Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 98-07-17

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] Government discusses law package on selling assets of loan-taking companies

[02] National Security Politics Committee examines draft-laws

[03] Private sector and foreign investment to be encouraged in Albania

[04] Explosion in Kukes, no victims

[05] Supreme Court upholds jail sentence for Gafurr Mazreku

[06] Owners of dinghy which escaped sinking arrested

[07] Underground sounds; curiosity as well as comments among Bardhas inhabitants

[08] Parliament's inauguration to be followed by creation of government - Rugova

[09] Nano says government interested in supporting business and investment

[10] Solana urges Albanian parliament to play an active role on Kosova

[11] Albanian parliament hails first meeting of Kosova parliament

[12] Party leader says we oppose infringement of state laws

[13] NATO, Albania bilateral cooperation program is going well

[14] NATO to continue assisting Albanian army

[15] Labour ministry says 3775 people employed in June

[16] Exchange rate: Dollar at 148 leks

[17] IFC interested in privatisation of Albanian telecom

[18] European parliament adopts resolution on Kosova

[01] Government discusses law package on selling assets of loan-taking companies

Nano spoke of recovering the Albanian economy and creating the necessary legal framework to finally eliminate the shady investment schemes, the Information and Media department close to the Council of Ministers told ATA.

The meeting also tackled a series of draft-laws and draft-decisions, mainly economic, such as the approval of an economic cooperation agreement between the government of the Republic of Albania and the Puglia Region in Italy, the approval in principle of an agreement for cooperation in the field of employment, training and social insurances between the Albanian and Macedonian governments. /a.ke/pas/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] National Security Politics Committee examines draft-laws

The objective of this draft-law is to create the legal and practical basis for voluntary surrendering the weapons, registration of illegal weapons as well as for defining the penal policy to be followed during this process, respecting the fundamental human rights and freedoms.

The meeting proposed that the parliament examines this draft-law right after its approval by the government, according to the spokesman of the prime minister.

The draft-law "On national security information department", clearly defines and broadens the working objective of the secret service, also including gathering information on international terrorism, drug production and trafficking, as well as organised crime.

A clear definition in the law that this body does not carry out military, police and executive functions, bars the way to arbitrariness to turn it into a body of violence and repression.

The draft-law, in contrast with the existing law on the National Information Service (SHIK), also defines the ways of exercising legislative, state and civil control on this body.

The other draft-law examined was "On classified information", which defines the principles of classification, preservation and administration of the information which constitutes a state secret.

This draft-law will complete the legal framework in this field which so far has been regulated by a decision of the Council of Minister in 1982. It balances correct reports between the state's obligation to ensure information and the citizens' right to get familiarised with this information.

The last two draft-laws discussed at Wednesday's meeting was that on "Albanian citizenship" and "Asylum". /a.ke/pas/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] Private sector and foreign investment to be encouraged in Albania

TIRANA, July 16 (ATA)-Albania's President Rexhep Meidani on Thursday met with the first high level delegation of the International Financial Corporation, headed by Harold Rosen, Director for Central and Southern Europe of this financial institution, which is part of the World Bank group.

Since the beginning of the meeting, Rosen explained the decision of the Leading Board of this important financial institution to include Albania in an intensive programme to encourage the private sector, foreign investment and creation of pilot models in various sectors of the Albanian economy.

In this context this corporation will intervene through the Fund of Small Enterprises with accelerated procedures to encourage small business in Albania.

It also plans to take part and attract strategic investors in telecommunication, energy, financial system, private banks and other sectors, the press and information office close to the president of the Republic told ATA.

The President of the Republic Rexhep Meidani underlined the will of the Albanian institutions for a sound development of the market economy, encouragement of the reform in economy and financial system and appreciated the aid of this corporation in realising the privatisation programme of economy. /a.ke/pas/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] Explosion in Kukes, no victims

Unknown persons on Thursday evening had placed an amount of TNT in the pharmacy offices, on the first floor of an apartment building. The explosion also smashed the windowes of the nearby buildings.

The police forces were immediately rushed to the scene and are working to identify the persons responsbile for this act and find its motives.

This is the second case of explosions in apartment buildings in Kukes. There have been no victims in both cases. /s.s/mima/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] Supreme Court upholds jail sentence for Gafurr Mazreku

The recourse asked at the Supreme Court, immediately after the ruling of the Appeals Court, could not commute the sentence against Mazreku.

The Supreme Court on Thursday decided to uphold the verdict issued by the Appeals Court, the spokesman of this court told ATA.

The former socialist deputy from the Has district (Northeastern Albania), immediately after the removal of his immunity by parliament, was subjected to investigations and was given an 11 year jail sentence by the Tirana district court, on charges of attempted murder.

After appealing at the Appeals Court, Mazreku's sentence was reduced to eight years in prison.

Gafurr Mazreku, elected deputy in the parliamentary elections of June 1997, shot and wounded the deputy of the Democratic Party deputy, Azem Hajdari, inside the parliament building last September. /s.s/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] Owners of dinghy which escaped sinking arrested

"The criminal police forces on Thursday at around 06.00, arrested the owners of the dinghy, citizens Gezim Berisha, 31, and Klodian Hajdini, 22, as well as the dinghy's helmsman Fatbardh Tahiri, 24, the three inhabitants of the Kavaje town," the spokesman told ATA.

He said that Hajdini and Tahiri were returned to Albania by the Italian police authorities from the Bari port on Wednesday evening, while Berisha has been identified in Kavaje as one of the owners of the dinghy.

The dinghy with 19 persons on board, among who five women and one children as well as Albanians from Kosova and Macedonia, escaped sinking thanks to the aid of a Dutch ship, which spotted them some 20 miles from the Puglia shores (Italy). /s.s/mima/lm/

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[07] Underground sounds; curiosity as well as comments among Bardhas inhabitants

A. Hoxha, 45, told ATA that "an underground sound, which lasted for several minutes, associated with a gigantic resound and earth's trembling, along a territory of 500 metres, was heard a few days ago".

"It was an earthquake," said a 50-year-old woman, who said that "the same phenomenon was also observed a year and a half ago." While other people, older than this woman, recalled that the same sound had been felt several times in the '60s and '70s.

Opinions of the locals vary as regards the causes of this unusual sound. A possible hypothesis is the vicinity of the oil- bearing zone of Pekishti, 15 km east of Bardhas.

Although unbelievable for the locals, the thesis launched in the '50s by a group of Russian geologists on the presence of an oil-bearing zone in the Shkumbin valley, near the Peqin town, in which Bardhas is also located, is a fact.

There are also believers who try to explain this phenomenon through various superstitions. /s.sh/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] Parliament's inauguration to be followed by creation of government - Rugova

The President of the Republic of Kosova, Ibrahim Rugova, on Friday declared that the meeting of the Kosova parliament, emerging from the March 22, 1998 elections, will be followed by the creation of the government.

"We will also set up the other bodies, which will include all political forces," President to the Republic of Kosova Ibrahim Rugova told a news conference on Friday.

The Kosova parliament, convened on Thursday, has 144 seats, of which 14 are for the Kosova Serbs.

"The best solution is an independent Kosova with all guarantees for the local Serbs and an international protectorate as a transitional stage," said Rugova.

He asked "international protection for Kosova and its people," because, as he said "the situation in Kosova, unfortunately continues to be dangerous."

"The Serbian forces attacks, which have killed and wounded many people and destroyed assets and houses, continue," said Rugova.

He especially thanked the local and foreign journalists who although under very grave conditions cover the developments in Kosova. /la/mima/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] Nano says government interested in supporting business and investment

Analysing the situation at home, after nearly one year of sweeping financial reforms, Nano said that the Government is very much interested in supporting business and investment, creating facilitating conditions through the stabilisation of the country and improvements in legislation.

Possibilities to invest in Albania are increasing, said Nano, especially with the beginning of mass privatisation, in which the strategic sectors such as telecommunication, energy, agriculture, tourism and other sectors will be of priority.

Nano said that in the context of regional initiatives like SECI, IFC can finance a number of projects which would help unify markets in the Balkans.

The financing of joint financial investments, he said, is one of the ways to establish peace in the Balkans as well as integrate our countries into the global markets.

In the coming months the solution of conflicts on land properties through improvements in legislation will be of priority, which will also remove the last obstacle for serious investments today, said Nano.

He stressed that privatisation of the banking system will start soon and this will facilitate the activity of foreign investors and encourage business in general.

The IFC representatives presented their projects in Albania such as financing of the oil-extraction project of Patos-Marinza worth $ 58 million and expressed interest in crediting the construction of material productions, telecommunication and other activities worth some tens of millions of dollars. /s.s/pas/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] Solana urges Albanian parliament to play an active role on Kosova

"The Albanian parliament should play a serious role in the months to come in order to create a peaceful negotiation climate on the Kosova crisis, encouraged by the efforts undertaken so far in this process," Solana said. s.s/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] Albanian parliament hails first meeting of Kosova parliament

"As for all the Albanians, whenever they live in their territories the July 15 this year marks a new institution which has been voted by the whole Albanian population in Kosova," the telegram said.

The Albanian parliament is deeply concerned on the development in Kosova and has backed and is backing the will of the Albanian population for self-rule, through dialogue and peaceful means, it said.

Hailing the first meeting of the parliament of the Kosova Republic and congratulating its new-elected Speaker the Academician Idriz Ajeti with his collaborators, the parliamentary leadership, speaking on behalf of all deputies, expressed its firm conviction for a useful cooperation in the interest of national issue, according to the telegram.

The parliament of the Republic of Kosova, which came out of the March 22 elections, held its first meeting on Thursday in Prishtina.

Academician Idriz Ajeti, deputy of the Democratic League of Kosova (LDK) was elected parliamentary speaker. Gjergj Dedaj of the Liberal party, Zef Morina of the Christian Democratic party and Iljaz Kurteshi of the Social Democratic party, were elected deputy speakers. Fatmir Sejdiu of the LDK was elected Secretary of parliament.

The Kosova parliament was inaugurated under extraordinary war state conditions in Kosova and without any public announcement of its inauguration today, so that the Serbian forces could not prevent it convening.

After the end of the parliament's proceedings, Serbian forces, backed by armaments, surrounded the building and later, through many provocations and threats entered it.

Serbian forces and participants of Serbian state security members confiscated armload of documents.

Meanwhile diplomats of the United States, accredited to Belgrade and who were in Prishtine and representatives from the U.S. Office in the Kosova capital also arrived there. /s.s/pas/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] Party leader says we oppose infringement of state laws

"We do not favour infringing of laws, but on the contrary we are for dialogue with police to reach understanding with them," Zef Bushati, leader of the Christian Democratic party (PDK) told a news conference on Friday.

Bushati made his statement a day after a protest organised by the Democratic Party (DP) and his supporters in the central boulevard in Tirana. The Tirana police had not given permission for the demonstration as that could cause anomaly for citizens and road traffic in the city.

"We like to reach understanding with the government for our peaceful protests," Bushati said. s.s/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] NATO, Albania bilateral cooperation program is going well

President Meidani held talks with the NATO chief during the visit of the latter to Albania at the beginning of July.

The letter of Solana said, among other: "I highly praise our talks and find that your analysis on Kosova is very interested. As I said to you during the meeting, NATO will continue to offer its full support to the endeavours of the international community to help it find peaceful solution to the crisis there.

"I am satisfied to hear that the bilateral program of cooperation between NATO and Albania is going well and I have attracted the attention of its member states on your special request to help reduce and remove the ammunition's depots. ake/pas/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] NATO to continue assisting Albanian army

of the Albanian Defence Ministry headed by the deputy minister Ilir Boçka.

Press and information office at the Albanian Foreign Ministry said to ATA that the Albanian delegation briefed the audience on what has been achieved so far in NATO individual programmes with Albania, in meeting specific needs through technical and material assistance, efforts for reorganisation and restructuring of armed forces. He also made a detailed presentation of requests on actual needs of the Albanian army.

Participants in the meeting, high-ranking representatives of NATO member states and partners discussed the report and supplementary documents presented by the Albanian side. They praised the achievements and said that it was necessary to continue assistance for the Albanian army.

NATO next meeting is going to discuss the conclusions of this meeting and every state will present its offers in response to present demands of the Albanian side. ake/das/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] Labour ministry says 3775 people employed in June

Vlora has the higher number of employed persons 387 followed by Dibra 325 and Kruja 324, while in Delvina, Gjirokastra, Kukes, Mirdite, Peqin, Puke and Tepelene none has been employed so far.

The number of employed people in Berat is 178, Bulqize 74, Devoll 20, Durres 142, Elbasan 230, Fier 76, Gramsh 236, Has 119, Kavaje 73, Kolonje 34, Korçe 32. /ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] Exchange rate: Dollar at 148 leks

buying and selling rates of the foreign currencies against the national currency Lek on the Tirana Savings Bank.

CURRENCY bought sold

US$1.00 148 Lek 151.70

Lek German mark 82.40 Lek 84.50 Lek

Italian lire 82 Lek 86 Lek Greek Drachmas 48.60 Lek 51 Lek

/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] IFC interested in privatisation of Albanian telecom

Harold Rosen, director of the Department for Central and South Europe held talks

on Friday with the Albanian Minister of Economy and Privatisation Ylli Bufi.

The IFC representatives were especially interested in privatisation of the Albanian telecom.

Both sides discussed possibilities to promote cooperation in a project of international gas network where Albania would be included, investments in telecommunication, industry of construction materials, food industry and others.

The IFC delegation has approved the program "To extend our presence in Albania" through which they are directly interested in taking part in the process of privatisation for 470 small and medium enterprises.

It wanted that in cooperation with the Albanian side to identify within a short time the enterprises where the IFC would offer consultancy and financial support.

The delegation also expressed direct interest in participating in strategic sectors backing this privatisation financially.

Both sides said that introduction and ongoing investments in these sectors parallel with the privatisation process not only increased the value of assets of these enterprises but also made them more attractive for investors.

The IFC is partner of Anglo Albanian Petroleum with 15 percent of interests that aims at rehabilitating and intensifying the exploitation of oil resources in Patos-Marines area with an investment worth millions of dollars. agj/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] European parliament adopts resolution on Kosova

1. to strongly condemn the continuing and ever increasing violations of basic human rights, the process of ethnic cleansing and the extremely violent aggression carried out by the Serbian special police units of the Yugoslav army and paramilitary forces against the population of Kosova and continue to condemn the rise of violence by all parties.

2. to call on the Belgrade regime to put an immediate end to the indiscriminate attacks by special police unit of the Yugoslav army and paramilitary forces against the population of Kosova;

3. to call on both the Belgrade regime and the representatives of the Kosova people to immediately create the necessary conditions for a political solution to the conflict in Kosova through a full and meaningful dialogue on its future status with international mediation, possibly through the organisation of an international conference; 4. to welcome the position taken by the Council, aimed at continuingly increasing the pressure on the Serbian authorities, but call at the same time on the Council and the member states to take all further measures that are considered necessary to stop the process of ethnic cleansing, aggression and destabilisation by the Belgrade regime and to promote actively a decision by the UN Security Council permitting the possible use of military force which may be deemed necessary to achieve this goal; therefore to support the preparations for possible military intervention on the basis of the NATO/WEU framework, both to protect the people of Kosova and to prevent the conflict from spreading to neighbouring states;

5. to call on the Council to launch a strong political initiative to open up negotiations between the parties and to suggest to them the establishment of further confidence-building measures, such as a no-fly zone over Kosova; 6. to call on the Commission, the Council and the member states to give their fullest possible support to the neighbouring countries and regions, including support, where necessary within the framework of the WEU and NATO, to guarantee their security and stability in the region;

7. to call on the Commission and the Council to provide all necessary humanitarian aid to the victims of and the refugees from the acts of violence and call on member states to stop returning refugees and asylum seekers to Kosova where protection cannot be guaranteed;

8. to call on the Council and member states to contribute as soon as possible to the sending of monitors to Kosova and to promote the establishment of a long-term OSCE mission in the region as soon as possible, call on both parties in the conflict to guarantee the safety of international observers in the region; 9. to give full support to all persons and organisations within and outside Kosova who are still seeking to resolve the conflict in Kosova by a political solution through dialogue; 10. to instruct president to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council, the WEU, NATO and the UN security Council, the presidents and governments of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and Serbia and the representatives of the population in Kosova. ake/ak/

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