Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 98-12-02

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] Electricity pylon blown up

[02] Fire engulfs Coca-Cola storehouses in Tirane

[03] Bilateral cooperation in agriculture and arboriculture to be promoted - De Castro

[04] Dollar exchanged for 142.7 leks

[05] Operative plan on Agriculture signed between Italy, Albania

[06] Magistracy students familiarised with role of prosecutor's office in legal state

[07] Economy-Finance commission discusses draft-budget for 1999

[08] Last auction results on treasury bonds issued

[09] Contract on students and pupils life security

[10] Finance Minister demands speedboats for customs from Guardia di Finanza

[11] Project on mollusc cultivation and exportation

[12] Coca-cola on fire: everything plastic and wooden burned, except for machineries

[13] Greece Seed Company for the first time in Albania

[14] Meidani discusses with Decemberist representatives to find Hajdari's murderer

[15] Albania, good example of successful collaboration with international bodies; Geremek

[16] Some 130 000 vaccines secured against hepatitis B

[17] We will do everything to help your country, Fischer

[18] Attention to be concentrated on responsible people of crisis in Kosova - Belgrade authorities, Milo

[19] German engaged in assisting Albania and its government

[20] Our relations with Albania remain warm and active -Release of United States Embassy-

[01] Electricity pylon blown up

near a railway line, in the vicinity of the Rrashbull village, Durres district, a spokesman of the Public Order Ministry told ATA on Wednesday.

This pylon, 220 kilowatt, supplies with electric power the south of Albania.

The investigating team, which went to the area found were three pieces containing 600 gr of TNT, two pieces with 200 gr of TNT, a detonator as well as two burnt fuses near the pylon. /pas/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] Fire engulfs Coca-Cola storehouses in Tirane

The police mobile units, fire engines from Tirane, Kavaje and Kruje were immediately rushed to the area.

Police report of considerable material damages but of no casualties.

According to initial investigations the fire has been caused by a breakdown in the electric system of the storehouse. /pas/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] Bilateral cooperation in agriculture and arboriculture to be promoted - De Castro

The director of this institute, Skender Varaku, familiarised de Castro with the implementation of the Italian government project on the production of qualitative saplings and modernisation of arboriculture in Albania.

The project, worth 2.2 billion lira, financed by the Italian government, began to be implemented this year and will continue until 2000.

The Italian minister visited the institute's laboratory and expressed optimism on the ongoing proceeding of the project. He stressed that bilateral cooperation in agriculture and aboriculture will be promoted further in the future. His other visit to Albania on April 1999 will also serve to this aim, said the Italian minister.

De Castro was accompanied by the Albanian Minister of Agriculture and Food, Lufter Xhuveli, and the director of the Mediterranean Agricultural Institute in Bari, Cosimo Laciringnola. /pas/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] Dollar exchanged for 142.7 leks

Foreign currency	exchange rate
$US 1			142.70
DM			 84.80
ITl(1000)		 85.60
GRD(100)		 50.00

/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] Operative plan on Agriculture signed between Italy, Albania

Italian financing for Albania's agriculture and rural development amounts to 62 billion lira (some $40 million), applied in separate projects, underway.

According to Xhuveli, the plan intends to speed up the implementation of these projects and further encourages cooperation in agriculture and food between the two countries.

The ministers also discussed the implementation of the INTEREG programme which includes interference in the sectors of agriculture, forests, fishing, arboriculture and other sectors, in cooperation with the Puglie region.

The Albanian side asked aid to support food control, training for specialists of agriculture, encouragement of Albanian exports of agricultural productions. /dast/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] Magistracy students familiarised with role of prosecutor's office in legal state

The Albanian students listened to reports from CoE experts, who mainly concentrated on the legal and constitutional status of the prosecutor's office, the role of the prosecutors in the process of carrying our investigations and in the crimes committed by minors.

The aim of the seminar was to familiarise the Albanian students with advanced experiences of the West European countries. /lh/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] Economy-Finance commission discusses draft-budget for 1999

The Parliament's Economy and Finance Commission today began discussing the draft-budget for 1999.

A few days ago, the Albanian government approved this draft-law, which should be approved within this year by the Albanian Parliament.

For the first time after eight years, the new budget was drafted and approved by the Government by the end of November and has been submitted to Parliament for approval.

Besides the commission members, the meeting was also attended by the chairmen of other parliamentary commissions as well as the speaker of Parliament, Skender Gjinushi, and Finance Minister Anastas Angjeli.

The draft-budget is based on the new economic and social policies of the government and the demands of the ESAF 2 agreement. It has been drafted in close cooperation with IMF experts.

The draft-budget mainly intends to preserve macro-economic stability and enliven the economy, continue the reduction of deficit; to rapidly increase of incomes (some 20% higher than that planned for 1998), by curbing fiscal evasion.

The new draft-budget aims at keeping a satisfactory level of local investments and stability of foreign investments, further consolidation of the tendency not to create a new debt, which was apparent for the first time in the budget of 1998.

At the same time the draft intends to guarantee social politics in the field of wages and social insurances, which are also expressed with the increase of pensions by 10%, beginning from January 1, 1999, and wages 10%, beginning from April 1.

This draft-budget also aims at increasing the decentralisation level through expanding local autonomy, implementing for the first time the new relationship between the central budget and the local one, giving priority to the latter.

The draft-budget is a reflection of the new scheme of financing the juridical power which fully respects the independence of this power also through the budget. /pas/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] Last auction results on treasury bonds issued

The Ministry of Finance offered to sell treasury bonds with three, six and 12 month period maturity.

For the three month period maturity treasury bonds, the total sum sold in the auction is 1 billion and 400 million leks. The maximal interest accepted is 23%, the minimal interest is 21%, while the pound averaging is 22.7716%.

For the treasury bonds with six month period maturity, the total sum sold in the auction is 1 billion and 450 million leks. The maximal interest accepted is 23%, the minimal interest is 215, while the average pond is 22.9861%

For the 12 month period maturity treasury bonds the total sum sold in the auction is 3 billion and 200 million leks. The maximal interest accepted is 23.5%, the minimal interest is 21.5%, while the average pounding interest is 23.4985%. /A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] Contract on students and pupils life security

According to the sources of the Health Ministry, almost 1/3 of the students and pupils pass different deceases or are being accidented, and the life security contract aims at facilitating conditions for them and their families.

Against an amount of 500 leks a year for the pupils and 1000 leks a year for the students, they are secured considerable amounts, the director of the Security Institution, Dr. Sherif Bungo told ATA on Wednesday.

The indemnity is foreseen for the cases when the student or the pupil dies in a natural, or accidental way or when one or both of the parents of the secured person die or are accidented.

All the secured pupils and students should be Albanian citizens, inhabitanting an staying in the Albanian state territory. They do not get indemnity in the cases of deliberate accidents while being drunk or using drugs, damages in war operations or in armoured uprisings, in the cases of soil displacement and others.

Sadiku said also that according to the mutual contract between the Security Institution and the Educational and Science Ministry, 20% of the incomes collected from the life security contracts are under the administration of the district educational directory or to the University rectorate where the respective student or pupil studies. /pas/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] Finance Minister demands speedboats for customs from Guardia di Finanza

Albanian Finance Minister Anastas Angjeli today met with a delegation of "Guardia di Finanza", headed by the commander of the operational sector, Colonel Francesco Capolupo.

Minister Angjeli appreciated the aid provided so far by the "Guardia di Finanza", in the framework of the protocol of cooperation between the Albanian and Italian finance Ministries.

He also asked that several aspects of the Italian aid for the Albanian customs and duties, which have not yet been realised, be in force also next year, through a supplementary protocol.

The two sides discussed the equipment of the Albanian customs police with speedboats, vehicles, intercommunication means and other equipment, as well as the creation of a central chemical lab and a training centre at the customs general department. /lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] Project on mollusc cultivation and exportation

The director of this institute, Roland Kristo, told ATA that this project was approved in collaboration with the CEZANATICO Italian Institute and the marine biology laboratory in Bari.

Kristo said that the monotorization of the Albanian coastal line and the bacterial analyses in the sea waters are over. The best regions for mollusc cultivation are also decided. He added that the businessmen interested for the implementing of this project have expressed their readiness to buy the molluscs and to cultivate them.

For the realization of this project are needed some $ 40000 and the approval from Brussels where will go some representatives of the Fish- farming Research Institute. /pas/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] Coca-cola on fire: everything plastic and wooden burned, except for machineries

Fire engulfing Coca-Cola storehouse, round 02.00 on Wednesday, burned everything made of plastic and wood, except for machineries and bottling equipment. "Water pumps failed to work, because of the lack of electricity, cut due to the fire," one of the guards said.

The police mobile units, fire engines from Tirane, Kavaje and Kruje were immediately rushed to the area to extinguish the fire.

According to initial investigations the fire was caused by a breakdown in the electric system of the storehouse.

Coca-Cola Bottling Enterprise Tirana sh.p.k. is a joint-venture between ACIES (Busi Group, Italy), the U.S. Coca-Cola Company Atlanta, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and Invest PF Albania.

Its production capacity is 4.000.000 boxes per year. Round 200 people are employed in the production and distribution process of Coca-Cola.

Coca-Cola enterprise began its activity on May, 1994 with its inauguration of the Enterprise, as the only one in Albania authorized by Coca-Cola Company Atlanta to bottle Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite and Bonaqua products.

In order to preserve international quality standards all raw- materials are imported from companies authorized by Coca-Cola Company.

Coca-Cola Enterprise appointed two Albanians to managing positions: Flora Lami as director general and Emira Pelinku as production manager, both specialists of this company since the day of inauguration.

Many investments are done not only to increase production, but also to protect their products from false ones.

Coca-Colaenterprise counts round 200 people employed directly in the factory and some other 400 employed indirectly. It produces round 80 million bottles per year and its production is destined for domestic market. /pas/lola/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] Greece Seed Company for the first time in Albania

The last regular procedures on the agreement for the implementation of the project approved by the European Community for collaboration with the station of sugar-beet and seed in Korçe, are being carried out between the representatives of the Agricultural Ministry and representatives of "Kespy" company.

This project is worth 8 million dollars and will be financed 75% by the European Community and 25% by "Kespy" company.

"KESPY" is the biggest Greece company of seeds. It operates its activity since 1989. /lh/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] Meidani discusses with Decemberist representatives to find Hajdari's murderer

Press and information office close to the President told ATA that the students made a panorama of the political activity of Hajdari and insisted in doing everything possible in this direction.

President Meidani shared the same concern with the students and reconfirmed his stand that competent structures work efficiently, quickly and independently in carrying out this process.

Meidani also said that foreign prosecutor's coming, which may also be followed by the coming of four other assistants, is an engagement of his and of international community to find the perpetrators of Mr.Hajdari. /lh/lola/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] Albania, good example of successful collaboration with international bodies; Geremek

The king of Norway and the Norwegian Prime Minister, who hold the opening speech, were present in the opening session.

The OSCE current chairman, who is at the same time the Polish Foreign Minister, Bronislaw Geremek, spoke about the processes of the organization reformation, its institutional strengthening as well as the collaboration with other international bodies. He hailed the Albania for the good example of the successful collaboration with the International bodies.

The Albanian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Paskal Milo, hold a speech during the first session. He appreciated the contribution of OSCE in Albania in strengthening the institutions, lowering of tensions as well as respecting the human rights.

The meeting of the OSCE Foreign Ministers continues its proceedings. /lh/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] Some 130 000 vaccines secured against hepatitis B

The spokesman of this Ministry, Artur Rada, told ATA Wednesday that the vaccination will be carried immediately after the taking of the above mentioned vaccines by the prior health service in health centers, schools, kindergartens and houses.

This contingent will secure a continuation of vaccination campaign against hepatitis B, which have started since the last year.

A considerable number of children were hospitalized in "Mother Teresa" University Hospital Center because of suffering from hepatitis B. In order to stop this epidemic decease, the Health Minister, Leonard Solis, secured a fund for buying the vaccines, which were afterwards delivered in all the health centers in Tirane and in the districts. /lh/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] We will do everything to help your country, Fischer

This meeting, scheduled as the first meeting of this kind in Fischer cabinet, was friendly and very important for the present and future relations between Albania and Germany.

Welcoming the Albanian guest, the Vice Chancellor, Fischer voiced that "we recognize the problems that your country is passing actually and positively affirm that we hail the last reforms in your country, and especially the approving of the new Constitution."

They discussed also the situation in Albania and in Kosova.

While speaking for the engagement of the German government to help stabilization and prosperity process in Albania, Fischer voiced that "we will do everything possible to help your country to integrate in the Euro- Atlantic structures. We support the attempts of your government for achieving the politically declared objectives" /dast/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] Attention to be concentrated on responsible people of crisis in Kosova - Belgrade authorities, Milo

"Milo paid a special attention to the international community efforts for the solution of this issue and evaluated the importance and role of OSCE Verification Mission regarding crisis in Kosova and the process of building up its future institutions," press and information office close to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told ATA.

"Attention should be concentrated on the responsible people of the crisis, Belgrade authorities, who should be held under pressure as far as true and irrevocable progress in the deal for the political solution of the crisis is not achieved," said Milo adding that precocious compensations, which may be offered, would be inappropriate and could have a contrary effect, making invalid all the international community efforts for the stabilitzation of the situation there and in the whole region.

Almost all the delegations taking the floor paid a special attention to Kosova crisis and its danger for the destabilization of the whole region.

Ambassador Walker, chief of Verification Mission in Kosova also held a report in this session. /dast/lola/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] German engaged in assisting Albania and its government

Deputy Prime Minister Meta had his first meeting with German's Minister of State, Verhoigen, who welcoming Albanian friends said that "German government approves the new basis of your government. We support the process for the new Constitution and the Albanian people voting in favour of the Constitution. German government is completely engaged in assisting Albania and its new government."

In the meeting with the Minister of State, Verhoigen and in the other meetings Deputy Prime Minister Meta had with high personalities of the country such as the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Shinger, the deputy chairman of CDU, deputy and former Minister of Defence, Volker Rube, the chairman of German Parliamentary Foreign Commission, Ulrich Klose and the State Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Shaper, it was discused on developments in Albania, in Kosova and stands of the respective governments to these developments, as well as the engagement of German government to assist Albanian people and its government.

Meta, on behalf of Albania's government, thanked German government for its engagement that Albania have a constitution of European standards. /dast/lola/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[20] Our relations with Albania remain warm and active -Release of United States Embassy-

We stress that, even though we suspended public operations in August, the U.S. Embassy did not close. We have continued our diplomatic activities and our active engagement with the Albanian government, political parties and other institutions. We shall continue this active engagement.

Contrary to recently published information, we have not resumed full public operation at this time. We have continue to offer limited consular services to American citizens in Albania and have resumed the issuance of visas for Albanian government officials and U.S. government sponsored official travelers only. We are taking appropriate measures to assure that winners in the Diversity Visa Lottery, the 'green card lottery', are able to pursue their applications through arrangements with U.S. Embassies in neighboring countries. Winners are notified individually of arrangements.

Because visa services to the public remain unavailable at the U.S.Embassy in Tirana, it may be necessary for travelers to postpone their trips. People who wish to apply for visas in neighboring countries may do so in person; however, the Embassy in Tirana can neither guarantee that visas will be issued in such cases nor assist these applications in any way. We understand and regret the inconvenience this represents. As this situation changes we will issue further information.

The Embassy of the United States stresses that these measures reflect reasonable prudence at this time and further stresses that the situation does not reflect in any way upon our relations with Albania which remain warm and active.

We would express our heartfelt thanks to the citizens of Albania and particularly to our neighbors in Tirana for their understanding of the temporary blocking of Rruga Elbasanit and other inconveniences caused by this temporary situation. /dast/lola/

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