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Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 97-04-30

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] TEN-YEAR-OLD CHILD INJURED IN MEMALIAJ
  • [02] SCHOOLS REOPEN IN SOME PARTS OF VLORE
  • [03] SPANISH SOLDIERS DEFUSE A 35-YEAR-OLD SHELL IN SHENGJIN
  • [04] DP CHAIRMAN MEETS NEW AMBASSADOR OF AUSTRALIA
  • [05] REACTIONS TO ANNOUNCEMENT ON ELECTIONS KOSOVA
  • [06] DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURAL BANK AFFILIATE IN MAT INJURED BY GUNFIRE
  • [07] CHAIRMAN OF PPK CALLS ON ALBANIANS TO FIGHT FOR STATE NOT POWER
  • [08] DP-SP MEETING EXPECTED TO BE HELD WEDNESDAY
  • [09] KILLING FOR RETALIATION MOTIVES IN ELBASAN
  • [10] FIFTY PER CENT OF GJIROKASTER SCHOOLS REOPEN
  • [11] CHAIRMAN OF PPK CALLS ON ALBANIANS TO FIGHT FOR STATE NOT POWER
  • [12] PRESS REVIEW
  • [13] ITALIAN MARINES ARRIVE IN DURRES
  • [14] EXPLOSION OF ARMY DEPOT IN BURREL KILLS 22
  • [15] PHARE PROJECTS CONTINUE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH
  • [16] BUSINESS OF BRONZE CASINGS - CAUSE OF EXPLOSION IN MILITARY BASE
  • [17] ALBANIAN SPEAKER MEETS WITH SPANISH AMBASSADOR
  • [18] ARMY DEPOTS - SUBJECTS OF RIOTING BY NEARBY LOCALS
  • [19] SPANISH AMBASSADOR PRESENTS CREDENTIALS TO ALBANIAN PRESIDENT
  • [20] ALBANIAN PREMIER BASHKIM FINO MEETS WITH AMBASSADOR GRUBMAYER, ENVOY OF FRANZ VRANITZKY IN ALBANIA
  • [21] ALBANIA'S PRIME MINISTER MEETS WITH SPANISH AMBASSADOR IN ALBANIA
  • [22] NUMBER OF VICTIMS IN QAFE SHTAME IS THOUGHT TO BE LARGER
  • [23] NFP AND CDP SUPPORT ELECTION LAW OF 1992
  • [24] SAVINGS BANK IN LAC RESUMES ITS ACTIVITY
  • [25] LEADERS OF DP MEET WITH OSCE AMBASSADOR GRUBMAJER
  • [26] DP-SP: THE NEED FOR FURTHER DISCUSSIONS CONFESSED
  • [27] THREE ARMY DEPOTS BLAST IN BERAT
  • [28] THREE PEOPLE WOUNDED BY AN ARMED GANG ATTACK
  • [29] ONE KILLED AND ANOTHER INJURED BY FIRE WEAPONS IN GJIROKASTER

  • [01] TEN-YEAR-OLD CHILD INJURED IN MEMALIAJ

    MEMALIAJ, APRIL 30 (ATA)- By H.Cani, A ten-year-old child from Memaliaj town of Tepelene district was injured yesterday while using detonators.

    The blast harmed the child in the hands, accompanied by a heamourrage dangerous for the life.

    As the district hospital was not functioning yesterday due to yet unspecified reasons the child was treated at the Gjirokaster hospital and now is out of danger. a.ke/lm/k

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [02] SCHOOLS REOPEN IN SOME PARTS OF VLORE

    VLORE, APRIL 30 (ATA)- By H. Koci, Schools reopened in some parts of Vlore district on Tuesday. Classes could resume only in the eight-year schools in the communities of Orikum, Himara and Selenice.

    School also began in the "Avni Rustemi" school in the Vlore city. According to local government leaders all efforts are being made to secure reopening of schools in the whole district, in cooperation with public order forces. a.ke/kei/lm/k

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [03] SPANISH SOLDIERS DEFUSE A 35-YEAR-OLD SHELL IN SHENGJIN

    SHENGJIN, APRIL 30 (ATA)- By Z. Pergega, The Spanish specialists of the operation Alba defused Tuesday an artillery shell of calibre 125 mm one meter deep in the sand in Shengjin. According to the expertise, the shell had been standing in the sand depth since 35 years ago.

    The spokesman of the Spanish troops, Major Garzon, said that during the deployment works at the Trade Unions Rest House in Shenjgjin, where the Spanish troops are installed, the whole area has been checked with apparatuses and the shell tied with a peace of rope was dictated near a bunker. /A.KE/kei/lm:e

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [04] DP CHAIRMAN MEETS NEW AMBASSADOR OF AUSTRALIA

    TIRANA, APRIL 30 (ATA)-By A. Frasheri, The chairman of the Democratic Party, Tritan Shehu, met yesterday the new ambassador of Australia in Rome, Rory Steele, who also covers Albania.

    The DP spokesman said that this meeting highly appreciated the relations between the two countries and Mr Steele had said that "his country is preoccupied by the situation in Albania and the hopes that the crisis it is gripped by is overcome easily.

    Shehu said that the DP was working to implement the March 9 agreement and in this context one of the point of this agreement, the June elections.

    He stressed that the armed committees in several southern districts were illegitimate and posed a serious obstacle to the political parties wanting to hold their electoral campaign all over the country.

    As regards the electoral law, Shehu declared himself for a majority system with some technical correction.

    They also discussed the process of election monitoring. Shehu said that "all observers' groups hold to be led by the Council of Europe".

    The Council of Europe led the observers' missions of various international governments and experienced organisations in overseeing the local government elections on October 20,1996 in Albania. These elections were considered very regular and fair by all the obervers' groups. pas/lm:e

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [05] REACTIONS TO ANNOUNCEMENT ON ELECTIONS KOSOVA

    PRISHTINE, APRIL 29 (ATA)- By B.Jashari, The announcement of Kosova president Ibrahim Rugova on declaring the new parliamentary and presidential elections this week has found wide support, especially among the branches and sub-branches of the Democratic League, the major political party of the Kosova Albanians.

    The parliamentary Party ask first the constituting of the Kosova parliament, which will decide on extending the mandate of the parliament and president.

    Meanwhile, the Forum of the Albanian intellectuals has declared that under the occupation situation there can be neither political pluralism nor free democratic elections.

    "If we say that Kosova is occupied and that it has expressed the will to be liberated, then the occupation situation should be declared and the National Council be formed with representatives of all political subjects and national institutions which would represent the political will and lead the National Movement," the statement of the Forum of Albanian Intellectuals of Kosova says.

    Meanwhile the radical party of Serbia has considered threatening Rugova's statements on holding special elections in Kosova.

    The Serb radicals ask from the government bodies "to urgently react against any secessionist and separatist act, because only in this way can the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Serbia and FR of Yugoslavia be safeguarded". p.ta/kei/lm/E

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [06] DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURAL BANK AFFILIATE IN MAT INJURED BY GUNFIRE

    BURREL, APRIL 30 (ATA)- By A. Frasheri, The director of an Agricultural Bank affiliate in Burrel town, Mat district, Northern Albania, has been attacked by gunmen.

    According to police reports, Kasem Kola, was wounded by gunfire on his back on April 28 and is in a grave condition in hospital.

    The motives of the attack are yet unknown and police bodies are working to throw light on the motives and find the authors of the crime. jz/lm/k

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [07] CHAIRMAN OF PPK CALLS ON ALBANIANS TO FIGHT FOR STATE NOT POWER

    PRISHTINE, APRIL 30 (ATA)- By B. Jashari, The chairman of the Parliamentary Party of Kosova, (PPK), Adem Demaci, called on the Albanians in Kosova and Albania to fight for state ad not power and put the major interest of the Homeland, freedom and independence above all interests.

    "We in Kosova have the occupier on our heads and the national existence at stake, while in the other part of our body and spirit, at our brothers in Albania, we have a tragic situation, triggered off precisely by the war for power", Adem Demaci said in a news conference in Prishtine on April 29.

    Demaci cited as an example of common act the unity of the Albanian side in defence of the legitimate right for the Kosova freedom and independence in the Albanian-Serb talks in New York, under the monitoring of the U.S..

    "The approach of the international community to resolve the Kosova issue is not at the level of the Albanians' right and demand, but it is precisely the Albanians who can influence in carrying this approach ahead, through their own organisation and determination for independence," Demaci said.

    Demaci expressed himself for cooperation with the Democratic League of Kosova and other political forces and said that he was looking forward to the near meeting of the Coordinating Council of the Political Parties of Kosova.

    Demaci said that upon the initiative of the PPK, 57 deputies have confirmed their readiness to meet for the constituting of parliament. He also regarded the readiness of almost half of the general number of deputies to respond to the PPK initiative as a survey on this party's influence.

    PPK has not yet pronounced itself on participation in elections and its chairman, Demaci, did not say today whether he would run for president, as it is earlier reported.

    Demaci is a symbol of the Albanian resistance in Kosova and the winner of the Sakharov Prize of the European parliament. He has served 28 years in the Serb prisons and has been chairman of the Council for the Defence of Human Rights and Freedoms in Kosova. p.ta/pas/eva/lm/E

    PRISHTINE, APRIL 30 (ATA)- By B. Jashari, The chairman of the Parliamentary Party of Kosova, (PPK), Adem Demaci, called on the Albanians in Kosova and Albania to fight for state ad not power and put the major interest of the Homeland, freedom and independence above all interests.

    "We in Kosova have the occupier on our heads and the national existence at stake, while in the other part of our body and spirit, at our brothers in Albania, we have a tragic situation, triggered off precisely by the war for power", Adem Demaci said in a news conference in Prishtine on April 29.

    Demaci cited as an example of common act the unity of the Albanian side in defence of the legitimate right for the Kosova freedom and independence in the Albanian-Serb talks in New York, under the monitoring of the U.S..

    "The approach of the international community to resolve the Kosova issue is not at the level of the Albanians' right and demand, but it is precisely the Albanians who can influence in carrying this approach ahead, through their own organisation and determination for independence," Demaci said.

    Demaci expressed himself for cooperation with the Democratic League of Kosova and other political forces and said that he was looking forward to the near meeting of the Coordinating Council of the Political Parties of Kosova.

    Demaci said that upon the initiative of the PPK, 57 deputies have confirmed their readiness to meet for the constituting of parliament. He also regarded the readiness of almost half of the general number of deputies to respond to the PPK initiative as a survey on this party's influence.

    PPK has not yet pronounced itself on participation in elections and its chairman, Demaci, did not say today whether he would run for president, as it is earlier reported.

    Demaci is a symbol of the Albanian resistance in Kosova and the winner of the Sakharov Prize of the European parliament. He has served 28 years in the Serb prisons and has been chairman of the Council for the Defence of Human Rights and Freedoms in Kosova. p.ta/pas/eva/lm/E

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [08] DP-SP MEETING EXPECTED TO BE HELD WEDNESDAY

    TIRANA, APRIL 30 (ATA)- By A. Baci, The planned meeting between the chairmen of the Democratic Party and the Socialist Party, Tritan Shehu and Fatos Nano, is expected to be held Wednesday at 11.00 a.m..

    The meeting, initiated at the invitation of the SP chairman, Nano, is expected to pave the way for the solution of several issues connected with the holding of new parliamentary elections, stipulated in the March 9 agreement.

    Differences on the form of the electoral law are the most disputable points between the two parties, with the SP favouring the proportional law and the DP the majority one.

    The type of voting system is one of the most disputable issues among the Albanian parties. According to their statements and acknowledgement of Justice Minister Spartak Ngjela, the preferences of the ten parties of the government coalition so far are as follows:

    -The Democratic Party, Legality Movement Party are for the majority system law of 1996, according to which 115 deputies are elected by direct vote and 25 from the party lists based on the percentages won.

    -The National Front Party, the Christian Democratic Party, the Social Democrat Union Party for the electoral law of 1992, corrected majority system, according to which 100 deputies are elected by direct voting and 40 from the party list, according to the percentage of the vote captured.

    -The Socialist Party, the Social-Democratic Party, the Democratic Alliance Party, the Republican Party for a clear proportional law, according to which it will not be voted for deputies as certain individuals but for the parties and the deputies will be elected according to the party lists. eva/kei/lm/k

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [09] KILLING FOR RETALIATION MOTIVES IN ELBASAN

    ELBASAN, APRIL 30 (ATA)- A 27-year-old citizen was shot dead at the intensive care ward for retaliation motives in Elbasan on Tuesday, according to police sources.

    The victim, Enver Peqini, had killed on April 13 the son of his aunt Gazmend Peqini, the sources explain.

    "At the time when the relatives of the victim were taking his body home from the hospital's morgue, men from the opposite side took away the corpse and, after pouring benzine to it, set it on fire at the place Gazmend had been killed," the police source says.

    The police have identified the authors and are hunting them down. kei/lm/E

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [10] FIFTY PER CENT OF GJIROKASTER SCHOOLS REOPEN

    TIRANA, APRIL 29(ATA0- By H.Cano,

    School began on Tuesday in fifty per cent of the Gjirokaster district, while all the city's school continue to be shut.

    "Some 27 primary and eight-year schools as well as four middle schools have so far reopened throughout the district", the education director, Izeir Poshi, told ATA, adding that not all level schools have yet been decided to reopen in the city because of lack of security.

    At a recent meeting with several local government leaders, Prefect Merkuri, and chief of the district police commissariat, the latter took on security measures in school grounds.

    "Besides the city, difficulties are also encountered in the Dropulli area, as it is near the national route and incidents are most likely," Poshi confirms.

    However, middle school has reopened in the Dervican village of this area.

    The failure to receive salaries since two months ago by all the district teachers remains a pending problem. kei/lm/E

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [11] CHAIRMAN OF PPK CALLS ON ALBANIANS TO FIGHT FOR STATE NOT POWER

    PRISHTINE, APRIL 30 (ATA)- By B. Jashari, The chairman of the Parliamentary Party of Kosova, (PPK), Adem Demaci, called on the Albanians in Kosova and Albania to fight for state ad not power and put the major interest of the Homeland, freedom and independence above all interests.

    "We in Kosova have the occupier on our heads and the national existence at stake, while in the other part of our body and spirit, at our brothers in Albania, we have a tragic situation, triggered off precisely by the war for power", Adem Demaci said in a news conference in Prishtine on April 29.

    Demaci cited as an example of common act the unity of the Albanian side in defence of the legitimate right for the Kosova freedom and independence in the Albanian-Serb talks in New York, under the monitoring of the U.S..

    "The approach of the international community to resolve the Kosova issue is not at the level of the Albanians' right and demand, but it is precisely the Albanians who can influence in carrying this approach ahead, through their own organisation and determination for independence," Demaci said.

    Demaci expressed himself for cooperation with the Democratic League of Kosova and other political forces and said that he was looking forward to the near meeting of the Coordinating Council of the Political Parties of Kosova.

    Demaci said that upon the initiative of the PPK, 57 deputies have confirmed their readiness to meet for the constituting of parliament. He also regarded the readiness of almost half of the general number of deputies to respond to the PPK initiative as a survey on this party's influence.

    PPK has not yet pronounced itself on participation in elections and its chairman, Demaci, did not say today whether he would run for president, as it is earlier reported.

    Demaci is a symbol of the Albanian resistance in Kosova and the winner of the Sakharov Prize of the European parliament. He has served 28 years in the Serb prisons and has been chairman of the Council for the Defence of Human Rights and Freedoms in Kosova. p.ta/pas/eva/lm/Z

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [12] PRESS REVIEW

    TIRANA, APRIL 30 (ATA)- Today's Rilindja Demokratike carries the article "This is the language used by the 'intellectuals' of the committees of SP and Prime Minister Fino".

    Under the title "Overt provocation", the paper carries the DP statement opposing Prime Minister Fino, who has considered the leaders of the armed committees "intellectuals" and "honest".

    The paper carries the letter President Berisha has sent to IMF and Wold Bank authorities under the title:"Documentation on pyramid schemes- at your disposal".

    The paper carries an interview with Leka I, entitled :"Emigration, friends and enemies of Zog", as well as the article :"SP, initiator and leader of the coup d'etat".

    The paper also carries an article saying that the majority law favours the Albanian people.

    Zeri i Popullit under the title: "Disarming of DP, a condition to restore peace and security to the country", carries the article:"Berisha's mercenaries".

    The paper covers the latest meeting of Prime Minister Fino with reporters under the title:"I am optimistic of the future upcoming elections". The paper carries the articles:"Abandoned President" and "North- South conflict, an abortive scenario".

    Among the economic issues the paper says that the lek is expected to devaluate and the economic crisis deepened".

    Republika in its today's article says that "DP should not be allowed to play with the right wing card". The paper carries an interview with the former Defence Minister, Zhulali, entitled:"Politics responsible for the loan-taking phenomenon. The DP and SP deceive the people".

    The paper carries an interview with the VEFA president, Alimuca, entitled:"Creditors' capitals are insured".

    Rilindja in one of its articles asks whether the victim is the cause of Albania's sovereignty. The paper also reports on the meeting of the heads of states participating in the Black Sea Economic Cooperation. It also carries an article printed from the Belgrade newspaper entitled:"Kosova becomes republic, Serb Republic attached to Yugoslavia".

    Dita carries the editorial entitled:"Clean proportional system brings about partycracy". Under the headline "Berisha starts speaking from remote tribunes on violating the embargo", the paper carries the article:"The Orthodox church and Mafia accused".

    In the commentary "Actuality" the paper reports on the reopening of schools in Albania: "Schools protected by policemen".

    "Silva and Vefa distribute crumbs" is the title of an economic article of this paper.

    Koha Jone reports on the candidatures Prime Minister Fino has proposed to President Berisha for the NIS chairman and deputy chairman.

    "Refusal may lead to a fraction in the March 9 agreement", the paper says. The paper carries the article:"Investigations into the Bushat incident stop". The paper carries an interview with Leka I under the title :"Leka in search for the throne".

    Albania carries the editorial entitled: "The right wing towards West, the left towards committees". The paper reports on the Order of a Legion of Honour awarded to writer Ismail Kadare by French President Jacques Chirac and the fresh raid of the armed bands on "Vlore Garment enterprise".

    The paper reports on the summit SP-DP meeting planned today on the electoral law.

    Albania also carries the interviews with the new Governor of the Albanian Bank, Q. Tusha,: "No to anti people's measures of the Fino government".

    Gazeta Shqiptare asks in its editorial what the real mission of the multinational military forces in Albania.

    Under the title:'Genocide indictment against Berisha", the paper says that the opposition has secured documents which, according to the paper, show that the arming of the DP and the plan to crush the revolt in the South are Berisha's deed". jz/lm/k

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [13] ITALIAN MARINES ARRIVE IN DURRES

    DURRES, APRIL 30 (ATA)- By S. Gjordeni, The ships "Fenice Venezia" and "Espresso Aggito" disembarked 120 Italian marines as well as a considerable number of light and heavy weaponry, amunition and trucks, containers, logistic equipment and tankers in Durres port on Wednesday morning.

    After landing the troops and vehicles, under the protection of the French forces, active in the port, and the Italian troops "Guardia di Costiera", moved on Tirana in regular columns.

    According to well-informed sources, the number of the multinational forces arriving by sea in Durres exceeds the 4000 troops. a.ke/kei/lm/k

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [14] EXPLOSION OF ARMY DEPOT IN BURREL KILLS 22

    BURREL, APRIL 30 (ATA)- By A.Frasheri, An explosion at a weapons depot at the Qafe Shtame of Burrel town, north of Albania, killed 22 people on Wednesday, according to police sources.

    The police cannot explain the cause of the blast but say that in the vicinity of the exploding depot there other depots with amunition.

    Meanwhile the police forces of Burrel as well as police forces from Tirana are on the spot.

    Police sources say that the weapons depots storing artillery shells and TNT have been targets of raid of the inhabitants of nearby areas. kei/lm/k

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [15] PHARE PROJECTS CONTINUE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH

    TIRANA, APRIL 30 (ATA) - By A. Milo: The projects of the PHARE Program, financed by the European Community for the health sector, continue according to the the provisions, sources from the Ministry of Health and Environment report.

    There are two projects, among others, whose value is more than 17 million ECU.

    They are destined for the health service, for the definition of a master- plan to establish an efficacious system in hospitals, of their equipment, for the health centers in the whole country, the renewal of the main laboratory equipment, the organization of the emergency service, and others. /kei/mt/sh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [16] BUSINESS OF BRONZE CASINGS - CAUSE OF EXPLOSION IN MILITARY BASE

    TIRANA, APRIL 30 (ATA) - By Atlant Frasheri: The cause of the explosion of the military depot in the Qafe Shtame village, district of Mat, where 22 people are reported dead so far, has been an attempt to loot the artillery shells and bronze casings, whose selling has become actually a lucrative business.

    Sources from the police commissariat in Burrel, referring to the witnesses, said that the blast has happened on Tuesday at 22:30 and the explosion was caused due to the ignition of the powder in the artillery shells which was dispersed in the depot.

    In the depot have been also stored shells of the heavy artillery, ammunition and other means of the Army.

    The source said that the investigating group, which had gone to the area, has not confirmed officially the cause of the explosion.

    The inhabitants of Burrel, in vicinity of the depot which exploded, said that there were 7-8 other depots with considerable quantities of TNT, and they were seriously risked.

    The police say that the quantity of TNT, stored in the depot is large, and its explosion would cause grave damages. /kled/mt/sh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [17] ALBANIAN SPEAKER MEETS WITH SPANISH AMBASSADOR

    TIRANA, APRIL 30 (ATA) - The Albanian Speaker, Pjeter Arbnori, met Wednesday with the ambassador of Spain, Juan Prat Y. Coll, spokesman of the People's Assembly reports.

    The Spanish Ambassador underlined the stand of Spain to help in improving the situation through concrete coordination with the legal institutions of Albania. This is the meaning of the Spanish presence in Albania, specified Mr Coll.

    The Spanish Ambassador considered very important the fact that the parliamentary political forces have taken up seats in parliament and that the parliament functions normally.

    Speaker Arbnori underlined that the Parliament has insisted in supporting the legitimate institutions in Albania, by rejecting any kind of violent pressure.

    Arbnori stressed in the meeting the need to enlarge the relations between Spain and Albania./a.ke/kled/mt/sh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [18] ARMY DEPOTS - SUBJECTS OF RIOTING BY NEARBY LOCALS

    TIRANE, APRIL 30 (ATA)- By A.Frasheri, An explosion at a weapons depot at the Qafe Shtame of Burrel town, north of Albania, killed 22 people on Wednesday, according to police sources.

    The police cannot explain the cause of the blast butsay that in the vicinity of the exploding depot there other depots with amunition. Meanwhile the police forces of Burrel as well as policeforces from Tirana are on the spot.

    Police sources say that the weapons depots storing artillery shells and TNT have been targets of raid of the inhabitants of nearby areas.

    According to a police report, on April 29, inhabitants of the village Pelikesht, Berat district, have stormed an army depot which had heavy artillery shells.

    The people who rushed into the depot wanted to dismantle the shells because their layers were a good commodity for trading. During this process, the powder of the shells has been spread on the floor and then lit, creating flames in the depot, but no casualties, according to police. They said that there were other army depots in the zone which besides artilley pieces also had considerable amounts of TNT, whose explosion would have caused unsatisfactory consequences.

    Some days ago, in the village of Lezhe, an army depot blasted which injured 8 people and ruined many homes.

    As for the events in Qafe Shtame and Palikesh, sources from the press office of the Defence Minister said they had no reports or confirmation.

    In an interpellation of the Defence Minister in the Parliament some days ago he said that they had placed armed guards in the depots and that ministry was trying to eliminate riots against army depots, which are about 1 500 in all the territory of Albania. kei/lm/xh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [19] SPANISH AMBASSADOR PRESENTS CREDENTIALS TO ALBANIAN PRESIDENT

    TIRANA, APRIL 30 (ATA) - The Spanish Ambassador, Juan Prat Y. Coll, presented Wednesday the credentials to the Albanian President, Sali Berisha, President's press and information office reports.

    "I bring you the greetings of King Huan Karlos, as well as the wish and the conviction of the Spanish government that you will manage to lead Albania into the road of democracy and integration," said the Spanish Ambassador to President Berisha.

    The participation of Spain in the "Alba" operation is a political act with which we would like to prove our solidarity and friendly feelings for Albania and Albanians in these difficult moments for them.

    The Albanian President, while expressing his gratitude to King Huan Karlos and Premier Aznar for the friendly feelings towards Albania and the engagement of Spain in the "Alba" operation, stressed that this operation is completely successful so far.

    Albania experienced an armed rebellion, organized by those who do not accept the loss of power by the free vote, said Berisha. This rebellion failed not by the violence used, but by the democratic political solution offered.

    The new elections are completely possible and they should be held in time. In this direction, the major obstacle are the armed committees in several Southern districts, which, by exploiting the open ally with former main opposition parties, are surviving through exercising violence and terror, through robbing and plundering the innocent citizens everyday, their properties and investments. These committees are not allowing the Government of National Reconciliation to rule the country and complete its mission. I am convinced, stressed Berisha, that the Albanians will prove to Europe and to the world that they are resolute not to return to the past, but to continue the road of democracy and integration into Europe./a.ke/kled/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [20] ALBANIAN PREMIER BASHKIM FINO MEETS WITH AMBASSADOR GRUBMAYER, ENVOY OF FRANZ VRANITZKY IN ALBANIA

    TIRANE, APRIL 30 (TA) - Today Albanian Prime Minister Bashkim Fino had a working meeting with the envoy of Mr Franz Vranitzky, Ambassador Grubmayer, with whom he discussed the steps and measures regarding the electoral law and process.

    As the Premier's press and information office reports, Mr Grubmayer expressed the interest and concern of Mr Vranitzky and the support of the OSCE mission for the necessary consensus reached on the new electoral law.

    He also informed Mr Fino of yesterdays' declaration of the European Union Council of Ministers on the situation in Albania. The declaration hails the improvement of the situation in Albania and the drive of the Italian Government for an international conference on Albania. In the mean time, the declaration demands that all the parties in Albania find a common language and political solutions to realise with success the general parliamentary elections.

    Premier Fino voiced his great satisfaction for the interest and powerfull support of the European Union for Albania and insisted in the demand that the political forces must convey the spirit of March 9 agreement also in the approval of the new electoral law.

    The Democratic Party should respond concretely to the consensus of the other nine parties so that the law on elections be sent to the parliament, said Fino during his meeting with Mr Vranitzky's Ambassador in Albania, Grubmayer. This stands both for the electoral system and for the abrogation of some clauses of the Genocide Law, which bans from candidacy many leaders of the former opposition parties.

    "It's absurd," said Mr Fino, "that without any proofs at all, politicians, who are elected in the highest forums of their parties, be denied of such right. The presence of such a clause runs openly counter to the spirit of national reconciliation which the 10 parties in the government coalition want to apply. He voiced openly his opinion against the practice of changing the laws according to the rotating leading turn of the parties, with the aim of favouring one political class and incriminating the other. ake/xh/sh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [21] ALBANIA'S PRIME MINISTER MEETS WITH SPANISH AMBASSADOR IN ALBANIA

    TIRANE, APRIL 30 (ATA) - Premier Bashkim Fino today met with the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain in Albania, Huan Prat Y Coll. The Spanish Ambassador expressed the support and solidarity of the his Government for the Albanian friendly people and Government, stressing that "Spain does not want to deliever only aid but it also wants a continuous and friendly cooperation in all the fields with Albania." He underlined the indispensable need of a greater tolerance through a better political cooexistence among various parties, a greater professionalism of the press, radio and television and the consolidation of police structures.

    Mr Fino expressed his thanks on this occasion for the government of Spanish Prime Minister Aznar for the aid given to Albania in these difficult moments and for the readiness to bring in Albania a military contingent, highliting the Spanish political experience.

    During the meeting with the Spanish diplomat, Albanian Prime Minister presented the guidelines of his Government's activity to restore order, the preparations for the new elections in June, the objectives reached and the problems that have emerged. Their solution demands real cooperation and sincerity between the political forces, the more so now when no opposition exists in Albania.

    Further on Mr Fino mentioned the known circumstances which brought about the creation of the salvation committees, their role and dissolution as a result of the consolidation of the local government and public order./ake/xh/sh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [22] NUMBER OF VICTIMS IN QAFE SHTAME IS THOUGHT TO BE LARGER

    BURREL, APRIL 30 (ATA) - By A. Frasheri, H. Ruspi: The number of the victims, after the explosion of an ammunition military depot in the Selixe village, some 30 km far from the town of Burrel, is thought to be larger, witnesses from the area near the depot told ATA. According to the police sources, 22 people have been killed by the explosion so far.

    According to them, the cause of the blast in the military depot, in the vicinity of the place called Qafe Shtame, some 95 km far from Tirana, has been an attempt of the inhabitants of the area to loot the artillery shells, whose casing is a profitable business actually.

    Sources of the police told ATA that the inhabitants of this zone have always attempted to storm these depots, but they have been prevented by the police.

    Sources from the village confess that the depots were protected by guards from Selixe village, but at the moment when the people stormed the tunnel-depot, they were not there.

    The investigating group and the Army specialists from Tirana, as well as a team of doctors from the hospital of Burrel have gone to the area. /a.ke/kled/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [23] NFP AND CDP SUPPORT ELECTION LAW OF 1992

    TIRANA, APRIL 30 (ATA) - By Agim Baçi: The National Front Party and the Christian Democratic Party will support the election law of 1992, declared on Wednesday the chairman of the National Front Party, Abaz Ermenji and the chairman of the CDP, Zef Bushati.

    According to Bushati, both parties have agreed to participate in the parliamentary elections with common candidates.

    But the leader of the National Front asks the postponement of the elections.

    "The deadline of the elections is one of the points of the March 9 Accord and the ten political parties, which signed the agreement and which participate in the Government of National Reconciliation, should decide on this issue," says Bushati with regard to the request of Ermenji.

    During the meeting they have also agreed to hold another meeting with the four right wing parties of the National Reconciliation Government (National Front, Legality Movement Party, Republican Party and Christian Democratic Party) to discuss on the coalition of the United Right Wing. /a.ke/kled/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [24] SAVINGS BANK IN LAC RESUMES ITS ACTIVITY

    LAC, APRIL 30 (ATA) - By Zef Pergega: The branch of the Savings Bank in Lac has resumed its financial activity recently.

    The accountancy chief, Natale Ndoci said that the bank has guaranteed the normal distribution of pensions for about 4 thousand pensioners, who have not received their pensions lately, and for the pensions in the future. The salaries for state budgetary institutions have also been distributed in time.

    The activity related with the savings deposits of the clients of that bank has also started.

    A fund of 215 thousand leks granted by the General Department of the Savings Bank made possible the repairing of the damages caused in this banking branch in Lac as a result of the destructions made in the last months. Also efforts are underway to replace four safes and other stationary which came out of use as a result of the rounds of bullets fired at them. ake/xh/sh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [25] LEADERS OF DP MEET WITH OSCE AMBASSADOR GRUBMAJER

    TIRANA, APRIL 30 (ATA) - The chairman of the Albanian Democratic Party, Tritan Shehu, and the Secretary for Foreign Relations, Leonard Demi, met Wednesday noon with the OSCE Ambassador, Mr Grubmajer.

    The DP press and information office reports that Mr Grubmajer was interested in the pre-election situation and the meeting of DP chairman Shehu with SP chairman Nano.

    They considered that the conduct of the general elections within the time defined by the political accord of March 9 is important for the return of stability and prevention of the further deepening of the economic crisis.

    "We, said Shehu, presented once again to Nano our concern for the agreement of the Socialist Party with the committees and asked him once again to declare that they (the socialists) distance themselves from these committees and the accord signed with them on March 28. We consider these committees as the main obstacle for the conduct of the free political activity of the parties in the whole country. Shehu also said in the meeting that he had asked Nano the political compromise to draft a constitutional project to be approved by a quick procedure in the existing parliament and its voting by referendum after the elections."

    With regard to the election law, Shehu said that we are ready to cooperate for technic changes in the existing law, such as the articles for the financing of the parties, the time to speak on the television, documentation and commissions, and others. Anyhow, another meeting between SP and DP will be held Monday to discuss concretely on these changes.

    In this meeting, Shehu said that the Democratic Party is interested in a wider and complete monitoring of the election campaign and the June elections by the Council of Europe, ODHIR, OSCE, the U.S. institutions and the parliaments of other countries. /a.ke/kled/mt/sh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [26] DP-SP: THE NEED FOR FURTHER DISCUSSIONS CONFESSED

    TIRANA, APRIL 30 (ATA) - By Agim Baçi: Something more than nothing and the fixing of a meeting after 3-4 days has been the result of the meeting held Wednesday between the senior leaders of the two major parties of Albania: Socialist Party and Democratic Party, regarding the discussion of the options on the election law and the preparation for the parliamentary elections.

    It was a consultative meeting for the DP chairman, Tritan Shehu.

    While to Nano, the success of this meeting was the confession for the need of such meetings.

    The issue of the stand of the political forces regarding the committees has been one of the hottest points in the today's meeting.

    "We asked once again from SP to leave from the committees or illegal bodies which prevent the conduct of a normal campaign. We proposed to the Socialists to distance themselves from the March 28 accord with committees. We asked SP to issue public statements with regard to the dissolution of committees in the whole country," said Shehu.

    Nano hailed the decision of the committees to be dissolved as soon as the election date is fixed and the campaign starts.

    "SP has not established the committees and cannot undertake the death of the creatures which are not hers. The issue of the committees is clear and the parties can not do more than to hail their decision to dissolve as soon as the election date is fixed and the election campaign starts," said Nano.

    The SP Secretary, Namik Dokle, shared the opinion of the establishment of a social pact from all the Albanian political forces to provide a quieter election campaign, and which is also supported by the democrats.

    Shehu confesses that DP and SP are ready to respect the March 9 accord, reached among ten political parties and the President. But Nano sees the low productivity of compromises at the DP stand.

    Although Nano says that "I would like the agreements be reached by the Albanian political factor, and not by the foreign negotiators," he also reconfirms the possibility of negotiation to reach accords by the Italian Foreign Minister, Dini.

    Nano confirmed that he had not only talked on behalf of SP, but also on behalf of several opposition parties which participate in the governmental coalition.

    DP has favoured the idea of a direct dialogue of the Albanian political parties without mediation. /kled/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [27] THREE ARMY DEPOTS BLAST IN BERAT

    BERAT, APRIL 30 (ATA) - By Ilir Manka: A powerful explosion shook again Berat city last night at 8.30 p.m. According to first and then confirmed information, a big artilley depot near Palikesht village, 6 km from the city had exploded. The exploding wave broke many windows in the city houses and was felt in the extreme city quarter. The shells continued to blast one after another until midnight. The flames and blasts kept the inhabitants of Berat and nearby villages in a tense situation.

    Today, representatives of military units, local government and police went to inspect into the depots. The three of them had dissappeared from the ground. There are no casuaties or injured, and two or three homes had felt the exploding wave.

    The investigation group is working to find the reasons for the greave accident. Military sources told ATA that the depots were under the protection of the Interior Ministry.

    Until 4.30 p.m. today the active officers have instructed the guards who are inhabitants of the nearb. The reasons of the explosion is still unknown.

    A week ago two other big depots with artillery devices and engineering facilities exploded. This accident alramed the people of Berat who insisted that the Ministry of Defence remove 19 ton of TNT that were stored in an army depot near the city quarter Donika Kastrioti of Berat. ake/xh/sh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [28] THREE PEOPLE WOUNDED BY AN ARMED GANG ATTACK

    DELVINE, APRIL 30 (ATA) - By Sh Hajno: An armed gang rioted and wounded three people who were on a car on the road towards Muzine-Kakavije.

    "The event happened on April 28, in the place named Qafa e Muzines," district police commissariat forces report. They explained that the driver of the car, Taqi Thano was seriously injured along with two other people from the village Finiq.

    The wounded were taken to the hospital of Ioannina where they are taking medical treatment.

    Within March-April period, on the national road Sarande-Muzine, about 25 km, three other people have been killed by armed gangs who operate on this road. ssh/xh/sh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [29] ONE KILLED AND ANOTHER INJURED BY FIRE WEAPONS IN GJIROKASTER

    GJIROKASTER, APRIL 30 (ATA) -By H. Çani: The young man Maksut Kazma, 26, has been killed on Wednesday noon, in vicinity of the bridge over the Drino river, in Gjirokaster, Southern Albania.

    Sources from the hospital report that another one is injured. He is Ramadan Bendo, who is injured by a stray bullet. These sources report that the injured is in grave situation and will be sent for further treatment in the hospital of Ioannina, Greece. /a.ke/kled/mt/sh/


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


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