Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 97-10-07

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] UNION OF UNITED INVESTORS "VLORA E RE" CREATED

[02] DEPUTY NGJELA ELECTED CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION ON THE TRUTH FOR JANUARY-JUNE EVENTS

[03] ALBANIAN PREMIER MEETS WITH KOSOVA COUNTERPART

[04] STATE MINISTER ISLAMI MEETS WITH DELEGATION OF ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE OF ISTANBUL

[05] Cheap labour force attracts Italian investors

[06] ITALIAN GOVERNMENT GIVES 300 THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR UNIVERSITY TEXT BOOKS IN ALBANIA

[07] PRESS REVIEW

[08] POLICE BLOCKS VEHICLE SMUGGLING CIGARETTES

[09] TIRANA POLICE DETAIN 11 PERSONS OVER LAST TWO DAYS

[10] TWO CUSTOMS OFFICIALS AND THREE CUSTOMS POLICE OFFICERS DETAINED IN KORCE

[11] NATO HAS SET UP WORKING GROUPS FOR PEACE PROGRAM ON ALBANIA

[12] TRIAL AGAINST FORMER LEADERS OF "XHAFERRI" FOUNDATION POSTPONED

[13] TO PROMOTE COOPERATION IN DEFENCE OF NATIONAL INTERESTS AND ALBANIAN SCHOOLS -Ruka, Bukoshi

[14] EDUCATION OF NATIONAL MINORITIES - BRIDGES OF COOPERATION

[15] SAFE OF BRICK FACTORY IN VORE STOLEN

[16] Legal amendments curb inflation

[17] BELGRADE AUTHORITIES ARE NOT RESPONDING WITH ELEMENTS OF POLITICAL EMANCIPATION TO MESSAGES OF NEW ALBANIAN POLICY - Meidani

[18] HEAD OF EC MONITORING MISSION CONSIDERS SITUATION IN ALBANIA PROMISING

[19] HEAD OF ECMM REQUESTS EXTENSION OF MISSION IN ALBANIA

[20] ALBANIA FAVOURS INTEGRATING POLICY IN REGION - Foreign Minister

[21] HOMAGE TO OTRANTO VICTIMS, A SUBLIME MORAL OBLIGATION

[22] Commitment Agreement from Albanian part for IMF

[23] INVESTIGATION INTO UNREST, PARLIAMENT DECISION APPROVED

[01] UNION OF UNITED INVESTORS "VLORA E RE" CREATED

"The aim of this organization is to attract investments in the city of Vlore and to create conditions for a further extension of the private business which will give a powerful development to the city," the president of the Union and president of the construction firm "Riviera," Dritan Cela told ATA.

On this occasion, a news conference was held yesterday with the members of the union and high officials of the local government.

The newly-elected president Cela announced the program of the Union while deputy president Salvatore Tofure made a number of suggestions about investments in the city of Vlore by Italian and Albanian businessmen.

The director of the Police Department of Vlore, Gjon Abazi, assured those present that the police structures will be support the private business in the city of Vlore.

Those in the conference proposed the construction of a memorial in one of the city squares to commemorate the victims of the Otranto Channel. ake/kei/xh/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] DEPUTY NGJELA ELECTED CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION ON THE TRUTH FOR JANUARY-JUNE EVENTS

Independent deputy Nikolle Lesi had proposed the creation of the commission which would explain everything about the period of Albanian revolts.

The proposal of Lesi was supported mainly by right wing deputies and by the leaders of the SP parliamentary group.

The commission consist of 11 people of whom two from DP, two from SP and the independent deputies, whereas other groups are represented by one deputy each.

The SP parliamentary group chairman Pandeli Majko said that this is one of the most important moments of the work of today's parliament.

"The clarification of the truth is welcomed by all Albanians," said Majko. He proposed as chairman of the commission Mr Spartak Ngjela, deputy of Movement of Legality, renowned jurist and politicians, former Minister of Justice in the National Reconciliation Government.

Mr Ngjela asked the Parliament to take a special decision to enable the newly-created commission to carry out its normal work.

He also said that the commission will try to be open and will report to the People's Assembly every two weeks. kei/xh/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] ALBANIAN PREMIER MEETS WITH KOSOVA COUNTERPART

He expressed his concerned about the violence used by the police forces of the Serbian regime in the cities of Kosova against students and Albanian people's and government solidarity.

Kosova premier Bukoshi said that peaceful protests of the students were an important event, which enabled the international community to be sensitized for the issue of the Albanians of Kosova.

Peaceful spirit of the students' protest served to convinced the international opinion for their right and legitimate demands. In this unequal fight, he said, the students won against primitive violence used against them. ake/jz/ak/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] STATE MINISTER ISLAMI MEETS WITH DELEGATION OF ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE OF ISTANBUL

The spokesman of the Government said that Mr Islami expressed the stand of the Albanian Government for the problem of the Sacred Synod of the Albanian Autochephalous Orthodox Church. That stand was conformed to the traditional and historic stand of the Albanian state for the protection of the autochephalous character of the Albanian church. The Albanian Government is determined that the Sacred Synod most consist of Albanian clericals.

The meeting was held in a spirit of understanding. ake/jz/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] Cheap labour force attracts Italian investors

There are around 400 businessmen mainly from Puglia region, who have invested over $100 million and have set up companies in various area of the country since early 90'.

"Cheap labour force and Albania's favourable geographic position are the basic factors for the Italian investors, who have opened up factories in this country," the president of the Italian industrialists group, Luigi Fabri said.

The average wage of Albanian workers is 150 ITL monthly, while for the same job in Italy, they would earn up to 2 million ITL each.

But the pyramid investment schemes, which sprout out quickly caused many workers to quit the job on their will, because the interest rates they gained from such schemes were many times higher than their wages.

The wave of destruction during March-April period effected the Italian entrepreneurs and part of them suspended their activity.

The closure of pyramid investment schemes is regarded as hope by the Italian investors to regain they lost positions.

"There is a favourable climate to continue the investments to promote the production and boost exports towards Italy," say Italian investors. "Albania should progress for people to work in their country and not flee to Italy."

There are four main branches the Italian businessmen operate, garments, shoes, furniture and cannery sectors.

According to data from the Albanian Institute of Statistics, Albanian exports towards Italy for the latest six-month period are estimated to be 4 billion lek. It is foreseen that Albanian export to Italy should double by the end of this year.

Italy remains the main trading partner of Albania for years now, around 48 percent of Albania's export are bound for Italy and 50 percent of goods entering Albania come from Italy.

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] ITALIAN GOVERNMENT GIVES 300 THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR UNIVERSITY TEXT BOOKS IN ALBANIA

The Holy See has promised Ruka a Catholic University and a printing house for the publication of university text books.

"The lack of funds is the fundamental problem in our work," said the director of the the publishing enterprise of the text books for the university, Mustafa Fezga.

The little fund by the state budget "is only to pay the authors of the books," while the money needed to print the text books is lacking. kei/xh/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] PRESS REVIEW

Rilindja Demokratike in its editorial says that present power holders are using intensive violence against leaders of the local government (of the Democratic party). Under the title "Those cheated by Nano get to the street" the paper reports that protests of citizens, who have lost their money in pyramid schemes are expected to start today. The paper reports on an indefinite protest of the miners of Memaliajt (Southern Albania) who strike for their wages. The same paper covers the meeting of the Democratic leader Sali Berisha with the Ambassador of Denmark to Albania. It covers yestersday's parliamentary session under the title "Rightist: Vefa's collapse, rekindles war." The paper carries the article "Tirana against Nano".

Republika carries the news "Italians being corrupted in Albania", an article, which casts doubt on some of the staff of the Italian embassy to Tirana who grant visas to those who pay. In the economic column, the paper carries the article "Finance minister opposes himself."

Rilindja carries the editorial "A three plus three group on education convened" saying that this group will discuss the implementation of an education agreement signed by Rugova and Milosevic last year. It carries the article "Kosova unites the Albanian youths." Another article questions if the opening of a European Union in Kosova is approved.

Koha Jone reports in today's editorial that the SP and DP have not adopted opposing stands for the constitution. The paper reports on common protests to be held by the DP and leadership of the creditors' association, under the title "Berisha: we will lead protests on money lending". The paper reports on an explosive depot uncovered in Lapraka (a Tirana suburb) on Monday and carries a statement of a chief prosecutor in Vlora Henrik Haxhia entitled "Vlora is waiting for Berisha to be imprisoned". Under the title "Albanian Yugoslav mutual accusations" the paper reports on a meeting of both sides in Kukes (Northeastern Albania) on the border issue.

Albania carries the editorial "Europa: Nano, return the money" and an article, which calls on the people to gather today and protest for their lost savings. The paper reports on the protest of Memaliaj and it carries an article "Center right abandons parliament." The paper carries the interview with Elbirt (representative of the World Bank in Albania) under the title "Hoping to continue programs of former Meksi government." Another article questions who is behind a Christian fundamentalist couple, which operates freely in Tirana.

Dita carries an article quoting head of SP parliamentary group Majko saying that pyramid schemes will not be state-run. It also carries the article "Vefa urges negotiations with the state."

Under the title "Terrorism breaks out in the South", the newspaper Gazeta Shqiptare reports on some attempts against buildings of special importance in the south. kei/jz/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] POLICE BLOCKS VEHICLE SMUGGLING CIGARETTES

Police sources said that the vehicles contained cigarettes worth 150 thousand marks.

Police found a small quantity of biscuits serving to conceal the cigarettes. The driver was held into custody.

The same sources said that four other vehicles of large tonnage from Malesia e Madhe have been seized on Monday night transporting scrap-iron to Montenegro. ssh/s.s/kei/ak/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] TIRANA POLICE DETAIN 11 PERSONS OVER LAST TWO DAYS

Some of the detained were declared wanted by the police, and the others were accused of stealing, threatening for killing and arm possession. /s.s/kled/mt/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] TWO CUSTOMS OFFICIALS AND THREE CUSTOMS POLICE OFFICERS DETAINED IN KORCE

The van is currently at the police department. Loaded with 2000 beer boxes "Amstel" in Florina, it had followed the route through Macedonia and entered the Gorrice customs, clearing only only 470 boxes. s.sh/kled/lm/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] NATO HAS SET UP WORKING GROUPS FOR PEACE PROGRAM ON ALBANIA

The arrival of this team is "the first activity of realizing the program for Albania," said Katsirdakis.

This is the first group of NATO experts, among the twelve groups that are expected to come to Albania, and it will consist in knowing the situation and in the theoretical aid, added Katsirdakis further on.

The team of NATO, made up 11 experts, will hold its activity during three days in three groups.

The experts will talk with the Albanian party and will offer the necessary experience in the constitutional field, military doctrine and that of the ideas of defence national security. /kled/mt/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] TRIAL AGAINST FORMER LEADERS OF "XHAFERRI" FOUNDATION POSTPONED

Rrapush Xhaferri and his sons Pellumb, Liman and Asllan are accused of "stealing through fraud." The four defendants left Albania in March of this years when the prisons were stormed.

The foundation "The People's Democracy Xhaferri" started its activity in 1992 in the town of Lushnje by the citizen Rrapush Xhaferri, 64, and later this foundation extended its activity throughout Albania until January 1997 when police blocked it. /kled/mt/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] TO PROMOTE COOPERATION IN DEFENCE OF NATIONAL INTERESTS AND ALBANIAN SCHOOLS -Ruka, Bukoshi

Ruka presented at the meeting some of the priorities of the ministry he runs in support of higher education of the youths from Kosova and other ethnic territories beyond state borders.

Bukoshi and the Minister of Education of Kosova, Bicaj, laid the stress on the application of national, regional and international projects and programmes to correctly resolve the national issue, especially in defence of the education of the Albanians of Kosova in their mother tongue. kled/lm/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] EDUCATION OF NATIONAL MINORITIES - BRIDGES OF COOPERATION

TIRANA, OCT. 7 (ATA) - By P Shuteriqi: The meeting, held Tuesday between Albania's Minister of Education and Science Et'hem Ruka and the Macedonian Ambassador Nikola Teodorcesku, stressed the boosting of bilateral relations, considering the schooling of national minorities in respective countries as bridges of friendship and cooperation.

Minister Ruka made a description of the grave situation in the Albanian schools and stressed the devotion for the education of national minorities.

Ambassador Teodorcesku expressed understanding in strengthening the bilateral relations and offered a modest aid and technic assistance within the possibilities of the Macedonian state, in the framework of the aid that different European countries have offered to Albania to face the phase of emergency.

Actually, he said, four texts in Macedonian language have been prepared and printed in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, out of six envisaged on basis of joint agreements. /kled/mt/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] SAFE OF BRICK FACTORY IN VORE STOLEN

The unidentified persons tore through the factory's spaces, disarmed the guards, bound their hands and feet and seized their weapons, sources from the Tirane police department told ATA.

The safe was taken away by a "Saurrel" type sand-loaded vehicle, which speedily travelled to an unknown direction.

The workers of the factory told the police that the safe had 4 500 000 leks of their wages. kled/lm/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] Legal amendments curb inflation

These changes entered into force, starting October 1, after the increase to 20 percent of Value Added Tax, compared to former 12,5 percent.

According to senior official from finance ministry, legal changes into fiscal packet serve inflation curb to foresighted levels.

The government prediction on inflation level merely for the second half of 1997 show that it should be contained to 18-20 percent of limits, though the current level announced in September reaches 32 percent. Inflation level in total for 1997 is projected to reach 51 to 54 percent, despite the anti inflation measures. This high percentage is inherited due to the high interest rates applied during the first quarter of the year.

The government prediction for the upcoming year brings the inflation to 15-20 percent of limits, explaining this with the expected production recovery, sings of which have started to manifest in Albanian economy.

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] BELGRADE AUTHORITIES ARE NOT RESPONDING WITH ELEMENTS OF POLITICAL EMANCIPATION TO MESSAGES OF NEW ALBANIAN POLICY - Meidani

President Meidani stressed that the authorities of Belgrade are not responding with elements of a political emancipation to the European messages of the new Albanian policy, and October 1 proved this.

Both interlocutors confirmed the support for the peaceful manifestation of students in Kosova and expressed the opinion that the Serbian repression clarifies and forces the international opinion towards a more serious engagement on the general situation of Albanians in Kosova.

The implementation as soon as possible of the agreement on education between Belgrade and Prishtina opens way to the creation of an atmosphere of confidence to the use of continuing the dialogue, ended Meidani. /a.ke/kled/mt/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] HEAD OF EC MONITORING MISSION CONSIDERS SITUATION IN ALBANIA PROMISING

Everst called positive and promising the situation in Albania and considered loyalty in actions by the opposition as very significant, directly affecting the good proceeding of works, according to the President's press and information office.

Evaluating the performance of the mission, Meidani said that the general climate in the country encourages further steps of cooperation between the international community and donor countries for economic and technical assistance.

In this context the president differentiated stands of the political opposition in the country, stigmatising certain individuals and segments of the former power holders, who in one way or another stir up tensions and incite terrorist actions. kled/lm/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] HEAD OF ECMM REQUESTS EXTENSION OF MISSION IN ALBANIA

Ambassador Everst presented the request to extend this mission in Albania for six other months, which was welcomed by Premier Nano.

During the meeting they talked about the situation in Albania on the verge of the Donor's Conference of Rome and Brussels, for the coordination of programs of aid and development, the role of the opposition, the role of media, the activity of the Monitoring Mission on the ground, etc. /a.ke/kled/mt/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[20] ALBANIA FAVOURS INTEGRATING POLICY IN REGION - Foreign Minister

"We are for an integrating policy in the region," said Milo in the meeting.

With regard to the latest developments in Kosova, Milo said that "we favour the implementation of the accord already reached between Belgrade and Prishtine, like that of education, signed in San Egidio."

Both interlocutors treated problems of relations of Albania with OSCE, NATO, WEU, etc. /a.ke/kled/mt/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[21] HOMAGE TO OTRANTO VICTIMS, A SUBLIME MORAL OBLIGATION

Under these grave moments for the people of Vlore and of the whole Albania, the Albanian government has the moral obligation to share in and lessen the people's aching pain.

The Government of the Republic of Albania, in all its contacts with senior representatives of the Italian government, has also put forward the legitimate demand of representatives of the victims' families.

In order to pay homage to the innocent victims which will remain in the national memory as unfortunate symbols of one of the greatest crisis of our nation, the government will set up a Special Commission, which, in cooperation with the local government bodies, municipality and prefecture of the Vlore city, will undertake to organise all the ceremonies to pay homage to the victims and take them to their resting place.

The day of the funeral ceremonies will be declared the Day of National Mourning all over the Republic of Albania.

On this occasion, the Government of the Republic of Albania expresses its solidarity with the families of the victims and keeps to its commitment to do its utmost to throw light on the environments that lead to this tragedy.

It expresses the belief that the families of the victims of the Otranto tragedy, along with the families of the numerous victims of the grave crisis caused by the previous corrupt and criminal governing, will find forces to face this painful moment. ake/kled/lm/sh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[22] Commitment Agreement from Albanian part for IMF

The agreement is signed only a few days before the Donor's Conference in Rome and Brussels. The conditions set by IMF and other donor countries to grant aid to Albania was the fiscal reform, materialised with the Value Added Tax increase to 20 percent, compared to 12,5 percent.

"The economic reform, which has started will be tough and intensive," said Albanian Premier Fatos Nano, after signing the agreement. Regarding the shock therapy, which is affecting and can affect on short term Albanians' welfare, Nano said: "We have started the implementation of a ten- year plan. Only like this, we can standardize the economy and Albanians' lives with the other part of Europe. The preliminary agreement signed today between Albania and IMF paves the way for signing next year of a three-year agreement for our country. In reality today's agreement can be considered as Albanian passport for Rome and Brussels meetings. In relation with the condition on transparency of loan taking firms and the stubbornness of Vefa company regarding this process, Premier Nano declared: "Vefa is for yesterday and today, while we are for tomorrow." Even the protests of Democratic Party headed by ex-president Sali Berisha has not affected at all IMF's barometer. "Berisha is a small opposition to prevent Albania in its undertaken path," Nano said.

The Albanian government stand expressed in the memorandum addressed to the IMF, in which is requested financial assistance to support economic reforms towards a comprehensive macroeconomic strategy with an initial six- month term, becomes official today The signatures in "this commitment agreement" which have the names of Albanian Premier, Fatos Nano, Finance Minister, Arben Malaja and the Governor of Central Bank, are done in the presence of top officials from the IMF, WB, European Commission and representatives of Albanian Parliament.

The signed agreement was considered by Premier Nano "as a historic moment and economic revival" which paves the way for foreign investments in Albania and serves as a guarantee for them.

To pave the way for a comprehensive macroeconomic and structural reform program, the government of Albania requested assistance under the Fund's post-conflict emergency assistance policy in an amount of SDR 8,825 million.

The requested financial assistance will support Albania's initial six- month adjustment program, which will be monitored on the basis of financial targets and structural benchmark for end-December 1997 and end-March 1998. The government intends to effect the requested purchase in one installment.

According to Nano "IMF, only after two-month work of the government, is approving Albania a support and post-conflict emergency program, which will be the institutional framework of other donors' assistance.

According to Nano "the approval of the program is a first challenge in the path of reforms, at a time when a broader and more comprehensive program, but also very difficult will be the second ESAF, the three-year program, the government wants to be ready in Spring time, which has to do with the Albanian economic growth and will be considered the challenge 2000."

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[23] INVESTIGATION INTO UNREST, PARLIAMENT DECISION APPROVED

The commission will be made up of 11 deputies, but only the Democratic Party has not presented its candidates.

The Commission chairman, Spartak Ngjela, also presented to parliament a special draft-law which will regulate the relations of this commission with the ministries from which work will start. The law is expected to be passed next week.

Accoridng to the decision, approved in Parliament on Tuesday, the commission will render account before the Assembly every 15 days and until the end of December 1997.

The discussion of an amendment to the law on town-planning was followed by an interpellation with the Minister of Labour and Social Assistance, Elmaz Sherifi.

Sherifi made a presentation of the grave situation the country is undergoing and stressed that the state is unable to to create enough jobs to cope with unemployment. He also said that there are some 400 000 pensioners and people who live on social benefits, a very great figure for the Albanian economy. The Minister also reported on the measures to be taken by the government to lessen this poverty as well as the possibilities to support the poor. /kled/mt/

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