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Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 97-02-26

Albanian Telegraphic Agency Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

  • [01] FILM CASSETTES PROVE IN COURT CHARGES FOR THOSE WHO TORCHED PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS IN FIER AND BERAT
  • [02] PBK AND PDK DISCUSS STRENGTHENING OF RIGHT WING
  • [03] HIGHER EDUCATION MINISTRY AGAINST USING UNIVERSITIES TO RESOLVE PROBLEMS
  • [04] PRONUNCIATION OF PRESIDENT BERISHA ON CONCLUSIONS OF THE EU COUNCIL OF MINISTERS ABOUT ALBANIA
  • [05] DP EXPRESSES ITS REGRET FOR REUTERS' DEFINITION
  • [06] PRESS REVIEW
  • [07] AGREEMENT OF MILITARY COOPERATION BETWEEN ALBANIA AND UKRAINE
  • [08] INTERVIEW OF CHAIRMAN OF PARLIAMENTARY COMMISSION FOR EUROPEAN INTEGRATION AND MEMBER OF JUDICIAL COMMISSION OF THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE ASSEMBLY
  • [09] ALBANIAN CANDIDATE WINS POST OF TETOVA PREFECT
  • [10] APPEAL COURT REJECTS REQUEST OF ALIA'S ATTORNEY FOR A NEW COURT'S JURY
  • [11] EUROPEAN UNION ASKS BELGRADE AND ALBANIANS TO FIND A POLITICAL SOLUTION FOR KOSOVA
  • [12] VEFA CREDITORS RETRIEVE THEIR MONEY CAPITALS NORMALLY IN TIRANA
  • [13] ALBANIAN PRESIDENTS MEETS WITH INHABITANTS OF GJIROKASTER
  • [14] ALBANIAN PRESIDENT MEETS REPRESENTATIVES OF JAPANESE BUSINESS
  • [15] PRESIDENT BERISHA MEETS STUDENTS OF GJIROKASTER UNIVERSITY
  • [16] DP CHAIRMAN INVITES AGAIN SP SECRETARY GENERAL FOR DIALOGUE
  • [17] EX-MINISTER OF TOURISM EXPLAINS DEBTS TAKEN BY GJALLICA COMPANY

  • [01] FILM CASSETTES PROVE IN COURT CHARGES FOR THOSE WHO TORCHED PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS IN FIER AND BERAT

    TIRANA, FEB 25 (ATA) - By Miranda Kora: Film cassettes shown in the court on Thursday proved charges against the people who set fire to public institutions in Fier and Berat.

    The film prove accusations for Gezim Kastrati, Jualian Calamani, Gramoz Nazisi and Pellumb Dervishi (the latter being tried in absentia) during the torching in Fier in the protests against pyramid schemes in that town a month ago.

    The filming material brought facts which the prosecutor's office presented to the court against the organizers of the torching of the town hall, prefecture and commissariat of Berat, Artur Dushi, 22, and Kujtim Hoxha, 32, during the violent protests of January 25,26, 1997.

    In today's session directed by judge Arjan Balliu, the defendants and witnesses saw the proofs by prosecutor's office testifying to the charge for violence and destruction of the common property against the four defendants of Fier and two of Berat. The proofs showed that the defendants have led the crowd which set fire to the town hall and other state institutions in Fier and Berat. kei/xh/k

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [02] PBK AND PDK DISCUSS STRENGTHENING OF RIGHT WING

    TIRANE, FEB 25 9ATA)- By A. Baci,

    The meeting between the deputy chairman of the National Front Party (PBK), Hysen Selfo, and chairman of the Christian Democratic Party (PDK), Zef Bushati, focused on the possibility of a round table with right wing parties of PDK adherence to the Albanian right wing.

    "We favour a round table of the right wing parties and are open to all parties that have a sincerely right wing programme," the deputy chairman of the PBK, Hysen Selfo, told ATA.

    "Now we will be more careful as regards cooperation with other forces," Selfo said, after the failure of the Anticommunist Right Wing Front and that of the Right League, in which took part the Legality League Party, PBK, The Republican Party, the National Association of the Formerly Politically Persecuted, the Kulaks Association and that of the ex-appropriated. kei/lm/k

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [03] HIGHER EDUCATION MINISTRY AGAINST USING UNIVERSITIES TO RESOLVE PROBLEMS

    TIRANA, FEB 25 (ATA)-The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, through a statement on Tuesday, called on the Vlore citizens, strikers' families as well as on all the Albanian students not to allow the universities to be used for resolving problems or concrete conflicts that might emerge in Albania.

    The ministry says that the misuse of the universities, besides a direct loss both for Vlore and Albania today, would also be an irreparable damage and a misuse of their future.

    The ministry refers to the hunger strike staged by several students of the Vlore University, in token of protest against the loss of the Vlore people's money in the loan-taking companies, and who have asked the government's resignation.

    However the ministry says that it shares in the pain, sufferings, sacrifices, self-denial of the sons and daughters fasting in the hunger strike in the "Ismail Qemali" University of Vlore and of their families as well as in the loss they have suffered due to the collapse of the fraudulent pyramid companies.

    "This ministry backs all actions of the Albanian state to minimise the losses and sacrifices, and, at the same time, it encourages the democratic government to continue to make all efforts to reach this goal," the statement says.

    On Tuesday the number of the striking students hospitalised in Vlore for serious health troubles has reached 14. s.sh/kei/lm/k

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [04] PRONUNCIATION OF PRESIDENT BERISHA ON CONCLUSIONS OF THE EU COUNCIL OF MINISTERS ABOUT ALBANIA

    TIRANA, FEB 25 (ATA) - In a meeting with inhabitants of Berat today, Albanian President Sali Berisha declared his opinion regarding the conclusions of the EU Council of Ministers about Albania. He said:

    "I am of the opinion the conclusions of the EU Council of Ministers are a powerful support for Albanian democracy and for this I would like to express my gratitude and thanks to the EU Council of Ministers, EU member countries and Commission.

    The EU Council of Ministers conclusions are a powerful support, firstly, because they demand from the Albanian Government to resolutely continue the reforms in all the fields. The demand stems from the fact that the reforms in Albania have been reforms of success. This demand also stems from the fact that the Albanian Government proved of its full commitment to solve the difficulties created in the context of the rule of law and the market economy.

    To this end, EU calls on the Albanian Government to stick resolutely to the road of reforms, it appeals to the Albanians to support their Government on the road of these reforms.

    EU calls on the political forces to establish dialogue and not to exploit the situation for their party aims. I assure you and the international community that I have been and still am completely open to dialogue. I have invited several times the political parties; I had a meeting with students of Vlora and have sent a messenger to invite them again to continue the dialogue.

    I consider the dialogue as one of the most human, most successful and most indispensable ways to solve the problems not only today, but also in the future. I have repeatedly guaranteed and guarantee the opposition that there will be no losers in the dialogue. The dialogue is to reach concrete results and if you recall the latest round table discussions I held with the opposition, they have never remained empty-handed from the common discussion we have had. All parties should come in the dialogue with the sense of compromise.

    Lastly, the EU Council of Ministers declaration considers as very important the fact that the Albanian Government must decide, respect all the international rules and standards. We are determined to observe all the rules of democracy, the rule of law and the international obligations. We have been and will remain an open country. The EU Council of Ministers appeals to the Albanian Government to be open to international institutions. I want to inform the citizens of Berat and all the Albanians that the Albanian Government is realising it. Many days ago I have had telephone talks with main leaders of international institutions, I have explained to them the situation, have assured them that the Albanian Government will be totally transparent in this procedure and that they are welcome to cooperate with us. They have decided to send delegations and we are resolute to continue the cooperation.

    The declaration of the EU Foreign Ministers voices the determination of EU to assist Albania financially and economically in some fields, through PHARE program, credits for Albanian farmers, in the field of tourism, local communities and I am grateful to them for this readiness. Hence, there is a serious commitment of the EU to help us accelerate the economic growth and overcome poverty. If the Albanian Government had not proven during this period its loyalty to the principles of democracy and its values, that it is resolute to find legitimate solutions to the question of pyramid schemes, what is today legitimate for Albania is legitimate for all democratic countries, therefore, solutions within democratic standards, I assure you that the declaration would say the contrary to what it says. Hence, some solutions may seem to be painstaking; I know that for a creditor it would be, perhaps, a better solution if the Government gave him the money lost in the private debt, but this would completely compromise Albania, the Government, the creditor himself and the future of the country. And precisely these stands which we have adopted made possible a full support in Brussels for the Government's stand, it is a support for all the Albanians who have faith in Europe, in integration, who believe in their future in EU.

    But on the other hand, we must assist ourselves. Hence, we must manifest our strong commitment and devotion towards all-sided political and economic reforms." xh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [05] DP EXPRESSES ITS REGRET FOR REUTERS' DEFINITION

    TIRANA, FEB 25 (ATA) - In one of its statement, the Democratic Party, expressed Tuesday the regret that the news agency REUTERS has referred recently to the Democratic Party and the government as belonging to the right wing, which in English creates the image of a political force more or less near the right extreme.

    The DP reminds in a statement, that since its beginnings it was founded as a party of the right wing center and remained like this.

    "Its program is the best testimony for this", says the statement.

    It is also mentioned the fact that the DP is a full right member of the European Democratic Union (EDU) and European Union of Christian Democratic (EUCD), whose members are European Christian-democratic and conservative parties, like the German CDU, the British Conservative Party, the French RPR, and others.

    "For these reasons we express our regret that the REUTERS agency has distorted the reality and we ask from it to use more faithful definitions to present the reality," ends the statement of DP. /s.sh/kei/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [06] PRESS REVIEW

    TIRANA, FEB 26 (ATA) - Rilindja demokratike, under the title "EU declarations, a powerful support for all the Albanians who believe in democracy" covers yesterday's meeting of President Berisha with inhabitants of Berat. The paper carries an interview of Aleksis Vintoniak, executive secretary of EDU with BBC Radio yesterday, under the title "Powerful support for the Democratic Party." RD carries a declaration of the U.S. State Department under the title "There is a prosperous future in store of Albania."

    Zeri i Popullit, in the feature "Actualities," carries a comment by the SPA secretary for foreign relations, Maqo Lakrori on the meeting of the EU Foreign Ministers Council, under the title "Good results for the developments in Albania." Regarding the hunger strike of some students in Vlora, the paper writes in its third page "Berisha 'kills' students."

    Republika writes, referring to the hunger strike of students in Vlore, that "Vlora is awaken with the fear of death." The meeting of Berisha with Berat citizens is covered by this paper in an article under the title "Berat, under the democratic initiative of free trade zones."

    Lajmi i Dites says: "President Berisha in Berat". The paper carries the article: "Is it true that the SP biography is 'rich'!".

    Albania says in its editorial that:"After the meeting of the foreign ministers, the Albanian opposition seems as though to have now lost all chances to exploit the financial disaster of the Albanians after the collapse of the pyramid schemes.

    The paper says that "The hunger strike in Vlore continues: Creditors protest in front of the university". Under the title: "Our opoinions do not differ from those of the EU", the paper covers the news conference held yesterday by the U.S. ambassadress in Tirane.

    On the third page it says: "Additional aid for Albania expected", regarding a commentary of the Albanian ambassador in Brussels on the meeting of the EU Ministers.

    Rilindja, regarding President Berisha's meeting with Berati inhabitants, says:"The DP Alternative enjoys the support of the EU". The paper covers the news conference of the U.N. special rapporteur on Human Rights in former Yugoslavia, Elisabeth Rehn, held in the Geneva based U.N. under the title:"No one can accuse anybody of "terrorism" without facts".

    "The situation in Kosova is likely to explode at any moment", the paper says regarding the news conference of the European parliamentarians in Belgrade.

    Koha Jone says :"The students boycott classes in the capital. Solidarity with the hunger strikers in Vlore". On its third page the paper covers the news conference of the U.S. Ambassadress.

    Dita Informacion refers to the meeting of the RP steering committee: "RP : We will withdraw from parliament if the students' strike is ignored". The paper covers on its third page yesterday's news conference of the U.S. ambassadress to Albania.

    Gazeta Shqiptare, as regards the students' hunger strike in Vlore says that:"The strike paralyses universities". The paper carries comments by representatives of various parties in Albania on the statement of the European Foreign Ministers. eva/xh/lm/E

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [07] AGREEMENT OF MILITARY COOPERATION BETWEEN ALBANIA AND UKRAINE

    TIRANA, FEB 26 (ATA) - On Thursday the Albanian Defence Minister Safet Zhulali and his Ukrainian counterpart Aleksander Kuzmuk signed an agreement of military cooperation between Albania and Ukraine.

    The agreement is the first document for the institutionalization of the relations between the two countries which envisages cooperation in the mutual beneficial fields between the armies and ministries of defence of the Republic of Albania and Ukraine.

    On Thursday, the first day of the two-day-visit to Ukraine by Zhulali and his delegation, talks were held with representatives of the parliamentary defence commission in the Ukraine's Parliament, led by its chairman, Mr Muhin.

    During the official talks, the two parties pointed out that the initialed cooperation may extend in the field of the experience in the Partnership for Peace, education, exchange of experience in various exercises, etc.

    The changes taken place in the two countries, the reformation of the respective armies, questions of the military budget, and euroatlantic integrations were points treated in the meetings. ake/kei/pas/xh/E

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [08] INTERVIEW OF CHAIRMAN OF PARLIAMENTARY COMMISSION FOR EUROPEAN INTEGRATION AND MEMBER OF JUDICIAL COMMISSION OF THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE ASSEMBLY

    TIRANA, FEB 26 9ATA) - Rilindja Demokratike published on Wednesday an interview of Genc Pollo, chairman of the Parliamentary Commission for European Integration and member of the Judicial Commission of the Council of Europe Assembly. Follows almost the full interview:

    RD: Some days ago you declared for our paper that the offences of SP to the president of the Council of Europe Assembly are unacceptable.

    Pollo: I strongly stick to this opinion. Moreover, I demanded that Namik Dokle and Et'hem Ruka, who have been members of the Assembly of the Council of Europe, who know Mrs Fischer personally and who also know the ethic of Strasbourg, should disassociate themselves from the SP declarations and the continuous offences of Zeri i Popullit for Mrs Fischer.

    In its latest declaration Mrs Fischer did not express her personal opinion but she referred to the resolution of January 29, which calls on SP to take its seats in the parliament. I stress that this resolution was unanimously approved, hence with the votes of the socialists as well.

    RD: But, Mr Mejdani (SP Secretary General) said yesterday for Gazeta Shqiptare that according to the Council of Europe, the People's Assembly cannot approve important laws, therefore it cannot elect the President of the Republic.

    Pollo: This is not true. The quality of the information from Mr Mejdani is to be deplored. Anyhow, this is better than thinking that he has lied deliberately. If he doen't like to have his conscience questioned, he must make a public explanation immediately, otherwise the Council of Europe may react strongly to these distortions and our delegation in the Council of Europe may examine a possible presenting of a respective petition.

    The latest resolution of the Council of Europe, besides the calls for SP to take part in the parliament, suggests that through a commission, the parliament must work out the constitution and approve it with the participation of all the parliamentary political forces and there cannot be any more important law than the Constitution. Whereas the resolution of June 1996 stresses that the legitimacy of the Parliament elected in the May 26, 1996 parliamentary elections cannot be questioned.

    RD: Mejdani has said that the SP is for a temporary extension of the President's term of office and for his election by the coming parliament?

    Pollo: Unfortunately, Mejdani has embarked on a road of absurdities. The constitutional law is clear and final. Until March 9 the People's Assembly should elect the president of the Republic. There is no temporary mandate that the SP Secretary general seems to desire. And I do not think the SP has enough powers to change to Constitutional law in the way it likes.

    RD: What about the latest stand of Godo:"First the Constitution and then the President?"

    Pollo: You should ask them if they think it possible to define the Commission, draft the constitution, debate and approve it until March 8.

    RD: What about yesterday's statement of the EU Foreign Ministers?

    Pollo: The statement of the EU Foreign Ministers is a clear support for the DP and Albanian State which will not be confined to the political aspect but I believe it will mean more aid in housing and crediting small and medium enterprises.

    Some media and the Albanian socialists with their suppositions and hopes that the EU ministers would call for early elections seemed off side. In fact the current SP leaders are disorientated in the domestic politics as well as off side in the international politics.

    RD: What about the other parties of the Forum (for Democracy)?

    Pollo: Serious politicians do not deal with trifles, parties which cannot gain a seat for a commune chairman or candidate for mayor, which do not capture 1 per cent of the votes. The press alone may deal with them if it finds them interesting or entertaining.kei/pas/xh/lm/E

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [09] ALBANIAN CANDIDATE WINS POST OF TETOVA PREFECT

    TIRANA, FEB 26 (ATA) - The Albanian Alajdin Demiri of the Party for Democratic Prosperity of the Albanians in Macedonia was officially confirmed as the prefect of Tetova in the second round of the local elections in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

    In the elections of this round on February 23, 1997, the participation of the voters was 71.09%. Demiri won 22 171 votes, while the other main candidate, the Macedonian Tome Stojanovski won 11 155 votes.

    Right after the report of the victory of Demiri, candidate of the PDPA, thousands of citizens rallied spontaneously in the square of the city, who were also greeted by the leaders of this party./kei/pas/mt/sh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [10] APPEAL COURT REJECTS REQUEST OF ALIA'S ATTORNEY FOR A NEW COURT'S JURY

    TIRANA, FEB 26 (ATA) By Miranda Kora: Today, the Appeal Court rejected the request of the attorney of Ramiz Alia, the last communist president, for a new court's jury and decided to leave the same court's jury, headed by the judge and the deputy chairman of the Tirana Court, Martin Deda.

    Claiming that the jury had adopted a biased stand in refuting the requests of the defence party, Kleanthi Koci, attorney of Ramiz Alia, demanded in the sitting of February 18th the relinquishment of all the jury which tried in the Tirana Court for the first time the people who caused the armed revolt in the United Officers School and the killings on the border.

    Deda interrupted the trial and the defensive party request was sent for estimation in the Court of Appeal.

    During the Tuesday's session, where it were examined the file of the prosecutor's office against Ramiz Alia, 72, Hekuran Isai, 64, Simon Stefani, 68, Qemal Lame and Gramoz Ruci, accused of genocide and crime against humanity, in cooperation, present in the courtroom in front of the jury were Alia, Isai and Stefani (the latter ex-Interior ministers) and the defence attorneys of Lame, former chairman of the Attorney General Office and Ruci, former Interior Minister, who will be defended by their attorneys in absentia.

    Alia has been arrested for the first time in 1992 under charges for genocide and crimes against humanity, while the former Interior ministers Isai and Stefani have been punished in 1994 for violation of equity of nationals and abuse of office.

    One of the episodes where the prosecutor's office has based its charge for the 5 accused is the killing of 58 people who tried to pass the border from 1990 until March 22, 1992. /kled/mt/sh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [11] EUROPEAN UNION ASKS BELGRADE AND ALBANIANS TO FIND A POLITICAL SOLUTION FOR KOSOVA

    PRISTINE, FEB 26 (ATA) - The Council of Ministers of the European Union (EU) has published the conditioning proposal regarding the future cooperation with the states of former Yugoslavia, Center for Information of Kosova reports.

    The EU ministers asked the authorities of Belgrade from the summit of Brussels, to work together with the representatives of the Kosova Albanians for finding a political solution of the Kosova issue.

    It is also stressed that the EU will follow and ask continuously the fulfillment of these requests, and that from their application will be depended the further cooperation of the 15 European countries with these states and the defining of amounts from the EU funds to help the countries in transition.

    The EU ministers have also stressed their concern for the grave situation in Kosova and have asked form the authorities of Belgrade to cooperate immediately to be prepared now that an EU delegation will visit Kosova.

    This visit will be realized by the special emissary of the OSCE chairman, Van der Stoel and the chief of the OSCE working groups for the ethnic groups and minorities, ambassador Martin Luc. /p.ta/kled/mt/sh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [12] VEFA CREDITORS RETRIEVE THEIR MONEY CAPITALS NORMALLY IN TIRANA

    TIRANA, FE 26 (ATA) By S. Sharrexhi: The creditors of VEFA company are retrieving normally their money capitals near the credit office of this company in Tirana.

    "Today, in the sixth day of repaying the money capitals to the creditors, 122 people will conduct operations, from whom, 50 for emergency needs, along with the delayed ones", the director of this office, Albert Lulaj told ATA.

    The criteria of repaying the money capitals continues the same as before, based on the dates of taking the returns.

    The amounts of more than 5 000 dollars will be taken by those who have sold their homes, on whom will decide soon a commission, which is examining their requests./kled/mt/sh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [13] ALBANIAN PRESIDENTS MEETS WITH INHABITANTS OF GJIROKASTER

    GJIROKASTER, FEB 26 (ATA) - By H. Cani: Albanian President Sali Berisha held Wednesday in the sports hall of the city a meeting with inhabitants of Gjirokaster, Southern Albania.

    In the meeting was expressed the support of the government, state institutions and the Democratic Party, through concrete measures for those who lost their money in fraudulent pyramid schemes.

    President Berisha, in his address to more than 3 000 people present in the meeting, inhabitants of Gjirokastra, as well as to all the Albanians expressed the profound gratitude for the noble and dignified stand, which is an unshakeable and important support for the Democratic Party, for the reforms and the Albanian democracy, for Albania, the stability and its integration.

    "This civilized stand was at the same time a merited answer to all those who aimed to realize at your despair anti-Albanian, anti-democratic, careerist and personal aims", said Berisha.

    As the main ways, along with the emergency measures, President Berisha defined the acceleration and deepening of reforms in Albania, acceleration of the complete privatization of the main sectors of economy, the development of the private banking system, creation of alleviating conditions for foreign and Albanian investments, the declaration of the free zones from Kukes to Gjirokaster.

    While in the political plan, despite the policy of boycott of the left parties, we, said Berisha, are resolute not to give up dialogue.

    With regard to the transparent approach of the Albanian government, the Council of Ministers of the European Union expressed the support to our institutions, calling on them to continue the reforms in Albania.

    Further on Berisha said:

    "I would like to invite all the Albanians who consider their future as the best in Europe, all those who faced in December the most severe communist dictatorship to make Albania like Europe, the Albanians whose gratitude does not allow them to forget the historic solidarity of the European Union, membership and friend countries of Albania, to consider this a friendly appeal and condition for the integration into Europe, and also into the future, prosperity of Albania and the Albanian nation".

    Then the meeting continued with a dialogue between the President and the participants.

    In response to the questions, Berisha stressed once again that the only way to solve the economic problems is the rigorous implementation of the laws of democracy.

    He also said that he would take into consideration the request of the businessmen to lower the taxes, which according to them had been increased this year.

    Regarding the relations with Greece, President Berisha said that they were very good. This is proved with the invitation of Stefanopullos to the Albanian President to visit Greece in May this year.

    With regard to the new elections, Berisha said that they would be held in the deadlines envisaged by law, that is, in the Spring of 2000. /kled/mt/sh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [14] ALBANIAN PRESIDENT MEETS REPRESENTATIVES OF JAPANESE BUSINESS

    TIRANA, FEB 26 (ATA) - Albanian President Sali Berisha met Wednesday afternoon with a group of the representatives of the Japanese business, President's press and information office reports.

    President Berisha thanked the businessmen for their interest to invest in Albania, as well as for the assistance of Japan given to Albania during the years of transition.

    He also ensured them that Albania will continue to develop, based on the most liberal principles of the market economy.

    The Japanese businessmen expressed the gratitude to President Berisha for the warm and friendly welcome reserved in Albania, and expressed their admiration for the attained successes within a short period of time. They said they would study all the possibilities to invest in Albania, and would try to increase in the future the assistance of Japan for Albania. /s.sh/kled/mt/sh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [15] PRESIDENT BERISHA MEETS STUDENTS OF GJIROKASTER UNIVERSITY

    GJIROKASTER, FEB 26 (ATA) By H. Cani: Albanian President Sali Berisha held Wednesday a meeting with the students of "Eqerem Cabej" University, upon their invitation.

    At the beginning of the meeting the students presented to President Berisha a statement, asking the solution of the requests of the Vlore strikers.

    Berisha greeted the estimation of the students for the problems of the country and considered legitimate their concern for the situation created after the students of "Ismail Qemali" University in Vlore staged the hunger strike.

    Berisha answered the questions of the students regarding the situation created after the collapse of fraudulent pyramid schemes, and the ways of the solution proposed by the government, etc.

    In response to the questions, Berisha considered the politicization of the situation by the left forces harmful and with grave consequences for the democracy. For the Vlore strikers he said that "We have asked and asked dialogue to solve their requests, but we consider illegal and noxious the fulfillment of requests which are in opposite with the fundamental principles of democracy".

    Asked when are the new elections expected to be held, Berisha said that the legal procedure will be respected. The government can not be overthrown after every request of a group of people. If such thing would happen, the democracy would not exist in Albania, except running towards anarchy and chaos, which is not estimated by any democratic country, said President Berisha.

    The support of the Council of Ministers of Europe to Albania and its reforms shows that we are following the right way, said Berisha.

    He also said that we accept all the options, variations, but anyhow they should respect the democratic legal procedures. Only in this way the real verdict of the people can be expressed.

    Returning once again to the hunger strike in Vlore, Berisha said that we are ready for dialogue, aiming to find the best solution. The government can not pay a debt which does not belong to it. This could be solved only by printing money, and I am categorically against it, because it would bring a super inflation with very grave consequences for Albania. /s.sh/kled/mt/sh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [16] DP CHAIRMAN INVITES AGAIN SP SECRETARY GENERAL FOR DIALOGUE

    TIRANA, FEB 26 (ATA) - The Chairman of the Albanian Democratic Party , Tritan Shehu, has sent an invitation inviting once again the Secretary General of the Albanian Socialist Party, Rexhep Mejdani for dialogue.

    "I have the pleasure to invite again on February 28th, at 11.00, in the Palace of Congresses, you and the two other representatives of your Party, to hold together, as the main political forces, a constructive dialogue and without conditions for the created situation", says the DP invitation.

    In the invitation it is explained that "it should undoubtedly be discussed regarding the necessity of lowering the tension all over Albania, the situation created in Vlore, the respectability of the rule of law, as well as finding the best ways to minimize the economic damage of the part of citizens caused by the collapse of pyramid schemes".

    "I understand that such a discussion is wide and undoubtedly with quite opposite opinions, but it is important start discussing with responsibility for these problems", ends the invitation of the DP chairman, Tritan Shehu./kled/mt/sh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [17] EX-MINISTER OF TOURISM EXPLAINS DEBTS TAKEN BY GJALLICA COMPANY

    TIRANA, FEB 26 (ATA) - Osman Shehu, former Minister of Tourism, explains in Albania paper on Wednesday, regarding the two debts taken by Gjallica company, and which were published on the Albanian Television by the Service of the State Control (SSC).

    Shehu explains that in June 1996 he has asked from the affiliate of Gjallica in Vlore an assistance of 65 000 dollars (to reconstruct an object) and Gerxhalliu has promised that this debt could be considered payed off if he would provide to Gjallica possibilities of cooperation in the management field.

    According to Shehu, he was provided within October with a preliminary contract for cooperation with one of the known U.S. banks, as well as with a hotel trade company, but the leading board of the firm did not decide for anything.

    "In the moral aspect I have payed off this debt, but because of the situation created after the collapse of this firm, I know this debt and I am ready to pay it off", says Shehu.

    For the other amount reported by SSC, 2. 070.000 dollars, Osmani says that it is connected with the purchase of a quantity of wheat from a French firm, and Shehu, according to a signed agreement, has given 30% of the total amount, while the other part, "due to the created situation", Shehu says he will pay it in two parts, "40% immediately, and 30% within 3-4 weeks, after the clients will realize the last cashing".

    "My whole activity in this business is conducted in conformity with the rules and laws in force", says Shehu. /eva/pas/mt/sh/


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


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