Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-11-05

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CONTENTS

[01] Press review

[02] Discussion session on government program started

[03] Cooperation is the main device to solve communal problems

[04] Over 650 Albanians killed and 770 missing in Mitrovica

[05] Two people killed and a third injured in Tropoje

[06] A high ranking delegation of Saudi Arabia visited Kosova

[07] A motorboat and a dinghy sequestered at Kavaje seashore

[08] Exchange rates

[09] World Bank funds rehabilitation of forests in Albania

[10] Outstanding actor Aleksander Moisiu to be declared "Pride of the City" in Durres

[11] Ministers of Meta cabinet explain priorities of their ministries

[12] "Action against hunger" finances rehabilitation of two aqueducts in Korce

[13] Parliamentary debate on Meta government composition and political program starts

[14] Humanitarian associations finance rehabilitation of Mediaeval Art Museum in Korca

[15] Two dinghies with 60 smuggling illegal immigrants aboard turned back

[16] Albanian Minister of Agriculture bans import of animal products from Turkey

[17] DP reacts against 'moderators' approach

[18] Government considers tourism as one of its priorities

[19] Norway provides aid for Kukes

[20] Government foresees to increase pensions by 8% next year

[21] Education Minister asks unification of Albanian primer

[22] Italy offers 1,3 billion liras on registration of agricultural property

[23] Clinton hails Meta as Premier of Albania

[24] Hope for 300 000 illegal refugees in Greece

[25] Parliament votes Meta Government

[26] Homage paid to Arberesh poet Jul Variboba

[27] Stability of Europe requires creation of new stability in the Balkans

[01] Press review

Koha Jone, independent daily.

- "Berisha in street, Meta in Rome." While the democrat leader was protesting yesterday in Scanderbeg Square against the government, PM Meta, invited by his Italian counterpart, D'Alema, will be on Wednesday in Rome. - "Most executive program of the three governments." Ministers, advisers, opposition members and party chairmen pronounce themselves on the program presented in the Parliament by Prime Minister Meta. - "Meta:First Premier who violates laws will be discharged." Full speech of PM Meta before deputies yesterday is published.

Gazeta Shqiptare, independent daily.

- "Meta promises iron hand." PM Ilir Meta ensured yesterday the Parliament that one of the priorities of the government will be the fight against corruption and all other crimes. - "DP reformers in Parliament." The group of DP reformers to be present in today's session of the Parliament. - "Fatmir Haklaj." While going with Sami Kernaja to wish Jaho Salihi's birthday, Haklaj was killed by automatic gunfire, while Salihi himself was seriously wounded.

Shekulli, daily independent

- "Fatmir Haklaj killed." In Bujan village in Tropoje was killed Fatmir Haklaj, former chief of order in commissariat of Bajram Curri and Sami Kernaja, while Jaho Salihi was seriously wounded. - "Nano: The vote of confidence is a formal act." SP chairman, Fatos Nano expressed enthusiasm yesterday for the presentation in Parliament of the program of Meta cabinet." - "Meta: Priorities are public order and Constitution." Prime Minister Ilir Meta presented in the Parliament yesterday the program of the government he is leading.

"ALBANIA", national daily

- "Police kills Azem Hajdari's assassins". - "DP: Protests, elections approaching". - "Meksi and Shehu back to DP".

"ZERI i POPULLIT", daily of the Socialist Party of Albania

- "Meta: Government to serve, not to rob". - "Berisha fails at "Skenderbej". - "Fatmir Haklaj killed, Jaho Salihi wounded".

"RILINDJA DEMOKRATIKE", daily of Democratic Party of Albania.

- "Fatmir Haklaj executed". - "Nano's men and program in "Meta" government".

"REPUBLIKA", daily of Republican Party of Albania

- "Attempt on Hajdari's "assassins" life." - "Rebellion bursts in Gjirokaster".

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[02] Discussion session on government program started

At the Parliament are also present some deputies of Democratic Party, the biggest opposition Party, called "moderators", who stated that "revealing opinions in parliament is the best thing".

During the introduction of the government program by Ilir Meta at the yesterday's plenary session, only DP parliamentary group leader Jemin Gjata was present, who was to read a declaration on behalf of its party. /lh/gs/

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[03] Cooperation is the main device to solve communal problems

"In the communal policy we are all obliged to find the solution to the problems in unanimous manner", emphasized Kastner, who is paying a three-day visit at Tirane city hall with the invitation of the Mayor Brojka.

Brojka and other members of local government, considering the policy of cooperation on communal problems, as necessary pointed out that the same situation exists at the Council of Municipality too.

Shelter, water supply, sewerage pipeline, garbage removal and unemployment, were the sharpest problems in Tirane Brojka mentioned. /gs/

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[04] Over 650 Albanians killed and 770 missing in Mitrovica

About 200 other Albanians from this city, are reportedly being held in Serb prisons, while more than 6 000 homes and other buildings have been torched and ruined in Mitrovica and nearby villages. /lh/xh/

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[05] Two people killed and a third injured in Tropoje

The event happened near the home of Jaho Salihi, where the victims were going to for the birthday anniversary of the host's son. Unidentified people have appeared and opened gunfire, killing Fatmir Haklaj and Sami Kernaja, while Jaho Salihi was gravely injured.

Fatmir Haklaj, chief of public order in the district police commissariat of Tropoja, northeast of Albania, was gravely wounded some months ago, while this time, in the fourth attempt on his life in Tropoje, Haklaj was killed.

Sami Kernaja is the brother of Feriz Kernaja, the latter killed in the previous attempted attack against Fatmir Haklaj. While the injured Jaho Salihi, former police member, is charged by DP for the murder of deputy Azem Hajdari.

Northeastern zone of Albania, bordering Kosova, continues to be problematic mostly for the public order, despite the recent measures adopted by the Public Order Minister, Spartak Poci by sending there commando forces. /xh/

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[06] A high ranking delegation of Saudi Arabia visited Kosova

Prince Al Saud stressed that the aim of the visit was also "to see closely the projects for the reconstruction of Kosova underway by the World Islamic Aid Organization operating in the context of the United Saudi Committee."

The Islamic organisation, engaged with reconstruction of Kosova, has so far made a work worth 3 million dollars, while Kosova refugees in Albania and Macedonia received from it emergent aid worth about 2.5 million dollars. /lh/xh/

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[07] A motorboat and a dinghy sequestered at Kavaje seashore

The navigation vehicles, kept at the front yard of a house, are allegedly used for illegal traffic.

After some pieces of information the area nearby Agai spring, the administrative border between Kavaje and Durres districts, underwent a search verifying the presence of a motorboat and a dinghy. They were hidden at the front yard of a newly built house some 200m off the shore. The operation resulted in detaining the house owner Mustafa Bajram Berisha, 33, from Durres city and the blocking of two navigation vehicles, clarified the same sources.

Preliminary investigations reveal that one of the navigation vehicles owner is Mustafa Patoshi from Kavaje, wanted by police for trafficking illegal emigrants. /lh/gs/

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[08] Exchange rates

Currency exchange

Currency bought sold USD 134,5 134,57 DM 72,5 72,8 LIT (1000) 72,9 73,2 GRD (100) 42,7 43,0

/lh/gs/

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[09] World Bank funds rehabilitation of forests in Albania

He stressed that according to a World Bank investigation, 14 million lek are needed to draft the projects for the managing and maintaining of the forests in the districts of Kukes, Has, Tropoje and Puke. Later, work for the rehabilitation of damaged forested zones, mostly in Shishtavec, the zone of Fajza, etc., will start, Omuri added.

The forests, which in the northeastern zone cover nearly half of the total area of the region, have been damaged to the amount of 30 per cent as a result of uncontrolled cutting of trees over the recent years. This is also one of the main reasons that dictated the need for the rehabilitation of the damaged forested plots. /lh/xh/

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[10] Outstanding actor Aleksander Moisiu to be declared "Pride of the City" in Durres

The decision was made in the latest meeting of the municipal council of the coastal city, where the great actor passed a part of his childhood at the beginning of this century.

Aleksander Moisiu, born 120 years ago, stems from the well-known family Moisiu, of Kavaja. During the first three decades of this century, Moisiu was one of the most outstanding actors of the German Theater and of the European theater in general. His name is linked with the roles of Hamlet, Mefistofel in Faust or Fedja in "Live corps" drama, which was performed more than 1 200 times. During all the life, Moisiu was proud of his Albanian origin and assisted the community of his compatriots in Europe through his artistic contribution.

The palace of culture and the drama theater cast of Durres are called after the name of the great actor, Moisiu, who died in Lugano of Switzerland in 1935, in the peak of his artistic creativity. While the home in which Moisiu passed a part of his childhood is declared a museum-house and is protected as a value in the folk culture of the district of Durres. /xh/

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[11] Ministers of Meta cabinet explain priorities of their ministries

PM Meta said that his government will be seriously engaged in the fight against corruption, raising serious barriers to it until it is completly eliminated. Meta voiced the commitment of his government in the improvement of the local infrastructure. Referring to the problem of the former pyramid investment schemes and the problems that have stemmed from them, Meta guaranteed transparency in the treatment of this issue and the prevention of their flourishing again. Meta said that his government will fight to create a professional administration.

Later, Deputy Premier and Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Makbule �eco, analysed and made evident the directions that the Government Meta will pursue to solve the social questions and those of labour. The Minister of Public Order, Spartak Poci, stressed the consolidation of administrative measures in the fight against corruption in the ranks of the public order police and especially, the improvement of the work in border crossing points.

The Minister of Privatization, Zef Preci, spoke on the issues of privatization which, during this cabinet term, will be further completed. Minister of Finances Anastas Angjeli, in response to the questions by deputies, reiterated the transparency that Meta cabinet will have with regard to the problem of the collapsed pyramid investment schemes. Referring to the opening of the customs house in Qafe Bote, Angjeli explained that the necessary infrastructure there is ready and they were expecting only the permission from Greece. Bashkim Fino, Minister of Local Government, explained the elements of the local structure, the restructuring of this ministry and dwelt on some problems related with the decentralization of the governing.

The Minister of Justice, Ilir Panda, the Minister of Transport, Ingrid Shuli, the Minister of Agriculture and Food, Lufter Xhuveli, the Minister of Education and Science, Et'hem Ruka, Minister of Health, Leonard Solis and the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Edi Rama took the floor in the plenary session as well. /lh/xh/

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[12] "Action against hunger" finances rehabilitation of two aqueducts in Korce

He made known that "this U.S. association has earmarked some $100 000 for the aqueducts of Zemblak and Ternove villages. The fund will make possible the changing of amortized pipeline system of the aqueducts, for which new sources of supply will be provided".

In the meantime, the respective documentation has been completed and the construction companies to rehabilitate the two aqueducts will be assigned soon, said Mico.

"Action against hunger" has financed the rehabilitation of seven health centers in the commune of Pojan. /lh/gs/

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[13] Parliamentary debate on Meta government composition and political program starts

SP leader Fatos Nano took the floor at the beginning of the debate on behalf of the SP parliamentary group (the party in power). Nano expressing his support for the new government cabinet said that the changing of government will make the coalition "Alliance for State" continue further the reforms already undertaken towards the European development of the country, making progress toward Stability Pact.

The DP parliamentary group leader Jemin Gjana, who spoke on behalf of the political grouping Central Left as well, described the creation of the fourth government cabinet as a result of socialists' bad ruling. He restated the DP political stance for new elections in the country.

Deputy Gjana, after reading the declaration, left the parliament, where only the DP "moderates" were present.

Discussions on government composition and program continue. The process to vote government will succeed their conclusion. /lh/gs/

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[14] Humanitarian associations finance rehabilitation of Mediaeval Art Museum in Korca

Operations for the reconstruction of the roof of the building are being terminated, while continues work to rehabilitate and equip a hall which will serve to propagandize works of Bysantine art.

The National Museum of the Medieval Art in Korca has been founded in 70-75 years. It comprises art works of Bysantine period and the post- Bisantine period. The museum comprises more than 12 000 objets where are involved pictures, wood objects, stone, metallic, golden and silver materials which are a precious wealth for the Albanian culture. /lh/so/A.A/

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[15] Two dinghies with 60 smuggling illegal immigrants aboard turned back

According to him they were turned by the speedboats of Guardia Di Finanza with joint Italian-Albanian personnel which were patrolling along the Vlore shore, southern Albania.

The spokesman added as well that police blocked 28 other illegal clandestine on late Thursday who were accompanied to the police station where were carried out the verification procedures. They are Albanian citizens mainly from northern part zof the country. /dast/A.A/

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[16] Albanian Minister of Agriculture bans import of animal products from Turkey

According to this order, the import and transition in Albanian territory of all animal products from Turkey are forbidden since Friday.

The reason for the ban of these products in Albania is the Afta Apizootic disease so wide spread in a Turkish area, reported the sources of the ministry of food and agriculture.

This information is made known to Albanian Minister by the part of International Epizootive Organization.Albania is a member of this organization since two ago.

The security measures in different Albanian border points against this disease are defined in the order issued by the Albanian Minister of Agriculture Xhuveli and it is stressed out that the after the normalization of epizootive situation the import of animal products from Turkey will be permitted.

Based upon the figures taken from this ministry, Albania does not import animal products from Turkey since a long time. They came mainly from Italy and Greece. /dast/linda/

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[17] DP reacts against 'moderators' approach

"The Democratic Party has declared that they, with today's act, misusing the vote of democrats, lost any chance to once again put forward their candidatures as representatives of the DP," said DP spokesman on Friday.

The DP considered the participation of these deputies in today's session a flagrant violation of the political decision of DP forums.

"These deputies today did not represent the DP and its electorate," the spokesman added.

Taking part in Friday's plenary session, besides Jemin Gjana who was charged with reading a statement, were DP deputies Genc Pollo, Aleksander Meksi, Leonard Demi, Ylli Vejsiu, Ferdinand Xhaferri and Tritan Shehu, who did not respond to the decision of DP presidency to boycott this session. /dast/lm/

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[18] Government considers tourism as one of its priorities

According to the program this is based on great and unused potentials of the country and the tourism impact on other social-economic indexes.

The Government will look after the development of all the tourism ways, including familiar and tourism, tourists modern systems, fishing, hunting and sportive tourism, cure tourism, etc.

This way the Government will be concentrated in completion of the map of tourism areas and followed by the master plans of tourism development coordinated with urban programs and territory management, continues supervising of the investing projects and creation of tourism systems. /dast/linda/

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[19] Norway provides aid for Kukes

According to the information office close to COMMZ(W) Zone of Western Communication, the Norwegian aid comprises medical equipment for the hospital of Kukes, computers for the district schools and toys for the children of kindergartens, a fund worth $ 200 000.

The Norwegian team has also donated a snow clearing vehicle, a refuse collection vehicle and two containers with different materials. /dast/so/

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[20] Government foresees to increase pensions by 8% next year

During the first phase (year 2000) the maximal pensions of some 4500 leks per month will increase by 2281 leks per month. More than 40.000 people will profit from the pensions' increase or some 16% of the total pensioners' number.

The second phase foreseen for year 2001 will benefit an increase of some 90.000 pensioners, which at the moment profit a minimal pension. The annual cost of this increase is reckoned to be nearly 1 billion leks per year. /led/linda/

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[21] Education Minister asks unification of Albanian primer

Ruka also urged that history subject be reviewed to strip it from the feeling of nationalism which sows war and hatred.

The meeting, which focussed on urgent demands of education in Kosova, Ruka offered comprehensive aid and technical assistance in legislation and other projects.

"We also fairly treat the children of foreign minorities living in Kosova," said Vinca, who stressed that parallel classes have been set up in Bosnian, Croat and Turkish languages.

They highlighted the good relations existing between the Tirane and Prishtine universities, which are expected to reach a joint cooperation agreement soon. /dast/lm/

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[22] Italy offers 1,3 billion liras on registration of agricultural property

The preliminary data of this registration are made public on Friday at the offices of European Community in Tirana in the presence of the journalists and other participants.

According to Bruno Massoli, first specialist in Italian INSTAT " this registration aims at creating the control base of comparison and verification of the data that came from the informatic elaboration of the questionnaire and verification of the cover level of agricultural economic units registration in districts, communes and villages".

The general agricultural registration is spread in 466 766 agricultural economic private and public units, 2968 villages and towns, 36 districts and 12 prefectures of the country.

Based upon the preliminary data the total agricultural land reached to 1 930 534 ha, and 43,5% of it is land for agricultural use, 53,2% forests and 3,3% non agricultural land.

Referring to the above mentioned data only 51,5% of the units purchase agricultural and animal products and 42% of the units till the ground with manual work or animals.

But according to Masoli "the total and final registration of the property will be completed in 2001 and for this thing the Italian Government will contribute with 2 billion liras more". /linda/

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[23] Clinton hails Meta as Premier of Albania

In his letter, Clinton hails Meta as Prime Minister and expresses the belief that Albania will continue its road in fighting crime and corruption as well as in restoring order, paving the way for other important domains for the future of the country.

The U.S. President also praises Albania's active support for the international efforts to create stability in the Balkans and the leadership the Albanian government shows in the region through forging the new partnership in the framework of the Stability Pact.

"The United States will constantly be engaged in promoting democracy, stability and progress throughout the Southeastern Europe," Clinton writes in conclusion. /dast/lm/

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[24] Hope for 300 000 illegal refugees in Greece

ATHENS, Nov 5 (ATA)-Green light seems to be given to more than 300 000 illegal refugees for their legalisation in Greece. The Greek government will soon examine the new law on emigration, which, according to preliminary assessments makes up a considerable improvement of the existing legislation.

The new law is thought to be approved at the first meeting of the Council of Ministers. When this law comes into force and if no radical changes are made to its content, all illegal emigrants can issue their request for the green card.

The new draft-law stipulates the creation of the Emigration Department at the Foreign Ministry as well as the opening of special labour offices, dependent on the Greek State, in zones which record the biggest outflow of emigrants.

The draft-law also stipulates aid to these zones, with the aim to provide conditions for the inhabitants so that they do not search their future abroad.

During 1998, on the first stage of legalisation, some 373 196 emigrants, of which more than 180 000 Albanians, were enrolled at the Labour Ministry offices. Based on formal data, Albanians make up around 60% of the total number of emigrants living in Greece. /led/so/lm/

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[25] Parliament votes Meta Government

There were 109 votes "for" the composition, structure and programme of the Meta Government, no votes "against" and no abstention. The deputies of the parliamentary right wing parties did not take part in the vote. /led/lm/

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[26] Homage paid to Arberesh poet Jul Variboba

The work of renowned Arberesh poet Jul Variboba was commemorated at a recent scientific session in Arberesh the commune of San Georgio Albanese, Italy, and his monument was inaugurated in this city as well.

Present at this ceremony, declared open by Mayor Vincenco Minisci, were Arberesh scholars, Professors of Cosenza University, mayors of Arberesh communes, reporters and others, sources from the Foreign Ministry reported on Friday.

Reports were also read by Albanian scholars Shaban Demiraj, Prof. Jorgo Bulo, Director of the Linguistic Institute, Dr. Seit Mansaku and Prof. Dr. Gjovalin Shkurtaj.

The General Consul of Albania in Bari, Clirim Kosturi, also greeted the activity. /led/A.A/lm/

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[27] Stability of Europe requires creation of new stability in the Balkans

This is also the aim of drafting the Stability Pact, said Milo.

"We are conscious that the countries of the region are mainly responsible for the implementation of this Pact. As one of them, Albania is ready to recognise, accept and share efforts in coping with this responsibility.

Milo said it is significant that alongside realisation of long-term projects, the short-term projects should also be considered whose implementation can begin immediately, yielding fast and concrete results.

"In Albania's case, we consider very important the realisation of short-term plans, such as quick reconstruction of roads, modernisation of infrastructure (road, railway, energy, telecommunication), to create the conditions for meeting mid and long term objectives," said Milo. /led/so/lm/

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