Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 98-11-24

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] Police observe closely protesters in illegal rally of Democratic Party

[02] Final results of referendum in Prefecture of Gjirokaster confirmed

[03] Serb tribunal condemns two Albanian activists of human rights

[04] International handicraft saloon in Fair 98 in Tirane

[05] Albanian Autochephalous Orthodox Church helps displayed Kosovars

[06] Some 15 exchange rate offices licensed by Albanian Bank

[07] Firms which do not repair damages on roads will have 5% from guaranty held

[08] Albanian Orthodox Autochephaluos Church 'helps' cultural monuments

[09] Austrian aid for Durres urban planning

[10] RP: Voting for Constitution - calm and civilised

[11] Cooperation with NATO has a major importance for Albanian army - Majko- Albanian Prime Minister meets Chief of NATO Office for Southeastern Europe -

[12] 93.5 % of eligible voters say "yes" to Constitution in Librazhd

[13] Public Investments, the base of state: 1991-1998

[14] 72.2% out of 95.74% of voters say "yes" to new Constitution in Sarande

[15] Albanian President encourages initiative to increase understanding in Albanian political class

[16] Fresh flux of people coming from Kosova to Kukes and Has

[17] Dollar as against 143.1 leks

[18] Albania's President received Ambassador of Sweden

[19] Voter turnout in Korce is 59.6 %-93% say "yes" to the constitution-

[20] Final reports of 10 Albania's districts sent to CEC

[21] For greater understanding among Albanian universities

[22] For greater understanding between Albanian universities

[23] European labs for food control arrive in Albania- Albanians more secure -

[24] Second group of Albanian youths arrives in Greece for professional training

[25] NATO guarantees constant support for Albanian army

[26] NATO to support and secure activity of international community in Kosova, Ellis

[27] Rugova, Qosja meet deputy head of German Green Party

[28] To DP representatives quit district commission

[29] Successful running of Constitutional referendum, important step in Albania democratic development - Verheugen

[30] Prime Minister Pandeli Majko to visit Italy Wednesday

[01] Police observe closely protesters in illegal rally of Democratic Party

According to the spokesman, police forces of Tirane commissariats, although very busy, adopted strict security measures for the DP rally, by observing it without intervening but always ready to avoid any possible incident.

The rally was warned by Sali Berisha, DP chairman, in a news conference at noon on Monday, under the pretext of protesting against "rigging the vote in the referendum for the Constitution," held on Sunday.

An effort to organize an illegal rally was also made by a group of people, DP sympathizers, on Monday morning but they were dispersed without problems, thus leaving the square free for the traffic. /lh/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] Final results of referendum in Prefecture of Gjirokaster confirmed

According to them, the turn out in the three districts of the prefecture of Gjirokaster was 66.8 % and 92.8 % of them have voted for the Constitution. For the district of Gjirokaster the turnout was 61.2 % of whom 92.8 % have voted for the Constitution; in Permet district the figures were respectively 73% and 90,3 per cent in favour of the constitution, in Tepelene the turnout was 71.1 % and 91 % of them said "yes" to the Constitution.

The protocols for the municipalities and communes of that prefecture were signed by commission members of different political forces, the prefect Sotir Mantho told ATA.

The two communes of the Greek minority in Gjirokaster district, that of Pogon and Dropull, registered the highest turnout in the referendum, and the highest percentage of "yes" votes. The commune with the lowest turnout in Gjirokaster, was that of Lazarat, with 3.5 % of the registered voters taking part in it. /pas/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] Serb tribunal condemns two Albanian activists of human rights

The political and non-political subjects in Prizeren have protested today against this political process and have asked for the immediate release from prison of the activists. /LA/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] International handicraft saloon in Fair 98 in Tirane

The fifth edition of Fair 98 will be inaugurated in the premises of the Cultural Centre in Tirane with three saloons: Agriculture, Construction and Energy. More than 200 firms, companies, and producers are expected to take part in the fair.

Along with them, also two other saloons will be established for the public, "Comfort '98," in which house appliances will be exhibited, and the "Souvenir '98" Saloon. /pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] Albanian Autochephalous Orthodox Church helps displayed Kosovars

Sources from this church told ATA that the first phase of this aid which has to do with the most emergent needs of the displaced Kosovars, has started on October 1 and will last till the end of the year. ACT Network (Action of Churches Together) gave its support for the realization of this project.

Some 20.500 persons coming from Kosova are enrolled in the lists, and work for providing the people with clothes and shoes is under the way. The program is focused mainly in 6.000 children aged 4-15, divided in four parts, who will all take packages of winter clothes.

The direct deliver of the aid has begun on November 4. An emergent project, composed of five Albanians, and Mrs. Peni Delijani from USA, is created for the realization of this project. Peni Delijan from America, director of LS, and Mr. Klaus Stainer from Germany, manager of similar programs, are send from IOCO (the International Orthodox Charity Organization) to the "Love service" office for the realization of this project. /pas/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] Some 15 exchange rate offices licensed by Albanian Bank

Out of 15 exchange rate offices, 13 conduct their activity in Tirane, one in Durres and another in Korçe.

Normally the exchange rate offices study the banks' exchange rates, and the exchange rate of the free market and afterwards they decide their own exchange rate. This exchange rate is favorable for the clients taking into consideration the low exchange rates of the banks, and the unsecurity when they exchange their money in the street.

The clients deviced several times by the street stockbrokers, go to these offices to exchange their money, because the guaranty is higher.

Some exchange rate offices were opened in Tirane and in some other Albanian towns, by the pyramidal investment scheme. /A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] Firms which do not repair damages on roads will have 5% from guaranty held

"If the laid roads have damages and holes, the firms will have to repair them, otherwise they will not be able to take back the 5 % of the guaranty," specialists of road control said. /pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] Albanian Orthodox Autochephaluos Church 'helps' cultural monuments

Sources form the Autochephalous Orthodox Church in Tirane told ATA Tuesday morning that since 1991 it counts 70 new built churches, 65 rebuilt ones and 120 restorated. A good part of these churches are "cultural monuments".

It has often collaborated with the Institution of Cultural Monuments. It has helped with funds in the reconstruction of many churches forgotten by the state. A great aid is also given for the restoration of Liboshe and Manastiri i Ardenices churches. /A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] Austrian aid for Durres urban planning

The seminary is financed by the Austrian government with a fund of $ 200 000. The Austrian Office of Urban Development has brought two coordinating representatives to lead this activity, Sibylla Zech, representative of "Stand Land" urban company and Helmut Koch, representative of "Trafico" traffic projecting company.

The activity has started since June, and this is its second phase. It is organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government, the University of Tirane and the Durres District Council. /pas/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] RP: Voting for Constitution - calm and civilised

"This fact once again testifies that the Albanian electorate is more civilised than the political caste alone leading it," the press release said.

According to the republicans, on the basis of their preliminary reports, which the district RP sections sent to the Albanian RP Headquarters, results that 52% of the voters turned out in the referendum and 85% of them said "Yes" to the Constitution.

"Albanians with a laudable intuition knew how to avoid political confrontations, to which the pre-referendum politicalised campaign could lead," RP release ended.

Republican results are almost the same with those declared by the Socialist Party, according to which voter turnout was 53% and 90% of the votes are in favour of the Constitution. /s.s./lola/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] Cooperation with NATO has a major importance for Albanian army - Majko- Albanian Prime Minister meets Chief of NATO Office for Southeastern Europe -

"Cooperation with NATO has a major importance for the Albanian Army. The integration of the country into NATO is a national priority which is supported by all political forces both among the ruling parties and those in opposition," said PM Majko.

Albanian Prime Minister said that the Government he directs is working to draft a National Defence Strategy soon at a time when units of the army are also engaged in civil tasks to guard institutions.

Speaking of the situation in Kosove, PM Majko said that an international military presence is needed there to guarantee the statusquo and the beginning of the talks.

"The Albanian Government will encourage the signing of a document between Albanians and Serbs under international observation," said Majko.

Ellis briefed the Prime Minister of the Mission of NATO forces in Kosove, whose task is to guard OSCE monitors.

During the talk, they also dwelt on other aspects of the Albanian and regional policies. /s.s./xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] 93.5 % of eligible voters say "yes" to Constitution in Librazhd

The chairman of the district voting commission, Kastriot Godo said to ATA that the total number of the voters on district level was 40 551 out of whom 22 148 took part in the vote.

According to information in the district voting commission, the highest turnout was registered in town-halls of Librazhd and Prrenjas, with 65% each, of whom 93 % have voted in favour of the constitution.

Godo said that the lists for the referendum have been drafted on the basis of the lists of 1994 at a time when Librazhd as a district, has a considerable number of people leaving towards lowland zones or who have emigrated. /pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] Public Investments, the base of state: 1991-1998

According to PNUDI report, the finance made by the internal sources for the period 1991-1998, is about $ 286 million, where more than $ 1 million foreign investments are expected, and $ 1.8 million were given by the donors.

In 1998, the public investments are thought to cover round 37 billion leks of the state budget. Some 10 billion leks from this fund are to be used for the local direct investments , while the rest are to be foreign investments.

The multilateral main donors of Albania, are European Union with 35% and the World Bank with 13%, while the main bilateral donors are Italy with 13%, USA and Germany with 10%. Most of the foreign aid is covered by the finance of development projects, in which the more successful are the investment projects in the road infrastructure with 15% and less successful are the credit projects of private sector, especially in the agricultural sector with 8%. The humanitarian and food aid covers an important part with about 22%.

The Donors Conference in Brussels delivered $ 600 million new finances and unblocked some other $ 700 million, contracts that were signed before but which were not delivered. /pas/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] 72.2% out of 95.74% of voters say "yes" to new Constitution in Sarande

"After final processing of data from polling stations, 95.74 per cent voted 'yes' to the constitution," said to ATA the chairman of the district voting commission, Hasan Haxhiu.

Sources of this commission also confirmed that the total number of registered voters in that district was 21 560, of whom 15 569 took part in the vote. /s.s./xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] Albanian President encourages initiative to increase understanding in Albanian political class

The Swiss Euro-parliamentarian Ruffy, who has visited Albania twice in the context of CE delegations, has, for this initiative, the support from this organization, the Swiss Government and from President Meidani.

During the meeting, Ruffy briefed President Meidani of the contacts and the work made so far. He committed himself to further extension of relations and assistance by the Swiss Government to facilitate the work in various institutions in Albania. /pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] Fresh flux of people coming from Kosova to Kukes and Has

Several youths from Kosova recently crossed the border and have been settled in the districts of Kukes and Has (northeastern Albania).

Uke Todaj, chief of registration office for the people coming from Kosova told ATA that recently there have been a flux of people coming from Kosova, round 50 persons per day, to the district of Has. Some 20 people, from Prizeren suburbs alone, came to Kukes on Monday, while some other 35 Kosovars, mainly youths, came to Dobrune village of Has.

One of the comings, Zymer Berisha said that the reason of this flux is that the Serbian forces, recently increased in number along border villages with Albania, raid Albanians' houses and identify the youths, they find there, as Kosova Liberation Army (KLA) fighters.

During the last three days some 200 people came crossing the border with Kukes and Has districts. /pas/lola/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] Dollar as against 143.1 leks

Follows the exchange rate:

Foreign currencies	Exchange rate in leks
USD			143.10
DM			 84.90
ITL(1000)		 85.50
GRD(100)		 49.85

/lola/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] Albania's President received Ambassador of Sweden

Present in the meeting was also the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Paskal Milo.

The Ambassador was accompanied by Swedish Embassy diplomats in Rome. /s.s./lola/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] Voter turnout in Korce is 59.6 %-93% say "yes" to the constitution-

He said that the final reports available at the Korce prefecture show that the voter turnout in the Pogradec district is 59.4% and 93% said yes to the Constitution; In the district of Kolonje the voter turnout was 70,4% and 93% said yes to it; The voter turnout in the Devoll district is 53,5% and 93,4% said yes to the constitution. /dast/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[20] Final reports of 10 Albania's districts sent to CEC

District	Turnout	Percentage in favour
Mirdita		40,4%	89,5%
Kavaja		49%	90,5%
Lushnja		67,2%	93,5%
Fieri		58,6%	92,8%
Mallakastra	59,2%	93,2%
Kuçova		74,4%	95,9%
Skrapari	82%	95%
Kurbini		30,3%	95%
Pogradeci	59,4%	92,93%
Elbasani	58,6%   --

Final reports, sent by heads of the commissions of all districts town-halls and communes to CEC, have not yet been examined by the CEC members. CEC has not yet received the other districts' documentation, due to the difficulties in their transport, however the commission is duty-bound to wait for the materials, despite respective remarks, Fluturim Guni, member of CEC said.

It needs two other days for the final reports of the other 27 districts be sent to CEC, which after examining them will release the official results of the voting for the Constitution. /lh/lola/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[21] For greater understanding among Albanian universities

The spokesman of the Ministry of Education quotes Ruka as saying that "we should try to bring people closer, create a warmer climate among Albanians, as the teachers and intellectuals in general will know to stand above parties and the nation stands above parties."

Ruka familiarised Kelmendi with the steps the government and the Ministry of Education have undertaken to admit students in higher schools. He regarded the removal of the secondary school average mark and introduction of competition to select students as a success in the Albanian education.

Kelmendi made known the difficulties facing the Prishtine University in this period of total Serb reprisals against Kosovars.

"However, we will continue our work as the university is the life of a nation," Kelmendi stressed.

Also attending the meeting was minister of Education of Kosova Muhamet Bicaj. /lh/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[22] For greater understanding between Albanian universities

The spokesman of the Ministry of Education quotes Ruka as saying that "we should try to bring people closer, create a warmer climate among Albanians, as the teachers and intellectuals in general will know to stand above parties and the nation stands above parties."

Ruka familiarised Kelmendi with the steps the government and the Ministry of Education have undertaken to admit students in higher schools. He regarded the removal of the secondary school average mark and introduction of competition to select students as a success in the Albanian education.

Kelmendi made known the difficulties facing the Prishtine University in this period of total Serb reprisals against Kosovars.

"However, we will continue our work as the university is the life of a nation," Kelmendi stressed.

Also attending the meeting was minister of Education of Kosova Muhamet Bicaj. /lh/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[23] European labs for food control arrive in Albania- Albanians more secure -

The equipment arrived in the framework of the strategy of the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Agriculture for the establishment of the regional laboratories under the care of the World Health Organization (WHO).

The PHARE program has allocated 200 000 ECUs for the equipment.

"The laboratories will serve as a base for the control of the food items in customs houses, the control of the potable water and for the diagnosing of the infectious diseases," sources from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture reported.

The establishment of laboratories in ten other districts of Albania will increase the quality of control for food items, according to modern methods observed by the European Community. /lh/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[24] Second group of Albanian youths arrives in Greece for professional training

According to sources from the Labour Ministry the second group is composed of 150 youths.

The training will last about four months and the youths will be trained in various directions such as computer, auto-electronics, hydraulics, soldering, cosmetics, sewing and iron-working.

This training is part of an agreement signed on December 4, 1997 in Athens, between the Organisation of Employment and Labour Force (OAED) and National Employment Service of Albania.

According to this agreement, some 600 youths will be trained in the OAED Training Centres. /dast/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[25] NATO guarantees constant support for Albanian army

"It is a great pleasure for us, NATO, to cooperate with you and I guarantee our constant support in the framework of Partnership for Peace (PfP)," declared Admiral Ellis.

After hailing the Defence Minister for the victory in the Constitution Referendum, Ellis focused on the military problems stressing that "there are a lot of possibilities from both parties, from you and NATO to extend the cooperation and we will help the realization of your goals."

"The participation in the joint military drills with NATO in the framework of Partnership for Peace has increased the credibility of your armed forces and has influenced in the increase of stability."

Minister Hajdaraga on his side, after expressing the positive assessments for the cooperation with NATO, stressed that "we havebeen pleased to notice that even for the Kosova problem the stands of Albania and NATO have been in complete accordance."

Further on, the meeting discussed the fields of cooperation with NATO in the framework of PfP and the possibilities of bilateral cooperation. /dast/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[26] NATO to support and secure activity of international community in Kosova, Ellis

Minister Milo thanked Admiral Ellis for the NATO's contribution to the political solution of the Kosova crisis. After mentioning that the Albanian government supports the negotiated solution of the crisis, he stressed the necessity for the continuation of the international pressure on Belgrade, aiming at forcing it to enter into negotiations to find a political solution.

Ellis praised the moderated stands of the Albanian authorities and said that he is very worried about the Kosova crisis.

"NATO still preserves the Activation Order, meanwhile that it is getting ready to deploy the intervention troops close to Kosova for the evacuation in case of danger of the OSCE Verification Mission staff in Kosova," added Ellis. /dast/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[27] Rugova, Qosja meet deputy head of German Green Party

With regard to the situation in Kosova, Rugova stressed that it is extremely grave due to the Serb violence and urged the international community to exert a greater pressure on Belgrade in order to calm the situation down and to create the preliminary conditions for the beginning of negotiations to resolve the Kosova crisis.

The German senior official, Lippelt, met on the same day with the academician Rexhep Qosja, chairman of the Democratic United Movement. Being engaged in the Kosova independence, Qosja said that the process of the creation of states in the Balkans has not finished yet. If other peoples enjoy this right, there is no reason to deny it to Albanians. Otherwise, there will be no peace in the region, stressed Qosja. /lh/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[28] To DP representatives quit district commission

Gjondeda said that they quitted the commission after a telephone call for the above members from the branch of the Democratic Party in this district. According to Gjondeda, they had signed the final result of voting in Vlore and were about to sign the report for the Central Voting Commission and Prefecture. He added that they even expressed regret as they had already written down their remarks in the above reports, a condition that they had preliminary requested to us, and we had agreed.

Gjondeda underlined that the reports were signed by the seven other members of the commission. /lh/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[29] Successful running of Constitutional referendum, important step in Albania democratic development - Verheugen

"Although the vote turnout is not yet made public, it is assumed that in the referendum took part more than half of the electors and most of them voted for the new democratic institution, the statement says further on.

"Through the referendum the people in Albania showed their political responsibility and democratic maturity.

This evaluation is even higher if considering that the DP withdrew from the preparation of the new constitution and, after calling for boycotting the referendum, now it refuses to recognise the result. It is increasingly being isolated and is damaging the democratic development of Albania."

Further on Verheugen states that "approval of the constitution, which was worked out in cooperation with international law experts, especially with the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe, brings Albania closer to Europe. It creates the possibility for the Albanian politics to energetically overcome the difficult problems the country is facing. This is a responsibility of all the political forces at home as well as of the opposition."

"The federal government calls on all Albanian political forces to accept the referendum result, considering it a possibility for a new beginning in the relations with one another," the statement concludes. /lh/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[30] Prime Minister Pandeli Majko to visit Italy Wednesday

The Ministry of Information told ATA that the Albanian delegation, composed of Minister of Information Musa Ulqini and mayors of Tirane, Vlore, Shkoder, Durres and other cities, will hold talks with an Italian delegation headed by Prime Minister Massimo D'Alema and several municipality officials of the Puglia region.

Besides the meeting between the prime ministers of the two countries, separate meetings will also be conducted with Italian mayors and investors, some of whom exercise their activity in Albania. /dast/lm/

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