Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 97-06-01

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] YOUNG MAN KILLED IN SHKODER

[02] REGISTRATIONS FOR JUNE 29 ELECTIONS START IN SARANDE

[03] OSCE MISSION IN LEZHE

[04] PRESS REVIEW

[05] ALBA TROOPS HELP PROJECT IN TOWN HALL OF DURRES

[06] ITALIAN PREMIER ROMANO PRODI ARRIVES IN ALBANIA

[07] OSCE OBSERVERS SEND ENVOYS IN ALBANIAN DISTRICTS

[08] PRESIDENT BERISHA HAILS APPEAL OF MRS ALBRIGHT

[09] CHILDREN OF TIRANA CELEBRATE JUNE 1

[10] CENTRAL ELECTION COMMISSION ISSUES PLATFORM FOR PRESENTATION OF ELECTION CAMPAIGN IN TELEVISION

[11] ITALY AND OSCE WILL SUPPORT ALBANIA IN THE CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS

[12] PRESIDENT BERISHA MEETS WITH ITALIAN PREMIER ROMANO PRODI

[13] REPORT OF THE ALBANIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESMAN

[14] FROM FINO-PRODI MEETING

[15] "I WILL KEEP MY PROMISE FOR THE RECOVERY OF THE VICTIMS OF OTRANTO" - Prodi

[16] REVOCATION OF AMBASSADOR CAMERANA - AN ITALIAN QUESTION - Prodi

[01] YOUNG MAN KILLED IN SHKODER

Two armed persons shot volley of bullets on Mici, and fled away in unknown direction./a.ke/kled/mt/sh/

[02] REGISTRATIONS FOR JUNE 29 ELECTIONS START IN SARANDE

With regard to the emigrants, there is no instruction so far to conduct these operations.

Sarande is one of the southern districts of Albania, whose population is greatly affected by emigration.

The population of the center in this district, during the post communist period 1991-1997, has marked a drastic increase, due to the mechanic movement from different regions of the country.

According to the statistics of the district, this population can be increased twofold within two years, reaching in more than 30000 inhabitants, from some 7000 it was in 1990. /s.sh/kled/mt/sh/

[03] OSCE MISSION IN LEZHE

The mission held meetings with nine chairmen and secretaries of communes and town hall and district council of Lezhe.

They asked setting of regular connections of cooperation to realize transparency in the preparation of elections.

The head of the group, Van Teulen, said that "we will monitor and advise the election process in Lezhe, starting our work with knowing the measures taken by the local government for drafting the voters' lists."

The OSCE mission also met with the commander of the Multinational Force in Shengjin./a.ke/kled/mt/sh/

[04] PRESS REVIEW

"Berisha arouse enthusiasm in Shkoder", reports the paper regarding the meeting of President Berisha in Shkoder.

"Those who have accused socialists become the first leftists who declare that they will participate in elections", reports the paper under the title "DAP obliges to enter the elections."

"SP gives all the constituencies," underlines the paper. "Union for democracy: We will win in front of the rebellion," reports the paper on the third page.

"June 29 - salvation from Berisha", reports Zeri i Popullit, under the headline "Socialists aim at a free, fair and equal election process". The paper covers the meetings of SP delegation in Italy.

The paper also publishes an interview with the Albanian Premier, Bashkim Fino, under the title "Nothing connects me with Berisha". "In Southern Albania operate political forces being set out of the structures of the Interior Ministry, but not without the knowledge of Belul aelo (Interior Minister) and chiefs of commissariats in districts", reports the paper under the title "Coded order: Committees of salvation and SP activists to be hit".

"DP is terrified from the United Right" is the editorial of Republika paper. "Union for Democracy does not find free constituencies", is another article of the paper. On the third page the paper carries the article "SP reform, new calamity".

"HRUP has chances for dignity results in the parliamentary elections," reports Demokracia paper. The paper also carries the electoral platform of the Human Rights Union Party (HRUP).

"Prodi arrives in Tirana before Pangallos", reports Tribuna paper. "Albright asks a wider autonomy for Kosova", is another article published by the paper on the third page.

With regard to this topic, Rilindja paper carries the article "More political autonomy for the Kosova Albanians". "June 29 - great victory," reports the paper, regarding the meeting of President Berisha in Shkoder. "Maltreatments due to weapons", reports the paper under the headline "Everyday violence in Kosova".

"The end of dilemmas for elections", is the editorial of Albania paper. "Nano turned back from Italy with the head lower, because he was refused to be received by the Italian Left, while the friends of Berisha, who received him for courtesy, showed only the door of elections", says the editorial. "Someone if blowing the wind of civil war", reports the paper on the third page. "The communists will be torched in the fire they lighted", reports the paper with regard to the meeting of President Berisha in Shkoder.

"Berisha: With weapons in June 29", reports Koha Jone. The paper carries an interview with Premier Fino under the title "I will not put the candidature in any constituency". "Berisha with bulletproof jacket in Shkoder", reports the paper regarding the meeting of President Berisha in Shkoder.

"SP: Nano for President", reports Dita paper. "Why does Prodi come to Albania", is the editorial of this paper. On the economic page the paper carries an interview with the Minister of Mine and Energetic resources, Kastriot Shtylla, under the title "The subterranean properties accuse...".

"DP: To rule with the socialists" reports Independent paper. "DP front: The government should dissolve the committees," reports the paper on the second page. "OSCE: Only 80 observers" reports the paper. "A delegation of ODHIR, which has come to monitor the election campaign, has met almost all the political parties to consult on all the problems they have for the conduct of free elections," reports the paper.

Gazeta Shqiptare carries an interview with Premier Fino, under the title "Fino: SHIK in my hands". "Berisha goes to Shkoder, Nano returns from Rome," reports the paper. "DP signs the social pact, but now only with its people", is another article of the paper. /kled/mt/sh/

[05] ALBA TROOPS HELP PROJECT IN TOWN HALL OF DURRES

The project is connected with the creation of a big square in front of the Mausoleum of Martyrs, expected to be one of the big squares of Durres. It will be 250 by 50 m.

The French troops, in cooperation with employees of the communal enterprise, have put at the disposal working means and a number of soldiers. /kled/mt/sh/

[06] ITALIAN PREMIER ROMANO PRODI ARRIVES IN ALBANIA

He will also visit the commander of the Multinational Forces, in the context of Alba mission, as well as the contingent of the Italian forces in Albania.

Premier Prodi was received in the airport of Rinas by Premier Fino, Foreign Minister Starova, as well as by other ministers of the National Reconciliation Government.

This is the third visit of Prodi in Albania, since the crisis swept the country. The first two visits were held in Vlore and Gjirokaster.

Prodi is expected to hold a news conference in the staff of Alba mission, in Sauk, at 17:00.

The Italian Premier, Romano Prodi, is accompanied by the Defence Minister, Andreatta. /jz/mt/z/

[07] OSCE OBSERVERS SEND ENVOYS IN ALBANIAN DISTRICTS

OSCE has sent recently the teams of observers and the staff of technic assistance in some parts of Albania.

OSCE will send representatives on Monday in Gjirokaster, Vlore, Fier, Elbasan and Lezhe, along with the teams which will go and turn back in Tirana within the day.

"We have a very good team of observers now", confessed Bryan Pythan, coordinator of the teams of OSCE observers.

In the current phase, OSCE has sent 26 teams with some 50 persons, who go everyday or stay and live in the district. Some 30 people are installed in the OSCE center in Tirana.

Prythan appreciated as positive the contacts with the Albanian local and electoral authorities, as well as the contacts with the new electoral commission.

OSCE is controlling now in south what was torched in the voters' lists and registers of population.

"The loss of this documentation, according to Prythan, varies from 10 % up to 30 % according to the districts. To avoid this hindrance, he puts forward the request that all the parties should cooperate, by having respective observers.

"In every place we send our observers, we are accompanied by the Multinational Protection Forces," he ended. /jz/mt/Z/

[08] PRESIDENT BERISHA HAILS APPEAL OF MRS ALBRIGHT

President Berisha said that despite the problems with which Albania is faced today, the integration of Albania in NATO has been and remains an unchanged priority of the democratic governing in the field of defence. He, stressed the spokesman, is convinced that all the Albanians welcome the cooperation and aid of NATO for this integration. /a.ke/jz/mt/Z/

[09] CHILDREN OF TIRANA CELEBRATE JUNE 1

The children participated in different sportive activities and later on it was inaugurated an exhibition with pictures of little painters.

A big performance was held with the participation of some 150 pupils from 8-year schools of Tirana. /a.ke/kled/mt/Z/

[10] CENTRAL ELECTION COMMISSION ISSUES PLATFORM FOR PRESENTATION OF ELECTION CAMPAIGN IN TELEVISION

- 50 per cent of the time is put at the disposal of the parties of the governmental coalition.

- 50 per cent of the time is given to the opposition parties. /a.ke/jz/mt/Z/

[11] ITALY AND OSCE WILL SUPPORT ALBANIA IN THE CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS

"It is not a matter of guarding all the 4000 polling stations. We have made an agreement with OSCE for a protection force in the whole country to guarantee free elections, but we cannot protect any polling station, but will protect during the time of elections," said Prodi in a news conference in the commander of the Multinational Forces "Alba", in Sauk of Tirana.

For this, Prodi informed that the number of the multinational forces will increase during the 15 days when the elections are held. In the context of the peacekeeping force of 6300 soldiers, Italy has a contingent of 2500 troops.

The mission of Alba operation in Albania belongs not only to Italy, but also to OSCE and United Nations, and altogether we will guarantee free elections.

With regard to the enlargement of the mandate, Prodi said that it should be widely applied."

But assured the engagement of the Italian government to create the possibilities for the movement of deputies in the whole country and said that committees are a hindrance for this problem.

"President Berisha guaranteed me that he would reduce the curfew without the need of a new law, said Prodi, referring the talk held before with him."

Premier Prodi guaranteed that Italy will continue to support by material assistance the Albanian policy to gather the weapons.

With regard to the incident of Otranto, Prodi restressed his engagement that as soon as the results of inspection are made known, the Italian government will take all the measures, within the technic limits, to recover all the victims from the Adriatic sea.

Prodi came to Albania for a short official visit. He held the first meeting with the Albanian President, Sali Berisha. Now he is holding a meeting with Premier Bashkim Fino.

In this conference Prodi was accompanied by the commander of the Italian General Headquarters, Guido Venturoni. /jz/mt/Z/

[12] PRESIDENT BERISHA MEETS WITH ITALIAN PREMIER ROMANO PRODI

The aid and support of the Italian government carries only a message: continuation of Albania into the road of democracy and integration in to Europe. This is not only fundamental for the survival of the free Albanian society, but also in accordance with the will of the Albanians, as a whole, said Berisha in this meeting.

With regard to the elections, Berisha stressed that setting of the elections day and their conduct, despite the difficult conditions that exist, is not only the best option, but it has also vital importance for Albania. In this direction, I appreciate very much the contribution that you and your government have given. I would like to guarantee that in case the roadblocks can be not removed because of armed gangs, we are ready to support all the requests of the political parties, so that the election process is completely transparent.

I would also appreciate, said Berisha, a larger international presence for the monitoring of elections, for a greater transparence of this process. In this context, we welcome the contribution of your country.

Premier Prodi stressed that the conduct of elections in acceptable conditions is absolutely important for Albania and Albanians. He appreciated all the measures taken for the conduct of elections and guarantee of public order, by assuring President Berisha that Albania will have the support of Italy in every stage of this process.

Considering the conduct of free and fair elections in June 29 and acceptance of their results as a decisive chance for the stability and the future of Albania, he stressed that this will open a new phase of cooperation of Albania with the international community, and particularly with Italy, but, he said, we are resolute to undertake a wider cooperation with you right after the elections are held.

With regard to the problem presented by Berisha to recover the bodies of Otranto tragedy, Premier Prodi guaranteed him that despite the cost of operation, procedures and juridical investigations, all the efforts will be made to recover the bodies of victims as soon as possible, and this is an unshakeable stand of mine, he said. /a.ke/jz/mt/Z/

[13] REPORT OF THE ALBANIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESMAN

The appeal that the U.S. State Secretary Albright addressed to NATO to send a mission of estimation in Albania to see how the Alliance can assist the Albnaian Army, is a great encouragement for the near future and in particular for the coming integration of ALbania.

The Albanian Foreign Ministry appreciates the appeal of the Secretary Albright and believes in the understanding and support of NATO in the near and perspective cooperation. ake/xh

[14] FROM FINO-PRODI MEETING

Present in the meeting for the Albanian party were also the Foreign Minister, Arjan Starova, Secretary General of the Council of Ministers, Ekrem Kastrati, the State Secretary in the Foreign Ministry, Pavli Zeri. Also attending were the respective ambassadors of the two countries, Pandeli Pasko and Paolo Foresti.

According to the PM's spokesman, during the meeting Premier Fino voiced his thanks for the assistance, support and commitment of the Italian Government and considered as a priority orientation of the National Reconciliation Government the conduct and administration of the June 29 elections. He focused on the need of lifting de jure the state of emergency and concrete legislative steps in this direction, along with the need for an intensive monitoring of the poll by the international community.

Fino stressed in particular the request for the extension of the mandate of the multinational forces to ensure the polling stations, something which would considerably increase the confidence of the people in free and fair elections.

Mr Fino concentrated especially on the need of intensified efforts by the Italian Government to recover the bodies of the victims of the Otranto tragedy.

Italian PM Prodi pointed out that the necessary conditions for free and fair elections in Albania are being fulfilled, and this is a question of decisive importance for the fates of Albania. He ensured, in this direction, of a greater presence of the international community. To this end, Italy will send two weeks before the elections other contingents of soldiers in the context of the multinational force, and a great number of other observers, in cooperation with OSCE and EU.

Prodi underlined that this is the greatest number of the observers sent in similar situations with Albania. But, Mr Prodi stressed, free and fair elections cannot be guaranteed without the good will of the Albanian political forces. He pointed out that if elections are not held, Italy's political commitment for Albania will be reduced.

Mr Prodi recalled that the sacrifices Italy is making, the high cost it is paying may be justified only with the realisation of the elections on the set date. Only if Albania gives the right message in this direction will Italy be extensively committed to the economic and political recovery of Albania. The interest of Italian business and the perspective also demand this.

Further on, PM Prodi referred to the talk with the U.N. Secretary General, Coffy Anan and the possibility for a significant extension of the interpretation of the U.N. mandate on occasion of June 29 elections. Additionally, the military structures will be a significant element to assist in guaranteeing the greatest possible normal electoral campaign.

With regard to the question of the Otranto victims, Mr Prodi said that he understood the special importance that this sensitive issue has in order that it does not become a factor of sorrow or separation between our two countries and peoples. Therefore he assured of the commitment of the Italian Government and his personally to recover the bodies of the victims and to carry out all other relevant procedures, ends the report of the spokesman of the Albanian PM. xh

[15] "I WILL KEEP MY PROMISE FOR THE RECOVERY OF THE VICTIMS OF OTRANTO" - Prodi

Prodi described the recovery of the Albanian victims "a specific pledge of the Italian government and his as well."

Actually the survivors of the Otranto tragedy are on a hunger strike since May 23, in the hour when the incident occurred.

The recovery of the Albanian ship capsized on March 28, 1997 on the Otranto Strait after a clash with an Italian vessel, Sibila, needs time. This is also the opinion of the chief prosecutor of Brindizi, Bruno Giordano, who has said that he had to wait until the experitise for about 20 hours filming made by the technicians of the ship Performer, the enterprise Impresub with some telecamera assembled on the robot board was over.

"We call on all foreign institutions to raise this question," said the leader of the hunger strike, Krenar Xhavara.

Only a woman from Vlore has been identified by her necklace and was buried in Vlore the last week.

The films taken at the depth of the water are being examined by the Prosecutor of the Republic in Brindizi, Bruno Giordano, and by the deputy prosecutor charged with the investigation into the question of the capsized vessel, Leonardo Leone de Castris.

"Only technical hindrances, which do not exist for the moment may prevent us from carrying out our obligation," said Prodi, adding that he knew that was very important for all Albania and not only for the family members of the victims. xh

[16] REVOCATION OF AMBASSADOR CAMERANA - AN ITALIAN QUESTION - Prodi

Camerana was appointed Friday the Italian Ambassador in Albania, but his appointment was revoked by the Italian Government, according to the Italian Foreign Ministry.

"This was not a decision of the Foreign ministry but of all the government and there was no polemics in the Italian government in this regard," said Prodi.

The naming of the new ambassador will be made soon, so far we have not considered the candidate for the new ambassador, but this decision will not take time, said Prodi.

Camerana, 61, demanded his resignation Saturday after the publication of a very critical interview in the Italian daily La Republica. He criticized mainly the ambassador he was to replace of the Italian Embassy in Tirane, the foreign ministry and general Franco Angioni, appointed as extraordinary commissar for the coordination of the Italian operation in Albania.

Camerana was named Friday by the Council of Ministers as the successor of the present ambassador of Italy, Paolo Foresti, who in last December was named Italy's Ambassador of the Western Europe Union.

During the recent months, Foresti was criticized by the Albanian and Italian press regarding the registered telephone talks had had made with the Albanian Democratic Party chairman, Tritan Shehu.

Foresti and Shehu refuted as untrue and a concoction the reference to such talks.

Further on, Mr Prodi focused on the role of the administrator, Angioni to coordinate the public relations in order the Italian assistance in Albania be as efficient as possible.

Prodi described the interview of Camerana as incorrect for an Ambassador. xh

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