub-offices of Saving Bank is 1065.

This bank account in support of the Kosova displaced is opened in June 1, 1998, but the greater sums are cashed in the period of March 29 till today./lh/linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[25] Permanent Francophone Council discusses crisis in Kosova

Under the presidency of the General Secretary of Francophone, Boutros Boutros Ghali, the Secretariat of Francophone donated for the Albanian government a symbolic aid worth 100 000 French francs for the operations to help the displaced Kosovars.

In this meeting, the ambassador of Albania in Paris, Luan Rama, briefed on the situation in Albania, the efforts to cope with the difficult situation created after the arrival of refugees and the position of the Albanian politics regarding this conflict.

All the representatives of the Council were in favour of accepting Albania in the francophone family, an acceptance which is expected to be done in the next summit of Monton. /lh/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[26] International Monetary Fund and World Bank to discuss about Kosova crisis

The representatives of 45 member countries discussed in this session, and the Albanian delegation as well. The Albanian delegation consists of Albanian Bank Governor and at the same time the Albanian Governor at International Monetary Fund Shkelqim Cani and the Minister of Finance Anastas Angjeli.

The Albanian representatives represented in the traditional annual meeting of International Monetary Fund and World Bank the situation created in Albania due to Kosova crisis and the needs to cope with this situation. Albanian Government reckoned that 220 million dollars are needed as budgetary support.

During the staying in Washington the Albanian delegation held very important working meeting with the heads of International Monetary Fund and World Bank.

In the coming days it is going to meet high authorities of these international financial organizations, stated the spokesman./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[27] April: Food prices to increase by 54%

There is a fall in the cereals prices by 1%, while the pulses' prices marked an increase of 18%. The animal products are characterized by variable prices. There is a decrease in the meat prices in general during April./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[28] Some 750 Kosovars from Gjakove arrive terrorized in Morine pass -At least 500 men halted by Serbs-

They testimony that about 500 men are halted by Serb military forces, and they are more probably dead.

An elderly man from the village of Meje, Gjakove, says that the life of Albanians is not important for Serbs. He thinks that the Serbs are "to execute without hesitation the Albanian men", after having used them for their works. "I think so because the Serbs are now very scared, and consider the each Kosova youth an enemy who wants the liberation of Kosova", added the elderly man.

NATO planes flied in low altitudes in the commune of Prizeren today, by forcing the the Serb militaries in vicinity of Morine border to go towards bombshelters. Serbs use the Albanian men dressed in their uniform to escape from NATO bombardments. An 80 years old Albanian man called Abdyl, reported that such a thing can be done only by the Serb mind.

Some 700-800 Albanian Kosovars are expected to arrive in Morine pass in the late hours of Tuesday. /led/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[29] Albania to ask for strategic plans about economy survival in Balkan

Albanian delegation is led by the Deputy minister of Economic Cooperation and Trade Engjell Skreli.

The aim of this conference was the crisis in Southern East Europe and the economic cooperation of the countries of this region, and the possibilities of ease flow of the merchandise.

According to the Deputy Minister Skreli "Albanian part agreed with the idea of the necessity of the needs' calculations, as part of the strategic plan.

The contributions to be given by the international financial organizations to cope with the actual financial needs, such as budgetary support and the humanitarian aid for the Kosova displaced, are of great and special importance.

According to Skreli "in the meeting it is stressed that Albania is the only country to be damaged directly by this crisis. The number of Kosova comers in Albania is predicted to reach in more than 500 000 people and nearly 820 million dollars are necessary to meet the budgetary and humanitarian needs.

The participants of the meeting said that the region countries have to be compensated for the damages caused by the situation.

The economic survival of the region through a strategic plan supported by international institutions, it is stressed out in this meeting./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[30] Some 19 dinghies charged with clandestine-smugglers back in two days

The sources of Italian-Albanian mission dislocated in Durres harbor report that the majority part of clandestine parted from Vlore coasts. Hundreds of people, mainly Kosovars driven from their motherland, are halted after signalizations coming from Puglia region.

Spokesman of this mission told ATA that 14 dinghies came back to Albanian shore only on Monday evening, while the speedboats with Albanian- Italian personnel on board caught five other dinghies aiming to pass the Adriatic sea on Tuesday. So some 600 people are stepped from illegally passing to the other part of Adriatic, while some hundred of others passed "the anti-clandestine fence" in the Albanian coasts.

Guardia di Finazia has patrolled the Albanian coast in an around-a- clock service, after a relatively peaceful period. /lh/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[31] FEFAD Bank decrease bank transfers commission

Sources of this bank inform that the aim of this decision is to help the Kosova comers in Albania, who receive money from their relatives abroad.

It has been nearly a month since the money transfers increase in Albania and they influence in Albanian economy is very positive.

Beside the Financial Union, specialized in banks transfers, the Saving Bank started this new service since a week ago.

So actually in Albania there are three bank institutions to compete in the service of money transfers./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[32] EU: 62 million EURO to support Albanian budget

This sum is part of 100 million EURO planned by EU for the budget of Albania, Macedonia and Montenegro, the countries to shelter the greater number of Kosova displaced.

According to the calculation of the Albanian Government Albanian needs 220 million dollars as budgetary support.

Actually the sum of 30 million dollars by World Bank and three million dollars by the Japan and Finland Governments is confirmed.

European Union lent to Albania last week 20 million EURO (nearly 22 million dollars) to improve the payment balance and to increase the reserves.

Last night the Paris Club postpones the payment of the Albanian foreign debt for a period of one-year, from April 1,1999 till March 31, 2000. By this measures Albania "benefits" nearly 60 million dollars.

Nearly 185 million dollars will be benefited by Albania as budgetary support by these decisions.

Albanian Government appeal all the donors to contribute to support the state budget in these difficult moments.

International Monetary Fund is preparing an assistance plan to support the Albanian state budget, which is going to be approved in June, in the meeting of the Directors' Board./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[33] Democratic Party condemns Serb attacks on Albanian territory

"These attacks continue to be an aggression of Serbs towards Albania, and aim at spreading the conflict wider in the region", said the chairman of this party, Sali Berisha.

Berisha voiced in a press release hold on Wednesday that it is necessary for the Albanian government to adopt measures to preserve the Albanian territorial integrity.

The Democratic Party leader asked the government to adopt the state of emergency in the northern regions endangered by the Serb attacks.

Serb military forces violated the Albanian territory again on Wednesday.

Another incident was registered on Wednesday at about 01.00. The information was verified by OSCE teams monitoring the border between Albania and Yugoslavia. /lh/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[34] Tense situation causing depopulation of border villages in Albania

"Over 4 000 inhabitants of the villages Prush, Zogaj, Zherke, Lucidol, etc, have been evacuated," the secretary of the district council, Isa Kuliqi told ATA. Only a few of them have moved to Bajram Curri town, others are mainly staying with their relatives deep in the district.

"The evacuation started on March 24 when after the first NATO strikes, the Serb military forces increased bombing towards the Albanian territory, especially in Padesh, Kamenice, Zherkaj, Zogaj, etc," said the spokesman of the district police commissariat.

The local government structures are worried of the fact that the evacuees have not yet received any assistance. "So far, only 50 tons of wheat has been delivered to them," added Kuliqi: Although they have left the war zones, still their status is not defined. The only difference between them and the refugees from Kosove is that the first category has taken the livestock with themselves. But this is not sufficient to make a living in that zone where even in normal conditions, the living is rather difficult, said the chairman of the district council. /lh/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[35] Majko says government has adopted stiff measures to control the health of displaced Kosovars

Albanian Prime Minister said among other things that the Albanian government has adopted strict measures to control the health aids delivered for the Kosovars, because the cost of every mistake or mismanaging will be rather high".

WHO director, Jo E. Asvall hailed the managing of health situation of Kosova refugees displaced to Albania so far. "The fact that no epidemic has occurred so far is very important, but the danger of an epidemic spread increases as the summer is drawing close, and that's why the preliminary measures to avoid these deceases is a necessity", said Asvall adding that the mission he leads intends to deliver a long-term assistance to help Albania cope with the emergency situation. /lh/A.A/

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