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Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-04-07

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] Government sends gratis considerable amount of aid in Kukes Prefecture.
  • [02] Greek Press, Information Ministries accord aids for Albanian Information Ministry.
  • [03] Number of displaced Kosovars accommodated in Elbasan amounts to 11.000
  • [04] 14 thousand Kosova people in Durres prefecture
  • [05] Turkey offers aid to Kosova people in Albania
  • [06] Some 7 100 Kosova refugees in Kavaje
  • [07] New campus to shelter 18 thousand Kosova people
  • [08] Durres Prosecutor's Office gathers first evidence on Serb massacres in Kosova
  • [09] Italian navy ship brings aid in Durres port
  • [10] Government considers draft-law on NATO forces presence in Albania
  • [11] We ask NATO to do its utmost to keep Albanians in region -Albanian- U.S. National Council writes to Meidani-
  • [12] First Kosova arrivals, stranded in no man's land, reached Albania
  • [13] Minister says aid airlifted to Albania not enough
  • [14] Kosova pupils to attend classes in Albania
  • [15] Greek education ministry allocates 166 million Drachmas for Albanian schools
  • [16] Nearly 10 000 Kosovars arrived in Korce through Macedonia
  • [17] Albanian government appeals for aid from NATO member states
  • [18] Gjinushi: NATO's intervention with ground troops, sole solution to dismantle Milosevic's dictatorship
  • [19] Albania Parliament agrees for NATO presence in Albania
  • [20] Food items for children sent to Kukes from Tirana
  • [21] We hope this war will soon finish, PM
  • [22] Belgium supports efforts to cope with grave humanitarian crisis in Kosove
  • [23] Number of Kosovars estimated at 7300 in Shkoder
  • [24] 65 vehicles leave for Kukes to evacuate Kosovars
  • [25] Special structure in customs set up to stop abuses with aid
  • [26] Yugoslavia closes border to Albania
  • [27] OSCE missionaries collect data on Serb genocide
  • [28] Serbs have prevented entering of Kosovars inside Albania
  • [29] Camps built for Kosova refugees
  • [30] NATO deputy Secretary General visits Kukes
  • [31] 1 600 caravans, Greek donation for Kosovars in Tirane
  • [32] Psychological therapy for Kosovars depressed from Serb violence and repression
  • [33] Number of Kosovars in Vlore prefecture amounts to 6000
  • [34] Through operation Ylberi, Italy is realising structures for reception of 25 000 Kosovars in Albania
  • [35] NATO's obligation is to assist Albania to alleviate difficulties with evicted Kosovars - Verdecchia
  • [36] Albanian Deputy Premier meets his Czech counterpart
  • [37] We are facing a historic test which we must stay together - minister
  • [38] Hungarian aid for Kosovars arrives in Tirane

  • [01] Government sends gratis considerable amount of aid in Kukes Prefecture.

    TIRANE, April 7 (ATA) - By A.Haxhiu: The latest situation created as a result of the arrival in Albania of about 270 000 Kosovars driven from their Homeland due to Miloshevic regime, was on the focus of the meeting the Council of Ministers hold on Tuesday at 18.30.

    The Council of Ministers decided to send gratis a considerable amount of food items from the State Reserves in the Kukes Prefecture.

    Albanian Premier, Majko, asked all the ministers to face the normal continuation of the work in the institutions they lead. /A.Ke/A.A/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [02] Greek Press, Information Ministries accord aids for Albanian Information Ministry.

    TIRANE, April 7 (ATA) - By R.Xhuvani: The Albanian Information Ministry signed on Tuesday a protocol on delivery of an aid accorded by the Greek Press and Information Ministry.

    This aid consists of computers, modems, printers, photocopiers and others, and creates more possibilities for a quick delivery of information for mediae and for the public.

    The protocol was signed by the Albanian part by the Minister of Information, Musa Ulqini, and by the Greek ambassador to Tirane, Aleksander Mallais.

    Ulqini stressed that the accurate and quick information is of essential priority in these moments, while the ambassador Mallais said that the Greek government is totally engaged and is intensively working in these moments to help Albania. /A.Ke/A.A/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [03] Number of displaced Kosovars accommodated in Elbasan amounts to 11.000

    TIRANE, April 7 (ATA) - The number of displaced Kosovars accommodated in the city of Elbasan is estimated to be more than 11.000 by Tuesday midday. Immediate measures are taken for their accommodation, and for assisting the families which have taken Kosovars in their houses.

    The Red Cross affiliation in Elbasan distributed Tuesday some 500 packaged with 7 kilos of food items. The humanitarian association AFR accorded some 1.700 blankets to the refugees' hosting center in Peqin.

    A convoy of vehicles left for Kukes on Tuesday to evacuate Kosovars from Kukes Prefecture, who are to be accommodated in Togez, Librazhd district. /A.Ke/A.A/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [04] 14 thousand Kosova people in Durres prefecture

    DURRES, April 7 (ATA) - By G. Kabashi: The number of Kosova people settled in Durres prefecture until Tuesday evening is estimated at 14 thousand.

    Chief of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Trifon Llupo said to ATA that over 2.500 Kosovars have been accommodated in the Kruja district, mainly in Fushe-Kruja, Thumane, Nikel and Bubq.

    Most of Kosovars have been sheltered in Durres district and a large number expect to be accommodated.

    Besides collection centers in Durres, Shijak, Maminas and Shkallnuer, many businessmen have put covered sites at the disposal of Kosova people and are providing food and clothing.

    Eight hotels in Durres are welcoming hundreds of Kosovars. More than half of them have been settled in with the families of Durres and Kruja. /dast/ak/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [05] Turkey offers aid to Kosova people in Albania

    TIRANA, April 7 (ATA) - Turkey will set up a tent camp in Elbasan district to accommodate some 5 thousand Kosovars in the first phase.

    The Embassy of the Republic of Turkey in Tirana reported that the camp was expected to shelter 10 thousand people.

    Medical service will be provided to all Kosovars followed by hot dishes and proper living conditions.

    13 containers and two trucks with necessary materials have left Ankara on Tuesday and are expected to arrive on Saturday in Elbasan.

    Turkey continues to send aid to Albania. Other 6 containers arrived on Tuesday following the first three by the Turkish Red Crescent.

    It has also sent two cargo airplanes with food, medicaments, tents and mattresses.

    Besides official aid, many organisations and private institutions are offering aid to Kosova people, Turkish embassy in Tirana said. /s.sh/ak/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [06] Some 7 100 Kosova refugees in Kavaje

    KAVAJE, April 7 (ATA)-By G. Kabashi, Over 7.100 Kosovars forced out of their lands by the Milosevic regime have been settled in Kavaje district.

    Sources from the district council say that more than half of them are hosted by Kavaje families.

    In the commune of Golem the number of refugees has exceeded 2 500. Seven hundreds of them have been accommodated in the dormitory of the agricultural schools while most of them are hosted by the families of Qerret village and other villages.

    Hundreds of Kosovars have already been settled in the communes of Kryevidhi, Synei, Lekaj and Gose.

    The number of refugees in the town of Rrogozhine has exceeded 500.

    CRS non-governmental organisations as well as UNHCR are making great efforts to secure and distribute aid.

    Sources of the district Council also report that in the Qerret village, 4 km north of Kavaje, the voluntary forces of the Italian Civil have begun setting up a camp with tents, to accommodate nearly 5 000 Kosova refugees. /s.s/lm/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [07] New campus to shelter 18 thousand Kosova people

    DURRES, April 7 (ATA) - By S. Gjordeni: The works for the construction of a campus to house some 18 thousand people from Kosova have started in Porto Romano, Durres.

    Representative of the German Federal Agency for technical assistance, Getlev Herold, who is also architect, said to ATA that this campus was going to be built in a site of 40.5 hectares.

    Apart from Germany, the government of Switzerland, Ireland and France are offering their contribution to its construction.

    Herold said that two lines of tents would be erected in each division of the campus while the canteen, showers, toilets be placed in the middle. The works in the first division were expected to finish within a week.

    The power and water supply will not be included in the Durres power and water network but is going to be provided by power generators and other modern equipment. The campus is expected to finish within this month. /dast/ak/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [08] Durres Prosecutor's Office gathers first evidence on Serb massacres in Kosova

    DURRES, April 7 (ATA)-By S. Gjordeni, The first 40 accounts have been gathered at the Durres prosecutor's office from the Kosova refugees which speak of Serb cruel massacres and genocide against Albanian population.

    Durres prosecutor Bardhosh Bari told ATA that the process of gathering evidence has started since March 31. For this purpose six special groups have been set up which have been distributed to all the centres where the Kosova refugees have been accommodated.

    Bari adds that the gathered evidence shows that the most savage crimes by the Serb military machine have been committed in Rahovec and Gjakove.

    He said Kosova refugees tell of people being burnt alive after covering them with gasoline, women and girls raped as well as of severe pursuit of intellectuals. According to the accounts the acts of terror have been committed especially by Arkan's paramilitary gangs. /dast/lm/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [09] Italian navy ship brings aid in Durres port

    TIRANE, April 7 (ATA)-By G. Kabashi, Italian navy ship "San Giorgio" at 10.50 brought other aid in Durres port from the Italian government in the context of "Arcobaleno" operation.

    According to the Italian Experts delegation, "San Giorgio" has on its board around 90 vehicles, which make up a large field hospital in aid of the deported from Kosova.

    The ship also brought some 200 specialists of the Red Cross, Civil Defence and National Association of Alpinists, who will erect the camp, as well as 10 Italian journalists.

    Since April 1, three Italian navy ships "San Marko", "San Giusto" and "San Giorgio" have carried out five voyages with humanitarian aid in the context of the "Arcobaleno" operation, while another contingent of aid has been brought by the lines' ferries and the merchant ship "Major". /dast/lm/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [10] Government considers draft-law on NATO forces presence in Albania

    TIRANE, April 7 (ATA)-By E. Nepravishta, The Council of Ministers met Wednesday at 12.00 to discuss a draft-law on the presence of the NATO forces in Albania.

    Based on the Constitution of the Republic of Albania, the presence of the foreign forces in Albania should be decided by Parliament, which will convene at 13.00 to approve this draft-law.

    Minister of Information Musa Ulqini expressed the belief that this draft-law will be approved by parliament, as all the political forces in Albania have asked the presence of NATO forces at home. /dast/lm/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [11] We ask NATO to do its utmost to keep Albanians in region -Albanian- U.S. National Council writes to Meidani-

    TIRANE, April 7 (ATA)-The executive director of the Albanian-U.S. National Council, Ilir Zherka, has sent a letter to President of the Republic Rexhep Meidani, hailing the Albanian Government and people for the aid provided for the brothers and sisters forced out of Kosova.

    After expressing concern that a number of Kosova refugees are leaving for countries outside the region, they say that "Our experience has shown that if these refugees are established outside the Balkans it is probable that many of them will not return to their lands which would satisfy the policy of Slobodan Milosevic".

    "The Albanian U.S. community is ready to help all Kosovars wishing to come to the U.S. as well as to help Albania cope with this situation."

    But, the letter says, "we also hope that most of Kosovars wish to return to their homes as soon as possible and this return is indispensable to heal their spiritual wounds and rebuild Kosova.

    Thus, we ask NATO to make everything possible to keep the Albanians in the region. /dast/lm/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [12] First Kosova arrivals, stranded in no man's land, reached Albania

    TIRANA, April 7 (ATA) - By E Nepravishta: The first group of Kosova arrivals, previously stranded in no man's land at the Macedonian border, arrived in Albania early on Wednesday.

    Minister of Information Musa Ulqini told journalists that 10 thousand people were bused out of Macedonia and reached Albania at 09.00. a.m.

    About one thousand of them were accommodated in Pogradec, other nine thousand in Korça in the city's sports stadium and sports palace.

    Their number has totalled about 300 thousand, Ulqini said. /dast/ak/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [13] Minister says aid airlifted to Albania not enough

    TIRANA, April 7 (ATA) - By E. Nepravishta: The quantity of aid reaching Albania is not enough to cope with the huge influx of Kosova people, minister of information Musa Ulqini told journalists early on Wednesday.

    He said that 90 percent of foodstuff including rice, cooking oil and sugar are difficult to be used because of lack of canteens.

    Ulqini said that quantity of aid landed in the Rinas airport were airlifted to Kukes with 21 French, Italian, Albanian helicopters.

    Besides food and medicaments, the helicopters are airlifting seriously ill persons from Kukes to Tirana hospitals. Some of them were sent to Italy, the minister said without further elaboration.

    He said that the Albanian prime minister Pandeli Majko held a meeting early on Wednesday with a group of donors in Albania urging them to speed up aid delivery. /dast/ak/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [14] Kosova pupils to attend classes in Albania

    TIRANE, April 7 (ATA)-By P. Shuteriqi, The Ministry of Education and Science has defined urgent measures in aid of the Kosova school children, who make up some 35-40% of the expelled from Kosova.

    According to an order by Minister Ethem Ruka, the education departments in all the districts are enrolling Kosova children according to the age and respective classes.

    The distribution of the Kosovar pupils to chools of the respective districts or cities is carried out by "avoiding the existing saturation in classrooms," said Deputy Minister Andrea Marto on Wednesday. The aim is "not to create separate classrooms for Kosova pupils", said Marto.

    According to the order by Minister Ruka, special summer schools should also be set up for the Kosova children grouped at the special camps. /dast/lm/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [15] Greek education ministry allocates 166 million Drachmas for Albanian schools

    TIRANA, April 7 (ATA) - By P. Shuteriqi: Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs of Greece has allocated a fund worth 166 million Drachmas for Albanian schools, Andrea Marto, deputy minister of Education and Science said to ATA.

    This fund was confirmed in a meeting with the University deputy rector of Ioannina and head of the Greek Aid Institute Dimitris Glaros by the end of March.

    Genc Vinçani, director on development policies at the Ministry of Education and Science, who attended the meeting, said that 20 million Drachmas out of the total would be used for logistics and didactic equipment for the pedagogical high school in Gjirokaster and other 10 million Drachmas to improve the infrastructure of the highest nursery school in Vlora.

    Given the demands of the Greek minority in Dervican area, it (Greece) accorded 33 million Drachmas for cultural and education institutions.

    The aid project foresees that the fund worth 100 million Drachmas be used mainly for the primary and secondary schools in the South of Albania.

    Albanian side asked for assistance and cooperation in the Archaeology and the Greek side agreed to back a project for academic and research structures with a fund worth 15 million Drachmas. /dast/ak/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [16] Nearly 10 000 Kosovars arrived in Korce through Macedonia

    KORCE, April 7 (ATA) - By B. Fejzullaj: Nearly 10 000 displaced Kosovars, who were staying in Bllace for more than a week in the border between Macedonia and Kosova, arrived Wednesday in Korce with some busses.

    According to a plan, drafted by the prefecture of Korce, 2000 of the new arrivals immediately left for Pogradec, 2000 in Devoll, 2000 in Kolonje and the rest will stay in Korce.

    The arrivals carry to 13 000 the number of Kosovars who are accommodated in the districts of Korce prefecture. /dast/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [17] Albanian government appeals for aid from NATO member states

    TIRANA, April 7 (ATA) - By I. Luto: Huge stream of Kosova people expected to increase within coming days and emergent need for humanitarian aid prompted a meeting on Wednesday with the ambassadors of the NATO member states to Tirana.

    Pellumb Xhufi, deputy foreign minister, asked the ambassadors to continue work in close cooperation with the Albanian government to build up immediately the proper infrastructure to cope with the influx of Kosova people, who were stranded in no man's land in Macedonia.

    Ambassadors said that their government had planned and started delivery of aid for Kosova new arrivals from the Macedonian border. /dast/ak/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [18] Gjinushi: NATO's intervention with ground troops, sole solution to dismantle Milosevic's dictatorship

    TIRANE, April 7 (ATA)-Speaker of Parliament Skender Gjinushi on Wednesday met with the Secretary of State for Belgian Cooperation, Reginald Morrels, and hailed the international community for its maximum engagement in the peace process in Kosova.

    Gjinushi said that Albania has always favoured a negotiation policy and "this is the reason we supported the Rambouillet process," according to the parliament's press office.

    Milosevic's big-Serb policy wishes a Kosova free of Albanians, said Gjinushi, stressing that ethnic cleansing, which has recently reached the climax of inhumanity, is a sinister policy programmed a long time ago.

    NATO's intervention also with ground troops is the only solution to stop and dismantle Milosevic's dictatorship, said Gjinushi. Any other solution cannot rresolve the conflict, he said.

    The policy of Milosevic aims to destabilise the entire region, but this policy has failed, Gjinushi said.

    The Belgian Secretary of State showed interest in the way the return of refugees was conceived and in the developments in the country. He expressed the support of the Belgian government to cope with this difficult situation. /dast/lm/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [19] Albania Parliament agrees for NATO presence in Albania

    TIRANA, April 7 (ATA) - By E. Koraqi: The Albanian Parliament approved Wednesday during a special plenary session the draft-law "On the acceptance in Albania of a NATO force to support the military operations in the region."

    The draft-law on the presence of NATO troops in Albania was proposed by the Council of Ministers after the request of the U.S. government and the Northern Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

    The draft-law was first examined by the parliamentary commission of defence and was later discussed and approved by Parliament.

    The draft-law, which is made up of three articles, was unanimously adopted by the deputies and enters into force immediately.

    Attending today's session in Parliament were all the members of the government. /dast/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [20] Food items for children sent to Kukes from Tirana

    TIRANA, April 7 (ATA) - By E. Xhajanka: Food items were sent today from Tirana for the Kosova refugees in Kukes. According to sources from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, some 30 000 pieces of bread and 8 tons of food items for children were sent on Wednesday in Kukes.

    The above source explained that these are daily aid from the state reserves and the quantities are defined by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and are distributed free of charge for the Kosovars.

    The Tirana bakery, the one state-run bakery, continues to bake bread only for the district of Kukes since 30 March, at a capacity of 40 000 pieces of bread in 24 hours. /mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [21] We hope this war will soon finish, PM

    TIRANA, April 7 (ATA) - By E. Nepravishta: The Albanian government, all institutional structures and Albanians have reacted as an entire nation and are doing the best for the solution problems caused by the arrival of displaced Kosovars, and Albania has welcomed and will continue to do so at any cost, Albania Prime Minister Pandeli Majko declared in the meeting held Wednesday with the State Secretary for Cooperation of Belgium, Reginald Moreels.

    "Milosevic has drafted the ethnic cleansing of Kosova and is carrying out terrible massacres there, but we hope that this war will soon end. The attention and commitment of the international community and NATO are the guarantee to put an end to what is happening in Kosova," said PM Majko, adding that Milosevic should face the Hague.

    The Albanian Premier stressed that Albania must now profit aid in two plans: financial aid for the accommodation of Kosova refugees and financial support for the state budget.

    The Belgium State Secretary for Cooperation said that he was in Tirana to express the solidarity of his country with Albania.

    He considered the ethnic cleansing in Kosova as unacceptable and incomprehensible and said that these acts should be immediately stopped. Moreels said that the government of Belgium has doubled the respective budget for Albania and will examine the other measures to be taken to offer a concrete assistance for building and managing a camp for refugees. /lh/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [22] Belgium supports efforts to cope with grave humanitarian crisis in Kosove

    TIRANE, April 7 (ata) - By R Xhuvani: In the meeting with the visiting Belgian delegation led by the State Secretary for Cooperation, Reginald Moreels on Wednesday, the President of Albania Rexhep Meidani expressed his thanks for the support that the Belgian Government and people are giving to the NATO strikes, and to the efforts to alleviate the very grave humanitarian situation the people of Kosove are in.

    "Now also the international public opinion is aware of the indispensable need for reduction of the Serb war machine and that Belgrade must be pressurized to agree to settlement of the Kosova crisis. Deployment of NATO- led ground troops and the return of Albanians in their homes create a premise for peace, security and new democratic order throughout the region."

    According to the President's press and information office they discussed the question of Albanian emigrants in Macedonia, for which President Meidani explained that Albanians of Kosove will stay there temporarily, and consequently will not upset national equilibriums for which the Macedonian government has its reserves.

    President Meidani was optimistic also for the consolidation of the bilateral relations on all the aspects.

    The Belgian Secretary of State assured Mr Meidani of the support of his country in the efforts to cope with the grave humanitarian crisis./lh/xh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [23] Number of Kosovars estimated at 7300 in Shkoder

    SHKODER, April 7 (ATA) - By M. Malja: Nearly 800 Kosovars arrived Wednesday in Shkoder through the border point of Han i Hotit, by carrying to 7300 the total number of displaced Kosovars accommodated in this town.

    The secretary of the town hall, Bardhyl Shaqiri, told ATA that some 1800 Kosovars have been sheltered in the collection center in the sports hall of the town, some 2500 Kosovars are accommodated in the other 4 centers, while the rest close to the families of Shkoder.

    Aid in food items and clothes have been offered by UNHCR, Caritas, the Dutch association "Vosh," "Cristal Club," and others. /lh/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [24] 65 vehicles leave for Kukes to evacuate Kosovars

    TIRANE, April 7 (ata) - By M Pupa: About 65 vehicles left today for Kukes to evacuate deported Kosovars stationed there. 13 buses, 13 vans and three trucks are sent from Tirane, 10 buses are from Durres, 8 from Fier, 10 from Peshkopi, etc.

    According to reports from the Central Commission for Kosovars, 115 buses with Kosovars from Macedonia crossed the border through Qafe Thane border point. One hundred of these buses took the Kosovars to the district of Korce and the rest to Pogradec.

    Two trains with 15 wagons each left from the rail station of Mjeda, Lezhe, towards Berat and Vlore. In addition, 15 buses left Kukes until 8.30 a.m. on Wednesday carrying displaced Kosovars to various districts of Albania. /lh/xh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [25] Special structure in customs set up to stop abuses with aid

    TIRANA, April 7 (ATA) - By D. Koca: The General Department of Customs in Albania set up a new structure close to the Division XXI to stop the abuses with aid coming for the displaced Kosovars.

    According to sources from this customs, the aim of this structure is to take preliminary information for all imports, to specify the aid, to accelerate the procedures in the Albanian customs and to eliminate the evasions that might be caused.

    According to the General Director of Customs, Adrian Maci, the new structure will depend on the Emergency Commission close to the Albanian Government, which coordinates the aid from their arrival until their distribution. This structure is made up of a representative of the General Department of Customs, a representative of the Customs Assistance Mission (CAM) and a representative from the offices of refugees. /lh/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [26] Yugoslavia closes border to Albania

    KUKES, April 17 (ATA) - By R. Hoxha: The Serb border crossing of Morina and that of Qafe e Prushit was closed since Tuesday at 20:00 for the Kosovars heading for Albania.

    Sources from the police departments of these districts reported to ATA that the Serb party has not given any explanation for the reaons of closing these border crossings.

    Nearly 271 000 Kosovars have crossed the border in the districts of Kukes and Has.

    The representtaive of the commission for the evacuation of the displaced Kosovars, Qemal Perllaku, told ATA that more than 120 000 persons have been distributed towards other districts of Albania. /lh/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [27] OSCE missionaries collect data on Serb genocide

    GJIROKASTER, April 7 (ATA) - By H.Cani: Three missionaries of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), who has been in Kosova before, are currently in the prefecture of Gjirokaster on a special mission.

    According to sources from the OSCE office in Gjirokaster, Martin Krottmayer and Sysane Giendl from Austria, and Vladimir Krasamini from Belorussia are establishing contacts with the groups of Kosovars in these districts to collect data on the Serb genocide.

    The OSCE regional office and its missionaries have offered a useful help for the organization of the displaced Kosovars in this prefecture. /lh/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [28] Serbs have prevented entering of Kosovars inside Albania

    TIRANA, April 7 (ATA) - By E. Nepravishta: No Kosovar has crossed the border crossing of Morina since Tuesday midnight, the Albanian Minister of Information, Musa Ulqini, told a news conference on Wednesday.

    The number of newcomers on Wednesday is 15 000 persons, who arrived by 200 busses from the border crossing of Bllate and are sheltered in the prefecture of Korce.

    This new contingent carries to 285 000 the number of Kosovars coming in Albania and their number is expected to reach 300 000 within Wednesday, said Ulqini.

    With regard to the aid arriving in Albania, Ulqini said that 80% of them are administrated and distributed by the foreigner themselves.

    Asked about the total amount of money that the Albanian government will need to deal with 300 000 Kosovars, Ulqini said that the amount is 62 million dollars.

    Minister Ulqini also said that the Ministry of Information will publish within two days a bulletin, which will give a detailed and daily information about the aid arriving in Albania, where they come from and where will they go. /lh/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [29] Camps built for Kosova refugees

    KUKES, April 7 (ATA) - By R. Hoxha: In the framework of the aid coming in Kukes from foreign donors to improve the situation of the displaced Kosovars, the association of the Red Semi-Crescent of the Arabian United Emirates has been also engaged by building a camp where 2 000 persons will be sheltered.

    One of the members of this association, which operates in Kukes since Tuesday, told ATA that the camp will be built within two or three days and will be immediately used by the Kosova refugees. He added that talks were held with the structures of local government, which has been ready to define the site where the camps will be built in vicinity of Kukes. /lh/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [30] NATO deputy Secretary General visits Kukes

    KUKES, April 7 (ATA) - By R. Hoxha: The deputy Secretary General of NATO, Sergio Balanzino, went Wednesday to Kukes on a working visit, also accompanied by the Albanian State Secretary for the Euro- Atlantic Integration, Maqo Lakrori.

    In the meeting held in the prefecture, the governor Qemal Elezi, briefed on the situation since the beginning of the influx of Kosovars.

    Balanzino said that the NATO structures have closely followed the dramatic situation due to the influx of displaced Kosovars. He said that the financial aid from abroad has started, but it is insufficient. Meanwhile, NATO soldiers of 6000 troops, will be soon in Albania for humanitarian missions. He was also interested in the situation of the Kukes hospital, the necessary medicaments it needs and the coordination of the NGO-s in Kukes to deal with the difficult situation.

    The NATO deputy Secretary General said that "I will convey to the NATO Council in Brussels what I saw here with my own eyes." /lh/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [31] 1 600 caravans, Greek donation for Kosovars in Tirane

    TIRANE, April 7 (ata) - By Petraq Shuteriqi: The first 20 caravans, a donation from the Greek government for the displaced Kosovars, reached Albania on Wednesday.

    The whole contingent consists of 1 600 caravans which will replace gradually the tents set up last week in Dinamo sport grounds in the capital, in which nearly 2 300 Kosovars violently evicted from their territories by Serb army, have been accommodated. /lh/xh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [32] Psychological therapy for Kosovars depressed from Serb violence and repression

    TIRANE, 7 April (ata) - P Shuteriqi: The Albanian Foundation "Solution of Conflicts" in cooperation with Soros Foundation and Albanian Centre of Human Rights have drafted a questionnaire to identify the needs of psychological, spiritual, social and judicial character of the Kosovars in Albania.

    The project is being realised successfully these days in four biggest centres with Kosovars, one in Dinamo sport grounds in Tirane, one in Mullet, Tirane, another in Shkallnuer and the fourth in Shkozet of Durres.

    The project consists of consultations with specialized psychologists and sociologists who are talking with the deported Kosovars who have witnessed war atrocities. The Kosovars are given information folded papers and posters against genocide and on the human rights, with explanations given also on the Albanian legislation.

    The psychological and juridical assistance is given free of charge to the Kosova brothers in order to help them overcome their depressed state. /lh/xh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [33] Number of Kosovars in Vlore prefecture amounts to 6000

    VLORE, April 7 (ata) - By Harilla Koci: About 1 200 people who arrived in Vlore on Wednesday carried to 6 000 the total number of the Kosovars settled in the prefecture of Vlore.

    The spokesman of the prefecture told ATA that the Kosovars are now mostly in the sport palace compound and in the city stadium, from where they will be sent to other shelters.

    While the number of Kosovars keeps increasing, the number of the sick among them also is growing due to the long travel they have made and the lack of food. Last night 16 of the Kosovars were urgently sent to hospital in Vlore. The spokesman added that if no assistance comes, the problems with the Kosovars in Vlore will increase. /lh/xh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [34] Through operation Ylberi, Italy is realising structures for reception of 25 000 Kosovars in Albania

    DURRES, April 7 (ata) - By Gezim Kabashi: In the context of the humanitarian operation Ylberi (rainbow), the Italian Government will construct structures to shelter about 25 000 Kosovars in Albania. A press release of the Ylberi Coordination Centre, consisting of representatives of the Italian Embassy, the Special Diplomatic Delegation, the Delegation of Experts, the Interforze Delegation of Italian Police and Civil Defence, reports on the activity made so far in the context of this mission.

    Along with the centres with tents and other facilities set up in several districts for the accommodation of a great number of Kosovars, up to 5 thousand people, the centre will set up a field army hospital within 9th of April, in which 100 patient can receive medical treatment simultaneously.

    According to the communique, also in the context of Ylberi operation, there is a regular helicopter service for the transport of the sick from Kukes to the hospitals of Tirane.

    Taking part in Ylberi operation are also many non-governmental associations such as the Red Cross, the Fire Engines Service, etc. In addition at present there are about 800 Italians giving their direct assistance to the people from Kosove. They are helping establish some reception centres such as that in Lezhe named Inter SOS, which will be able to receive 3 000 people, CEFA in Elbasan for 2 000 people and Vil-Salesiani in Tirane which will house 500 people from Kosove. /lh/xh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [35] NATO's obligation is to assist Albania to alleviate difficulties with evicted Kosovars - Verdecchia

    TIRANE, April 7 (ata) - By Enkelejda Koraqi: The deputy chief of the NATO Southern Wing, Major General Pasqualino Verdecchia was received on Wednesday in the Defence Ministry of Albania by the Chief of the Albanian Army General Staff, Aleks Andoni.

    "The fact that Albania is in the focus of the question of the refugees, also proceeding from the NATO's obligation for this situation, made me come here to see together the problems, the situation and the joint measures so that to manage the situation as good and as soon as possible," said general Verdecchia.

    General Andoni said that Albania's cooperation with NATO is not new. "NATO's assistance is very indispensable in order that the Kosovars, forcibly deported by the regime of Milosevic, do not experience a real catastrophe. We are grateful to you and will put at your disposal everything so that we be successful," General Andoni added.

    They discussed further measures to enable the quick deployment of staffs, people and means on the basis of the plans forecast from NATO.

    In the meeting with the Albanian Deputy Defence Minister, Ilir Bocka, General Verdecchia laid the stress on the aim of his visit, that is to coordinate the work of the NATO staff in the operation of how to cope with the great tide of refugees coming from Kosove, and secondly, to create facilities for the deployment of a contingent of NATO troops, expected to arrive in Albania.

    Mr Bocka stressed the very intensive relations of Albania with NATO and that "we will continue to be active in the Partnership for Peace program." "The Albanian Government and Armed Forces are really proving of their integration into the NATO structures. Our experience with you is for us a rather valuable experience," said Bocka.

    After expressing his thanks for the great aid of Albania in supporting the Alliance actions, the NATO senior official said that "we are glad to have such a good ally as Albania is." /lh/xh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [36] Albanian Deputy Premier meets his Czech counterpart

    TIRANE, April 7 (ata) - By Eranda Nepravishta: Albanian Deputy Prime Minister Ilir Meta is meeting this afternoon with the Deputy Premier of the Czech Republic, Egon Lanski.

    Meta hailed admission of the Czech Republic to NATO, considering this a success for that republic as well as an encouragement for other countries.

    "NATO," said Mr Meta, "is in these moments for the Albanian people a symbol of the Alliance which is working for the establishment of peace in Kosove."

    Mr Meta expressed his thanks to Mr Lanski for the concrete aid of the Czech Government for Albania and hailed the solidarity in these difficult conditions. /lh/xh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [37] We are facing a historic test which we must stay together - minister

    TIRANE, April 7 (ata) - By Urim Bajrami: The situation in southeastern of Albania following the arrival of a considerable number of deported Kosovars through the border with Macedonia, and the situation in public order in particular were the aim of the visit that Public Order Minister of Albania, Petro Koci paid on Wednesday to the city of Korce, district of Devoll and nearby zones.

    He visited the Kosovars in the city stadium and those in the commune of Bitinicka, Devoll district.

    "The price of freedom is dear and we are facing a historic test, perhaps the greatest in this century, which we may stay together," said Koci to the Kosovars in the commune of Bitincke.

    In the border post of Tushemisht, near Pogradec, Koci took interest of the influx of Kosovars, the measures the police were taking to register all the vehicles coming in and instructed them to work so that to avoid any abuse which might create dangerous precedents. /lh/xh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [38] Hungarian aid for Kosovars arrives in Tirane

    TIRANE, April 7 (ata) - By I Luto: Some Hungarian aid for people displaced from Kosove arrived in Tirane on Wednesday afternoon, the press department in the Albanian Foreign Ministry reports.

    The 60 ton-aid consist mostly of food articles, detergents, blankets etc. /lh/xh/


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


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