Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-07-29

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CONTENTS

[01] Albanian delegation leaves for Sarajevo

[02] U.S. optimistic of future political developments in Albania

[03] Government approves document to be presented in Sarajevo

[04] Shuli says we will go to Sarajevo with set projects on infrastructure

[05] Exchange rates of Lek with foreign currencies

[06] Albanian delegation due to Sarajevo on Thursday

[07] Sarajevo Summit must not turn into competition with each asking more for itself - Majko

[08] A reflection is needed on Shkoder event; Topalli

[09] Italian government accords 7 million Liras for Albanian health system

[10] Albanian, Macedonian and Turkish delegations to leave for Sarajevo together

[11] Albright meets with Thaci and other Kosova Albanian politicians in Prishtine

[12] New academic year free from text books problems

[13] Thaci says Serb plain-clothed paramilitaries act in Kosova

[14] UNOPS invests US$ 2 million in Shkoder

[15] Hajdaraga says American military presence in Albania is a necessity

[16] Deputy Premier says NATO engagement - important for long-term stability in the region

[17] We will not accept any declaration which will exclude Kosove; Foreign Minister

[18] Angjeli pledges custom facilitates on investments' stimulation in private sector

[19] Agreement on telecommunication field is signed

[20] We will build a free and democratic Kosova - Albright

[21] Majko demands continuous presence of NATO in region, especially in Albania

[22] Albanian Government approved offering of objects of cooper industry in concession forms

[23] We are convinced Albania will not remain out of Stability Pact - Berisha

[24] Prime Minister Majko considered as positive "Research Metal Group" investment in cooper industry

[25] Some 7,3 million lek are collected from smuggling cigarettes

[26] Senior police authorities of inter-border regions meet in Ioannina

[27] Statement of Monetary Policy for half year of 1999 and future targets are passed

[01] Albanian delegation leaves for Sarajevo

The delegation also consists of Prime Minister Pandeli Majko and Foreign Minister Paskal Milo.

One day prior to the Sarajevo visit, in an interview with ATA, Majko expressed the belief that all international factors, mainly the U.S. and the EU, will undertake concrete commitments in Sarajevo. /pas/lm/

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[02] U.S. optimistic of future political developments in Albania

TIRANE, July 29 (ATA)-By I. Luto, The U.S. is optimistic of the future of political developments in Albania, Robert Frowick, Charge d'affaires of the U.S. embassy to Albania, told a news conference on Wednesday, on the occasion of the end of his mission to Albania.

He said that the fall of this year would bring about dynamic developments in Albania.

Frowick, who replaced ambassador Marisa Lino for nearly two months, said that he based this forecast especially on the mature act of the Albanian opposition to take active part in the parliamentary life and on the very constructive spirit characterising the political developments in Albania of late.

Frowick, who had previously served in Romania, said even in Romania he had been in contact with the developments in Albania and this had been strengthened with his visits to Albania when, he said, "the Democratic Party was in power".

Frowick confirmed reports that there will be a presence of NATO troops in Albania. He said that the U.S. had also asked at the recent meeting of the Alliance's Council a "substantial' presence of the NATO troops in Albania.

"The troops will be at the service of KFOR and will safeguard the roads to lead to Kosova," he said.

He added that the troops may have their bases in Durres port and in the area surrounding the Rinas airport. /a.ke/lm/

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[03] Government approves document to be presented in Sarajevo

The document contains the political commitment of the Albanian Government to meet the basic demands of the Stability Pact for democratisation and human rights and freedoms, for development and economic reconstruction, security and public order, the Ministry of Information told ATA.

Attaching this document is also the list of projects the Albanian Government considers of priority in infrastructure and energy, projects characterised by the spirit of integration and fruit of consultation with the governments of the countries included in the Pact of Stability. /pas/so/lm/

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[04] Shuli says we will go to Sarajevo with set projects on infrastructure

Speaking about the 8th Corridor a day before the Sarajevo summit, Minister Shuli said some $ 155 million are needed for its construction, while the sum this ministry possesses is only 98 million. "We will demand $ 57,8 million in Sarajevo meeting for construction of highway segments not covered by EU, and for rehabilitation of existing railway segments", said Shuli.

As regards to the North-South segment, Shuli said that the segments not financed so far cost $ 101 million, and this sum will be demanded through detailed projects in Sarajevo summit. Shuli reported that "the railway network from Durres to Hani i Hotit is not rehabilitated, while some $ 140 million will be demanded in Sarajevo summit on rehabilitation of Durres port".

Shuli spoke also about the two project-variants of the two-pass road Durres- Kukes. The first variant is 194 kilometers long and 387 million will be needed for it, including even a tunnel 7 kilometers long. The second variant comprises 209 kilometers, and some $ 450 million will be asked for its construction.

Deputy Xhaferri in his answer said that the members of government cabinet do not have a clear vision on projects to be presented before the summit and to make possible the immediate delivery of the funds by investors.

Minister Shuli answered that "we will go to the summit with set infrastructure projects, which speak about the investment elements and for the time of investment and interest return" /pas/A.A/

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[05] Exchange rates of Lek with foreign currencies

Currency exchange rates

Kind of currency Bought Sold

USD 135 135,7

DM 73 73,4

LIT(1000) 73,5 74

GRD(100) 43,5 44,7 /pas/A.A/

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[06] Albanian delegation due to Sarajevo on Thursday

Members of Albanian delegation are Premier, Pandeli Majko, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Paskal Milo.

During an interview given to ATA a day before his visit in Sarajevo, Premier Majko expressed his belief that concrete engagement of all international factors and especially of America and EU will be manifested in Sarajevo. /pas/A.A/

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[07] Sarajevo Summit must not turn into competition with each asking more for itself - Majko

"First of all I think that such a competition, which country will receive as much as possible from a fund, which actually is inexistent," said Majko in an interview with ATA on Thursday.

"The Stability Pact, first of all, is an orientation of a series of principles and strategies, which later will also be directed to technical and financial moments," said Majko.

Referring to public order in Albania and regional security, Majko stressed that never have public order problems in Albania been at the extent of making Albania a problem for regional security.

He said that these problems have been considered moments which the Albanians should first of all resolve in favour of themselves, to give more oxygen to investments in Albania.

Majko said that the Sarajevo Summit for Albania and the Albanians is of extraordinary importance not only because its is linked with the aid to be provided to Albania but also because it has to do "with the orientation of what we have long since been working, for the cristalisation of the Albanian factor in the Balkans, which is based not only on the logic of state borders but also on that of cooperation among all Albanians wherever they are".

Asked about the idea of fiscal amnesty launched a few days ago by President Meidani, Majko said that for the government it is important that the problems concerning the country be debated.

"We are open to any proposal coming in a realistic way, because normally, debate in Albania so far has been based mainly on daily politics. I hold this debate is fruitful," said Majko. /pas/lm/

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[08] A reflection is needed on Shkoder event; Topalli

"Lawyers release criminals, the politicians in power accuse the law court of corruption, while the judges themselves accuse the politicians of corruption", says the declaration of Topalli.

Topalli said that a vicious circle exists in Albania, and that every thing is paid by simple citizens.

"Opinion of Shkoder citizens support the police who protests against lawyers", said Topalli pointing out that the police protest is an alarm to achieve support for police forces, which have sacrificed a lot during this period, and for an immediate intervention in the law court and attorney's office. These institutions need a radical reform which must transform them from "politically addressed institutions into independent institutions by employing young persons who are not involved previously, reliable and good professionals in the field". /pas/A.A/

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[09] Italian government accords 7 million Liras for Albanian health system

Sources from the Health Ministry told ATA that the projects to be financed with the above mentioned fund were decided in the meeting held recently in Rome between the Albanian delegation chaired by Fatmir Brahimi, the Italian Deputy Health Minister and other representatives of Italian Health Ministry.

The aid of Italian government will be implemented in the field of Albanian health system development, including EC norms in the health legislative, pharmaceutic, epidemiologic fields and the like.

In the framework of this aid is also foreseen the computerization of Health Ministry, a special training for the personnel of this ministry as well as the training and qualification of new medical staff which will work with the new apparatuses. /pas/A.A/

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[10] Albanian, Macedonian and Turkish delegations to leave for Sarajevo together

The three delegations met at Rinas airport reception residence before leaving for Sarajevo. /pas/lm/

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[11] Albright meets with Thaci and other Kosova Albanian politicians in Prishtine

Albright met with the head of the Kosova interim government, Hashim Thaci, and his cabinet members, as well as with the LDK deputy chairmen.

Albright met earlier with academician Rexhep Qosja, head of the United Democratic Movement, and Hydajet Hyseni, one of the leaders of this party.

Albright arrived at Prishtine airport at 09:15 (local time) and at first met with the KFORF commander, British Lieutenant-General Mike Jackson, and the head of the United Nations administration running Kosova, Bernard Kouchner. /pas/lm/

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[12] New academic year free from text books problems

Ilmi Bra�e, director of School Book Enterprise, told ATA on Thursday that all the measures are adopted on publishment and delivery of books in order to guarantee the beginning of a new academic year without problems.

Bra�e said that the publishing of text books for elementary schools is over, and the publishing of books for the upper grade of elementary school is under way. 80 text of these two levels are realized through a sum worth 300 million leks accorded by Albanian government funds.

A concern remain the text books for general high schools, the publishing process of which has not started yet. The publishing of 70 necessary titles for this education level are financed by World Bank and UNHCR, with a fund of $ 900 000.

Elementary school text books are published in several publishing houses such as "Omsi", "Toena", "Edlor" and others. /pas/A.A/

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[13] Thaci says Serb plain-clothed paramilitaries act in Kosova

Groups of Serb paramilitaries in plain clothes are now acting also in Gjilan, Shterpce, Fushe Kosove and even in Prishtine, often threatening the inhabitants' lives, Kosova Press agency cites Thaci as saying.

He expressed concern about the destiny of more than 7 000 arbitrarily arrested Albanians who continue to be held in Serb prisons.

Thaci considered urgent the need for cooperation between Kosovar and international jurists to draft an interim constitution for Kosova, the agency reports. /pas/lm/

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[14] UNOPS invests US$ 2 million in Shkoder

He said the fund has been approved based on the projects prepared in cooperation with local government bodies and planned to be implemented within this year.

Projects of this kind will be implemented also in Durres and Vlore prefectures. Their implementation amounts to US$ 20 million, said Vignola. /pas/so/lm/

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[15] Hajdaraga says American military presence in Albania is a necessity

Hajdaraga said that "the common training, continuation of cooperation in educational field, the signing of a memorandum for delivering our military facilities to the UN troops, will be some important directions of our cooperation in the future".

Minister Hajdaraga demanded the UN senior official to give a direct aid for creation of the Military Civil Regiment (MCR), assistance for the construction brigade and aid for the infrastructure of some military polygons.

Caldera highlighted that the aid in reconstruction of all levels of Albanian armed forces and the support on entrance of Albania in NATO will continue. "We are very contented with the support Albanian gave to American army in the military and humanitarian operation during the crises in Kosove", said Caldera. Strengthening of cooperation with Albanian army is a necessity for restoration of peace and stability not only for Albania but for the whole region" said Caldera. /pas/A.A/

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[16] Deputy Premier says NATO engagement - important for long-term stability in the region

Meta said that NATO engagement is important for a long-term stability in the region, and promised that the office of American presidency in Defence Ministry will be reopened in the coming days, and this is another message of strengthening of cooperation in defence field. The reconstruction of Albanian army is a very important issue, where the UN contribution will be very important, Meta pointed out.

Asked about NATO presence in Albania, Caldera said that "we appreciate this generous offer which will contribute to establishing of stability in Southeastern Europe. As a NATO part we will continue to cooperate closely with the Albanian army to secure peace in the region with all military possibilities", said the UN Ground Force Secretary. /pas/A.A/

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[17] We will not accept any declaration which will exclude Kosove; Foreign Minister

Paskal Milo, Albanian Minister of Foreign Affairs, declared before his departure for Sarajeve, that Albanian delegation will reject any declaration in Sarajevo summit which will leave Kosove out.

This declaration was made by Milo in the presence of his Macedonian and Turkish counterparts, who arrived in Rinas airport as part of delegations which will participate in the Summit of Stability Pact to be held in Sarajevo.

Milo estimated the summit as an important event for the future of Balkan.

Albanian delegation will hold a speech in today's proceedings with the thesis "Democratization and civil society" /pas/A.A/

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[18] Angjeli pledges custom facilitates on investments' stimulation in private sector

According to the Ministry of Finances, Minister Angjeli stated that the Ministry he runs will create the necessary custom and tax facilitates through the legal and administrative means to offer the private investments the possibilities to see the results of their investments within a short period of time.

"At this important moment in international plan, a historic chance, to be involved in the Euro Atlantic integration processes, is offered to Albania. It is on the interest of the businessmen and all Albanian nation, that both state and the business to respond by a number of investments", stated Angjeli. /pas/linda/

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[19] Agreement on telecommunication field is signed

This project will make possible the communication of Albania and Montenegro through the connection of Ulqini-Shkodra and Podgorica-Shkoder- Tirana.

The agreement is a pilot project and it is signed in the framework of the implementation of regional projects in conformity with the strategy of telecommunication development. The implementation of this agreement will start in August and will be realized in two phases. Albtelecommunication investment marks the value of some 200 million lek. /led/linda/

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[20] We will build a free and democratic Kosova - Albright

"Kosova will always be your house and never again will people with guns come in the night. Never again will houses and villages be burned and never again will there be massacres and mass graces," she said.

She added that Milosevic will respond for his crimes, and voiced the hope that "there will be a birth of freedom based on tolerance, law and respect for human rights."

In the afternoon, Albright will visit the U.S. sector where she will meet with U.S. officers in Gjilan. The U.S. Secretary of State is also expected to meet with Serb representatives in Kosova. /p.ta/xh/

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[21] Majko demands continuous presence of NATO in region, especially in Albania

Referring to the situation in Kosova, Majko condemned strongly all sporadic acts of violence there and considered important the fact that the representatives of the Albanians in Kosova, too, have condemned these acts and have disassociated themselves from them.

Premier Majko underscored the viewpoints of the Albanian Government for the relations with neighbours. Majko and the U.S. Secretary, Caldera shared the same opinions on the latest developments in the region and its perspective.

Caldera said that it is the right moment to go ahead with an even closer cooperation, and expressed the pleasure for the request of the Albanian government for the NATO presence in the region. He stressed that this presence has been extended in the recent years.

"President Clinton is very clear for the commitments that we must undertake to guarantee peace and stability in the region," he said. /led/xh/

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[22] Albanian Government approved offering of objects of cooper industry in concession forms

The objects offered are Kruma mine together with processing factory in Has, Munella mine, Laku i Roshit, Fushe-Arrez mine, Puka factory, Perlati mine, Rreshen factory, Rubiku mine, Wires Factory in Shkodra.

The American company is a specialized one on metallurgic processing of the metals and in particular of the rare metals, including golden, silver, platinum, vanned, titan, etc. /led/linda/

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[23] We are convinced Albania will not remain out of Stability Pact - Berisha

The democratic leader focused on the points, which according to him, are not quite well in the project of the government regarding the pact. "The stress in it must have been laid on the infrastructure, especially on that of roads and not on the public investments," he stressed.

DP criticized the policy of the Albanian government towards the parties not participating in the government coalition with regard to the presentation and discussion of the Stability Pact. /led/xh/

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[24] Prime Minister Majko considered as positive "Research Metal Group" investment in cooper industry

Prime Minister Majko expressed the readiness of Albanian Government to start useful discussions with the American Company to make possible the cooperation even in other fields based upon the mutual interest.

"The solution of Kosova conflict, which kept in dilemma the foreign investitures to invest in Albania or not, already offered great chances for these investments", said Majko.

"Research Metal Group" association is going to invest some 75 million dollars in cooper industry. /led/linda/

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[25] Some 7,3 million lek are collected from smuggling cigarettes

Sources from the State reserves report that "Winston" cigarettes were stored in Ludra warehouses since April. /led/linda/

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[26] Senior police authorities of inter-border regions meet in Ioannina

According to Albanian police sources, participants in the meeting discussed the latest measures of the police on both sides of the border for a stricter regime on the border line, problems of legalization of emigrants and their careful treatment by Greek police.

The two sides considered the meeting important and another step towards closer relations between the two police groups in the fight against crime. /led/xh/

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[27] Statement of Monetary Policy for half year of 1999 and future targets are passed

"The inflation falls considerably in the end of the first half of the year and the target of Albanian Bank for 199 seems fulfilled already", said the Governor Shkelqim Cani in the meeting of the Supervising Council of Albanian Central Bank.

The Governor Cani mentioned even the keeping of the liquidation of the bank system and the completion of the first phase of privatization of the National Commercial Bank. According to Albanian Bank the number of licensed banks till the end of June reached to 12.

Speaking about the future objectives Mr. Cani considered the second half of the year as "a very important test for all the Albanian authorities in fulfilling the structural and qualitative objectives of the midterm program supported by ESAF agreement as a precondition for the further continuation and implementation of many promises in supporting Albania with native and foreign investments". /led/linda/

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<a href="/ata/990729/hdlines.htm#1">Police favouring men-smuggling in Vlore suspended from their duty VLORE, july 29 (ata) - By Harilla Koci: Five policemen in Vlore were suspended from their posts on Thursday morning because they were favouring men-smuggling, the director of police in the prefecture of Vlore, Colonel Albert Dervishi told ATA. The policemen were caught red-handed while they were assisting some illegal people to embark on a dinghy on Wednesday midnight. Forces of Police Department of Vlore have long since been engaged in continuous operations to block people's trafficking to Italian coastline./led/xh/ D'Arc Avenue 23, Tirana, AlbaniaE-Mail:

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