ATA News from Albania, 96-08-22

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] NEWS CONFERENCE OF ALBANIAN PRESIDENT SALI BERISHA

[02] NO EPIDEMIC SITUATION IN TIRANA - Health Ministry

[03] "U.S. INCREASING COMMITMET TO PREVENT CONFLICT IN KOSOVA" - Berisha

[04] NOT ONLY THE ELECTORATE BUT ALSO SP MEMBERS HAVE TURNED THEIR BACKS TO THIS PARTY - Berisha

[05] INTERVIEW WITH ALBANIAN DEFENCE MINISTER AFTER U.S.A. VISIT

[06] ALBANIAN-GREEK RELATIONS ON RIGHT TRACK

[07] Lebed expects Chechnya political deal in two days

[08] "COOPERATIVE OSPREY '96" ENDS INDIVIDUAL TRAINING PHASE

[09] EUROPEAN-BALKAN MEETING ON FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE

[10] PRESIDENT OF KOSOVA MEETS AUSTRIAN AMBASSADOR

[11] TALKS ON EMPLOYMENT AND SALARY START IN TIRANA

[01] NEWS CONFERENCE OF ALBANIAN PRESIDENT SALI BERISHA

"The summer period we passed cannot be described as a period without activities. It was full of important activities. As you know, the government with its first decisions help promote the reform, it adopted some indispensable decisions regarding the removal of the state control on the prices. Serious preparations are being made towards the privatization of the banking system which marks a very important moment in the process of privatization.

The parliament also ratified two of the most important conventions of the Council of Europe, the European Convention of human rights and the Convention on prevention of torture and maltreatments, it also approved some other laws and decrees.

Serious preparations have been and are being made to have local elections of European standards. Involved in a serious dialogue about this process are the government, the parliamentand the political forces. The political parties have had numerous meetings contributing to the election process. The opposition or the main opposition party to which you should be grateful because it provided a good stuff for your papers during August, was committed to a process of reformation at the beginning, but as you know, it ended in a division of clans within this political force.

These were some of the points I wanted to speak about here but I am ready and open to answer any of your questions."

Then followed question by reporters: Reis Cico, Albanian Television: Mr President, your decree on the Permanent Election Commission has been considered a challenge for the left wing parties. Is the president ready to make concessions regarding the claim of the socialists and their advocates? And in the context of the above question, what's the opinion of the President, will these forces take part in the local elections or will they boycott them?

Berisha: The decree has not been a challenge. If it were a challenge I would not leave the seats vacant for the socialists. You who follow political developments could see that the socialists too were present in the round table with the political parties that participated in the local government and which reached some joint conclusions.

I need not remind you of anything here because you have still fresh in your memories their declarations on the fruitful meetings and the results they reached are real. On the basis of the first round table I organized the second one, because we agreed to have a permanent commission since the first round table. We also agreed in the first negotiations to amend the law on genocide, we agreed on the election day and precisely on the date proposed by SP leaders. There is no doubt that an election date as near as possible would be in the interest of the party in power, the Democratic Party. But taking into account the tense situation within that political force, and to respect the opponent, I fixed as election day the date that they had demanded. Then what remained to be done, it was the creation of a permanent commission and I insisted that a round table with political forces be held, although according to the law, it is an exclusive right of the President of the Republic, I still wanted to appoint the commission members together. They did not want and boycotted the meeting. Sticking to boycotting, they were against dialogue in the round table in which 19 political parties took part. Four of them represented the parties in position and the rest were from the opposition which had sent their proposals for the candidates in the commission. Members of the commission would be those candidates. I fixed the last 15 days of the election campaign as the deadline for the presentation of the candidacies, therefore my decree is not a challenge for anyone.

The decree aims at installing in Albania a permanent election commission, which, in my opinion, is an indispensable institution. It is true that it has been suggested to us and I am glad to realise it because such institutions have proved to be successful in the countries with a 200- 300 year democracy. We too shall have and consolidate it.

In regard to another question, President Berisha said that it seemed that "the opposition is considering the boycott seriously, because they have lost a lot, if not completely, the faith of their electorate.

The latest SP conferences in the districts proved that not only the electorate but the members of SP have turned their backs to this party.

The reason is rather logical. It is the boycott in the counting of votes. Sirs, a ballot is a confidence, if you do not count the vote you spoil the confidence it gives to you. The vote is an understanding, if you do not count it you abuse with this understanding. The vote is hope and if you do not count it you hit such a hope. The vote is a contract, and if you do not count it you break the contract with the electorate. The vote is patriotism because it has perhaps the most advanced elements of human ideal and the left wing electorate did not vote only for the people (it also has cast the ballot for the people) but it has voted for the left ideals, which according to their convictions, are good to construct and translate into life the democracy in Albania.

What happened in the SP conferences in the districts ? The boycott of the counting of votes has been denounced by these conferences as an irresponsible act. It was a great disloyalty. In these conditions, having lost their electorate as well a great number of members and also knowing that they cannot repeat another boycott of the counting of votes due to legal prerogatives installed, this group of leaders decided to undertake the second kind of boycott. Why is this road a mistake? Let us consider the logic of Mr Pellumbi in the conference of Kruja "We must boycott the local elections in order that international community force Berisha to hold general elections."

First, Albania is a sovereign country and the sovereignty of the Albanians has in essence their free vote. I am convinced that the international community will support the free ballot of the Albanians and not the boycott.

Second, the commissioner Van Den Brook conveyed to political forces the clear message regarding the process of local elections. Hence, in this case too the logic is wrong.

Third, I don't think that the Bolshevik tradition of the lack of loyalty towards institutions has any future. This is proved both by the fact that they do not take part in round tables and the fact that they want to boycott the elections. I consider it without a future also due to the fact that there are about 19 political parties which have presented their candidates for the election process, which is a proof of their determination to take part in elections.

Albanians will have the chance in the local elections to elect more candidates than any other time in their history. You may say that these are small parties but this is the way how they will grow. In this way the garden of democracy will be added with other trees which will keep growing up, may be one or two may not develop well. It is a destination, isn't it an unavoidable fact? I don't know it, I cannot say this. But I can say that SP is proving that it is completely lacking its electoral ability

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] NO EPIDEMIC SITUATION IN TIRANA - Health Ministry

The paper referred to the situation in the out patient clinic of the 8th quarter in Tirana, which according to the paper has had many cases of summer epidemic.

"It is not true that there is an epidemic situation" said Kosta right after he had visited the out patient clinics of the city quarter in the lead of a group of specialists.

"Cases of patients with diarrhea is a rare phenomenon and not an epidemic," said Kosta, referring to the fact that in the 400 medical check ups last week, only 10 cases have been diarrhea and only two patients have been hospitalized with diarrhea during this month.

"The situation may be considered normal in a summer season," said Kosta, adding that "there is no water pollution in this quarter."

Describing as "groundless" the report in Koha Jone, he mentioned the fact that "children have been treated with tresol and not with antibiotics."

The 8th Tirana quarter, with about 30 thousand inhabitants, there is a central out patient clinic along with some smaller ones. kei/xh/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] "U.S. INCREASING COMMITMET TO PREVENT CONFLICT IN KOSOVA" - Berisha

"I have especially considered as very important the establishment of the U.S. information office in Prishtine and the inclusion of the question of Kosova in all the meetings that the State Secretary and other senior officials of the Department of State have had with Milosevic, said Berisha.

"I am completely convinced that the road of dialogue between Prishtine and Belgrade is the main way for a peaceful solution to this question, but the dialogue should be conducted in the presence of a third party," said Berisha.

"There is a tendency for radicalization by extreme circles who are experts on mines and alarm bombs, but it is common knowledge that these belong to extreme circles of Sheshel and Arkan, but these have not to do with Albanians. They have proved their determination for a peaceful solution to the Kosova question. We must avoid the extremization and radicalization of the issue," said berisha. kei/xh/e

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] NOT ONLY THE ELECTORATE BUT ALSO SP MEMBERS HAVE TURNED THEIR BACKS TO THIS PARTY - Berisha

The reason for this act, Berisha finds in the boycott of the countring of votes, an act which spoils the faith of the electorate, abuses his understanding and hopes.

"The vote is patriotism because it has perhaps the most advanced elements of human ideal and the left wing electorate did not vote only for the people (it also has cast the ballot for the people) but it has voted for the left ideals, which according to their convictions, are good to construct and translate into life the democracy in Albania," said Berisha further on.

Speaking of the SP conferences in the districts, Berisha said that "they all without exception have denounced the boycott of the counting of votes as an irresponsible act."

"In these conditions, having lost their electorate as well a great number of members and also knowing that they cannot repeat another boycott of the counting of votes due to legal prerogatives installed, this group of leaders decided to undertake the second kind of boycott," said the President.

Speaking about the reasoning of the SP deputy chairman, Servet Pellumbi in the Kruja SP conference, who said that "We must boycott the local elections in order that international community force Berisha to hold general elections,"Berisha added that this was a mistake because:

First, Albania is a sovereign country and the sovereignty of the Albanians has in essence their free vote. I am convinced that the international community will support the free ballot of the Albanians and not the boycott.

Second, the commissioner Van Den Broek conveyed to political forces the clear message regarding the process of local elections. Hence, in this case too the logic is wrong.

Third, I don't think that the Bolshevik tradition of the lack of loyalty towards institutions has any future. This is proved both by the fact that they do not take part in round tables and the fact that they want to boycott the elections. I consider it without a future also due to the fact that there are about 19 political parties which have presented their candidates for the election process, which is a proof of their determination to take part in elections."

Berisha added that in the local elections Albanians will have the possiblity to choose among many candidates, as never before in their history.

Referring to the boycott that socialists have declared regarding the local elections, Berisha said: "I am asking you and the electorate that how can one boycott the elections simply because of a law which we are ready to amend and improve without any prejudice, a law according to which you claim to have the majority, which in fact you have not? I do not accept this logic. The law is up to European standards and this was confirmed through joint declarations by 23 political forces but nevertheless, I do not exclude the fact that the law may be amended." kei/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] INTERVIEW WITH ALBANIAN DEFENCE MINISTER AFTER U.S.A. VISIT

An Albanian peace keeping platoon is also taking part in the activity. I say that this participation not only helps further develop cooperation with the U.S.A. and the other participating forces, but is also an occasion to raise the qualitative level of representation of the Albanian Army within the PfP framework.

Q. You mister Minister, held talks at the Department of State and the Pentagon. How much did you focus on present U.S.-Albanian relations?

A. Of course, this topic constituted an important part of my visit. I went to Washington at the head of a delegation of the Albanian government, including, Mr. Fatos Beja, Deputy and advicser of the President of the Republic, Mr. Albert Rakipi of the Ministry of the Foreign Affairs and ambassador Dilja. The American side was represented to the meeting by two deputy secretaries, Messrs. Wirth and Perina, a high representative of a National Security Council and the White House and others. I can well say that the talks went of in a friendly mood and both sides exchanged views about the current state of Albanian-American relations and their prospects.

After presenting its views, the Albanian delegation stressed that the Albanian government was willing to deepen and extend its ties with the U.S.A. on the foundations of consolidation of democracy, the market economy, human rights, active participation in P.f.P., as well as in all spheres of cooperation between our two countries.

On behalf of the Albanian government, I underlined that work will continue to consolidate and promote democracy in Albania and to play an active role for the cause of peace and stability in the Balcans.

The American side too confirmed its willingness to cooperate and extend cooperation with Albania on the bases of consolidation of democracy in Albania and the human right and to assist in the promotion of these relations. They also supported Albania's participation in P.f.P. Initiative and the positive role that Albania has played and will be playing in the future for peace and stability in the region.

After the meeting, which was fruitful for both sides, I held a long meeting, which I think it was very contructive, with Mr. Rudolf Perina, who focused on the same topics, though in greater detail. After the meeting at the Department of State, I held an official meeting in the Pentagon, where I was received with honours by the under Secretary of Defence, White, acting Secretary of Defence since Perry was in Washington.

As usual, the discussions in Pentagon, which proceeded in a spirit of friendship and mutual cooperation, we laid stress on the promotion of these relations during the past period. At the meeting, which was very successful and very useful for both sides, it was pointed out that activities should continue in the future, too on the bases of the same cooperation between the Amarican government and the Albanian goverment and state and that both sides will try to further extend and deeper cooperation. /kei

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] ALBANIAN-GREEK RELATIONS ON RIGHT TRACK

Q: As already announced, the Greek Foreign Minister will pay a visit to Albania on August 31. Can you enlarge on the forthcoming visit of the Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos to our country?

A: The visit of the Greek Foreign Minister, Pangalos, to Albania, which was an idea of the Greek side, will also be utilised for meetings with the Albanian high ranking officials. Foreign Minister Pangalos will take part in the inauguration of the new premises of the Greek Consulate in Gjirokastra and will meet with the Albanian Foreign Minister and deputy Prime Minister, Tritan Shehu as well as with President Sali Berisha in Vlora.

Q: What do you expect from this visit, and which are the immediate problems to be solved?

A: As I have already stressed, both sides are taking advantage of the activity in Gjirokastra to meet and, of course, to exchange opinions on bilateral relations, the opportunities that have been created to further them and other issues relating to the Balkan region and beyond.

Relations between Albania and Greece are on the right track and the two governments seem to have set their further enhancement their goal and, as already declared, to turn them into a model of good neighbourliness, by solving or embarking on the road to solution of the existing problems between the two countries.

If we consider recent developments, especially after the advent to office of the government of Prime Minister Costas Simitis, the visit of the Greek President to Tirana and the signing of the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between the two countries this year on this occasion, I can well say that in the spirit of the Treaty, the Albanian side has taken concrete steps, which are the embodiment of its desire and good will for ever better relations with the Greek state. But, on the Greek side there is indication of the presence of desire and will. The agreement on seasonal employment, signed by the foreign ministers of the two countries in May 1996, is expected to be signed, of course after it has been signed by the Greek Minister of Public Order and endorsed by Greece's parliament. We hope that the Greek side will be through with these procedures as soon as possible.

Within the framework of the materialisation of the good will expressed by the Greek side, a solution to the status of the Albanian immigrants is also expected. As Greek officials have declared, this issue will be solved thanks to a law of the Greek parliament on foreign immigration. At present, the two countries will also start to implement the conclusions of the meeting of the joint subcommission on Defence and Border, held in Athens, in June, this year. We are expecting the confirmation of the Greek side on the date of the meetings of the expert groups and heads of the two sides' delegations, so that work on the ground starts as soon as possible.

Q: What is your prediction of Albanian-Greek relations in the not-too- distant future?

A: Foreign minister Pangalo's visit is one of the activities in near future terms. Starting work to repair border markers and build new ones, implementation of the seasonal employment agreement and the solution of the status of the Albanian immigrants in Greece about which I referred above, are activities of the future, of not-too-distant future, we hope. Work is also going on to open new border crossing and built the necessary infrastructure for them.

All these activities, that have been and will be carried out, will naturally help boost bilateral relations, which we cannot divorce from the regional context, for good relations between our countries are also a significant contribution that the two, Albanian and Greek governments render to peace and stability in southeastern Europe. fh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] Lebed expects Chechnya political deal in two days

"I will come back with a draft political agreement in two days. We will discuss it and sign it," Lebed told reporters after signing a deal to disengage Russian and rebel forces who have been fighting over the regional capital Grozny since August 6. Lebed gave no details of the planned deal.

MORE

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] "COOPERATIVE OSPREY '96" ENDS INDIVIDUAL TRAINING PHASE

First company made up by an Albanian, a Romanian and two US platoons were transported by helicopters and the US warship PENSACOLA, where the company passed the night over and familiarised itself with the warship.

The company returned to the shore in the morning of August 21. After a scheduled training in the morning on a "mined field" the company with Albanian troops like all other peacekeeping companies will return from their campsite named "Blue Bird" to their barracks and August 22, will be a day off.

Another training phase of the "Cooperative Osprey '96" after August 22, will realise actions in a wider scale.

The US way of leading and training has been used until now. But the US officials, sometimes, liked the methods the armies of the present military troops use in handling some tactical actions" said for ATA major Shkelqim Kalemi, commander of the Albanian platoon.

Mr. Kalemi who has been operation chief of the multinational brigade in the training "Peaceful Eagle", held in July '96 in Bize, said that the training applied the US way of leading which puts on the first plan the figure of the direct superior.

This training aims a single one body action for the peacekeeping troops although they belong to different nations.

The military organisation was of one nation platoons and multinational companies.

The instruction was helped by the materials prepared and translated beforehand in all the languages of the troops in the exercises.

The US method has been used during this training, by realising a demonstration before the concrete exercise on the terrain. The US way of security has also been applied where life of man and his health are put on the first plan.

Two imaginary "towns" have been built for these exercises, the first was used for the training of the peacekeeping troops when snipers were present and individual exercises in a platoon, and the second was constructed to stimulate a civil revolt and the defence and evacuation of the Embassies personnel. ssh/kei/fh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] EUROPEAN-BALKAN MEETING ON FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE

Representatives of the European Community, of the World Veterinary Organisation, experts of FAO, representatives of the Veterinary Service from Serbia, Macedonia, Montenegro and Albania attended this meeting.

Albanian Minister of Agriculture and Food Prof. Dr. Bamir Topi said foot-and-mouth disease is a complex problem, that is why it has been supported by the CE, FAO and the World Organisation of Veterinary. He thanked experts of these organisations and the foreign institutions which helped its present diagnosing in Albania.

Then, Topi voiced the need for a European strategy to fight this disease which should concider Balkan as a European filter for this disease.

Representatives of the Albanian Veterinary Service and those of the other countries discussed about the situation of the disease in their countries and the measures they have taken to fight it. kled/fh/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] PRESIDENT OF KOSOVA MEETS AUSTRIAN AMBASSADOR

Rugova acquainted the Austrian Ambassador with the situation in Kosova which continues to be grave due to the systematic repression exercised against Albanians there.

"The best solution for Kosova, is Kosova, an independent and neutral state, opened to Albania and Serbia" said Rugova, adding that this is the "will of Kosova people, who is determined to achieve its independence through a peaceful way."

The meeting also concentrated on the solution of the Kosova question through peaceful and political means. Weninger stressed that Austria closely follows the development of events in Kosova. The Austrian Ambassador visited the same day the University of Pristine where he was received by its Rector Prof. Dr. Ejup Statovci.

During the talk, Weninger heard about the work of this institution and its cooperation with Universities and international institutions, said the same source.

Rector Statovci thanked the Austrian government and universities for the assistance they had offered to the Pristine University. pta/bj/kled/fh/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] TALKS ON EMPLOYMENT AND SALARY START IN TIRANA

The meeting concluded that the creation of a National Threeparty Council was a necessity.

"This Council, made up by five government officials, ten representatives of the trade unions and ten of the employment organisations will institutionalise the social pact between the trade unions, employers and the government" said spokesman of this ministry.

According to him, this council will increase in a higher level the correct application of the articles of the Code of Work, although two problems are still evident and make difficult the work of the council. They have to do with the representation of the trade unions and the employers in this council.

The new process hopes to treat problems of incitement of employment, policy of salary, problems of professional formation and that of insurance at work. eva/fh/sh/ From the Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) Home Page at http://www.telpress.it/ata

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