Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 98-04-22

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] Procedure of executing penal decisions adjusted

[02] President Meidani meets with Minister of Culture

[03] Albania's Customs new code in accordance with EU standards

[04] State should legally acknowledge every creditor capital

[05] Offers by foreigners for copper mineral increased

[06] Cooperation agreement between Albanian and Dutch army signed

[07] Baballoq village of Decan continues attacked by Serbian artillery

[08] National painting competition "Jesus Christ" held

[09] Work resumes in Gora coal mine

[10] Kodra, dubbed 'primitive of new civilisation' is 80 years-old

[11] Milo: Albania's engagement in Central European Initiative will be active

[12] USD quoted at lek 158,40

[13] Foreign tourism agencies' evaluate order and tranquility

[14] IFC keen on privatization of strategic sectors

[15] Albania, Netherlands to promote their relations

[16] Albanian pre-historical caves - most interested in Europe

[17] Former president to face investigation commission on '97 unrest

[18] Early local election to be held on June 21

[19] Albania president meets with Netherlands minister

[20] Renowned tourism hotels empty again this year

[21] Former president of VEFA Holding released from house arrest

[22] EU humanitarian office to assist Albanian health system

[23] Draft on returning Albanian TV into public television ready

[24] EU humanitarian office to assist Albanian health system

[25] Over 55 percent of revenues only from VAT

[26] Albanian Speaker meets FYROM parliamentary delegation

[27] Netherlands minister says Kosova Albanians to enjoy all rights

[28] Former trade minister appointed Albania's ambassador to Russia

[01] Procedure of executing penal decisions adjusted

Besides sentence of surveyed education through labour, which has been issued by decree, all the other procedures have so far been adjusted by sub- legal acts or prisons' regulation.

"The law defines the bodies which start the execution procedure, those which effectively execute decisions, those which control observation of the demands of the law and those which defend the rights of the convicts, " the head of the Parliamentary Law Commission, Fehmi Abdiu, said.

The law envisages that the prosecutor's office becomes the body which puts in motion the procedure of executing final decision and exercises control on law observation. Hence, the prosecutor can intervene in all stages of decision execution.

"The project specifies that the execution of imprisonment sentence be undertaken by the Interior Ministry, while jail sentence service by the Justice Ministry through the Prisons' General Department," said Abdiu.

According to the Law Commission it is indispensable that the Jail Sentence Supervising Commission be set up to guarantee the rights of the convicts.

The law also considers special and favoring treatment of the minors, women, handicapped and sick convicts. /a.ke/pas/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] President Meidani meets with Minister of Culture

No details have been provided about this meeting from the Presidency's official sources as, according to its spokesman, Sotiraq Hroni, it was a tete-a-tete meeting between Meidani and Dade.

Meidani has recently called to separate meetings all the ministers proposed to be released from duty and congratulated them for their ongoing achievements in their tasks.

After the meetings he has also decreed the respective changes.

"After meeting Dade, the president is expected to decree her release from office and appointment of Edi Rama as Minister of Culture, an official source of the presidency told ATA.

So, after Dade, the President is waiting for the next two ministers proposed to be released from office: Defence Minister Sabit Brokaj, who will be replaced by Luan Hajdaraga, and Minister of Labour, Social and Women Affairs Elmaz Sherifi, who is expected to be replaced by Anastas Angjeli.

After the president's decrees, the cabinet of Prime Minister Nano will be completed. /s.s/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] Albania's Customs new code in accordance with EU standards

A new important element is the method of calculating the imported goods value, which will reflect the real price of the goods avoiding so the artificial increase of prices.

Also to prevent the smugglers from violation customs procedures are predicted tough measures, like fines ranging from 50 thousand to 1 million lek, for those that their goods do not surpass the amount of 5 million lek, while for others that surpass this value besides the fine will be penally prosecuted.

Other elements like the compiling authentic certificates by state authorities and not by the Chamber of Commerce, the limit of keeping the documents by the traders etc will better complement this imports document.

Also in order to promote the investments, a new liberal policy will be pursued regarding customs' duties for all private enterprises that have received the exclusivity or have clearly influenced in creating new jobs. /gen/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] State should legally acknowledge every creditor capital

In the statement, the creditors' association say that "Vlora's people protested against the Bersha's state plundering and suffered most from the loan taking phenomena and has declared that will support that government which will restitute the stolen money."

The statement further down quotes "the state should legally acknowledge the capital of each creditor." They also want the delivery of money to be done proportionally, excluding those persons who have profited illegally.

Vlora's creditors, through their representatives also demand to right to confront with all governmental levels before the law be approved in Parliament. /gen/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] Offers by foreigners for copper mineral increased

Out of three tonnes the average daily production in early March, today it has increased up to six tonnes told Tuesday ATA the state run Albaker company, Frederik Perdoci.

The re organization of Rubiku plant management staff and better work organization boosted the production pace.

The whole production is under tight control to avoid any misuse. Government's decision to prevent the smuggling has made possible that all licensed subjects to sell such ore, should send them in Rubiku plant, the director said.

These days resumed work the mines of Qafe Bar and Spac. After 10 months of rehabilitation is expected to resume work the processing plants of Fushe-Arres, Golaj and Rreps.

The outputs increase promise that by the end of June should start the export of first 400 tonnes of cooper.

While until the end of 1998 is predicted to be exported up to 240 tonnes of blister copper. /gen/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] Cooperation agreement between Albanian and Dutch army signed

The Defence Minsitry's press and information office reports that minister Brokaj briefed Voorhoeve on the relations of Albania and the Albanian army with the neighbours and stressed that problems are now linked with Serbia, alone.

Voorhoeve pointed to the possibility of strengthening cooperation in the context of Partnership for Peace and in the bilateral aspect.

Referring to Kosova, speaking on behalf of his team, Voorhoeve said that "Kosova should have full autonomy".

The agreement of cooperation envisages a visit of the Albanian defence Minister to Holland this month and various courses in Holland for staff officers as well as a series of joint activities.

Also, the way to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between the two respective ministries in a near future was left open. /s/sh/das/pas/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] Baballoq village of Decan continues attacked by Serbian artillery

Also today, since 06.00 a.m., the Baballoq village of Decan (1 600 inhabitants) has been under the Serbian forces' attacks.

Heavy artillery armaments, shooting from fortified positions set up at the site called Suka e Baballoqit and at strategic spots where Serbian colonists have been settled.

The attacks began yesterday at 11.00 and continued until late at night and started again in the morning. So far there has been no report on the consequences because of the siege and telephone lines from Prishtine with Decan have been cut off.

Eyewitnesses, coming from these sides, say that there are displacements of the population from the suburbs of Decan and Gjakove, which continue to be targets of Serbian forces' attacks.

The LDK spokeswoman in Gjakova, Besa Arllati, told ATA that a very grave situation continues in Gjakova and its suburbs, where there are movements and concentrations of Serbian military-police forces, especially in the regions of Dushkaja and Reke e Keqe. /p.ta/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] National painting competition "Jesus Christ" held

The first prize was won by the painter from Laci, Ndue Pepa, with the work "Sacred Light" and the second by Hasan Nallbani with the painting "Crucified Jesus".

According to the organizer of this activity, Qezar Rica, the national contest on religion, literature, painting, music etc. will be organised in the Kurbin district, yearly.

In national competition took part 38 creators from all around Albania. /s.sh/das/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] Work resumes in Gora coal mine

After work restarted in Qenska sector in February 15, yesterday the same thing happened in Lozhan, where some 30 new workers were employed said for ATA the mine's director, Veledin Memeli.

The total number of workers employed in the mine is figured out to be 117.

Gora mine had suspended its activity since early 1996 and according to Memeli the resumption of work was made possible due to inner sources of the mine, after they sold some mineral, stored in the depots.

The mine's turn out during March was 700 tonnes and this month it aims to double the output.

It sells its product to Korca thermo power and some private consumers like the brick factory, brewery etc.

Gora mine has four sectors and years ago when it worked in full capacity, it had an annual output of 250,000 tonnes of coal ore. /gen/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] Kodra, dubbed 'primitive of new civilisation' is 80 years-old

Kodra, 'discovered' by the great master of the Albanian sculpture, Odhise Paskali, left for Italy to take studies by the end of the '30s. The year 1944 marked the opening of Kodra's first studio in Milan.

The works of Ibrahim Kodra today are present in the most well-known galleries of the world modern art like in the U.S.,

Russia, Japan, France, Italy, Germany, Iran, Belgium, Denmark as well as in Albania's Arts Gallery, which preserves three pieces of art of the years 1938-1942, signed and dated by the author, himself.

The renowned poet Paul Eluard has called Kodra "the primitive of a new civilisation".

Kodra visited Albania for the first time in April 1996 when, former president Berisha, awarded him, at a special ceremony, the order "honour of the nation".

President of the Republic Rexhep Meidani, in August 1997, provided the master of art of 2000 with the Albanian diplomatic passport. /s.sh/das/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] Milo: Albania's engagement in Central European Initiative will be active

At a working meeting with the ambassadors of the countries of this initiative, organised on the initiative of the Croat embassy in Tirana, Milo pointed to the engagement of the Albanian government in any initiative contributing to peace, stability and prosperity of our region.

The action plan of the organisation for '98-'99 approves a project for Albania, called "Albania - promotion of reforms and economic recovery".

Regarding the Albanian project, Milo mentioned two priorities: Industrial Park of Durres and supply of Tirana with electricity.

One of the meeting's results was to set up a working team with representatives from the Initiative countries' embassies which should be active concerning the monitoring of the organisation's activities. /s.sh/das/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] USD quoted at lek 158,40

So $1 = 158,40 lek, lossing 0,70 points compared with yesterday's 159, 10 lek.

The DM was traded for 88,60 lek, lossing 0,10 points compared to yesterday's 88,70 lek.

The ITL (1000) was traded for 89,00 lek gaining 0.10 points compared with yeasterday's 88,90 lek.

GRD (100) was exchanged for 50,40 lek, lossing 0,20 points compared with yesterday's 50,60

The Swiss Franc was traded for 104,30 lek lossing 2,00 points compared with yesterday's 106,30 lek and so on.

Wednesday exchange rates

Currency Average exchange rates

USD 158,40 lek DM 88,60 lek ITL (1000) 89,00 lek GRD (100) 50,40 lek SFR 104,30 lek FRF 25,20 lek GBP 230,30 lek JPY (100) 111,10 lek NLG 73,20 lek /gen/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] Foreign tourism agencies' evaluate order and tranquility

"We are very pleased by the police forces work, dockers and locals' hospitality," said for ATA the representative of Greek travel agency "Petrakis Kompani" located in Corfue.

The same evaluation on the situation of Saranda town was affirmed by the Austrian travel agency "Senioren Reisen" representative, Weit Smitler.

According to the Austrian agency the town of Saranda and the Butrinti archeological site will be visit up to 60,000 tourists until May 10.

Saranda is the first Albanian city being visited by foreign tourists since after 1997. The town was visited by 25,000 tourists in 1996. /gen/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] IFC keen on privatization of strategic sectors

IFC representatives held talks at the ministry on the potential sectors that will enter the privatization process.

They were interested in sectors like telecommunication, energy, water etc. IFC has actively participated in privatization processes of strategic sectors in East European countries.

This World Bank's branch early April has earmarked $108,5 million for the rehabilitation of Patoz Marinez oil fields, in the framework of a $250 million dollar project to develop this oil field zone.

This project is a cooperation of foreign companies "Premier Oil", "Pruessag" and IFC with state run Albpetrol. /gen/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] Albania, Netherlands to promote their relations

Program of cooperation in the Defence signed by both ministries will be followed by others, which aim at training and qualifying Albanian military staff, a spokesman of the Council of Ministers said.

"These are all steps in the right direction," prime minister Nano said, considering the Netherlands a model of establishing independent institutions.

Referring to the situation in Kosova, Nano said that the Albanians will continue to be in close touch with NATO member states and those of the Contact Group.

Nano praised the relations with neighbouring countries, such as Greece and Macedonia very positive.

The Netherlands minister said that both countries should develop further the European links. "Belgrade has not yet understood that the way to Europe passes through a change to the present status of Kosova," Voorhoeve said. s.s/das/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] Albanian pre-historical caves - most interested in Europe

Perikli Qirjazi, head of the Albanian Spelaeology Didactic Association, said skeletons of bears dated back to 10 000 until 40 000 years were found in this cave.

"Similar caves explored in different countries in Europe are considered as museums and the surrounding areas are declared natural parks visited by thousands of people," he said.

Contrary to five similar European caves, "the Albanian cave is unique because it has also served as a settlement for the ancient people," Qirjazi said.

Among other pre-historical caves in Albania, he mentioned that of Puci 5 km long which was located at the Alps in the valley of Perroi i Thate.

Qirjazi said "this explored cave is included in the biggest, longest and more interested caves in Europe."

Cave of "Njerezve te Lagur" 2,5 km long in the Boga valley North of Albania, Ndue Gjoni two-floor cave, some 650 meters long explored in the Uraka valley when Kurbnesh and Lura meet, are known as such.

Some 1 000 carstic caves have been explored so far in Albania, which are of scientific, cultural, didactic, economic, tourist or curative interest.

They are located in almost 23 percent of the territory and are thought that the same number can exist even in other areas of Albania still unknown. s.sh/mima/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] Former president to face investigation commission on '97 unrest

Berisha would be questioned about orders he had given when he was president.

"24 people from the ruling coalition and the opposition will be summoned to testify on the events of last year," Spartak Ngjela, head of the commission, said to ATA on Wednesday but refused to elaborate.

The commission member Spartak Braho said to ATA that besides Berisha other Democrat leaders would be questioned by the commission such as Shaban Memia, Leonard Demi while Genc Pollo would be summoned as witness.

Braho said that the deputy prime minister Bashkim Fino, minister of Institutional reform Arben Imami and Ridvan Peshkepia of the Democratic Alliance party would come to give evidence on an event for which Braho refused to comment considering it "secret".

He added that some ten other former generals were under investigation starting with former Defence minister Safet Zhulali, former chief of General Staff Adem Çopani, former deputy Defence Minister Agim Shehu, former head of National Information Service (SHIK), Bashkim Gazidede, and others.

"If those summoned to face the commission refuse to come voluntarily, besides the deputies, the police will force them," Braho said.

The files will be passed to the Prosecutor's office and the latter will take measures if the deputies fail to face the commission. mima/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] Early local election to be held on June 21

The decree envisaged that the elections for commune and municipality heads would be held on Sunday, June 21, 1998.

They will be launched in communes of Lazarat (Gjirokaster), Proger (Devoll), Lure (Diber), Dhiver (Sarande), Zavaline (ELbasan), Gjergjan (Elbasan), Sineballaj (Kavaje), Bushtrice (Kukes), Greshice (Mallakaster) and in municipalities of Vlora, Roskovec, Vore, Patos, Ura Vajgurore, Shijak and Kavaja.

The decree entered into force immediately. ake/mima/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] Albania president meets with Netherlands minister

"The international community is losing time in relations with Belgrade," Meidani said, stressing the need for a new realistic balance in interethnic relations within Yugoslavia.

The Netherlands Defence minister backed the attitude of the Albanian head of state and added that the efforts of the international community should be careful in finding out a solution to the crisis through dialogue and peaceful means.

Referring to the latest developments in the border with Yugoslavia, Voorhoev favoured cooperation of the Albanian government with NATO in the framework of the Partnership for Peace.

Meidani, besides economic assistance and technical cooperation, asked for help in improving the Albanian legislation.

"It is time to urge a full development of the civil society, with the aim of ending a governing based on political concepts. The rule of law urges only legal and constitutional procedures," he said.

President of Albania assessed the work for professional qualification of the Albanian army and urged military cooperation between the two armies.

Albania Defence minister Sabit Brokaj and chief of General Staff Aleks Andoni were present. ake/mima/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[20] Renowned tourism hotels empty again this year

This sector was badly damaged during the last year violence that rocked Albania and now Albtuorism is trying to curb the further destruction of the hotels.

According to Pellumbi once renowned hotels like "Adriatiku", "Butrinti" and "Kruja" in Durres coastal line or Pogradec and Butrinti in Saranda town, now only their frame work is visible.

With their scarce financial means Albtourim can't reconstruct alone the tourism hotels. Meanwhile, the only way of escape is their privatization.

Tourism hotels alongside the Albanian coast every summer used to host thousands of foreign and local holiday makers, while now the hotels are almost ruined. /gen/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[21] Former president of VEFA Holding released from house arrest

Alimuçaj's file was referred to the Tirana Court after the Supreme Court ruled that he be put under unlimited house arrest.

He was charged of preventing the activity of the Deloitte & Touche audit company.

The presiding judge Sofi Zhilla said that he was released for lack of legal reasons which put him under custody or house arrest. ake/mima/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[22] EU humanitarian office to assist Albanian health system

This fund will be used for social and medical assistance, different reconstructions in health buildings in five districts such as Shkoder, Malesi e Madhe, Durres, Kruje and Tirana.

"The distribution will be done by the Crystal Club association in cooperation with MOVIMONDO organisation," Gramoz Dudushi, its health coordinator said to ATA on Wednesday.

Shkodra is the city, which will profit the largest amount. The fund will be used to reconstruct the sanatorium and contagious disease hospital, supply respective laboratories, set up a curative center for premature children, a training center for medical staff and ongoing supply with food for orphanage.

The project will provide medical apparatus for micro surgery and radiology for Tirana and a complex assistance for Durres and Kruja. Five health centers will be open in Malesia a Madhe. ake/mima/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[23] Draft on returning Albanian TV into public television ready

Musa Ulqini, head of the parliamentarian commission on media, said to ATA that a TV national council would be set up in Albania to issue licence to other private television channels.

50 percent of the profits of the public television will be secured from the tax payers and taxes will be collected by the Albanian power generation and distribution firm (KESH). The remaining will be realised from advertisements and state budget.

Ulqini said that the council members would not be allowed to have closed or remote links with the policy and private electronic media. They should have not worked in the Albanian TV for the last three years. The members would be elected for five and not four years.

"An important mechanism is the draw for one third of the members, who will be replaced by the council itself and not by the parliament," Ulqini said.

The Council of Europe has provided resolutions, recommendations and exchange of information to create a public television according to European standards. ake/mima/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[24] EU humanitarian office to assist Albanian health system

This fund will be used for social and medical assistance, different reconstructions in health buildings in five districts such as Shkoder, Malesi e Madhe, Durres, Kruje and Tirana.

"The distribution will be done by the Crystal Club association in cooperation with MOVIMONDO organisation," Gramoz Dudushi, its health coordinator said to ATA on Wednesday.

Shkodra is the city, which will profit the largest amount. The fund will be used to reconstruct the sanatorium and contagious disease hospital, supply respective laboratories, set up a curative center for premature children, a training center for medical staff and ongoing supply with food for orphanage.

The project will provide medical apparatus for micro surgery and radiology for Tirana and a complex assistance for Durres and Kruja. Five health centers will be open in Malesia a Madhe. ake/mima/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[25] Over 55 percent of revenues only from VAT

Thus, only during the first 20 days of April are collected for state budget over 930 million from the VAT, compared to lek 1,3 billion that is the plan until the end of the month.

Tirana, Durres and Vlora customs have not met their targets, while better are working Lezha, Kapshtica, Korca and Fieri custom houses.

During 1997 from the collecting of VAT over 11,2 billion went to state coffers, while this year is predicted that from the total amount of lek 64,7 billion to be picked up from taxes, some 34 billion lek will be provided from the VAT.

The incomes will be realised not mainly from tax increase, but from the strengthen of fiscal law. /gen/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[26] Albanian Speaker meets FYROM parliamentary delegation

Expressing respect for international documents and will of the Kosova people, the Albanian Speaker Skender Gjinushi and head of FYROM parliamentary foreign commission Ilinka Mitreva shared the view that a right long-term solution to the Kosova issue represented a balance not only for the Balkan region but also broader.

Gjinushi and Mitreva expressed the will of respective governments to promote bilateral relations. ake/mima/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[27] Netherlands minister says Kosova Albanians to enjoy all rights

Minister Milo expressed the great concern of the Albanian government on the increasingly worse situation in Kosova.

The meeting discussed possibilities for promotion of bilateral relations. Both politicians stressed the need for cooperation not only in the military in the frame work of the Partnership for Peace but also in other fields of mutual interest. ake/mima/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[28] Former trade minister appointed Albania's ambassador to Russia

Press and Information office at the presidency said that President of the Republic Rexhep Meidani replaced the present ambassador to the Russian Federation with Vukaj on the proposal of the chairman of the Council of Ministers. s.s/mima/ak/

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