Visit the Hellenic Astronomical Society Mirror on HR-Net Read the Convention Relating to the Regime of the Straits (24 July 1923) Read the Convention Relating to the Regime of the Straits (24 July 1923)
HR-Net - Hellenic Resources Network Compact version
Today's Suggestion
Read The "Macedonian Question" (by Maria Nystazopoulou-Pelekidou)
HomeAbout HR-NetNewsWeb SitesDocumentsOnline HelpUsage InformationContact us
Monday, 23 December 2024
 
News
  Latest News (All)
     From Greece
     From Cyprus
     From Europe
     From Balkans
     From Turkey
     From USA
  Announcements
  World Press
  News Archives
Web Sites
  Hosted
  Mirrored
  Interesting Nodes
Documents
  Special Topics
  Treaties, Conventions
  Constitutions
  U.S. Agencies
  Cyprus Problem
  Other
Services
  Personal NewsPaper
  Greek Fonts
  Tools
  F.A.Q.
 

Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 98-06-09

Albanian Telegraphic Agency Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

  • [01] President Meidani meets with a delegation of ANSA
  • [02] Albanian hails commitment for reestablishment of sanctions towards Serbia
  • [03] Leaders of Alliance for State field up their candidate in Vlore
  • [04] Albania's working group for treatment of refugees from Kosove convenes
  • [05] Minister of Order says police will find culprits of attempt against DP deputy
  • [06] Hotels number increase, tourists drop
  • [07] More facilities for immigration to Italy
  • [08] Albania, ready to defend its northeastern border
  • [09] Some 72 million lek allocated for Memaliaj mine
  • [10] Three unidentified Albanians buried in Gjakove
  • [11] Town hall of Durres accords 2. 500 000 leks for Kosova refugees
  • [12] Serb artillery bombs villages of border line - Gjakove
  • [13] Some 600 inhabitants blocked in their houses in Decan
  • [14] Chairman of Albanian businessmen association kidnapped
  • [15] International intervention is necessary in Decan
  • [16] U.S. pleased with work of Albanian government to accommodate refugees from Kosova
  • [17] Albanian united right-wing backs Kosova people resistance
  • [18] Albania be directly supported by US in accommodating Kosovars
  • [19] DP urges government resignation
  • [20] Fifteen refugees from Kosova, 8 500 registered
  • [21] Presence of NATO troops necessary - official
  • [22] League of Prizren - first all-national assembly of Albanians for national cause
  • [23] ATA considers opening of ANSA office in Tirana not a point of competition but cooperation
  • [24] Kosova issue dominated foreign minister meeting in Istanbul
  • [25] USD quoted at lek 153,10
  • [26] Cooperation of mutual interests between Albania, Greece
  • [27] Majko says situation in Albania's north might require state of emergency
  • [28] SP wants avoidance of debate on investigation report

  • [01] President Meidani meets with a delegation of ANSA

    TIRANE, June 8 (ata) - Albanian President Rexhep Meidani had on Monday a separate meeting with a delegation of the Italian News Agency, ANSA, led by its general director, Giulio Anselmi, the President's press and information office reports.

    The talk focused on the role that this agency will play with the establishment of its permanent office in Tirane to cover the events in Albania, the present situation in Kosove, the close Albanian-Italian cooperation and the need of emancipation of the Albanian society and press through the elevation of the quality of information. s.sh/xh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [02] Albanian hails commitment for reestablishment of sanctions towards Serbia

    TIRANE, June 8 (ata) - The spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania hailed the commitment of the meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the European Union in Luxembourg on Monday to reimpose sanctions towards Serbia, the FM press department reports. The decision is on the right track, says the report, to stop violence and ethnic cleansing in Kosove.

    The spokesman voiced the will of the Albanian government that the international community must step up pressure of all forms on Milosevic, as the most efficient means for the beginning of a real process of dialogue and for a settlement to the crisis in Kosove.

    The forums which will convene in the coming days at international level will mark a decisive moment for the crisis in the region, which is directly conditioned by the way how the international community will act towards the policy of ethnic cleansing and genocide that the Belgrade regime is implementing in Kosove.

    The spokesman voiced the belief that the resumption of dialogue through international mediation remains the only road to a settlement of the question on the coming status of Kosove. /s.sh/xh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [03] Leaders of Alliance for State field up their candidate in Vlore

    VLORE, June 8 (ATA) - By H. Koci: The senior leaders of the coalition the Alliance for State (SP, SDP, DAP, HRUP, AP of the government coalition and the National Unity Party) presented Monday their candidate for mayor in the town of Vlore, the doctor Neki Dredha.

    The SP Secretary General, Pandeli Majko, urged the participants, gathered in the sports hall of the town, to vote for the alliance of six parties and the changes made during the nine months of governing, which will further boost in the future.

    The Social Democratic Party chairman, Skender Gjinushi, after stressing the importance of the June 21 polls, underlined that in these elections the people of Vlore will tell Berisha that his alternatives are failed.

    The leaders of the Agrarian Party and the National Unity Party, Lufter Xhuveli and Idajet Beqiri, expressed the conviction for the indisputable victory of the candidate of the coalition the Alliance for State.

    In the June 21 polls, the coalition the Alliance for State, the political grouping Union for Democracy and the Albanian United Right have fielded up their candidates for mayor in the town of Vlore. Three independent candidates will take part. /s.sh/mima/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [04] Albania's working group for treatment of refugees from Kosove convenes

    TIRANE, June 8 (ata) - The working group for the Kosove refugees who have come to Albania convened on Monday under the direction of of the Albanian Deputy Prime Minister and Local Government minister, Bashkim Fino. It stated that 15 000 refugees from Kosove, of whom 7 420 registered, who have arrived in Northern Albania, have food and medicaments guaranteed, the spokesman of the Council of Ministers reports.

    The meeting stressed that the regions where the refugees are accommodated have no problems with public order, but a problem is their insufficient supply with water and electricity and the telephone connection with those zones.

    Luan Hajdaraga, Minister of Defence said that the army is ready to transport 10 thousand tons of food articles within a short period of time.

    While the Minister of Health, Leonard Solis pointed out that all measures have been adopted to supply the population with the necessary medicaments and that the medical staff is ready to face any situation. /s.sh/mima/xh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [05] Minister of Order says police will find culprits of attempt against DP deputy

    TIRANA, June 8 (ATA) - By K. Kostreci: The Minister of Order, Perikli Teta, condemned Monday in Parliament the attempt against two deputies of the Democratic Party, who were shot last Wednesday in Bajram Curri by unknown persons and promised that police will find out the persons responsible for this act.

    "As Minister of Order, when I have information that the life of a deputy is in danger, I am obliged to inform him," Teta told the deputies regarding the warning that the Ministry of Order, based on preliminary reports, made to deputy Azem Hajdari for the risk of travelling to Tropoje.

    Unidentified persons shot late on Wednesday with automatic rifle at the vehicle in which were travelling the democrat deputies Azem Hajdari and Vili Minarolli and the journalist Bardhyl Pollo, former director of Radio and Television, wounding the later slightly in the leg.

    Hajdari had refused to turn back after the warnings of the police.

    "We have not carried out our duty properly because Hajdari did not cooperate with the police," said Teta in Parliament. /s.sh/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [06] Hotels number increase, tourists drop

    Tirana, June 9 (ATA) - While three years ago some 25 private hotels were in Albania, their number is four times bigger at present.

    While in constructing new tourism hotels, especially alongside the seaside are injected million of US dollars, it seems that chances to accommodate foreign holidaymakers this year is scarce.

    Besides country's being awashed by looted arms, the tourism season is being exasperated by the influx of thousands of ethnic Albanians from Kosova fleeing Serb violence in this region.

    According to figures from the Institute of Statistics, while by the end of 1994 the number of foreign and local holidaymakers mounted 157,000, by the end of 1997 the number dropped drastically due to the wave of unrest that rocked Albania.

    Even this year the accommodation facilities in hotels surpass 3000 beds, without including the number of locals' houses alongside the coastal line arranged to accommodate tourists, especially in the southern part of Albania, these investments seem not to bring any profits.

    Only in Tirana city the number of foreigners lodging in hotels is high. The most visited hotels are Rogner Europa Park and Tirana International.

    The bulk of foreigner holidaymakers in Albania is taken by Italians with 23 percent of them, while the rest is composed of Greeks, Germans, Turks, Macedonians and Bulgarians.

    The ways of foreigners coming to Albania has changed. Thus in 1992-93 holidaymakers entered Albania mainly by road transport in 97-98 they come by sea or air.

    During the last three years the number of foreign tourism agencies is largely augmented. Some 100 tourism agencies conduct their activity in country scale, which mainly sent Albanian tourists abroad, then bring in foreigners. /gen/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [07] More facilities for immigration to Italy

    Tirana, June 9 (ATA) - The Department of Immigration at the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs has agreed with the Consular Service at the Italian Embassy in Tirana to facilitate the issuing of visas for Albanian citizens who have secured individual labour contracts in Italy.

    According to sources from the Labour ministry this category of citizens, initially should go at the Immigration Department, where visa formalities will be carried out.

    These procedures will enable Albanian citizens, who have individual labour contracts in Italy get the visa quicker. /gen/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [08] Albania, ready to defend its northeastern border

    TIRANE, June 8 (ata) - By Keida Kostreci: Albanian Minister of Defence Luan Hajdaraga states on Monday in the parliament that the Albanian army has all possibilities to face a possible threat from the Serb side of the Albania- Kosove border.

    "In case of the worsening of the situation and movement of Serbian military troops towards the border, forces from other zones of Albania, besides those in the North, may be used," Hajdaraga said in an interpellation in the parliament demanded by the chairman of the Parliamentary Defence Commission, Azem Hajdari (DP) with regard to the Albanian policies of security and military alert especially in Northeastern part of Albania.

    He informed the deputies of the Serbian movements and said that the federal army has increased its presence on the Kosove-Albania border.

    Hajdaraga said that the divisions of the northern cities of Shkoder and Kukes will be put on the alert and during July-August Albanian forces will carry out joint training with NATO teams.

    "Second division of Kukes has the necessary number of soldiers, officers and equipment, while, in general, tank and artillery companies have been stationed in the North," said Hajdaraga.

    The Defence Minister turned down any claim of the Serbian party for allegedly organized arms-trafficking from Albania to Kosove and for support for terrorism, a point which was later backed up by Hajdari himself, who, in the name of the Defence Commission and the Democratic Party (opposition) said that neither Albania, nor the Defence Ministry have been involved in arms-trafficking. /s.sh/mima/xh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [09] Some 72 million lek allocated for Memaliaj mine

    Tirana, June 9 (ATA) - Memaliaj coal mine, south east Albania remains the main supply source for industrial consumers.

    Meanwhile, the mine suffered considerable damage during the last year unrest and for this purpose a rehabilitation project is being drafted, sources from the Mines' General Department said for ATA.

    Around 72 million lek are being pumped up for restoration work, buying equipment etc.

    The improvement of technical and financial sectors guarantees the mine's working pace. This year is predicted to be extracted 40,000 tonnes of coal mineral, out of which 24,000 tonnes are already contracted. /gen/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [10] Three unidentified Albanians buried in Gjakove

    PRISHTINE, June (ata) - ATA correspondent Behlul Jashari reports: The bodies of three Albanians who were brought to the morgue of the hospital of Gjakove (Kosove) last Sunday were buried yesterday in the cemetery of that city on the order of Serb police. Their identity was not made public, besides the fact that the bodies were brought from the villages of Decan commune. /P.TA/mima/xh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [11] Town hall of Durres accords 2. 500 000 leks for Kosova refugees

    DURRES, June 9 (ATA) - By S. Gjordeni: The town hall of Durres (Middle Albania) accorded Monday 2. 500 000 leks for 600 Kosova refugees accommodated in several villages of this district.

    "This is only the first step, because if the number of refugees will increase, the town hall will also accord other funds," the mayor of the town hall, Arqile Gorreja, told ATA.

    Scores of families from Durres have sheltered in their houses refugees from Kosova (90% of the Albanian population,) who came in Albania fleeing the Serbian terror.

    The associations "Kosova," "Durresi," "Çameria," and the foundation "Sulejman Vokshi" in the district of Durres have helped the refugees from Kosova with food staff and clothes. /s.s/mima/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [12] Serb artillery bombs villages of border line - Gjakove

    PRISHTINE, June 9 (ata) - ATA correspondent Behlul Jashari reports: Serb forces are continuing attacks against the villages of Reka e Keqe bordering Kosove with Albania. The villages Noe, Smolice, Popac, Ponoshec, Morine, Brovine, Stubell and others continue to be objects of the Serb artillery, accompanied by raids of military helicopters, sources of the Democratic League of Kosove in Gjakove report.

    Serbian forces are attacking from their positions in the Hill Cabrat, in Babaj-Bokes, in the Hill Pllanik and in other mobile positions. Reports from the field speak of a powerful resistance in defence of the population who are staying in their homes and properties. Eye witnesses say that the building of the elementary school of Morine village has been totally ruined while village Dujake is encircled by Serb forces. /p.ta/pas/xh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [13] Some 600 inhabitants blocked in their houses in Decan

    PRISHTINA, June 9 - ATA correspondent in Prishtina, Belul Jashari, reports: Niman Lokaj, who lives for more than a week locked in his house together with the family, told the Kosova Information Center that "some 500 or 600 citizens continue to be blocked in their houses in the center and suburbs of Decan."

    During a telephone talk, Lokaj told the Kosova Information Center that his family is forced to stay locked in the house, as well as many other families in Decan, but their exact number is not known. "We have not been maltreated by the police, but we live under the terror of the continuous roars of arms," he added. /p.ta/pas/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [14] Chairman of Albanian businessmen association kidnapped

    TIRANA, June 9 (ATA) - By Th. Thanasi: The chairman of the association of the Albanian businessmen was kidnapped late on Monday evening in unclear circumstances for the police.

    Armed and masked persons kidnapped on Monday at 22:15 in Qemal Stafa street the chairman of the Albanian businessmen association, Koco Dada, the spokesman of Tirana Police Department reported to ATA.

    Police sources did not give details about the event and the exact place where it happened, but explain that Dada has been transported with a dark van.

    This is the second case within this year of kidnapping. In March of this year Mirjan Bubsi, 40, pedagogue in the Faculty of the Construction Engineering in Tirana University, was found dead, a week after he was kidnapped, in Qafe-Priske of Tirana.

    The same thing happened early on Tuesday. Armed and masked persons, after attempting to kidnap in Kombinat quarter the citizen Z.A., wounded him with a knife. Z.A., 35, inhabitant of Tirana, is in hospital now and his condition is not life threatening. /s.s/pas/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [15] International intervention is necessary in Decan

    PRISHTINA, June 9 - ATA correspondent in Prishtina, Belul Jashari, reports: Blerim Shala, member and spokesman of the Kosova negotiating group, who accompanied yesterday the U.S. ambassador in Shkup, Christopher Hill, in Decan and in several villages of this commune attacked by the Serbian forces, said that the situation created in Decan needs the urgent intervention of the international community in Kosova.

    "The terrible views in Decan, Carrabreg, Prejlep, Strelle, Junik, show the dimensions of an offensive which has forced thousands of inhabitants of these zones to abandon their houses and come in Albania," said Shala.

    The villages in the road Gjakove-Decan-Peje close to the border with Albania told that they have experienced the repetition of Bosnia with many victims among the civilians, with many destroyed houses and ethnic cleansing, said Shala. Without a resolute intervention of the international political-military instances, we think that the tragedy of Decan will be repeated even in other parts of Kosova, stressed Blerim Shala. /p.ta/pas/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [16] U.S. pleased with work of Albanian government to accommodate refugees from Kosova

    TIRANE, June 9 (ata) - By Ilir Paco: U.S. Deputy Secretary of State for Population, Refugees and Migration, Marguerite Houze declared on Tuesday in Tirane that the U.S considers the situation in northern districts of Albania as stabilized following the wave of refugees from Kosova.

    Speaking in a news conference Houze also said that she was pleased with the measures adopted by the Albanian Government for the accommodation of the refugees.

    "The U.S. Government will cooperate with international organizations to face the influx of refugees," said Houze.

    "The international organizations can accommodate up to 5 000 other refugees from Kosova," said ms Houze.

    "The greatest needs are those for medicaments," said Houze.

    The U.S. official congratulated local government bodies in Albania for their readiness to help the refugees from Kosove. "The hospitality of the people made us see no many refugees on the streets," said Mr Houze. /s.s./mima/xh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [17] Albanian united right-wing backs Kosova people resistance

    TIRANA, June 9 (ATA) - By A. Haxhiu: Leader of the Albanian United Right wing (DBSH) Petrit Kalakulla told on Tuesday leaders of the DBSH political grouping, which was discussing preparations for the partial local elections, that in face of a very tense situation in Kosova the grouping should adopt a clear political attitude.

    Kalakulla urged the DBSH to issue a statement backing the armed resistance of the Kosova people in front of the Serb violence and terror.

    "We should call on Tirana citizens to hold powerful protests in front of the embassies of the United States, Germany, France and others and all the Albanian people to be mobilized. We should strongly ask for deployment of NATO troops in Kosova and not in Albania," Kalakulla said.

    The DBSH comprises the Republican party, National Front party, Democratic right-wing party, Popular League party, Conservative party and the Christian Democratic Union party. s.s/pas/ak/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [18] Albania be directly supported by US in accommodating Kosovars

    TIRANA, June 9 (ATA) - US assistant Secretary of State Margaret Rivera House told a meeting on Tuesday with the Albanian prime minister Fatos Nano that "the fact that the Albanian government has opened doors to welcome Albanians coming from Kosova is very positive and in this mission it (Albania) will have the direct support of the United States."

    Nano briefed the assistant secretary House on the situation of Albanians from Kosova, according to a spokesman close to the Albanian prime minister.

    "The government is doing the utmost to accommodate and help the people coming from Kosova," Nano said adding that a series of short and medium programmes was underway to help these people integrate in areas they want to settle.

    He said that the problem of the Kosova people could be solved only through a greater engagement of the international community that would increase pressure against Serbia to stop violence in Kosova.

    Later, prime minister Nano briefed assistant secretary House on measures adopted by the Albanian government to secure armament depots, "which in this situation are under the target of weapons' trafficker and speculators," according to Nano.

    The delicate climate was being radicalised by national irresponsibilities and some voices of the opposition which wanted political benefits to the detriment of all the Albanian people, he said.

    The assistant secretary House said that the U.S. government hailed the way how the Albanian government was coping with the people coming from Kosova. s.s/das/ak/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [19] DP urges government resignation

    TIRANA, June 9 (ATA) - By A. Haxhiu: The Democratic party (DP) urged on Tuesday the resignation of the government blaming it for failing to resolve the Kosova issue.

    Genc Pollo, the DP deputy leader, asked his party National Council in a meeting held on Tuesday in Tirana to approve a draft resolution urging the resignation of the government as the latter "is not been engaged in resolving the Kosova issue."

    The draft resolution also called on all international organisations to intervene as soon as possible to stop the Serb violence in Kosova and supported the armed insurrection there. s.s/das/ak/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [20] Fifteen refugees from Kosova, 8 500 registered

    BAJRAM CURRI, June 9(ATA)-By R. Hoxha, Although there is a decrease of the number of the Kosova refugees over the recent days, it has now reached 15 000, mostly children, women and old, of whom only 8 500 are registered, according to Xhevdet Hoxha, chairman of the Council of Tropoje district (north of Albania).

    "Considerable aid in food, clothes and medicaments keep arriving from the government, Albanian and Kosovar businessmen, the Tirana city-hall, the International and Albanian Red Cross as well as from the High Commissioner for Refugees office".

    Meanwhile, many of the unrolled refugees are heading for the lowland areas, where they have relatives. This, also because the border area is overcrowded with refugees.

    Hoxha says that, besides electric power curtailment and telephone lines cut, there is a shortage of drinking water. /a.ke/das/lm/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [21] Presence of NATO troops necessary - official

    TIRANA, June 9 (ATA) - Albanian Secretary of State for European Integration Ilir Meta held a meeting on Tuesday with an NATO delegation headed by George Katsirdakis to discuss the need for a presence of NATO troops in Albania.

    "The presence of NATO troops is necessary when a spillover of the conflict is present and the ethnic cleansing in Kosova continues, and when the international community is failing to convince (Yugoslav president Slobodan) Milosevic to respect dialogue and negotiations," press and information office at the Foreign Ministry quoted Meta as saying.

    Meta stressed that "the Albanian government has declared that the political, diplomatic pressure and economic sanctions represent the first phase to force Milosevic end the ethnic cleansing and violence and accept a peaceful solution through dialogue with international mediation. But, if the diplomacy failed, the military option would remain irreplaceable."

    He said that the Albanian government hailed the latest engagement of the NATO foreign ministers in intensifying cooperation with Albania and wished to see a greater role of NATO in the region in the interest of safeguarding security.

    "We hope that the forthcoming meeting of the NATO defence ministers will serve to that," Meta said.

    The NATO expert team aims at considering the present stage of relations with Albania and the ongoing help to restructure Albania's armed forces and its defensive structures. s.sh/das/ak/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [22] League of Prizren - first all-national assembly of Albanians for national cause

    -Meidani's message addressed to association named after League-

    TIRANA, June 9 (ATA)-President of the Republic Rexhep Meidani, on the occasion of the 120th anniversary of the founding of the Albanian League of Prizren, has sent a message to the New York-based Albanian association bearing the same name.

    Meidani, the press and information office reports, greets not only the members of this association, but the entire Albanian community in the U.S., diaspora, all Albanians wherever they are, "for their noble devotion to the national values and the Albanian national cause in general".

    Further on, President Meidani says in his message: "The League of Prizren of 1878 is commemorated today as a major act of the patriotic- fighting and political-cultural movement of the Albanian people for national rebirth, identity and independence.

    This league, which gathered the most outstanding men of the nation, sealed the longstanding platform of our National Renaissance and Albania's salvation from foreign robbery and greediness.

    The League of Prizren is the first all-national assembly of the Albanians for their national cause. This is why this event has determined some of the most positive developments of our history over this century and again beams a new light on the new century, our century of hope and confidence in resolving the injustices of history and of Albania's affirmation as a modern country in the family of free nations.

    The League of Prizren takes part in this historical challenge with the message of Unity. The unity of mind, soul, and will around the national cause, this is the road to win what we are dreaming, this is the road to make Albania, this is the road to resolve our already internationalised cause," the message concludes. /s.sh/das/lm/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [23] ATA considers opening of ANSA office in Tirana not a point of competition but cooperation

    TIRANA, June 9 (ATA)-Frrok Çupi, Director General of the Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), on Tuesday, told Giulio Anselm, Director General of the Italian News Agency (ANSA), that the Albanian agency regards the opening of the ANSA office in Tirana soon not as a point of competition but cooperation.

    "Journalism is not like trade. If there is competition in trade, between the two agencies there will be cooperation," said Çupi at a meeting held in ATA on Tuesday.

    Çupi spoke of the efforts to improve the news story and highlighted the fact that the news story has succeeded in "becoming independent of the political forces, because only in this way it can be credible".

    Anselm invited his counterpart for a visit to the ANSA office in Rome and expressed readiness to help train ATA reporters and provide technical assistance, including state-of-the art technique applied by ANSA.

    "ANSA's office in Tirana will also be a point of connection with ATA, ' said Anselm.

    Çupi spoke of the relations established by ATA with the most prestigious news agencies such as ANSA, AFP, REUTER and DPA, as well as with those of the Balkans.

    After the meeting Çupi accompanied Anselm and his delegation to ATA's offices and departments where the domestic and foreign news is prepared and translated. /s.sh/das/lm/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [24] Kosova issue dominated foreign minister meeting in Istanbul

    TIRANA, June 9 (ATA) - The Kosova issue dominated the agenda of the foreign ministers meeting of the Southeastern Europe, which ended in Istanbul on Tuesday, Paskal Milo, Albania's foreign Minister, who headed the delegation, said in a press release.

    The Yugoslav delegation, headed by the Foreign Minister Zivadin Jovanovic tried to avoid a discussion on the Kosova issue claiming that this was allegedly an internal issue of Yugoslavia.

    His formulations were not taken into consideration and all the ministers especially those of Turkey, Greece, Romania and Bulgaria opposed him saying that the Kosova issue was a regional and international issue.

    Seven countries Albania, Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Macedonia and Yugoslavia attended the Balkan meeting. Bosnia and Croatia also attended the talks as observers. s.sh/das/ak/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [25] USD quoted at lek 153,10

    Tirana, June 9 (ATA) - Tuesday's average exchange rate in the informal market of Albanian currency "lek" against foreign currencies like USD, DM, SFR, ITL was in favour of these last.

    So $1 = 153,10 lek, gaining 0,10 points compared with yesterday's 153, 00 lek.

    The DM was traded for 86,10 lek, lossing 0,10 points compared to yesterday's 86,20 lek.

    The ITL (1000) was traded for 87,10 lek lossing 0,20 points compared with yesterday's 87,30 lek.

    GRD (100) was exchanged for 50,30 lek, lossing 0,10 points compared with yesterday's 50,40

    The Swiss Franc was traded for 104,30 lek lossing 1,00 points compared with yesterday's 105,30 lek and so on.

    Tuesday exchange rates

    Currency Average exchange rates

    USD 153,10 lek DM 86,10 lek ITL (1000) 87,10 lek GRD (100) 50,30 lek SFR 103,20 lek FRF 23,20 lek GBP 220,10 lek JPY (100) 110,70 lek NLG 75,20 lek

    /gen/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [26] Cooperation of mutual interests between Albania, Greece

    Tirana, June 9 (ATA) - Tuesday the Albanian minister of Economic Cooperation, Ermelinda Meksi met Greek minister of Transport, Anastasios Mantelis.

    Both sides intentions to strengthen the economic cooperation was the meeting's main theme.

    "Transport and telecommunication are other fields besides the ones covered by Greek credit worth $20 million, where we can deepen our mutual cooperation," Meksi said.

    The meeting discussed the possibility of collaboration in telecommunication sector, where Greek postal service side expressed the readiness to help in enhancing the management sector in accordance with market economy needs.

    Both sides estimated the cooperation in the transport sector especially in the South - North and West-East corridors.

    Meksi backed up the idea that the cooperation between two countries should be forecasted as a long term and permanent one. /gen/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [27] Majko says situation in Albania's north might require state of emergency

    TIRANA, June 9 (ATA)-By K. Kostreci, The head of the SP parliamentary group, Pandeli Majko, on Tuesday declared that the situation created in North-eastern Albania, after the arrival of some 15 000 Albanians from Kosova, might require the introduction of the state of emergency in several zones of the country.

    Majko said that the SP parliamentary group, after a meeting on Tuesday, had decided to ask an urgent meeting of the Parliamentary Commissions on Defence, Agriculture and Food, as well as of the Public Order to take the respective measures after the aggravation of the situation in Kosova and the arrival of the Albanians from Kosova in Albania.

    The parliamentary group of the majority also urged the creation of the necessary infrastructure to establish the NATO troops in Albania.

    "The deployment of the NATO troops should begin in Albania and then in Kosova, because NATO has taken a decision for Albania, while for Kosova the situation is more complicated, as there is no decision taking," Majko said.

    Meanwhile, the socialist deputies have taken an initiative to gather humanitarian aid for the mothers and children coming from Kosova./s.sh/das/lm/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [28] SP wants avoidance of debate on investigation report

    TIRANA, June 9 (ATA) - By K. Kostreci: The parliamentary group of the Socialist party (SP) discussed on Tuesday whether it was the right moment to debate in parliament the report of Ngjela commission in face of a grave situation following events in Kosova.

    When the parliamentary leadership has included in Thursday's agenda the final report of the Ngjela commission after being criticized for delays by the SP, the parliamentary group has called into question the fact whether to unveil those responsible for the last year unrest.

    So far, it is presupposed that the commission presents at least two reports because the report prepared by the head of the commission, the Legalist Spartak Ngjela is essentially different from that prepared by other members of the commission.

    Since the changes consist in mentioning or not in the report of former president Sali Berisha as mostly responsible for the last year unrest (Ngjela's report does not mention Berisha as that of the commission) as well as in a dilema whether the state has given a blow to the people, the parliament is most probably to debate.

    Given these changes Majko held the idea of not delaying a debate due to the tense situation in Kosova and asked for a political honest pact between the political parties.

    He also stressed that it was difficult to reach this as a result of an absurd political race which aimed at gaining capital. s.s/das/ak/


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


    Albanian Telegraphic Agency Directory - Previous Article - Next Article
    Back to Top
    Copyright © 1995-2023 HR-Net (Hellenic Resources Network). An HRI Project.
    All Rights Reserved.

    HTML by the HR-Net Group / Hellenic Resources Institute, Inc.
    ata2html v1.01 run on Tuesday, 9 June 1998 - 21:07:51 UTC