Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 98-10-29

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

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CONTENTS

[01] Europe boycotts Berisha politically

[02] Parliamentary Commission for campaign on constitutional referendum established

[03] Severe measures for trafficking of illegal Kurds - more than 100 illegal Kurds caught and returned from Greece -

[04] Preparations to start referendum campaign

[05] Government discusses measures for donors' conference and constitutional referendum

[06] Albanian Parliament adopts law on "National Information Service"

[07] Shooting continues in Malisheve

[08] Serb forces continue to control some villages of Suhareka

[09] Fair "Autumn '98" - impulse for Elbasan's economic and trade development

[10] Gjakove: Serb forces sent towards border belt

[11] New Albanian-German financial agreement signed

[12] Projects for new gas wells drafted

[13] New organisation of passengers railway transport aimed

[14] Traces of Ataturk apparent as soon as one sets foot on the powerful state he created - Meidani

[15] New lines for olive processing

[16] The exchange rate

[17] Firms that hide goods from customs duties uncovered

[18] Gjallica: 135,8 milliard leks coming from investors

[19] Bulgarian Bank in Tirane

[20] Tough measures to secure international conference on Albania

[21] DP has not yet presented referendum commission lists

[22] Activities held on National Holiday of Greece

[23] 50 million leks given to shelter the displaced Kosovars in Shkodra

[24] Modern Turkey is a chance for Europe and broader, Meidani

[25] Vlore starts preparations for Constitution referendum

[26] It belongs to Parliament to urge people vote of confidence on Constitution

[27] Italy supports Albania in field of spectacles and cinema

[01] Europe boycotts Berisha politically

"In Brussel, in the meeting held by "Friends of Albania" group a thorough isolation of Berisha was decided", some ambassadors in Tirane confirmed to "Gazeta Shqiptare". Thus DP chairman, Sali Berisha was not invited to the reception of German Embassy and that of Austria. The same stand is also expected to be held by the Embassies of the European Community countries.

Recently the press by DP, has intensified the attack against the OSCE ambassador in Albania and the chairman of "Friends of Albania" group, Daan Everts, blaming him for the West cold relations to DP.

Meanwhile, defending himself from the accusations, according to the daily "Gazeta Shqiptare", Everts said that "Every criticism to DP was made earlier by European Parliament, European Council, etc". /dast/lola/

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[02] Parliamentary Commission for campaign on constitutional referendum established

Following discussions among the chairmen for the drafting of the constitution, upon a proposal of the Presidency of the People's Assembly it was decided that a provisional commission of consisting of nine members be set up with deputies from all the political parties participating in the Parliament.

The task of the commission will be to organize propaganda for the Constitution which is expected to be voted in a people's referendum on November 22. It was also decided that the expenses for this propaganda be paid by the fund that the state budget has earmarked for the People's Assembly.

All the deputies present in the session adopted the decision for the creation of this commission which will convene on Thursday afternoon to take the tasks it has to accomplish.

At this decision, the Parliament closed its session for nearly one month during which the campaign for the referendum of the Constitution will be held. /dast/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] Severe measures for trafficking of illegal Kurds - more than 100 illegal Kurds caught and returned from Greece -

Besides structures of Albanian police to halt the traffic of Kurds, Greek police have expressed, after contacts with them, their readiness to cooperate in set moments and situations, said to ATA the director of the prefecture department, Colonel Spartak Guma.

In the recent days, the police commissariat of Gjirokaster and Tepelene have caught and returned to Greece about 100 illegal Kurds.

The commander of the police post of Kakavije, captain Abedin Hitaj, said that the trafficking of Kurds starts in the camps of Kurds in the Greek city of Patras from where various groups of traffickers direct them to Albania and from there to the Italian coast.

Hitaj added that the ways for this traffic are Saranda, Permet and Gjirokaster, while the sums of money profited from this illegal activity are too high. Only to come to the Albanian territory from the above districts up to Vlore or in the River Seman in Fier, a Kurd emigrant has to tshould pay USD1000-2000 thousand.

Sources close to the traffickers told ATA that in many cases, Asian emigrants are deceived or maltreated by the traffickers, and among those are women and children. Only some days ago, about 30 Kurds were abandoned by their guides out of fear that police might catch them, at a time when they had already taken from the Kurds the money needed to carry them to the Albanian coast. /dast/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] Preparations to start referendum campaign

The Municipality of the city has set up a working group consisting of counselors and representatives from all political spectrum to follow the referendum preparations.

Durres Prefecture jurist, Gezim Bega says that the registration of voters foresees difficulties specially in Durres city, in which the recent demographic growth has almost been out of control.

Durres district has a population of more than 200 thousand inhabitants. /pas/lola/

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[05] Government discusses measures for donors' conference and constitutional referendum

The Ministry of Information reports that the government also discussed the comprehensive measures undertaken for holding the referendum to approve Albania's draft-constitution.

The Local Government Ministry has now allocated the necessary structures and detailed funds for every town-hall and prefecture.

The Council of Ministers decided that the commissions charged with enrolling voters in municipalities and communes be composed of three members: one to be appointed by the administration of the municipality and commune and two others to be proposed by the major political forces represented in the respective council, one from the opposition and the other from the government coalition.

The government ratified the assistance agreement between the Republic of Albania and the Federal Chancellory of Austria for the second phase of the project for the rehabilitation of the water supply system and sewages in the city of Shkoder, for which Austria has provided 39 million Austrian shillings in the form of a grant.

The government also approved a decision about students' part time attendance of higher schools in branches in which the number of students is not completed.

From these "uncompleted quotas" the report says, 35 will be at the disposal of Kosova students, 100 of the politically prosecuted and five and seven to the association of the blind and invalids respectively.

The government also approved a project regarding the reconstruction of enterprises and competition, funanced by the UNDP, as well as a decision on the release of funds, included in the programme of investments for 1998, for the Ministry of Public Affairs and Transport so that the Tirana city- hall be provided with additional funds for sewages. /pas/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] Albanian Parliament adopts law on "National Information Service"

After considering the remarks, the Parliamentary Commission of Order and SHIK, in cooperation with the Commission of Laws, presented in today's plenary sessions their objections to the law on SHIK.

The deputies present adopted all the remarks and the amendments to the law, among which the subordination of the post of SHIK chairman on the Prime Minister.

The Law on SHIK was adopted by Albanian Parliament in August this year but its approval aroused polemics not only among opposition political parties but also in some deputies of the socialist majority. Reserves for the law also had some non-governmental associations and organizations.

President Rexhep Meidani sent back the law on SHIK for reexamination by parliament, conformed to the law. /dast/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] Shooting continues in Malisheve

Gunfire was heard yesterday before noon from these forces, while their presence is hindering the inhabitants' return to their homes, LDK sources in Malisheve say, adding that the inhabitants' return is being hindered also by the Serb forces pulling out from roadblocks but which continue hiding in mountains.

The sources said that the Serb police forces yesterday opened fire in the direction of the inhabitants of the Mrasor village, who had come to see the situation. /p.ta/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] Serb forces continue to control some villages of Suhareka

From these strategic points, the Serb forces control all the villages of the commune, making impossible for the displaced Kosovar to resettle at their houses, say sources of LDK in Suhareke, adding that a Serb police patrol went to village Sopije yesterday, and stopped and maltreated some Albanians.

Also Serb police forces continue to stay in Ratoc of Prizren and in the old police station in Zym of Has. /p.ta/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] Fair "Autumn '98" - impulse for Elbasan's economic and trade development

This fair was organised from the Chamber of Commerce, Elbasan district in cooperation with the city Municipality.

Besides renowned local companies such as those of steel production "Habin Shop", "Besa", etc, in this fair some new firms such as sponge producing company "Expansion", "Casa Italia" and Berlin Water Supply enterprise, which will manage Elbasani Water Supply enterprise for about 25 years period, are also participating.

This is the second fair organised in Elbasan for this year by the renowned "Elida CO".

It will be opened till October 2. /lh/lola/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] Gjakove: Serb forces sent towards border belt

KIC also reports that the Serb police have withdrawn from several villages of Rahovec, but the situation is unsafe for the return of the inhabitants, who continue to stay in the Ratkoc village of this commune.

According to a LDK activist, the inhabitants have no where to return as many villages have been destroyed. He mentioned the grave situation in the Drenoc village, fully razed to the ground, as well as in the Cifllak village, where the return of inhabitants has begun and who are now facing a grave humanitarian crisis. /p.ta/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] New Albanian-German financial agreement signed

For the Albanian side the agreement was signed by Finance Minister Anastas Angjeli and for the German side by the ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Germany to Albania Hannspeter Disdorn.

The project has a total cost of 13.4 million marks of which 12.6 million marks will be financed by the German side, 800 000 marks are in the form of a grant and 2.1 million marks as a loan to be paid off for a 40 year period at a low interest (0.75% in a year). /lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] Projects for new gas wells drafted

Until the end of this year, two new gas wells will be drilled and put to operation: Divjake-315 and Frakill-110, which guarantee high production capacities.

All the quantity of the gas will be used by the Oil Deep Processing Plant in Ballsh. Due to this necessity, new gas wells will be drilled in the coming year as well.

Now the documentation for five new wells which need an investment of more than 250 million lek, have been completed.

The coming projects include a gas well in the zone of Delvine (southern Albania) with satisfactory amounts of gas. /pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] New organisation of passengers railway transport aimed

Recently a group of experts from this department has presented a detailed study. According to this study, in order to regain passangers market, lost from the road transport competition, the improvment of travelling conditions, reduction of travellin time and respecting the time table are not enough.

The experts propose that the short distances should be covered with local trains at minimum intervals. The main national railway line Tirane- Elbasan alone, 112 km, according to this study needs the engagement of the main trains. An accurate time table on the passenger train movements toward Shkoder, Vlore, Ballsh and Pogradec, is going to be compiled.

According to the railway officials, this kind of transport will help to meet passengers growing demands and increase the railway incomes. /A.KE/lola/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] Traces of Ataturk apparent as soon as one sets foot on the powerful state he created - Meidani

At Istanbul's airport Meidani was received by representatives of Albanian community to Turkey, mainly by Albanians from Kosova.

Meidani responded to their interest in the situation in Albania and considered the development of the values of cooperation and tolerance a significant element for the Albanian cause in general.

At the airport Meidani also answered questions by reporters about the Kosova issue and the figure of Ataturk.

Speaking of the traces of Ataturk, he said that "they are seen as soon as you set foot on this powerful state, he created."

On Wednesday before noon Meidani visited the renowned University of Istanbul, one of the most important universities of the Turkish state.

On Wednesday evening Meidani also arrived in Ankara where he was received by his Turkish counterpart Sulejman Demirel. Meidani was among dozens of heads of states and representatives of the invited countries at the dinner extended by the senior host, Demirel.

The Albanian president had the honour to address the dinner on behalf of all delegations. /pas/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] New lines for olive processing

The lines cost $ 150 000 and are to work for 7 years with a capacity of 4 quintals per hour.

The financing of the agricultural processing industry is supported by the World Bank and by the oil processing association in collaboration with the food directory in the Agricultural Ministry. /A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] The exchange rate

CURRENCY	RATE
USD		141.70
DM		 86.50
LIT (1000)	 87.00
GRD (1000)	 50.00

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] Firms that hide goods from customs duties uncovered

Hence, the vehicle of Marcel subject, loaded with used electric house appliances, resulted to have 30 electric heaters more than it had declared at the customs house.

For this it was fined, conformed to Article 62,4 of the Customs House Code, with 209,612 lek.

Another vehicle owned by Bashkim Mesi subject had more commodities than it had stated at the customs house and for this abuse it was fined with 600 000 lek. /xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] Gjallica: 135,8 milliard leks coming from investors

The analyses made to the currencies of the fund result in the fact that only a small part of these funds are send to the bank. The renting and commercial activity of the bank is totally made in cash. The majority part of the transactions are made by a set group of people. Many funds are transferred to third companies, that mainly conducted their activities abroad. Gjallica has used a great amount of assets to justify the overpaying of these foreign enterprises. Is thought that these third companies have helped in the process of Gjallica fund cleansing. /A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] Bulgarian Bank in Tirane

This affiliation is envasiged to carry out the payments to Bank's clients in different currencies, open letters of credit and clearing, give bank warranties and conduct letter credit operations.

Many Albanian traders deal with Bulgaria and opening this Bank affiliation will help the progress of their trading activities.

The bank will accept deposits in local and foreign currency and carry out the transaction of currencies, bills of treasure, other kinds of vouchers and will offer information and consultation on the investments in Albania.

The bank envisages concentrating on the short-term credits, which will primarily cover the export and import of the goods.

First Bulgarian Investment Bank was found on August 10, 1993 in Sofia. Bank's shareholders having the right to vote are: Bank of Europe for Reconstruction and Development, European Corporate of Privatisation and Investment, First Financial Brokers' Institution and private investors. The capital of the bank reaches 10 billion Leva.

First Bulgarian Investment Bank is a new private bank, which is created from the privatisation of the existing banks in Bulgaria. It has not inherited bad things from the past. This advantage has helped this bank to play a substantial role in financing the international trade. /pas/lola/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[20] Tough measures to secure international conference on Albania

Sources from the Ministry of Public Order told ATA on Thursday that the Guard of the Republic and the order forces are on alert to enable the protection and security of foreign delegations.

Meanwhile, the heads of the General Police Department confess that tight security measures have been taken for the personalities who will take part in the International Conference on Albania, also in cooperation with the order forces of police in districts of Durres, Elbasan and Fushe- Kruje.

The airport of Rinas, the place, where the envoys of the participating countries in this conference will land, has been put since days under the severe control of the criminal police, who will coordinate their tasks during the coming days with the Guard of the Republic and the order forces.

There will be escorting groups for each delegation, while the plan of the senior police officials for the security of VIP-s, seems to engage some 5000 order forces, the same sources said.

Meanwhile, it is reported that the MAPE forces will be also engaged in the security of foreign personalities. MAPE forces are in Albania since a year to assist the Albanian police. /dast/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[21] DP has not yet presented referendum commission lists

In the district councils of Gjirokaster, Tepelene and Permet, the nominal lists of the political subjects' representatives in the referendum commissions regarding the approval of the draft-constitution, are handed over, but the DP representatives are not present there, officials of Gjirokaster prefecture told ATA on Thursday.

The Secretary of Gjirokaster district council, Behlul Hila, told ATA on Thursday that this body has officially informed all the political subjects of the district on the procedures to be followed by the referendum commissions.

The delay in the introduction the DP commission members in three districts of the prefecture, has been warned in the local meetings held over the last three days. /pas/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[22] Activities held on National Holiday of Greece

The Secretary General of OMONIA, Vangjel Papakristo, held the opening address.

This activity was also greeted by the General Consul of Greece in the Greek Consulate of Gjirokaster, Kostandinos Kaqiusis, the chairman of the district council, Thoma Papagjika, the deputy Ziso Lluci, and others.

The folk group OMONIA held a performance for the participants, members of this organization, representatives of local government and political parties, while the pupils of the "A. Sheme" school recited poems in Greek language dedicated to this Holiday.

On this occasion, OMONIA held a reception in the bar "Tre trandafilet." /dast/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[23] 50 million leks given to shelter the displaced Kosovars in Shkodra

Esma Boksi, chief of the refugees' office in Shkodra town-hall, told ATA that with a UNHCR fund the work for the reconstruction of some school's dormitories is going on. Some 900 Kosovars are thought to be accommodated in these buildings.

Some 2 600 people coming from Kosova are actually situated in Shkoder. Out of 4 500 people who came through the Vermoshi border point on mid September, only 1 900 preferred to go to other coastal towns. /dast/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[24] Modern Turkey is a chance for Europe and broader, Meidani

President Meidani, addressing to the senior representatives of the countries participant in this event, said that the countries represented here should contribute to help and protect each-other, like the real friends do.

"The contribution for civilization does not and must not recognise either limits or close pseudo-national jealousies," he underlined.

In this context, President Meidani pointed out the unforgivable role of the founder of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Qemal Ataturk, in the emancipation, political-social and democratic-institutional modernization of Turkey.

"We are convinced that the best way to cope with the problems and to preserve the peace in the region and broader is the dialogue and bilateral and multinational cooperation," said Meidani further on, adding that "the violence has no more prospective in the solution of conflicts."

President Meidani widely focused on the difficult situation and the violence the Kosova people experience.

"The Kosova issue is a big problem of the international community, but even of our Balkan region. The engagement to respect the International Conventions and to put into motion the democratic mechanisms are efforts to stop further bloodshed, from which it is hard to have winners," stressed among other Albania's President.

In the end of his speech, Meidani voiced the conviction that the modern Turkey of the architect Ataturk will give its contribution in a bid to restore the peace. /dast/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[25] Vlore starts preparations for Constitution referendum

The governor of this prefecture, Tare Hamo, told ATA that "we are getting ready for the complete construction of the necessary infrastructure regarding the November 22 referendum."

"All the measures we have taken aim at sensitizing the people regarding this major and very important act for the functioning of the state," stressed Hano, adding that the entire campaign will not have party influences, because the Constitution belongs to the whole people.

The head of the Vlore prefecture also said that all the means will be used to communicate with the people by including the two local TV channels, as well as direct meetings. /dast/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[26] It belongs to Parliament to urge people vote of confidence on Constitution

Gjinushi told journalists after the first meeting of the commission that "The People's Assembly decided that the campaign on the referendum will be led by the parliamentary commisison and it will urge the people for the vote of confidence, because it is this parliament which approved this document and the campaign must not take party affiliation.

In regard to the activities held by this commission, Gjinushi said that direct meetings with people will be held, but even through the communication with media, in order to explain the constitution content.

Gjinushi also added that "the campaign must not have party affiliation, but anyone who likes to follow us is free to express his support on the Constitution. /dast/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[27] Italy supports Albania in field of spectacles and cinema

This support was confirmed Thursday during a meeting that the Albanian Minister of Culture, Edi Rama, held with the Italian delegation, which is in Albania since two days. This delegation is headed by the architects Francisco Skopola and Stela Vardemani.

This meeting decided that the Italian part will support in a near future with experts and specialized services the sector of the cinematographic diffusion, in equipment, and others.

Also, the Italian party has not excluded the possibilities to support the activity 'Summer artistic season for 1999.'

During the meetings of the Italian delegation with representatives of the Institute of Monuments, it was also confirmed the financial support regarding the protection of the Albanian cultural heritage. /dast/mt/

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