Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 97-04-09

Albanian Telegraphic Agency Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] DELEGATION OF SHKODER LOCAL GOVERNMENT VISITS PODGORICE

[02] PRESS RELEASE

[03] NEW CHIEF OF POLICE COMMISSARIAT IN SHKODER APPOINTED

[04] POLITICAL PARTIES MEET LOCAL GOVERNMENT LEADERS IN GJIROKASTER

[05] PRESS REVIEW

[06] SOCIALIST DEPUTIES JOIN PARLIAMENT

[07] INTERNATIONAL MAJOR ORGANISATIONS CONFIRM CONTINUATION OF AID FOR ALBANIA -World Bank and EBI to continue to credit projects-

[08] SOCIALIST DEPUTIES JOIN PARLIAMENT

[09] MONEY OF THE COLLAPSED FOUNDATIONS CONTINUE TO BE DISTRIBUTED

[10] ALBANIAN PRESIDENT MEETS REPRESENTATIVES OF POLITICAL FORCES

[11] SECOND DEPUTY SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT ELECTED

[12] ALBANIAN DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER LEAVES FOR TURKEY

[13] ALBANIAN MINISTER OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE MEETS ITALIAN AMBASSADOR IN TIRANA

[14] ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE INTERIOR MINISTRY SPOKESMAN

[15] THE RESPECT FOR THE CONSTITUTIONAL INSTITUTIONS IS OF VITAL IMPORTANCE IN THE CURRENT SITUATION OF ALBANIA - Arbnori writes to Violante and Mancino -

[16] TIRANA POLICE DETAIN WEAPONS AND AMMUNITION

[17] PRESS RELEASE

[18] DEBATE ON THE THIRD DAY OF NEW YORK NEGOTIOATIONS ON KOSOVA

[19] MEETINGS OF ALBANIAN PREMIER BASHKIM FINO

[20] ALBANIAN PRESIDENT MEETS REPRESENTATIVES OF POLITICAL FORCES

[21] REFERENDUM ON THE FORM OF REGIME MAY BE ALSO REALISED DURING ELECTIONS

[22] TOWN OF GRAMSH TURNED INTO A MARKET OF STOLEN ARMAMENT

[01] DELEGATION OF SHKODER LOCAL GOVERNMENT VISITS PODGORICE

The talks held at the Podgorice municipality was the opening of the customs point Bozhaj-Han i Hotit, as well as of the customs point of Subokine of Muriqan and Tivari port which will serve the further development of interborder trade between Albania and Montenegro.

Both sides agreed to exchange sports and cultural groups.

Hani i Hotit is the only point connecting Albania with Montenegro, through which also passes the Bajza railway towards the European continent. The beginning of the trains movements would enable the quick aid delivery from Europe. s.sh/kei/lm/E

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] PRESS RELEASE

This statement serves the exploitation of the situation in Albania for dishonest political purposes.

It is up to the Albanian people to decide who should be at the head of the constitutional institutions of the Albanian state. lm/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] NEW CHIEF OF POLICE COMMISSARIAT IN SHKODER APPOINTED

The ex-chief, Martin Gjoka, was dismissed for not implementing the tasks set by the Interior Minister and was replaced by Hifzi Bushati.

Armed men blocked Prime Minister Bashkim Fino and other cabinet ministers at Bushat village as the officials drove in convoy to the Shkoder city to hold planned meetings with the city's local government. s.sh/kei/lm/E

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] POLITICAL PARTIES MEET LOCAL GOVERNMENT LEADERS IN GJIROKASTER

They discussed the measures to be taken to restore law and order in the town, where the wrongdoers have recently intensified their aggressive acts. The state-run and public buildings and institutions have been targets of their attacks.

They have destroyed the city's cadastre and ransacked the "Java" local newspaper offices.

The wrongdoers also attempted in the evening of April 7 to storm the town-hall and the state archive, an abortive attempt due to the police forces' intervention. s.sh/eva/lm/e

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] PRESS REVIEW

Regarding the initiative of President Sali Berisha on the new constitution of Albania, the paper carries an interview with the chairman of the Democratic party, Tritan Shehu, under the title: The initiative for the constitution runs parallel with the National Reconciliation process".

The paper also reports on the meeting of the DP National Council, due to be held soon: "New start for democrats and no trial against the Democratic Party".

"The Albanian party unanimous for independence and self-determination of Kosova", says the paper regarding the first day of the Albanian-Serb round table in New York.

Zeri i Popullit carries a statement of the Spokesman of the U.S. State Department, under the title:"The U.S. has committed itself to work with the National Reconciliation Government".

The paper also carries the editoral:"Demagogy with the other's disaster", saying that "Berisha's latest effort to provide the Country with a constitution is completely a demagogical act".

The paper reports on the meeting of the U.S. ambassadress in Tirana with the Secretary of State for Defence, Lush Perpali.

The paper says:"Revolt in the Democratic Party - another 20 deputies to quit the Parliamentary Group."

The paper also carries an analysis of the BBC analyst about the Albanian-Serb talks in New York, entitled :"A chance to continue dialogue".

Rilindja of Kosova carries the editorial entitled:"On the first day of talks we heard nothing new", regarding the first day of the Albania-Serb round table.

The paper carries a statement of Dr. Fehmi Agani, with the voice of America entitled:"Option for independence is product of Kosova" as well as the article:"The World Bank to continue aid and programmes for Albania, despite the crisis". kei/lm/Z

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] SOCIALIST DEPUTIES JOIN PARLIAMENT

The nine deputies, who had refused to participate in the parliament emerging after the Mary 26 elections, which the SP considers manipulated, are: Namik Dokle, Ilir Meta, Luan Hajdaraga, Musa Ulqini, Ethem Ruka, Ermelinda Meksi, Luan Shahollari, Hamit Gjoni and Erion Brace,.

Afterwards, the head of the SP parliamentary group, Namik Dokle, read a statement on behalf of his group. lm/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] INTERNATIONAL MAJOR ORGANISATIONS CONFIRM CONTINUATION OF AID FOR ALBANIA -World Bank and EBI to continue to credit projects-

With the economic crisis being deepened, the European Community and the major international financial organisations, including the World Bank and the European Bank of Investment, confirmed recently their financial backing for Albania.

The World Bank director for Albania, Julios Berullai, told ATA that the World bank had not suspended the nearly 20 crediting programs for Albania. The remaining 134 million dollars from the total amount of 273 million dollars, accorded in 1992, was still in force."

He said the difference stood in restructuring the way of delivering these funds under the crisis situation. A preliminary condition, according to Berullai, was the restoration of public order and strengthening of the democratic institutions.

The World Bank plans the immediate release of credits in all the zones controlled by the Government of National Reconciliation, with whose representatives Berullai said to have had the first positive meeting in Rome.

The World Bank has not stopped its activity in Tirana, while for the areas in which the contractors' equipment has been destroyed and looted, the first task is to estimate the damages and then meet these projects.

Many of the programmes planned by the World Bank to continue with the creation of the suitable conditions are those for building infrastructure, motorways, for the reconstruction of schools, irrigation system, for social insurances, pensions and other issues.

Although the Albanian crisis has ruined many of the last fiver year achievements, the World Bank hopes that some of them, such as in agriculture, business and other fields, should either survive or be reactivated in a brief period.

The European Bank of Investment, through co-financing from the PHARE programme, has provided the budget and is preparing tenders for four big projects.

The general budget envisaged for these four projects totals 3.450.000 Ecus. jz/lm/Z

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] SOCIALIST DEPUTIES JOIN PARLIAMENT

The socialist deputies, who had refused to participate in the parliament emerging after the Mary 26 elections, which the SP considers manipulated, are: Namik Dokle, Ilir Meta, Luan Hajdaraga, Musa Ulqini, Ethem Ruka, Ermelinda Meksi, Luan Shahollari, Hamit Gjoni and Erion Brace.

The head of the SP parliamentary group, Namik Dokle, read a statement on behalf of his group.

"We, the nine SP deputies, come to this parliament to also testify in the legislative segment of the state that the political force we represent, although bearing no responsibility for today's crisis, is ready to offer all its political and institutional commitment to cooperate for the solution of the crisis and in the interest of the normal development of the democratic processes in Albania," Dokle said.

Dokle set forward the objectives of the SP parliamentary group.

The objectives included: cooperation with all forces and democratic means to implement the March 9 agreement reached by 10 political parties at a round table with the President of the Republic, Sali Berisha; support for all people's demands made in a peaceful way, encouragement of a dialogue at the round table of the Albanian political parties and stimulation of cooperation with international organisations, first of all with the OSCE, to prepare as soon as possible and in a more complete democratic framework the legal and organisational conditions for holding free and fair elections, within June 1997.

Other objectives included support for the UN resolution to send multinational protection forces, which, according to Dokle, will ensure the humanitarian deliveries and during this period will benefit peace and stability. The SP expresses its whole committement to develop and strengthen Albania's relations with all the Euro-Atlantic political and military structures, the U.S., the E.U. and neighbors.

"We offer compromise to all those who want to restore peace to Albania. We offer understanding to all those who want cooperation," the statement of the SP parliamentary group concludes.

Several days ago, the SP presidency decided that the socialist deputies join the parliament, a decision also endorsed by the General Steering Commission of this party.

Albanian political forces, governments of Western countries and various European organisations including the CE, OSCE, EU and other organisations, have repeatedly called on the SP to take up its seats in parliament. This was also asked from the SP by the other parties participants in the March 9 round table.

The socialists in their Second Convention decided through a resolution not to join Parliament and ousted from their party the only socialist deputy, Sali Rexhepi, who did not respond to the call of the party but took up his seat in parliament. pas/lm/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] MONEY OF THE COLLAPSED FOUNDATIONS CONTINUE TO BE DISTRIBUTED

The director of the Savings Bank in this district, Dede Gjoka, told ATA that, with the funds accorded by the state, the work has started normally in these offices after, an interruption due to the recent riots.

Some 1000 people from 2490, who had deposited their savings in these fraudulent foundations, have taken their money so far. /jz/mt/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] ALBANIAN PRESIDENT MEETS REPRESENTATIVES OF POLITICAL FORCES

President Berisha invited Monday the political forces, represented in the March 9 accord, to discuss the problem of the Constitution./kled/mt/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] SECOND DEPUTY SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT ELECTED

The socialist deputy from Tepelena, Hamit Gjoni, was elected deputy Speaker, by completing the presidency which is made up of the Speaker and two deputy speakers.

According to the statute of the parliament, the Speaker and a deputy speaker are elected by the biggest parliamentary group, while the other deputy speaker is elected by the second parliamentary group, according to the number of the deputies represented in parliament.

The Presidency of the People's Assembly now is made up of: Pjeter Arbnori - Speaker, and Margarita Qirko and Hamit Gjoni - deputy speakers.

Today, the parliament, in its usual proceedings, discharged from duty Mr. Uran Veseshta, member of the Supervisor Council of the Albanian Bank, and replaced him with Mr. Qamil Tusha./jz/mt/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] ALBANIAN DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER LEAVES FOR TURKEY

During his stay in Turkey, Rakipi will hold working meetings in the Turkish Foreign Ministry, as well as with senior officials of the Turkish government. They will discuss on the current situation in Albania, as well as in the context of the bilateral cooperation between our friendly countries. /s.sh/kled/mt/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] ALBANIAN MINISTER OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE MEETS ITALIAN AMBASSADOR IN TIRANA

Italy is actually involved in the international efforts to help the Albanian macro-economy, as well as particular sectors of economy, said Foresti in the meeting. With regard to the bilateral plan, along with the plan to overcome the difficult situation with urgent aid, we will continue to support the long-term developments of Albania, through continuing the projects already started and by approving new projects which are almost planned, said Foresti.

The Albanian Minister presented to the Italian Ambassador the needs of the Albanian agriculture, stressing that "our main goal is to produce more than to bring aid." In this context, he stressed that "it would be better to import products which would help in producing fertilizers and pesticides".

Foresti and Aliko shared the same opinions about a series of problems with common character, like the removal of customs duties for the damaged investors, who ask to repair the destroyed investments in Albania, seek for possibilities in giving credits to the Albanian and Italian investors, and others. /kled/mt/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE INTERIOR MINISTRY SPOKESMAN

The establishment of road-blocks in key roads of the town and the police patrols made possible the stabilization of work in many state institutions, and the work in the private sector of the district has become active.

The special forces of the Interior Ministry, in cooperation with the police commissariat in Devoll, detained several people, who had terrorized the inhabitants of this town, and plundered shops and houses. They also uncovered and blocked a considerable amount of weapons and ammunition.

The operations of the special forces of the Interior Ministry continue in the town of Korce and nearby villages, ends the report of the spokesman in this Ministry./kled/mt/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] THE RESPECT FOR THE CONSTITUTIONAL INSTITUTIONS IS OF VITAL IMPORTANCE IN THE CURRENT SITUATION OF ALBANIA - Arbnori writes to Violante and Mancino -

Arbnori expresses in his letter the gratitude for the help and engagement of Italy to improve the situation in Albania.

"It is very welcomed the fact that Italy will command the multinational force which will arrive in Albania," says the letter among others.

"In the current situation, I think that the restoration of order and the preparation of the country for the free elections are the main duties we are facing actually," writes Arbnori, and adds that in this context, the respect for the constitutional institutions has vital importance.

"I would like to draw the attention that the statements of the Italian Deputy Foreign Minister, in my point of view, do not help in this direction. They openly appeal for the return of ex-communists in power and insult the Albanian institutions," underlines Arbnori.

With the belief that this is not the policy of Italy, please Mr. President, accept the insurances of my esteem considerations," concludes the letter of Arbnori.s.sh/kled/mt/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] TIRANA POLICE DETAIN WEAPONS AND AMMUNITION

Due to this operation were uncovered 12 machine-guns, 36 rifles, 3 light machine-guns, several pistols and bullet-proof jackets, as well as a considerable amount of ammunition.

The police forces of this commissariat conducted several operations on Tuesday in two other quarters of Tirana, where they uncovered and detained considerable amounts of weapons and ammunition, and 11 people were escorted to the commissariat.

Two days ago the forces of this commissariat detained the citizen Saimir Deda, who had escaped from jail, where he served the punishment for the crime of murder.

Today, in the police commissariat no. 3 in Tirana, the citizen Nazmi Balliu from Elbasan was surrendered himself. He had escaped from jail where he served the capital punishment.

The police forces of commissariat no.1 in Tirana conducted a successful operation by uncovering and blocking 14 rifles, 4 machine-guns and a considerable amount of ammunition. /s.sh/kled/mt/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] PRESS RELEASE

This statement serves the exploitation of the situation in Albania for dishonest political purposes.

It is up to the Albanian people to decide who should be at the head of the constitutional institutions of the Albanian state. lm/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] DEBATE ON THE THIRD DAY OF NEW YORK NEGOTIOATIONS ON KOSOVA

The Albanian papers of Prishtine, Bujku and Koha Ditore, today report extensively on the New York negotiations referring to declarations by participants and observers.

According to these sources, the Albanians insisted in their stand that "a basis for any talk on the future of Kosova is the will declared by its people for an independent Kosova." The Serbian party offered the option of "the participation of the Albanians in the democratization of the life and state power of Serbia" and supported that stand that "the solution to the question of Kosova may be reached only in a democratic Serbia."

Albanian participants consider the meeting as "a bilateral will to solve the question of Kosova through dialogue and talks, but also as a further affirmation of the declaration for the internationalization and recognition of the Republic of Kosova."

The chiarman of the Serbian Revival Movement, Vuk Drashkovic, in a declaration for Koha Ditore, considered the talks in New York as "tolerant and held in a civilizing atmosphere," but he stressed that "unfortunately, the stands are diametrically opposite."

Asked about him and other participants in the round table described by the Serbian Socialist Party as "traitors to the Serbian question," Drashkovic said:

"I would willingly betray the policy of terror and dictatorship of Milosevic. I will always be for negotiations, for agreement. I would willingly prefer to talk for 20 years than to fight for 20 minutes. Isn't it enough to draw a lesson from the struggle we experienced?"

The New York meeting has reportedly negotiated the coming Albanian- Serbian meeting. According to a declaration made last night for the Voice of America in the Serbian language by the academician Mark Krasniqi, one of the Serbian participants in New York meeting had proposed that the coming meeting be held in Paliq (near the Lake Paliq) in Voivodina. Krasniqi said that the coming meeting might be also held in Brezovice, in Kosova, in which a third party would also be present, as a guarantor in the talks and their outcome.

Also in the New York negotiations, as it has been reported, the Albanian party has requested that the United States of America be a mediator in the Prishtine-Belgrade negotiations for the solution of the question of Kosova. bj/pta/pas/xh/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] MEETINGS OF ALBANIAN PREMIER BASHKIM FINO

During the meeting they exchanged opinions about the recent concerns and political developments in Albania, as well as about the ongoing progress in restoring order and tranquility, turning to normal the institutional activity and the preparation for the new parliamentary elections of June.

The U.S. Ambassador hailed the political will of the Government of National Reconciliation for the creation of a real climate of cooperation and consensus with all the Albanian political forces to overcome the problems and difficulties created. She expressed the delight for the positive results of the visits of the Albanian Premier in Rome and Athens, and the increase of popularity of the government he leads in the international plan.

Mrs. Lino re-stressed the complete and continuous support of the U.S. Administration for the steps and activity of the National Reconciliation Government. She condemned the incident which occurred in Bushat, being convinced that this government is welcomed all over Albania.

Further on, the U.S. Ambassador estimated the engagement of the Albanian government and political forces for the preparation of the necessary legal infrastructure and the conduct of new parliamentary elections within June, also expressing the readiness of the U.S. government to offer the necessary help in this direction.

Premier Fino met on the same day with the Ambassador of the United Kingdom in Tirana, Mr. Andrew Tessoriere, and held an open and friendly meeting with him.

After the description of Premier Fino on the ongoing activity of the National Reconciliation Government, the British Ambassador re-stressed the complete support of the Government of Her Majesty for the Government of National Reconciliation. He condemned the incident of Bushat and estimated the mature stands of the Albanian Premier after this event, and mentioned the predisposition to help Albania in the bilateral and multilateral plan.

Further on, Mr. Tessoriere mentioned a series of steps and initiatives taken by the British government, in cooperation with known bodies of the Albanian economy and finances, such as the Conference of the World Bank for Reconstruction and Development, which will be held on April 12-16, 1997.

Appreciating the importance of the assistance in the process of new elections, the British Ambassador mentioned that a number of politicians, analysts, journalists and experts from Albania would be invited to monitor the parliamentary elections in Britain, where they will also exchange thoughts about other aspects of this aid.

The Ambassador Tessoriere, estimating the current steps and efforts, expressed the belief that the Government of National Reconciliation with all the Albanian political forces would be able to overcome the challenges, turning Albania into the road of the democratic normality./s.sh/kled/mt/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[20] ALBANIAN PRESIDENT MEETS REPRESENTATIVES OF POLITICAL FORCES

The object of the meeting was the initiative of the Albanian President to draft and approve the constitution of Albania.

President Berisha stressed in his speech the necessity of a constitution for the country, pointing out that a new political reality exists today in Albania, which influence positively in the solution of the major problems created.

Berisha considered this atmosphere very favourable and a great chance for the approval of the constitution.

In their speech, the representatives of political parties, although they agreed on principle for the indispensable need of having a constitution, considered unsuitable the moment for this major engagement, such as the preparation of a constitution. /kled/mt/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[21] REFERENDUM ON THE FORM OF REGIME MAY BE ALSO REALISED DURING ELECTIONS

"The idea of the referendum on the form of the regime was supported by all the parties and by the President, and it may also be discussed in the elections," said the leader of the Legality Movement Party, Guri Durollari. The leaders of the parties have also signed an agreement that the form of regime be discussed as well, but according to the leader of the Democratic Alliance Party, Perikli Teta, President Berisha was of the opinion that "such a thing should be made after the approval of the constitution."

Durollari also confirmed that Leka Zogu would come to Albania soon.

"I informed all the party leaders and President Berisha that Leka Zogu will be in Albania on April 12, and all agreed on his presence," said Durollari.

The party leaders, except those of DP and SDUP, described as impossible and groundless the adoption of the constitution before June elections, but all agreed that the referendum on the form of the regime be held.

"I think and proposed that we must also discuss the form of the regime bearing in mind the discussion of three variants: a parliamentary republic, a presidential republic and a monarchy," said the DAP leader Teta.

The idea for the discussion of the form of the regime was also supported by the leaders of the Balli Kombetar party, Hysen Selfo and the Christian Democratic party Zef Bushati. xh/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[22] TOWN OF GRAMSH TURNED INTO A MARKET OF STOLEN ARMAMENT

Vehicles from Tirana, Shkoder, Elbasan, Berat and other districts come in Gramsh to buy armaments at lower prices for profit aims.

The police continue to be apathetic. Five other people have been injured recently in this district. One of them was the guard of the "Vefa" company, to whom a grenade was thrown.

In the local government, which hardly functions, are presented the concerns for the consequences of stealing and using the explosive matter, looted in the depots of Çekrez, Teqe e Dushkut and Labove, which are still open./kled/mt/sh/

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency Directory - Previous Article - Next Article