Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-11-25

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] Press Review

[02] Albanian Government adopts some decisions of social-economic character

[03] Kosovo preparing a magnificent Flag Day celebration

[04] Loading-unloading sector privatized in port of Durres

[05] Exchange rates in Tirana market

[06] Tirana, Prishtina end Tetova - centres of partnership of Albanian political factor

[07] Eight railway coaches for passengers arrive in Durres

[08] Some 15 million leks to reconstruct Krume hospital

[09] Strict measures at customs sector

[10] Albania's economic integration in the regional and world fields

[11] Products of Shkoder craftsmen at Salonika fair

[12] Countries of Stability Pact to set up "ad-hock" Parliamentary Commissions

[13] IFAD accords 13,2 million dollars on development of rural areas

[14] Italian Minister of Trade Piero Fassino arrives in Tirana

[15] Assembly approves draft-law on state police

[16] Montedison interested in Albanian energy sector

[17] European Commission proposes dialogue with Albania

[18] Bridge collapse in Athens kills two Albanians

[19] "Fair '99" organized by Klik Ekspo Klik opens

[20] Italian embassy target of harsh criticism by Albanian press

[21] Albania wins favourable relationship with EU

[22] Italian investments will be welcome to Albania - Meta

[01] Press Review

Gazeta Shqiptare, independent daily - "Roads, money are ready, but Shuli leaves it unused." Public Works and Transports Ministry have not realised 1.4 billion lek. The consequences of this deep deficit in the expenses of the planned funds are clearly seen in the ruined roads of the capital. - "DP and SP come to terms on Police." Differences between DP and SP ironed out with regard to the draft law "On State Police," which was examined by the parliamentary commission, while some amendments to it by the opposition have been accepted. - "Nano with Arber Xhaferri: Let us support Thaci Government." The SP chairman Fatos Nano, supporting the new party of PM of Kosova Hashim Thaci (Party of Democratic Progress of Kosova) proposed yesterday the creation of an all-national "parliament."

Albania, national daily - "Hatred and racism in Italian Embassy." - "Ahmetaj: I will publish names of corrupted government members." - "Chief Prosecutor, absolute control on investigation."

Zeri i Popullit, daily of the Socialist party of Albania.

- "Berisha left us outside Europe with polls of '96." - "Tirana, Pristina, Tetova, Albanian partnership centre. - "Doris Pack: We support constructive parties."

Rilindja Demokratike, daily of the Democratic Party of Albania

- "EU closes doors for Albania." - "Marie Kraja, specials of contraband." /xh/

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[02] Albanian Government adopts some decisions of social-economic character

The Council of Ministers adopted the decision on the improvement of the infrastructure in the Tirana Municipality, the decision "On direct procurement of the fund on Bridge of Mullet on Erzen River." For the improvement of the situation in that bridge, which is considered as an important object for the movement of people and vehicles, a fund of 25 million lek was put at the disposal.

Some 5 million lek were accorded to the Municipality of Gjirokastra for the reconstruction of the house of the writer Ismail Kadare and to assist the families who lived in the same building which was burnt a week ago.

The Council of Ministers adopted the decision on the package of a USD40 million Italian aid.

The General Director of Customs, Petrit Ago, was also appointed in the meeting. /led/xh/

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[03] Kosovo preparing a magnificent Flag Day celebration

The celebration will take place on the streets, with concerts and film shows on big screens. On this occasion a solemn reception will be held, reported Mehmet Hajrizi who heads the Council for the Celebration of November Feasts, formed by the Kosovo Interim Government. Festive atmosphere prevails throughout Kosovo. Albanian League of Prizren is also expected to be inaugurated on this occasion. /led/gs/

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[04] Loading-unloading sector privatized in port of Durres

Two years ago, the World Bank conditioned the delivery of a fund of 23 million USD for the reconstruction of the port with the privatization of some sectors, the transfer from the port premises of about 160 families and the removal of nearly 150 thousand tons of iron-nickel stock in the platforms of minerals. After these operations, and the removal of about 90 thousand tons of stock mineral, the privatization of the ship handling service by specialized companies makes the first step towards the privatization of the state sectors within the port.

The signed agreement envisages the exclusiveness of this service by these companies for the two coming years and their review later, according to demand and offer. /led/xh/

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[05] Exchange rates in Tirana market

Exchange rates of foreign currencies with lek

Currency Bought Sold

USD 135 135,5

DM 71 71,5

LIT (1000) 71,5 72

GRD (100) 42 42,2

/led/xh/

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[06] Tirana, Prishtina end Tetova - centres of partnership of Albanian political factor

This was agreed upon on Wednesday in Tetoa between Fatos Nano, chairman of the Socialist Party of Albania, Arber Xhaferri, chairman of the Democratic party of the Albanians of Macedonia and Abdurrahman Haliti, chairman of the party for Democratic Prosperity.

Over his way to Sofia, in which he will take part in the conference, the socialist chairman Nano had a stopover in Tetova and talked with the leaders of the two biggest parties of the Albanians in Macedonia.

Nano and Xhaferri found understanding on the need of the development and harmonization of the priorities and political commitments at party and government levels. These priorities will be characterized by a Euro- Atlantic orientation which Albanians are showing throughout the Balkans.

The Albanian leaders in Tetova talked also of the situation in Kosova and its perspective. /led/xh/

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[07] Eight railway coaches for passengers arrive in Durres

The coaches were send by the Trieste port and six of them are a present of Italian State Railways while the two others are accorded by the Austrian government. These carriages follow the first contingent of 6 coaches which have come some months ago from Austria and are used in Durres- Tirane line.

The Director of general directory of railways, Leonard Burnaci, told ATA that some six other coaches for passenger use are expected to come in a near future from Italy. According to him within the last year this directory will buy 30 other coaches in Austria.

With these coaches is renovated all the coaches for passengers.

During this year the number of travelers who have preferred the railway line is increased by 40% as compared with the last year due to the low price of tickets, 40-50% lower than the automobilistic transport, the improvement of travel condition with trains and the reconstruction of station halls. /A.A/

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[08] Some 15 million leks to reconstruct Krume hospital

This hospital was built in 1988. For eleven years no investment has been made for it, though the only hospital in this remote northern district with 23 000 inhabitants.

Six doctors and fifty nurses and midwives serve actually in this hospital. /gs/

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[09] Strict measures at customs sector

Ago vowed to stick to the pledge of Ministry of Finance in fighting contraband and corruption at customs offices. As regards to plan realization, which is one of the most vulnerable points of customs administrate, Ago stressed that "we are going to make a cautious work revising customs values and goods purchase bills, which are to affect the plan increase of this administrate".

Customs have realized the ten-month period plan with 85%.

Former head of Tirane taxation office Petrit Ago replaced in his new position Ardian Maci, who was dismissed from work on November 1999 for not accomplishing the objectives set by the Ministry of Finance on realizing the customs income plan. /led/gs/

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[10] Albania's economic integration in the regional and world fields

TIRANE, Nov. 25 (ata) - By Dorian Koca: The socioeconomic development of Albanian territories and their regional and world integration has been the topic of the two-day conference which started in Tirana on Thursday.

The conference held by the Albanian Economists' Union, was addressed by Albanian President Rexhep Meidani. "The more developed Albanian territories are, the higher the level of technology and processing, more recommendations, scientific opposition and rational applications we have, the more capable and prepared we are to integrate with dignity in the European family," stated Meidani.

Albanian economists from Albania, Kosova, Macedonia, Montenegro, raised in their papers problems related with a greater cooperation between all territories lived by Albanians, mutual trade and the development strategy to be drafted to promote the economies of these territories. A special place in the papers occupied the preparation of the projects in the context of the Stability Pact and the inclusion in these studies also of scientists of all fields and economists.

The Union's leading forums were also elected by the conference. Chairman of the Albanian Economists' Union was elected Dhori Kule, presently Dean of the Faculty of Economy in Tirana University. /led/xh/

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[11] Products of Shkoder craftsmen at Salonika fair

The secretary of Shkoder Chamber of Commerce Arben Haveri told ATA that twelve specialized firms of craftsmanship from Shkoder will take part in the fair, where they will display their copper, silver, wood, and hay works.

Heads of local government are also participating in this fair who are to attend the conference of Balkan cities "Salonika '99", in which they will talk with counterparts of several Greek cities to encourage Greek investments in Shkoder.

The Shkoder craftsmen during this year have been participants in two other international fairs, in Graz of Austria and Bari of Italy. /led/gs/

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[12] Countries of Stability Pact to set up "ad-hock" Parliamentary Commissions

"The heads of the commissions of respective countries have to institutionalize the contacts in order to improve and coordinate the region movement in block in conformity with the objectives of Stability Pact", it is decided in the conference, the spokesperson of Socialist Party told ATA on Thursday.

According to the Head of Socialist Party Fatos Nano, who attended this conference, the encouraging of the creation of these structures under the care and direction of Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe and European Commission, will make possible the institutionalizing of a permanent meeting of the heads of parliamentary delegations of respective country involved in Pact. /dast/linda/

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[13] IFAD accords 13,2 million dollars on development of rural areas

The first steps of this finance will serve to the development of poor rural areas, improving of living standard of the inhabitants of these areas through the increasing of the production.

A financial institution and an agency on development of rural areas will be set up for the managing of this credit.

The respective agreement is signed in Roma by Albanian Minister of Finances Anastas Angjeli and IFAD Director for Albania Hening Petersen.

Referring to the sources of the Ministry of Finances this is a soft loan, which will be paid back within 40 years, the grant period is 10 years and the annual interest is about 0,75%.

The credit will be effective in May, 2000. The total value of IFAD project for Albania marks some 23,2 million dollars. /dast/linda/

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[14] Italian Minister of Trade Piero Fassino arrives in Tirana

Italian Minister of Foreign Trade Fassino hailed the organizers of the fair by hoping for closer cooperation between the companies of Albanian and Italian business. /a.gj/linda/

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[15] Assembly approves draft-law on state police

The draft-law reflects changes to the police status, making evident the distinction between its political and technical levels. Likewise, it aims the democratisation of police also in relation with the public.

The law on police has been drafted by our specialists, in cooperation with representatives of the MAPE and INTERFORCE missions. It has been subjected to a broad consultation within and outside the police. In drafting it the specialists have considered western countries' police. /dast/lm/

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[16] Montedison interested in Albanian energy sector

"Albania has in its disposal considerable hydroelectric sources that can be modernize and strengthen to meet the needs of the country and to export, as well", stated on Thursday administrative representative of Montedison company, Enrico Bondi.

Montedison is present in large section of Klik Ekspo Klik company fair, which will be opened tonight in Tirana.

This company has a great experience in this field, because it is one of the first companies in the world to construct and administrate hydro and termo-power stations.

"Montedison group has in the center of its strategy the development of Mediterranean region and the cooperation between the two coasts can bring development and better living for all. For this thing we want to play our role", said Mr.Bondi. /dast/linda/

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[17] European Commission proposes dialogue with Albania

The response of the Albanian people towards the influx of refugees brought great credit to their country. The report is the first step towards establishing a much closer relationship between Albania and the European union (EU) - a relationship that both Albania and the EU wish to enhance. It notes the progress thus far, and encourages the Government of Albania to persevere with reform. It assesses the steps that are needed in order for to be in position to embark on full-scale negotiations on a Stabilization and Association Agreement with the EU.

It sets out the main problems now facing the country, such as the lack of security and public order, widespread corruption and the general weakness of its economy. The report invites the Albanian Government to prepare a status report, including a timetable, on actions taken or envisaged in order to meet clear economic, political and institutional requirements. The Commission also announced its intention to launch further technical talks with the Albanian side in order to clarify certain aspects of a new agreement, in particular the establishment of a Free Trade Area and the approximation of legislation with EU standards. /dast/so/lm/

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[18] Bridge collapse in Athens kills two Albanians

Albanians Jani Gjika, 25, from Saranda and Mehill Gjini, 45, from Laci were killed by the collapse and nine others were injured. They all were working to build the bridge.

Their bodies were uncovered from the wreck last night by the rescue teams. Among the injured there were also Albanian nationals.

The Albanian embassy in Athens reports that the injured were cured at "Evangjeliozmo" hospital of Athens and sent back home.

The Greek Ministry of Public Works and Environmental Adjustment blames for this accident the Greek company which has undertaken the works on the bridge and its representatives are now detained for investigation. /so/lm/

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[19] "Fair '99" organized by Klik Ekspo Klik opens

In the fair participate 300 expositors, 40% of whom are Albanians.

Present at the inaugurating ceremony was also the Albanian Premier Ilir Meta, who thanked companies from 20 countries, that will manifest not only their potentials but also the wish and possibility to invest in Albania.

"I would like to assure you - said Meta - that the Albanian Government is engaged to encourage these investments so that all business factors be developed."

"Fair '99", holds its sixth edition and is organized in cooperation with AEDA, Albanian Economic Development Agency. It will remain open until November 30.

In the framework of this fair, the International Conference with the topic "Foreign investments in Albania - a new beginning" will be conducted in the Palace of Congresses on Friday. /dast/so/

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[20] Italian embassy target of harsh criticism by Albanian press

Newspapers "Albania" and "Koha Jone" in their headlines have severely criticised the Italian embassy visa granting procedure both towards Albanian citizens and to representatives of institutions.

A public letter sent to Italian Ambassador Mario Bova by Ylli Rakipi, head of the Albanian Journalists League, severely criticises the visa procedure.

"Delay for purposes of sale or racism against Albanians," is the essence of Rakipi's letter who has personally suffered the bureaucratism of Italian visa procedure.

"The Italian Embassy in Tirane has yet made no comment on the Albanian independent press criticism. /dast/lm/

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[21] Albania wins favourable relationship with EU

At a news conference today Blushi explained the decision of Brussels yesterday which was adopted by the European Union in order for Albania to enter this organisation.

Blushi said that the demands addressed to Albania by EU are completely of technical character and have to do with strengthening of order and rule of law, macro-economic stability in the country, domains which the Albanian government has declared as priorities in its performance.

"Within January 2000, each ministry will be presented an obligatory plan, preceding the stage of negotiations with the European Union at technical level," said Blushi.

The detailed plan will be presented later in Brussels. /dast/lm/

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[22] Italian investments will be welcome to Albania - Meta

Meta said that the Italian investments will be welcome in Albania, especially in the sector of electric power.

"In this field, the Albanian government is taking all measures to cope with the emergency situation as well as to create a long-term strategy. The government is also working to complete the legal framework and to enhance security, which would facilitate the performance of foreign investors in Albania and would increase their interest", said Meta.

Italian Minister Fassino said that the Italian state is applying a policy of encouraging Italian investments in Albania.

"The arrival of Montedison group to invest in Albania, is a good sign because it has to do with the attraction of big investors in Albania. On the other hand, Italy has all resources and is interested in investing in the strategic sectors such as energy, telecommunication, banks and other sectors", said Fassino adding that Albania's development will be of mutual interest. /so/lm/

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