ATA News from Albania, 96-08-08

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

CONTENTS

[01] ALBANIAN PREMIER VISITS INFORMATION AND APPLIED MATHEMATICS

[02] ALBANIAN EDUCATION IN KOSOVA TREATED IN CONGRESS OF EDUCATION FOR PEACE

[03] ALBANIA IS DUTY-BOUND TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT ALBANIANS' RIGHTS VIOLATION IN MACEDONIA-spokesman

[04] HEALER IN DURRES THREATENED

[05] EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF MOVEMENT FOR PEACE VISITS KOSOVA

[06] ALBANIAN NATIONAL LIBRARY IN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

[07] TALKS ABOUT RELATIONS VLORA-LECCE

[08] MINES UNDER ARN JURISDICTION TO BE PRIVATISED

[09] ALBANIA'S FIRST TOURIST AIRFIELD

[10] APPEALS COURT REJECTS TIRANA COURT VERDICT

[11] ANNOUNCEMENT OF ALBANIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESMAN

[12] PRESS REVIEW

[13] PRESIDENT BERISHA MEETS WITH MR SCHNAIER

[14] JUSTICE MINISTER MEETS WITH AMBASSADORS OF GERMANY AND ITALY

[15] TWO SPEEDBOATS WITH ILLEGAL PEOPLE ON BOARD BLOCKED

[16] AUTHOR OF A KILLING ON BORDER IN 1990 CAUGHT IN BERAT

[17] WORKING MEETING OF MR SCHNAIER WITH MR SHEHU

[18] TRADE UNIONS WANT TO BE PARTNER IN LAWS APPROVAL BY THE GOVERNMENT

[01] ALBANIAN PREMIER VISITS INFORMATION AND APPLIED MATHEMATICS

Albanian Prime Minister, Aleksander Meksi on Wednesday visited the Tirana based Institute of Information and Applied Mathematics.

"We asked the Prime Minister laws to help carry ahead our activity", Gudar Beqiraj, director of the institute, says.

Two were the main proposals in the meeting with the premier. The first was to change the law in force regarding the distribution of income in these kind of institutions dependant on the academy, asking 10% income for the state and 90 % for the institute, with the aim to increase economic independence.

The law in force allows the state scientific institutions to deposit 30 % of income for the state and only 70 for themselves.

The second proposal was for the Institute of Information and Applied Sciences to undertake the projects scheduled by the government in informatics for the next four years.

"Two labour contracts were signed recently with two information companies from Rome and a two-year-old one with an Italian consortium made up of four firms which employed 600 Albanian girls," Beqiraj says.

Meksi appreciated the ongoing performance in this institute and vowed to take into consideration the proposals of the institution's staff. kled/lm/sh/

[02] ALBANIAN EDUCATION IN KOSOVA TREATED IN CONGRESS OF EDUCATION FOR PEACE

The Kosova representative, Meliha Jaka, familiarised the participants of the international convention with the grave situation of Albanian education in Kosova, the discrimination and apartheid exercised by the Serb regime.

She also spoke of the expulsion of students and pupils from schools and other issues.

The representative of the Albanian Foundation of the Civil Association in Tirana, Rolanda Dhimitri, also spoke of the Serb repression on Albanian education in Kosova, the newspaper Bujku reports.

Through the presentation of the situation in education, the representatives of the Congress and the reporters who followed the proceedings were familiarised with the violation of the human rights of Albanians in Kosova. They distributed materials testifying to the terror exerted on Albanians in Kosova. p.ta/kled/lm/sh/

[03] ALBANIA IS DUTY-BOUND TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT ALBANIANS' RIGHTS VIOLATION IN MACEDONIA-spokesman

"This stand was reiterated Tuesday to the ambassador of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) in Tirana, Nikolla Teodorcevski," the spokesman of the Foreign Ministry reports.

"Teodorcevski handed over a note at the Foreign Ministry Tuesday, August 6, 1996, through which he rejected the resolution adopted by the Albanian parliament about the imprisonment of the Tetova University rector and its several other activists and about the Albanians' demand to have the right to higher education in their mother tongue.

"He considered the resolution an interference into the home affairs of the Macedonian state and stressed that the rights of Albanians are respected in accordance with the European and international standards," the spokesman says.

"The Albanian state follows a policy of good will towards the Macedonian state, considering this stand in the interest of bilateral relations and a contribution to peace and stability in the Balkan region," the spokesman says, adding that this stand was also made known to the ambassador during the meeting.

The Macedonian ambassador was also told that the Albanian state, based on international norms, "is duty-bound to concern itself about the Albanians wherever they are, when they are deprived of their rights and not treated equally with the other citizens of the state they live in, more over when they are imprisoned and pursued out of an emancipating aspiration".

The spokesman says that, "also in other cases, Albanian authorities have called on the good will of the Macedonian authorities to consider realistically the higher education in the mother tongue of the Albanian population, the second in number in the Macedonian state, considering it an indispensable condition for their active participation in all the walks of life.

This, first of all contributes to the consolidation and stability of the Macedonian state.

Albania, as a factor of peace and stability in the region, has been and is in favour of good neighborliness with all the Balkan states, also including the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

The respect of the human and national rights of the Albanians and the fulfilment of their demands based on international norms, the solution of problems through dialogue are positive factors in this direction," the spokesman concludes.

Five university leaders, among whom rector Fadil Sulejmani, were given prison terms ranging from four to one year, following protests claiming the life of a youth in February 1995, when police had forcibly closed down the building inaugurated by Albanians.

The Albanian parliament in its resolution showed concern over the human rights level of the Albanian minority in Macedonia and considered that "depriving this minority of the right to higher studies in their mother tongue runs counter to the internationally recognised minority rights".s.sh/kled/lm/sh/

[04] HEALER IN DURRES THREATENED

The authors of the threat are citizens Enver Krasniqi, 37, and his wife Naxhide, born in Peja of Kosova and living in Switzerland, according to the spokesman of the Interior Ministry.

The incident took place Monday morning with Krasniqi threatening Matoshi with a pistol and opening fire into the air.

Matoshi is known as a healer of nervous breakdown, epilepsy and other nervous diseases through pre-psychological methods, both in and outside the country such as Greece, Germany, Switzerland and elsewhere.

The inquiries into the incident have not yet brought to light the motives of the couple, whether they have to do or not with Matoshi's profession. The authors of the threat are being hunted down. s.sh/kled/lm/sh/

[05] EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF MOVEMENT FOR PEACE VISITS KOSOVA

He was received Wednesday by the chairman of the Council for the Defence of Human Rights and Freedoms in Pristina, Adem Demaci, who familiarised him with the grave situation of Albanians' human rights.

Hercog appreciated the policy pursued by the political leadership of Albanians in Kosova for the realisation of their legitimate rights. p.ta/kled/lm/sh/

[06] ALBANIAN NATIONAL LIBRARY IN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

Director of National Library Nermin Basha told ATA that "this organisation will convene this year, in Autumn, and will discuss on present problems and development programs and projects it has."

Albania was accepted in this organisation after its introduction into the Council of Europe. kled/fh/sh/

[07] TALKS ABOUT RELATIONS VLORA-LECCE

The meeting agreed to set up a joint commission to follow development of economic and cultural relations between the two districts.

An understanding agreement was also signed by Agim Kadiu and Lorenco Ria respectively chairman of the Councils of the Vlora district and Lecce province.

Both delegations agreed to urge respective governments to open consulates in Bari and Vlora to boost bilateral relations.

The Albanian delegation held a meeting with chairman of Lecce Chamber of Commerce, which was attended by many businessmen interested about Albanian legislation on foreign investments.

The archbishop of Lecce, in a reception reserved to the Albanian delegation, promised to influence on different levels of the local government to improve careful treatment of the Albanian immigrants. ksh/fh/sh/

[08] MINES UNDER ARN JURISDICTION TO BE PRIVATISED

Three mines under the jurisdiction of the Enterprise Restructuring Agency (ARN) will be privatised.

"In cooperation with the Technological Institute of Mineral Extraction and Upgrading, ARN is working for the privatisation of the bitumen mine in Selenica, Vlora district, that of limestone in Elbasan district and of coal in Memaliaj, Tepelena district.

These mines which, according to the government's respective decision are classified into medium, are being converted into share-holding companies. Some 30% of the shares will be offered to workers, miners or other citizens interested in buying them and 70 % to strategic investors.

ARN, created by the end of '93, by decision of the Council of Ministers, has been concentrated on the supervision of 32 big state enterprises with the aim of preparing them for privatisation. From these enterprises 15 are privatised or underway. As for the others, the process will be completed within this year. kled/lm/sh/

[09] ALBANIA'S FIRST TOURIST AIRFIELD

Its construction will begin by the end of 1996 and within a year will be ready to receive the first tourist airplanes or helicopters, says the paper.

The municipality of Saranda has also approved all demands for its construction. The above source said funds have also been assured.

This airfield will introduce a new preference for the Albanian tourism, which in 1996 increased by 4 times against two previous years taken together.eva/fh/sh/

[10] APPEALS COURT REJECTS TIRANA COURT VERDICT

On August 6, in the trial against three former district first secretaries during the comminist regime in Albania, one of them ,Sulejman Bushati, was released in the court's hall.

The Appeals court has thus rejected the decision of the Tiran Court whcih had sentenced bushati to 15 years imprisonment.

For the two others, Pirro Kondi and Qirjako Mihali, the 17 year jail term has not changed.

The Appeals court on July 24 revoked death sentences issued by the Tirana Court on Zylyftar Ramizi, Aranit Cela and Rapi Mino. It sentenced Ramizi to life imprisonment, both Cela and Mino to 25 years in prison.

The appeals court also decided to revoke the 25 years imprisonment sentences for Manysh Manush Myftiu and Haxhi Lleshi and give them five years in jail on probation.

Haxhi Lleshi, former chairman of the People Assembly, Manush Myftiu, former deputy Prime Minister and chairman of the Internal exile Central Commission, Aranit Cela, former chairman of the Supreme Court and member of the commission, Rrapi Mino, former Attorney General and member of the commission, Zylyftar Ramizi, former deputy minister of the Interior, denounced by the Independent Intellectuals Forum, were accused of crimes against humanity in complicity by the Tirana Prosecutor's Office.

The presidency of the Anti-communist Association of the Formerly Politically Persecuted Democrats also issued a protest on this issue recently. kled/lm/sh/

[11] ANNOUNCEMENT OF ALBANIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESMAN

Through the note he rejects the resolution adopted by the Albanian parliament on the imprisonment of the Tetova University rector and its several other activists and the Albanians' demand to have the right to higher education in their mother tongue.

He considers the resolution an interference into the home affairs of the Macedonian state, stressing that the rights of Albanians are respected in accordance with the European and international standards.

During the meeting with the Macedonian ambassador the desire and good will characterising the Albanian state policy towards the Macedonian state was reiterated, considering this stand in the interest of bilateral relations and a contribution to peace and stability in the Balkan region.

But, the ambassador was told that the Albanian state, based on international norms, is duty-bound to concern itself about the Albanians wherever they are, when deprived of their rights and not treated equally with the other citizens of the state they live in, more so when they are imprisoned and pursued out of an emancipating aspiration.

Also on other occasions, the Albanian authorities have called on the good will of the Macedonian authorities to consider realistically the higher education in the mother tongue of the Albanian population, the second in number in the Macedonian state, considering it an indispensable condition for their active participation in all walks of life.

This will, first of all, contribute to the consolidation and stability of the Macedonian state.

Albania, as a factor of peace and stability in the region, has been and is in favour of good neighborliness with all the Balkan states, also including the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

The respect for the human and national rights of the Albanians and the fulfilment of their demands based on international norms, and the solution of problems through dialogue are positive factors in this direction."lm/sh/

[12] PRESS REVIEW

The paper in its article "Centre Pole demands 28 chairmen of municipalities" writes: "Only the SP can solve the Centre Pole dilemma to participate in local elections of October 20."

Another article cites Meta's saying as its title "Nano ignites the fuse of split" where it says "Fight within the SP specie runs to extremities."

Zeri i Popullit entitles its editorial "Mined dialogue." It also carries a chronicle of the third SP Conference of the Kucova district under the title "Reformation in mentality and practice." Reformation is a necessity for a serious party like the SP says the paper. In its column "Politics" the paper carries the article "The fourth size."

"Interest for the Albanians in Macedonia, an uncontestable right of our state" writes Republika. The paper says that nothing is more important than the Albanian rights wherever they are.

Poli i Qendres carries the article "The second knife behind the back." President Berisha will call the parties Friday to put them before an accomplished fact, the paper says. It also carries the article "Functioning of ministries - a mystery of government Meksi."

"It is a duty of the Albanian government to be interested when Albanians rights are violated" writes Lajmi i Dites. The paper also carries an interview with an Albanian youth from Kosova. His history is that of the calvary of the Albanian youth and all Albanian people under the Serbian yoke, the paper writes.

"There is none to reform the SP" writes Tribuna. Only after the SP dissolution, can really be proved the reformation process through a new organisation scraping off its old communist heritage. "Enverists cannot kill democracy" is another article.

Rilindja highlights a meeting of Kosova President Ibrahim Rugova with the US diplomat Richard Mails under the title "Kosova people contribute to avoid conflict."

Albania carries the article "Letter which shook 'Nano's dynasty." "Tons of expired food discovered" writes the paper regarding a blitz operation of food inspectors on the market.

Tirana Prosecutor's office starts investigations for the hostage taker of the Savings Bank, writes the paper in its article "How and why was Shpetim Cashku killed?"

Liria A carries a statement of Anti-communist Association of the democrat ex-political prosecuted.

Koha Jone publishes "Why was Shpetim Cashku killed?" regarding the killing of AGI president on July 26. Under the headline "Slander: Nano will create a new party" it carries the article "Diversion against the SP."

Dita Informacion carries the articles "Motion - a red piece of cloth for the SP bulls" and "Albania seeks a new management face."

Gezeta Shqiptare carries the article "The 'battle' for Tirana starts" regarding the DP and SP candidates for Tirana's new municipality chairman. kled/fh/sh/

[13] PRESIDENT BERISHA MEETS WITH MR SCHNAIER

Mr Schnaier declared he was very impressed by the extraordinary changes taken place in Albania after his first visit in 1991.

President Berisha briefed Mr Schanier of the development of reforms in Albania and thanked him for the friendly feelings towards Albania and the Albanians.

They discussed the commitment of the Albanian Government to the process of reforms and its determination to consolidate democracy and to integrate Albania into Euro-Atlantic institutions. ksh/xh/

[14] JUSTICE MINISTER MEETS WITH AMBASSADORS OF GERMANY AND ITALY

In the meeting Mr Disdorn voiced the readiness of the Government and the institutions of the German Justice to help the system of Albanian Justice. The German party will provide assistance for the Magistrature School and for the Penitentiary School which will function in the future.

Minister Peci spoke of a further cooperation in the field of justice and asked possible assistance for the training of Albanian judges, for the system of prisons and exchange of experience with German specialists of this field.

In the meeting with the Ambassador of Italy, Mr Foresti discussed further cooperation between the two ministries in the field of justice. Mr Foresti stressed the readiness of the Italian Government to help Albanian judiciary. A fund for the School of Magistrature soon will help train specialists for a democratic rule of law. ssh/xh/

[15] TWO SPEEDBOATS WITH ILLEGAL PEOPLE ON BOARD BLOCKED

The police commissariat of Vlora is fighting drug-trafficking and illegal transportation of people abroad. So far they have caught 95 00 narcotic plants and have blocked 130 speedboats which transported people illegally. ake/xh/

[16] AUTHOR OF A KILLING ON BORDER IN 1990 CAUGHT IN BERAT

"On August 7, 1996, the crime police arrested the very greatly wanted person by the Shkodra Court, Shkelqim Abaz Cuka, 26, from Sinje village of Berat, because he had killed a person on the border in 1990," spokesman of the Interior Ministry reported.

In the 90s although a decision which considered the fleeing of the country a violation and not treason to the country and the person who tried to flee was sentenced with only three months of imprisonment, had been passed, thousands of people were killed on the borders of Albania, mainly in Shkodra. ake/xh/

[17] WORKING MEETING OF MR SCHNAIER WITH MR SHEHU

Mr Schanier congratulated Mr Shehu on the very important posts in this stage of the construction of democracy in Albania and voiced his admiration for the changes and achievements of Albania in the past four years.

Mr Shehu thanked the guest from the United States for the support and assistance to Albanian democracy since its first steps. He briefed Mr Schanier of the priorities of the economic policy followed by the Democratic Government and the latest political developments in Albania.

Also Mr Shehu spoke about the serious preparations of the Albanian Government and its structures for the normal conduct, in conformity with international standards, of the local government elections stressing that Albania is open to cooperation with all international organizations and bodies. ssh/xh/

[18] TRADE UNIONS WANT TO BE PARTNER IN LAWS APPROVAL BY THE GOVERNMENT

This was declared by the representatives of seven trade unions today in a meeting with the Labour Minister Arlinda Keci. They accused the government of disregarding them although a joint agreement has been signed between the two parties. "We shall appeal to the Constitutional Court for the disregard of the government towards us," said the president of the Trade Union Confederation of Albania Kastriot Muco.

According to representatives of seven trade unions, the government did not ask opinion from the trade unions when it decided to liberalize the prices of flour and wheat, a decision which they considered as unjust, because it was adopted by a group of individuals."

"A legitimate body as the parliament decided on the compensation of the price of the bread with 2 million dollars per month for 1 700 thousand inhabitants," said Minister Keci.

Mr Muco asked that "the whole compensation would be made on the basis of the limit of the minimal salary and the living minimum limit."

Representatives of seven trade union federations asked a working meeting soon with all ministers to discuss the decision-taking rights and tasks.

The two parties decided to meet again on September 15-20 to be informed of the final conclusions. ksh/xh/

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

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