Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-06-19

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] French Minister of Health Bernard Kouchner arrives in Tirane

[02] Turkish military delegation visits "Commando" Brigade in Zall Herr

[03] Gjakova and Peja look like deserted cities - UNHCR

[04] President Meidani meets with a senior Turkish military delegation

[05] Hundreds of Kosovars leaving Italy to return to their homes

[06] Exchange rates of Lek with foreign currencies

[07] Head of Constitutional Court criticizes arrest of former minister Teta

[08] Prosecutors have evidently gone beyond legal competence in arresting Teta - Albanian Government

[09] Press Review

[10] Four people are wounded by mines in Kuksi district

[11] NATO troops to stay in Albania even after end of crisis

[12] France ready to support Albanian health

[13] Shelton: Russian troops partner in operation, but led by NATO

[14] Albania supported in success of NATO actions

[15] Shelton: USA will be close to you whenever you need us

[16] Prime Minister Majko on Sunday in Hungary

[17] American General Shelton met Albanian Minister of Defense

[18] U.S. Army Chief of Staff visits "Task Hawk Base"

[19] Democratic Party back to idea of new elections

[20] Greven says around 20 000 Kosovars have returned home so far

[21] Speedboat attempting to smuggle illegal emigrants sequestered

[01] French Minister of Health Bernard Kouchner arrives in Tirane

The spokesman of the Ministry of Health said that during his visit to Albanian medical institutions, the French Minister will see closely the situation of health in Albania and especially that of the Kosova deportees.

During his stay in Albania, Kouchner will have working meetings with the President of Albania Rexhep Meidani, the Prime Minister Pandeli Majko, his counterpart Leonard Solid and will visit the camp of Kosove refugees in the district of Elbasan and the Mother Teresa University Hospital Centre in Tirane. /lh/xh/

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[02] Turkish military delegation visits "Commando" Brigade in Zall Herr

The Turkish Ambassador in Tirane Ahmet Okcun and the director of Logistics of the Armed Forces of Turkey, General Mayor Dursun Bak considered as very good the relations between the two armies.

"It is high time that the Commando Brigade, which is setting a good example to the whole army, make another qualitative step," said Mr Bocka.

Present in the visit to the Commando unit were also the deputy Parliament Speaker Namik Dokle and the Minister of Public Order Spartak Poci. /led/xh/

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[03] Gjakova and Peja look like deserted cities - UNHCR

"A great effort would be needed for the accommodation of the Kosovars and creating conditions for them for the coming winter," said the UNHCR coordinator for housing questions. /lh/xh/

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[04] President Meidani meets with a senior Turkish military delegation

of Albania with NATO member countries."

President Meidani thanked the Turkish delegation for the support for the Albanian Army in the reconstruction of the naval base of Pashaliman, the assistance for the Navy Academy in Vlore, as well as for the special role during the humanitarian crisis in the military operations against the criminal machine of Milosevic.

President Meidani expressed his conviction that there are other spaces for us to extend the cooperation.

General Bak assured President Meidani that the Albanian Army will continue to be in the first place for assistance on the part of Turkey and this is also the will of the Turkish people and President Sulejman Demirel.

Attending the meeting was also the Ambassador of Turkey in Albania, Ahmet Rifat Okcun. /lh/xh/

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[05] Hundreds of Kosovars leaving Italy to return to their homes

According to sources of the seaport police, the majority of the Kosovars have not agreed to take the document provided to them for their stay in the neighbouring country. A part of them, due to various reasons related with red-tape, could not join their relatives in Western European countries. The hope for a lasting peace in Kosove has lured them to rush into the port of Durres. A lot of Kosovars have arrived in Italy with regular documents but this has not changed their desire to return to their country.

Some hundreds of Kosovars employed in various countries of Europe, are coming to Durres and from there they leave to meet their relatives in Kosove. /pas/xh/

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[06] Exchange rates of Lek with foreign currencies

Follow the exhange rates of Saturday in Tirane

Kind of currency Bought Sold

USD 138 138,2

DM 73,1 73,5

LIT(1000) 74 74,3

GRD(100) 44 44,4

/xh/

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[07] Head of Constitutional Court criticizes arrest of former minister Teta

"Although I have not received the necessary information, my opinion is that the sides must respect each other. The court has many things to criticize and not only the official uniform of the jury during the trial," said Abdiu, adding that "Teta too has caused a conflict without reason."

Abdiu said he was not for the politicization of the issue. "Every national, despite the titles he has had or still has, ought to respect the state laws," he said.

Former Minister of Public Order Perikli Teta was arrested on Friday in the court of Tirane district because he refused to provide testimony on the events of September 14, 1998, when armed crowds of people attacked government institutions, torching and ruining them. Teta said that he had come to the courtroom to testify to that event but he demanded from the jury to be in their official uniforms in the court. /pas/xh/

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[08] Prosecutors have evidently gone beyond legal competence in arresting Teta - Albanian Government

On the basis of the opinion of the Albanian judiciary community and experts of the Council of Ministers, the Albanian Government holds, first of all, that the prosecutors of the case have evidently gone beyond their legal competence in this case.

Former Minister of Public Order Perikli Teta was arrested on Friday in the court of Tirane district because he refused to provide testimony on the events of September 14, 1998, when armed crowds of people attacked government institutions, torching and ruining them. Teta said that he had come to the courtroom to testify to that event but he demanded from the jury to be in their official uniforms in the court. /pas/xh/

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[09] Press Review

"KOHA JONE", independent, daily.

-"Teta in chains: Socialists arrested me". Yesterday the ex-minister of Public Order and one of the main leaders of the DAP, Perikli Teta, was arrested in the Tirana Court, after his refusal to testify before the Court with the judges not in their official clothing. After 8 hours under arrest, the Attorney General Arben Rakipi signed his release. - "Teta's arrest is a scandal". After the arrest of the ex- minister of Public Order, men of politics react. - "North 'the Republic' of chaos". The Ministry of Public Order has decided to send to the North of Albania special forces to restore order and public tranquility there.

"GAZETA SHQIPTARE", independent, daily. -"Teta: I spit those who released me." After 8 hours under arrest, the Attorney General signed the release of the ex-minister of Public Order, Perikli Teta, while the Government, reacted yesterday considering the event as "an evident exceeding of competence by the judges of the case". -"Koci:Majko hesitated for FARK". Former Minister of Public Order, Petro Koci said yesterday that Majko hesitated for FARK, part of which was dangerous. -"Camdessus: Now your sufferings begin". The head of IMF, Michel Camdessus visited Tirana yesterday and has stated "the remedies".

"SHEKULLI", independent, daily.

- "Camdessus: There has been no change in the past seven years." said yesterday in Tirana the IMF Executive Director. - "Plot" for Berisha in DP". The group of factionists in DP has decided to hold the meeting of the new national council, (alternative) and to call there the ex-leaders, ex- deputies, and ex-ministers that have left the Democratic Party. - "Revolt puts Teta in chains". The ex-minister of Public Order, Perikli Teta, after his refusal to testify before judges, who were not in their official uniforms, was arrested yesterday in the courtroom.

"RILINDJA", information daily, independent.

-"Return to Kosova". -"Solution of Kosova crisis is in the center of attention." The G-8 summit started in its highest level in Cologne of Germany. -"We need humanitarian aid now".

"ALBANIA", independent, daily.

- "Former Minister of Public Order, Perikli Teta, arrested and released." - "Melo: New elections" - "Repatriation plan made public".

"Ekonomia", daily paper of the Albanian Agency for Economic Development.

- "IMF: Albania succeeded," said the executive director of the IMF, Camdessus. - "Anti-contraband near CAM-Albania". - "On Monday, a license check storm, goods to be sequestered."

"ZERI I POPULLIT", independent, daily of the Socialist Party. - "Pero was arrested by his party". - "DP, prison '314'". - "Camdessus to Majko: We support your way."

"RILINDJA DEMOKRATIKE", daily of Democratic Party.

- "Perikli Teta under arrest". - "UNHCR: 50 000 Albanians back home in Kosova.

"REPUBLIKA", daily of the Republican Party of Albania.

- "Hunger strike in Memaliaj continues". - "Thaci to Serbs: Don't leave Kosove" /Na/xh/

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[10] Four people are wounded by mines in Kuksi district

The wounded ones are Nefail Hoxha, 22, Arif Basha, 21, both of them inhabitants of Shishtavec village, Faik Ferhati, 15, and his brother Fetah Ferhati, 12, from Zapodi village.

Based upon the sources of the hospital of Kuksi town, where the wounded ones were sent, two of them are gravely sick, and they may have their legs cut. /pas/linda/

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[11] NATO troops to stay in Albania even after end of crisis

" Taking into consideration the region's need for a long term presence of military troops, Albania might need NATO troops even after the crisis", stated General Shelton after the meeting held on Saturday with the Albanian Prime Minister Majko.

Albania got USA support due to its attitude during the period of crisis in the region, said Prime Minister Majko.

Shelton stressed that the Albanian Government has been a true partner in NATO strikes against Belgrade.

"Many of these people are alive due to the generosity of Albanian people and the policy followed by the Albanian Government", stated General Shelton by hailing, in the name of American People, the generosity shown by the Albanians in welcoming the great influx of Kosova comers. /led/linda/

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[12] France ready to support Albanian health

These projects include the construction of a new hospital center in Tirana, training of young Albanian physicians, medical exchanges, assistance for health centers in Elbasani, Fier, Korca, etc.

According to Meidani the assistance concerning the Kosova refugees in Albania should go on, because a part of them will continue to be accommodated in Albania even during the winter time.

The construction of the hospital center is promised during the meeting held in Paris between the President Meidani and French Prime Minister Jospin. France offered a great financial and technical contribution for its implementation.

The Deputy Minister of Health Fatmir Ibrahimi and French Ambassador in Albania Patrik Chrismant were present as well in this meeting. /led/linda/

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[13] Shelton: Russian troops partner in operation, but led by NATO

We have Bosnia example, where the relations with Russian troops worked perfectly. We hope for the same cooperation even now, said Shelton.

Asked about the request of the Albanian Prime Minister Pandeli Majko, about the indefinite stay of NATO troops in Albania, Shelton said that "like Bosnia, Albania can serve quite well as a location of NATO troops".

Concerning the hasty return of Kosovars their homes, General Shelton stressed that exists the risk of armed forces in Kosova, because Serb forces are not withdrawn completely. Beside this, there is the mine risk, as well.

General Shelton expressed his believe that KLA will cooperate with KFOR troops in site. /led/linda/

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[14] Albania supported in success of NATO actions

By thanking USA for its role in solving Kosova crisis, Minister of Defense said that "the agreement assigned on Friday in Keln, Germany, between USA and Russia will open new perspectives for Balkan and the guarantee for this is NATO presence in the region".

Minister Hajdaraga stressed that the Albanian Government will continue to extend the contacts with USA, which is considered as its main ally.

General Shelton thanked, in the name of the American Government, the Albanian People and Government about the great support given to the International Community in NATO actions. "Without your support this action would not be achieved", said General Shelton. /led/linda/

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[15] Shelton: USA will be close to you whenever you need us

"I want to ensure you that Albania is the first name mentioned by the American President when speaking about the countries USA is debtor to," said Shelton by stressing that we are proud to be called partners of your country.

He stressed that USA will be present in Albania and will stay hand-to- hand whenever the Albanian Government asked for such a thing.

Prime Minister Pandeli Majko estimated the extraordinary impact of American troops in Albania. " By staying on NATO side we performed our duty and only our duty. You did what we should have done, thus I stress that by offering our support we performed our duty",said Majko.

"We are convinced that the peace in region cannot be established without the presence of American troops. Our request about the indefinite stay of these troops in Albania, is expression of the common interests that Albania and USA share together to guarantee peace and stability in Europe", Prime Minister Majko said. /led/linda/

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[16] Prime Minister Majko on Sunday in Hungary

Ministry of Information told ATA that the Prime Minister will meet NATO General Secretary, Havier Solana and General Clark.

During his two days visit Prime Minister Majko will have special meetings with the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Urban and Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski. /led/linda/

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[17] American General Shelton met Albanian Minister of Defense

NATO presence in Kosova is the best guarantee for a long term solution. USA is our main ally, said Minister Hajdaraga.

Speaking about Kosova situation, Hajdaraga stated that " the establishing of a unique commando there, is the most positive element in the future".

"Our aim is reaching NATO standards and integration in its structures", said Minister of Defense speaking about the perspectives of Albanian Army cooperation.

" NATO already is all over Kosova. NATO has taken all the measures to secure the life of the inhabitants there", said American General Shelton. /led/linda/

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[18] U.S. Army Chief of Staff visits "Task Hawk Base"

The Chief of the U.S. Army General Staff, Henry Shelton, on Saturday, stated that the U.S. forces will stay in Albania as long as necessary to ensure an enduring peace throughout the troubled region of the Balkan.

Shelton, the four star general, Shelton, made this statement during a visit to the military airport of Rinas, now called the "Hawk Base".

Shelton carried out a detailed inspection of the troops and gave the necessary instructions for the coming missions in Albania and the whole region.

The is the second visit Shelton makes to Albania. For the first time, General Henry Shelton came to Albania on April 30, 1999. /led/lm/

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[19] Democratic Party back to idea of new elections

"Our request is a reasonable and a right one, especially when it is asked by the members of the Governmental coalition, themselves", said on Saturday for ATA the Secretary for Public Relation at Democratic Party Vili Minarolli.

In his statement, Minarolli is based upon what the former Minister of Public Order Perikli Teta, arrested on Friday in the court and released after some hours, said about the current Government, that it cannot and should not govern the country.

According to Minarolli the new elections were left aside as long as the solution of Kosova question was in the focus of attention. Now that this question is going toward the solution, by the involvement of all International Community, it is normal to ask again for early election in the country. /led/linda/

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[20] Greven says around 20 000 Kosovars have returned home so far

The Kosova refugees should stay here until the KFOR troops and UNHCR ensure their return, said Greven.

"The Kukes airport has been decided upon to be officially opened and a C160 plane from France and a Hercules from the United Emirates will land in on Tuesday," he said.

Thus, AFOR will help transportation of refugees by land and by air. /lh/lm/

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[21] Speedboat attempting to smuggle illegal emigrants sequestered

A speedboat, which attempted to smuggle illegal emigrants to Italy, was intercepted by the Vlore police on one of the Vlore shores on Friday evening, the spokesman of the police department told ATA.

The spokesman also said that on the same day, the Guardia di Finanza, patrolling the Vlore shore, intercepted another speedboat of a dinghy type. Both the blocked vessels, according to the spokesman, have been subjected to sequestration procedures. /lh/lm/

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