Compact version |
|
Monday, 23 December 2024 | ||
|
Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 98-09-22Albanian Telegraphic Agency Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) Home Page at <http://www.telpress.it/ata>Albanian Telegraphic AgencyCONTENTS
[01] Support for legal ways to consolidate Albanian institutionsTIRANA, Sept 21 (ATA)-President of the Republic Rexhep Meidani on Monday met with British ambassador to Albania Stephen Nash as well as the OSCE ambassador to Vienna, who expressed their country's concern about last week's events in Tirana and the violence exercised against the state institutions.The President's Press and Information office told ATA that they expressed support for legal ways, without excesses, in consolidating institutions and the rule of law in carrying out the democratic reforms and political emancipation. Meidani also expressed thanks for the active role of London in the framework of the Contact Group on the Kosova crisis. They exchanged views about the situation the country underwent. /mima/lm/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[02] Democratic Alliance Party of Albania denounces failed coup in AlbaniaTIRANE, Sept.21 (ata) - By I Luto: Chairman of the Assembly of the Democratic Alliance Party Gramoz Pashko stated Monday that uncovering of the truth on the assassination of the democrat deputy Azem Hajdari will be a corner stone for the morale of the parties and institutions and voiced the support of his party for the present government."The investigation into the matter will show whether the killing of Azem Hajdari was really politically motivated, and secondly the transparence of this process would help clarify the political situation in the country, said Pashko in a news conference on Monday. Pashko said that only judiciary has the competence to inquire into the culprits and suggested to the Democratic party (DP,opposition) to cooperate with judiciary since this party has declared the name of the killer and the ideator of the killing which happened several meters far from the seat of this party. On the day of the assassination of Hajdari, DP accused Albanian Prime Minister Fatos Nano as the ideator of the assassination and the former police chief of Tropoje (Hajdari's birthplace) as its executor. Pashko denounced the acts of violence against democratic institutions and said that the democrat leader Sali Berisha bears the main responsibility for the returning of the funeral ceremony of Azem Hajdari into an armed political action. Sali Berisha is accused as the organizer of the abortive coup on the funeral day of Hajdari. Declaring the reserves of DAP for the governing of the country, Pashko said that emergent for the situation Albania is passing is the establishment of law and order and not the changing of the government or the resignation of the Prime Minister, acts which, according to Pashko, would not help the process at all. /mima/xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[03] Legislative and executive coordinate work to eliminate coup aftermathTIRANA, Sept 21 (ATA)-By Y. Pata, Parliament's Speaker Skender Gjinushi and Prime Minister Fatos Nano met on Monday to coordinate work between the legislative and the executive, to eliminate the aftermath of the abortive coup d'etat of September 14, when the state's major institutions were violated."A series of measures should be taken by all state institutions, in cooperation with the international factor, to politically isolate Sali Berisha and not allow him to undermine the state institutions," said Gjinushi after his meeting with Nano. Gjinushi said that he supports the stand of the European Troika, which asked an end to be put to the violence in Albania and significant changes in the Albanian government's policies, which, he said, will be discussed after eliminating the aftermath of the abortive coup, blamed on Sali Berisha, leader of the Democratic Party (DP, opposition). Nano told ATA that:"The main problem today is to fight crime and armed gangs and we the Alliance for State (government coalition) are determined to strengthen this state. Nano on Monday met with all Socialist Party's secretaries, who refused to pronounce themselves after the meeting. /mima/lm/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[04] Albanian Centre Right decides to boycott ParliamentTIRANE, Sept.21 (ata) - By A Haxhiu: "Union for Democracy" and some patriotic political associations held a meeting on Monday on the situation in Albania. After the meeting, deputies Ndreu, Laco, and Uldedaj representing the parliamentary group "Centre Right" decided to boycott Albanian Parliament in sign of protest towards the government which, according to them, is exerting violence on the Albanian opposition.This decision was not approved by the chairman of the Christian Democratic Party Zef Bushati, whose party is member of this grouping. According to the press and information department of the Democratic Party of Albania, the participants in the meeting decided to create the League against the dictatorship and demanded the CE Parliamentary Assembly to suspend the delegation of the Albanian government coalition led by the deputy parliament speaker, Namik Dokle. The main parties of the United Wing such as the Republican Party, Balli Kombetar, the Democratic Right and the Movement for Democracy party did not take part in the meeting. /pas/xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[05] We are discussing efficient ways to assist Albania - KinkelTIRANE, Sept.21 (ata) - Albanian Foreign Minister Paskal Milo, who is attending the 53d session of the United Nations General Assembly which started in New York on Monday, had separate meetings with the German Foreign Minister, Kinkel and the French Foreign Minister Vedrine.The press and information department of the Albanian Foreign Minister told ATA that Mr Milo briefed his counterparts of the the attempted abortive coup organized by the armed DP wing led by Sali Berisha, as well as with the need of finding as soon as possible a solution to the conflict of Kosove through urgent and resolute measures by the international community. German Foreign Minister Kinkel said that Albania experienced a troubled period. "I say this not to criticize you, because the Albanian Government is not guilty. I would like to stress that we want to help you and we are discussing efficient ways to assist your country. The possible ways to offer are the Tirane Conference of October 31,1998 and the creation of the 'Group of Albania's Friends,'" said Mr Kinkel. He stressed that there is progress with regard to the question of Kosove, and that NATO is prepared to act. "Milosevic must understand the fact that we are ready to use the military force," said Kinkel, adding that during this week the Contact Group on Kosove will have a meeting in New York. "We are making efforts to issue a resolution based on the 7th chapter of the United Nations Charter which stipulates the use of strength," he said. The French Foreign Minister, Vedrine, expressed the importance that France and EU attach to the rapid normalization of the situation in Albania, considering this a factor for stability in the region closely linked with the solution of the crisis in Kosove. With regard to the latest events in Albania, Vedrine stressed that Albania has the full support of France and that the Albanian legitimate institutions should adopt the necessary decisions to normalize the domestic situation. /pas/xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[06] Defence attorneys reject charge against six former senior officialsTIRANA, Sept 21 (ATA)-By U. Bajrami, Three defence attorneys of six former senior officials of the Democratic Party governing said on Monday that they would continue efforts to free their clients, accused of "crimes against humanity" during the spring '97 unrest, from arbitrary charges.Rejecting all court decisions against their clients: Former Defence Minister Safet Zhulali, former deputy head of the National Information Service (SHIK) Bujar Rama, former deputy Minister of the Interior Halit Shamata, former colonel Kreshnik Lusha, former head of State Control Commission Blerim Cela and former police chief in Vlore Sokol Mulosmani, the defence lawyers told a news conference that they are on equal conditions before the law. The lawyers have hailed the presence in the investigation process of the OSCE juridical advisors, Robert Poolwer, who, according to them, has made no statement so far. /mima/lm/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[07] Director of "Kontakt" radio in Tirana lawcourt on TuesdayTIRANE, Sept.21 (ATA) - The form of custody is to be taken on Tuesday for the director of "Kontakt" radio Alfons Zeneli. He is accused of taking place in the armed rallies of Sept. 14, told to ATA the magistrate Ridvan Shkembi, the chairman of the court that will judge this case.Alfons Zeneli was arrested on Sunday. "There is no violation of law because it is within the time limit of 48 hours", told the lower Shkembi. "We could make the session on Monday, so we could proceed only with the file, but we wanted to listen to the arrested person," he added./mima/A.A/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[08] There is no suspension of projects for Albania - World BankTIRANE, Sept.21 (ata) - By Elton Metaj: "The World Bank Permanent Mission in Albania is continuing its full activity and is making continuous efforts to ensure the realisation of its investments in time," says a press release of Mr Carlos Elbirt, Permanent Resident of this Mission in Albania."The process for the disbursements continues and in the mean time none of the projects has been suspended," declared Elbirt, adding that "missions from Washington will resume completely as soon as security in the country will be etsablished." "We hail the international drives for the consolidation of democracy and the beginning of a really political dialogue. We are completely convinced that the country's development and the reduction of poverty demands from the Albanian society and political parties a strict observation of law, constitutional order and the right to ownership," writes the declaration of the World Bank senior representative. In the name of this Bank, the WB Mission in Albania is committed to continue its work and projects in Albania. "We shall continue the intensive cooperation with the local authorities to improve public administration, the fight against corruption and the implementation of other reforms with priority," ends the press release of Mr Carlos Elbirt. /xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[09] Albania signs Reviewed European Social CharterTIRANE, Sept.21 (ata) - By Lolita Thanasi: The ceremony of the signing by Albania of the Reviewed European Social Charter was held today in the Council of Europe General Assembly in Strasbourg. In the name of the Government of the Republic of Albania, the Charter was signed by the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Anastas Angjeli."Taking into account the importance of the Charter, I would like to stress that its signing by Albania expresses the full will of our Government to progress towards European integration," said Mr Angjeli in the signing ceremony. This formal act made after Albania's membership in the Council of Europe, opens the way to other important legal steps with the aim that Albania also adheres to the European Union in the future. /xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[10] Technical meeting between Albanian government and foreign donors beginsTIRANA, Sept 22(ATA)-By E. Metaj, A preliminary technical meeting between the Albanian Government and foreign donors started in Tirana on Tuesday.At this meeting the Albanian government is represented by Ermelinda Meksi, Minister for Economic and Trade Cooperation, while foreign donors by their respective ambassadors in Tirana. The participants at the meeting will discuss the financial aid provided for Albania from various state and organisations. They will also discuss the effect of the latest events on Albania, aid and projects financed by the donors, an issue discussed earlier. The meeting precedes the donors' conference on Albania, due in October. /lm/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[11] Defence Minister of Kosova government killed in TiranaTIRANA, Sept 22 (ATA)-Kosova Government's Defence Minister Ahmet Krasniqi was killed in Tirana on Monday night.The spokesman of the Public Order Ministry on Tuesday told ATA that Krasniqi, aged 50, born in Kosova and with temporary residence in Tirana, currently Defence Minister of the Kosova Government, was shot dead by still unidentified persons. He was gunned down near the house No. 32/2 of citizen Sh.T., on "Haxhi Hysen Dalliu" street on Monday at 21.15. The police carried out the first investigations on the spot and are intensively working to clear up the event and track down the culprits. /s.s/lm/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[12] Some 450 packages of explosive found in citizen's house in DurresDURRES, Sept 22 (ATA)-By S. Gjordeni, The Durres police on Monday found 450 packages of explosive and one kg of pressed narcotic plant (cannabis sativa) in the house of Azem Kerri, inhabitant of this city.The spokesman of the Durres police department told ATA that Kerri, 40, suspected of contraband activity, was arrested on Monday. /pas/lm/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[13] Offensive of Serb forces in Rrafsh of Kosove and in DrenicePRISHTINE, Sept.22 (ata) - ATA correspondent Behlul Jashari reports: Today in the morning a great number of Yugoslav military forces and Serb police and military units started a new broad offensive in the regions of Drenice and Rrafsh of Kosove and are hitting Albanian dwelling places round Mount Qyqavice.Fierce fighting is taking place 10 km northwest of Prishtine while Serb forces from Rrafsh of Kosove tempt to penetrate in Albanian villages at the foot of Qyqavice. In the region between village Prilluzh and village Gllavotin, where KLA forces are putting up resistance, fierce fighting is taking place. According to first reports from the field, two Serbs are killed and a tank has been ruined. According to Murat Musliu, activist of the Human Rights Council in Kosove who is following closely the fighting in Drenice, the village Prekaz, in outskirts of Skenderaj is being hit today in three directions: the Serb positions in the factory of Ammunition in Skenderaj, from Ternafc and Polac. Serb forces have also attacked villages Gllanaselli and Dobroshete and are trying to go into villages Qirez and Mount Qyqavice, in which thousands of refugees are sheltered. Serb paramilitaries and armed civilians are reportedly being mobilized in Rrafsh of Kosove. /p.ta/pas/xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[14] 321 public works projects underway in AlbaniaTIRANE, Sept.22 (ata) - By Lolita Thanasi: According to sources in the Albanian Ministry of Labour, at present there are 321 projects in public works being implemented in Albania. The projects consist of road asphalting, reconstructions, improvement of pavements, reconstruction of parks and other systematization. The fund earmarked for these projects, which will help employ 19.229 people, is 689 million lek.The same sources say that until the end of the current year, a 500 million lek supplementary fund is demanded and it will ensure jobs for 16 000 other unemployed people. /xh/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[15] Ure Vajgurore town-hall to provide 10 million leks of investmentURE VAJGURORE, Sept 22 (ATA)-By I. Manka, Some 10 million leks of investment will be provided by the Ure Vajgurore town-hall for the reconstruction of different projects in this town.The most important investment for this phase is that of the town's aqueduct, which technically has become obsolete, the town's mayor, Abaz Gorani, told ATA. The state has put two million leks at the disposal of this project. Meanwhile, work is underway to reconstruct pavements with a fund of 1.6 million leks. /pas/lm/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[16] News that Albania risks to be ousted from CE is false -Fischer: Albanian delegation has its own seat at CE Parliamentary AssemblyTIRANA, Sept 22 (ATA)-The news released by several medias that Albania risks to be ousted from the Council of Europe (EU) is not true, the Albanian Parliament's spokesman said on Tuesday.The head of the Albanian delegation to the CE, Namik Dokle, declared from Strasbourg: "The news released is a slander of the press that receives information from the Democratic party (DP) representative from Strasbourg." "The truth is very simple. Italian Right legislator, Martini, asked verification of Albanian delegation's credentials, but he immediately received a final response from the speaker of the CE Parliamentary Assembly, Leni Fischer, who said that the credentials of the Albanian delegation are verified and that the Albanian delegation has its own seat at the CE Parliamentary Assembly." /s.sh/lm/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[17] Meidani says he cannot take part in session on Albania in Strasbourg-Meidani replies to Leni Fischer-TIRANA, Sept 22 (ATA)-President of the Republic Rexhep Meidani replies to the speaker of the Council of Europe (CoE) Parliamentary Assembly, Leni Fischer, expressing his regret at not being able to take part in the session on Albania, due in Strasbourg on Thursday, according to the spokesman of the President of the Republic. Meidani informs Fischer on his obligation not to leave the country in these moments. He also thanks her and the CoE parliamentary Assembly for their constant aid in overcoming the crisis and consolidating democracy in Albania. /s.sh/lm/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[18] Tirana currency ratesTIRANA, Sept 22 (ATA) - By L. Thanasi: The dollar has lost 0.4 points against the lek as compared to a day earlier in the Savings Bank in Tirana costing 148.3 leks on Tuesday.Following are the buying and selling rates of foreign currencies against the lek. CURRENCY US$1.00 costs 148.30 leks German Mark 86.50 Italian lire (1000) 87.10 Greek Drachma (100) 49.65 /ak/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[19] Albanian minister to attend preparation session on educationTIRANE Sept 22 (ATA) - By P. Shuteriqi: The Albanian Education and Science Minister, Ethem Ruka, left for Athens on Tuesday midday to take part in a preparation session for the Word Conference on professional education scheduled for next year in Seul, South Korea.Minister Ruka will be acquainted with possible projects of development of this sector and present options and perspectives of the Albanian professional education, Vaso Qano, chief of cabinet said. The professional education functions through 40 institutions in 20 districts of Albania from North to South. /pas/A.A/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[20] Turkey ready to contribute to Kosova issueTIRANE, Sept 22, (ATA) By E.Koraqi: Turkish president Sulejman Demirel sent a letter to Albanian president Rexhep Meidani praising his principled and constructive stand concerning the Kosova issue."Turkey is ready to contribute by all means to resolve this problem," Demirel said in his letter. "With the same dedication, I sent letters to all leaders of the Contact Group and some regional countries expressing my growing concern for the grave situation in Kosova. I also sent a letter to President Milosevic stressing the importance for a withdrawal of the Yugoslav police forces from Kosova, safe return of refugees and kickstart of a dialogue for a peace solution to the issue," said Turkish President. President Demirel also thanked his Albanian counterpart Meidani for the reception during his July visit to Albania, and stressed that visit was a precious occasion to discuss and exchange opinions on regional and bilateral cooperation. /pas/lola/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[21] Police patrol national roadsDELVINA, Sept 22 (ATA) - By Sh. Hajno: Police of Delvine, south of Albania, have put under control all national road axis linking this region with Gjirokastra and the customs house of Kakavija bordering Greece, Sejdin Brahimi, chief of the local police station said to ATA on Tuesday.Brahimi said that police have built up check points in all national road axes to guarantee safety traffic for passengers and drivers. At least six persons either drivers or passengers have been killed and 30 vehicles robbed by gangs in the Muzine-Delvine-Sarande national road during 1997. /mima/ak/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[22] Some 3.000 persons employed in foreign companiesDurres, Sept 22 (ATA) - By S. Gjordeni: Some 91 foreign companies which operate in Durres, central Albania, are employing 3.000 persons.Sami Gjergji, head of the local Chamber of Commerce and Industry, told ATA that 36 out of 91 companies operate with their own capital, while the rest are joint stock companies. 20 companies produce light industry goods, 7 shoes, 9 building materials while 21 others trade different materials. The greatest number of employed persons are in the light industry companies, as the German one "TRUMPT" in Xhafzotaj where 122 persons are employed, while 900 others are working for the production of shoes. The Italian-Albanian joint venture "Floryen" have employed 120 persons and supplies with eggs all the Albanian cities. During the last two weeks none of the foreign investors left Durres. /pas/A.A/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[23] Six thousand new telephone numbers for VloraVLORE, Sept 22 (ATA) - By H. Koçi: The city of Vlora, south of Albania, will have other six thousand new telephone numbers to meet the requests of the Vlora people, Edmond Bocaj, chief of the Telecom division said to ATA.Bocaj said that the increase of subscribers was made possible after the Alcatel Italian company won the tender to introduce other telephone lines in the city. A study foresees that the number of Telecom subscribers for the Vlora city reaches 16 to 17 thousand until the end of 1999. Telecom is working for the reconstruction of the telephone line with the Himara town hall and installation of a new telephone exchange with one thousand numbers. /mima/ak/ Albanian Telegraphic Agency[24] Journalist, former ATA director to report to judicial policeTIRANA, Sept 22 (ATA) - By Urim Bajrami: Tirana district court ruled on Tuesday that Alfons Zeneli, journalist of the Contact radio and Ilir Zhilla, former director of the Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) report to the judicial police every Wednesday.The general prosecutor's office has accused them of participating in the armed rebellion on September 14. This charge includes violent actions, reactions against police forces and use of weapons. Zeneli and Zhilla considered the court's verdict "very correct and professional." /mima/ak/ From the Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) Home Page at http://www.telpress.it/ataAlbanian Telegraphic Agency Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |