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ATA News from Albania, 96-08-30Albanian Telegraphic Agency Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) Home Page at <http://www.telpress.it/ata>Albanian Telegraphic AgencyCONTENTS
[01] PRESIDENT BERISHA RECEIVES AMBASSADOR FERRARISTIRANA, AUGUST 29 (ATA) - President of the Republic Sali Berisha received Thursday ambassador Ferraris, envoy of the Italian Foreign Minister Lamberto Dini.Berisha expressed his gratitude for the all-round support and aid Italy, as a friendly country, has offered to Albania. He stressed that the great changes of these four years were due to exploitation of the potential of freedom and international solidarity, specially that of Italy, which has had for Albania extraordinary importance. President Berisha reiterated Albania's determination to deepen friendship and collaboration with Italy and to intensify its efforts for a complete integration into European and Euro-Atlantic institutions. Albanian Westward orientation remains main objective for the consolidation of democratic values and institutions, run of law and market economy. He also acquainted Ferraris with political developments and the dialogue among political forces expressing the determination of government to guarantee free and fair local elections on October 20. Ambassador Ferraris assured President Berisha that Italy will continue to actively help Albania in its way of consolidation of the democratic state and market economy. Italy is highly interested in Albania's integration into Europe and highly estimates friendship with it expressing its complete readiness to contribute in the continuation of reforms and consolidation of democracy in Albania. Berisha asked Ferraris to convey his cordial greetings to the Italian President Scalfaro, Prime Minister Prodi and Foreign Minister Dini and invited them to visit Albania. The meeting was open and friendly. ksh/fh/e Albanian Telegraphic Agency[02] PREPARATIONS FOR CLOSING CEREMONY OF "OSPREY '96" EXERCISES STARTLE JEUNE, AUGUST 29 (ATA) - By A. Pasko: Preparations for the closing ceremony of the exercises "Cooperative Ospray-'96" will begin today in the afternoon in Le Jeune Camp of North Carolina. Peacekeeping troops from 16 countries, members of Partnership for Peace (PFP) participated in the military exercises, organized by three NATO member countries. Their aim was the trainning peacekeeping troops to face situations smilar to those in Bosnia.It is the third time that such military exercises are held in U.S. with PFP troops and the 20th joint exercise of the Albanain army with those of NATO member countries, PFP and the U.S. The Albanian troops will participate in three other military exercises of peacekeeping and humanitarian character in cooperation with NATO member countries. All the participants in the military exercise Osprey '96 had a day off yesterday and on this ocassion they visited the games city "Kings Dominion" in Virginia state. jz/mt./E Albanian Telegraphic Agency[03] CONFERENCE ON IMPROVEMENT OF ELECTION CAMPAIGN AND LAW ENDS IN TIRANATIRANA, AUGUST 29 (ATA) By A Frasheri - Representatives of nine Albanian political parties, of the government and Central Election Commission converged on conclusion that the present law on local elections, although of a good standard and favouring the present opposition during the last elections needs amendments in order to realise a necessity, that of the dialogue between the political parties."The Conference can be considered successful. The debate among those present, on problems they were interested in, were constructive. The political forces should present their proposals to the Parliament and government to make specific amendments" said manager of the American Republican Institute (IRI) Peter Dickenson, in a press conference held by this Institute after the closing of the Working Conference "On improvement of the election campaign and laws." Its proceedings focused on 31 recommendations of IRI, which aimed improvement of election law on local elections. Main Albanian political parties which attended this conference were the Democratic Party, Socialist Party, Republican Party, Social Democratic Party, Democratic Alliance Party, Balli Kombetar Party, Social Democratic Union Party, Human Rights Union Party and Christian Democratic Party. Also present in this meeting were representatives of the State Secretariat on Local Government, Central Election Commission, Association for Democratic Culture and US specialists on election problems and IRI's officials. Political parties agreed on some topics discussed in this conference. It also discussed on the role of media, on the administration and procedures to be followed on the election day, on the role of Public Order forces and others. Albanian government and Parliament have assured and are actively working to guarantee free and democratic elections. kled/fh/k Albanian Telegraphic Agency[04] PREMIER MEKSI MEETS WITH AMBASSADOR FERRARISTIRANA, AUGUST 30 (ATA) - Albanian Premier Aleksander Meksi yesterday met with Ambassador Ferraris, envoy of Italian Foreign Minister Lamberto Dini, and exchanged opinions with him on the bilateral relations and those with the European Union, the situation in Albania before local government elections, President's press and information offices reports.Meksi stressed the importance that Albania attaches to the relations with neighbouring Italy especially the economic cooperation and in other fields such as trade, education, culture and science. In response to the interest of Mr Ferraris, Mr Meksi pointed out the commitment of his government for free and fair local government elections, the guarantee of representation of all the parties and the creation of conditions for calm elections. Mr Ferraris said that the message he is conveying is that of friendship and continuous attention of Italy in support of Albanian democracy, the assistance for the economic development of Albania and its support in the context of the European Union. He expressed his confidence that the local government elections will be free and fair, and described them as very important for the promotion of the process of democracy in Albania. Also present in the meeting was Italian ambassador in Tirana, Paolo Foresti. ssh/eva/xh/k Albanian Telegraphic Agency[05] JUSTICE MINISTER PECI MEETS AD HOC COMMISSION OF CE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLYTIRANA, AUGUST 30 (ATA) - Albanian Minister of Justice Kristofor Peci met yesterday the delegation of Ad Hoc Commission of Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe and acquainted them with the work of his ministry in compiling a democratic legislation and implementation of democratic reformation in the judiciary system, reports spokesman of this ministry.Peci spoke to the delegation about different issues regarding the independence of justice and the competencies of Ministry of Justice in the observation of law during local election campaign. He guaranteed the delegation that CE recommendations will have practical reflection in the law on elections. The delegation showed interest on the new judges' nomination, and Peci said that "the Ministry aims to strengthen independence and observation of law. We will soon have a law 'On organisation of justice' and another 'On organisation and functioning of the Ministry of Justice'." Peci added that the ministry is trying to have judges qualified according western standards. Ad hoc Commission also held meetings in the Supreme Court and General Prosecutor's Office. ssh/eva/fh/k Albanian Telegraphic Agency[06] PRESS RELEASE OF ITALIAN EMBASSY IN TIRANATIRANA, AUGUST 29 9ATA) - Follows a press release the secretary of the Italian Embassy in Tirana announced to ATA: "Referring to the positions of the Italian Parliament and the European Parliament, and in the course of the agreements reached between the Italian Foreign Minister, Dini and his Albanian counterpart Shehu on July 18, in the context of the talks conducted in Rome, the Ambassador, Prof Luiggi Vitorio Ferraris, who is also deputy secretary in the Foreign Ministry as personal representative of minister Dini, has had a number of contacts with representatives of the Albanian Government and those of Albanian political parties. He has also had a separate meeting with the President of Albania, the Honourable Prof Sali Berisha.With his short visit, Ambassador Ferraris, as the envoy of Foreign Minister Dini, aimed at gathering information for an optimal coordination of the Italian assistance in the creation of the confidence that a contemporary democratic society can be consolidated through institutional and political dialogue. In this direction, they stressed during the talks that the coming administrative elections be held in the conditions of transparence and correctness as wished by all, in the spirit of efforts to construct together a united Europe, part of which Albania should also be. mim/xh/k Albanian Telegraphic Agency[07] SUCCESS OF STRING ORCHESTRA OF FINE ARTS ACADEMY OF ALBANIATIRANA, AUG 29 (ATA) - The String Orchestra of the Fine Arts Academy of Albania had a tour of concerts of Northern Italy from August 3-20, 1996. The tour, which included "Seasons" by Vivald and waltzes by Strauss, was described as rather successful by regional media and television, said one of the organizers of the concert, Italian conductor of Albania origin Luciano Delia. The tour was realised under the auspices of Mr Delia and the conductor Salvatore Silvestri.The String Orchestra of the Fine Arts Academy created in 1992 upon the initiative of Isak Shehu, soloist in this formation, is one of the most successful in the past three years. "The string orchestra...which actually have the most intensive activity abroad (5 tours in 16 months) consists of 14 instrumentalists (most of whom teachers of the Albanian String instrument school.) Soon, leaders of this formation envisage very important activities and are getting ready for a tour at home and in other countries, Isak Shehu told ATA. xh/k Albanian Telegraphic Agency[08] STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT'S SPOKEMANTIRANA, AUGUST 39, (ATA) - The spokesman of the Albanian government, after knowing the pretentions of the Socialist Party presented to Ad Hock Commission of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Europian Council, according to which the Albanian government is delayed in the preparations for the local elections, declares: 1. The date of the local election is defined more han three months ago, so in a proper date required from the SP.2. The Central Election Commission is set up times before the deadline, after the respective consults. 3. The preparations of the government have begun in time. The preparations for the local elections are going on very well. The government promises optimal conditions previsted in the law for these elections. eva/mt/E. Albanian Telegraphic Agency[09] EXPLANATION ON EXPULSION OF ALBANIA EMIGRANTS FROM GREECETIRANA, AUG 29 (ATA) - Asked for explanations regarding the increasing expulsion of Albanian emigrants from Greece recently, the head of regional department in the Foreign Ministry, Eqerem Mete, said:"This is a daily concern in the Albanian opinion, and is being reflected also by Albanian mass media, the Greek media and others. There is no doubt that for the formal and non-formal Albanian opinion, the growing and unexpected deportation of Albanian emigrants in Greece has been a worry if we also bear in mind the time when it is happening and when the two countries are declaring that "the present relations are among the best." Proceeding from the concern about such a phenomenon which the Albanian party could not explain, on August 27, 1996, the Albanian Foreign Ministry summoned the Greek ad interim, Andrea Papakonstandinu, and asked explainations from him about the reports for an expulsion of Albanian economic emigrants from Greece. Besides, he was told that this phenomenon is occurring on the eve of the visit of Greek Foreign Minister Teodoros Pangallos to Albania, the meetings he will have with senior Albanian personalities and when the relations between the two countries are put on the right track. The next day, on August 28, Mr Papakonstandinu came to a meeting in the Albanian Foreign Ministry and said that the increase of the number of Albanian economic emigrants expelled from Greece is related with a recent confirmation by the Greek party that crime has intensified. Nevertheless, he said, "with the mediation of the Greek Foreign Minister Pangallos himself, Greek public order ministry authorities are instructed not to expel Albanian emigrants who have identification documents issued not only by Greek authorities but also by respective Albanian authorities." I would like that this phenomenon be a routine act of the Greek police or a case of an exaggerated zeal on the part of low-ranking Greek authorities and I believe it will not be repeated. Both parties should have the same preoccupation and avoid acts which may be politically interpreted. I think that the acts of a set number of irresponsible people should not be a reason for expulsion of the type "sweep." The phenomenon of crime in the ranks of foreign emigrants is not among Albanians alone. A bilateral agreement for seasonal employment was signed between Albania and Greece last year, but it is not yet being executed because the Greek legal procedure is not yet completed. According to this procedure, which no one knows when will be over, the agreement should be also signed by the Greek Public Order Minister and approved by the Greek parliament, despite the fact that it has been signed by the foreign ministers of the two countries. Albanian opinion is long ago waiting Greek promises to give a legal status to Albanian economic emigrants presently employed in Greece. The fact that nothing has been made in this direction so far is related with the declared aim of the Greek party to have the respective legislation for foreign emigration which should be adopted by the Greek Parliament as well. The approval of the bilateral Albanian-Greek agreement for seasonal employment and the law on foreign emigration seems not to be realised soon because due to the elections on Sept. 22 this year, the Greek parliament will convene in October 1996. fv/xh/E Albanian Telegraphic Agency[10] SOME 3500 ALBANIAN REFUGES RETURNED BY GREEK POLICE IN KAPSHTICAKAPSHTICE, AUGUST 29 (ATA) By B Fejzullai - The Greek police have returned during the last ten days 3500 Albanian refugees in the border crossing point of Kapshtice (South-western Albania) said Guri Nako, chief of Police Commissariat of the Devolli district.The Greek police have started, lately, a wide operation of expelling Albanian refugees from Greece, upon the pretext, that according to statistics, 70 per cent of stealing in Attica region were committed by economic emigrants from Romania and Albania. A group of emigrants newly returned in Kapshtica said that "Greek police hunted down Albanian emigrants and gathered them in special places in very bad conditions. Other emigrants were not treated like that." They have also returned emigrants with a staying permission from the police or passports with visas from the Greek Embassy in Tirana. According to Nako the number of the returned immigrants in Kapshtica border crossing point reaches to 350-400 people daily. Albanian returned refuges are also seen in the Kakavia border crossing point. eva/fh/E Albanian Telegraphic Agency[11] PRESS REVIEWTIRANA, AUGUST 30 (ATA) - Rilindja Demokratike writes on its first page "Opposition negates democracy." The European advice for the SP coming to Tirana through two CE commissioners put it in a dilemma to be with or against Europe writes an article entitled "Boomerang boycott."Zeri i Popullit writes "SP offers its proposals for the solution of the political crisis on the eve of local elections." It also reports that Central Leading committee holds its first meeting today in Tirana. "The Ambassador of the Italian Foreign Minister Dini meets Albanian politicians" writes Republika. Poli I Qendres writes in an article "DP: OK with 'garniture'" that from 31 recommendations the ruling party (DP) accepts only seven without giving time limits for corrections. Lajmi i Dites carries "Finsberg: If opposition does not take its seats in the Parliament, it negates democracy." Tribuna Demokratike writes an article entitled "Socialists against all". The SP leaders boycott the CE round table, as dictator Hoxha did for decades, write the newspaper among other. "Italy fully supports the Albanian democracy", says the paper regarding the meetings of the Italian Foreign Minister envoy, Ferraris. Rilindja writes "Conditions for free and fair elections", regarding the visit of the Ad hoc delegation of the CE Parliamentary Assembly in Tirana. It carries another article entitled "A policeman shot dead in Kosova". Albania carries the article "The socialists turn up side down the congress of Nano". Under the headline "The CE is ready to help the election process in Albania", the newspaper carries the article "The SP should has to stop asking unreasonable demands" Dita Informacion writes "Looking for an acceptable way." Koha Jone carries "The SP and the Pole: Proposals for CE." CE has obligations for the solution of Albanian crisis as a member of its institutions. Gazeta Shqiptare writes "US round table: opposition is against the Commission." It also reports that Iannulatos is asking from government ownership on churches. kled/fh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[12] US DEFENCE SECRETARY PRAISES ALBANIAN FORCES' PREPARATIONCAMP LEJUENE, AUGUST 30 (ATA) - By A. Pasko: U.S. Defence Secretary William Perry highly praised the preparation of the Albanian army in a meeting with journalists at the end of the "Cooperative Osprey - '96" exercises in Camp Lejuene in North Carolina."I have personally seen how the Albanian forces conducted training and I have also seen the special forces and I am impressed by the fact that they have a high level of training," Perry said. He added that the Albanian forces "deserve trust" and "know what they do." Perry said that the organisers of the Osprey '96 shared the same idea with him. Present at the ceremony marking the end of the exercises were also Norman Ray, assistant Secretary General for NATO Defence Planning, Lin Davis under Secretary of State for arm control and international security, and ambassadors and representatives of participating countries. During his visit to Albania last April Perry said that the U.S. government has accorded an aid worth 100 million dollars to the Albanian army. Its release started in July on the eve of the "Peaceful Eagle '96" in Biza with the participation of peacekeeping forces from nine NATO member countries and those of Partnership for Peace. Perry awarded a medallion to the Albanian Major Shkelqim Kalemi bearing the name of Perry. He (Perry) said to the commanders of the Albanian group that Albania was among the first countries he visited after being appointed to the post of Defence Secretary. "When I visited it for the second time I was impressed by the changes and reforms in the Albanian army," Perry said. The Albanian Ambassador to Washington Lublin Dilja was also present at the ceremony. jz/ak/Z/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[13] US GREATLY APPRECIATE ALBANIA'S PROGRESSUS GREATLY APPRECIATE ALBANIA'S PROGRESS TIRANA, AUGUST 30 (ATA) - Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Albania Tritan Shehu held talks on Friday with the extraordinary Ambassador of the United States to Albania, Marisa Lino, press and information office at the Foreign Ministry reported.Minister Shehu said that Albania highly praised the ties with the United States. "We have close ties in many fields and a brilliant perspective for their promotion," Shehu said. U.S. Ambassador said that the U.S. highly appreciated Albania's progress in the last years and that they are always ready to help and support further progress. Shehu briefed her on the achievements reached so far and main priorities of the program of the Democratic government in economic, law and institutional fields. He added that Albania needs the support of the U.S. and European institutions to fulfil the set goals. He focused on the measures adopted by the Albanian government to ensure free and democratic local elections which, as Lino said, are very important. Both sides assured each other of a close cooperation to promote relations between the two countries in the interest of strengthening the Albanian-American friendship. am/kled/ak/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[14] ALBANIAN OPPOSITION SHOULD TAKE UP SEATS IN PARLIAMENT - Finsberg- Finsberg TIRANA, AUGUST 30 (ATA) - By A. Sakja: Lord Finsberg heading the Ad Hoc Council of Europe delegation to Albania called on the Albanian opposition to take up seats in parliament despite debates on elections outcome."Refusing to take up seats the opposition in fact negates democracy," Finsberg told a news conference on Friday at the end of his visit in Albania. He added: "We hope there is no boycott in the forthcoming local elections." To avoid this, he said, we have asked all the political parties to send us written requests on changes in the law on elections in order to ensure fair elections and avoid boycott. The Commission of the Parliamentary Assembly has presented its proposals regarding the local elections in order that they be carried out in a satisfactory way. The proposals of the European parliamentarians focused especially on the holding of a round table of the Albanian political forces, which they said "should be held again", and "should be presided over by the president of the Republic." "We hope there is no boycott and withdrawal from the round table," Lord Finsberg said. Asked by an ATA journalist about the attitude of the Council of Europe if the Socialists boycott the elections again, Lord Finsberg said, "In such a case they (the Albanian Socialists) will not have the support of the Council's Socialist group." "Considering the resolution drafted some months ago, I hope that the Socialist group there will persuade their colleagues that they will better serve the democratic process without using these means, but by taking part in elections," he said. Later Lord Finsberg focused on some problems which can appear during the local elections such as the tasks of the police, members of the commissions and home and foreign observers in elections. "The Council of Europe, on its part, will better coordinate international observers who will act in a neutral way otherwise they cannot be registered as such." Pointing out the importance of these elections, Lord Finsberg said that their fair holding will show that "Albania is able to carry out a nationwide election which meets international standards." jz/ak/Z/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[15] BOYCOTT - UNACCEPTABLE ACTION IN DEMOCRACY - FinsbergTIRANA, AUGUST 30 (ATA) - By A. Sakja: Boycotting is not an acceptable action in democracy and we hope that it should never be used as a strategy, " Lord Finsberg, who headed the Ad Hoc commission of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe to Tirana, told a news conference on Friday.The other member of the commission Victor Ruffy shared the same view. After withdrawing from the polling of May 26, the Socialist party, the largest opposition party in Albania, refused to take up seats won in these elections. It also boycotted the round table of the political parties on forthcoming local elections. jz/ak/Z/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[16] LORD FINSBERG CONFUTES "KOHA JONE" ARTICLE ON CE PRESIDENTTIRANA, AUGUST 30 (ATA) By A Sakja - Lord Finsberg, who is heading a visit of the Ad hoc Commission of the CE Parliamentary Assembly to Albania, confuted today in a press conference an article recently appearing in Koha Jone, which pretends that its Chairwoman Ms Lenny Fischer has taken concessions in cooper industry from the Albanian government."This is a big lie and was categorically refused by Fischer" declared Lord Finsberg. He stressed that "one should feel sorry and astonished that a newspaper does not feel its duty to take elementary measures, which would be taken by every western paper and should be a routine for such papers: to check the fact and contact Ms Fischer before its appearing on the paper." An article of Koha Jone, two weeks ago, referred to information by Petrit Kalakulla, former Minister of Agriculture in the democratic government. After the DP denunciation of his fascist ideas and declarations, he created Right Democratic Party, whose chairman he is. Lord Finsberg considered the article of Koha Jone which said "that people close to Fischer have taken cooper concessions as "another lie and slander of Kalakulla." His special statement said "I feel sorry, that the ethic standards of Koha Jone journalists are so low, that they failed to beg pardon for the trouble to Ms Fischer and did not even cared to verify it before publishing it." "If such a thing would have happened in my country then the paper and its journalists would have faced the court and punished for slanders" said Lord Finsberg. fh/sh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[17] SP STEERING COMMITTEE HOLDS FIRST MEETINGTIRANA, AUGUST 30 (ATA) - The Steering Committee of the Socialist Party elected by the second party Congress held its first meeting on Friday and elected Prof Dr Rexhep Mejdani as Secretary General.Rexhep Mejdani, former member of the presidential Council created by former president Ramiz Alia in the Spring of 1991 to face the nationwide revolt which led to the toppling of the most savage communist dictatorship in all the Eastern Europe won with three votes against his rival Ilir Meta, former deputy chairman of the SP. The candidature of Mejdani was proposed by the party leader Fatos Nano who is serving his sentence in the Benca prison in Tepelena for embezzlement and falsification of official documents. Namik Dokle, former secretary was elected Secretary for party organisation. The meeting also elected the new 15-member board of the SP. jz/ak/Z/ From the Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) Home Page at http://www.telpress.it/ata Albanian Telegraphic Agency Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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