Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 97-10-22

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] ALBANIA'S PRESIDENT LEAVES FOR ITALY ON AN OFFICIAL VISIT

[02] DONORS' CONFERENCE ON ALBANIA STARTS IN BRUSSELS -By ATA special envoy in Brussels, Emin Barci-

[03] OSCE OFFICE IN SHKODER SOON

[04] ALBANIA NEEDS 1 BILLION DOLLARS - Nano

[05] IMF APPROVES $100 MILLION OF AID FOR ALBANIA BRUSSELS, OCT. 22 (ATA)- By E. Barci,

[06] PRESS REVIEW

[07] PARLIAMENT APPROVES LAW ON NGJELA COMMISSION

[08] NATIONAL COUNCIL TO DECIDE WHETHER DP TAKES SEATS IN PARLIAMENT

[09] 32 CORPSES RECOVERED FROM ALBANIAN SUNKEN VESSEL

[10] ALBANIAN PRESIDENT MEETS WITH ITALIAN COUNTERPART IN ROME

[11] ALBANIA'S PRESIDENT TO VISIT RELATIVES OF OTRANTO VICTIMS IN BRINDISI

[12] INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY SUPPORTS ALBANIA

[13] ALBANIA TO BE WIPED OFF A MAP OF COUNTRIES IN CRISIS - premier

[14] FORMER ARMY OFFICERS BE BROUGHT BEFORE LAW - minister

[15] ONE PERSON KILLED AFTER TWO MONTHS OF TRANQUILLITY

[16] DONORS' CONFERENCE ON ALBANIA ENDS PROCEEDINGS IN BRUSSELS

[17] ALBANIA'S PM REPORTS IN BRUSSELS ON WORK OF ALBANIAN GOVERNMENT

[01] ALBANIA'S PRESIDENT LEAVES FOR ITALY ON AN OFFICIAL VISIT

The President will meet today with Italian President, with whom he will discuss the situation in Albania and Italian assistance for its recovery.

Albanian President Meidani will also attend today the inauguration ceremony of an exhibition of the great Albanian painter, Ibrahim Kodra and will have meetings in Banca di Roma with Albanians' associations in Italy.

The delegation led by Albanian President will meet in the afternoon with the Lower House Speaker Lucciano Violante in the Palace of Montecitorio.

In the evening the delegation will pay a visit to the centre of the Community of Saint Egidio, known for its mediation for the solution of the Albanian crisis.

On Thursday the Albanian delegation will meet with His Holiness, Pope John Paul 2.

At the Rinas airport, the delegation was seen off by Albanian Parliament Speaker, Skender Gjinushi, Secretary General of the Presidency, Daut Gumeni, ministers Arben Imami and Thimio Kondi and Italian Ambassador in Albania, Marcello Spatafora. ssh/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] DONORS' CONFERENCE ON ALBANIA STARTS IN BRUSSELS -By ATA special envoy in Brussels, Emin Barci-

The Director of the European Commission, Mr. Burghardt, held the opening speech.

"Albania's needs and the call from the Rome Conference gathered us here today," he said.

Burghardt said that for the next six months Albania needs at least $100 million to cover the deficit of the balance of payments. He again called for closing the pyramid schemes.

In his speech, the co-chairman of the conference, World Bank vice- president Johannes Linn, appreciated the performance of Prime Minister Fatos Nano and his government.

"Your efforts are to be appreciated and you, Mr. Prime Minister, have shown to be an active leadership," said Linn.

"Today we are in Brussels to unify our pledges to help the Albanian budget and the investment programmes," he added. lm

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] OSCE OFFICE IN SHKODER SOON

The coordinator of the office, Florian Roonik declared this fact in a meeting Wednesday with authorities of the local government of Shkoder.

Mr Roonik voiced his conviction in a future fruitful cooperation with all local governments in the region.

"We," he said, " will help in the further democratization of the local government through technical assistance by our experts." Independent judiciaries and observation of the human rights and freedom are other goals of our activity, added Roonik. He stressed that a special attention will be attached to the preparation of programs for the recovery of that region in cooperation with local and foreign donors. ssh/pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] ALBANIA NEEDS 1 BILLION DOLLARS - Nano

"The present government is working to restore law and order and realise national reconciliation," said Nano. He accepted that Albania has not the proper political culture and complained that the opposition is not being loyal.

With regard to economic parameters, Nano reported that the inflation is expected to be 50 per cent until the end of 1997 and the budgetary deficit be 17 per cent of the GDP.

For 1998 the PM Nano promised an inflation at only 15-20 per cent and a deficit of 10 per cent of the GDP.

"Albania needs 1 billion dollars, divided in 100 million dollars for a 6 month short-term and 900 million dollar for a midterm period," Nano said to donors in the conference. He stressed that an urgent mediation is needed to ease the poverty situation through the increase of funds for social assistance and pensions.

"As for the housing question, our immediate problem is the accommodation of the families who have lost the money of their sold homes put in the pyramid investment schemes," said Nano, implying the need of funds for this question.

After Nano's address, Finance Minister Arben Malaj made a panorama of the economic situation and the prognoses in Albania. pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] IMF APPROVES $100 MILLION OF AID FOR ALBANIA BRUSSELS, OCT. 22 (ATA)- By E. Barci,

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) agrees to provide Albania with $100 million of aid for the next six months.

This is the conclusion of the Donors' Conference in Brussels.

The current Albanian government has made considerable progress in eliminating the crisis it inherited, concludes the IMF report, read before donors during the conference.

The report expresses the concern of IMF over issues including pyramid schemes, arms collection and reform of the Albanian banking system.

"The Albanian government programme for the next six months is ambitious," concludes the IMF report. pas/lm

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] PRESS REVIEW

The paper says that a part of the declared funds will be immediately at the government's disposal for this financial year.

It also carries a pronouncement of Finance Minister Arben Malaj under the title: "Rome's figures arrive in Brussels". "We have met the four conditions requested by the IMF and the World Bank," the paper cites Malaj as saying.

The paper also carries Nano's response to DP's request for new elections, considering this request "a setback".

The paper says that Sali Berisha's bodyguard, who was arrested two days ago because of beating the chairman of the National Unity Party, was sheltered in the home of democrat deputy Azem Hajdari.

As regards the pyramid schemes' transparency, the paper says:"Millions of dollars to uncover the fraud". The paper devotes a whole page to the recovery of the first bodies from the Albanian wrecked refugee boat, sunk in the Otranto Channel on March 28 of this year.

"The fourth DP Assembly ended. New elections, solution for Albania" says Rilindja Demokratike. "Berisha to lead us towards victory" it says further on.

Rilindja Demokratike entitles its editorial:"DP, a new chance for Albania". The paper cites the newly elected chairman of the DP, Berisha, as saying:"This government has its days numbered". Other titles include: "Europe hails the election of Berisha. DP guarantees through a statute the freedom of thought in its ranks", "To restore democracy in Albania", "DP will soon come to power". Under the headline:"NIS prepares a macabre scenario", the paper carries the article:"'Commando' against VEFA and DP". Under the headline "Complete investigations into the event", the paper says that "The victims of the Otranto tragedy on the surface".

As regards the transparency of the pyramid firms, the paper says "Foreigners throw light on usuries", under the title: "Nano strives for five months to withdraw 12 million dollars from Europe".

Today's editorial in "Republika" is entitled "Today Brussels 'El Dorado' of Albanians" and subtitled "Europe will carry out diplomatic rites: signing of the 'white cheque' expected." In its second page, this paper writes "Zani, Turk's head for Government Nano," under the headline "Berisha has offered colossal sums of money to buy the Vlora chief of gang." The newspaper writes that the cassettes with recordings of the unrest in Vlore are expected to arrive from Italy and Greece. In its third page this paper writes about the DP Assembly under the title "Sali Berisha again in the lead of DP." Regarding this topic, the paper carries the note "DP restores to old bastions." Under the headline "Tepelena raises voice against Nano; establish order," the newspaper writes that socialists of Tepelene demand the discharge of of the Interior Minister Ceka of DAP and the naming to this post of socialist Gramoz Ruci, ex-interior minister in 1991. "Premier defends Malaj and sells Ceka," writes the newspaper under the headline "Cigarettes cause quarrels in Nano cabinet. Ministers show fists to one another." In the same page, the paper carries the article "Smugglers accept interference of the state."

In today's editorial "Two tests of Brussels," the newspaper Koha Jone writes that Premier Nano should prove and guarantee the participants in the conference that his cabinet is able to administer properly the assistance for Albania. "But in Brussels, PM Nano, jailed under Berisha, must give political guarantees as well. Cohabitation and division of posts with the opposition is another condition put by donor countries," writes the newspaper. In its second page, the paper publishes an article which says that Interior Minister Neritan Ceka will demand the creation of a parliamentary group to investigate "Berisha dossier," which he will sent to Parliament soon. "Berisha has pardoned 52 culprits of grave crimes," the paper cities minister Ceka. With regard to the DP assembly, the paper carries another article "DP with the same head," under the title "They demand quick dissolution of the Parliament and new elections." Concerning the same topic, the paper carries the note "DP does not respond to reality." In its fourth page the newspaper writes that the rightists have opposed DP's demand for new elections. "Interpol discovers the bosses of the pyramid investment funds," writes the newspaper under the headline "Interior Ministry knows the places where they are sheltered. One of them is in China." Among the economic topics is "Superphosphate of Lac, victim of trade game," and "Suspicions on Vefa's assets." "Vlora calamity on land, " writes the newspaper about the recovery of the victims of the Albanian boat which sank seven months ago in Otranto. Albania entitles its editorial: "Early elections. Why?". "The need to hold early elections, first stems from the fact that the Albanian political subjects and international specialised institutions fully contested the elections of June 29," the editorial says.

"Victims of the Otranto incident recovered" the paper says. The paper covers the DP assembly. "Berisha, again at the head of the DP", the paper says. "I will shorten the days of communist dictatorship", the paper cites Berisha as saying. "Parliament has committed suicide", says another article. "Brussels, first conditions, then aid", the paper says regarding the Brussels meeting.

A note published on the fifth page regarding the loan-taking companies is entitled: "Nationalisation started with the companies". "The central headquarters of VEFA in Tirane is planned to be attacked and destroyed by armed men.

"Obvious superiority of Berisha", says Rilindja regarding the DP assembly. The paper says that trial against 21 Albanians accused of being members of the "Kosova Liberation Army" and of terrorism will start in Pristine on October 27.

"Kosova is not an issue that can wait but a clock bomb", the paper says on the eve of the visit of diplomats Gelbart and Ishinger to Kosove.

"The international community is trying to belittle the Kosova issue," the paper cites Adem Demaci, chairman of the Kosova parliamentary party, as saying.

Dita devotes its editorial to the process of transparency of the pyramid schemes. "Now control will be carried out by foreigners", the paper says.

As regards the DP assembly the paper says that"The DP 'elects' Berisha also president". In relation to the request of the democrats for early elections the paper says that "The Prime Minister considers Berisha's call for early elections outdated since its beginning.

Under the headline "Police launches severe charges against the court", the paper carries the article:"The Albanian justice plunged into corruption". The Monument of Mother Teresa will be installed at the Gallery of Arts", the paper says.

Newspaper Shekulli entitles its editorial today "Politicians, new elections and ...Sisyphus." In its second page the newspaper carries an article about the pollution of environment in Tirane. "Disease of mines appears in the city," writes the newspaper. Referring to the DP Assembly the newspaper writes "Berisha wins over Arbnori," under the headline "DP Assembly is over. The former president takes unlimited power in the party." The newspaper writes that the DP Assembly has attacked former PM Meksi. In the third page, the newspaper writes that the DP Youth forum has opposed the new DP status and has demanded independence from the party. With regard to the pyramid investment schemes, the paper stresses that the Prosecutor's office is inquiring into the lost files.

Gazeta Shqiptare devotes its editorial today to the Brussels Meeting, "The last chance, or another beginning," writes the paper. "Berisha wins contest with Arbnori," is the title of this paper referring to the election of Berisha to the post of the DP chairman. Another article published in the third page of this paper writes that both police and the customs houses are involved in smuggling. This paper also writes of the preparations in Vlore and Fier for the burial of bodies of the Otranto tragedy which are being recovered in Brindisi. pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] PARLIAMENT APPROVES LAW ON NGJELA COMMISSION

The draft-law was supported by all parliamentary groups, and the improvement of particular articles was discussed.

It is expected the Commission to issue the final report by the end of December 1997. Until then, all the proofs, investigation and testimonies, are considered top secret. /pas/mt/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] NATIONAL COUNCIL TO DECIDE WHETHER DP TAKES SEATS IN PARLIAMENT

"But this issue will not be discussed in the first meeting because it will deal with other problems. This is a very complex issue and should be widely discussed," Berisha said.

The DP has adopted contradictory positions as regards the presence in parliament.

In the last meeting of the National Council, the democrats said that the assembly will give a solution to this but Berisha said "the decision to stay in parliament is taken by the council and it is the council, which will decide on this."

The election results of the council are expected to be published on Wednesday. The former president Berisha was re-elected as the party leader.

Berisha reiterated his view for new parliamentary elections in Albania. He did not set any deadline saying that this will be "set in negotiations". ake/kei/ak/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] 32 CORPSES RECOVERED FROM ALBANIAN SUNKEN VESSEL

Albania's Ambassador in Rome Pandeli Pasko said to ATA that some 25 corpses had been recovered during the night from 11 ones recovered on Tuesday.

One of the survived said that other 6 to 7 corpses have been recovered on midday and the "work is underway."

"Relatives of the victims have placed flowers on the ship, in which their people lost the lives," the ambassador Pasko said to ATA.

The ship has been lifted by a crane to enable the water flow out and recovering of other corpses.

"This is a second death," Krenar Xhavarra, a survived man from Vlora who lost his wife and six-month daughter said to ATA. His brother lost his wife and three children.

Xhavarra said that he and the head of the parliamentary commission for foreign policy Sabri Godo, has asked the deputy prosecutor Leonardo Leone De Castris that the Albanian side be present in investigation.

"We asked him that the corpses should be examined on the presence of the Albanian experts," Xhavarra said.

Weather conditions, a heavy rain, made the work difficult.

Giuseppe Baffa, lawyer of the victims' relatives said to ATA on Tuesday that good possibilities exist to identify corpses and that they (corpses) are still clothed.

They are stored in special refrigerated rooms.

The recovery operation undertaken by Italy is expected to cost eight billion lire.

Between March 27 and 28 an Albanian ship with illegal aliens on board, left Vlora for Italy and collided with the Italian navy corvette Sibilla, a collision, which claimed the lives of 83 Albanians, majority women and children. ak/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] ALBANIAN PRESIDENT MEETS WITH ITALIAN COUNTERPART IN ROME

Present at the meeting were the members of the Albanian delegation Maqo Lakrori, Secretary of State for Euro Atlantic Integration, Namik Dokle, deputy speaker, Albert Brojka, Tirana mayor, head of parliamentary Foreign commission Sabri Godo.

Jozefina Topalli, deputy speaker and DP representative, was also invited but was not present.

The talks focused on promoting bilateral cooperation, opening of Italian consulates in Vlora and Shkodra, for which both sides expressed understanding.

President Meidani agreed on the construction of channel eight (a channel to transport goods from Brindisi, Durres, Skopje and Bulgaria).

Meidani also expressed concern about the grave situation Kosova is experiencing.

Italian President Scalfaro said "you have undertaken important steps in the latest months."

He appreciated the commitment of President Meidani to ease political tensions in Albania.

The Italian Foreign minister Lamberto Dini was also present.

After a meeting with the leader of the left-wing Democratic party Massino D'Alema, President Meidani and his delegation were present at the opening of an exhibition of the well-known Albanian painter Ibrahim Kodra. ake/kei/ak/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] ALBANIA'S PRESIDENT TO VISIT RELATIVES OF OTRANTO VICTIMS IN BRINDISI

President Meidani is heading a delegation for a two-day-visit in Italy, invited by his Italian counterpart, Oscar Luigi Scalfaro.

President Meidani decided to change his official agenda for Thursday, as well as the time of his return to Albania, aiming to stay near the relatives of the victims, who are waiting in Brindisi to see the corpses of their beloved people. /a.ke/kei/mt/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY SUPPORTS ALBANIA

The U.S. representative appreciated the current work of the Albanian government, promising that his country will powerfully influence in signing the ESAF accord (Enhanced Structural Adjustment Facility) between Albania and IMF.

"Albania should be strongly helped for the approval of the Constitution, ESAF agreement, as well as for the effectiveness of parliament," said the U.S. representative in the Conference.

The Italian government assumed to help Albania overcome the problems, while the Greek government declared that will offer half of financing that Albania needs for 1997-1998.

"To be coordinator of the projects for the development of the Albanian private sector," declared the representatives of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in the conference, and added that "have accorded an initial credit worth 10 million USD."

The Islamic Bank also showed readiness to finance projects in Albania.

The OSCE and the European Commission (EC) assumed the assistance for the Albanian political and juridical institutions.

The EC also assumed to negotiate with the political parties in Albania for a normal functioning of the Albanian Parliament. /kei/mt/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] ALBANIA TO BE WIPED OFF A MAP OF COUNTRIES IN CRISIS - premier

"In separate talks with over 30 national donors and 11 international financial institutions participating in the conference, I have learned that half of the amount worth $880 million Albania needs for the next three years are ready," co-chairman of the Conference Gunther Burghardt said.

He said that the emergency aid worth $100 million for the budget deficit is offered and negotiations are underway for a fund worth $79 million expected to be released now.

Burghardt said that the European Union will finance 25 percent of the credits for Albania.

"We will convene again on spring to analyse Albania's program and promotion of our support," Burghardt told the news conference.

Johannes Linn deputy president of the World Bank said that he is sure for Albania's progress.

Burghardt and Linn avoid answering a journalist question on a call of Helsinki Watch on not spending dollars for Albania without imposing hard political conditions. kei/ak/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] FORMER ARMY OFFICERS BE BROUGHT BEFORE LAW - minister

Reporting on the reasons and damages to the army, Brokaj held the former leaders of the Albanian army and state responsible arguing this with documents containing illegal orders.

He presented a secret map containing an attack plan against the South and some orders to bomb the Mifoli bridge and some cities in the South of Albania.

"Army's disintegration was accelerated when it was put under SHIK (National Information Service) control."

During the unrest almost all the military units were destroyed and disintegrated as well as the armaments and ammunition were looted. kei/ak/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] ONE PERSON KILLED AFTER TWO MONTHS OF TRANQUILLITY

Ilir Deromema, 34, shot and killed Lame Gockaj, 32, with seven bullets using a TT pistol near a bar in the city center.

Police managed to detain Deromema.

The same sources said that the motive of killing is thought to be personal revenge. ake/kei/ak/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] DONORS' CONFERENCE ON ALBANIA ENDS PROCEEDINGS IN BRUSSELS

The press release, distributed at 17:00, confirmed that the international community has accorded Albania an emergency aid worth 100 million USD and 570 million USD to meet immediate investments, as well as urgent and mid-term programs over the next six months.

"Unexpected, but true and beautiful," declared the co-chairman of the conference, Burghardt.

The request of the Albanian government was for 205 million USD, but "the donors were too generous," said the EU representative, de Lange.

Johannes Linn stressed that the Albanian government can now work quietly not only for six months, but even for longer.

Thanking on behalf of the Albanian government, the Finance Minister, Arben Malaj, guaranteed the donors that the Albanians will justify the great help by seriously sacrificing on behalf of development. /a.ke/kei/mt/k

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] ALBANIA'S PM REPORTS IN BRUSSELS ON WORK OF ALBANIAN GOVERNMENT

"I believe that it will be evident that we have made very significant progress in the field of restoring public order, a key feature of which is the ongoing collection of weapons and the disarming of the civilian population," added the Albanian PM.

Nano stressed that "our principle commitments in this direction include the concept of co-governing and cooperation, including the sharing of responsibilities across the opposition spectrum. Almost all opposition parties have recognised and accepted their responsibilities and we are constructively cooperating with this approach."

The Albanian PM expressed the resolution to continue the reform which has been initiated in the fields of public administration and the establishment of a genuinely independent judiciary, which will be transparent, accountable and which enjoys the support of the entire nation.

"We are also actively engaged into the process of constitutional reform. The Albanian Parliament has already prepared the programme for drafting and adoption of a new constitution, through which we are seeking the broadest possible national participation to achieve this goal within next year," said Nano.

He added that there can be no doubt that "we continue to face a wide range of problems and challenges."

"First and foremost, we have to acknowledge the absence of a modern political culture in Albania, although we are determined to encourage the development of a fully democratic system which must feature a strong, constructive and loyal opposition," said Nano.

Talking about the achievements regarding the stabilisation of public order, Nano stressed that the restoration of law and order is one of the most positive and significant achievements in these past two months.

"In line with our commitment to reform the judicial system in Albania, the Supreme Council of Justice, reelected on a broader democratic basis, has resumed its activity. This is an important step in the process of rendering our judicial system more effective and which will assist in its further development as independent authority. On the basis of joint programs, the school of magistrates has begun to operate."

He stressed that foreign bilateral and multilateral assistance has played and will continue to play a major role in the whole recovery program for Albania.

Focusing on the presentation of the country's economic situation, Nano said that as a direct consequence of the recent crisis, Albania's economy suffered a very significant fall in GDP amounting around 8%, while the inflation rate is expected to reach more that 50% by the end of this calendar year. In addition, budgetary income dropped considerably and the deficit to be financed by internal resources reached almost 17% of GDP.

"Faced with such a serious challenge, the Government has been forced to adopt an emergency programme under IMF guidelines which includes some tough decisions", said Nano.

He added that the government decided that these decisions were unavoidable and the only responsible course in order to overcome the crisis facing our country.

"Therefore, in accordance with the implementation of the recovery programme of October 1, our objective from the second half of 1997 and onwards, has been to curb inflation and bring it down to 15-20% in 1998 on an annual basis. For this reason, we have decided to limit the budgetary deficit financed from internal sources to a level less than 14% of the GDP in 1997 and taking additional measures to reduce it to 10% in 1998", said the PM.

A further important measure will be the reduction of state employees by 10-15% by the end of next year.

However, the most severe measures were the VAT increase from 12.5% to 20%, the appointment of local and most recently foreign administrators to the pyramid schemes, in order to take the transparency process up to the end and assist in the fair distribution of their assets, restructuring of the state owned banks by appointing the local administrator or Chief Executive Officers as we formally refer to them to carry on the process until the foreign ones would be in place, and the preparation of the required legislation for amending Albania's Banking Law to be presented to the Parliament.

Talking about the immediate needs and medium term ones for the six months program period, the financing requirements are identified to be 100 million USD for Budgetary support and BOP, and about 80 million USD in projects. The needs for the medium term are identified to be around 900 million USD.

"We, said Nano in the end, cannot overcome the legacy of the past and the problems of the present on our own. Your assistance, the assistance and contribution of your governments and of the international organisations, present in this Donors' Conference today, are absolutely essential for Albania's future. /a.ke/kei/mt/k

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