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Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 97-10-02

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] INSIG PUTS 20 MILLION LEK AT DISPOSAL OF INTERIOR MINISTRY - Agreement between two institutions signed -
  • [02] HIGHER VALUE ADDED TAX, HIGHER PRICES
  • [03] LOWER INCOMES FROM THE GAMES OF CHANCE
  • [04] EXPORT DECREASES IN AUGUST - INSTAT
  • [05] A DELEGATION OF BEP TO VISIT TIRANE
  • [06] VAT hike doesn't influence exchange rate
  • [07] SARANDE POLICE COMMISSARIAT ATTACKED
  • [08] PRESS REVIEW
  • [09] MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND SCIENCE SUPPORTS ALBANIAN STUDENTS' MOVEMENT IN KOSOVE
  • [10] RAISE OF V.A.T. NOT TO AFFECT CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE IN TIRANE
  • [11] VAT RAISE CAUSES PRICE INCREASE
  • [12] VAT RAISE CAUSES PRICE INCREASE
  • [13] VRANITZKY TO QUIT BY THE END OF OCTOBER- declares the German counselor at ATA, Gerd Myler -
  • [14] GREEK GOVERNMENT HELPS ALBANIA'S POLICE WITH 17 VEHICLES
  • [15] ALBANIAN SIDE SAYS SERBIA RESPONSIBLE FOR FAILURE OF EDUCATION AGREEMENT
  • [16] ALBANIA'S PRESIDENT STRONGLY CONDEMNS VIOLENCE EXERTED ON PROTESTERS IN KOSOVA
  • [17] INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTIONS HAVE NOT SHOWED INTEREST FOR VEFA COMPANY - Finance Minister
  • [18] ALBANIAN DELEGATION TO PARTICIPATE IN MEETING OF DEFENCE MINISTERS IN SOFJE
  • [19] INTERNATIONAL PRIORITIES FOR ALBANIAN DEFINED
  • [20] CURFEW CONTINUES IN KOSOVA
  • [21] REPRESENTATIVE OFFICES OF OSCE IN SHKODER AND GJIROKASTER
  • [22] PARLIAMENT URGES GOVERNMENT TO NEGOTIATE ON KOSOVA
  • [23] ALBANIAN PEOPLE SHOULD BE GIVEN SIGNALS
  • [24] FINANCING OF HOSPITALS, RESIDENCES AND SCHOOLS WILL BE THE COMPENSATION FOR EVERY ALBANIAN CREDITOR
  • [25] CONTACTS IN HONG-KONG AND USA: SUPPORT ON THE VERGE OF DONOR'S CONFERENCE FOR ALBANIA

  • [01] INSIG PUTS 20 MILLION LEK AT DISPOSAL OF INTERIOR MINISTRY - Agreement between two institutions signed -

    TIRANE, OCT.2 (ATA) - An agreement on cooperation in the field of insurances was signed Wednesday by the Institute of Insurances and the Interior Ministry.

    Through this agreement signed by the deputy Interior Minister, Sokol Bare and the director of the Institute of Insurances, Sherif Bundo, INSIG puts at the disposal of the Interior Ministry a sum of 20 million leks. This fund, approved by the INSIG Administrative Council will serve to prevent illegal acts in the field of insurances.

    On the basis of the agreement, the Interior Ministry will use the fund for traffic police, border police and that of crime.

    The agreement engages the two institutions in carrying out a number of joint operations to make evident and prevent abuses with the vehicles documentation. ssh/xh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [02] HIGHER VALUE ADDED TAX, HIGHER PRICES

    TIRANE, OCT.2 (ATA) - By M Spahivogli: The increase of the VAT from 12.5 to 20 per cent was reflected in higher prices.

    During this week, a price rise was recorded for the group "Dairy and eggs." The average price for wheat fell from 41.8 to 41.4 lek per kg but still it is about 8 lek per kg higher than in the same period last year.

    The price for vegetables and fruits was higher this week, along with a slight changes in the prices of sugar, rice, imported macaroni and cooking oil.

    The price of pesticides registered no change this week. jz/xh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [03] LOWER INCOMES FROM THE GAMES OF CHANCE

    TIRANE, OCT.2 (ATA) - By A Gjata: The games of chance for the first 8 months of the current year have filled the state budget with only 86 million leks paid through taxes. From 1000 USD that was the daily average profit in a games of chance hall, with 10 automatics in 1996, this year it is reduced to 300 USD a day. There are suppositions that the owners of the halls of such games do not declare the real incomes.

    There are over 40 halls of the games of chance in Tirane without counting here some kiosks operating with the same purpose.

    The games of chance had a "boom" especially in 1996 when the people had more money to spend as a result of the flourishing of many pyramid investment schemes in this country.

    Partizani cinema hall, the best in Albania, was turned to a bingo, whereas Magic Bingo continues to function in one of the halls of the Palace of Culture in Tirana center.

    The present law on the Games of Chance favours without any limit the granting of licences for these games. Although the game of chance is a "permanent chance" for the owner and not for the one who plays, these halls are full of people playing at almost every hour. The probability to win in the automatics is 1 in 50 times. jz/xh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [04] EXPORT DECREASES IN AUGUST - INSTAT

    TIRANE, OCT. 2 (ATA)-By N. Mano,

    Export in August as opposed to July seems to be decreasing, according to the Statistics Institute, INSTAT.

    In July export was realised by 2631,6 million leks while in August by 1802 million leks.

    The groups: "machineries, equipment and spare parts" and "timber and paper productions" make up the greatest percentage in export decrease in August as opposed to July.

    The export of textile and shoe productions as well as that of drinks, with cognac occupying a special place, and which is increasingly demanded by foreign markets, especially eastern ones, lead the list of exported goods.

    The figures issued by INSTAT speak of some upward tendency in the export of minerals, as opposed to July, as well as of chemical productions, as a result of cooperation among foreign firms, which also secure sales beyond Albanian markets. jz/lm

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [05] A DELEGATION OF BEP TO VISIT TIRANE

    TIRANE, OCT.2 (ATA) - By Eva Allushi: A delegation of the Western Europe Union led by its Secretary General, Jose Cutileiro will start a two-day- visit to Albania on Thursday, said the spokesman of the Foreign Ministry.

    The WEU delegation will meet with highest local authorities, the President of Albania, the Prime Minister and representatives of OSCE, EU, CE.

    During his stay in Albania, Mr Cutileiro will visit the Centre of Elements of International Police Counseling of the Western Europe Union, in Albania (MAPE.)

    MAPE was created in May 1997 to help recover and improve the training and qualification of Albanian police. Some time ago, WEU extended the mandate of these forces to April 12, 1998 but this mandate may be further extended. So far MAPE consists of about 25 policeman from various WEU countries and in the coming months the number will amount to 60. pas/xh/k

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [06] VAT hike doesn't influence exchange rate

    It is the second day of the implementation of the Value Added Tax (VAT) increase up to 20 percent and the foreign exchange market quotas Thursday are on same level with the previous day.

    Compared with yesterday, Albanian currency lek has retained its stability against the main foreign currencies. So according to The Savings Bank exchange rate $1 was bought with 145,3 lek and sold for 149,4 lek, while in the informal market $1 was bought with 147,1 lek and sold for 149, 3 lek.

    While in the international bourses is witnessed a strong USD against other main currencies, in Albania the phenomenon USD-Lek exchange hasn't suffered lot of changes. The same for other currencies like DM, ITL, GRD etc, which most likely have the same rate of exchange with the previous day.

    According to exchangers, VAT should effect the exchange rate but traders took precaution measures by importing goods in great quantities before the October 1 deadline. But this exchange rate stability will be altered in favour of foreign currencies, once traders' depots are empty.

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [07] SARANDE POLICE COMMISSARIAT ATTACKED

    SARANDE, OCT.2 (ATA)-Unidentified persons on Thursday morning attacked with antitank shells the police commissariat of Sarande, South of Albania, according to sources of this commissariat.

    The police commissariat is temporarily located at the district council building.

    The attack on the commissariat offices, according to the above sources, is thought to be linked with the detention of three persons on Wednesday, suspected of injuring a police officer and of robbing.

    An explosion also took place simultaneously with the antitank attack before the town-hall, smashing its windows and of the nearby apartment blocks.

    Interior Minister Neritan Ceka and the Secretary of State in this ministry, Ndre Legisi, arrived in Sarande on the same day, Thursday, and are continuing meetings with leaders of local government and police commissariat.

    This is the first case the police commissariat is directly attacked by wrongdoers, after the police attack on these elements. kei/lm/k

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [08] PRESS REVIEW

    TIRANE, OCT. 2 (ATA)- All today's newspapers cover the peaceful protests of students which started in Kosove yesterday.

    Rilindja carries the article: "Streets crowded with citizens and intervention of Serb police". The paper extensively reports of massive beatings of citizens and of protests likely to begin at any moment in different cities.

    Rilindja also reports of beatings of reporters and of 10 tonnes of tear gas the Serb police have brought in Prishtine.

    The paper carries the article: "Serb police (in Prishtine) brutally crushes an Albanian demonstration".

    Zeri i Popullit carries reactions of Prime Minister Nano, Parliament, Foreign Ministry and political parties to these events. They ask that violence on the Kosove youth be stopped. The students' legitimate rights be met, the reaction of Nano says.

    The Foreign Ministry statement says that this institution supports every movement in defence of Albanian education in Kosove.

    The paper also carries the statement of the U.S. State department and EU entitled:"Use of force, unacceptable".

    Rilindja Demokratike devotes a special page to the events in Kosove under the title: "Milosevic's police causes bloodshed in Prishtine".

    The paper reports of 30 000 protesting students and carries reactions of the DP Youth Forum and of the Albanian Youth Democratic Union on this occasion. They say that Serb violence puts the Balkans at stake.

    The paper carries the pronouncement of Adem Demaci, chairman of the Parliamentary Party of Kosove, which says that the most savage violence has been exerted against the students: as well as pronouncements of the protagonists of these demonstrations.

    Republika notes with regard to these events that the policy of president Rugova failed and diplomacy of Albanian Foreign Minister Paskal Milo devaluated. In the special page this paper carries the article "Kosova facing the storm of protest." The paper publishes a declaration of the Republican Party on these events." Balli i Kombit carries an article entitled "Albanian Foreign Minister must disperse the smog on the question of Kosova." Koha Jone" carries an editorial under the title "Violence used again in Kosove." A special page carries reactions by various countries and international institutions on these events. The paper notes that in his pronunciation yesterday S Godo, chairman of the Parliamentary Commission of Foreign Policy has opposed Rugova. The paper also writes the DP leader S Berisha supports the students in Kosova while the socialists side with Rugova. Albania carries an editorial "Tanks to suffocate Kosova." The paper carries the articles "Serbian violence stains the streets of Kosova but does not make the socialist government members blush" and "Medieval brutality against the will for education." The paper carries reactions by ex-Foreign Minister A Starova, under the title "Milo (present Foreign Minister) has mocked at Albanians"; of the DP leader S Berisha, U.S. Congressman Elliot Engel and others.

    The newspaper Dita writes in one of its articles that Albanian authorities have reacted to the violence against and support the protests of students in Kosova. The newspaper carries a pronouncement of U.S. congressman Engel entitled "More sanctions towards Serbia." Gazeta Shqiptare carries the note "Again Revolts in Kosove."

    The dailies make coverage of other events as well. Newspaper Zeri i Popullit writes of the visit to Hong Kong and Washington of Albanian PM F Nano, under the title "Extraordinary results for Albania's future." Rilindja Demokratike in its article "Prime Minister or monster" strongly denounces yesterday's statement in airport of the PM when he said that some Albanian politicians are ready to sell even their mothers for the sake of their post. Another article says that German Foreign Minister Kinkel conveyed to Nano the clear message that a policy of national reconciliation is needed in Albania." Koha Jone carries an interview with the Prime Minister after his arrival in Albania, in which he admits that it is high time for the socialists in power to share responsibilities with the opposition. With regard to a statement of Nano yesterday at Rinas airport the newspaper Albania writes that Nano showed he is against national conciliation. jz/lm/xh/k

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [09] MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND SCIENCE SUPPORTS ALBANIAN STUDENTS' MOVEMENT IN KOSOVE

    TIRANE, OCT. 2 (ATA)-Albanian Ministry of Education and Science on Thursday supported the Kosove Albanian students' and pupils' movement and their indisputable right to education, as a legitimate right recognised in the Conventions on the Fundamental Human Rights and Freedoms.

    A statement issued on this occasion expresses "deep indignation at the macabre events taking place on the streets and squares of Kosove, with the Serb military police using violence, once again testifying to the intolerance and archaism of a totalitarian state".

    "We will address ourselves to all international institutions and organisations on this issue and constantly ask that all Albanian universities and schools be opened in Kosove," the statement concludes. a.ke/kei/lm/k

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [10] RAISE OF V.A.T. NOT TO AFFECT CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE IN TIRANE

    TIRANE, OCT. 2 (ATA)-By A. Gjata,

    On Thursday before noon, the exchange rate of the Lek against foreign currency was the same as that of two days ago, at a time when the law on a raise of the value-added tax (V.A.T) by 7.5 per cent was enforced on October 1, reaching 20 per cent.

    In comparison with Wednesday, the Lek has again been on a standing position against hard currencies. The Savings Bank opened its windows today with the buying rate of US$1.00 = 145.3 Leks and selling rate US$1.00 = 147.1 leks.

    On the free market today US$1.00 was bought at 147.1 leks and sold at 149.3 leks.

    According to money changers, the V.A.T. ought to have affected the exchange-rate, but the traders took measures ahead of the application of this law, importing goods before October 1, to avoid payment of high tax. kei/lm

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [11] VAT RAISE CAUSES PRICE INCREASE

    TIRANA, OCT. 2 (ATA) - By A. Gjata: The Albanian farmers are increasingly raising the prices of their products on Thursday, a day after a raise of value added tax (VAT) by 7.5 percent, though they have not paid any taxes so far, experts say.

    "VAT is being applied for imported goods and domestic producers, but it does not include the farmers who bring their products directly from farms," experts of the tax office in Tirana said to ATA.

    A farmer who sells his products in the Tirana market said to ATA that he has increased the prices because of a VAT raise, without knowing what this tax means.

    In fact, the farmers will pay more for chemicals or fuels due to the increase of VAT, but they have not spent more money for the products they are actually trading.

    Some domestic products recorded a price increase on Thursday in comparison to the last week end with the dairy products increase to 6 to 8 leks/kg, vegetables and fruits 3 lek/kg, meat 5 leks/kg and others. kei/ak/sh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [12] VAT RAISE CAUSES PRICE INCREASE

    TIRANA, OCT. 2 (ATA) - By A. Gjata: The Albanian farmers are increasingly raising the prices of their products on Thursday, a day after a raise of value added tax (VAT) by 7.5 percent, though they have not paid any taxes so far, experts say.

    "VAT is being applied for imported goods and domestic producers, but it does not include the farmers who bring their products directly from farms," experts of the tax office in Tirana said to ATA.

    A farmer who sells his products in the Tirana market said to ATA that he has increased the prices because of a VAT raise.

    In fact, the farmers will pay more for fertilizers or fuels due to the increase of VAT.

    Some domestic products recorded a price increase on Thursday in comparison to the last week end with the dairy products increase to 6 to 8 leks/kg, vegetables and fruits 3 lek/kg, meat 5 leks/kg and others. kei/ak/sh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [13] VRANITZKY TO QUIT BY THE END OF OCTOBER- declares the German counselor at ATA, Gerd Myler -

    VIENNA, OCTOBER 2 (ATA) - The special envoy of OSCE in Albania, dr. Franz Vranitzky, will hand over his mandate at the end of October. As Vranitzky explained on Thursday in Vienna, the relations between the Albanian government and the international community are extended at that level, so that the presence of the special envoy is not needed anymore.

    After the OSCE contribution to prevent the riots from spreading further more, now Albania is on a second stage, characterized by the efforts of Albanians themselves. Vranitzky did not defined the exact date of his resignation, but said that this would take place after the Donor's Conference for Albania on October 26 in Brussels. After this conference, Vranitzky would like to visit Albania once again.

    Personally, former chancellor Vranitzky does not have concrete plans at present. As he declared, he does not want to turn back once again in the interior policy of Austria. He turned down the speculations on his candidature for president of Austria. The political issue is coming to the end. He stressed that he has signed an agreement to work as counselor near a German bank./mt/sh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [14] GREEK GOVERNMENT HELPS ALBANIA'S POLICE WITH 17 VEHICLES

    SARANDA, OCT 2 (ATA) - By Sh Hajno: The Greek government donated 17 vehicles to the Albanian police on Thursday, Albania's Interior Minister Neritan Ceka, said in Saranda, Southern Albania.

    Ceka said that the vehicles will be handed over to the police commissariats in the districts of Sarande, Delvine, Gjirokaster, Tepelene and Permet. The Greek party will also work to complete the interior grounds in the customs of Kakavije with other equipment and installations of infrastructure, said Ceka.

    A ceremony was held on this occasion, attending was also the Interior Minister Neritan Ceka and the Acting Foreign Minister of Greece, Jorgo Papandreu./s.s/kled/mt/sh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [15] ALBANIAN SIDE SAYS SERBIA RESPONSIBLE FOR FAILURE OF EDUCATION AGREEMENT

    PRISHTINE, OCT. 2 (ATA) - The Albanian side has accused the Serbian officials as responsible for a failure of an agreement on education signed last year between the Serbian president Slobodan Milosevic and President of Kosova Ibrahim Rugova.

    "The statements of the Serbian officials which accuse the Albanian side for failing to carry out the agreement are totally groundless," Rexhep Osmani, member of the Kosova group on agreement said to the Information Center for Kosova.

    "It is the Serbian side, which has not been ready to carry out the agreement and we oppose the Serbian efforts, which try to blame us for the failure," Osmani said.

    The Serbian-American scholar on Balkan affairs Milan Andrejevic said in an interview with the Voice of America that he criticizes the failure of the Rugova-Milosevic agreement on Albanian education.

    "The fact that the students protesting peacefully are facing the violence of the Serbian police shows that there are still deep splits in relations between Albanians of Kosova and Serbs and that the language used by the Serbian government in talks with world leaders runs contrary to its actions in Kosova.

    The international community should set up a group of expert mediators to deal with the problems in details and work with both groups to resolve the differences existed between them, Andrejevic said. pta/pas/kled/ak/sh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [16] ALBANIA'S PRESIDENT STRONGLY CONDEMNS VIOLENCE EXERTED ON PROTESTERS IN KOSOVA

    TIRANA, OCT 2 (ATA) - Albania's President Rexhep Meidani is concerned about the fate of the peaceful manifestation of thousands of Albanian students throughout Kosova, who with the legitimacy of their cause for education in mother tongue, expressed in the most civilized way their stand towards this fundamental national right, President's spokesman reports.

    President Meidani conveys to all the students his support and wishes the injured protesters quick recovery.

    Underlining that "the exertion of police violence is not the way for the solution of problems not solved by the Accord of Dayton in the territory of former Yugoslav Federation," President Meidani strongly condemns the violence exercised against the protesters, at a time when it was expected the implementation of the accord that the official Belgrade itself has signed for the education in Kosova and was hoped that a new political climate of international standards would take place."

    President Meidani greets the stand of USA, the European Union and the governments of all countries in condemning the Serbian violence and the understanding showed for the rights of Albanians in Kosova.

    "The last event, underlined Meidani, proved that the problem of the Kosova Albanians is neither a Yugoslav question, nor a regional one. In front of this situation it is very urgent the international occupation to force the Serbian authorities to respect the engagement undertaken and not to play with itself and the fate of Albanians in Kosova."/s.sh/mt/sh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [17] INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTIONS HAVE NOT SHOWED INTEREST FOR VEFA COMPANY - Finance Minister

    TIRANA, OCT 2 (ATA) - By L Thanasi: Neither the World Bank, nor any other international institution has showed interest for "Vefa" company, Albania's Finance Minister, Arben Malaj, reported to ATA on Thursday, who explained that Mr Lee Roderik and Dwight Williams are simply private consultants of USA.

    Mr Redorik and William issued on Monday a joint news conference with the president of Vefa Holding, Vehbi Alimucaj. Alimucaj presented the U.S. citizens as consultants of his company. The consultants from USA expressed their conviction that VEFA does not risk the collapse. They advised the president of Vefa in public to open way to state administrators in their company. /kled/mt/sh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [18] ALBANIAN DELEGATION TO PARTICIPATE IN MEETING OF DEFENCE MINISTERS IN SOFJE

    TIRANA, OCT 2 (ATA) - Albania's Minister of Defence, Sabit Brokaj, left Thursday for Bulgaria, heading a delegation, which will take part in a Meeting of Defence Ministers of NATO countries and partner countries from Southeastern Europe.

    Minister Brokaj is expected to hold a series of bilateral meetings with his counterparts from participating countries in this meeting. /s.sh/kled/mt/sh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [19] INTERNATIONAL PRIORITIES FOR ALBANIAN DEFINED

    VIENNA, OCT. 2 (ATA) - The second conference of the international working group for Albania ended on Thursday in Vienna with preparations for future important meetings on aid for Albania, adviser for ATA Gert Myler said from Vienna.

    The OSCE special envoy for Albania Franz Vranitzky said that plans and content of conferences of Brussels and Rome are defined and an official document is expected to be released on October 14.

    Vranitzky said that a conference of foreign ministers will be held on October 17. First, it will approved the activities for Albania. This conference will be followed by a conference of donor nations to be held on October 22 in Brussels which will outline political conditions, deciding on financial aid.

    The results of the conference will be decisive particularly for the decisions of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank.

    As the motto of the conference of the working group in Vienna, Vranitzky quoted the Albanian prime minister Fatos Nano as saying: "Albania should not remain an international problem anymore but should become a normal member of the community of the European states."

    Vranitzky said that international organisations considered important the principle of conditionality, which means that aid should be subjected to concrete services and conditions.

    No precise data has been revealed for a package of international aid for the moment, Vranitzky said. The mechanism on releasing the fund of international organisations is still unclear. inge/ssh/kled/ak/sh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [20] CURFEW CONTINUES IN KOSOVA

    PRISHTINE, OCT. 2 (ATA) - Kosova continues to be under a police curfew imposed since the beginning of yesterday's protest.

    Numerous troops and vehicles were deployed on Thursday in many points and roads of Kosova. A tight control is being exercised in all access roads to Prishtine in which everyone should be identified and cars, buses checked.

    Police are not allowing the youths and students to enter Prishtine. bj/pta/ak/sh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [21] REPRESENTATIVE OFFICES OF OSCE IN SHKODER AND GJIROKASTER

    By Gerd Myler:

    VIENNA, OCT 2 (ATA) - The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) will open two representative offices in Albania, outside the capital.

    According to reports from the OSEC special envoy for Albania, Franz Vranitzky, the two representative offices will be opened in Shkoder and Gjirokaster.

    Thus, OSCE will be represented in Albania in close cooperation and direct connection with the other organizations, operating in Albania, like EWU, UNO or ODHIR.

    The aim of this decision, according to Vranitzky, is to have a broad- based representation of international organizations in Albania.

    The active presence of OSCE, both in the North and South of Albania, is necessary for political causes, said Vranitzky. /inge/s.sh/mt/sh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [22] PARLIAMENT URGES GOVERNMENT TO NEGOTIATE ON KOSOVA

    TIRANA, OCT. 2 (ATA) - By Arban Hasani: The Albanian parliament issued a statement on Thursday in relation to the recent events in Kosova. The deputy chairman of the Foreign commission Bashkim Zeneli reiterated numerous cases of violation of human rights in Kosova and especially the violence, which broke out recently.

    "Albanian deputies support the students's protest and denounce the chauvinist violence of the Serbian authorities. Praising the immediate reaction of the Albanian government, we urge it to commit itself in defending the Kosova issue," the statement said.

    The statement is another possibility to negotiate and hold dialogue between the two governments. It urged the Nano cabinet "to hold necessary bilateral and multilateral negotiations to stop violence and ask for a full respect and observance of legal rights of Albanians in Kosova."

    The statement was unanimously approved by the parliament.

    In a separate event, the parliament passed the amendments on the law on excises referred to by president of the Republic Rexhep Meidani.

    It also considered two demands of the independent deputy Nikolle Lesi regarding the setting up of commissions which will deal with events happening at the beginning of the year in Albania and the attempt against the Democrat deputy Azem Hajdari. ssh/kled/ak/sh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [23] ALBANIAN PEOPLE SHOULD BE GIVEN SIGNALS

    By Gerd Myler

    VIENNA, OCT. 2 (ATA) - Albanian people should feel the impacts of international efforts for their country, the OSCE special envoy for Albania Franz Vranitzky said to ATA.

    "An Albanian citizen should not think about an international aid but should work for the country's reconstruction. Therefore, the signals by the international community should not be only promises but concrete actions," Vranitzki said.

    Asked how he sees the fact that the opposition through boycott is not taking part in parliament, Vranitzky replied that international community is based on a saying that a consensus should be reached.

    He said that both political trends - Nano and Berisha - have promised for a constructive solution. It is clear that this cannot happen now, due to circumstances of the spring this year.

    Vranitzky said that both sides have expressed their readiness to reach a consensus. But, no final statement has arrived yet.

    "In Albania, everyone knows that cooperation and not quarrel is a condition for international aid. Considering the previous and present circumstances in Albania, the international community believes that the parliamentary relations will become normal," Vranitzky said to ATA. inge/ssh/ak/sh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [24] FINANCING OF HOSPITALS, RESIDENCES AND SCHOOLS WILL BE THE COMPENSATION FOR EVERY ALBANIAN CREDITOR

    - Vranitzky

    VIENNA, OCT 2 (ATA) - "During the electoral campaign in Albania, clear words have been said for the restitution of money, lost in pyramid schemes. It was a matter of immediate restitution of all money. But this question has noting to do directly with the international community," the OSCE special envoy for Albania, Dr Franz Vranitzky, told ATA on Thursday.

    "Albania will be backed on the control of the structure of pyramid schemes, which means giving answer to the question: from where did the money come, and before all, where did the money go. The use of this fund will be controlled through a large operation. It is unimaginable that with this kind of support direct restitution of money be provided."

    According to Vranitzky, financing of hospitals, residences and schools is considered by the international community as compensation for any Albanian creditor. /inge/s.sh/mt/sh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [25] CONTACTS IN HONG-KONG AND USA: SUPPORT ON THE VERGE OF DONOR'S CONFERENCE FOR ALBANIA

    - Nano

    TIRANA, OCT 2 (ATA) - "The visits held in Hong-Kong and USA were necessary contacts for the new government," said Albania's Prime Minister, Fatos Nano in a news conference, held Thursday in the Palace of Congresses in Tirana. He considered the two-week tour of the Albanian delegation as "complete and necessary success", before the Donor's Conferences for Albania.

    "We unblocked some hundred million of dollars of programs and investments," said Nano. "A last chance is given to us, and we should exploit it to be among the civilized countries, and our efforts will be supported by the international community," said Nano.

    With regard to "usuries", Nano restressed the good will of the government to carry out the full transparency of pyramid schemes, beginning from Vefa.

    Regarding the question of disarming, as a matter to be overcome to enable foreign investments in Albania, Nano said that this is not only a preoccupation of the Albanian government, but also of international partners, reporting that for its realization in Albania, several programs, supported by the Security Council, will be drafted. /e.a/kled/mt/


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


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