Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 96-12-13

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] ACTIVITIES OF ALBANIAN DELEGATION IN THE PABSEC MEETING

[02] LESS TRADE EXCHANGES IN THE KAKAVIJA CUSTOMS HOUSE - Greek farmer's strike

[03] DANGEROUS DEVELOPMENTS OF SERBIAN VIOLATION IN KOSOVA

[04] EVENTS IN SERBIA - EXPRESSION OF A POWERFUL OPPOSITION OF SERBIAN PEOPLE TO INJUSTICES MADE TO THEM BY THE REGIME THEY THEMSELVES HAVE ELECTED

[05] U.S. STATE SECRETARY WORREN CHRISTOPHER MEETS WITH LEADER OF KOSOVA IBRAHIM RUGOVA

[06] ALBANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER MEETS HIS COUNTERPARTS IN BRUSSELS

[07] ALBANIAN PRESIDENT NOW A GRANDFATHER

[08] FOUR KILLERS OF NINE YEAR OLD BOY ARRESTED

[09] PRESS REVIEW

[10] KOSOVA PRESIDENT MEETS U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT SENIOR OFFICIALS

[11] ALBANIA ATTENDS 24TH CONFERENCE OF FOREIGN MINISTERS OF IKO

[12] WORKING VISIT TO CONSTITUTIONAL COURT OF ITALY

[13] EMIGRANTS VACCINATED AGAINST POLIO IN ALBANIAN EMBASSIES

[14] ALBANIAN ATLANTIC ASSOCIATION HOLDS CONFERENCE ON "BALKANS AFTER THE DAYTON ACCORD"

[15] USAID TO INVEST $7 MILLION FOR DEVELOPMENT OF ALBANIAN RURAL AREAS

[01] ACTIVITIES OF ALBANIAN DELEGATION IN THE PABSEC MEETING

The Crossborder program, which has started in Albania with the West- East corridor, will accelerate the process of the development of these countries.

On the same day, the Albanian delegation was received by the President of Georgia, Edward Shevarnadze, who stressed that Albania with its political stability is setting a positive example to the regional former communist countries. He voiced his sympathy for the determination of the Albanian people on the road of democracy and the great role that President Berisha is playing in this process. On this occasion, President Shevardnaze conveyed for President Berisha his invitation for a visit to Georgia in the future.

Albanian deputies Idriz Xhomara and Isa Sinani also took the floor in the meetings of respective commissions. ake/kled/xh/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] LESS TRADE EXCHANGES IN THE KAKAVIJA CUSTOMS HOUSE - Greek farmer's strike

The director of this customs house, which faces a great circulation of commodities between Albania and Greece told ATA that only vehicles which have entered the Albanian border through secondary roads have passed through this customs house.

Most sensitive to the problems caused by the strike of Greek farmers are the joint Albanian-Greek and foreign firms, which work on the basis of the raw material from Greece. ake/kled/xh/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] DANGEROUS DEVELOPMENTS OF SERBIAN VIOLATION IN KOSOVA

It is reported Thursday that an Albanian teacher died in Pristina because of the tortures, another Albanian was wounded by knife in Decan, and an imprisoned deputy of Kosova' Assembly was severely maltreated in Dubrava jail.

Hundreds of interventions and maltreatments of the Serbian police forces against the Albanians have happened recently in families, institutions, streets, bars, etc.

Police intervened in another gathering of the Democratic League of Kosova, in Decan commune, while in different places of Kosova are arrested and threatened several political activists, trade union members and those from the humanitarian organizations.

A recent report of the Council for the Defence of the Human Rights and Freedom in Kosova draws attention to the dangerous developments of the grave violations of the Albanian rights and the increase of the Serbian violation in Kosova. b.j/p.ta/kled/mt/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] EVENTS IN SERBIA - EXPRESSION OF A POWERFUL OPPOSITION OF SERBIAN PEOPLE TO INJUSTICES MADE TO THEM BY THE REGIME THEY THEMSELVES HAVE ELECTED

PRISHTINE, DEC 12 (ATA) - The Government of the Republic of Kosova hails the demonstrations in Serbia which oppose the manipulation of local poll. "These demonstrations seem to express the people's will against the regime of Milosevic," says the statement reported by the Information Centre of Kosova.

It hails the peaceful character of the demonstrations, stressing that the people of Kosova have continuously followed this way to win independence, and avoid bloodshed. The statement writes that nevertheless, the Serbian regime can tolerate such a calm movement which does not jeopardize its dictatorial regime.

The Government of Kosova stresses that the Serbian President came to power through oppression of the people of Kosova and by ruining its institutions and now he seeks to hold the power behaving in the same way with his people.

The declaration says that the Government of Kosova supports only those forces in Serbia who have the political courage to accept and support the self-determination for the people of Kosova. "The Serbian opposition, besides some general statements, does in fact still maintain some anti- albanian stands, and for this reason it does not yet deserve our full support. The Government of Kosova hails the events in Serbia, considering them as an expression of a powerful opposition of the Serbian people to the injustices made to them by the regime they themselves have elected. Nevertheless, the Albanians of Kosova will keep asking a solution to their problem, based on a constructive dialogue in the presence of mediators, with the Serbian legitimate representatives, although they do not expect much from that group," declares the Kosova Government. It appealed to its citizens to further consolidate their organizational structure.

"Unfortunately, the international community has chosen a dictator to support the peaceful initiative and the signs that this initiative will not be successful are evident; we have chosen the peaceful way for the realisation of our aspirations and there are clear signs showing that the peaceful resistance against Milosevic can hardly carry us to self- determination," the statement writes in conclusion. pta/pas/xh/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] U.S. STATE SECRETARY WORREN CHRISTOPHER MEETS WITH LEADER OF KOSOVA IBRAHIM RUGOVA

Christopher expressed the support of the United States for the efforts of Mr Rugova to change the situation in a peaceful way.

After the talk, Dr Rugova told the Voice of America that he considered the meeting with Mr Christopher as very important. "Secretary Christopher assured us also in the name of President Clinton that the United States will continue support Kosova. He voiced the conviction that also his substitute will continue to insist in the support for the Kosova question," said Rugova.

Also officials of the State department said the meeting reiterated the U.S. support for the restoration of human and civil rights in Kosova.

It is the third time that the President of Kosova Rugova meets with the U.S. State Secretary within a short period of time. ag/pas/xh/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] ALBANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER MEETS HIS COUNTERPARTS IN BRUSSELS

During the meeting with the Foreign Minister of Holland, Van Mier, they talked about the deepening of relations between Albania and the European Union, taking advantage of the opportunity that during January-July 1997 Holland will be the current holder of the EU Presidency.

Minister Shehu acquainted Van Mier with the measures taken by the Albanian government to start negotiations for the new agreement that Albania will sign soon with the European Union. They also discussed in the meeting about issues regarding the bilateral relations.

The Dutch Minister confirmed the support of his country on the quick progress of negotiations for the agreement.

In the meeting with the Foreign Minister of Russian Federation, Primakov, they discussed about the situation in the region and the issues of security and stability in the Balkan area. Ministers Shehu and Primakov also exchanged opinions about the strengthening of relations between two countries.

In the meeting with the Foreign Minister of Canada, Minister Shehu made a description of the political situation in Albania and the progress of the democratic developments in the country. He stressed that the conditions for a wide cooperation exist and Albania has what to offer in this cooperation.

The Canadian Foreign Minister accepted with pleasure the invitation of Shehu to visit Albania. Both Ministers exchanged opinions about the situation in the region, focusing on the latest developments in Serbia.

In the meeting with the Secretary General of the Western European Union (WEU), Hose Maria Cutileiro, they talked about the deepening of cooperation between Albania and WEU.

Shehu stressed the importance of this cooperation not only because WEU is the military branch of EU, with which Albania has close relations and according to Shehu they will continue to deepen in the future, but also because Albania is very interested in holding periodical political consults on different issues regarging peace and security. "WEU is presenting itself as an active structure, mainly in the plan of operations and this is very welcomed to us", said Shehu.

Cutileiro said that he had accepted the invitation to visit Albania, which can be payed by the beginning of the next year.

Minister Shehu also met Foreign Minister of Germany Kinkel, of Great Britain Rifkind, of Greece Pangalos, and of Turkey Ciller. /a.ke/kei/mt/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] ALBANIAN PRESIDENT NOW A GRANDFATHER

In the ceremony held yesterday in Tirana to mark the 6th anniversary of the founding of the Democratic Party of Albania, the democrat leader Tritan Shehu congratulated president Berisha for the newly-born niece, who came to life on the day of the 6th anniversary of the DPA. xh/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] FOUR KILLERS OF NINE YEAR OLD BOY ARRESTED

The arrested criminals are Kastriot Gjokeja, Genc and Afrim Teta and Gjergj Ndoja.

On November 17 this year, three other authors of the crime were detained. They were Arben Gjokeja, Pjeter Fran Ndoja and Klejdi Gashi.

On October 28, 1996, Besmir Tufa was kidnapped near his house. After this act, the kidnappers threw in the yard of the house of Tufa pieces of papers which wrote that they wanted from the parents of the boy 2 million lek, as a condition for the release of the boy.

When Besmir's parents wanted to gave the kidnappers the money, they had already killed the boy, as they said themselves.

The body of the child was found on November 18, 1996, buried on a bank of River Lumi i Zi, in village Luz. His body had 15 wounds made by sharp means and knives in the neck and chest.

Further investigation into the crime is continuing by a special group of the General Attorney's Office. kei/xh/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] PRESS REVIEW

The paper carries an interview of Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Tritan Shehu after the meeting of the Northern Atlantic Council under the title "Christopher guarantees the support of U.S. towards Albania".

Zeri i Popullit highlights the visit of SP delegation in USA. The paper carries an interview with the Deputy chairman of the Social-democratic Party, Paskal Milo, under the title "It cannot be called legal a constitution approved by an illegal parliament". The paper publishes the article "Fatality as an expression of killing pluralism".

"The contracts of creditors with Sude are invalid", reports Republika under the headline "The law does not force Sude to return back the money of citizens". "Socialists were not invited to America" reports the paper, quoting the republican leader Sabri Godo, who declares "I am well-informed that the socialists were not invited by Washington".

Balli i Kombit highlights the chronicle of the meeting of National Front leaders with the attache of economic-cultural and political problems of the Austrian Embassy in Tirana, Kristian Shatjner under the title "Ties which increase the chances for cooperation".

Under the title "The control of managing in the state administration", Lajmi i Dites highlights the national seminar on the control of managing in the state administration, which started its proceedings Thursday in Tirana.

Sindikalisti paper carries the article "Pseudo trade union members in the fog of two periods".

Leader Rugova met senior officials of the State Department" reports Rilindja paper. It also publishes the speech of Minister Shehu in Brussels under the title "Crisis in Kosova - potential resource for the destabilization in the region".

"Albania paper entitles the editorial "Miloshevic started to talk". Seven criminals who had killed the 9-year boy in Derven village of Fushe- Kruja were arrested on Thursday, reports the paper. Under the headline "Democrats celebrate the 6th anniversary of party foundation", the paper publishes the article "Berisha: DP - Albania's engine".

Under the title "FBI: We do not investigate on usuries in Albania", Dita Informacion highlights the news conference of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) in Tirana.

Koha Jone entitles its editorial "Albanians turn their eyes towards history". "Students in protests" reports the paper. "Petition with 11 requests for the government". "Protestants join Azem Hajadri" underlines the paper.

Berisha should not remove from the post. The request of the United Right Wing is precocious" reports Gazeta Shqiptare and adds that "This is the latest attitude which came out Thursday from the offices of the socialist Party". "The government proposes the establishment of taxes on the imported flour", reports the paper in the article "Bread price, more expensive?". /kled/mt/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] KOSOVA PRESIDENT MEETS U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT SENIOR OFFICIALS

During his meeting with Shatuk, President Rugova made a presentation of the current situation in Kosova, which he considered very grave due to the continuous Serb repression and violence.

Rugova expressed Kosova's determination to realise independence through political and peaceful means.

He stressed the importance of the international presence, especially the American one, in Kosova and asked a U.S. primary role in solving the Kosova issue.

Shatuk stressed that the U.S. would continue to engage itself in the Kosova issue and support its correct solution. He added that Kosova would continue to be a priority issue in the U.S. foreign policy in the region.

They also spoke of the latest developments in the region, especially those in Serbia, as well as of a quicker realisation of the agreement on education in Kosova.

In the meeting between Rugova and the U.S. state deputy assistant secretary, Perina, the U.S. approach to maintain the "outer wall" of sanctions and continue pressure on Belgrade until the Kosova issue is resolved, was reaffirmed.

In these meetings Rugova asked that the possibility of appointing a special envoy of the U.S for Kosova be considered.

Perina stressed that the application of the Agreement on education in Kosova should begin as soon as possible.

He reiterated that the Kosova issue should always remain a condition for lifting the sanctions against Serbia and for its integration into the International Community, irrespective of the possible changes in Belgrade. b.j. p.ta/kei/lm/Z/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] ALBANIA ATTENDS 24TH CONFERENCE OF FOREIGN MINISTERS OF IKO

Rakipi spoke of the Kosova issue and stressed: "Albania fully supports the efforts of the Kosova people to gain their rights through a peaceful solution, also including talks for a solution between Belgrade and Pristine, in the presence of a third side from the international community.

"In this relation I would ask the engagement of all the member countries of the Islamic Countries Organisation to support the just cause of the Kosova people".

In conclusion Rakipi said: "I would also ask a further support for Albania in its efforts for development. We are demanding investors and investment to carry development ahead". jz/lm/Z/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] WORKING VISIT TO CONSTITUTIONAL COURT OF ITALY

According to the spokesman of this court Gjata and the other delegation members conducted working meetings with Renato Granata, chairman of the Constitutional Court of Italy, with members and chief advisers of this court.

In these meetings they discussed important issues dealing with the tasks of the Constitutional Courts in defence of the constitutional rights and the fundamental human rights in a rule of law. They also discussed a closer future cooperation between the two respective courts. a.ke/jz/lm/Z/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] EMIGRANTS VACCINATED AGAINST POLIO IN ALBANIAN EMBASSIES

The vaccination of the Albanian emigrants against polio in the Albanian embassies has began.

"Over 45 thousand doses of vaccines have been sent to the Albanian embassies in Athens, Rome, Bonn and to the Albanian consulate of Ioannina," Klement Dymi, chief of the Hygiene and Epidemiology Sector at the Ministry of Health and Environment told ATA.

The massive vaccination against the polio virus was realised in Albania in two stages during October and November for the ages ranging from 0 to 50. eva/lm/z/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] ALBANIAN ATLANTIC ASSOCIATION HOLDS CONFERENCE ON "BALKANS AFTER THE DAYTON ACCORD"

The Second International Conference of the Albanian Atlantic Association on "Balkans after the Dayton Accord", which opened in Tirana Friday afternoon, considered the application of the Dayton Accord a positive step, which can only create a relative calm, but also a defective step without the solution of the Kosova issue.

The second three day conference of the association aims to treat the topic on the Balkans after the Dayton Accord and the importance of economic cooperation among the Balkan countries.

Attending this international conference are authorities and representatives of the Atlantic Associations from France, Italy, Denmark, Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania and Greece.

In his speech deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Tritan Shehu regarded Albania's membership in NATO and partnership with it as a "cardinal element of the national security strategy." He stressed that "Albania considers integration into NATO not simply a means to improve its security for the moment but also a long-term epochal change".

Albania has been among the first countries that has demanded adherence to NATO and the signing of the Partnership for Peace programme. Actually, according to surveys, 90 per cent of the Albanians favour the country's membership to NATO.

Albania has been an active participant in the Partnership for Peace programme. During this cooperation with Nato the multinational complex exercises "Peaceful Eagle 96" and "Mati" have been conducted and the meeting of the Defence Ministers of the Southern Balkans held.

Shehu reaffirmed Albania's stand towards the Kosova issue stressing that the crisis in Kosova remains a potential source of insecurity in the region.

He stressed that the position of the Albanian Foreign Policy is in favour of the self-rule of the Albanian population through its own institutions and that "an intensive dialogue should begin as soon as possible between Albanian legal authorities and the federal authorities in Belgrade in the presence of a third side".

He asked the adoption of immediate steps to withdraw the army, allow the functioning of the Kosova parliament and of the elected bodies as "welcomed steps to begin dialogue".

The conference continued with the address of the deputy chairman of the International North Atlantic Association, the Bulgarian Solomon Passy, followed by the contributions of the Bulgarian deputy , Elena Podpodorova, and of the Italian Colonel, Savina Oneli, of the Strategic Study Military Centre. a.ke/jz/lm

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] USAID TO INVEST $7 MILLION FOR DEVELOPMENT OF ALBANIAN RURAL AREAS

Mr. Wef, representative of USAID in Albania, said at a meeting held at the Pogradeci distrcit council with USAID representatives in Albania, that this insitution would finance mainly the construction of new aqueducts, electric lines, roads and other projects in the villages of Proptisht and Udenisht. eva/lm

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

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