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

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Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] POLICE CHECK CARS WITHOUT NUMBER PLATES

[02] PRESIDENT BERISHA CALLS FOR A FREE AND CIVILIZED ELECTORAL CAMPAIGN

[02] INTERIOR MINISTER HOLDS TALKS WITH PARTY OFFICIALS

[03] I WILL GO FIRST TO DEFEND KOSOVA - ARKAN

[04] BURREL INHABITANTS SALUTE SPECIAL FORCES

[05] EXPLOSION IN AN EIGHTH YEAR SCHOOL

[06] PRESS REVIEW

[07] ALBANIAN TELEGRAPHIC AGENCY - ATA BULLETIN OF STATEMENTS - A NEW SERVICE OF ATA

[08] STAFF OF MULTINATIONAL FORCES CONFUTES REPORTS OF ALBANIAN PAPERS

[09] LIST OF SP CANDIDATES IN THE TOWN OF TIRANA

[10] TENSE SITUATION AGAIN IN BURREL

[11] SOMEONE DETAINED FOR DAMAGING THE RAILWAY

[12] OSCE TEAMS PREVENTED TO ENTER SARANDA

[13] VRANITZKY TO VISIT TIRANE SUNDAY

[14] BERISHA CONDEMNS UGLY ACT IN A SCHOOL IN DURRES

[15] ALBANIA DISCUSSED IN MEETING OF FOREIGN MINISTERS OF CENTRAL EUROPE INITIATIVE

[16] COALITION UNION FOR DEMOCRACY OPENS ELECTORAL CAMPAIGN

[01] POLICE CHECK CARS WITHOUT NUMBER PLATES

Six check points are created by the Tirana police commissariats in cooperation with the road police of the Interior Ministry.

Road traffic inspector of the Tirana Directorate Hamdi Memia has registered 10 violations of cars passing without number plates till yesterday noon and blocked them. s.sh/kled/sh/

[02] PRESIDENT BERISHA CALLS FOR A FREE AND CIVILIZED ELECTORAL CAMPAIGN

President Berisha asks from all Albanian politicians not to dramatize things because this not only causes desperation among the people but also stirs up uncontrolled acts.

The Democratic Party, he stressed, is a party which is totally against terror and we will powerfully stick to our antiterrorist position.

"The act of June 4 has not shaken my determination, and I am fully convinced that the sole and vital road to bring Albania out of the crisis is only that of elections. This is our unique opinion, the opinion of the electorate in general and of the international community.

President Berisha calls to continue freely and in a civilized way the electoral campaign, during which all the politicians and alternatives will compete. We will continue this camapign, stressed the Preisdent Berisha, being sure of the landscape victory that democracy in Albania merits. xh/

[02] INTERIOR MINISTER HOLDS TALKS WITH PARTY OFFICIALS

The minister presented the measures taken by the Ministry to guarantee an electoral campaign, safety of persons and activities of the political campaign.

The Democratic party representative Ylli Vejsiu presented some proposals on the denunciation of the terrorist act against President, signing of a social pact by all the parties, dissolving of committees and free movement of politicians, press and journalists.

Vejsiu asked for the law on state of emergency to remain but reduction on time of curfew may be done.

Leader of the Democratic Alliance party Neritan Ceka presented some proposals among which the Interior Ministry charge three armed pe rsons known by it to guard the ballot boxes parallel with police.

Head of the Human Rights Union party Vasil Melo spoke on the need to boost security in national main roads and telephone connections.

The Republican party leader Sabri Godo presented a request for a new round table of these parties.

"Where the local government and commissariats are established, committees should not exist," Godo said.

Representative of the Socialist party Ethem Ruka expressed his party concern about guaranteeing of ballot boxes and voting process as well as the role of police in election day. He suggested the use of Alba mission's means to give information on that day.

"I thanked police for their correct stand the day the electoral campaign was launched in a meeting organized by the SP," Ruka said.

All the parties condemned the terrorist act against President of the Republic and were against any forms of terrorism. s.sh/kled/ak/sh/

[03] I WILL GO FIRST TO DEFEND KOSOVA - ARKAN

Asked by journalists whether his guard will be mobilised in case of armed conflict in Kosova, Arkan said: "I will be the first to go and defend Kosova and there will be my Serbian voluntary guard."

But he hoped that "no conflict occurs in Kosova" and added that "the Serbian people can live with the Albanians, particularly with those who recognize the state of Serbia."

He considered the request of the U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright against him "a form of pressure against Belgrade to solve some other issues such as Kosova." ag/ak/sh/

[04] BURREL INHABITANTS SALUTE SPECIAL FORCES

Uncontrolled shots have claimed the life of two children 6 and 12 years old respectively and wounded 10 other people causing moments of insecurity in the city.

Since the beginning of turmoil some 55 persons have been killed and over 310 wounded.

Rumors of terror were spread three days ago increasing insecurity among people and suspending the activity of the market, private bars and cafes.

The movement of passengers in the road axis Milot-Bulqize remains a problem because of the continuous looting, different citizens said.

Special forces of the Interior Ministry have also been in Berat at the beginning of April and have been welcomed with enthusiasm by the inhabitants of the city. They have also been to Korca, Devoll and Shkodra in the same month. Terrorised by gangs, killers and looters, the local governments have asked for the presence of these forces in their cities. s.sh/kled/ak/E

[05] EXPLOSION IN AN EIGHTH YEAR SCHOOL

[06] PRESS REVIEW

Under the title "Fino on the side of terrorists", the paper reports "He has not convened the government to show at least a formal concern when the DP offices, people and the right-wing press have been attacked and the campaign of Leka I was hindered by the use of arms to come to the extreme case when the left-wing terrorists tried to kill president Berisha".

"Since they did not manage to make all Albania like Vlora, the left-wing extremists are aiming at terrorizing the citizens through criminal acts," the paper reports under the title "A bomb to terrorize Albanians."

"Government does not convene to discuss the attempt on President Berisha," the paper says in an article entitled "Fino selects bombs".

"Socialist party distances itself from the attempt on president", Zeri i Popullit says in an article entitled "No, to political crime". "Albanian prime minister condemned the Shkallnuer event," the paper says referring to Fino's press release. "Bomb against President of the Republic", the paper says regarding the attempt on Berisha in Shkallnuer. "Unique front against violence and terrorism, the only way to the June 29 elections", the paper quoted a statement of the Albanian Helsinki committee.

"It is known that different people or even social groups have a big hatred and indignation against Berisha ... but this does not mean, by no means, the use of arms," the paper says in an article entitled "Blind venue."

Under the title "What hides after bombs?" the paper carries a commentary of Gabriel Partosh from BBC. "Postponing of election is in the interest of Berisha to regain the power he lost," paper quotes Partosh as saying.

"The act of Rushbull proves that there are concerned forces which try to stir up terrorism aiming even the high-ranking state officials," Republika quotes the Republican leader Sabri Godo saying in a statement referring to the attempt on president.

"This is the second terrorist attempt on the President institution. The first which threatened the life of president occurred during the visit of the Italian president Oscar Luiggi Scalfaro in Albania. That attempt was undertaken by another Ilir but his second name was Buza. The attempt device was again a grenade," the paper says in the article entitled "What do they (Iliret) have with President" published in the second page."

"Attempt on President Berisha", Rilindja says. It carries a statement of the President after the attempt. The paper reports that prime minister Fino has denounced the attempt on Berisha under the title "Social pact among political forces a necessity. " Under the title "Attempt on President Berisha" the paper carries a statement of the Democratic party regarding the attempt. It cites foreign news agencies regarding the attempt. Under the title "Attack against Berisha, an act of the left-wing terrorists," the paper carries a statement of the DP national Council.

"Socialist prime minister of the National Reconciliation who has convened the government both when he was stopped on his way to Bushat and the damaged cafe of Lush Perpali hesitated on Thursday to take an institutional act against political terrorism in the country," the editorial of Albania says in an article entitled "Worse attempt occurred yesterday."

"Politicians condemned the terrorist act against president," the paper reports in the article entitled "Attempt has started since March 1 - Socialists know the scenario." "Motives of the attempt started in the ultimatum of March 1, 1997 addressed to Berisha to step down as a president or not to present his candidature again, otherwise forces will arrive from Vlora." Now they are saying to Berisha and DP "boycott the campaign otherwise you'll have bombs," the paper quotes Abdi Baleta, the party leader. "Everything happens within minutes," the paper cites Besnik Murati, the guard officer who deactivated the grenade.

"We are happy that this criminal act plotted against your life failed," the paper cited the telegram signed by three EDU senior officials under the title "Mock: Albania needs Berisha."

Under the title "Xhaferri: The most difficult moment of my life," the paper carries a statement of the DP head in Durres Ferdinand Xhaferri after the attempt. "DP National Council accuses the Albanian left-wing," the paper says in an article entitled "Attempt, state violation continue." "Prime minister condemned the Shkallnuer event," the paper says under the title "A dangerous precedent which threatens elections."

Under the title "Berisha's life one thousand leks", Koha Jone carries a chronicle about the attempt and the suspected on the tenth page under the headline "Ilir Ceta in his 26th birthday anniversary tried to kill the President of the Republic. "5 years old child saves the life of the president and not only him ...," the paper says.

"Berisha, if he really is interested to calm the situation, to reach a social pact why did he accused the left-wing extremists for this failed attempt," the paper says in an article entitled "Berisha, this self-convicted man."

Tribuna paper under the title "Who are the assassins of President Berisha?", reports "Who wants to kill the President is already known by the statements of the leaders of the left extreme. During a meeting of so-called Forum for Democracy in the capital, Neritan Ceka declared openly that he and his allies would aim at killing the President. 'We will hang him', declared Ceka at that time. The same statements have been made even Gjinushi, Islami and Nano in Vlore and other districts invased by the criminal gangs.". The paper carries the pronouncement of President Berisha with regard to this act: "Terror which aimed at killing hundreds of lives". "Details about the failed attack on President's life" reports the paper. The paper also reports with regard to the analysis of the DP National Council on the terrorist act against the President.

On the second page the paper carries a pronouncement of Premier Fino with regard to the attempt on President's life, under the title: "Fino: The attempt on President, ugly episode." On the fourth page, the paper carries an interview with deputy Azem Hajdari, present in the failed attempt of Wednesday, under the title: We will defeat the barbarians". "The Council of Europe condemns the terrorist acts", reports the paper with regard to a pronouncement of the President of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly, Leni Fischer, on this event.

"The Socialists expresses concern about the attempt on the President of the Republic", reports Dita Informacion, quoting Sabit Brokaj, member of the SP presidency, as saying "It seems to me a theatre", meanwhile that in a statement of its spokesman, SP is expressed with concern "with regard to the attempt on the President in his meeting with the electorate." "SP, while distancing itself from such acts - the paper cites the statement of the spokesman - condemns all those who want to compromise the election campaign." In the heading 'Actuality', the paper reports "Interview with the officer who saved the President," "New details on the attempt", "The Premier reacts on the attempt."

"Is the assassin crazy?", reports Independent on the third and ninth page, in which it publishes opinion of the neighbours, relatives of the assassin. "He was unsociable. He had no friends. He was strange", the paper quotes a neighbour of the same age with the assassin. The paper carries a pronouncement of Ferdinand Xhaferri, DP chairman in Durres, in response to the doubts that the attempt might be assembled. "The silence of Fino is complicity", says the director of the Albanian Radio Television, Bardhyl Pollo.

Under the headline "The prosecutor starts the feverish investigations. The young man saved from comma and begins to testify...", Gazeta Shqiptare reports "Who is behind the assassin." "If the grenade would explode, hundreds of people, women, men and children, would be killed, it would be a real shambles", reports the paper quoting the confessions of the peasants who were present in the event. Under the title "The bodyguard tells the seconds of tension in his duty", the paper reports "Besnik Murati, one of the bodyguards of the presidential escort who caught the bomb with his hands, has told via TV on how they have been in front of the death, and no one has thought that that bomb would not explode". "Fino and Nano on the side of Berisha" - "We severely condemn the act against the President", reports the paper. Under the title "The witness confesses", the paper carries the testimony of Hasan Teshi, member of the commune council, who has had behind his back the assassin during the meeting. "I saw the President who moved and what I considered a stone, was hit on the door of the school" - says Teshi. "Berisha could have been hit by it. Then, one of his officers took the grenade and went away", the paper quotes Teshi as saying. /kled/eva/ak/mt/k

[07] ALBANIAN TELEGRAPHIC AGENCY - ATA BULLETIN OF STATEMENTS - A NEW SERVICE OF ATA

The Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) has a number of 70 clients, native and foreign ones, press organs, state institutions, embassies and international bodies, connected in the network in the country and abroad in Internet, which receive our service of news bulletin in Albanian and foreign languages, too.

ATA provides you publishment of press releases, statements and any kind of announcements on different activities of parties, organizations, institutions, firms and associations. ATA, with its new service, Statement, guarantees exact publishment and quick distribution of the material according to the source.

This service will be taken through direct connection with modem, in the file Statement and is separated from the editorial service, the viewpoints expressed in statements will be the viewpoints of the authors themselves.

The announcement can be sent in the fax number +355 42 34230 and telephone number +355 42 64184 and +355 42 64082 or by e-mail: Hola@ata.tirana.al

[08] STAFF OF MULTINATIONAL FORCES CONFUTES REPORTS OF ALBANIAN PAPERS

The commander of the "Alba" operation confutes the reports on Dita, dated June 4, under the pretext that the Commander of French Multinational force has agreed to cooperate with Interpol, with regard to the investigations on several antique Illyrian objects, stolen last month.

The General Staff of the MPF rejects categorically this report, because to undertake such a cooperation, says the release, it should be included in the mandate of the Multinational Protection Force.

The Staff also rejects the reports of Independent paper, dated June 4, according to which 600 polling stations will be protected on the election day by the Greek forces.

The Staff also confutes the report published on Albania Daily News, according to which the MPF are cooperating with the local police in the fight against smuggling of crap-iron along the axe of the road Lezhe-Shkoder. Such actions, says the release, run counter to the mandate of the Multinational Forces in Albania. /mt /k

[09] LIST OF SP CANDIDATES IN THE TOWN OF TIRANA

The Socialist Party has appointed twelve candidates for the town of Tirana, who, according to the constituencies, are:

      Constituency 43         Leke Gjiknuri
                   54         Musa Ulqini
                   55         Et'hem Ruka
                   53         Lesko Gjata
                   45         Spartak Poci
                   57         Enver Reci
                   47         Luan Hajdaraga
                   44         Anastas Angjeli
                   52         Ermelinda Meksi
                   56         Limoz Dizdari
                   46         Aferdita Stefani
                   50         Agim Fagu

[10] TENSE SITUATION AGAIN IN BURREL

Sources from the hospital confess that two of the injured are in grave situation, while the others are out of danger.

Different citizens says that there is still a problem the movement of people in the axe of the road Milot-Bulqize, where they are often plundered.

The toll of the victims since the beginning of riots in the district of Mat is 58, while that of the wounded 315. /kei/mt/k

[11] SOMEONE DETAINED FOR DAMAGING THE RAILWAY

Sources from the police commissariat report that the denunciation is sent to the prosecutor's office for penal procedure.

It is the second time this railway is damaged; a month ago in the Shtoj village, unidentified persons, threw TNT, and damaged 30 meters of rails in this line.

This is the only line in the Northern part of the country, which connects Albania with Europe, and a part of the European Community aid is expected to be sent through it. /a.ke/kei/mt/k

[12] OSCE TEAMS PREVENTED TO ENTER SARANDA

The members of the commission demanded from Grubmayr explanations on the event.

"When Multinational Force cannot accompany OSCE observers how can they guarantee the electoral process," said to ATA Pellumb Cela, member of the Central Electoral Commission.

This report of Ambassador Grubmayer was not confirmed by OSCE spokesman in Tirane, Joeff Murray who said that he had no chance to meet with Ambassador Grubmayr because today he left for Vienna.

The chief of the Brigade Friuli and spokesman of Mission ALBA in Tirane said that the Multinational Force had accompanied ODHIR teams to Saranda, but the protocols did not have such a fact. xh/k

[13] VRANITZKY TO VISIT TIRANE SUNDAY

Vranitzky will meet again with OSCE and ODHIR experts in Tirane. He will meet with DP and SP leaders, General Forlani, Prime Minister Bashkim Fino and with President Sali Berisha, said to ATA the spokeswoman of Mr Vranitzky, Melissa Fleming.

She said that "the aim of the visit will be to specify the problems and to determine the role of OSCE in the electoral process." Fleming added that OSCE will try to ensure assistance for Albania in many fields related with the electoral process.

"There is a lot of work to be done. We are adopting measures to secure the monitors because we plan to realise an extensive monitoring of the poll."/xh/k

[14] BERISHA CONDEMNS UGLY ACT IN A SCHOOL IN DURRES

"With it, the terrorist wanted not only to hit the pupils of the school but also to kill the symbol of the life, hope and innocence - our children", reports the President's press and information office.

The President demands and appeals to all the population to assist the public order structures and the prosecutor's office to find immediately these monsters in order to give them the merited punishment conformed to the law. ssh/xh/k

[15] ALBANIA DISCUSSED IN MEETING OF FOREIGN MINISTERS OF CENTRAL EUROPE INITIATIVE

The representative of Albania in this meeting, Pavli Zeri, State Secretary in the Foreign Affairs Ministry and leader of the Albanian delegation pointed out in his address that Albania is in a political, economic and social crisis which has shook from the foundations also the basis institutions of the country.

"Despite TV tragic views, Albanians are more than ever resolute to go ahead towards a beter future, pinning their hopes on the coming elections at this end of this month," said Zeri.

After speaking of the causes that brought about the present situation, closely linked with the pas isolation and the instable period of the economic, political and social transition, Zeri pointed out the devotion of the Government of National Reconciliation to realise successfully the June 29 elections in Albania.

Zeri expresseed his thanks to the international community, various organizations and special countries for the assistance to Albania in these difficult moments.

He reiterated the official request of Albania that observers from the Central Europe Initiative also take part in monitoring the June 29 elections in Albania. The request was approved by all those present.

Deputy Foreign Secretary of Italy, Piero Fassino pointed out the role that Mission Alba has played so far in consolidating the agreement on national conciliation.

"Alba mission shows that international mediation has yielded its results," said Fassino. He stressed the fact that the holding of elections in Albania does not mean that the stability would be automatically restored there. Fassino also added that it is essential that the elections be free and fair.

Romanian Foreign Minister, Adrian Severin said that the whole Albanian phenomenon has only one name - confidence in the elections, faith in the Government, faith in the democratic institutions.

"The Albanian crisis is a crisis of belief. In order to increase the belief in all Albanians in the elections outcome, he said, it is indispensable that a consensus among all political parties be reached on the law on elections and that none of the participating parties boycotts the elections," said Severin.

He expressed the readiness to assist Albania unreservedly.

The first Deputy Foreign Minister of Bulgaria, Stefan Tafrov, pointed out that it is important that the losers in the polls in Albania accept the loss.

The Foreign Minister of Bosnia Herzegovina, Prilic, pointed out that Bosnia, although in a difficult situation, is ready to assist Albania especially with its experience in reconstruction. He stressed once more that it is important that the polls outcome be accepted by all. To ilustrate this he brought the experience of his owncountry. kei/xh/

[16] COALITION UNION FOR DEMOCRACY OPENS ELECTORAL CAMPAIGN

Attending the rally were thousands of supporters of the Democratic Party and other parties allied to it.

Also attending was President Sali Berisha who took the floor as well. He greeted those present, the entire people of Tirana and all Albania, inviting all Albanian electors to transform June 29, the day of election into the day of the triumph of democracy over the communist rebellion, the day of the future, hope, confidence, reconciliation and national unity over terror, violence, split, our bitter past. He said that like Tirana will be the entire Albania.

Further on President Berisha said that on June 29 our western civilization will separate from communist barbarism which is near collapse and has become more terrorist than in all its black history. Now it is hitting our children and their future, the youth, the rights, hopes, faith, dignity, and the lives of innocent people, the constitutional order and Albania's integrity.

Berisha appealed to Albanian electors that through their free vote to save the Albanian fragile democracy, the values of western civilization, to give the communist rebellion the merited response, its full defeat.

Addressing the democrats of Albania and those of Tirana in particular, President Berisha said that "your responsibility in the electoral campaign is multilateral, because today more than ever the mind and heart of all Albanians in Albania and elsewhere are directed to you, to Tirana, the locomotive of Albania. Therefore, let us assure the Albanians that Tirana will give the merited response to rebellion and the committees, will manifest its determination to lead Albania on the road of democracy and towards Europe, said Berisha further on.

Then the candidates of DP for 19 consitutencies of Tirana were presented in the rally.

DP chairman Tritan Shehu, addressing the Tirana electorate, said that the activity and conscience of these candidates in defence of Albanian democracy must be manifested.

In his address, the deputy chairman of the Movement of Legality Party, Bahri Kollcaku stressed the role of the Albanian right wing in the movement for democracy and the toppling of communism. He said that "we have signed the social pact to say no to fratricide, and yes to freedom."

"You may recover democracy through your vote, will recover the ruined economy, and this can be reached through restoring the faith in yourselves, in the honest work and in the law," said the chairman of the Social Democrat Union Party, Teodor Laco.

In his address, the chairman of the Albanian Christian Democratic Party Zef Bushati reconfirmed the position of his party, highlighting the historical compromise of March 9, 1997.

"The signing of social peace will be the only correct road to go to June 29 elections with a demcratic culture."

"The Union for Democracy changes completely from two other groupings," said in his address Remzi Ndreu, leader of the Democratic Union Party, "because it is for national unity and for the solution of the most emergent problems of the people."

"Our alternative is agriculture of private form and private competition," said in his address the chairman of the "Peasant League" party, Enriko Ceko.

Then, the chairman of the Association of the Democrat anticommunist formerly persecuted for Tirana, Abdyl Kerluku and the chairman of the independent miners trade union Gezim Kalaja spoke.

Deputy Azem Hajdari said in his address that "we must overcome dissatisfaction and reconstruct Albania."

With the slogan "Democracy will be like Tirana will be" DP stressed the importance that the victory of this party in the coming polls in the capital has for its triumph throughout the country.ssh/xh/

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