Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 98-04-08

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] Albanian-Greek cross-border cooperation increasing

[02] Third International party should be present in preliminary talks- advisor

[03] Albanian Foreign Minister holds meetings in Bulgaria

[04] Dokle: No second Bosnia should be repeated in Kosova which will then lead to a second Dayton

[05] Fino says Government aims at greater autonomy of local government

[06] Anniversary of resistance against fascist occupier commemorated

[07] Police uncover 37 900 false dollars

[08] President Rugova meets with U.N. Human Rights envoy

[09] U.S. reconfirm stand for unconditional dialogue to resolve Kosova issue

[10] New Serbian attack against Drenica

[11] Leni Fischer condemns Kosova referendum

[12] All-people's protest against Serb violence and terror in Kosova tomorrow

[13] It is high time to have a new level of relations with Puglia

[14] DAP requires government changes be provided with arguments

[15] Puglia is engaged to help Albania

[16] SP leader denies secret agreement with DP on a draft-law

[17] Death penalty stirs up polemics in Constitutional Commission

[18] IHF alarmed by aggravation of situation in Kosova

[19] Ngjela Commission convenes without the chairman

[01] Albanian-Greek cross-border cooperation increasing

"The aim of the meeting is engagement and exchange of information at experts level to prevent illegal traffic on the sea as well as cooperation as regards all kinds of violations in the sea space between Albania and Greece, the chief of the Sarande border police, Krenar Muco, told ATA.

Besides the regional police representatives, the meeting was also attended by representatives of the Albanian Interior Ministry border department.

The cooperation between the police representatives of Sarande (Southern Albania) and Greek Igumenice-Corfu border region has was recently intensified, especially after the signing of the cooperation agreement between the two countries' Interior Ministries by minister Ceka and Romeos in Ioannina in October 1997. /s.sh/pas/lm/

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[02] Third International party should be present in preliminary talks- advisor

The Kosova Information Centre quotes Mustafa as saying that certain diplomatic circles are trying to eliminate international mediation in the Prishtine-Belgrade talks, in the name of "preliminary negotiations" on the Kosova issue and "finding practical modalities" on these talks.

Such commitments and insistencies are being intensified and will continue to be intensified following Milosevic's initiative to hold a referendum on excluding a third international party from the eventual talks between Prishtine and Belgrade.

Mustafa calls talks without foreing mediation a "political trap of grave consequences for the solution of the Kosova issue".

He says that after the Drenice massacre and coalition with the ultra- nationalist Seselj, the referendum to exclude the international factor in resolving the Kosova issue is the third destructive act of the Belgrade regime.

Mustafa says that the Belgrade regime, eliminating the mediation of a third side, eliminates the possibility of any acceptable solution and of any serious compromise on the Kosova issue.

"Belgrade seeks to treat Kosova as an internal affair and resolve it without the presence of the international community, which now offers for Kosova a political status far more advanced than that which may eventually be accepted by the Belgrade regime," says Mustafa, stressing that if a third party is eliminated at the beginning of the negotiations, it will be very difficult, not to say impossible, for it to participate in the later talks.

Under this situation, it is not unlikely for the West-European governments to propose as a compensation some organisation or non- governmental institution as a third side in the negotiations between Prishtine and Belgrade.

But, the authority of this third party will be too small to establish a dialogue, to lead it and guarantee its eventual results for such great and serious issue, as that of Kosova, said Mustafa. /p.ta/pas/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] Albanian Foreign Minister holds meetings in Bulgaria

The two countries' foreign ministers concentrated their attention on bilateral cooperation in Euro-Atlantic integration, economy, culture, science and education as well as on regional cooperation, according to the Foreign Ministry's press and information department.

They especially dwelt on the two great Balkan projects: the Eighth corridor and the Burgas-Vlore oil-pipeline. The Eighth corridor was regarded as an investment for regional security, not simply for the construction of an infrastructure artery to connect the East with the West.

Referring to the situation in Kosova, Mihajllova said that Bulgaria's ongoing role has aimed at reducing the conflict between the parties in Kosova and put into motion the diplomatic regional and international mechanisms, to avoid an outbreak of a conflict which would be of very grave consequences for the Balkans and Europe.

She said that Albania's moderated role has made it more credible before the international factors.

Mihajllova, speaking of her recent visit to Belgrade, said that she shared the Albanian government's impressions of the position of the Belgrade authorities regarding the solution to the Kosova issue.

In his meeting with minister Milo, Bulgarian Prime Minister Ivan Kostov said that Bulgaria cannot stay indifferent to a conflict taking place only 100 km from the Bulgarian border.

"There can be no peace in the region unless human rights are respected and in this aspect, we stick to the line of the Contact group's declarations," said the Bulgarian Prime Minister.

Milo also met with Bulgarian President Petar Stojanov. /s.s/a.ke/das/lm/

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[04] Dokle: No second Bosnia should be repeated in Kosova which will then lead to a second Dayton

At a debate of the Political Commission, during the proceedings of the 99th Conference of the World inter-parliamentary Union in Windbork of Namibia, Dokle, who heads the Albanian delegation, said that all human, political and national rights are violated in Kosova through Serbian military and police violence and constant repression to realise ethnic cleansing in a region in which two million Albanians make up over 90 per cent of the population.

"No second Bosnia should be repeated in Kosova, which would then lead to a second Dayton," said Dokle.

In his opening address at the Conference, German deputy Dieter Schloten proposed that an urgent point on the situation in Kosova was included in the agenda. This was the only request for urgent debate and respective resolution. /s.s/das/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] Fino says Government aims at greater autonomy of local government

Also attending were Albania's deputy Prime Minister Bashkim Fino, Defence Minister Sabit Brokaj, Interior Minister Neritan Ceka and Economy and Privatisation Minister Ylli Bufi.

Fino stressed that the government's current policy aims at a wider autonomy for the local government.

"The drafting of the laws on taxes, budget, income-tax, site rent, civil state, local referendums and other laws, aim at a wider autonomy of the local government," said Fino.

He also pointed to the need of increasing cooperation among all local government levels. /s.sh/das/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] Anniversary of resistance against fascist occupier commemorated

In this city, like in the whole Albanian coast, the Albanian patriots counterpoised the courage, aspiration for freedom of the entire Albanian people to the military machine of the Italian occupier .

The participants, gathered at the square of front of the Antique Tower in Durres, laid wreaths by the memorial plate and bust of Mujo Ulqinaku.

Mujo Ulqinaku was among the first fighters and organiser of the armed resistance against Italian fascist occupier in April 1939. He laid down his life in defence of the homeland on April 7, 1939, the day of the fascist Italian aggression against Albania. /s.s/das/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] Police uncover 37 900 false dollars

The police exercised control in the house of Gazmend Taip Katroshi, 23, inhabitant of Tirana, for illegal possession of weapons and found there the great amount of false dollars.

Katroshi was detained on Monday evening because, along with Fotjon Volli, had robbed a Fuoristrada type car. In an attempt to escape the police forces they opened fire on the police. In the shoot-out, Volli, 21, sentenced three times for theft, was injured and died in hospital later. Katroshi, sentenced twice for theft, was detained by the police. /s.s/pas/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] President Rugova meets with U.N. Human Rights envoy

Rugova asked Dienstbier that international pressure be mounted on Belgrade to withdraw the special forces from Drenica and Kosova.

"Only in this way will the Contact Group's requests be met and the conditions for unconditional negotiations between Prishtine and Belgrade, with international mediation, be created," said Rugova.

Dienstbier is in Kosova to closely investigate the situation and gather information to prepare a report on the latest situation in Kosova.

Since the beginning of March, following the Serb police-military operation in several villages of Drenica, where some 100 Albanian were massacred, among who many women, children and old people, several villages in this part of Kosova have been under the siege of the Serbian forces. /p.ta/pas/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] U.S. reconfirm stand for unconditional dialogue to resolve Kosova issue

The Kosova Information Centre reports that the U.S. diplomats reconfirmed the stand of the U.S. and the Senate to resolve the Kosova issue through peaceful means and unconditional dialogue.

Rugova told the participants that the Kosova leadership has asked that the dialogue between Prishtine and Belgrade be mediated by the U.S. and their European allies. /p.ta/pas/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] New Serbian attack against Drenica

An Albanian political activist from Llausha said just a few moments ago that the situation is very grave and there are movements of Serbian military forces with heavy artillery armaments on many sides.

According to reports available from Skenderaj volleys of shots are also being heard in the direction of Rakince, Vojnik, Acarove and other villages.

Reports on the consequences of this latest attack of the Serbian forces in the Drenica regions, which have entered the second month of an iron attack, are not yet available. /b.j/das/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] Leni Fischer condemns Kosova referendum

"This decision, taken on the initiative of the Yugoslav president, Mr. Milosevic, is an attempt to create an alibi to reject the international mediation and continue with the policy which has already led to diplomatic isolation and near economic collapse of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The political crisis in Kosova cannot be resolved through such a referendum. Moreover, the present political situation and the overwhelming influence of the state dominated television makes the result of the vote known in advance. This initiative and the acceptance of Mr Seselj's radicals as coalition partners in the new Serbian government are casting a serious doubt on the sincerity of the ruling party's commitment to a peaceful solution to the Kosova crisis. Such moves are not going to contribute to the reintegration of the country in Europe," said Mrs Fischer.

"However, president Milosevic is right in saying that people have the right to decide. I therefore urge him to allow the people to exercise this right by introducing the democratic reforms, recommended by the international community, and organising general elections in accordance with the Council of Europe standards" she continued.

"With regard to the crisis in Kosova, the Yugoslav authorities are expected to comply with the requests of the international community, including the acceptance of the role of Mr Felipe Gonzales as OSCE and European Union Special representative" concluded Mrs Fischer. /lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] All-people's protest against Serb violence and terror in Kosova tomorrow

The protest against the Serbian violence and terror in Kosova will be held in the centre of Prishtine, at the "Mother Teresa" square at 12.00, the Kosova Centre of Information reports. /p.ta/das/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] It is high time to have a new level of relations with Puglia

TIRANA, April 8 (ATA) - Albania's Prime Minister Fatos Nano voiced Wednesday the readiness of the Albanian government to renovate the cooperation agreement between Albania and the region of Puglia (Italy), during a meeting held with the delegation of the Left Democratic Party (LDP) for this region, PM spokesman reports.

"It is high time for a new level of relations, which should not be characterized only by the dramas and tears of the Albanian refugees," said the Prime Minister.

"The old relations, imposed by lack of responsibility of the previous governments, have destroyed the image of Albania in Italy, but also the image of Italy and mainly of Puglia region in Albania. The evidence of pyramid schemes of the savings, filled with mafia connections even with Italy, should be converted into commerce, competition and serious investments," said Nano.

The Secretary of the Left Democratic Party for Puglia, Enzo Lavarra, said that a significative change has been noticed recently in the relations between Albania and the region of Puglia.

"Through our coasts of Adriatic, a strategic corridor of cooperation can be set up, which would help Albania's integration into Europe, and would also strengthen the ties of Europe with the Balkans," said Lavarra.

Talking about the relations among the parties, Lavarra conveyed to Nano a message from the Secretary General of the Italian Left Democratic Party, Massimo D'Alema, which appreciated the current cooperation between the two countries and was asked its promotion to a higher level.

"The cooperation should not remain at party levels, but it should be institutionalized even in the economical and cultural fields," writes D'Alema, adding that on this occasion he expresses the most sincere solidarity for the difficult work regarding the country's reconstruction that the Albanian Government is trying to realize. /s.sh/mima/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] DAP requires government changes be provided with arguments

Neritan Ceka, DAP President and Interior Minister, and Prec Zogaj, Secretary General of this party, told a news conference that they favour transparent government changes, which should be realized through the loyal dialogue and understanding between the components of the coalition.

"Each minister who will leave should know what he has not done and why someone else is appointed," said Zogaj, who holds the post of the political adviser of the President of the Republic.

Ceka on his side declared that he has realised and overpassed the objective for the restoration of order in Albania.

The Interior Minister confuted the rumors that his portfolio has caused disagreements between the Prime Minister and the President.

"I have never discussed officially with the Prime Minister or the President regarding my replacement," said Minister Ceka. /mima/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] Puglia is engaged to help Albania

TIRANA, April 8 (ATA) - In the meeting held Wednesday with Albania's President Rexhep Meidani the chairman of the delegation of the region of Puglia (Italy), the Secretary of the Left Democratic Party for this region, Enzo Lavarro, stressed the engagement for the realization of economic- strategic interests of Puglia in cooperation with Albania, President's press and information department reported.

"I highly appreciate your visit in Tirana as a possibility to strengthen more the cooperation and mutual exchanges in all fields between the two countries," said Meidani during the meeting with the delegation members, which was made up of businessmen, senators and deputies of this region.

Meidani stressed the necessity of integration of all Albanian political parties in the structures of politics as an important act for the Albanian politics.

President Meidani added that the programmed cooperation of the Italian government coalition, which is integrating Italy into the European Monetary System, is a positive example even for the politics and coalitions of the Albanian parties.

"There is a fundamental change of the situation in the country during these nine months of ruling, but anyhow it is noted impatience and discontent among people becasue of unemployment and other social problems."

Attending the meeting was also the State Secretary Maqo Lakrori, the deputy chairman of the foreign parliamentary commission, Ilir Meta and the charge d'affaires of the Italian Embassy in Tirana. /a.ke/mima/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] SP leader denies secret agreement with DP on a draft-law

"I have had in parliament normal meetings with DP colleagues. It is the fault of no one that normality is misunderstood in the traumatic relationships of the Albanian politics," Majko told ATA.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the parliamentary commission of economy, Anastas Angjeli (SP), denied to have held a secret meeting with DP deputy Ylli Vejsiu regarding the same problem, a meeting which was widely discussed in the dailies on Tuesday.

He confirmed that the commission is still working on the draft-law, initiated by a group of deputies and remarks for it have come both from the socialist and the democratic groups.

Several Albanian daily newspapers wrote on Tuesday that SP and DP have agreed to remove the point from a draft-law which say that "the political parties should not carry out economic activity."

Angjeli said that there are many problems in this draft-law, but the largest parliamentary groups have never discussed about particular points. /a.ke/mima/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] Death penalty stirs up polemics in Constitutional Commission

The members of the commission spent about an hour for the discussion of the article 7 in the chapter "On fundamental human rights and freedoms," which should define the cases when capital punishment must be imposed.

The first variation of the article limited the death penalty only for crimes at war time, meanwhile that the representative of the Socialist Party (SP), Fehmi Abdiu, proposed to add the expression "on very grave crimes," which was also supported by the co-chairman of the commission, the Republican Sabri Godo.

"I think the Constitution should envisage the capital punishment, considering the chaotic situation in Albania, where criminality is actually very high," Godo said to ATA.

The countries of Eastern Europe have lifted the capital punishment from the Constitution, based on the recommendations of the Council of Europe.

Most of Albanians favour the capital punishment, taking into consideration the current situation in the country. /a.ke/mima/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] IHF alarmed by aggravation of situation in Kosova

This statement, which was made known by Puto in a news conference, expresses the conviction that "an effective international mediation is necessary to provide the success of negotiations for the solution of crisis in Kosova."

The IHC also calls on the U.N. Security Council to turn down as unacceptable the thesis that the oppression of the Albanian population in Kosova is a "domestic" affair of Serbia.

Asking the peaceful solution of the Kosovar issue, the IHC calls on the United Nations Organization (UNO), the European Union (EU), the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and other international organizations to set up an international preventing force even for Kosova, aiming at stopping further deterioration of the situation in the region of the Balkans. /mima/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] Ngjela Commission convenes without the chairman

"During the meeting, lots of critics were made for lack of seriousness from Ngjela regarding the performance of the work and it was decided the appointment of a deputy chairman for the commission on Thursday," the commission member, Spartak Braho, told ATA on Wednesday.

According to Braho, this would enable the continuity of the work of the commission even when the chairman misses.

"The commission will go to Berat, Kucove and Permet to collect testimonies regarding last year's turmoil. Perhaps we will go to Vlore again," said Braho.

Ngjela, who is actually abroad, said to ATA last week that it has remained only to draft the relation, which is rejected by Braho, saying that there are testimonies still not examined.

Chairman Ngjela and the commission members, mainly the socialist ones, have accused each other of revealing the secret of investigations. /mima/mt/

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

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