Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-02-23

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

CONTENTS

[01] All political parties in Vlore in support of Kosove

[02] 95 000 dollars by Soros for reconstruction of economic school

[03] Local government must administer well its budget - seminar

[04] IMF experts to offer consultancy for law on income tax

[05] Lawyers strongly condemn attempted assassination against jurist

[06] Harmonization of Albanian economic legislation with European one is indispensable - minister

[07] Birçe gives his resignation from "Teuta" team

[08] Serb forces pound Vushtri villages

[09] Road Prizeren-Kukes mined

[10] Kosova, reflection in Tirane of Balkan crisis

[11] Soros provides fund for school libraries

[12] New town-palnning study to solve housing problems in Ksamil

[13] Civil defence - major duty in Kukes

[14] Present situation demands efficient telecommunication - border zone

[15] Blizzards havoc electric network Fushe Arres-Kalimash

[16] Water distribution enterprise controls sewerage

[17] $800 thousand by World Bank for rehabilitation of irrigation system in Albania

[18] Explosion blasts in Christian religion center, Librazhd

[19] Prosecutor asks for lawyer be deprived of immunity

[20] Tirana currency rate

[21] Telephone conversation between Majko and Solana

[22] Local Authority must improve budget administration

[23] President Meidani appraises professionalism of Albania delegation in Rambouillet

[24] ANGJELI: Economic Legislation's harmony between Albanian and European one is needed

[25] Private Employment Agency to be established soon

[26] NATO experts offer assistance to remove mines in Albania

[27] Albanian army on alert to defend country's sovereignty, Minister

[28] APC verified company of hydrocarbures activities

[29] Meidani appraises presence of European monitoring structures

[30] Tirana Bank to change interest rate

[01] All political parties in Vlore in support of Kosove

The numerous speakers who took the floor in the presence of Vlora citizens and the refugees from Kosove, demanded that the Rambouillet conference must respect the right of the Albanian people for self- determination, a right which stems from the international law.

"We, people of Vlore, will consider right the alternative that the Conference will offer if that expresses the interests of the Kosovar people and is guaranteed by NATO forces," said speakers in the rally.

Then a message was addressed to the Contact Group representatives and co-chairmen of the Rambouillet Conference, in which, besides others, the defining of the KLA status was requested.

This was the first time in the recent past years that the all the parties in Vlore gather together in a public activity of these dimensions. /dast/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] 95 000 dollars by Soros for reconstruction of economic school

The director of the school, Perparim Musaj, told ATA that Soros has an agreement of cooperation with the Austrian government which will invest in that school, and with the German foundation GTZ, which will deliver funds for the reconstruction of the same school.

According to official sources from Soros in Sarande, the total value of investments for schools and projects of education in that district in the past three years is more than 800 000 dollars. /pas/xh/

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[03] Local government must administer well its budget - seminar

Head of economic department of development in the Local Government Ministry, Fran Ibrahimi focused on the work of the structures of the local government for a good administration of their budget conformed to the law on the budget of 1999. Ibrahimi stressed that decentralization in the use of the budget of the local government has been a priority this year, with the aim that the budget be as much efficient as possible for the solution of the problems of the local government.

Local government and communes chairmen raised problems regarding the local government budget, demanding more independence in using it. /xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] IMF experts to offer consultancy for law on income tax

who will offer their consultancy to implement better the law on income tax.

A spokesman of the Ministry of Finance said to ATA that this was done bearing in mind that the above mentioned law was prepared with the IMF assistance.

Difficulties have been encountered recently as regard its understanding and implementation and suggestions have been offered by businessmen which are being reflected in bylaws under consideration.

Angjeli had asked the IMF a few days ago and the IMF mission responded to him on Monday saying that it had taken his request into the consideration and the IMF fiscal department would send its experts to Tirana. /ake/ak/

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[05] Lawyers strongly condemn attempted assassination against jurist

Presidency of the Lawyers Chamber of Albania called in an unusual meeting on Monday to strongly condemn the attempted assassination against his colleague, who was seriously wounded in an ambush near his house in Tirana.

"We condemn the negative phenomena and urge they be eliminated by all means particularly when such phenomena affect the judiciary," Perparim Sanxhaku, member of the Lawyers Chamber said to ATA.

He said that the urgent meeting decided to call on all lawyers to boycott all trials on Tuesday in the sign of protest.

Kleanthi Koçi, an Albanian well-known lawyer, was shot and wounded with fire arm late on Sunday by unidentified persons near his apartment. /ypa/ak/

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[06] Harmonization of Albanian economic legislation with European one is indispensable - minister

The spokesman of the Ministry of Finances told ATA that Mr. Angjeli has made other meetings with the EU delegation members, in which they have discussed the preparations for the meeting of Brussels in March 26 between the delegation of the Albanian Government and the European Union.

The meetings focused on the work and efficiency of the Mission of European Customs Houses in Albania and the new Customs Code, which was considered contemporary, with the exception of some articles which must be amended so that they be conformed to the European legislation and in full harmony with it in the shortest possible time. /pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] Birçe gives his resignation from "Teuta" team

"Teuta" soccer team was disappointed after being beat by "Flamurtari" team. During the second phase of 60th National Championship of Football it gathered only four points out of 9 possible points.

According to the sports commentator, Bujar Qesja, the leaders of "Teuta" sport club and representatives from "Eurotek" Company which sponsors Teuta activities, are arguing on nominating one of the two distinguished figures of Albanian football of 1980, Hasan Lika or Haxhi Ballgjini to the post of the "Teuta" trainer. The former is an ex- footballer of "Partizani" and ex-trainer of "Lushnja" football team, and has more premises to become the future trainer of the team. The other candidate is a Durres ex-footballer, who leaded the team towards the champion title in 1993-1994. /pas/A.A/

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[08] Serb forces pound Vushtri villages

Sources of the Kosova Information Center said that the lessons were cancelled in the commune of Vushtri due to the bombardment. /la/ak/

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[09] Road Prizeren-Kukes mined

The OSCE spokesman in Prizeren, Sajmon Gerry, has confirmed that the troops of Yugoslav army have made new reinforcements in vicinity of Zhur village and the Serb forces are on high level of readiness in the region. /LA/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] Kosova, reflection in Tirane of Balkan crisis

Nevertheless, one cannot say they are clear about the threat of a failure of the negotiations in Rambouillet. What will happen after this? The situation may precipitate to a war, extending in the entire region and consequently Albania too.

A waiter of about 20 in one of the bars in the centre of Tirane, said he felt the war far from him.

"I am convinced that the Albanian opinion is aware of the aggravation of the crisis in Kosove. I feel there is a great concern. The media must be appreciated for its work to sensitize the population on the situation in Kosove," Arben Puto, Executive Director of Albanian Helsinki Committee told ATA.

The Albanian opposition chief called yesterday to the Albanian delegation in Rambouillet, not to sign the agreement. But a 24 year girl, who was going to her daily work, didn't know what that would mean.

"The civil society is worried of the situation created in Kosove. Many representatives of NGO's with whom I have frequent contacts, are concerned and well-informed of the situation there. The first topic of our talks is Kosove," said to ATA on Monday the executive director of the Albanian Foundation for Civil Society, Rolanda Dhimitri.

According to her, NGO-s must, perhaps, have been pronounced more on this issue so that a greater influence be made on the broad Albanian opinion, but "it seems the Albanian press is still much politicized and the space for pronunciations on the part of non-governmental representatives is very small."

Albanian Minister of Defence, Luan Hajdaraga, said recently that on the basis of a new law adopted by the Parliament, Albania allows NATO to use its air-sea facilities.

While a 27 year man, who was having his morning coffee in one of the bars in Rinia park, said that he didn't understand "why NATO needed to use Albanian air-sea facilities."

By listening to daily pronunciations of VIP's in the Albanian politics, the public opinion hopes of a peaceful solution to the conflict in Kosove, but nobody knows how will this be realised. Very little has been made for the people to understand what is happening in Rambouillet. /y.pa/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] Soros provides fund for school libraries

AEDP coordinator for Saranda and Himara Xhorxhi Vasili said that the above fund was used for books, video, computers, projection apparatus, photocopy machine for four eight-year schools.

Saranda is among 13 districts of Albania included in the AEDP program for education development in Albania three years ago. /pas/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] New town-palnning study to solve housing problems in Ksamil

The chairman of this commune, Astrit Oruçi, told ATA on Teusday that the study comprises a surface of 40 hectares, in the wester part of Butrinti lake, and that a greater space for development of family tourism in this urban center known as "Small town of Ksamili" would be created after the study which will be covered by Albanian company "Kestrina".

The city of Ksamil, situated 6 kilometers away from the antic city of Butrinti, attracts thousands of Albanian and foreign tourists during the summer time. It continues to be preferred by several foreign firms and companies, which plan to built up touristic villages in its vicinity. /pas/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] Civil defence - major duty in Kukes

"Measures have been taken to that end but there exist concerns over an increasing lack of a legal framework to implement them," Shefqet Bruka, head of the district council said to ATA on Tuesday.

"Measures adopted are efficient to face the first moment in case of an attack or bombardment but sheltering of civil population for a longer period is a great concern," Bruka said.

Specialists of the staff have calculated the funds needed to repair the existing shelters.

He said that they had informed the government but had not received any responses so far. /pas/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] Present situation demands efficient telecommunication - border zone

The Kukes district has 5 border communes with Kosove, where the situation continues to be tense. According to the spokesman of the district police commissariat, Serb army continues to concentrate troops and armament near the border with Albania.

The director of the district telecom affiliate, Ali Braha, said that the telephone connection was fixed in two border communes, Zapof and Shishtavec, but they are lacking funds for further work. /pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] Blizzards havoc electric network Fushe Arres-Kalimash

"Due to the strong blizzards is damaged the electric network" leaders of Albanian Energetic Cooperation in this district, told ATA today.

According to the same sources, partial defects are also made in the network supplying with energy some communes such as Zapod, Shishtavec, Shemeri and Bicaj.

Although the brigades have started the work to repair the break down in Fushe Arres and Kukes, no information is given on the time the damage needs to be repaired.

Blizzards and heavy snowfalls continue in this region, bringing about problems in repairing the shortcomings created. /pas/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] Water distribution enterprise controls sewerage

The decision approved in the latest meeting of the municipality council was asked by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport based on recommendations of international consultant firm and demands of the donor institutions.

The two existing enterprises, Road and sewerage adjustment enterprise and Water distribution enterprise, will set up a working group to work out the documentation for the transfer of capital to the new enterprise.

Specialists have been discussing this problem in the last two months after an instruction from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.

Unifying sewage in Tirana was one of the demands of the memorandum of cooperation signed between Albania and Italy on providing the assistance to help manage the water distribution enterprise.

The Tirana town hall has backed the idea of merging both enterprises. /pas/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] $800 thousand by World Bank for rehabilitation of irrigation system in Albania

With an investment by the World Bank last year, the irrigation federation Sulova enabled the irrigation of plants in an area of 870 hectares in the communes Mollas and Klos, realising 2.2. million incomes from the users of water.

The director of district agriculture, Ymer Tola said that this was the reason that urged the WB to draft a full project for the rehabilitation of the irrigation and drainage system in that zone. As a guarantee to the said investment, the farmers of that zone have been asked to pay a voluntary contribution of 10 per center of the delivered total. /pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] Explosion blasts in Christian religion center, Librazhd

According to the spokesman of Librazhd police commissariat, the explosion happened around 6p.m, time when a group of youths were taking religious lessons.

Police forces went immediately to the spot, and found out that a quantity of explosive material was settled in the chimney of the building. Fortunately, no casualties were caused.

According to police forces, the installing of explosive material in this center can be made to threaten the Christian mission in Librazhd, where the population is mainly Muslims.

This Biblical center exercises its activity in Librazhd since 1993, by attracting a lot of youths through its predications. It has extended the activity even in remote villages of Librazhd. /pas/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] Prosecutor asks for lawyer be deprived of immunity

Flamur Bregu, one of two prosecutors of the case against Agron Bilali and Gezim Kasemi, members of the group, said to ATA that "the decision ruled on Monday by the Tirana district court was a violation to the law and represent a penal offence."

On Monday, the Tirana district court ruled their release from the court hall while prosecutors had asked for 25-year imprisonment.

Bregu added that the Supreme Court of Justice should have been called out immediately to remove the immunity of the lawyer Shaqir Hasani after the decision of the Tirana court.

He said that the evidence provided by the investigation body was sufficient to verify that Dardha, Bilali and Kasemi and another one killed in a clash with police were guilty for the massacre, which took place in one of the bars near the stadium in the Berat city.

The prosecutor Bregu asked that if the penal jury found that the evidence were not sufficient to sentence them, why did not they accuse them of illegal possession of arms. /pas/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[20] Tirana currency rate

US$1.00			141.40
German mark		 80.60
Italian lire (1000)	 80.90
Greek Drachmas (100)	 48.50
Euro			155.60

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[21] Telephone conversation between Majko and Solana

The situation in the region and the last developments were in the center of this meeting. They both shared the same opinion regarding the situation in Kosova by considering it as "very grave."

According to the same source, PM Majko reiterated the unchangeable stand of the Albanian government for the irreplaceable role of NATO in the solution of the Kosova crisis.

"We are resolute in our conviction that the NATO troops in Kosova will serve as a guarantee for the restoration of peace," the Albanian Prime Minister told the NATO Secretary General, Havier Solana. /y.pa/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[22] Local Authority must improve budget administration

The Head of the Development Economic Directory in the ministry of Local Authority Fran Ibrahimi stressed the work to be done by the structures of the local authority on the way of administrating of their budget according to the law of budget year 1999.

Ibrahimi stressed that last year the priority is given to the decentralization of the budget aiming at increasing the budget to solve the problems faced by the local authority.

The chairs of the local authority and of the communes presented the problems closely connected with the local budget and asked for more independence in its use./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[23] President Meidani appraises professionalism of Albania delegation in Rambouillet

President Meidani also expressed to the delegation members his support and that of the Albanian state for the stands they have maintained and are maintaining.

In regard to the Kosova issue, the resistance of Albanians is as important as the international support. The presence of NATO troops in Kosova has been and remains the main element of all our stands.

"The international support and the unity of the Albanian factors in Kosova are the main elements to move towards this aspiration on which many sacrifices have been made and are being made," underlines President Meidani in his letter. /dast/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[24] ANGJELI: Economic Legislation's harmony between Albanian and European one is needed

The spokesman of the Ministry of Finance told for ATA that during this days the Minister of Finance Angjeli had several meeting with other member of the delegation. In these meetings it is discussed about the preparations of Brussels meeting in March 26, between the Albanian and EU delegations.

During the today's discussions it is analyzing the work done by the Mission of the European Customs in Albania like the New Custom Code, which is considered as modern law, excluding some articles. The articles have to change in order to harmonize the Albanian legislation with the European one within a short period of time./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[25] Private Employment Agency to be established soon

According to the head of the National Work Services Eduard Prodani the new packet is predicted to be more effective than the application in the Public Affairs.

The employment stimulation according to the new packet will be done in several directions. According to Prodani the first direction is the businessmen' finance to open new working place. The second direction is the professional skill during the work process, while the third one has to do with support of the public subjects that offer professional preparation. The fourth direction is the license of the Private Agencies of Employment (PAE).

The budget of this year is predicted to be nearly five hunderd million lek. But the packet includes a financial mechanism that does not permit the fonds from the economic assistance and the unemployment pay to be added to the budget predicted for that year.

Beside the opening of the new working places the employment packet, according to Prodani, helps the businesses and eliminate the black jobs, which are so critical in Albania. The new packet makes the employers more interested in inscribing employeers./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[26] NATO experts offer assistance to remove mines in Albania

The Organization for the Destruction of Ammunition has defined the capital of Albania, Tirana, the place to begin the operation in the mined zones. Several weeks are needed only for Tirana, to continue further on with the other mined zones, a representative of Partnership for Peace in Brussels said. He added that observations have been made by helicopters and the mined zones have been defined.

The Swiss government has offered assistance in logistics to help the Albanian specialists for the elimination of these zones. /dast/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[27] Albanian army on alert to defend country's sovereignty, Minister

Asked about the role of NATO and other countries, members of Partnership for Peace, in coping with this difficult, Hajdaraga said that the Ministry of Defence is closely cooperating with NATO countries. "Especially for the current situation, Albania has taken all the necessary engagements in the framework of Partnership for Peace, to offer NATO all the air space, if this will be necessary," ended his statement for ATA the Albanian Defence Minister, Luan Hajdaraga. /lh/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[28] APC verified company of hydrocarbures activities

The restructure' process of the Oil Albanian company split it into three other commercial companies which are Albpetrol, ARMO, and SEVCOM.

APC cover 100% of the capitals in the companies it verifies and meanwhile will manage the portofol of the three companies based on the Albanian law on the verified companies. APC will be presented in three assemblies of the companies.

The companies will have juridical autonomy to act. The new way of organizing will affects the financial control of these companies from the APC part.

According to the privatization schedule of the public enterprises that act in the strategic sectors of the economy SEVCOM and ARMO will start the privatization process in the second six months of this year. This process will not touch the oil, but only its assets through the selling of the share-certificates. In this process will participate strong foreign investitures, as well.

The privatization process will be done according a specific law in the oil sector. The Ministry of Public Economy and Privatization is drafting the law./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[29] Meidani appraises presence of European monitoring structures

President Meidani and the Regional Chairman of the Mission said that the presence of NATO in Kosova and of other international structures in the entire region, is a necessity to avoid the destabilization elements for a harmonic development of security and economic prosperity.

During this meeting, the positive tendencies in the development of the country after the grave crisis of 1997 were also appreciated. /dast/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[30] Tirana Bank to change interest rate

The interest value fall to 15.5% for the deposits in cash of three and six moths maturity and to 15% for those of twelve months maturity.

The new values of the dollars' interest's rate:

---------------------------------------------------------------
USD                       |------------------------------------
                          | current |
                          | account |  1M | 3 M  | 6 M  |12 M
---------------------------------------------------------------
    500 -  50.000         |  1.3    | 3.8 | 3.8  | 3.9  |  3.9
 50.001 - 100.000         |  1.3    | 3.9 | 3.9  | 4    |  4
100.000 - 200.000         |  1.3    | 4   | 4    | 4.1  |  4.1
---------------------------------------------------------------

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