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Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 98-05-21

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] Norway to support democratic processes in Albania
  • [02] OECF ready to assist AEC projects
  • [03] Agreement with IMF means Albania's economic reform estimation
  • [04] New customs' code in accordance with EU standards
  • [05] VAT makes up over 51 percent of customs' revenues
  • [06] Slovenia to back initiatives for Albania's integration in EU
  • [07] Norway to support democratic processes in Albania
  • [08] Political document on local polls deposited in coalition parties
  • [09] "Tirana Beer" holds around 25 percent of local market
  • [10] Two policemen killed in Burrel
  • [11] Constitutional Court to implement provisions for legitimacy of international agreements
  • [12] Prefectures of Vlore and Ioannina together in fight against crime
  • [13] USD quoted at lek 157,30
  • [14] Serbian forces' attacks continue, three Albanians killed
  • [15] Albanian PM, head of Venice commission discuss constitution
  • [16] Venice commission to help resolve debate on legislation structure
  • [17] Political parties to define future parliamentary structure
  • [18] 1 million dollars by American Government for Albanian railways
  • [19] European children's contest for the most beautiful voice to be held from June 4-7 in Tirane
  • [20] Yugoslav authorities close Morina customs house
  • [21] Albanian, Greek communists establish relations
  • [22] Southeastern European countries to create a multinational force
  • [23] CE to repatriate 1247 Albanians jailed in Greece
  • [24] Labour cost of Coopers & Lybrand figured out $1,8 mln
  • [25] Albania, Slovenia urges promotion of bilateral relations
  • [26] U.S. Ambassador in Skopje meets with Rugova
  • [27] Police intercept a van carrying smuggled cigarettes
  • [28] 10 thousand tons of wheat aid for Albania from Rumania

  • [01] Norway to support democratic processes in Albania

    TIRANA, May 20 (ATA) - The Norwegian Secretary of State, J.Haland Matlari, told Tuesday in Oslo the Albanian State Secretary for the European Integration, Ilir Meta, that Norway will continue to support the democratic processes in Albania, mainly in the framework of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), press and information department close to the Council of Ministers reported.

    During the two-day visit in Oslo on May 18-19, Meta held separate talks with the former Austrian chancellor, Franz Vranitcky, Foreign Minister of Sweden, Lena Hjehu Valen, the Italian deputy Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Piero Fasino and the deputy Foreign Minister of Greece, Janos Kranidiotis.

    The encouragement of the democratic processes and all-round reforms taken by the Albanian government, as well as the necessity for finding a political and peaceful solution of the Kosova issue were in the center of talks held in Oslo. /mima/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [02] OECF ready to assist AEC projects

    Tirana, May 20 (ATA) - An inspection group from the Japanese Development Fund, OECF is visiting Albanian Energy Corporation, these days.

    OECF partakes with credits in two AEC big projects like the rehabilitation of hydro powers upon Drini river and in rehabilitation the transmitting and delivery electric network, along with the World Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and grants from Swiss, Italian and Austrian governments.

    In relation with hydro powers rehabilitation projects the Japanese Fund will allocate around $13 million, which will be used for electric works in Fierza and Vau i Dejes hydro powers.

    In the transmitting and delivery of electric network they will earmark $29,5 million.

    During the unrest period that broke out in Albania in March 1997, OECF didn't leave the country, but continued the work in drafting the preliminary works. /gen/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [03] Agreement with IMF means Albania's economic reform estimation

    By Dorian Koca

    Tirana, May 20 (ATA) - The agreement with the International Monetary Fund means the appraisal of Albanian government steps for long term and sustainable economic solutions, country's finance minister, Arben Malaj said a press conference Wednesday.

    According to Malaj the main objectives the government aims to achieve are the macroeconomics indexes regarding the country's stability, reduction of state deficit and inflation.

    Now are already announced the indexes Albanian government is committed to achieve like the deficit curb from 17 percent to 11 percent for 1998.

    While the inflation, from the forecasted 50-54 percent in the first stage of financial crisis, is planned to be no more than 20 percent in 1998.

    The minster also presented the government's obligation for the recovery of Albania's economy, where with the opening land market is envisaged foreign and local potential investors, have the possibility to invest in agriculture and the right to sign renting land contract up to 99 years.

    The average growth of Albanian economy is predicted to be over seven percent.

    Albania's resolution to close down pyramid investment schemes was another important aspect is relation with international institutions and IMF in particular Malaj said.

    New customs code is being drafted and will be examined by the inter ministerial commission for economical policies, while the new tariffs code is being drafted with foreign assistance said he. /gen/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [04] New customs' code in accordance with EU standards

    Tirana, May 20 (ATA) - Albania's new customs code is drafted based on European Union customs standards, customs department reported Wednesday.

    A new important element is the method of calculating the imported goods value, which will reflect the real price of the goods avoiding so the artificial increase of prices.

    Also to prevent the smugglers from violating customs procedures are predicted tough measures, like fines ranging from 50 thousand to 1 million lek, for those that their goods do not surpass the amount of 5 million lek, while for others that surpass this value besides the fine will be legally prosecuted.

    Other elements like the compiling authentic certificates by state authorities and not by the Chamber of Commerce, the limit of keeping the documents by the traders etc will better complement this imports document.

    Also in order to promote the investments, a new liberal policy will be pursued regarding customs' duties for all private enterprises that have received the exclusivity or have clearly influenced in creating new jobs. /gen/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [05] VAT makes up over 51 percent of customs' revenues

    Tirana, May 20 (ATA) - The Customs General Directorate reported Wednesday over 51 percent of customs' revenues derive from the Value Added Tax (VAT).

    Thus, VAT revenues during April were posted of 1,4 billion lek.

    However the amount makes up only 72 percent of expected earnings for these months, while the forecasted plan is projected to 2 billion leks.

    Among customs house, that have the specific weight in realising the VAT plan for imported goods, only Gjirokastra custom posted earnings of 180 million leks, translated to 140 percent of the plan.

    Though from Durres custom was collected 421 million lek and from Tirana customs 322 million leks, the predicted plan from these customs is fulfilled 64 percent and 52 percent respectively.

    By the application of VAT for imported goods are posted profits of 6, 1 billion lek, out of 10,6 billion lek of total revenues from customs' during these first four months of the year. /gen/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [06] Slovenia to back initiatives for Albania's integration in EU

    TIRANA, May 20 (ATA) - The Secretary of State in the Foreign Ministry of Slovenia, Franko Juri, declared Wednesday in Tirana that the Slovenian government is ready to support all the initiatives for the integration of Albania in the European Union (EU), press and information department in the Foreign Ministry reported.

    "You can consider Slovenia an ally and friendly country," said Juri during a meeting with Albania's State Secretary for the European Integration Ilir Meta.

    Meta pointed out "the excellent relations existing between the two countries."

    "We need your experience regarding the European integration and are trying to renew the relations with the European Union," said Meta in the meeting.

    Focusing on the crisis in Kosova, Meta pointed out that "the Albanian government aims at finding a peaceful solution of the crisis through dialogue."

    "The radicalization of the politics of Belgrade in the whole Yugoslav Federation would make this solution difficult," he said.

    "The moderated stand of the leader of the Kosova Albanians (Rugova) helps the real solution of the problem, which is also supported by the international community," said Juri.

    The Slovenian Secretary of State said that his government appreciates the mature and rational policy of the Albanian government for the solution of the crisis in Kosova, the reasons of which should be found at the Serbian violence against the Kosova Albanians. /mima/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [07] Norway to support democratic processes in Albania

    TIRANA, May 20 (ATA) - The Norwegian Secretary of State, J.Haland Matlari, told Tuesday in Oslo the Albanian State Secretary for the European Integration, Ilir Meta, that Norway will continue to support the democratic processes in Albania, mainly in the framework of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), press and information department close to the Council of Ministers reported.

    During the two-day visit in Oslo on May 18-19, in the framework of the meeting of the Socialist Internationale, Meta held separate talks with the former Austrian chancellor, Franz Vranitcky, Foreign Minister of Sweden, Lena Hjehu Valen, the Italian deputy Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Piero Fasino and the deputy Foreign Minister of Greece, Janos Kranidiotis.

    The encouragement of the democratic processes and all-round reforms taken by the Albanian government, as well as the necessity for finding a political and peaceful solution of the Kosova issue were in the center of talks held in Oslo. /mima/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [08] Political document on local polls deposited in coalition parties

    TIRANA, May 20 (ATA) - By K. Kostreci: The political document for the partial local elections was deposited on Wednesday close to the parties of the government coalition and the National Unity Party, meanwhile that it is being realized the joint symbol for the electoral campaign.

    "This document will be approved not only by the representatives of the coalition parties table, but also by the parties themselves," the Secretary General of the Socialist Party, Pandeli Majko, told ATA on Wednesday.

    "We hope the document be signed publicly on Saturday," he added.

    This document was drafted by Pandeli Majko (SP), Dhori Kule (SDP) and Arben Demeti (DAP), members of the table of the coalition parties.

    Meanwhile, the chairman of the Human Rights Union Party (HRUP), Vasil Melo, who has had reserves regarding the appointment of candidates for the communes and town-halls, said on Wednesday that the document should be corrected.

    Melo also said that the points for the institutionalization of the coalition after the elections should be reviewed.

    The partial local elections will be held on June 21, 1998.

    The parties of the government coalition, the Socialist Party, the Social Democratic Party, the Democratic Alliance, the Human Rights Union Party, the Agrarian Party and the National Unity Party, are expected to field up joint candidates in these elections. /s.s/mima/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [09] "Tirana Beer" holds around 25 percent of local market

    Tirana, May 21 (ATA) - At present, Tirana Beer meets 20 to 25 percent of the Albanian market demands and aims until the end of 1999 to cover 40 percent of this market, General Manager of the brewery told ATA Thursday.

    Tirana brewery, which early 90' had a backward technology and its existence was questionable, could survive and entered the market economy due to an Ecu 1 million loan from the European Community.

    The loan supported in bringing in the raw material and the package equipment. Currently the first phase of reconstruction is over.

    According to brewery director Jovan Bregu, Tirana Beer quality has acquired international parameters and has an expiry period of 12-month.

    The brewery has 150 employees and with an annual output of 150,000 hecto liters, but its current output is 96,000 hecto liter yearly.

    Two are the worrying factors for brewery's senior representatives, the smuggling of imported beer, which has a competitive price with the locally produced one and secondly are the high taxes applied for factory's equipment and raw materials.

    At present state applies 20 percent customs duties and 20 percent value added tax for brewery's raw material.

    Bregu said that they have suggested to the Government to remove these taxes in order to boost the production and to sell it in the market with lower prices.

    The brewery is run bu the state and in the near future it will be converted into a share holding. But Bregu explains that they are in the initial stage of study ti find out the most effective ways to privatized Tirana Beer. /gen/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [10] Two policemen killed in Burrel

    BURREL, May 21(ATA)-By H. Ruspi, Two policemen of Burrel, north of Albania, were killed on Wednesday evening by unidentified men, according to the spokesman of the district police station.

    The policeman, Sabri Halit Neli, 33, and police driver Baftjar Qazim Stafasani, 45, were attacked while patrolling the Baz-Burrel national road.

    The police forces of Mat, Bulqize, Kurbin (Burrel district) and of Tirana are looking for the murderers.

    This is the second case that policemen are attacked in htis district. The first case took place in March 1997, when policeman Fiqiri Koci was killed while on duty at the Savings Bank in Burrel. /s.sh/mima/lm/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [11] Constitutional Court to implement provisions for legitimacy of international agreements

    TIRANA, May 21 (ATA)- By K. Kostreci, Speaker of Parliament Skender Gjinushi on Thursday stated that all international accords signed by Albania over the last seven years will be called in question unless the article of the law on the constitutional provisions, on whose basis the Constitutional Court defines the legitimacy of these agreements, is interpreted.

    This request was considered unreasonable by the chairman of this court Fehmi Abdiu.

    Parliament on Wednesday did not ratify a Protocol between the Interior Ministry of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of the Merchant Navy of the Greek Republic, after a request on the same day by the Law Commission for an interpretation of this article by the Constitutional Court.

    The Albanian parliament for seven years has ratified international agreements, but without implementing the constitutional provisions on this issue.

    "If someone has a doubt the law should be interpreted," Gjinushi told ATA.

    Meanwhile Abdiu told ATA that there is no need for interpretations becasue the provision is clear.

    The chairman of the Parliamentary Group of the Socialist Party, Pandeli Majko, said to ATA on Thursday that the article is very clear and urged the ratification of the protocol until "The Presidency of Parliament contact the Constitutional Court."

    "This problem was not faced today for the first time. In 1994-1995, the members of the Law Commission of the former opposition, asked explanations regarding this issue, but it was decided that as long as the government does not consider reasonable to ask the opinion of the Constitutional Court for such agreements, do not do it," Abdiu told ATA.

    Anyhow, he stressed that "it is not a matter of reviewing the agreements already ratified by Parliament, because they have not brought about negative consequences to the Albanian state." /mima/lm/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [12] Prefectures of Vlore and Ioannina together in fight against crime

    IOANNINA, May 21 (ATA) - By Sh. Hajno: Leaders of the Police of Ioannina (Greece) and the Albanian counterparts of the Vlore prefecture (South) declared on Wednesday in Ioannina that they will intensify the cooperation against the traffic of arms, drugs and men smuggling in the border line between Albania and Greece, the chief of the police commissariat of Delvina, mayor Adriatik Zotka, told ATA.

    Attending this meeting was also the Director of the Police Department in the Prefecture of Vlore, Rebani Memushi, the chief of the Saranda commissariat, Ardian Resuli, mayor Adriatik Zotka and the Director of the Police for Northern Greece, Jani Kroqidhis.

    Kroqidhis urged the Albanian counterparts to undertake operations for the destruction of plots with narcotic plants in several rural regions of Albania, which have been also noticed by the Greek party.

    The Albanian police leaders were provided by the Greek party with mobile telephones, which will enable the daily contacts between the two parties for the exchange of information. /mima/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [13] USD quoted at lek 157,30

    Tirana, May 21 (ATA) - Thursday's average exchange rate in the informal market of Albanian currency "lek" against foreign currencies like USD, DM, SFR, ITL was in favour of these last.

    So $1 = 157,30 lek, gaining 0,10 points compared with yesterday's 157, 20 lek.

    The DM was traded for 87,20 lek, gaining 0,10 points compared to yesterday's 87,10 lek.

    The ITL (1000) was traded for 88,30 lek gaining 0,20 points compared with yesterday's 88,10 lek.

    GRD (100) was exchanged for 50,40 lek, lossing 0,10 points compared with yesterday's 50,50

    The Swiss Franc was traded for 104,30 lek lossing 1,00 points compared with yesterday's 105,30 lek and so on.

    Thursday exchange rates

    Currency Average exchange rates

    USD 157,30 lek DM 87,20 lek ITL (1000) 88,30 lek GRD (100) 50,40 lek SFR 103,10 lek FRF 23,30 lek GBP 220,20 lek JPY (100) 111,60 lek NLG 73,30 lek /gen/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [14] Serbian forces' attacks continue, three Albanians killed

    PRISHTINE, May 21/ATA correspondent Behlul Jashari reports: Three Albanians were killed and four injured in Wednesday's operations of Serbian forces in Kosova.

    Two old Albanians were killed in Izniq of Decan, the Bajram Osdautaj, 66, and Rexh Pajazitaj, 65, while the third, Isuf Morina, 45, was killed in the Grabanice village of Kline.

    This village as well as the villages of Dollove, Bokshiq, Ceskove and Kepuze were the target of the Serbian weapons last night.

    Also in Grabanice four were injured and many houses were set on fire, while on the other villages there have been no immediate reports because of the tense situation.

    Attacks have continued also today on the above regions of Kline, since 9.30 a.m., say LDK sources, adding that the Krusheve e Madhe village, on the Kline-Istog road, was also attacked last night killing and wounding other people.

    Serbian military planes are also reported to have flown today since in the early morning hours on the commune of Decan and the regions around the border area. /p.ta/lm/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [15] Albanian PM, head of Venice commission discuss constitution

    TIRANA, May 21 (ATA) - Albanian prime minister Fatos Nano met on Thursday with La Pergola, the head of the Venice Commission to discuss the ongoing process of constitution, a spokesman of the prime minister said.

    Focusing on most disputable issues of the draft constitution such as a two-house parliament and the property, Nano said all were interested in consolidating institutions as quickly as possible and through consensus because an institutional freezing was being noticed now what was damaging the reforms and new Albanian administration.

    Fatos Nano added that the property issue was delicate.

    "We have inherited a legislation that knows three kinds of owners, old, young and those who have taken properties due to clientelism or political clans by the previous governments," Nano said.

    La Pergola praised as good the variant on constitution which was going to be submitted to parliament within June and added that the Venice Commission would continue to assist the constitutional process with joint seminars of constitutional experts at the Italian universities.

    He said that the property issue was being rightly tackled and this was very important, because this problem would directly affect Albania's economic future and would offer guarantees to foreign investors.

    Speaking about the reform in legislation, or a one or two house parliament, the head of the Venice commission said that both variants were democratic and applicable and that the political class should choose and decide the most appropriate variant. s.s/pas/ak/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [16] Venice commission to help resolve debate on legislation structure

    TIRANA, May 21 (ATA) - By Keida Kostreci: Secretary General of the Socialist party (SP) Pandeli Majko expressed his conviction on Thursday that a consultation with the Venice commission would help find a wayout for a debate on the new structure of the Albanian parliament.

    Majko held talks with a group of experts of the Venice Commission who presented specific opinions on the Albanian constitution and examples from western countries.

    Referring to experts, Majko said that on the issue of one or two house parliament they "will not give opinions but offer specific help for all the disputable issues."

    Members of the Constitutional commission are divided in two on the structure of the Albanian parliament.

    Neither side has managed to gain the decision-making majority for its alternative and the issue is going to be submitted to political forces.

    The SP and its allies, except for the Democratic Alliance party, are against a senate in Albania.

    Majko, who is also a member of the constitutional commission, has said that the creation of a two-house legislation would shake everything positive reached in the last seven years from the institutional point of view.

    Meanwhile, both co-chairmen of the constitutional commission, Sabri Godo, Republican party and Arben Imami, Democratic Alliance party, back a two-house parliamentary structure seeing senate as a regulator of political balances. s.s/pas/ak/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [17] Political parties to define future parliamentary structure

    TIRANA, May 21 (ATA) - By Keida Kostreci: The future structure of the Albanian parliament will not be defined in the draft constitution without a political decision by the parties having its representatives in the constitutional commission.

    The co-chairmen of the Constitutional commission Sabri Godo and Arben Imami told on Thursday a Venice commission working group, headed by Antonio La Pergola, that after a political decision the commission would decide through consensus if the future parliament had one or two houses.

    The other issue discussed was that of the properties.

    "I believe that the experts of the Venice commission are ready to offer their formulation on that issue in constitution and how to operate in the future. The final formulation will be given on June 12 when we go to the Venice commission," Godo said to ATA after the meeting.

    Regarding the absence of the "Unity for Democracy" political grouping in the constitutional commission, Imami said that "though they have been always invited, they still refuse to participate."

    The working group of the Venice commission is in Albania on the invitation of Godo and Imami.

    Members of the Constitutional commission are divided in two on the structure of the Albanian parliament.

    Neither side has managed to gain the decision-making majority for its alternative and the issue is going to be submitted to political forces.

    The SP and its allies, except for the Democratic Alliance party, are against a senate in Albania.

    Meanwhile, both co-chairmen of the constitutional commission, Sabri Godo, Republican party and Arben Imami, Democratic Alliance party, back a two-house parliamentary structure seeing senate as a regulator of political balances.

    The Socialist Party has expressed its will for compromise on the property issue, accepting for the first time financial and in kind compensation for owners. s.s/pas/ak/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [18] 1 million dollars by American Government for Albanian railways

    DURRES, May 21 (ata) - By Gezim Kabashi: A two million USD grant by the American Government for the technical support of the road and railway infrastructure in Albania is now being delivered.

    The General Director of Railways, Leonard Bunaci, told ATA that "half of this assistance is earmarked for the railway infrastructure." A ship with some machineries and vehicles for railways, to the tune of 1 million USD, on board left ten days ago from the U.S. port of Baltimore. The charge, which is expected to reach the port of Durres on May 28, 1998 said Bunaci, was to be delivered 1996 but it was delayed for the tense situation in Albania and for technical procedures.

    For the fiscal year 1997, the U.S Government envisaged an assistance worth 1.6 million USD.

    In 1992, the European Union delivered an aid of 2 million USD, while the Italian state and the World Bank granted long term credits respectively 6 billion liras and 1 million USD for the reconstruction of the Durres- Tirane railway line. /a.ke/pas/xh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [19] European children's contest for the most beautiful voice to be held from June 4-7 in Tirane

    TIRANE, May 21 (ata) - By Flora Nikolla: The European contest of the most beautiful voice for children will be held from June 4-7 in the Palace of Congresses in Tirane, Vera Ibrahimi, member of Pentaton association, one of the organizers of the contest, told ATA.

    The children participating in the festival, in which the singer and not the composer will compete, will be divided in age groups from 6-9 years and 10-14 years old.

    Besides Pentaton, the festival is also being organized by the Albanian Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and the Tirane Town- Hall.

    The contest was planned for the past year, but it was not held because the chairman of the Pentaton Association, the main organizer, renowned Albanian composer Feim Ibrahimi, People's Artist, died.

    The same association organized the Balkan Festival of Children in 1996 in the International Cultural Centre in Tirane.

    The organizing committee said that so far the participation of 18 countries of Europe like Italy, Switzerland, Russia, Malta, Greece and others, has been confirmed. /s.s./pas/xh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [20] Yugoslav authorities close Morina customs house

    KUKES, May 21 (ATA) - By Riza Hoxha: The Yugoslav authorities closed on Thursday the Morina customs house in the Kukes district, the only legal point linking both states.

    Dozens citizens of Kukes who trade in Prizren city, Kosova near the border with Albania, were not allowed to cross to the other side early on Thursday by the Serbian customs personnel.

    Safet Hasa, guard officer of the Albanian local police station, said that the Yugoslav side had informed early in the morning that they would close the customs point without given reasons.

    Some Kukesi citizens said that the Serb customs personnel had said that this would be temporary, maybe three days.

    The Morina customs house has been operating since five years ago. It was closed on March 1, 1997 after the unrest in Albania and opened on July 15 the same year. s.s/pas/ak/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [21] Albanian, Greek communists establish relations

    TIRANA, May 21 (ATA) - By Ilir Paço: Representatives of the Albanian Communist party (PKSH) will celebrate on Friday in Athens with the Hellenic communists 80th anniversary of the Greek Communist party (KKE).

    Maksim Hasani, independent deputy of the Albanian parliament known as communist, arrived on Wednesday on a visit to the Greek capital invited by the leaders of the Greek Communist party.

    Hasani said on Thursday to ATA from Athens that he was expecting the communist leader Hysni Milloshi arrive in the Greek capital.

    The Albanian communist established their international links first with the Greeks after Hasani visited Athens immediately after his election as the deputy of the Albanian parliament on June 29 elections '97.

    The PKSH was declared outlaw on July 16, 1992, after the victory of the Democratic party in the parliamentary elections.

    A change to the law on political parties by the parliament on April 10, 1998, enables the legalization of the PKSH of Hysni Milloshi. pas/ak/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [22] Southeastern European countries to create a multinational force

    TIRANE, May 21 (ata) - By Keida Kostreci: The Southeastern European countries members in the NATO and in the Partnership for peace, will sign for the first time in Tirane on Friday a Letter of Understanding for the creation of a peace-keeping multinational force.

    "The force is presumed to be put at the disposal of the U.N and OSCE and to act in peace-keeping missions in the Southeastern Europe and in other countries," Ilir Bocka, deputy Minister of Defence told ATA.

    The Letter of Understanding is expected to be signed at the end of the meeting of the deputy ministers of Defence of the member countries of NATO and the Partnership for Peace of Southeastern Europe to be held in Tirane the coming Friday.

    "This force to be organized in the form of a brigade, consisting of about 2-3 thousand people, will intervene exclusively upon the request of the U.N.," said Bocka.

    The meeting will be attended by delegations from Albania, Bulgaria, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Greece, Italy, Rumania, Slovenia, Turkey, U.S., NATO and OSCE, and the language to be used in the meeting will be English.

    The U.S. will take part in the meeting as observer, whereas Italy will attend it in the course of its role as a NATO member in the restructuring of the Albanian army, a role which was also played in the direction of the Alba mission in 1997 in Albania.

    "At the beginning, the force will function with a staff while its contingents will be deployed in their countries," said Bocka.

    So far, Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria and Albania have separately proposed that the staff of the peace-keeping force be established in these countries.

    Speaking in particular on the situation in the region, Bocka said that "the Albanian party has made a request for the increase of the NATO presence in the region."

    "There are reports that this is being discussed in the highest NATO forums," said Bocka.

    He was of the opinion that this might be realised with the force of the countries of Southeastern Europe, after "it be created first."

    The meeting, to be held as a continuation of the Ministerial Meeting of Sofia held last October 3, will be followed by another Ministerial Meeting in Skopje due to be held this October. /s.s./xh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [23] CE to repatriate 1247 Albanians jailed in Greece

    TIRANE, May 21 (ata) - By F Zekthi: The 1247 Albanian nationals presently serving their prison terms in Greek jails will be transferred in the Albanian prisons.

    The Albanian Minister of Justice Thimjo Kondi, during a recent visit to the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, signed for the Albanian government the convention for the transfer of the Albanian prisoners.

    During a news conference on Thursday, Kondi said that the transfer of Albanian nationals from Greek prisons to Albanian ones will be realised gradually, adding that the Ministry of Justice is working for a special shelter for 240 minors who are serving their terms in Greece.

    Minister Kondi said that the Council of Europe will upgrade its representation in Albania at ambassadorial level.

    The Council of Europe will be the third institution to have its ambassadors in Albania, along with OSCE and the European Union. /pas/xh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [24] Labour cost of Coopers & Lybrand figured out $1,8 mln

    Tirana, May 21 (ATA) - Based on the contract between Albanian ministry of Finance and foreign company Coopers&Lybrand signed in April 27, the later will audited 12 loan taking companies with a $1,769.300 project cost.

    Coopers & Lybrand is the tender wining company in auditing 12 Albanian loan taking companies, as Sude, Gjallica, Global Foods, Populli, Demokracia Popullore, Xhaferri, Premti, Dea, Esperance, Al Delon, Arkond and Grunasi.

    The foreign company will exercise its activity in two phases with a time span of three-month each.

    First the operative auditing to control the units and assets of 12 loan taking companies and the assets administration and investigation to find out their properties.

    The World Bank has allocated a $3,5 million fund to the other auditing company Deloitte & Touche to carry on the transparency process of five other Albanian loan taking companies like Vefa, Cenaj, Kamberi, Silva and Leka. /gen/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [25] Albania, Slovenia urges promotion of bilateral relations

    TIRANA, May 21 (ATA) - Promotion of bilateral relations, regional cooperation and the tense situation in Kosova were the key issues the Albanian Foreign Minister Paskal Milo discussed on Thursday with the Secretary of State at the Slovenian Foreign Ministry Franko Juri, who is on a two-day visit to Albania, discussed on Thursday.

    Both officials shared the same view for the promotion of bilateral relations especially in the economic cooperation and particularly in the infrastructure, the energy, the mine and tourism, press and information office at the Foreign Ministry said.

    The Albania side urged a greater Slovenian engagement in experts and logistics to help the Albanian police what the Slovenian side considered realizable.

    Both sides strongly denounce the policy of violence Belgrade is exerting in Kosova saying that this kind of policy is totally contrary to spirit of negotiations already started between Prishtina and Belgrade.

    "It is necessary that these negotiations be followed by a withdrawal of the military, police and paramilitary forces from Kosova and the Albanian-Yugoslav border," Milo said.

    He added: "It is necessary to stop the bloodshed and violence in Kosova and Belgrade's food embargo on the Albanian population, actions which violate the most fundamental human rights."

    Later, Milo said: "Prishtina-Belgrade negotiations would have been efficacious if they were followed by concrete measures aiming at easing the situation in Kosova. There will be no stable and quiet Balkan without a full solution to the Kosova issue."

    The Slovenian Secretary of State shared the same views with the Albanian Foreign Minister on the Kosova issue.

    "The Slovenian government favours a prompt end to the violence and bloodshed in Kosova and stable solution there through constructive negotiations. Every manipulation would have dangerous consequences not only for Kosova but also for the whole region," he said. ake/ak/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [26] U.S. Ambassador in Skopje meets with Rugova

    PRISHTINE, May 21 (ata) - ATA correspondent Behlul Jashari reports: U.S. Ambassador in Skopje Christopher Hill today met with the President of the Republic of Kosova, Ibrahim Rugova and his negotiating group prior to the talks they will have with the Belgrade representatives in Prishtine tomorrow.

    "We talked on some ideas which they want to forward tomorrow," declared Hill after the closed-door meeting. "We need ideas which would help improve the situation and the progress," said the U.S. diplomat. He stressed that the situation in Kosove "keeps deteriorating and if no progress is made, the dialogue will face greater problems."

    The U.S. diplomat, Hill seems to be carrying out his mission initiated by U.S. President Clinton's envoys, Holbrooke and Gelbard. rxh/xh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [27] Police intercept a van carrying smuggled cigarettes

    TIRANA, May 21 (ATA) - By M. Malja: The police forces of the Shkodra commissariat intercepted on Wednesday evening a van transporting 120 packages of smuggled cigarettes, Pjerin Ndreu, local police director said to ATA.

    The cigarette seizure occurred during a routine check by the police 3 km east of Shkodra.

    Recently, the Albanian police and other specialized state bodies have undertaken tight measures to fight contraband.

    The contraband of scrap-iron and fuel headed for Montenegro which bloomed especially during the unrest last year is actually blocked in Shkodra district. s.s/pas/ak/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [28] 10 thousand tons of wheat aid for Albania from Rumania

    DURRES, May 21 (ata) - By Gezim Kabashi: Some 5 736 tons of wheat, aid by the Rumanian Government for the Albanian people, were unloaded in the port of Durres Thursday afternoon.

    The Ukrainian ship Ustjuzhna which brought the cargo, was unloaded in the port in a period of four days. The chief of the sector for the ships' handling, Engjellushe Gjoni told ATA that with this amount ended the delivery of the Rumanian aid of 10 thousand tons of wheat for Albania.

    The whole amount of wheat has been transported through the Interalba Agency in the state warehouses in Tirane, Durres and Berat. /a.ke/pas/xh/


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


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