Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 98-11-14

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] Exist all the possibilities to strengthen our collaboration, Hajdaraga

[02] German Ambassador visits Vlore

[03] OSCE does not maintain its stand on Constitution content but also does not support boycott

[04] Artillery unit in Currila, Durres, restored

[05] Cooperation in field of finances to deepen, Angjeli-Papantoniu

[06] Started the building of Vashtemi aqueduct

[07] ADF: Credits through "Cooperative Banks"

[08] Albania's Constitution observes completely European and international standards - La Pergola

[09] Albanian Republicans condemn terrorist acts

[10] OSCE to help Tirane Zoo

[11] Constitution not only a necessity but an indispensability as well - Mediu

[12] A Constitution for Albanians and Albania - National Unity Party

[13] Elbasan ethnographic museum reconstructed

[14] Tepelena fortress towards disfigurement

[15] Army General Staff presents National Security and Defence Policy documents

[16] oncept of civil governing in army should conform to new constitution - Meidani

[17] First step to improve legal framework of local government

[18] U.S. mediator Christopher Hill meets with Rugova

[01] Exist all the possibilities to strengthen our collaboration, Hajdaraga

The Albanian Minister, Hajdaraga, told the journalists present in the conference that he focused his discussion with his Greek counterpart on the exchange of the viewpoints on the region and Kosova situation. " I hail the Greece Defence Ministry, and the Greece General Military Quarters, for the precious help given to rebuilt the Albanian army and its integration in NATO structures, he added.

We collaborate in all the military field structures and all the possibilities to further grow and strengthen this collaboration are present" - said the Albanian Defence Chief.

The Greece Defence Minister, Cohaxopulos said that " we ask to find the collaboration possibilities to solve the Kosova problem."

He stressed that it has been a very useful meeting, where they discussed themes with bilateral interest in the fields of the military education, military industry and others.

During the meeting they set forth the priorities for the coming year, which are to be discussed in details during the visit that the Albanian Defence Minister is to hold in Athens. /lh/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] German Ambassador visits Vlore

The leaders of the local government familiarized the German Ambassador with the situation in the town of Vlore and also expressed to him the thanks for the interest and assistance of the German government in this town.

This assistance, according to them, should consist in the solution of several urgent problems through the investments in the public sector, as well as in the possibility of opening a consulate or a German-Albanian bank in the town.

Voicing the delight for this visit, ambassador Disdorn stressed that by supporting and assisting the entire Albania in general, the town of Vlore is also assisted.

The German ambassador held a meeting with teachers and students of the general high school "Ali Demi," which has included learning of the German language in the teaching program. /s.s/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] OSCE does not maintain its stand on Constitution content but also does not support boycott

The Vlora local leader of OSCE stressed that "the vote is a democratic right of the individual and not a subjective desire of the political parties or set political subjects."

All the people present in the meeting were given a manual, which clearly explained the voting procedures according to the contemporary standards. /s.sh/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] Artillery unit in Currila, Durres, restored

In the ceremony held on this occasion on Friday were present the Logistic directory in the Ministry of Defence, General Kostaq Karoli, and the Commander of Albanian naval forces, Kudret Çela.

The military unit was destroyed during the last year's riots, but the officers stood there to guard the commons and the considerable munition masking them, and blocked the tunnel's entrance because an explosion their would have caused a real catastrophe for the city. /a.a/m.t/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] Cooperation in field of finances to deepen, Angjeli-Papantoniu

For the Greek party, the agreement was signed by the Greek deputy Minister of Economy, Balltas.

The spokesman of the Ministry of Finances reported to ATA that along with the official talks, the Minister of Finances Angjeli met with the Greek Minister of the National Economy, Yannos Papantoniu, the deputy Minister on Economy, Balltas and the deputy Minister on Finances, Dryos.

With regard to the relations between the financial bodies of Albania and Greece, Angjeli discussed with the Greek officials on the possibilities to further promote the bilateral cooperation in the field of customs, the fight against smuggling, also in cooperation with the Albanian customs- houses and CAM-European Customs.

It was also discussed on the technical assistance which included the training of customs officers, the logistic assistance for the customs of Kakavije and Kapshtice. The Greek party agreed on principle to offer assistance to the taxation bodies.

Minister Angjeli thanked the Greek Minister of National Economy, Papantoniu, for the warm message he sent some times ago, which focused on the main goals of the Greek Government towards the bilateral cooperation in the field of state financial bodies. /mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] Started the building of Vashtemi aqueduct

Out of the total amount of 12 million leks given for this object, a fund of 4.9 million leks is opened for the works of the first phase, which foresees to lay the main pipes from the spring source to the village that is foreseen to end in the end of November.

Vashtemi village, with about 2 000 inhabitants, is supplied with water only two times a day by Bulgareci aqueduct.

The construction of the new aqueduct will improve the suppling of this village inhabitants with potable water, and at the same time it will help in the suppling with potable water of the Maliqi town inhabitants, who were supplied by the same source. /s.s/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] ADF: Credits through "Cooperative Banks"

"This credit, though small, works well. It is the most successful type of credit to help rural zones small business and recently it has been applied in Eastern European countries," sources from ADF told ATA.

Cooperative banks project aims to create village credit fund in order to supply the rural zones inhabitants with small loans for all the activities providing incomes.

The assembly of each village will supply and gather the credits, which will be given only to the local farmers.

Credit interest rate varies from 18% to 24% and it covers a period from 1 to 3 years.

Meanwhile, credits are supplied to 9 districts, 31 communes and 100 villages. So far some 5 143 credits are provided to the farmers. /pas/lola/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] Albania's Constitution observes completely European and international standards - La Pergola

"The Commission for the Drafting of the Constitution has already prepared, in close cooperation with the Venice Commission, a draft of the constitution which observes to the letter the European and International standards," stressed La pergola in a press release.

Now it is up to the Albanian people to decide whether the text meets the present and the perspective demands of the Albanian society, underlined La Pergola.

The Constitution, says the statement, attaches a special place to the defence of the rights of the individual, of the opposition and of all minorities.

La Pergola said that the Commission he is leading, known as the Venice Commission, has cooperated with Albania in the field of the constitutional rights since 1991 and this is the first international organization which has made such a thing.

During the past years, the Venice Commission has cooperated with various Albanian governments, despite their political convictions, for the adoption of a new constitution. Its aim has been to assist Albania in the interest of its people, for a democratic system, political pluralism, based on the rule of law and the respect for the human rights. A constitution which embodies these values was considered necessary in order to ensure the institutional stability and to create the necessary conditions for the country's economic and democratic development.

The draft has been adopted by the Albanian parliament and the referendum for its approval by the Albanian people will be held on November 22, 1998. /pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] Albanian Republicans condemn terrorist acts

"This situation demands first of all the commitment of all state structures to fight these acts, by finding and punishing their authors," said Saturday the RP Chairman, Fatmir Mediu, in a news conference.

The republicans hold that all political forces must discuss together how to contribute through the legal and structural support in the fight against organized crime and against criminal element.

"The state must adopt urgent measures to hold the referendum for the constitution on November 22, guaranteeing every citizen's ballot and ensuring peace during the referendum day," said mediu. /s.s/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] OSCE to help Tirane Zoo

"This body is looking for direct aid through using the possible ways for support," a letter this Office sent to Tirane Municipality said.

"OSCE aid regarding the Zoo consists in training a veterinary specialist in London. The veterinarian will engage in Zoo improvement and specially in increasing animals number," Hazis Marku, Tirane Greenery- maintenance Department director told ATA.

OSCE will also make efforts to gather funds and compile a program to make this center efficient.

Tirane Zoo was created in 1960 with local animals. After 1994, other animals not found in Albania began enriching the Zoo. /pas/lola/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] Constitution not only a necessity but an indispensability as well - Mediu

"After the approval of the Constitution, to which the Republican party has made a direct contribution, we shall adopt all necessary steps for changes which may guarantee a high constitutional normality and a high scale of independence and equilibrium of the three powers," state Fatmir Madiu, chairman of the Republican Party in a news conference on Saturday.

According to republicans, the publication of their remarks on the Constitution manifests the political responsibility and conscience of the RP.

"The constitution must be a real contract of the people with the politics and the state, to construct a future with solid institutions, by guaranteeing the respect for the fundamental rights and freedoms," said Republican leader.

The Democratic Party has boycotted the process for the drafting of the constitution and has appealed to its electorate not to participate in the referendum of November 22, 1998. /pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] A Constitution for Albanians and Albania - National Unity Party

Who calls himself Albanian, said Beqiri, who wants the law, the state and the Albanian people and its fundamental ground, which is the constitution, must go to the polling stations on November 22 and say 'yes' to the constitution.

Beqiri considered the contestable stance of the Democratic Party on allegedly the denationalizing spirit of some of the articles of the draft of the constitution as electoral bluffs and irresponsible statements.

"The Constitution is neither Nano's nor the Alliance for the State's passport, but it belongs to all Albanians and to Albania," said Beqiri. /pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] Elbasan ethnographic museum reconstructed

A fund of 11.000 leks, provided by Elbasan Municipality at the beginning of 1998, enabled to give a new view to the museum, destroyed during the unrest last year. Museum destruction had to do not with its building alone, but also with the objects of special cultural and historical values.

Director of the museum Kreshnik Belegu and cicerone Ortenca Dakli changed the destroyed environments of the museum into Elbasan traditional environments.

The museum has 13 rooms, which reflect the mode of living, ancient town furniture and clothes, inherited from generation to generation.

At present, Elbasan has two museums, while years ago this town had also other museums that of education, culture and history. These museums have already changed destination. /pas/lola/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] Tepelena fortress towards disfigurement

Xuhano said that the local leaders of Tepelene bear the blame for this destruction.

Unauthorised constructions in the fortress have started since 10 years ago, especially during the last years.

Within and outside the walls of the fortress one can see all kinds of buildings, from bars to warehouses.

The cultural monuments affiliation of the Gjirokaster prefecture says that it has denounced these constructions at the local government but nothing has been done so far to stop the irresponsible acts of many of this city's inhabitants.

"We will requests that instead of these constructions a statue of English poet George Gordon Byron, who visited this fortress over the years of Ali Pashe' rule, be erected, or a museum on the figure of Ali Pasha be created," said Xuhano.

After taking over Tepelene (1789), Ali Pashe Tepelene built there a fortress of four-five hectares, with three entrances and three towers, and walls with carved stones and decorated with cornices. The fortress has the shape of an irregular trapezium.

Tepelena was the second residence of Ali Pashe after that of Ioannina. /pas/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] Army General Staff presents National Security and Defence Policy documents

Also attending the meeting were President of the Republic Rexhep Meidani, Premier Pandeli Majko, Deputy Prime Minister Ilir Meta, Foreign Minister Paskal Milo and Information Minister Musa Ulqini.

At the beginning of this meeting Chief of Army General Staff, Brigade General, Aleks Andoni presented the work done to compile these documents. He concentrated in the work done from the army and its structures, the military training held and the cooperation with NATO. He also explained that the participation in compiling these documents was very wide including military officers, specialists from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Public Order, scientists and during all the time NATO intensive assistance.

Referring to the positive aspects of the new structure General Andoni said: "The said documents are in full compliance with the new Constitution. They reduce army expenditure and aim a professional army, enabling integration in NATO."

The main goal is that Armed Forces became a pillar of country's cohesion and a basis for confidence and security building, he said. /lh/lola/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] oncept of civil governing in army should conform to new constitution - Meidani

TIRANE, Nov 14 (ATA)-By E. Koraqi, The army's restructuring should be a concern not only of the military but also of the whole society, said President of the Republic Rexhep Meidani at a meeting with Defence Ministry's top officials on Saturday.

The Albanian Army General Staff on Saturday introduced to the state's senior officials the documents of "The policy of Security and Defence", spokesman of the Defence Ministry Albert Mullai told ATA.

Meidani, evaluating the role of the documents of "The Policy of Security and Defence", said that "the concept of civil governing in the army, should conform to the new constitution.

"In cooperation with NATO we should consider not only its current structures but also their pending changes," said Meidani.

Meidani dwelt on the elements to increase effectiveness, dynamism of the "National Security" structures in all aspects, from material to legislative ones.

He said that today's meeting is only the first step of a performance which should be furthered also through full economic and financial studies and specialists of all the country's institutions.

"Our joint work should aim at creating a status in which the army and the military should receive not only the moral evaluation of the Society."

Also attending the meeting were Prime Minister Pandeli Majko, deputy chairman of the Council of Ministers Ilir Meta, Foreign Minister Paskal Milo and Minister of Information Musa Ulqini. /dast/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] First step to improve legal framework of local government

Local Government Minister Arben Demeti, who declared the meeting open, concentrated on the improvement of the platform to define and settle the legal framework of the local government.

Tirane Mayor Albert Brojka stressed that "the municipality has all powers, as regards local governing, but it lacks financial possibilities to implement them."

At his request the participants decided to issue bylaws in compliance with the law on taxing property and proposed that one per cent of the Value Added Tax (VAT) go to the municipality.

They also agreed that the ratification by Parliament of the Charter on the Local Government Autonomy end in the first six months of 1999. /lh/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] U.S. mediator Christopher Hill meets with Rugova

At a meeting held behind closed doors they are reported to have discussed "the latest situation in Kosova and the political process to resolve the Kosova issue through negotiations."

They also stressed that the quick establishment of the Verifying Mission will help create the preconditions for the advance of the political process.

Speaking of the indispensability of resolving the Kosova issue through talks, Rugova considered significant the performance of the U.S. mediator Hill and his team. /b.j/lh/lm/

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

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