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ATA News from Albania, 96-09-04Albanian Telegraphic Agency Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) Home Page at <http://www.telpress.it/ata>Albanian Telegraphic AgencyCONTENTS
[01] TANDEM "NOSHI-OPEL" ALREADY PARKED IN ALBANIA by Genc Caushi"Noshi" company is the first OPEL car dealership in Albania and the youngest one in this kind of activity."The excellent reputation of Germans cars, improvement of Albanian infrastructure and rise of people's personal incomes were some of the motives of this undertaking," Arian Musa, President of "Noshi" company said. The OPEL car dealership became official with the signing on June 12 of this year of the contract. On behalf of Opel, it was signed by H.Rogl, Manager, International Sales and L.Kniep, Director, Vehicle Distribution & Forecasting whereas on behalf of Albanian side by Arian Musa and Gazmend Haxhia, President and Chief Excecutive of "Noshi"company, respectively. "The company's guiding principle is not the maximization of profit but the achievement of sufficient profit to cover the risks of our economic activity and thus to avoid loss," said Haxhia, who has a Master's Degree in economics from Columbia University, U.S. At present company' business is in selling spare parts, mainly for western cars. With its tens stores and many subcontractors, the Noshi company covers almost the whole country. "November 1996 will be a historic moment in the life of our company. The OPEL-Noshi complex will start operating," Musa and Haxhia said. The complex, which makes up the core of company's investment, next to the national Tirana-Durres highway, 5 km far from the capital covers an area of 6,600 square miles. "At this time of discussing over 60 percent of the work needed to complete the Opel-Noshi complex have been accomplished," said Musa, who has started his commercial activity by the end of 1991. "The complex will consist of a show-room for exposing new cars, a service station as well as a spare parts stock and OPEL-Shop Aktiv." The price of a typical OPEL car will depend on the market and demand, but it is estimated to be around 22 thousand DM, added Musa. "Noshi" company has 22 employees "with the OPEL expansion 22 more others are needed and will earn a monthly wage starting 200 USD up to 600 USD," Haxhia said. The company's targets for the near future is to open modest versions of Noshi-Opel complexes in Shkoder, Fier and Vlore towns and to set up a car-rental company. Others car dealerships in Albania are MERCEDEZ BENZ, VOLKSWAGEN, PEUGEOT, LADA and NISSAN. Albanian Telegraphic Agency[02] KARAVASTA LAGOON ONE OF THE MOST SPECIAL ONES IN THE WORLD.Based on a government's order two years ago the Karavasta Lagoon was included in "Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance." After signing the Ramsar Convention the Albanian government has to preserve the ecological character of the area. Futhermore, it agreed to include wetland conservation consideration within its land-use planning so as to promote the wise use of all wetlands in its territory.A European Commission PHARE programme project assists the Albanian Committe for Environmental Protection in its work to plan and implement the sustainable management or wise use of Karavasta Ramsar site and its water catchment basin. The Italian Venice Technical company and the French Tour de Valat were charged to administer this project which would coat 350, 000Ecu. "The object of this project is to give technical assistance to the Albanian government," to administer the area from the viewpoint of respecting the environment and also leaving people to live there," said engineer prof. Eliodoro Runca, Technical director. According to Runca, Karavasta has some unique values, which list it as one of the most special ones in the world. Divjaka forest is unique in Europe because of its species. According to the first study of the project, the main economic activity of inhabitants in the area is fishing. Organised in private companies and licensed based on the fishing law, they fish some 300 tonnes a year, which they export mainly in Italy. The study defines tourism as a potential development in thezone so that it brings long-term profits for the local economy. The whole of Divjaka beach and the canal linking the lagoon with the Bay (central Albania) may serve for tourists' places, with a renovated infrastructure. PHARE programme project aims the compilation of a draft law to protect Karavasta Lagoon. The draft also envisages the creation enviromental fund to be known as Karavasta Fund, and the places where some activities are prohibited, like fishing and hunting for some animals. A list of sctivities including taking pictures and filming for for business purposes without license has been compiled. Gj.P. Albanian Telegraphic Agency[03] INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION ON THE RIGHT TRACKEconomic indexes of the industrial production for the second quarter of this year reached the quotas of 60,46 percent according to Institute of Statistics (INSTAT).Referring to these figures, extracting industry reached 82 percent growth for the second quarter of the year compared to 78 percent of its fulfillment on the first quarter of 1996. Nevertheless, this index remains lower as to the level of the last year fulfillment, which reached at 85 percent. According to INSTAT figures, the processing industry, which occupies the bulk of the figure is still under the required levels. This situation is due to the deepening of the privatization process in certain branches of this industry, which has brought about the continuous reduction of the enterprises engaged in this state run sector. A considerable number of enterprises, which are still registered to the state sector do not exercise any activity at the moment of privatization, which has influenced on the industrial production indexes. According to INSTAT this phenomenon was also evident in enterprises of foodstuffs, textile and construction industries. In foodstuff industry, the production of certain articles as starch, beer and oil are increased from one period to another. Textile and shoe production have gone down, during the second quarter of 1996, according to INSTAT, which explains their lesser engagement in state sector. In distribution and production of electric power the pace has been constant, but power losses on the grid to 33 percent out of total production remains a problem. M.Noti. Albanian Telegraphic Agency[04] ALBANIAN PRIVATE BANKS TO SERVE THEIR CLIENTSThe first foreign private bank will be opened along with other Albanian state banks or half-state owned ones."Tirana Bank", with its main shareholder the Greek bank of Pire, will start its activity at with an initial capital of $ 2 million. "It is the first bank among three other foreign banks, which has received licence to carry on its private activity from the Albanian Bank," said Miranda Rama, director in the Supervision Department of the Albanian Bank. Thus, the banking system has opened way to private banks among which the branch of National Bank of Greece, centered in the Business Center VEVE and the private Malaysian International Commercial Bank. The latter, installed first in Tirana, with an initial capital of $ 2.5 million, will expand its activity in all the districts of Albania. Albanian Telegraphic Agency[05] CREDITS TO PROMOTE TOURISM IN SOUTHERN ALBANIAAround 800 thousand ECU credits, allocated through the PHARE program, according to the European Union agreement, earmarked for the development of small and medium business and tourism in the region of Saranda and Gjirokastra as well."Savings Bank, which administrates the funds participates in this pilot project," says Ilir Basha, manager of the foreign funds sector at the Savings Bank. "While the ministry of Tourism and Territorial Adjustment participates as part of the Albanian governmewnt to supervise the fund." For the project some eight credits are granted up to now and is almost over the delivery of the first part, out of 500 thousand ECU fund. While the delivery of the second part will be carried out on September- October of this year. "The four objects financed through the credit have started their activity," explains Basha and the delivery of the remained part, will commence awaiting result of the first part." M.Noti. Albanian Telegraphic Agency[06] NEW BREWERY STARTS PRODUCTIONA new brewery with a capacity of 700 hl per hour started recently its activity in Puka, northern Albania.VEFA Holding, one of the most powerful companies which wants to expand its activity in Puka district, has invested some $ 200 thousand for this factory. Deputy chairman of the district Council Bardh Doda said to ATA that VEFA will invest in the construction of a modern timber plant in Fushe- Arrez and in setting up of a supermarket. VEFA also plans to expand its activity in the mineral sector because this district is rich in cooper ore. Albanian Telegraphic Agency[07] ALBANIAN GOVERNMENT CONVENESCouncil of Ministers approved Monaday in principle a project for drafting of a national master plan of roads' network assisted through Swedish government's grants, reports the Premier's press office. The project will treat road development in Albania for a ten-year perspective.A sum of 300 million Leks was accorded to the Savings Bank to be used, according to the legal provisions, for the most needed homeless families. It also approved a draft law on some amendments on the law "On systematisation of taxes in the Republic of Albania" which foresees fixed taxes for services from Albanian consulates and diplomatic corps abroad. Payment will be carried out in US dollars. Albanian citizens residing abroad will have the right to be get their passports in the Diplomatic Corps or Consulates of the Albanian Republic accredited in the countries they are residing in. Albanian Telegraphic Agency[08] KORCA FIRMS IN A FOREIGN FAIRDrink producing companies "Rilindja", "Ekstra" and "Leopard", of Korca city, have recently exhibited their products in the international fair of Kozan, Greece.Chairman of Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Korca, Baki Shehu, said that their products were seen with great interest by the Greek businessmen circles. The organisers had reserved to the Albanian pavilion a central place and prepared for it a special advertisement. During their stay, leaders of Korca chamber held talks with their Greek counterpart on the deepening of cooperation in the field of exchange of information, business, markets and advanced technologies. Albanian Telegraphic Agency[09] CONSTRUCTION OF TWO ROAD SEGMENTS START IN TIRANAConstruction of a new segment in the new "ring" road of Tirana was inaugurated recently.It is 2.2 km long and 50m wide with three lanes and will serve to connect Kavaja road with Durresi road. A bridge some 20m long will be part of this road. So, Tirana will have easier traffic, which for lack of roads moves through the centre of the capital. Prime Minister Aleksander Meksi, who attended the inauguration ceremony, said that, we are today witnesses of one of the biggest road project in Albania. The infrastructure will improve a lot in Albania because Programme PHARE and CROSSBORDER are engaged in the road project realisation. Besides the Albanian government even the European Union with its banks will be support the project. Mr Nazifi, general director of Alb-asphalt construction in Tirana, said at the inauguration ceremony of this object that about $ 60 million will be used for the first phase. During 1996 they would realise the main works and be ready for the asphalt layer. We are engaged to end this phase in three months. The same day started the works at the connection point in entering Tirana in cars, via Durres-Tirana highway. Robert Huta, director of "Egnatia construction" company, which will realise this project said it had a value of $ 2.5 million and by adding the money used for the land reparations given to farmers its value will be some $ 3.5 million and will be covered by the state budget. It is three kilometre long. Albanian Telegraphic Agency[10] NEW MILK PROCESSING PLANT5.4 million leks granted from Albanian Development FundA new milk processing operations, financed by a grant of 5.4 million leks from Albanian Development Fund, has begun in the commune of Tregan of Elbasani district, (central Albania). At the inaguration ceremony were present a number of local dignitaries including the perfect, specialist, farmers and represenatives of local power, who all stressed the necessity of such small factories in this zone. Eight villages from commune of Tregan and five villages from the commune of Gramshi district will now have a destination to sell their milk. This ceremony will be managed by four Albanian owners and has a capacity of 20 kv. The production line at this unit is fitted with modern equipment and will produce cheese, butter and curd. Albanian Telegraphic Agency[11] TRADE UNION CONFEDERATION AND OFFICIALS HOLD MEETINGRepresentatives of the government and the Trade Union Confederation of Albania, headed by its chairman Kastriot Muco, held a meeting early on Monday at the Council of Ministers.The meeting focused on the improvement of legal framework which regulates the relations of employees and trade unions with the state in compliance with the present development stage of the country. Participants confirmed that the government project on the improvement of legal framework will be submitted to trade union organisations within September. Albanian Telegraphic Agency[12] A JOINT VENTURE BETWEEN ALBANIA AND NORWAY IS UNDER WAYThe Norwegian-US company "Fountain Oil" inaugurated its start of activity in a joint venture with Albpetrol in the area Gorisht-Kocul in the Vlora district (South western Albania), said spokesman of Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry.In a ceremony, staged at "Rogner" hotel, president of the company Mr. Nyreberg and chairman of the Supervising Council of Albpetrol Fotaq Diamanti, congretulated as an important event the signing of the agreement on hydrocarbons exploitation, between the two sides and ratified by the government. The Company will realise an investment valuated $ 15 to 20 million and will make use of a modern technique and technology. "Rehabilitation and improvement of the Gorisht - Kocul oil field will bring about a rise of production, thus assisting the Albanian economy" said the President of the Norwegian - US company in the ceremony. Albanian Telegraphic Agency[13] VIENNA SUPERVISES TIRANA INFRASTRUCTUREEuropean Union has entrusted Vienna to coordinate the realisation of a project on Tirana's urbanistic development to meet international standards, Albanian press reports.The second phase of this project will be financed by the Austrian government. This news was officially told to the Albanian Ambassador in Vienna Albert Alickaj during a meeting with high ranking officials of Vienna Land. Prime Minister of Vienna Land and deputy chairman of the Austrian Social Democratic Party Michael Hojpel has officially invited in Vienna a delegation of the Tirana municipality. The realisation of these projects is due to the traditional relations and their excellent level, says the press. Albanian Telegraphic Agency[14] AROUND $ 19.6 MILLION FOR THE REHABILITATION OF WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMThe World Bank has accorded USD 19.6 million for the application of a project which will improve the whole drinking water supply system in the district has increased by 30 per cent.About 45 km of pipes will be replaced in the town. The implementation of this project will be carried out by the Italian company Puttigniano from Bari, in collaboration with Albanian company Adriatic, from Durres. The next project will foresee the improvement of the towns sewage system and work will begin in the rehabilition of the sewage pumping station. Albanian Telegraphic Agency[15] GERMAN PARLIAMENTARIANS INTERESTED IN AGRICULTURAL COOPERATIONTIRANA, SEPT. 3 (ATA) - By M. Spahivogli: Albanian Minister of Agriculture and Food Prof Dr Bamir Topi held talks on Tuesday with a German parliamentary delegation headed by the deputy Frederik Schulze.The aim of the meeting was further cooperation between the two countries in the field of agriculture. Minister Topi pointed out some of the priorities of this sector and the great need for support both from the Albanian state and international institutions. Topi considered very important the assistance of other states to the Albanian agriculture in which the Albanian-German cooperation occupies a special place. "The most important fields which need assistance in the future are agro industry and crediting in private sector as well as structures for food inspection," Topi said. Schulze and other members of the German delegation voiced their opinions on the ways of organisation of the Albanian agriculture in the future in order to make it more successful. Germany has assisted the development of agriculture in Albania in the last years with a number of projects in developing agriculture, processing livestock products, mechanisation, technical assistance and financing by the National Commercial Bank, support for the farmers' associations, agricultural education, information and others. pas/ak/Z/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[16] ALBANIAN POLITICAL PARTIES CONFIRM PARTICIPATION IN ROUND TABLETIRANA, SEPT 4 (ATA) - By Jerina Zaloshnja Fourteen political parties confirmed in today's press their participation on Wednesday afternoon in a round table proposed by Albanian President Sali Berisha. They will discuss about the election law for the local government.Secretary General of the Democratic Party Besnik Gjongecaj has considered this round table necessary and in conformity with the recommendation of the delegation of the Council of Europe visiting Albania last week. Representatives of the Albanian opposition parties, Socialist Party, Social Democratic Party and the Democratic Alliance Party, who gathered Tuesday in a preliminary meeting, considered the President's invitation as a chance for a real political dialogue. This is the third invitation made by the President for a round table of the Albanian political parties to discuss the election law on local government which are going to be held on October 20, 1996. /mt/Z/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[17] UNIVERSITY RECTOR ON EDUCATION AGREEMENT IN KOSOVAPRISTINA, SEPT. 3 (ATA) - Buildings of the Pristina University are ours and this is not a human issue or of the generosity of the occupier or anybody else, Ejup Statovci the Rector of the Pristina University, the only Albanian University in Kosova, said on Tuesday."Neither did the pupils, students, teachers of Kosova leave voluntarily the buildings of the University and nor was it an act of boycott. They were forced to leave by the Serbian regime for political reasons. The issue of returning the buildings is not an issue of solidarity or human mercy but a legitimate right of the people, pupils and students. This is a sensitive and very delicate issue," Statovci said. He said that the return to the buildings and grounds of universities and schools is not merely a technical issue and neither a human one and nor an issue of human rights. "It is a right national and political issue. The returning of buildings has its own meaning if it is really done under no condition and has a set direction and not its integration in the system and jurisdiction of the occupier," Statovci said. "Higher education but also the education in general pretends to be integrated as an independent system in the European and world system and not remain within the Balkan framework and the past. The agreement reached yesterday does not concretely show how and when the unconditional return of buildings and grounds is going to be done. The text published both in Albanian and Serbian has some points of suspicion. The original text in the Cyrillic alphabet does not mention the students and even the university!," Statovci said. bj/pta/ak/Z/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[18] ALBANIAN INDEPENDENT TRADE UNION WARNS TO GO ON STRIKETIRANA, SEPT 4 (ATA) - The Albanian Independent Trade Union (ITU) said that it will go on a general one-hour warning strike expected on September 16.The newspaper Sindikalisti reports about this saying that the strike urge the government to meet some economic demands. The ITU requests, among others, the Meksi government a 100% compensation of the economic effects as a result of the liberalization of bread price about two months ago, as well as of other articles widely used by all the social strata and categories, respecting the quantity and the limits which will be set about this compensation, and the agreement between the government and the ITU signed officially between both sides. /jz/mt/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[19] PRESS REVIEWTIRANA, SEPT. 4 (ATA) - Rilindja Demokratike under the headline "Stalinist boycott damages the opposition itself" carries the editorial "None can write to Socialists". The paper highlights today's meeting of political parties in Presidency and carries the article "This is the only successful round table". The same paper carries the article "Local government of Western standards" and the article "Socialists - not normal" Zeri i Popullit carries the editorial entitles "Tale of Nano's letter is over". The paper carries the article "Tirana Municipality or the reign of tangents" and the article "Preparatory phase for local elections". The same paper carries the political article "Between May 26 and October 20."Poli i Qendres carries the editorial "U.S. Republican Institution convenes again the parties in a round table." It carries the article "Parallel round tables and the president" and "Can Nano address to the Strasbourg court?". Lajmi i Dites carries the article entitled "Columberg: important reforms in all fields in Albania." It carries meeting of the German parliamentarians with the Albanian Defence minister. Rilindja carries the editorial "Classes started in a turning-point year," and a statement of the Albanian Foreign Minister Tritan Shehu on this event entitled "First step for the solution of the Kosova issue." Albania carries the article entitled "Enough of orders from Benca!" and the article "SP board dissolved". The papers carries the editorial "Extremists declare the war between Europe and the United States" and the article "SP decides unanimously its participation in the third round table of president Berisha on local elections." Under the headline "Government approves creation of Police Directorate in capital" the daily Koha Jone carries the article "Secret plan against crime". The paper carries the editorial "Berisha without the Kosova issue and vice-versa," and the article "Opposition accepts Berisha's invitation." Gazeta Shqiptare carries the article "Today - Round table: DP corrects May 26." It carries the article "ODHIR chief to Tirana." Tribuna carries the article "SP seems to boycott the elections of October 20." The paper carries the article "Agreement on education in Kosova weakens friends of war." Dita informacion carries the article "Nano will sue the daily Albania." Liria in its editorial hails the 68th anniversary of the Albanian kingdom. Sindikalisti reports on a general one-hour strike of trade unions for economic demands. jz/ak/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[20] PRESIDENT BERISHA MEETS DEPUTIES OF GERMAN BUNDESTAGTIRANA, SEPT 4 (ATA) - President of the Republic Sali Berisha received Tuesday deputies of the German Bundestag Frederick Schultz and Reiner Krziskewitz.Berisha expressed his gratitude for the important support the German Bundestag has offered and continues to offer in strengthening of friendship and intensification of cooperation between two peoples and governments. He said: "I express my gratitude that all main political forces in Germany are interested in the friendship and cooperation with Albania." Berisha higly estimated very good level of friendship and cooperation in the military field and thanked them for their contribution in this direction. The deep changes and the speed they are carried out are really surprising, said the German deputies. They are proof of a clear and right policy that Albania is following. They assured Berisha that they have tried and will continue to contribute for the widening of cooperation not only in the military field but in all fields of economy. We are convinced in Germany that Albania will soon be integrated into Europe, they stressed. Germany supports and will strongly support these efforts in the future. Berisha said that "Elections of May 26, were free and fair as has even been valuated by impartial international reporters. What is really unfair, is the boycott of the vote counting process, which should be denounced by all those who really believe in the free vote and the values based on them. The future local elections will be free and fair and many Albanian political forces are ready to participate on them." Boycott is an irresponsible act, said the German deputies, which disqualifies the political forces that use it and renounces to the electorate who believes in these political force the right of representation. With regard to the last developments inside the SP, Berisha said that "ex-communists in Albania in their congress in 1996 declared they would denounce Enver Hoxha, Albanian Stalin, but unfortunately Hrushov's report in 1956 on Stalin, Stalinism and his crimes was much more superior to the failed tentative of the Albanian Socialists to realise their Hrushov in 1996." ake/fh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[21] GERMAN DEPUTIES VISIT ALBANIAN MILITARY ACADEMIESTIRANA, SEPT 4 (ATA) By F Vladi - A German Parliamentary delegation made up by Schultz and Krzikewtz paid today a visit to the Infantry Academy "Scanderbej" and Defence Academy and met officers and teachers of these academies.The delegation was received by the Commander of the Infantry Academy, brigadier general Luan Hoxha, who acquainted them with the work of the Academy for the opening of the new school year and the work carried out during the last academic year. The State Secretary of Defence Ministry, Leonard Demi, accompanied the delegation during this visit. Schultz said that Germany will continue to support Albanian Army not only in the educational plan but in all fields. And this because Germany considers Albania a friendly country. Albanian Academy "Scanderbej" has put relations two years ago with the German military Academy of Hanover. The delegation also met with Commander of the Defence Academy brigadier general Ali Koceku. kled/fh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[22] FRPD TO ATTEND MEETING OF EUROPEAN DEMOCRATIC YOUTHTIRANA, SEPT 4 (ATA) By E Xhajanka - Democratic Party Youth Forum (FRPD) will attend tomorrow a meeting of the European Democratic Youth in Hamburg, Germany.FRPD was accepted as a full right member of the European Democratic Youth Union (DEMYC) in its congress held from July 7-9, 1995, in Graz, Austria. FRPD was accepted as a member of this organisation before youth organisations of Romania, Czech, Ukraine, Slovakia, Russia, Poland and other countries. FRPD chairman Afrim Krasniqi after adhering in this organisation said that "FRPD is a youth organisation which will precede the political youth integration into Europe and the integration of Albanian institutions as well into European ones." The meting will make an analysis of the work carried out during the last year and will throw a look to European elections, where a special place will be given to May elections in Albania. This organisation had its own observers in these elections and in a statement after elections said they were regular. DEMYC will also observe, through its observers, the local elections on October 20 in Albania. This meeting will also decide the agenda of its next meeting, due to be held in November this year in Tirana with representatives of all member countries of this organisation. It is the first time that an organisation of such European level organises its meeting in Albania. DEMYC meeting will continue for two days and will be followed by a two- day seminar which will treat emigration, where Albania will be a priority compared with other East and Central European countries. fh/ From the Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) Home Page at http://www.telpress.it/ata Albanian Telegraphic Agency Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |