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Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 97-04-03Albanian Telegraphic Agency Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) Home Page at <http://www.telpress.it/ata>Albanian Telegraphic AgencyCONTENTS
[01] PRESS RELEASE OF UNDPTIRANA, APRIL 3 (ATA):As a consequence of crisis in Albania the UNDP Country Cooperation Framework needs to be adjusted in order to ensure that UNDP can adequately respond to the changing circumstances. An early relief assessment was taking place (by WFP, UNDP, UNICEF, WHO and UNHCR) but a much more conceded effort will be required to access not only relief needs but also maybe more importantly the needs for restoring civil society and the state. This will require that a clear strategy be defined among the partners/donors supporting Albania and the Government. At the same time it is already evident that the massive media coverage will result in an influx of multi and bilateral agencies, bodies, NGO-s etc, all intending to assist restoring Albania to the normally. The intended UNDP intervention will assist the Government specifically to provide leadership. The main counterpart will continue to be DEDAC (Department of Economic Development and Aid Coordination Office of the Prime Minister) and the focus of the support will be in respect of the capacity for needs assessment(s) as well as planning and coordination. The UNDP will also establish with UN system a capacity to respond to the crisis and through this to assist also the international community with capacity to coordinate the multidimensional effort required. In this context the UNDP Country Office will take immediate steps to establish a multi disciplinary coordination support team as part of the Country Office in order to put on operation the efforts to undertake and coordinate broad need assessment for requirements prepared in a neutral and objective manner for presentation. In addition, UNDP will give support to the DEDAC Office in its overall coordination and planning function and to provide some logistics support and specific technical sectoral advice. A special assistance will be given to the donor community at large and particularly to the key donors in establishing their operations in Albania by providing background information and advice. The UNDP assistance and role will be coordinated within the entire support of the UN system for Albania, working closely together with UN KC and the UN agencies allocated in Albania in order to create the necessary commodities for the general assistance to Albania and in addition the recently approved multi national protection force in Albania./E Albanian Telegraphic Agency[02] ALBANIAN PARLIAMENT RE-EXAMINES AND APPROVES DRAFT-LAW ON WIDE AMNESTYTIRANA, APRIL 3 (ATA) By Atlant Frasheri: The Albanian Parliament re- examined Wednesday a draft-law on a wide amnesty, according to a decision of the President of Republic, Sali Berisha, and approved it later.After the re-examination of this draft-law, the parliament decided that the persons who have committed crimes against humanity, and crimes presented in the draft-law, approved by the parliament some days ago, not to benefit from this law. The persons who have committed crimes, considered grave by the Albanian Penal Code such as qualified murder, robbery, sexual violation, genocide, state corruption, organized prostitution, etc, do not benefit from this amnesty. The classification of the crime of fraudulence (through pyramid schemes), underwent a transformation, and after the re-examination, in this law remained the crime of fraudulence which includes all kinds of fraudulence. More than half of prisoners benefit from this amnesty. According to the Minister of Justice, Spartak Ngjela "from 309 prisoners, some 600 will be set free for sure. Some 700 persons are sentenced for grave crimes and some 100 prisoners can profit." This amnesty, according to the relation of government, aims to "deepen the process of national reconciliation and the people's unity." Minister Ngjela said during an interpellation in parliament that "he was of the opinion that this amnesty will lessen the social effects." The parliament also made several amendments in the draft-law regarding some deadlines. /a.ke/kei/mt/k Albanian Telegraphic Agency[03] SP WAITING COMPLETION OF PROCEDURES FOR PARTICIPATION IN PARLIAMENTTIRANA, APRIL 3 (ATA)- By A. Baci, The Socialist Party (SP) Parliamentary group will join parliament as soon as organizational procedures with the Presidency of the People's Assembly are completed.Talks with Speaker of Parliament Pjeter Arbnori have began since today, according to SP. Namik Dokle, Luan Shahollari, Ermelinda Meksi, Musa Ulqini, Erion Brace, Ethem Ruka, Luan Hajdaraga and Hamit Gjoni will be the nine socialist deputies to present the SP in parliament . "Our participation in parliament is a message of coexistence and dialogue, it is a support for the programme of national reconciliation," socialist chairman Fatos Nano has said. Namik Dokle is elected head of the Parliamentary group. Dokle was head of the SP Parliamentary group also in the past parliamentary legislature. The SP General Steering Council chairman yesterday also approved the SP Electoral Commission for the parliamentary elections of June 1997. lm/sh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[04] ARBNORI MEETS REPRESENTATIVES OF STUDENTS' COMMITTEE FOR NATIONAL RECONCILIATIONTIRANA, APRIL 3 (ATA)- Speaker of Parliament Pjeter Arbnori met today representatives of the Students' Committee for National Reconciliation, at the latter's request.The committee is represented by Arjan Saliaj, chairman of the committee, and Endrit Ducka, members of the representation group, according to the spokesman of the People's Assembly. "These are difficult days for the whole Albanian people therefore I appreciate your student initiative," Arbnori said considering very significant the fact that the students are as well helping to calm the very grave situation at home. "The unjustified grudges have ruined many scientific and cultural institutions, universities and schools. This is an unprecedented barbarism in this century-end," Arbnori said. Saliaj appreciated the positive role of the Albanian Parliament and informed Arbnori of the activities of this students' organisation in favour of Albanian peace and school. Saliaj said that the organisation he led considered resumption of classes very important. "School will be a factor of peace and future and a guarantee for calming down the situation," Saliaj said. s.sh/pas/lm/sh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[05] PRICES OF MAIN FOOD ITEMS STABILISING, ALTHOUGH HIGHER THAN LAST YEARTIRANA, APRIL 3 (ATA)- By M.Spahivogli, The prices of agricultural and livestock products as well as of other food items in the markets of some of the major districts of Albania have been stabilising since last week, sources of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food say.The flour price has remained at 60 leks per kg, sugar 70 leks per kg and cooking oil 150 leks per kg., nearly the same with those of one week ago. The price of wheat, as opposed the same period last year, has increased some 67 per cent, cheese and meat, 40 and 25 per cent, but they remain the same as opposed one week ago. The increase in the price of fruits and vegetables has been relatively lower than of the other products. The price of beans and eggs do not exceed the limits of the past year. eva/lm Albanian Telegraphic Agency[06] MEASURES TO HELP POVERTY-STRICKEN STRATA OF POPULATIONTIRANA, APRIL 3 (ATA)-By E. Allushi, Emergency humanitarian relief, the way to secure and distribute it to the most affected strata of the people, are the main directions of the performance of the Ministry of Labour and Social Assistance."We are working to make evident the real damages, which at the current moments spark sharp social problems for the whole population, as well as to determine the directions and kinds of aid needed," said minister of Labour and Social Assistance Elmaz Sherifi. In Albania, according to a report of the U.N. mission, there are 150 000 families lacking the basic means of living and cannot even receive social benefits, which remain insufficient under the current conditions. "We are working to ensure the functioning of the banking system, which has been blocked for reasons of lack security," Sherifi said. Transference of money from one district to the other will be ensured through strong security measures so that the most affected families, which are many, receive social benefits," Sherifi said. Constant contacts have been realised by this ministry with international organisations, including UNICEF or with the International Red Cross, which has accorded Albania food and medical assistance, worth 10 million dollars, in order to cope with the difficult situation the Albanian people is faced with. kled/lm/sh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[07] EXPERTS COMMISSION TO START INQUIRY ABOUT "SINKING OF ALBANIAN SHIP"TIRANA, APRIL 3 (ATA)-By E. Allushi, The experts commission, to begin inquiries into the causes of the sinking of the Albanian ship, with nearly 120 Albanian on board, only 30 miles off Brindisi, is expected to complete tomorrow the last technical modalities for starting work, according to specialists of the Albanian Foreign Ministry."The Albanian side will handle this tragic event on an interstate line, because many Albanian citizens have tragically lost their lives in this incident," the head of the Consular Department, Albert Bejo, said. According to the data available so far, 83 people drowned and 34 were rescued on the tragic night of March 28. Albanian Prime Minister Bashkim Fino has asked the Italian government to start the transparent investigation process, a process to be carried out by experts of both sides. The Italian government has reacted swiftly and openly, a thing which was also shown by the stand of the Italian Prime Minister, who said that: "We fully agree to carry out a joint investigation process," which was also supported by the lifting of the military secret on investigation details by the Italians. "During the visit of Defence Minister Shaqir Vukaj to Italy, a protocol was signed which stipulates joint sea patrol to stem the tide of refugees," Bejo said. All ship and patrol operations are reported to be carried out conform the international standards and norms and for this purpose representatives of the Albanian military forces will be on board the Italian ships. kled/lm/sh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[08] SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT MEETS HEAD OF SP PARLIAMENTARY GROUPTIRANA, APRIL 3 (ATA)- By A. Frasheri, The participation soon of the SP Parliamentary Group in parliament has been welcomed and will contribute to the National Reconciliation, Speaker of Parliament Pjeter Arbnori said today at his meeting with the head of the Socialist Party parliamentary group, Namik Dokle, and the deputy of this party, Ethem Ruka.Dokle and Ruka said that: "We took the decision to take part in parliament considering two main aims: to further support the national reconciliation government and to help prepare the legislation and conditions for holding free elections in Albania." A report of the People's Assembly Information Department says that during the meeting Arbnori familiarised the socialist deputies with the technical procedures and the already defined seats the socialist deputies have in the Parliamentary Commissions. The SP deputies after last May elections, which they considered manipulated, decided to boycott the parliament's proceedings, despite constant appeals by Albanian political forces, western governments and various international organisations. The decision to join parliament was taken yesterday at a meeting of the SP Steering Committee, supporting the proposal of the party presidency on this issue. "Our participation in parliament is a message of coexistence and dialogue, it is a support for the national reconciliation programme," socialist chairman Fatos Nano has said. In its Second Congress the Socialist Party decided to expel from its ranks the only socialist deputy, Sali Rexhepi, who took up his seat in parliament and did not respond to the appeal of the party to boycott parliament's proceedings. Alongside Rexhepi's seat, the Socialist party has won nine other seats in parliament. The nine deputies to take up these seats are Namik Dokle, Luan Shahollari, Ermelinda Meksi, Musa Ulqini, Erion Brace, Ethem Ruka, Ilir Meta, Luan Hajdaraga and Hamit Gjoni. a.ke/kled/lm/sh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[09] MAXIMUM READINESS IN TIRANA TO RESTORE PUBLIC ORDER AND PEACETIRANA, APRIL 3 (ATA)-By P. Shuteriqi, Representatives of main political forces and religious communities met today at the Tirana city- hall and confirmed the maximum readiness of the police forces to maintain public order and peace.The public order forces will fiercely react against any one who fires weapons, who disturbs public order and peace, the citizens' lives and properties, the head of police department, Pashk Tusha, said at this meeting. Despite the work done, in Tirana there are still "hotbeds" like in Selite, Kamez, Vore, Sauk, Bathore and other areas, where there are numerous cases of disturbing public peace, especially during late hours. The situation around the U.S. embassy grounds, stormed by people misinformed of allegedly "opening of its doors," is under control. Activities of wrongdoers have been recently recorded. There have been four killings, two of which accidentally, and for the two others the authors of the crime have been identified. Two people have been wounded by gunfire and a citizen has been robed of his property. The police forces have intercepted a considerable amount of weapons, besides 60 tonnes of cotton looted recently in the storehouses of the Textile Complex. a.ke/kled/lm/sh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[10] ALBANIAN PRIME MINISTER HOLDS MEETINGS IN GREECETIRANA, APRIL 3 (ATA)- Albanian Prime Minister Bashkim Fino met yesterday afternoon in Athens with Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis and President Stefanopulos.After the talks Greece was reported to be ready to deliver as soon as possible the planned aid for Albania which amounts to some 80 million dollars. According to Fino the meetings with senior Greek officials treated issues of long term economic assistance from Greece and the European Union, the issue of the deployment of the multinational forces to escort the humanitarian aid as well as assistance for the Defence and Interior Ministries. After meeting with Fino, Simitis declared that Greece would continue to deliver humanitarian aid. "Meanwhile, in the EU framework, we will examine the possibility to help it further," he said. Fino told reporters that he had asked the Greek party to provide assistance for holding the elections in Albania. He said that the Albanian specialists would travel to Greece to gain experience in this direction. Fino regarded Greece and Italy as two countries from which Albania expected greater support. Fino today also met Greek businessmen, who have invested in Albania, Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, Minister of Public Order Romeos and the chairman of the major opposition party "New Democracy", Costas Karamanlis. According to the latest information available, Albanian Prime Minister Fino also met the special OSCE envoy for Albania Franz Vranitzky and the current president of the EU General Affairs Hans van Mierlo. According to Vranitzky, the EU, the OSCE and Albania will work in three directions: that of the humanitarian economic aid, to be secured by the EU, the restoration of the system of the democratic life, under the auspices of the European Union, and the multinational protection force, under the full auspices of Italy. Mierlo considered the very close cooperation between the OSCE and the EU of vital importance for Albania. kled/lm/sh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[11] "SOCIALIST DEPUTIES PARTICIPATION IN PARLIAMENT DELAYED, HOWEVER BETTER LATE THAN NEVER" - ShehuTIRANA, APRIL 3 (ATA)- By A. Frasheri, Chairman of the Democratic Party Tritan Shehu, interviewed by ATA, said regarding the delayed participation of the Socialist Party deputies in the Albanian parliament that:"This is a delayed participation, however it is better late than never."They should have joined parliament at the beginning of the legislative period, said Shehu, adding that "participation in Parliament would have been regarded as a contribution also by this party, itself. This would have had positive effects on them, but they chose to follow the road of boycott instead and decided to return to the Albanian parliament, now, very late." Considering the difficult moments Albania is undergoing Shehu said: "If they had come to Parliament at the appropriate time, this would have been a factor of easing tensions, avoiding at a certain extent what has now happened." Shehu hoped support from the socialist deputies and that they would not follow the road of the other agreements, such as in the case of the SP signing the March 28 agreement in Vlore, which according to Shehu "undermines the March 9 agreement" reached at a round table of the President of the Republic Sali Berisha with the 10 main parties of Albania. As regards the parliamentary activity of both groups, the DP and SP, Shehu said that "although the SP deputies have not voted for the approval of the Government of National Reconciliation, because they were not in parliament and it was approved by the DP vote, the two parliamentary groups, despite their political distances, will try to support the platform of National Reconciliation and the programme of the Government of National Reconciliation." "I hope the socialists will maintain a constructive stand in the Albanian Parliament and contribute to the overcome of the difficult moments Albania is undergoing," Shehu said at the end of his interview. a.ke/kled/lm/sh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[12] PRESS RELEASETirana April 3 (ATA)- The office of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Tirana , in collaboration with several Albanian NGOs and in consultation with the Prime Minister of Albania is organizing on Saturday 5 April the First National Children's Forum in Tirana.The Forum wil gather children coming from the main towns of Albania , together to deliver to the Albanian people and the international community a message on their aspirations for their future and the future of their country , on the way they have been affected by the current crisis and on their determination for national reconciliation. Albania has retified in 1992 , the Convention on the Rights of the Child. This Convention stresses the importance of the active participation of children in the debate on issues concerning them and the whole community. During the past few weeks, children have too often been provided with weapons, never with a voice. It is their which is in jeopardy today. Albanian Telegraphic Agency[13] SPECIAL FORCES OF ALBANIAN INTERIOR MINSTRY RESTORE ORDER IN BERATBERAT, APRIL 3 (ATA) - By I Manka: Last night and the first morning hours were full of arms fire and explosion of munition in the city of Berat. Perhaps these were the last arms to be fired in that city which has had no structures of public order for more than one month.Today, early in the morning, special forces of the Interior Ministry, with the necessary means including armoured vehicles started with controls for arms in the quarters which have been tenser in the recent time. Although no figures are yet available about the number of arms caught or of the people incriminated in terrorist acts, plunder or rape who were detained, the result seems to be rather positive. During the day only few bullets were heard fired in the air, while the people, although the day was rainy, crowded the roads of the city. The chronicle of yesterday and perhaps the last day without police in Berat, seems to be closed with the rioting against a family in the Donika Kastrioti quarter, in which during an exchange of fire, a 23 year old boy was killed. The motives for the killing are not yet clarified, and police is making inquiries. This killing brings to 23 the number of the victims in Berat city since the plundering of arms by the people. Almost all the victims have been of young age. A local government source in the commune of Sinja said that 3 peasants, residents of this commune, were killed last week by some Berati citizens for money motives. ake/xh From the Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) Home Page at http://www.telpress.it/ataAlbanian Telegraphic Agency Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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