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Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 97-06-19

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] PRESIDENT BERISHA CONDEMNS VIOLENCE EXERCISED IN BERAT
  • [02] ELECTIONS BE HELD WITHIN JUNE 29 - OSCE TROIKA
  • [03] ALBANIAN-SERB ROUND TABLE TO BE HELD IN ULQIN
  • [04] NINE PARTIES OPPOSE SP ON PROPORTIONAL PERCENTAGE
  • [05] ITALY HAS SERIOUSLY ACTED IN PAST AND ACTS SERIOUSLY IN FUTURE - Foresti
  • [06] SALVATION COMMITTEE IN KORCE DISSOLVED
  • [07] DANISH AMBASSADOR DELIVERS OSCE STATEMENT ON ALBANIA TO PREMIER FINO
  • [08] PRESS REVIEW
  • [09] PROTEST OF DP ADDRESSED TO CENTRAL ELECTION COMMISSION
  • [10] WE ARE PREVENTED BY COMMITTEES TO HOLD ELECTION CAMPAIGN - Vlore
  • [11] EU AGREES WITH STATEMENT ISSUED BY OSCE TROIKA
  • [12] OSCE REPRESENTATIVES MEET ELECTORAL COMMISSIONS IN SARANDE
  • [13] PROTEST OF DP ADDRESSED TO CEC
  • [14] TNT EXPLOSION IN CULTURE PALACE IN SUKTH
  • [15] POLICEMAN KILLED IN DELVINE
  • [16] PRESIDENT BERISHA MEETS AMBASSADORS IVERSEN AND GRUBMAJER
  • [17] MEETING OF COUNCIL OF MINISTERS
  • [18] INTERIOR MINISTRY CONFUTES SP STATEMENT ON INCIDENT IN URA VAJGURORE
  • [19] POLICEMAN KILLED IN DELVINE
  • [20] FINANCE MINISTER RESPONDS LETTER OF PRESIDENT BERISHA TO PRIME MINISTER ON JUNE 17, 1997
  • [21] ELECTORAL CAMPAIGN OF POLITICAL PARTIES OF ALBANIA CONTINUES
  • [22] "WITH OUR VOTE WE WILL SAY YES TO DEMOCRACY AND NO TO REBELLION" - Berisha
  • [23] "NOBODY CAN LOSE FAITH IN THE FUTURE, NOTHING CAN TAKE YOU BACK TO THE PAST" - Berisha
  • [24] "WE SHALL GOVERN IF PEOPLE HAVE CONFIDENCE IN US" - From the rally of SP with Tirane electorate -

  • [01] PRESIDENT BERISHA CONDEMNS VIOLENCE EXERCISED IN BERAT

    TIRANA, JUNE 19 (ATA) President Berisha severely condemns the violence as a consequence of which three policemen and innocent citizens died, President's Press and Information Office reports.

    Expressing to their families the deepest condolences, President Berisha asked to the Attorney General the opening of a rapid and serious inquiry to determine the motives and circumtamces, as well as the authors of this terrorist act, who must be punished with all the power of law. /kei

    [02] ELECTIONS BE HELD WITHIN JUNE 29 - OSCE TROIKA

    TIRANA, JUNE 19 (ATA) - OSCE troika in a meeting in Vienna on Wednesday strongly supported the launching of elections in Albania within June 29.

    A communique released after the Troika meeting including Foreign ministers of Poland Dariusz Rosati, of Switzerland Flavio Cotti and Denmark Niels Helveg Petersen, said that OSCE efforts will focuse on monitoring electoral process.

    Catherine Lalumiere, former Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Russell Johnston from the Parliamentary Assembly of the European Council and Javier Ruperez are charged as special coordinators.

    Troika confirmed that the OSCE presence in Albania can be reconsidered even after the elections.

    "A consensus between main political forces as well as a positive cooperation between the OSCE institutions in Albania are necessary to achieve this commitment," the communique said.

    The OSCE ministerial troika considered the reports of the OSCE representative Dr Franz Vranitzky and Dr Stoudmann of ODHIR. It pointed out some delays and inappropriate conditions which hinder monitoring of elections in time by the OSCE.

    The OSCE urged the Albanian authority to assure necessary information on printing ballot papers, organisation of all election commissions in constituencies and polling stations, distribution of voting materials in time and polling times because these will enable OSCE to improve monitoring.

    Former Austrian chancellor Franz Vranitzky was present at the meeting. pas/ak/k

    [03] ALBANIAN-SERB ROUND TABLE TO BE HELD IN ULQIN

    PRISHTINA, JUNE 18 (ATA) - A round table on Albanian and Serb relations will be held in Ulqin, Montenegro, from June 22 to 25 and not in Peja as it was said.

    The Council of Human Rights and Liberties in Prishtina which is one of the organisers, said that the Serbian authorities did not enable its holding in Kosova.

    "This shows that the Serbian regime is not interested in any dialogue and tries to keep a status quo," the Council said.

    The Albanian side has had consultation with the Serbian one before the meeting in Ulqin and has praised this as a continuation of Albanian-Serb negotiations in New York and Vienna.

    Organisers of the round table said that the U.S. Council on Foreign Relations rendered a great contribution. While the Canadian Embassy in Belgrade, a German foundation and the Fund for an Open Society gave material aid.

    Proceedings of the Albanian- Serbian round table will be opened to journalists. bj/ag/ak/E

    [04] NINE PARTIES OPPOSE SP ON PROPORTIONAL PERCENTAGE

    TIRANA, JUNE 19 (ATA) - By R.Floqi: A round table of parties convened for a social pact on elections did not reach any conclusion on Wednesday night because the SP did not accept a demand of the other nine parties to change a 40-seat sharing on proportional representation 35 percent and 65 percent in favor of small parties.

    The round table organized by Sabri Godo, the Republican leader, aimed at reaching a social pact and a change on the decision of the Constitutional Court which deprived the small parties of the right to be favoured in seat sharing according to proportional representation.

    The Democratic party has initiated the first two-round tables for a social pact between parties aiming at having peaceful elections.

    "We were opened to a change asked by the SP, but it (SP) did not agree," the DP Secretary General Genc Pollo said.

    The SP representative Et'hem Ruka presented another formula which in essence changes the law and brings it near to that of 1992. Other parties think that the election law cannot be changed 10 days before the elections. Ruka asked for a reduction of polling time.

    Prime Minister Bashkim Fino was not present in the meeting which lasted till late at night.

    Fino said on Wednesday that he would present some new proposals and ask the Election Commission to avoid party electoral meetings in the districts because of a threat from armed group and add an extra time in television for these parties.

    According to analysts, Fino would have waited the decision of the OSCE troika which in its press release asked for elections to be held within June 29. pas/ak/E

    [05] ITALY HAS SERIOUSLY ACTED IN PAST AND ACTS SERIOUSLY IN FUTURE - Foresti

    TIRANA, JUNE 19 (ATA) - Outgoing Italian ambassador in Tirana Paolo Foresti gave an interview to the ATA journalist Rafael Floqi after being awarded the Golden Order of "Mother Theresa" by the President of the Republic Sali Berisha.

    What is your last thought now you are leaving Albania?

    My last thought is a mixture of sadness and belief: sadness because I see that despite all efforts we have done together we have not been able to overcome the critical point of not turning back and we are still in a critical and very difficult situation; belief because I knew you, I know and believe I know you and I know that you will manage with the help of your friends and Italy, as a friend will always be beside you.

    And this is another motive of being proud and makes me feel all the importance of today's award you and president of the Republic granted me, because this shows the gratitude towards a sincere and friendly policy followed by Italy in your country and it will continue to do this.

    Are you proud of your work during your stay in Albania?

    Surely, I am proud of it. But I am indifferent towards some insinuations, slanders spread by someone. I know the former communist countries, I know your history and also know to what extend the power has been exercised through slanders and lies. They cannot and will not damage me and will not manage to change the respect and love I feel for your people.

    What will be the aid Italy will give in the future?

    You see a very important aid is the Alba mission, Embassy's reinforcement, appointment of a new experienced ambassador and a very special delegation to coordinate the assistance for Albania which will have its analogue in Italy. I believe that Italy has seriously acted in the past and will seriously work in the future.

    What do you think about the award?

    Maybe, I do not merit this, but the award is something which made me proud of because it is gratitude not of a man, not of a president, not of President Berisha who however is important as the head of the state, but it is the gratitude of people because when I travel in Albania as I have and even in these days climbing mountains, walking through fields, villages, I see people who bow putting their hand over the heart and say "my respect". This is the greatest respect which can be shown by the Albanian people. This award will make me remember them forever.

    Have you meddled in personal politics as some papers and polemics of Italian politicians say?

    An ambassador is not meddled in personal politics. An ambassador participates in politics which respond to his government and the Italian government, parliament wants a friendly policy with Albania, a democratic policy, development and rapprochement policy with Europe and Atlantic structures. I think I have interpreted this policy.

    I am based on my correctness which characterises my ideals in which I believe. According to me there have never been any polemics. I should say that my code name in Albania has always been Eagle (Shqiponje) like the eagle granted to me by the Foreign minister because the eagle flies above meanness.

    What do you wish the new Italian ambassador?

    I wish my friend Spatafora success. I know he will be successful because he is an experienced ambassador and I am sure he will know how to achieve greater successes than me. ak/E

    [06] SALVATION COMMITTEE IN KORCE DISSOLVED

    KORCE, JUNE 13 (ATA) - By Behar Fejzullahu: The salvation committee of the Korce district declared today its dissolution through a declaration of this committee.

    The committee chairman, Guri Pejo, told ATA that "the committee of Korce carried out its task for the restitution of public order and peace and today it is opening the way to a calm and correct electoral campaign for the June 29 polls.

    The salvation committee of Korce was formed on March 13 after unrest in that city and the armament of the people. xh

    [07] DANISH AMBASSADOR DELIVERS OSCE STATEMENT ON ALBANIA TO PREMIER FINO

    TIRANA, JUNE 19 (ATA) - The Albanian Prime Minister, Bashkim Fino, met Thursday with the Ambassador of Denmark to Albania, Henrik Ree Insar, and held a friendly talk with him. Attending was also the envoy of Vranitzky in Tirana, the ambassador Grubmajer.

    According to the spokesman, the Danish ambassador, as the representative of the country which holds the OSCE presidency, gave to the Albanian Premier the Statement of the Troika of the OSCE Ministers, held on June 18 in the Austrian capital.

    Appreciating the achievements, he underlined on this occasion the importance of strengthening security in the country and the realization of an accord on reducing the voting hour, which would have profits for a fair, believable and secure election process for all, including the foreign observers as well.

    Mr Fino appreciated the Statement of OSCE Troika, as a powerful support for the government, the political forces and all the Albanians to run with security in the June 29 elections.

    Referring to the progress of the preparation of the election process, Fino confirmed the engagement of the Government of National Reconciliation to end in time all the procedures remained for the conduct of elections in the defined date, ends the report of the Premier's spokesman./a.ke/pas/mt/sh/

    [08] PRESS REVIEW

    TIRANA, JUNE 19 (ATA) - In the article entitled "DP has not lost Vlora" Rilindja Demokratike carries an interview with the head of Democratic party for Vlora Argent Grabova who speaks about political crime, elections and the future of his city. The paper carries the article "Malaj, an anti-transparency money-lender." It quotes head of Salvation Committee for Vlora Albert Shyti as saying "We will use all kinds of arms to win" - "Committee declares grabbing of votes", the paper comments.

    Zeri i Popullit covers rallies of the Socialist leader Fatos Nano in Mirdite and Berat, under the titles "Sovereign and dictatorships have tried to divide Miredita," "SP inspires hope".

    Republika carries the interview with the Republican vice chairman Fatmir Media under the title "It is not the time for diversion." The paper says "Vefa addresses creditors" - "New way of organisation guarantees full return of deposits."

    Rilindja says in its editorial "Lalumiere: Confidential official of Europe to solve the Albanian crisis." Regarding the negotiations of OSCE troika on the situation in Albania, the paper says "Everything depends on Albanians themselves." In its opinion column the paper carries the article "Europe should help Albania more."

    Albania carries the editorial "Socialists try to hide after gangs." Regarding yesterday's party round table, the paper says "Nine parties against Socialists". The paper reports on accusations against Nano for embezzlement of Italian aid, under the headline "The first two stages of aid delivery: Millionaire triangle Nano-Perniola-Sejdia functions miraculously. Under the title "Take care of Nano. Drugs have their effects" the paper says that many citizens have seen that Nano trembles all over when he speaks before the people and in some cases he has fallen down while speaking.

    Tribuna says "Nano turns back from Mamurras." The paper carries an interview with the DP head for Vlora Argent Grabova under the title "All should fight political crime."

    Referring to a meeting of U.S. president Bill Clinton with former Austrian chancellor Franz Vranitzki, Koha Jone quotes Clinton as saying "Elections on June 29". The paper carries the editorial "Canon defeats Berisha". The paper says "Five thousand ballot boxes arrive in Tirana."

    Dita says "Berisha in Switzerland on election day," referring to the annual meeting of the head of states in Crans Montana. The paper carries the editorial "Enough of real and unreal rallies."

    Liria carries a statement of the Anti Communist association of formerly politically democrat prosecuted of Albania under the title "Hands off crime", while the paper Sindikalisti says "In elections without fire arms."

    Independent says "Attempt on Nano," referring to some Socialist leaders who were blocked in the road by an armed gang on their way to Mamuras. It carries the editorial "Elections North-South."

    Gazeta Shqiptare says "Ambush against Nano," and "World Bank hides the poverty of Albanians." eva/kei/ak/e

    [09] PROTEST OF DP ADDRESSED TO CENTRAL ELECTION COMMISSION

    TIRANA, JUNE 19 (ATA) - On 14. 06.1997, moving to Polican, the candidate for deputy of the Democratic Party in the constituency 88, Ali Lybeshari, was threatened by G.H., inhabitant of Mbrakull village, leader of FRESH branch, (Eurosocialist Youth Forum), says a protest of the Albanian Democratic Party, accusing SP which "along with the violence exercised by its armed wing, has also engaged for this aim even its party structures."

    "Nano will bear direct responsibility for all the acts of violence and terror against the supporters, members and candidates for deputy of the Democratic Party", says the statement.

    DP attract the attention to the Central Election Commission to interfere in the Government of National Reconciliation, so that the later provides the free movement of candidates for deputy. /pas/mt/E

    [10] WE ARE PREVENTED BY COMMITTEES TO HOLD ELECTION CAMPAIGN - Vlore

    TIRANA, JUNE 19 (ATA) - By Dorian Koca: The Democratic Party, branch of Vlore, has informed the Central Election Commission that the criminal activity of the gangs of Zani and his friends, as well as the Salvation Committees do not allow the DP branch of Vlore to conduct the electoral activity.

    "In this town, occupied by the weapons of the criminal Myrteza Caushi, who is now independent candidate for deputy, the activists and leaders of the Democratic Party are not able to operate freely. They and the whole electorate of Vlore are threatened by the Kalashnikovs and killings, which occur in Vlore everyday" - says the report of DP branch of Vlore, which stresses that right after the meeting of Fatos Nano in Vlore, the wave of terror against the DP people and those who do not openly express their support for the criminals of Nano, has increased.

    The order in the town is out the control of the Government and the inhabitants are threatened by the gunshots during all the hours of the day and the night.

    "The Government of Fino has left the town in the hands of the Salvation Committee, which is nothing else that 'the committee of the death of Vlore'. This committee is stealing together with the gangs and is trying by every means to impose its rule. He forces the people to go to the Flag Square and threatens them that if they do not obey the orders and if they will vote against the candidates of SP and DAP, who are at the same time leaders of the committees and gangs, such as Albert Shyti and Myrteza Shyti (Zani).

    In these conditions, the elections are seriously threatened to be free and fair", DP branch of Vlore reports in the statement addressed to the Central Election Commission./pas/mt/sh/

    [11] EU AGREES WITH STATEMENT ISSUED BY OSCE TROIKA

    TIRANA, JUNE 19 (ATA) - The permanent representative of the Kingdom of Holland in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), issued Thursday a statement on behalf of European Union in the plenary meeting of OSCE, press and information department in the Foreign Ministry reports.

    With his intervention, the representative of the Dutch Kingdom, which holds the EU Presidency for the first six months of this year, said that the European Union agrees with the statement done by OSCE troika, according to which, all the Albanians expect a lot from the June 29 elections, and that these elections should be held on the defined day, without underestimating the difficulties they face. Any delay can damage the process of reconciliation and reform in Albania, necessary element of which are the elections.

    The European Union repeats its engagement to help Albania for the conduct of elections, within the coordinating structure of OSCE.

    Further on, in the statement it was said that much more should be done to enable the conduct of elections on June 29. EU calls on all the sides interested in Albania to do all their bests so that the forthcoming elections be really an expression of the free will of the Albanian people. EU supports the terms on which the OSCE troika confirmed the general engagement to help efforts for democratization in Albania. As it was said by the OSCE troika, the international community expects a greater effort in the direction of consolidation of the national reconciliation after the elections. Without such a reconciliation, no stable base will exist to define the terms for international aid.

    The European Union expresses the belief that it will be possible the elections to be held on June 29, if all the parties will cooperate with a positive climate. The European Union, on its side, is ready to realize its part, ends the report of press and information department in the Foreign Ministry. /s.sh/jz/mt/sh/

    [12] OSCE REPRESENTATIVES MEET ELECTORAL COMMISSIONS IN SARANDE

    SARANDE, JUNE 19 (ATA) - By Sh Hajno: A working group of OSCE, headed by Hans Peter Kleine, held Wednesday in the district of Sarande (southern Albania) meetings with the representatives of electoral commissions of the constituency 114 and 113, as well as with officials of the district council and the town hall.

    Agim Memko and Spiro Kuremeno, representatives of the electoral commissions of these constituencies, talked with OSCE representatives on the problems of distributing the voting materials in the polling stations, securing the movement and others./eva/mt/sh/

    [13] PROTEST OF DP ADDRESSED TO CEC

    TIRANA, JUNE 19 (ATA) - In the evening of June 18, from 24:30 until 01:00 of June 19, anonymous telephone calls have threatened all the members of DP presidency in Berat, all the DP representatives in the electoral commission and polling stations, as well as the DP candidate for deputy, Pirro Bica," says a protest of the Albanian Democratic Party, addressed to the Central Election Commission.

    "The telephone calls have threatened to life all those who are engaged and continue to be engaged in DP. The members of DP presidency were told: "Do not go out of your houses, we will hang you all,", while the candidate Pirro Bica was told to leave the house together with his family, otherwise his house would be blown up. After this threatening, the DP activists, the members of the presidency and other people did not dare to convene as usually to continue the election campaign", stresses the DP protest addressed to Central Election Commission.

    DP appeals on the Central Election Commission to examine all the cases of violence exercised against DP and its people and to declare these acts of violence as soon as possible in the opinion of massive media and foreign observers./pas/mt/sh/

    [14] TNT EXPLOSION IN CULTURE PALACE IN SUKTH

    DURRES, JUNE 19 (ATA) - By S. Gjordeni: An explosion of TNT occurred on Wednesday evening in the ground of the Culture Palace in Sukth (between Tirana and Durres).

    Due to the explosion, some walls of the building and the billiard hall were destroyed, and the windows of the first floor were broken, police commissariat of the Durres district reports, which adds that the motives of this explosion are not known yet. /eva/mt/Z/

    [15] POLICEMAN KILLED IN DELVINE

    DELVINE, JUNE 19 (ATA) - By Sh Hajno: Sources from the town of Delvine report that the policeman Prel Prenga, 35, lost his life two days ago when he was on service as policeman of the commissariat in this town.

    Unidentified persons wanted to take by force his car of the type "Benz", near the house he lived. None of the authors of the killing is confirmed yet.

    This is the first case a policeman is killed during the recent riots in this town. /kled/mt/

    [16] PRESIDENT BERISHA MEETS AMBASSADORS IVERSEN AND GRUBMAJER

    TIRANA, JUNE 19 (ATA) - The Albanian President, Sali Berisha, met Thursday with the Ambassador of Denmark, Henerik Ree Iversen, and Ambassador Grubmajer, representative of the mission of Vranitzky in Albania, President's press and information office reports.

    They gave President Berisha the result of the Meeting of OSCE Troika in Vienna, on June 19, where it is expressed once again the resolute support of Troika for the conduct of elections on June 29 and monitoring of electoral process in Albania.

    The OSCE representatives asked the support of President Berisha to accelerate the work for the preparation of elections, for printing the ballot papers, establishment of commissions in all the constituencies and polling stations, for the distribution in time of all the voting materials, etc.

    The President declared to the Ambassadors Iversen and Grubmajer that, although the government is charged for the organization of elections, he will give all his support for the realization of legal requests of the electoral process, so that they are conducted on June 29, as agreed, ends the reports of President press and information office./s.sh/kled/mt/sh/

    [17] MEETING OF COUNCIL OF MINISTERS

    TIRANA, JUNE 19 (ATA) - The Council of Ministers, under the direction of Mr Bashkim Fino, held Thursday its regular meeting, in which were discussed a series of important problems for the sectors of finances, industry and international relations, Premier's spokesman reports.

    In this meeting was approved the draft-decree on some amendments of the law approved at the beginning of May by the Parliament "On the financial control of juridical persons, who have taken money from the wide public." This decree enables the progress of the process of transparency for the pyramid schemes and practically opens way to the appointment of administrators in these companies which have taken money from the public. As it is known, this measure is taken even by the specialists of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund.

    In this meeting it was also approved the decision "On the approval on principle of the draft-accord between the Albanian Government and West European Union, with regard to the statue of the multinational advising police element, the decisions to print the schools books in Albania. /s.sh/kled/mt/Z/

    [18] INTERIOR MINISTRY CONFUTES SP STATEMENT ON INCIDENT IN URA VAJGURORE

    TIRANA, JUNE 19 (ATA) - The Interior Ministry confutes the statement of the Socialist Party spokesman, with regard to the grave incident that occurred in Ura Vajgurore on Tuesday.

    The Ministry, reports its spokesman, rejects completely as untrue this statement, because the police have incontestable evidence for the direct authors of this grave crime, and they are working to detain and bring them before law.

    Condemning severely the armed attack on the police, the Interior Ministry declares publicly that it has incontestable evidence that in the escort of Fatos Nano have been many incriminated and armed elements, who have been arrested or sentenced for grave penal acts, and who have had conflicts before with different persons.

    The SP statement, printed today in Zeri i Popullit, says among others that the gang of SHIK was that which shot by antitank weapons the police vehicle that accompanied the escort of this party two days ago in Ura Vajgurore. Three policemen died and 17 others were injured due to this incident. /s.sh/jz/mt/Z/

    [19] POLICEMAN KILLED IN DELVINE

    DELVINE, JUNE 19 (ATA) - By Sh Hajno: Sources from the town of Delvine report that the policeman Prel Prenga, 35, lost his life two days ago when he was on service as policeman of the commissariat in this town.

    Unidentified persons wanted to take by force his car of the type "Benz", near the house he lived. None of the authors of the killing is confirmed yet.

    This is the first case a policeman is killed during the recent riots in this town. /kled/mt/Z/

    [20] FINANCE MINISTER RESPONDS LETTER OF PRESIDENT BERISHA TO PRIME MINISTER ON JUNE 17, 1997

    TIRANE, JUNE 18 (ATA) - In response to a letter that President Berisha sent to the Prime Minister Fino on June 17, 1997 in which he demaded that the transparence in the control of the loan--taking firms be made as soon as possible, Finance Minister Arben Malaj addressed a letter to President Berisha, which wrote that the Finance Minister and the Government of National Reconciliation have made efforts to realise the transparence with regard to the pyramid investment schemes, but they have been hind ered by the Parliament of DP and Berisha himself.

    "You must have the courage to accept that during the complete governing of the Democratic Party, which had the Presidence, the Parliament, the National Information Service (SHIK), the State Control Service, the Prosecutor's office, these pyramid schemes, which you trumpeted as the free initiative of the market economy, occupied and paralysed the Albanian economy, and brought it to the present state," says the letter of Minister Malaj, who has been consultant in two of the failed pyramid schemes.

    "You must have the courage to accept and tell where are the clean money of the Albanian," writes to President Berisha Minister Malaj.

    He says that the Finance Ministry has made maximal efforts to complete the legal framework on transparence, but the Parliament and the President "delayed and deformed" it.

    Malaj writes that "the idea on the consultations with international institutions on the legal framework of the transparence, has been an iniative of the Ministry of Finance.

    "The IMF and the World Bank have been in Albania during all the period of your governing, hence about 5 years, and you were reminded to ask of them only now, at a time when you did not pay attention to their warnings for the threat posing from the pyramid schemes and which now has become a reality," write Minister Malaj in his leter.

    The draft decree of the government dated May 29, 1997 on some amendments to the law of the Parliament regarding the transparence of the loan-taking firms, excluded the failed firms Gjallica, Populli, Xhaferri and Sude from the control of the Finance Ministry, as was envisaged by the law approved on May 9, 1997 by the parliament. To this end, President Berisha did not sign that decree but asked the opinion of the IMF.

    In reply to this request, IMF organized the Rome meeting, in which the draft decree prepared by the Government was not taken into consideration, because it was not conformed to the IMF and WB concept but discussion was made for the preparation of a new draft decree.

    President Berisha has demanded full agrement with the suggestion of the two international organizations on the transparence and administration of the loan-taking firms with activity, acording to the concept of the IMF and the World Bank. He has also demanded that the transparence of the failed pyramid schemes be realised by the Ministry of Finances on the basis of the law of the Parliament.

    The representatives of the Government have demanded that the Minister of Finance be excluded from the control on the pyramid investment schemes. During the electoral campaign, SP leaders have promised their electorate that they would made the transparence on the loan-taking firms, but after the polls. xh

    [21] ELECTORAL CAMPAIGN OF POLITICAL PARTIES OF ALBANIA CONTINUES

    TIRANE, JUNE 19 (ATA) - The electoral campaign of the political parties of Albania for the June 29, 1997 ballot continues.

    * * *

    In the district of Fier SP is presented by 4 joint candidates in the fresh elections of June 29. Its local allies are SDP and NUP. In three other constituencies, SP has its candidacies without pre-electoral alliances.

    * * *

    The DP candidate for deputy Llesh Kola had a meeting with the voters of constituency 18 in Rubik where he has his candidacy.

    He guaranteed the metallurgists of Rubik the creation of the relations with investors and metallurgical enterprises of Spain, with the aim of reactivating the copper industry in that town.

    * * *

    The DP candidate for deputy in the constituency 96 of the district of Korce, Fredi Olli, had these days meetings with inhabitants of the villages Proger, Mancurisht and Cangonj.

    Laying the stress on the priorities of the DP program for the countryside, Mr Olli promised investments for the drinking water system and irrigation, and credits for the mechanization of the agriculture and development of livestock sector.

    * * *

    The candidate for deputy of the Socialist Party in the constituency 95, Korce district, Servet Pellumbi, had meetings with electors in the villages Porodine, Vithkuq and Lubonje, in which he presented the SP program for this campaign.

    * * *

    The candidates for deputy of DAP, Niko Krreku and Edmond Trako had some meetings with their voters in Korce. In the constituency 95, this party's candidate Robert Panariti met with inhabitants of the villages Vithkuq and Voskopoje. Other DAP candidates Roland Cobani, Subi Begolli and Festim Hoxhalli have had meetings with the electorate in constituencies 92, 96 and 97.

    * * *

    The Democratic Party opened today the electoral campaign in the city of Gjirokaster. In the meeting held in one of the halls of the district council building, the democrats presented the candidates Tanish Cabej and Arben Kacaruho for the constituencies 111 and 112.

    The secretary for the DP foreign relations Leonard Demi also spoke in the meeting.

    * * *

    The CDP secretary general Gasper Mani yesterday had a meeting with electors of the constituency 18 in Rubik, in which Petrit Nikolla is the candidate for deputy of this party.

    Yesterday, Mr Mani also presented before the voters of constituency 20 in the district of Mirdita, the candidate for deputy of the CDP, Anton Boci.

    The chairman of the CDP Zef Bushati presented the youngest candidate of the CDP in Skrapar, Hekuran Muca. kled/xh

    [22] "WITH OUR VOTE WE WILL SAY YES TO DEMOCRACY AND NO TO REBELLION" - Berisha

    TIRANE, JUNE 19 (ATA) - By Flora Nikolla: The President of Albania Sali Berisha today promised in a meeting with people of the town hall of Kamza "urbanism, infrastructure, better living conditions, reduction of unemployment, free movement of the population and a new aquaduct, which will be related from Zalbasatar to Zallher."

    In the course of his electoral campaign, Berisha underlined during the rally in Kamez that "the June 29 elections are elections caused by the communist rebellion" and assured the inhabitants of that constituency that "through these elections, Albanian democrats will continue surely on the road they merit."

    Berisha described the program of the Democratic Party "a program that gave Albanians the freedom," therefore, he said, "a dignified voting in these polls is a civic task which will for sure take Albania towards its integration into Europe."

    "We must go to June 29 elections," said President Berisha," in a cultured way and will vote for the best alternative, that of the Democratic Party."

    Referring to the loss of money in the collapsed pyramid schemes, President Berisha said that "DP plans credits for homes, a broader basis of the social assistance" and called "not to believe those who promise a 100 per cent compensation of the lost savings."

    "They," said Berisha, "during the four months of their governing did not realise the transprennce on the pyramid investment schemes, hence any vote for them is a fraud and rebellion."

    "With our vote let us say yes to democracy and no to rebellion."

    Preisident Sali Berisha presented the DP cadidate Ruzhdi Keci before the inhanitants of the electoral constituency 41. ssh/xh

    [23] "NOBODY CAN LOSE FAITH IN THE FUTURE, NOTHING CAN TAKE YOU BACK TO THE PAST" - Berisha

    TIRANE, JUNE 19 (ATA) - By Flora Nikolla: The President of Albania Sali Berisha in a rally held today with people of constituencies 48 and 49 of Tirane, said that "in the June 29 elections, the Albanians will vote for their fate towards the future and for Albania's integration into Europe."

    Berisha expressed the conviction before inhabitants of that constituency that: "Nobody can lose his faith in the future," and "nothing may take you back to the past."

    The June 29 elections were considered by Berisha "a result of the political solution" which was conditioned, according to him, "by those who thought to come to power through violence, terror and communist rebellion."

    "Europe," said Berisha, "gave an extraordinary assistance to Albania during the past years, and let us prove in the coming elections that our vote is a vote for Europe and the future," said Berisha. He assured once more that "the program of the Democratic Party is a guarantee of all those free citizens of Albania, for their assets and prosperity."

    Then, the President presented as DP candidates for deputy in the coming parliament Mr Fatos Kongoli and Ekrem Kastrati. ssh/xh

    [24] "WE SHALL GOVERN IF PEOPLE HAVE CONFIDENCE IN US" - From the rally of SP with Tirane electorate -

    TIRANE, JUNE 19 (ATA) - By Eva Allushi: A landslide victory of the Albanian left wing and the SP alternatives for a broad based governing were the topics which SP leader Nano unfolded before the electorate of Tirane during the presentation of the candidates for deputies of the capital.

    "After feeling tired and deceived, the Albanians will believe in a new political solution," said SP leader Fatos Nano, who considered June 29, 1997 as "the day of the final separation from the regime of Berisha."

    Concerning the crisis of the pyramid schemes, leader Nano blamed the SP and said that "the money will be returned to the people in the possible maximal amount through multiplication effect."

    In the meeting held in the Palace of Congreses were besides S leaders also the SDP chairman Skender Gjinushi and other members of this party.

    Nano described the SP governing during the past years as "not correct" showing that "the main cause of the crisis is Sali Berisha."

    Throwing a glance in the post-election government Nano said that he was for a broad based governing of the centre and right centre forces.

    "We will not use the state power against the people and the opposition but will seek an open and constructive opposition," said Nano while speaking in general lines for the coming government.

    Amidst the enthusiasm of the numerous sympathizers and the people chanting for victory, "Albania is one from the North to the South," "Vlore, Vlore," the Prime Minister Bashkim Fino addressed those present.

    He said that "With our alternative we say yes to the coexistence and national reconciliation," and stressed that "democracy is not a work of an individual."

    Further on he considered June 29 as "the day of peace and reconciliation."

    Comparing this June 29 with November 29, 1944, SDP leader, Gjinushi was optimistic for a victory of the left wing in Albania.

    During the meeting, some of the 15 candidates of SP were presented. Two of them are joint candidates with SDP, who will compete in the constituencies of Tirane. xh


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