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

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] Public letter of Albanian PM Pandeli Majko to student strikers

[02] Greater care in Kukes to prevent viral hepatitis

[03] We have received no request by students who are staging hunger strike - Minister

[04] Albanian police have blocked 7 thousand Albanian illegals

[05] Kosova Assembly considers as unacceptable new project by Ambassador Hill

[06] The hunger strike is not a mature step by Student Union - Albanian Youth Council (AYC

[07] France celebrates 40th anniversary of constitution and founding of 5th French Republic

[08] Mutual interest terminal between Macedonia and Albania

[09] TV-1 Amantia survey: 10% of Vlora youths use narcotics.

[10] Half of the processed goods in Durres port are building materials.

[11] Military police specialized in war against terrorism

[12] Institutionalization of local government relationships; Greek General Consulate in Korçe

[13] Some 15O million leks to reconstruct Berati hospital

[14] Serbs mine Kosova political solution

[15] World Bank accords $634.000 for draining system in Lezhë

[16] Fruit and vegetables import increased

[17] Shot again towards Albania's territory

[18] I hope DP will know to make principles it was created upon a reality - Majko

[19] Albanian Government signs the Letter of intent

[20] Surrounding wall of ancient Onhezm in Sarande damaged

[21] Football: After 14-th week, Tirane and Bylis keep leading

[22] Democratic Party commemorates 8th anniversary of its founding

[23] WEU Secretary General arrives in Tirane

[24] Republican Party asks enforcement of death punishment in Albania

[25] One of Albanian orientalism miracles burned

[26] Cutileiro: WEU to continue to support order in Albania

[01] Public letter of Albanian PM Pandeli Majko to student strikers

"I have followed with a special interest your protest and its escalation, despite the fact that most of Albanian students are not taking part in it. I have been and remain always open to the demands coming from students, even if they are individual, as I have also been ready to do everything I can to improve your living conditions," writes the message.

PM Majko invites the students "to find together the possible ways to the solution of the problems." and "for a maximal transparence with the public opinion."

"Proceeding from the principle that the economic requests are always correct, but also taking into account the fact that there are sometimes limited possibilities to meet them 100 %, I want to stress that the decision to impose through a hunger strike a list of economic demands, may run counter not only to the government policy, which cannot always be the most perfect, but also to the very logic of the economic development of the society and its financial equilibriums," writes Majko in his message to student strikers. He added that on the other hand, he cannot but say that a part of the opposition is making efforts to instrumentalize the strike of the students and to put it on the road of the continuous attempts to destabilize the country.

"The government has made its steps to prepare the legal frame for the autonomy of universities; the draft law for higher education is compiled after European standards, it is a priority in the agenda of the Parliament. Soon, you will have the right to be elected and to elect the highest forums of your school. On the other side, the government has worked and is working intensively and concretely to improve your conditions in school and dormitories. If more can be made, I am open to meet and hear you," stressed the PM in his letter, inviting the students to interrupt the hunger strike, "without indispensably interrupting the protest."

"Albania is a very poor country, our economic policies tent towards a strict financial policy and are under the continuous monitoring of international organizations; improvement of the situation will come through understanding and cooperation among all of us. Otherwise, we would be punished to continue to be in a vicious circle where the old policies and false proposals seek to leave us," say PM at the end of his letter to student strikers. /pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] Greater care in Kukes to prevent viral hepatitis

According to him, this number is higher because many children with this disease in villages are not hospitalized but are taking medical treatment at home. In the mean time, the department of hygiene and epidemiology of the district, has started disinfections in kindergarten and day-care centres, while these institutions are now closing in the city of Kukes.

Posters are being spread to sensitize the opinion to fight this disease in children. In this respect, parents are asked to send their children to make analysis in the civil hospital of the city. /pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] We have received no request by students who are staging hunger strike - Minister

Minister Ruka explained that "the strike has started for several days now in the University of Shkoder and has been supported by a very small number of students."

Ruka stressed that "until today at noon the Ministry and the rectorate of the Tirane university have not received any concrete request." Petitions with various requests have been drafted by the Independent Student Union, but, he added, "we don't know whether they are identical or different from those of the student strikers of Tirane."

For the minister Ruka, most of the demands of the Independent Student Union of Shkoder "are solved or in the process of solution." Here are included the demand for the improvement of the modalities in the teaching practice and a fund of nearly 400 000 lek to be used for further improvement of the living conditions in dormitories. He said that they are also examining a new request for the construction of a surrounding wall in the campus.

Referring to the living conditions for the students in Tirane and other districts, the minister said that the state budget has earmarked a total of 18 million lek for improvement of the life in dormitories, on heating and various appliances in the rooms. "This fund is being delivered directly and now the campuses are being supplied with the necessary equipment," stressed Ruka.

In response to the institutional demands by the students, Ruka said that they have removed the small difference in salaries between the Tirane University and other analogous institutions in the districts, thus equalizing the salary for all rectors. As for the university standardization and accreditation, he admitted that this request will be solved after the approval by the parliament of the draft law "On higher education."

Referring to new election in the university, the minister stressed that the new draft law on higher education will create all spaces for the new elections in higher education institutions. /pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] Albanian police have blocked 7 thousand Albanian illegals

GJIROKASTER, Dec.12 (ata) - By H Cani: Albanian border police of the commissariat of Gjirokaster has registered for this year about 7 000 illegal Albanians who have not been allowed to enter the Greek soil.

According to border police commander, Gezim Gjermeni, most of the illegal Albanians who have been brought back home, are from Central Albania districts. The zones they had used to enter Greece are those of Sopik, Kakavije and Vrisera. Among the returned are women and children, and the age for most of the people who have been returned is 17-35 years.

Police have not allowed to Albania Kurd illegals through the border point of Kakavije. Gjermeni said that about 600 Kurds have been caught in the Albanian territory while hundreds of others have not been able to cross the border to Albania due to the strict control on the Albanian border.

Ten border points in the district of Gjirokaster were ruined almost completely over the unrest in 1997. The border service for 1998 was added with special police services which have been observing the border zones that are mostly used by illegal people to cross the border, or for arms and drug-trafficking. Groups of specialists of European police in this police station have held various training courses. Also cooperation with Greek police has been continuous and fruitful. /pas/xh/

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[05] Kosova Assembly considers as unacceptable new project by Ambassador Hill

Agani stressed that this project takes into account the demands of Serbia for Kosova to remain not only in Yugoslavia, but also in Serbia, and does not envisage that the Kosova Assembly have the right of issuing laws, but only sublaws. It does not envisage the creation of the government, but leaves this act up to the presidency; in stead of the chairman, according to the project, Kosova will have a presidency consisting of representatives of national communities, said Agani. The Negotiating Group chief said that the one before last project whhich was also presented by Ambassador Hill was better than the last, because it forecast a transitory stage for the solution to the question of Kosove, but it was opposed by Serbia.

The members of the two commissions of the Kosove Assembly shared the same opinion that no solution cannot be accepted within Serbia, stressing that for every political settlement to the issue of Kosove, the consent of this assembly must be taken. /p.ta/xh/

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[06] The hunger strike is not a mature step by Student Union - Albanian Youth Council (AYC)

"Staging a hunger strike without applying all forms of dialogue," the statement continues, "is not an expression of tolerance and constructiveness, the more so when the present government, led by a prime minister who represents the youth in politics and who has manifested a good sense in communicating with youth organizations more than any other previous government, deserves a great understanding"

According to the AYC, the Student Union has made a technical mistake in the way they have wanted to organize "the dialogue" with the Prime Minister, because the ultimatum sent to the PM "to talk" with 200 people in the Campus is not at all normal and technically not fruitful.

This Council would consider as necessary the calm dialogue of a student delegation consisting of organizers of the strike with Prime Minister Pandeli Majko, perhaps also in the presence of some other members of his cabinet.

The statement says that AYC offers the two sides its role as an independent mediator to establish the dialogue between the student strikers and the Government.

Disassociating itself from any effort for a political manipulation of the interests of the students, the AYC states that the students must not have demands of a political character.

The AYC includes 21 social-cultural youth associations and 10 other partner associations (none of them political) with an activity of more than 4 years in seven biggest cities of Albania. /pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] France celebrates 40th anniversary of constitution and founding of 5th French Republic

The activity was held on the initiative of the Department of History in the Tirane University and the French Embassy in Tirane.

The French Constitution, adopted through a referendum on September, 28, 1958, is the 15th constitution of the French state since 1731.

"The drafting of that constitution and the establishment of the 5th French Republic are attributed to and cannot be understood without General Charles De Gaulle," said in his address the French Ambassador in Tirane, Patrick Chrismant.

The constitution should be approved because of the special circumstances of France at that time, such as the rather grave situation created from the war in Algeria. The Constitution would also ensure the improvement in the French state.

According to Ambassador Chrismant, "now, after many years from its adoption, still there are articles in it which are not favourable, such as the limited competence of the Parliament, competence which are mostly given to the president, who is elected once in 7 years, etc."

The speakers in the session said that the French Constitution was among the main factors for the evolution of the French state. /pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] Mutual interest terminal between Macedonia and Albania

The Albanian railway director, Leonard Burnaci, told ATA that is to built a new railway line from Lini in Struge, (Eastern Albania, in the coast of the Ohri lake), where Albania is to built 2,7 kilometers, while the Macedonian part is to built 12 kilometers. The American Company "Behtel" has undertaken the work to built this terminal.

Burnaci said that this terminal is with a great value for the both parts. It will unload the Lini station from its heavy charges, and will simplify the customs house procedures.

The American government, initiator of the 8th corridor construction, gave $3 million for the Republic of ex-Yugoslavia, Albania and Bulgaria. Some $1,6 million out of this sum are accorded to Albania. /pas/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] TV-1 Amantia survey: 10% of Vlora youths use narcotics.

According to this survey the drug users are almost regular clients who deal with the narcotics business. Heroine and Cocaine result to be the main drugs used, and are respectively sold 3.500-4.000 and 1.500 leks a dose.

Referring to the police data, some 100 regular drug users are enrolled in their lists, and these drug addicted persons are continuously under investigation. /pas/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] Half of the processed goods in Durres port are building materials.

Out of 901.161 tons of proceeded goods, some 424.877 tons of building materials are unloaded from the Albanian or foreign commercial ships. The cement has got the first place with 360.302 tons unloaded only during the 11 month period.

Actually 6 from the 10 ships in this port are unloading cement. /pas/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] Military police specialized in war against terrorism

At the end of the six week training of the 80 Albanian officers of the military police, was seen that in the training aspect they were almost in the same level with the Italian Carabinieri level.

The chief of the General Army Staff, the brigade general, Aleks Andoni, the senior expert of the Italian Carabinieri, lieutenant Carlo Fazzina, the director of the Military police in the Defence Ministry, Pirro Lutaj and others took part the closing training ceremony.

This activity was hold in the framework of the bilateral collaboration between the Albanian and the Italian army, on the base of the agreement signed for this aim. /pas/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] Institutionalization of local government relationships; Greek General Consulate in Korçe

According to the general consul of this consulate, Nikos Vanvaunakis, the aim is that this institutionalization is to instigate the realization of concrete projects in different fields of the economic, commercial, educational and health collaboration.

The chairman of Korçe district town hall, Dhionis Kotmilo, told ATA tha in the framework of "ECOUVERTURE" program is drafted the "Balkan" project, which foresees the creation of a free area of the economic collaboration in Korçe-Kozan-Manastir region, to repeat the traditional collaboration between these regions.

There is also a project of reopening the Korçe airport in the framework of "Crossborder" and "Intereg" programs. There is also a 5-year program of the Greek government to help the local government. /pas/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] Some 15O million leks to reconstruct Berati hospital

The Berati hospital is the biggest one not only in Berati district but also in the districts of Skrapari and Kuçove, where live approximately 300000 inhabitants.

The hospital will be completely reconstructed. It will comprise the old part of the hospital built in 1950, as well as the new part built in 1970. The reconstruction is foreseen to finish for 11 months. /pas/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] Serbs mine Kosova political solution

PRISHTINE, Dec.12 - ATA correspondent Behlul Jashari reports: The spokesman of President Rugova accused yesterday the Serb part that "it is mining the Kosova political solution" and called as "unacceptable the tendencies of some international bodies," that, according to him, are trying to place the signs of equality between the Albanian and the Serb part. He asked for a stronger pressure of the international union on Belgrade in order "to create the necessary conditions for the Kosove political solution."

Mustafa stressed that only the location of the NATO troops in Kosove can prevent the armed conflicts with which the Serb regime is threatening Kosova. /pas/A.A/

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[15] World Bank accords $634.000 for draining system in Lezhë

According to the specialists the deviation of Drini river, had caused several numbers of flood during this century in this Albanian town./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] Fruit and vegetables import increased

Patatoes, tomatoes, and oranges are the most imported products. Albania continue to import the products that tradicionally are known as Albanian.

Vegetables export marks a low figure, 72,1 milion lek, while in 1997, 17,000 ton are exported, having the value of 220 milion lek.

The total value of Albanian food export, including fish, is 3,5 milion lek, while that of import is 26 billion./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] Shot again towards Albania's territory

On Saturday the spokesman of the Ministry of Public Order told ATA "On Thursday at 19.30 it was shot towards Padesh border post and Padesh village in Tropoje district (northeastern of Albania)."

Shootings came 300 metres inland, from the region of Yugoslavian border post of Koshare, which is opposite that of Padesh, the spoksman explains. According to the spokesman a machinegun bullet shot the house of the citizen Rexhep Ahmeti, but without any casualty.

Meanwhile, 30 minutes later, when artillery shootings were listened towards post C-4 of Padesh border post, inhabitants of the village asked help from this Post.

Regarding this incident, which is not the first, Albanian side asked Yugoslavian side to meet on Saturday at 14.00, spokesman of the Ministry of Public Order ended. /dast/lola/

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[18] I hope DP will know to make principles it was created upon a reality - Majko

Majko, in his greeting message to the Democratic Party, also expresses his conviction of the special historical values and responsibilities the DP has undertaken throughout its existence.

"I hope that in the future, too, you and your colleagues, all members and sympathizers of the Democratic Party, will know to express and and make a reality those principles and virtues of democracy on whose basis the Democratic Party was founded," says the message.

It also stresses that only respect for free thinking and vote will pave the way for the emancipation of the Albanian politics, dialogue among the competing forces, and will enable Albania's prosperity and development.

All these, he said, will make "all those who cherish feelings of revanche against anyone who thinks differently feel themselves isolated," the message concludes. /dast/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] Albanian Government signs the Letter of intent

Albania's Prime Minister Pandeli Majko, Minister of Finance Anastas Angjeli and Governor of Albanian Bank Shkelqim Cani, signed Saturday afternoon the Letter of intent, which is the suplement memorandum about Albanian economic and financial policy, according to the agreement between ESAF 2 and International Monetary Fond (IMF).

This memorandum describes the progress done in the macroeconomics and structural objectives of ESAF program, and alos the other measures to be taken by Albanian Government to maintain and improve macroeconomics situation in Albania.

The memorandum describes, also the agreement on 1999 budget.

This memorandum is going to be presented to be approved by Executive Board of IMF. Its approval is going to open the green light to foreign investments in Albania.

Present in the ceremony of signing were members of Interministrial Committee of Economic Policies and IMF representative John King. /lh/linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[20] Surrounding wall of ancient Onhezm in Sarande damaged

According to the sources from the archeological department in this district, the surrounding wall of ancient Onhezm, 8 km far from the Municipality of this town, has been damaged from the private construction.

In order to maintain the shops, constructed on archeological ruins, from the humidity of the season the owners are destroying parts of the surrounding wall of Onhezm and along with it the existing archeological values.

Surrounding wall of ancient Onhezm dates back to IV-VI-th of our era, the archeologists say. It is a part of construction compound of Onhezm, along with the other important objects as Basilicas, situated in the center of the town, and seven mosaics. /lh/lola/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[21] Football: After 14-th week, Tirane and Bylis keep leading

22 goals were scored and 6 victories and 2 draws were realised during the matches of this week.

Scores over this week:

Partizani - Burreli	3-1
Tirana - Besa		2-0
Elbasani - Vllaznia	1-1
Lushnja - Tomori	1-0
Flamurtari - Teuta	3-0
Apolonia - Shkumbini	1-1
Laçi - Dinamo		2-1
Bylis - Skenderbeu	5-0

Standing after the 14-th week:

29 points Tirana, Bylis
28 " Lushnja
24 " Vllaznia
23 " Partizani
22 " Dinamo
19 " Tomori, Shkumbini
18 " Elbasani, Laçi
16 " Besa, Apolonia
15 " Skenderbeu
14 " Flamurtari
13 " Burreli, Teuta

Next week matches:

Skenderbeu - Partizani
Dinamo - Bylis
Shkumbini - Laçi
Teuta - Apolonia
Tomori - Flamurtari
Vllaznia - Lushnja
Besa - Elbasani
Burreli - Tirana

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[22] Democratic Party commemorates 8th anniversary of its founding

At the commemoration rally, DP chairman Sali Berisha and other leaders of the opposition political grouping "Union for Democracy", commemorated that December '90.

The Democratic Party was founded on December 12, 1990, a day which also marked the establishment of pluralism in Albania. In 1992 it came to power, which it held up to 1997.

Since its founding, due to differences on principal issues, several of its founders have quitted its ranks and created other parties.

Hence, by mid 1992, a group of intellectuals, DP founders, were ousted from its leading structures after presenting a motion on the party's reformation.

Later, these intellectuals founded the Democratic Alliance Party, which currently is part of the government coalition of the centre- left.

In 1995, another group of intellectuals left the DP and founded the Democratic Party of the Right. A little later, its deputy chairman, Eduard Islami, was ousted from the DP as he asked deep reforms in the then government and in the party. Meanwhile, just before the elections of June 29, 1997, other DP members quitted it and formed the Movement for Democracy party.

After early elections in June 1997, which were prompted by people's revolts sweeping the whole country, the DP has been the biggest opposition party in Albania and part of the political grouping "Union for Democracy". /dast/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[23] WEU Secretary General arrives in Tirane

The WEU Secretary General, Portuguese Jose Cutileiro, arrived in Tirane on Saturday afternoon.

The agenda of the WEU Secretary General opened this afternoon with the Cutileiro - Milo meeting, to be followed by Cutileiro's meeting with Public Order Minister Petro Koci, and then with Prime Minister Pandeli Majko.

The first day of meetings between the WEU high representative and the Albanian state senior representatives will close with the Cutileiro- Gjinushi meeting.

While on the second day of his visit, Cutileiro will meet at the Presidency of the People's Assembly with the president of the Republic, Rexhep Meidani, and representatives from the WEU nations and international organisations.

Tomorrow, the visit of the WEU Secretary General to Tirane will close with a news conference, due by midday, the Foreign Ministry Press Department told ATA. /dast/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[24] Republican Party asks enforcement of death punishment in Albania

The Republican Party on Saturday reiterated its request to enforce capital punishment in Albania.

"Death penalty is an indispensability to save the Albanian society from monstrous acts that have not occurred even in the Middle Ages," the RP chairman told a news conference.

Mediu added that his party will ask that this issue be discussed in parliament, taking into consideration a petition signed by 400.000 citizens eligible for vote, organised by the Republican Party.

At this conference the Republicans also expressed their opinion on the students' strike, being held in the compound of the Studenti Campus in Tirane.

"The Republican Party asks from the government to negotiate with the students on resolving their demands and ending their strike. Any pressure on them would be unacceptable. Prejudices on this strike are of little importance and do not affect either its solution or aggravation. Whatever their number, large or small, the students' concerns are real and require the government's preoccupation, which the students merit," said Mediu. /dast/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[25] One of Albanian orientalism miracles burned

In one of the rooms of this house, known as "Books' room", there was a library supplied with more than 2 000 different work volumes.

It was known as the library of Tabaku, referring to its founder Jusuf Tabaku, whom Shkoder people called Old Mufti.

Works of this library, written in Arabic, Persian and Albanian language, were bound almost all with paper-boards and they were in good conditions.

The library counted different books in philosophy, justice, history, geography, mathematics, chemistry and astronomy.

Its fund also included an Albanian primer, printed in Istanbul in 1900. This library also had two astronomic tables, written in Turkish and printed in Paris in 1867, as well as the manuscripts of Hafiz Hasan Kellicit, grandfather of Jusuf, signed by Kellici in 1793.

Historian Karaman Ulqini said that "with the burning of this library, a part of the miracles of Albanian orientalism is lost." /dast/lola/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[26] Cutileiro: WEU to continue to support order in Albania

The West European Union (WEU) will keep supporting the Public Order forces in Albania, said WEU Secretary General, Jose Cutileiro, on Saturday, in response to a request by Albania's Foreign Minister Paskal Milo for a continuation of the technical assistance for the Albanian police.

The Foreign Ministry's press department said that Cutileiro had assured Milo that he is aware of the demands of the Albanian state in the field of security on whose bases new programmes of aid and technical assistance are being drafted for the Albanian forces.

Milo considered very significant a larger presence of the MAPE forces on the ground, all over Albania, as a valuable contribution to the training of the Albanian police, which play an indisputable role in improving the security in Albania.

Later, they concentrated on the situation in Kosova, its consequences in Albania and the Government's measures to cope with the economic, social effects of this crisis on the security in Albania. /dast/lm/

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