Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 98-04-18

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] 104 Albanians killed by Serb forces

[02] Albania, Germany sign technical, financial cooperation agreement

[03] President assesses work of Albanian officials

[04] White blouses say we are not all corrupted

[05] Some 4720 tonnes ferro chrome turned out in first quarter

[06] Albanians prefer fixed term deposits

[07] Imported consumption goods index on rise

[08] Priority assistance is required for productive sectors

[09] Loans for private sector remain in low level

[10] Socialist deputy says SP is waiting for situation be cleared up

[11] Minister says my dismissal is complicated

[12] Minister says other ministers should have be discharged

[13] Albanian writers awarded literary prizes

[14] "Adria 2" - new private television starts broadcasting

[15] Institution of President in full conformity with major constitutional provisions

[16] Nano wishes Archbishop Anastassios and Orthodox believers Happy Easter

[17] Minister Solis agrees to doctors' demands

[18] Positive, wise, responsible role of Albania in regional crisis, says Talbott

[19] Talbott and Gelbard denounce recent Albanian-Serbian border incidents

[20] Clinton, Meidani share opinions on situation in Kosova, Talbott

[21] We will coordinate actions for solution of Kosova issue mainly with USA, Nano

[22] Government coalition parties reconfirm April 14 agreement

[23] Nano urges Meidani to decree all ministers

[24] Meidani, Nano must communicate directly to unblock situation, says Gjinushi

[01] 104 Albanians killed by Serb forces

Many of the victims are children, women and even pregnant women. 15 children and 17 Albanian women were killed in a crackdown of the Serbian forces against Prekaz, Drenice.

The council said that during the same period it had registered 44 injured but added that the number was thought to be higher.

It also said that there was no report on the fate of some 52 Albanians who were missing, 30 of whose were thought to have been arrested by the Serbian police.

The report said that a number of Albanians had remained killed under the ruins of the houses burned down by the Serbian forces in Drenica.

During the operations of the Serb forces in Drenica 10 out of 83 Albanians killed were buried unidentified and 82 houses had been destroyed.

The Council said that there was no exact report on the number of those killed, houses burned down and other consequences because the Serb forces had cordoned off Drenica since a month and a half before.

Over 20 000 Albanians refugees had fled their houses due to terror and massacres of the Serb forces, who had been deployed in Albanians' houses. cela/das/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] Albania, Germany sign technical, financial cooperation agreement

Ermelinda Meksi minister of State for Economic Development and Cooperation signed the accord for Albania and Rainer Gordeler, ministerial councillor at the Ministry of Cooperation and Development signed the accord for Germany.

The accord envisaged a fund worth 80 million marks for development projects, a fund given to the new democratic government by the German government.

The German government praised the reform undertaken by the Albanian government and its efforts for the establishment of new democratic institutions. It also confirmed its ongoing political and economic support for Albania.

Minister Meksi had separate talks with the Secretary of State at the Ministry of Economic Cooperation V. Hardtl and Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs F. Planc. s.sh/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] President assesses work of Albanian officials

"I thank you and express my assessment as a head of state for your great contribution in restructuring the Interior Ministry under special conditions Albania faced last year," Meidani said to the officials.

Minister Ceka thanked president Meidani for his evaluation and unreserved support towards the order bodies.

"Now the public order structures are reaching the contemporary parameters and under continuous improvement," Ceka said. s.sh/pas/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] White blouses say we are not all corrupted

Solis had accused the whole medical staff of corruption in a televised statement recently.

"The statement of the minister is irresponsible," Ferit Zavalani, head of the Health Independent Trade Union said to ATA on Friday.

He did not excluded cases of corruption among the health staff but said that it was a mistake to generalize things. s.sh/pas/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] Some 4720 tonnes ferro chrome turned out in first quarter

Tirana, April 18 (ATA) - The Burreli plant, which is the pivot of districts' industrial production, turned out 4720 tonnes of ferro chrome during the first quarter of 1998.

The ferro chrome is bind for foreign markets like that of United States, Italy and Slovenia.

The plant which holds 80 percent of district's total production has expanded its cooperation in order to export ferro chrome in other countries as well.

Sources from the plant's directory told ATA that the export index has been on the rise during this period, and has reached 5720 tonnes, because are counted the amounts remaining stock, since late 1997.

Facing the "sanctions" of the Albanian Energy Corporation, in order to pay the electricity bills, the plant is proceeding the work to turn out ferro chrome with lover costs.

Though the AEC cut off the power for 15-day, the ferro chrome plant after paying off part of the debt resumed its activity aiming at boosting the production.

The current trend is favorable to increase and sell the production due to the hike of ferro chrome price in the world market. /gen/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] Albanians prefer fixed term deposits

Fixed term deposit hold 76,2 percent of all deposits in US dollar, while non fixed term deposits hold the rest of deposits in US dollars.

12-month term deposits take 34,5 percent of all deposits in USD, 3- month term deposits tale 27,6 percent of all USD deposits, 6-month term deposits hold 11,3 percent of all USD deposits and 1-month term deposits only 2,8 percent of all USD deposits.

USD deposits' structure in % Nomination ! 1992 ! 1996 ! 1997 ! ----------------------- ----------------------------------------- non fixed term deposit ! 40,1 ! 40,4 ! 23,8 -------------------------------------------------------------- -- fixed term deposit ! 59,9 ! 59,6 ! 76,2 ----------------------- ---------------------------------------- 1-month term deposit ! 0 ! 1,3 ! 2,8 -------------------------------------------------------------- 3-month term deposit ! 12,7 ! 17,5 ! 27,6 -------------------------- ------------------------------------- 6-month term deposit ! 11,5 ! 10,3 ! 11,3 -------------------------------------------------------------- -- 12-month term deposit ! 35,7 ! 30,5 ! 34,5 ----------------------- --------------------------------------- Total ! 100 ! 100 ! 100 --------------------------------------------------------------- - /gen/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] Imported consumption goods index on rise

In these consumption goods the import of group "Food, tobacco, beverages" takes around 28,8 percent of total imports.

Some 38,8 percent of this imported group is composed of the sub group "vegetal products".

According to data from IS the import of group "machinery and equipment" holds 15,2 percent of total imports and within this group the sub group "machinery, electric and mechanic parts" holds around 58,6 percent.

Approximately 14,5 percent of import's total is taken by the group "chemical and plastic products".

Main imports according to groups (in lek million) Food, beverages, tobacco 2,718,910 Chemical and plastic products 1,364,198 Textiles and shoes 1,555,187 Machinery, equipment, spare parts 1,402,306 /gen/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] Priority assistance is required for productive sectors

During the meetings conducted in this ministry, alongside the continuation of the investment in the infrastructure, Government should provide a better assistance for productive sectors.

According to the same sources is being worked to adopt the short and mid term strategies of before crisis with the current situation the country is experiencing.

The programme of economic recovery is based on the implementation of an austere budget policy, with the main goal incomes increase.

This growth is based in the achieved economic recovery after the implementation of the emergency program and also forecasts concrete measures to reduce the fiscal evasion and improvement of tax and customs administration work. /gen/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] Loans for private sector remain in low level

Based on an analysis of ministry's specialists results that the very low level of this crediting will have serious consequences for economy's long tern development, taking into consideration the potential role this sector plays.

On the other side government's credit held 93 percent of domestic crediting in December 1997.

Since December 1996 the credit for private sector increased 18,4 percent, though its amount compared with the total is lower than the same period in 1996.

Credit for government increased with 45 percent since the end of 1996 and its amount compared to the total augmented with 2,7 percent for the same period in 1996.

Internal crediting based on years ---------------------------------------------------------------- Internal credit ! Years ! --------------- --------------------- ! 1991 ! 1996 ! 1997 --------------------------------------------------------------- For economy (private sec ! & state enterprises) ! 11253 ! 114300 ! 15300 --------------------------------------------------------------- For government ! 7661 ! 106900 ! 145500 --------------------- ----------------------------------------- Total ! 18915 ! 121200 ! 160800 ------------------------------------------------------ ---------- /gen/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] Socialist deputy says SP is waiting for situation be cleared up

A spokesman for the prime minister said late on Friday that "a partial decree of the proposed changes in the government, without giving necessary explanations, puts Albania into an institutional crisis."

Majko, who was also party Secretary General, said that secretaries general of the five parties in the coalition government would meet on Saturday 13.00. p.m. to consider the situation.

Five parties in the coalition are Socialist party, Social Democratic party, Democratic Alliance party, Human Rights Union party and Agrarian party. s.s/pas/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] Minister says my dismissal is complicated

He added that they were "linked with the fact that how can one understand from the political and party point of view the democracy within the party, the role of the leader, power and role of the number one."

Brokaj also included the administration activity against the contraband, legal violations, evaluation of the role of presidents and powers and the consequent attitude towards the commitments of the Socialist party.

"I am deputy and member of the General Steering Committee of the Socialist party and as a Prof Dr in cardiology I hope to be engaged in this field," Brokaj said referring to his future.

Regarding the present situation in the Albanian army, Brokaj said "it is already restructured but it has still material and logistic difficulties." s.sh/das/pas/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] Minister says other ministers should have be discharged

"I did not become minister to remain in the post forever," Dade said. "The truth is that I have worked and my work is evident."

"Maybe changes were necessary but I think that other changes were expected by the public opinion," Dade said.

Referring to the criticisms of the prime minister, Dade said: "I do not know why Nano criticized the minister of Culture? It was a remark I cleared up and nothing was said."

"If special individuals do not know the work of the Culture Ministry, this is of less importance," said Dade, who would be replaced by Edi Rama. pas/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] Albanian writers awarded literary prizes

The prize for the best tale was awarded to Hilmi Kolgjegja for "Clipped ear mouse", Kastriot Mahilaj was awarded for the best translation of "Joyful princess" while Llazar Taçi was awarded for the best illustration of "Renato and seven girls of the rainbow."

The number of books for children published during 1997 was over 150 while 50 of them were presented in the competition.

Member of the jury Odhise Grillo proposed to stand for a minute in silent in honour of two Albanian artists Kristaq Rama and Tasim Gjokutaj, who died recently. s.sh/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] "Adria 2" - new private television starts broadcasting

The new TV channel is now broadcasting four hours daily live from its studio.

"Adria 2" is the third television channel in Durres after Shijak TV, which have started broadcasting in January 1996 and Teuta in March 1997. ake/pas/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] Institution of President in full conformity with major constitutional provisions

TIRANA, April 18 (ATA)-Responding to some baseless stances and subjective interpretations of the Constitutional Law, the spokesman of the President of the Republic told ATA: 1.The position of the institution of the President of the Republic is in full conformity with the major constitutional provisions in force. The Constitutional Law envisages no set deadline for appointing, dismissing or releasing from office by decree the ministers or other members of the government. The ten-day time frame has to do with the time the president has to submit the decree to the People's Assembly for approval.

2.The constitutional provision, article 28, point 7, does not envisage approval in block of all the proposals by the chairman of the Council of Ministers. The partial approval of the proposals in the context of restructuring the government does not create vacuum in the composition of the Council of Ministers, as the ministers proposed to be released from duty continue to hold office until declared by the President of the Republic.

3.Article 28, point 8/a of the Constitutional Law formulated as "the President of the Republic asks from leaders of the executive power institutions to provide their opinions and data in written on issues in connection with their tasks", entitles the President of the Republic the right to be informed of the cause of these changes proposed by the chairman of the Council of Ministers and the President of the Republic waits for this information.

Under these conditions, the spokesman of the president says, a further decision of the head of state, in accordance with the Constitutional law in force, should not be prejudged. /a.ke/das/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] Nano wishes Archbishop Anastassios and Orthodox believers Happy Easter

After expressing pleasure over the revival of the traditional religious communities in Albania, Nano stresses that their survival is admirable and their assistance in building the civil society is increasing.

"The Easter Day invites us all to respect those who cultivate the virtues of goodness, peace, love and understanding among people".

"May God bless us on the difficult road for the recovery and alround development of Albania and our nation," Nano concludes. /a.ke/das/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] Minister Solis agrees to doctors' demands

"I agree to the demands of the Albanian doctors, as I, myself, belong to this strata," Solis said.

On Friday, the Trade Union staged a one-hour strike in the the Tirana University Hospital Centre "Nene Tereza".

The strike was triggered off by a statement of Solis about the moral figure of the health care workers as well as the difficult conditions the doctors are working in, shortage of medicines, obsolete apparatuses and other causes.

Referring to a statement he has made in connection with the doctors, he says that "I have never denied the role of the doctors, their sacrifices in the most difficult period due to last year's social problems, but I also cannot exclude cases of corruption among them". /a.ke/das/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] Positive, wise, responsible role of Albania in regional crisis, says Talbott

The U.S. deputy Secretary of state, Strobe Talbott, reiterated Saturday in a news conference in Tirana the stand of the United States for the solution of the Kosova issue and expressed the concern of the U.S. Government on the situation in the region, which, according to him, has not changed at all.

"There is a special interest on the beginning of a dialogue between the representatives of the Kosova Albanians and the authorities of Belgrade which is highly appreciated by the United States," Talbott.

The senior official of the USA appreciated the positive, wise and responsible role of the Albanian government in this regional crisis.

"The United States continue the close cooperation with your government, which has a special role in this situation," said the U.S. deputy State Secretary.

Strobe Talbott, who has visited Tirana twice after the beginning of riots in Kosova, said that "the international community, the Contact Group and in particular the United States, are prepared to participate in the very critical dialogue, which should start between the Kosovars and the Serbs." /a.ke/das/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] Talbott and Gelbard denounce recent Albanian-Serbian border incidents

"The United States believes in the territorial integrity of all the countries of the region. Just as we have declared ourselves for the integrity of Serbia so do we declare ourselves for the preservation of the integrity of the other Balkan countries," Gelbard told a news conference on Saturday.

"The U.S. government and the Contact Group nations oppose any kind of terror, violence or oppression from whatever side it comes," said deputy Secretary of State Talbott.

He added that "this message comes not only from the U.S. but I also believe it comes from the Albanian government, itself".

He also praised its special and responsible role in the Kosova crisis.

Talbott expressed the concern and fear of the creation of what he called a vicious circle, after the incidents that have or might take place in the Albanian-Serbian border.

"The most dangerous thing is that a vicious circle might be created which the historians of the future can define which was the first to start it," said talbott.

He added that "today's diplomats can only prevent the creation of such a vicious circle." /s.sh/das/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[20] Clinton, Meidani share opinions on situation in Kosova, Talbott

"Any hesitation today from the international community would demand greater energies in the future," continued Meidani.

Meidai hailed the will of the United States, under the direction of President Clinton, for the solution of this problem, President's press and information office reports.

The U.S. deputy Secretary of State, Talbott, after conveying the greetings of the U.S. President to Mr. Meidani, declared that Clinton and Meidani share the opinions on the situation in Kosova. Talbott stressed that "President Clinton does not consider the situation of the Kosovars as an issue of Kosova and Yugoslavia, but of the whole region. Yugoslavia, as a multinational state, should guarantee full rights for all its citizens."

He assured President Meidani for the support of the United States for our country and stressed that the United States estimated the contribution of Albania in the solution of the Kosova problem.

Attending the meeting was also the special envoy of the U.S. administration, Robert Gelbard and the U.S. ambassador in Tirana, Mariza Lino.

At the end of the meeting, President Meidani thanked for the message of President Clinton and begged the chairman of the delegation to convey to President Clinton the gratitude for the role of the United States in support of the democratic development of our country and the stability of the whole region. /s.sh/das/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[21] We will coordinate actions for solution of Kosova issue mainly with USA, Nano

Nano, after considering the message of President Clinton for a cooperation between USA and Albania as encouraging, stressed that "we will continue in this way by recognising and supporting the leading role of the U.S. diplomacy in the solution of the crisis."

According to PM spokesman, Nano said that "our contacts with representatives of the Consulting Group of Dr. Rugova have increased, aiming at finding the solutions and taking measures, which would eliminate an armed conflict and its extension in Albania and broader."

He added that "in these conditions, it is necessary to increase the military presence in the region and mainly in Albania, by boosting the programs and exchanges of experts, mainly in border zones, where significative provocations have occurred recently."

Positively responding to PM proposals, Talbott stressed that the parties in conflict should seat without conditions in the table and find the formula to overcome several constitutional disagreements."

The United States, said Talbott, considers the option of war as the worst and that's why it requests the help of Albania to avoid it."

Talbott also said that "I have personally asked in Bonn, London, Rome and Paris maximal support for the Albanian government and Premier Nano, as real factors of maturity."

In the context of the crisis in the Balkans, we think that it is the worst time for the disequilibrium of Albania, ended Talbott.

Finally, Premier Nano guaranteed the U.S. deputy Secretary of State for the support with all the possibilities of the U.S. initiatives in the region. /s.sh/das/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[22] Government coalition parties reconfirm April 14 agreement

After the appeal that Premier Fatos Nano made to the coalition parties to express their stand on the agreement (to approve or turn it down, ) the coalition parties, the Socialist Party (SP), the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the Democratic Alliance Party (DAP), the Human Rights Union Party (HRUP) and the Agrarian Party (AP), voiced their support for the cabinet proposed by PM Nano.

Nano asked this because the President of the Republic, Rexhep Meidani, decreed on Friday evening only two of the names proposed for government members.

Through the spokesman, Nano has said that "the partial decreeing of the proposals made for changes in the government, without giving the necessary explanations, leads the country into an institutional crisis," and that "the president has acted beyond the competencies envisaged by law."

Meanwhile, the President's spokesman, in a release distributed on Saturday, says that the institution of the President is in complete accordance with the main constitutional provisions, which do not envisage the approval in block of all the proposals of the Prime Minister.

Also, quoting the constitutional law, the spokesman explains that the President has the right to be informed about the reason of reshuffles in the government. /s.sh/das/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[23] Nano urges Meidani to decree all ministers

"Premier Nano was familiarised with the partial decreeing of the proposals for the appointment and discharge of several ministers, as well as with the constitutional interpretation of the delay for the complete decreeing of the list presented by the PM," says the statement of the spokesman, which continues further on with the thoughts of the Premier.

"In the conditions of a still unstabilized economical situation, at the time when the government is engaged to fulfill several financial and political obligations and above all the determinative and calming role on the Kosova crisis, it is necessary to enable without interruption the activity of governing."

"In the fragile situation, it is not justified to let the state even for a day without army, without coordination of the central government with the local one, without a coordination of the foreign aid, but even without culture. The government cannot be efficient without having a completed ruling corps," thinks Nano.

"But actually, the normal functioning of the Government is blocked. While it is decreed the abrogation of the function of the State Secretary for the Local Government and it is approved the establishment of the Ministry of Local Government, the head of this Ministry is not approved yet. Also, such blockages are noticed in the Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Tourism, the Ministry of Health, in which the changes, approved for the new structure, have not been followed by the appointments of respective leaders, by creating difficulties in the management of these sectors and functioning of the government on the whole."

Expressing his maximal engagement in fulfilling the legal, constitutional, political and above all the national obligations, the Prime Minister restressed his stand that it is not the time for fight of juridical interpretations, but for more institutional engagement to fight poverty, corruption and crime.

"The institutional disagreement does not serve the philosophy of reconciliation and common engagement for the construction of the democratic institutions," said Nano. /s.sh/das/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[24] Meidani, Nano must communicate directly to unblock situation, says Gjinushi

"The created problem is a defect in communication, which is held at the level of statements by the spokesmen. The communication should be held in the table," Gjinushi told ATA on Saturday.

The head of the Parliament encouraged President Meidani and Premier Nano to conclude as soon as possible on this problem and assured that the parliament will ratify the changes when the situation is unblocked.

Through the spokesman, Nano has said that "the partial decreeing of the proposals made for changes in the government, without giving the necessary explanations, leads the country into an institutional crisis," and that "the president has acted beyond the competencies envisaged by law."

Meanwhile, the President's spokesman, in a release distributed on Saturday, says that the institution of the President is in complete accordance with the main constitutional provisions, which do not envisage the approval in block of all the proposals of the Prime Minister.

Also, quoting the constitutional law, the spokesman explains that the President has the right to be informed about the reason of reshuffles in the government. /s.sh/das/mt/

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