Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-01-12

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] Head of Kosova Information Center shot

[02] Premier says Kosova should be in unison on its solution

[03] Construction police remove kiosks around museum

[04] Oil processed factory buys unprocessed oil

[05] OSCE chairman arrives in Prishtina

[06] XX century literature most sold for 1998

[07] Telecom numbers 116 212 subscribers

[08] UNIDO launches enterprise restructuring programme in Albania

[09] One year struggle against sea illegal activities, Guardia di Financia

[10] District court resumes operation

[11] Over 1 000 Albanians face Serb trial

[12] School rehabilitation according to "Tirane 2000" project

[13] Some 2.360.000 travelers brought 140 million leks income to Albanian Railway for 1998

[14] Best Albanian sportmen of 1998

[15] Albania listed among countries with biggest death number in road accidents

[16] Memorandum on judiciary, legal system reform signed

[17] Some 6 programs of foreign donators in agricultural sector, Elbasan

[18] Value of $US slightly increased

[19] Radio "Tirana" to function as public radio during the second six-month period

[20] Rally of Union for Democracy to commemorate deputy Azem Hajdari

[21] Center Right group changes stand towards Parliament

[22] 458 decisions for restitution of ownerships within 1998 adopted in Korce

[23] National platform of European, Euro-Atlantic Integration strategy presented

[24] Albanian Red Cross and its partners to assist people from Kosove

[25] Fighting in border line Kosova-Albania, Albanian shot dead

[26] Police clash with robbers in segment of road Gjirokaster-Kakavije

[27] Rule of law in Albania to be consolidated, says PM

[28] Creation of multinational force in Southeastern Europe, an historic step for restoration of peace in the region - Hajdaraga

[29] Albania to take part in "International Green week" of Berlin

[01] Head of Kosova Information Center shot

Eyewitnesses said that four unknown persons shot Maloku as he left his car. He died before undergoing an operation in hospital.

Maloku had escaped a previous attempted assassination last July when an unknown person shot and lightly wounded him. /lh/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] Premier says Kosova should be in unison on its solution

The Ministry of Information said to ATA that the talks were held on the initiative of Premier Majko to negotiate with all political factors of Kosova in order to contribute in coordinating all political potentials for a solution to the Kosova crisis.

Majko reiterated the urgent need "for Kosova be in unison for a solution to its crisis." The official Tirana would back only a political solution which respect the will of the Albanian people in Kosova and internationally accepted norms, that is, the solution accepted by all and not by any individuals or political formation.

Bukoshi briefed Majko and other ministers on the latest situation in Kosova and hailed his initiative. He showed his understanding as regards an insisting demand to unify all attitudes of political factors on a solution to the Kosova crisis. Considering this demand historically imperative, he stressed that he would contribute to that end. /ake/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] Construction police remove kiosks around museum

The center of the capital has been occupied by hundreds of illegal bars and cafes which are going to be removed by the construction police.

There are 43 bars and kiosks around the museum and part of them have been removed by their owners.

The aim of the operation is to keep the central of Tirana tidy of illegal kiosks. This operation will be extended to the other side of the main square, near the Bank of Albania. /ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] Oil processed factory buys unprocessed oil

Five private firms attended the auction and only 300 tons of oil worth $750 including transport and VAT was bought by the owners of the oil processed firm in Rrogozhina.

This is the first time that a quantity of 6300 tons of unprocessed sunflower oil, an aid brought by the United Stated for the Albanian government on the basis of an agreement, will be sold in auction within this year.

The cargo arrived in Vlora port on December 27 and was stored in state warehouses. Sources of the Directorate of Food said that the oil was of high quality.

An additional quantity 3 150 tons, the second part of the U.S. aid, is expected to arrive in mid of January. The amount of money provided by the oil selling will be cashed to the state budget. /dast/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] OSCE chairman arrives in Prishtina

Sources of the OSCE mission office in Prishtina said that the senior diplomat was expected to meet with the president of Kosova Ibrahim Rugova and the political representative of the Kosova Liberation Army (KLA) Adem Demaci.

Vollebaek was due to visit Podujeva and held a news conference later. /pta/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] XX century literature most sold for 1998

According to a survey made in the libraries of the Elbasani district, the book entitled "One hundred years solitude", of the renowned writer Gabriel Garcia Markez, one of the most famous representatives of the magic realism in the Latin America and translated in Albanian language by Robert Shvarc, was on the top of the qualification list.

Commented for a long time by the most serious press organs, this book is sold in record copies during the last two years.

The book "And a day comes" of Ernest Hemingway, is listed in the second place. According to the survey this book "has been well liked by all ages."

The books "The lover of the Lady Chamberlain", of the English writer Laurens, Becket novels and "Dead souls" of Gogoli are sold in less copies.

According to this survey, the phenomenon of stable readers is becoming more permanent each passing day. This contingent is composed of artists, literary persons and other intellectuals.

The lack of interest of the school youths in the artistic books, dictated more or less by general preferences to pass the majority part of time watching television, makes not a small troublesome problem. /pas/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] Telecom numbers 116 212 subscribers

Telecom sources said that the largest number of subscribers are in Tirana with 46 608 followed by Elbasan with 8 841, 8 230 of which are family numbers and the rest or 611 official ones. Korca has 5 093 subscribers, Gjirokastra 2 905, Kavaja 2 864 and Mat 2 455 subscribers.

The smallest number is recorded in Bulqiza with 255, Malesia e Madhe 314, of which 274 are family numbers and 40 are official numbers as well as Has with 331 numbers. /dast/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] UNIDO launches enterprise restructuring programme in Albania

"The objective is to restructure 30 state owned and private enterprises within next two years and improve their profitability and performance," the press statement said.

Funded by the United Nations Development Programme, the UNIDO project will select enterprises, carry out diagnostic analysis, identify restructuring strategies and assist in the implementation and monitoring of restructuring activities.

The statement said that "the assistance will cover the following aspects: corporate management, production and efficient resource utilization, pre and post production issues and investment."

"In addition, 50 managers will be trained in modern management techniques and 10 national consultants in enterprise restructuring methodology," it added.

UNIDO said that although 53 percent of Albania's state enterprises had been privatized by the end of 1997, the absence of a coherent short- medium and long term strategy as well as the harmonization of economic, financial and social objectives did not contribute to their profitability.

"Thus, the government's intervention in the process of restructuring is seen as necessary step prior to privatization," the statement said. /sara/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] One year struggle against sea illegal activities, Guardia di Financia

This mission patrolls for 24 hours, making about 44 000 miles. During the last year are arrested some 320 persons while aiming to go towards the Italian coasts in an illegal way, and are sequestrated as 59 000 kilos of smuggling cigarettes as well as 70 kilos of majurianna.

These ciphers made public in the annual analyses of this mission, held recently in Durres were accompanied even by other concrete information. So, the forces of this mission in collaboration with the Albanian border forces have stopped and sequestrate 22 sailing vehicles, 15 dinghies and 2 speedboats which were used as means of transporting the smuggling clandestines to the other side of the sea, as well as 3 ships and 23 motorboats charged with smuggling cigarettes. Some 280 other sailing means of all finds, are stopped for being controlled.

After the denunciations in the District Court or in the General Court are arrested 59 persons accused of illegal activity in the sea. Guardia di Financia has sequestrated 3 shotguns AK 70, 4 clips of cartridges and 250 cartridge of the same kind.

The leaders of this mission say that the collaboration with the Albanian border police of Durres and Vlore should be strengthened. The setting up of an operative hall in Vlore is considered as an important factor for operation of the duties of this mission.

Guardia di Financia, dislocated in Durres port quays, started its activity at the end of 1997 in the framework of the Interforce Italian Mission with the help of the Albanian police forces, to struggle the illegal activities in the sea.

This mission has 6 motor-boats. After the setting up of an operative hall in Durres in the middle of the outgoing year, a similar hall operates its activity even in Vlore. /pas/A.A/

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[10] District court resumes operation

The work was suspended by an order of its chairman Pajtim Hoxha days before the end of last year. Court secretaries said that this was due to the fact that hundreds of files were not classified.

The classification process, which was necessary, lasted until the first 10 days of the new year with secretaries managing to classify the pile of files locked in lawyers' drawers. /pas/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] Over 1 000 Albanians face Serb trial

They have been accused of felony and if found guilty they will be sentenced to 20 years imprisonment.

Series of trials resumed on Monday in Prishtina with legal proceedings against 26 Albanians from Ferizaj, particularly political and human activists, accused of "penal offences of terrorism."

Enver Topalli, the first accused, told the panel jury on Monday that the investigations were held under torture.

"They forced me to accept that the Kosova Liberation Army (KLA) has been created by the U.S. ambassador Gilbert," he said adding that he was forced to speak of people he had never seen or known. Legal proceedings continue even today. /pta/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] School rehabilitation according to "Tirane 2000" project

This was affirmed by the Education Director of the Tirane City, Kujtim Kapllani, who also explained the reasons for the three year delay of the implementation of education project "Tirane 2000". According to him, the difficulties of the transitional years, and especially the ruins after the riots of Spring 1997 and September 1998, were the main obstacles that this project encountered.

This mutual project of the Albanian government and the Soros foundation, which started at the end of 1998, aims the rehabilitation of 47 school buildings, and mainly the rehabilitation of the elementary schools and kindergartens.

Kapllani stressed the unappropriated conditions of the school buildings, as well as their overcharging. The Tirane district schools are overcrowded with a large number of pupils, due to the uncontrolled movement of population.

Kapllani said that "Tirane 2000" project is being implemented this year in "Çajupi", "Sabaudin Gabrani", "Vasil Shanto" schools, in the kindergarten no. 29 and others. /s.sh/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] Some 2.360.000 travelers brought 140 million leks income to Albanian Railway for 1998

Compared with a year ago, this cipher was about 65% higher, but it was 20 million leks less that the incomes of 1996. 1996 is considered the luckiest year for the Albanian Railways.

The railway transport offers rather competitive prices as compared with the automobilistic transport.

The chief of the railway sector in the General Railway Directory, Petraq Skame, told ATA that the compartments had to be totally replaced since the end of 1996. He stressed that their technical condition is becoming more grave each passing day, and that the lightening system is now irreparable. /pas/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] Best Albanian sportmen of 1998

Following are the best 10 sportmen of 1998:

 1. Fotaq Strakosha Soccer "Panionis" (Greece)
 2. Erald Dervishi Chess "Teuta" and "Padova" (Italy)
 3. Alban Bushi Soccer "Litex" (Bulgaria)
 4. Oltion Luli Athletics "Vllaznia"
 5. Diana Mata Shooting "Studenti"
 6. Dorian Collaku Athletics "Dinamo"
 7. Rudi Vata Soccer "Energie C" (Germany)
 8. Igli Tare Soccer "Fortuna D" (Germany)
 9. Eriola Omeri Gymnastics "Partizani"
10. Altin Cela Chess "Mati" (Greece)

A jury included 17 sports officials and 39 journalists announced the winners.

Leonard Zeneli (wrestling), Ilir Shulku (soccer), Bledar Kola (soccer), Vera Bregu (athletics), Jetmir Isaja (boxing), Besnik Musai (cycling), Renato Sulkja (weight lifting), Lida Shehu (basketball) were among those who pretended to be the best 10 sportsmen of the year.

The best 10 sportsmen of 1997 were as follows:

 1. Ndue Njebza (wrestling)
 2. Bledar Kola (soccer)
 3. Erald Dervishi (chess)
 4. Ilir Xhani (athletics)
 5. Sokol Bishanaku (weight lifting)
 6. Edmond Hoxha (boxing)
 7. Eriola Omeri (gymnastics)
 8. Besnik Musai (cycling)
 9. Igli Tare (soccer)
10. Diana Mata (shooting)

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] Albania listed among countries with biggest death number in road accidents

UNICEF said that there were approximately 2,2 dead persons in 1000 vehicles in Albania in 1996, while this figure in Italy in the same year was 0,2 persons.

Although the official ciphers are not divided according to the ages of the accidented persons, the youths are thought to have caused the biggest number of accidents.

Auto-schools are quite widespread in Albania, but their teaching quality varies from one to the other. The majority part of drivers are not familiarized with the vehicles and do not respect the traffic regulations.

The private vehicles entered Albania during the transitional years, and their number was increased quite a lot for a period of time.

The poor road conditions, the loss of the regular traffic labels and the technical condition of the vehicles, are the factors which cause the number of the road accidents, The UNICEF study stressed.

No program to prevent road accidents, exists actually in Albania. /pas/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] Memorandum on judiciary, legal system reform signed

The memorandum was signed by the Albanian vice prime minister Ilir Meta and minister of Justice Thimio Kondi as well as Elio Germano, head of the European Commission Delegation and Andreas Papaconstantinou, special representative of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

The Council of Europe (CoE), in close cooperation with the European Commission, launched the action plan for judiciary and legal system reform which was endorsed by all main donors as a principal contribution to legal system reform.

The action plan aims at providing the framework for reform of the Albanian judiciary and legal system, especially with a view to European norms and standards.

The action plan foresees a number of concrete targets and measures. The Albanian authorities recognize the importance of these targets and measures as milestones in achieving legal system reform.

The CoE will organize periodical review meetings with the Albanian Ministry of Justice, in close cooperation and coordination with all donors. A first review meeting shall be held within three months of the signature of this memorandum. /pas/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] Some 6 programs of foreign donators in agricultural sector, Elbasan

More than 70% of domestic farmers have profited regarding the employment of the contemporary methods in production, technical assistance or different credits through their application since 1993.

Despite the aid of the EC advisory service expanded all over Albania and the Albanian Development Fund, a special aid is given also by an irrigation English association in Belshi area, an Italian and a Greece company.

The Italian non-governmental organization "Cefa", which is considered as the biggest financial company of farmers, is atached in Elbasani district thanks good relations settled between the Elbasani prefecture and the region of Emilia Romanjas in Italy.

Sources of this district prefecture said that another macroproject of this association for the reconstruction of Elbasan, Librazhd, Gramsh and Peqini hospitals is to start being implemented this year. /pas/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] Value of $US slightly increased

Currency	Rate
$US		141.10
DM		 84.00
LIT(1000)	 83.90
GRD(100)	 49.50
EURO		161.50

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] Radio "Tirana" to function as public radio during the second six-month period

Employees of this radio said to ATA that "the work for this purpose has started several months ago."

Anyhow, the change and the reform, which are expected to be carried out in this important radio station, "will be radical," said the director, Martin Leka.

According to him, the function of Radio Tirana as a public radio will bring a radical change in the base, in the way of financing the programs, in the increase of their quality, as well as in the creation of other activities.

With the turning into a public radio, the later should think itself of surviving in the great rivalry of private radios, because a public radio is an independent institution from the state and thus it should be self- financed.

This self-financing will be ensured by the advertisements and selling of different programs.

According to Leka, to increase the quality of work, all the employees of this radio will face the competition, without hindering the new element, whose way is always open.

Radio Tirana was set up in 1938 upon the initiative of the outstanding patriot, Gjergj Jubani. This radio was first listened in Tirana.

After the World War II, Radio Tirana increased the number of its staff and its waves were diffused throughout the country and in many countries of the world. /pas/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[20] Rally of Union for Democracy to commemorate deputy Azem Hajdari

Representatives of the grouping highlighted the role of deputy Hajdari in the Albanian political life. They demanded from the Albanian government to find the killers and put them before justice.

The chairman of the Democratic Party, Sali Berisha said in his address to the rally that the country is in crisis and the government is unable to prevent it.

"Only a new political solution which would come out earlier elections, can bring the country out of crisis," he said. /lh/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[21] Center Right group changes stand towards Parliament

"We see such a cooperation in the establishment of a joint government which would bear the responsibility to pull the country out of the crisis," Zef Bushati, chairman of the Christian Democratic Party, told a news conference on Tuesday.

On the contrary, the Right Center will review its stand in Parliament, representatives of this grouping stressed.

This party hailed the dialogue started with the representatives and main leaders of the Kosova Albanians, Adem Demaci, Rexhep Qosja and Bujar Bukoshi, by expressing the confidence that this dialogue would deepen further on with President Rugova. /lh/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[22] 458 decisions for restitution of ownerships within 1998 adopted in Korce

The chairman of the commission, Ligor Madhi, told ATA that since 1993 the commission has taken 1 652 decisions, mainly restitution of objects, sites, agricultural land, pastures, forests, etc.

On the basis of these decisions, 154 buildings, 185 hectares of sites, 1 100 hectares of arable land, etc., have been restituted to ex-owners. Hundreds of former owners have been compensated with 306 hectares of sites estimated at 1 billion lek.

This year the commission is working to complete the respective documents for 1 810 requests by ex-owners. Our objective, said Madhi, is that the decisions for these requests be adopted within the set limits. /lh/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[23] National platform of European, Euro-Atlantic Integration strategy presented

The chairman of the Inter-ministerial Committee for the European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and State Secretary for the European Integration, Maqo Lakrori, declared that "today's meeting aimed at informing the member countries of Euro-Atlantic structures and other countries in this integration course about the platform of the integration strategy to be followed in Albania."

"The integration is the strategic objective of Albania. Meeting of this goal seems a bit far, but no signs of pessimism should be manifested. The movement towards the developed structures is a movement which brings development," said Lakrori.

Lakrori, explaining the platform of the European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, underlined that this process will be coordinated by the institutional cooperation, Parliament-Government-President, and will be reached by a close cooperation between the ruling party and the opposition and with the integrating Euro-Atlantic movement from the member countries and those which have applied for.

The general objectives of the European Integration Strategy can be summarized in:

- complete normalization of the situation in the country - orientation towards the way of a stable development - all-round, continuous and guaranteed prosperity.

The Platform of the National Strategy of the European and Euro- Atlantic Integration was approved upon a special decision by the Albanian government on 1 December 1998. /dast/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[24] Albanian Red Cross and its partners to assist people from Kosove

The Albanian Red Cross has realised a project of assistance in the hospital of the town of Bajram Curri, with the financial support of the foundation SOROS, the spokesman of the Albanian Red Cross, Zamir Muca told ATA.

Another project of assistance worth over 25 thousand dollars, in cooperation with UNICEF, has been realised by the Albanian Red Cross with Kosovar families.

According to the spokesman, the Albanian Red Cross has appreciated the assistance from these partners making possible that the human commitment of the association to make easier the sufferings of thousands of people moved from Kosove, be realised as much as possible. /lh/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[25] Fighting in border line Kosova-Albania, Albanian shot dead

Powerful gun shots have been heard on Monday midnight and early on Tuesday in the border villages with Albania, Zulfaj, Qafa e Prushit and Deve. The Serb forces brought an Albanian young men in the morgue of city hospital. He was member of the Kosova Liberation Army (UÇK), sources from Gjakova reported.

According to this source, the Serb forces have raided and arrested several houses in the town of Gjakova and have arrested at least three Albanian young men.

While sources from the Human Rights Council in Kosova reported that the fighting between the Serb military and police forces and UÇK have continued even today in the villages of Shaptej, Gllogjan, Ratishte, Dashinoc and Maznike in the suburbs of Decan. There are no reports on casualties until now. /lh/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[26] Police clash with robbers in segment of road Gjirokaster-Kakavije

The spokesman of the district police commissariat told ATA that close to the national road of Lazarat, a group of armed and masked persons tried to raid a vehicle which was driving in this segment of the road. But, the police patrol immediately attacked and ran after the evildoers. The robbers fled in a "Benz" vehicle towards Bulo village, several kilometers far from Lazarat, said the spokesman.

Suitable ways have been found for the control of the national road since the appointment of lieutenant colonel Gani Zeneli to the post of police chief. /dast/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[27] Rule of law in Albania to be consolidated, says PM

"One thing is sure, the rule of law in Albania will be consolidated and we have the will to realize it," stressed Majko.

Along with the analysis of the government work, the head of the government also defined the future goals of the cabinet he leads for more than three months.

"As the Prime Minister of Albania, I underline before you that the commitments we have in front are huge and difficult, but completely realizable," said Majko in his speech.

Among the main objectives of the government work in the future, Majko mentioned the rehabilitation of an economic stability, continuation of policies for the increase of wages, the fight against the organized crime and smuggling, the administration reform, the decentralization of local government, and others.

Focusing on the politics of Albania regarding the international relations, PM Majko stressed that the Albanian government aims at integrating into the Euro-Atlantic structures.

In regard to the Kosova crisis, Premier Majko said that the Albanian government supports the diplomatic actions and international initiatives for Kosova, but also voices the conviction that a direct intervention of NATO in Kosova is necessary. Otherwise, no one can guarantee that in the forthcoming spring Kosova will not be engulfed by new and bloody fighting, ended Albania PM Pandeli Majko. /dast/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[28] Creation of multinational force in Southeastern Europe, an historic step for restoration of peace in the region - Hajdaraga

In the defence Ministry of Albania, Scognamiglio had a meeting with his counterpart Hajdaraga. They pointed out the growing cooperation between the two friendly countries.

In the joint news conference held after the meeting, the two ministers confirmed the important role of the two armies in service of peace.

Hajdaraga said that cooperation with the Italian army has ensured the rehabilitation of the Albanian army. "With the assistance of the friendly countries, especially of Italy as the main partner, the Albanian army has turned to the parameters of complete normality." The signing in Athens of the agreement of the creation of a multinational force of the countries of Southeast Europe is a historic step in the troubled Balkan region in ensuring peace."

The Italian Defence Minister highlighted the contribution of the Albanian army and its attributes for the establishment of peace in the region. He stressed that the participation of the Albanian troops in the multinational force of Southeastern Europe marks the rebirth of Albania in the international stage.

With regard to the developments of the situation in Kosove and the threat for a spillover of the conflict there, Scognamiglio said that Italy will respect its responsibilities as a NATO member country for the solution of this conflict. "All the countries involved in this question must reflect a high sense of responsibility and be aware that violence has never been a solution for all the parties of the complicated issue of Kosove." "We are for a political solution to the problem, hence, an autonomy for Kosove in the framework of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia." /dast/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[30] Albania to take part in "International Green week" of Berlin

This activity will start on January 20 and Albania which has taken part regularly for 5 years now in this great agricultural fair, will again be present with its agricultural products.

"The international green week" is an open forum for European agricultural politics. During the days of the fair, about 500 activities will be held with the fifth east-west agricultural forum as the most important.

In the program of the fair is also the meeting of the Executive Committee of the International Federation for reporters of agriculture, where the Albanian association which is invited, is represented there for two years now. /xh/

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