Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-04-17

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

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CONTENTS

[01] Government discusses present situation facing Albania

[02] Albania says Belgrade to bow to international community demands

[03] 15 thousand Kosovars entered Kukes overnight

[04] NATO supreme commander to visit Tirana

[05] New camps for 35 thousand arrivals from Kosova

[06] Local government urges NGO to send more aid for Kosova people

[07] Red Crescent wants to construct an airport in Kukes

[08] CE engaged in coping with crisis in Kosova - CE representative

[09] Majko: Our friends share in our difficult days

[10] Prime Minister Majko meets with NATO Supreme Commander General Clark

[11] Three centres for accommodation of Kosovars in Tirane readied

[12] Great influx of Kosovars reaching Morine crossing point

[13] National Commercial Bank to be privatized next week

[14] Greece favours "Marshall Plan" for the Balkans

[15] Calm week in exchange market of foreign currencies against Albanian one

[16] New power station of Tirana to complete within this month

[17] Swedish Minister to come on Sunday in Tirana

[18] KLA fighters are fighting to defend their homes - Premier Majko

[19] Agriculture Ministry does not predict any food crisis in Albanian market

[20] Assistance and volunteers from Italy in context of humanitarian operation "Ylberi"

[21] Increase houses rent price in Kukes

[22] NATO will defend integrity and inviolability of neighbouring countries with Yugoslavia

[23] UNHCR to support Kosova comers

[24] There is no limit in cooperation Albania offers to NATO - Majko

[25] 1 430 other Kosova arrivals reach Hani i Hotit

[26] It is the task of every European to oppose any kind of violence - Norway's minister

[01] Government discusses present situation facing Albania

Minister of Local Government Arben Demeti briefed the council on the huge influx of Kosovars during Friday in the prefecture of Kukes as well as steps taken to evacuate them from the Kukes prefecture.

Prime minister Pandeli Majko, speaking about the assistance to families, which have housed Albanians driven from Kosova, said that the government was urging the international agencies, especially the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to accord aid to them within a short possible time.

The meeting said that they should strongly insist that the international community speed up the process of building up camps with every state or agency or even international institution assume the erection of one of more camps and covering all problems.

This will make more efficient the humanitarian aid and Albanians of Kosova have normal living conditions.

The meeting of the Council of Ministers discussed the project undertaken by international agencies such as UNHCR, International organisation for Migration (IOM), International Red Cross as well as the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in close cooperation with the local

government and prefectures for the registration of Kosova refugees.

This important project coordinated by the Ministry of Local government creates possibilities to clearly find the location of every Kosova arrival, provide them with their refugee card, which is very important, and tackle the requests of the communities and prefectures for their treatment. /ake/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] Albania says Belgrade to bow to international community demands

Milo and Niotis expressed concern over the grave situation in Kosova whose consequences were reflected all over the Balkans.

"The situation is precipitating in dangerous extreme limits," Milo said, adding that we should coordinate forces to cope with its challenges.

The Albanian government wanted Belgrade bows to five points presented already by the international community as well as placing Kosova under an international protectorate for a transition period.

Greek deputy minister Niotis presented Milo a new initiative undertaken hours before by the Greek prime minister Kostas Simitis, an initiative added to those presented by some countries of the European Union.

"This Greek initiative aims at finding a solution to the crisis in Kosova as well as implementing a "Marshal plan" for the Balkans to recover it economically and establish a democratic and civil society.

Albanian foreign minister Milo thanked Greece for its humanitarian aid accorded to Albania which will continue even in the future and expressed consideration of every initiative in finding a solution to the Kosova conflict, stability and democratisation of the Balkan region. /pas/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] 15 thousand Kosovars entered Kukes overnight

The total number of the new arrivals is estimated over 15 thousand people.

Sources from the prefecture said that the total number of Kosovars there was about 305 thousand. 175 thousand of them have been evacuated to other districts while the rest or some 139 thousand are staying there.

Qemal Perllaku, chief of the evacuation commission, said ATA that the evacuation continued slowly and the number of evacuees was lower than that of the arrivals.

Poor weather conditions are making difficult the situation for the new arrivals, who pass the night in the open. /pas/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] NATO supreme commander to visit Tirana

His agenda includes talks with the Albanian prime minister Pandeli Majko and Defence Minister Luan Hajdaraga.

During his short stay he was expected to visit NATO troops deployed in the military airport in Rinas and the NATO office in Tirana.

U.S. General Clark has assumed the command of the NATO allied forces in Europe in July 1997 replacing General John Jullivan.

The prominent General of the U.S. armed forces has participated in the Vietnam war for six years and in the war in Persian Gulf.

Clark, 54, has helped reach the Dayton accord in 1995 and is running the NATO operations for a solution to the Kosova crisis. /y.pa/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] New camps for 35 thousand arrivals from Kosova

The Italian government will construct the second refugee camp for five thousand Kosova arrivals, UNHCR a camp to house other 12 thousand, Red Cross and Red Crescent of the United Arab Emirates another camp for 10 thousand people from Kosova to help improve the accommodation conditions for them.

Even the association Doctors without borders will construct in Kukes a refugee camp for five thousand Kosovars who are going to undergo medical treatment. /pas/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] Local government urges NGO to send more aid for Kosova people

Most of the arrivals have been settled in with local families, Neki Hysko, head of the district council said to ATA.

A small number of them were accommodated in a makeshift camp in Kakruke village in former state warehouses.

Hysko said that the local government has decided to provide good living conditions for the Kosovars in refugee camps.

The accommodation for all Kosovars will start next week, Hysko said.

Officials of the local government have urged a right distribution of aid coming from different humanitarian organisations and associations.

The Red Cross and other non government organisations have sent aid to Berat refugee camps forgetting Skrapar, a town, which have small possibility to cope with the Kosovars. /pas/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] Red Crescent wants to construct an airport in Kukes

Sanna Dervishi, head of the association delegations from the United Arab Emirates which delivered a contingent of aid for war refugees in Albania, asked the Albanian prime minister Pandeli Majko on Friday for such facilities.

Sanna said to premier Majko and Albanian government coordinator Kastriot Islami that the Red Crescent is ready to construct an airport in Kukes, besides a refugee camp which houses 10 thousand people, to help contribute in finding an urgent solution to airlift humanitarian aid.

The project is planned to be carried out in two phases, the first the creation of all conditions for aircraft to land and take off and later all necessary facilities for an airport.

The delegation of the women of the Red Crescent met also the prefect of Tirana Makbule Çeço. /pas/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] CE engaged in coping with crisis in Kosova - CE representative

They underlined the main directions of cooperation with the CE and various projects of this organisation as regards the humanitarian crisis as well as the CE engagement in Albania and in a near future in Kosova, according to the President's press office.

Meidani assessed that Albania's cooperation with the CE should continue in all fields and aspects.

Evaluating the role of OSCE and CE, Meidani urged the beginning of preparations for organising life in Kosova, alongside the international force of security backed by NATO.

Ms. Akand stressed the political support of CE for the international operation in Albania and Kosova and said she was committed to various humanitarian projects.

All the CE structures are totally engaged in coping with the aftermath of the current crisis in Kosova, she said. /dast/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] Majko: Our friends share in our difficult days

The aim of the visit of the U.S.Congressmen is to closely get to know the situation in Albania, after the influx of the Kosova refugees, as well as to materialise the aid Albania needs to cope with this situation.

Majko made known the views of the Albanian government in coping with the situation created at home.

They also discussed the future of the region as well as the U.S. role in resolving this crisis.

The U.S. congressmen hailed Albanian government's efforts in coping with the situation, while Prime Minister Majko, on behalf of the Albanian government, said that "all Albania's ports and military bases will be put at the disposal of NATO".

"Never before has the international politics shown such interest in Albania. Our friends are sharing in our difficult moments. Therefore, we should be optimistic," Majko told reporters at the end of the meeting. /dast/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] Prime Minister Majko meets with NATO Supreme Commander General Clark

The meeting is being held behind closed doors. Defence Minister Luan Hajdaraga is also present at the meeting.

Clark, 54, helped reach the Dayton peace agreement in 1995. He also directs the NATO operations for the solution of the Kosova crisis. /s.sh/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] Three centres for accommodation of Kosovars in Tirane readied

Hence, 180 tents for 1 500 Kosovars are ready in Ndroq and 450 tents in Dajt for 3 500 others, while in Valias 6 buildings have been reconstructed in which 1 500 people will be sheltered, Dhimiter Gurra, chief of the information office in the prefecture of Tirane said to ATA.

According to him, other tents will be readied to cope with the influx of the refugees from Kosove and their gradual accommodation.

He confirmed that the total number of the Kosovars arriving in the prefecture of Tirane has amounted to 66 038 people, of whom 50 243 in the district of Tirane. In the mean time the families of this prefecture have sheltered 29 550 Kosovars, 22 658 of whom in Tirana families. /dast/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] Great influx of Kosovars reaching Morine crossing point

From 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. of Saturday, over 8 thousand Kosovars have crossed the border to Albania and in the evening hours and thousands of others are expected to come, said Selman Selmani from Mitrovica. The train of people taking to Morine is about 20 km long.

The squares in Kukes are packed with people. The UNHCR has appealed to them not to hesitate to go to other districts where they will find better living conditions.

There are over 70 thousand Kosovars in open air in Kuke s at present. /dast/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] National Commercial Bank to be privatized next week

It will be followed by the Saving Bank privatization, whose procedures are foreseen to start at the end of this year and complete within 2000.

In the race of the bank privatization remain two Turkish banks, Bank Kapital and Kent Bank. The privatization process of this bank started last year. Ten is the number of the foreign banks from Italy, Greece, Turkish, and International Financial Institutions, as well, to be involved in the privatization process of this bank.

The first session of offers' qualification of the banks interested in buying National Commercial Bank is hold in mid February, by the Offers' Commission led by the Minister of Finance Anastas Angjeli.

During this phase five foreign banks have been selected: one Italian Banca di Roma, two Greek Alpha Credit Bank and Pireaus Bank and two Turkish Kent Bank and Bank Kapital.

Albanian Parliament passed a special law concerning the privatization process of this bank, by defining the ways to be followed till the end of the process.

The transfer of the share-certifications of a strategic investiture is chosen as way privatization formula, which means a bank to be selected by open international tender. 50% of the share-certifications will be offered to the investiture of this bank. It is up to this investiture to take the decision. The rest of the share-certifications will be offered to the financial investitures such as EBDR, IFC, and other bank and financial institutions, being native or foreign ones.

The Ministry of Finance will represent the state-owner in the privatization process of the National Commercial Bank./pas/linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] Greece favours "Marshall Plan" for the Balkans

Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis, at a meeting of the Government Commission on Friday, put forward an action plan for peace in the Balkans, the Greek embassy in Tirane reports.

Greece, as a European Southeast country, with strong ideas of friendship with all the countries of the region and at the same time as the only Balkan country member of the Euro-Atlantic institutions (EU, NATO, WEU), undertakes an initiative for the peaceful solution of the crisis in the Balkan region.

The objectives of the Greek initiative, according to the Greek Prime Minister, are: peaceful solution of the crisis as soon as possible, the Balkans' stabilisation and integration in the European architecture, and coping with the humanitarian problems emerging from the crisis.

For a peaceful solution to the crisis, Greece will intensify its efforts, undertaking a package of measures and initiatives, in cooperation with its partners and allies in the EU and NATO.

"Our main objective is cooperation among institutions and coordination of actions to lead to the acceptance by Yugoslavia of the conditions (withdrawal of the military forces from Kosova, a safe return of the refugees to their lands, establishment of a broad international force, clearly legalised, and other conditions) and the simultaneous end of military operations" said Simitis.

"Greece endorses the proposal and initiatives for peaceful solutions, formulated by the EU member countries (Germany and other states)... and has proposed, as an addition, a package of principles, which, also having as a starting point what was attained in Rambouillet, would make up the framework for a solution, whatever it be," said Simitis.

These principles include: respect for border inviolability, respect for the rights and identity of the individual and the minorities, peaceful solution of differences, cooperation for democracy, development and civil society.

Greece, the report of the Greek embassy says, will develop its own policy for the solution of the crisis at three levels, at the level of the institutions it takes part, at the level of the regional system of the Balkan countries, by intensifying efforts to formulate joint initiatives and ways to cope with the problems, as well as at a broader international level, having as an objective the biggest possible participation in the solution-finding political procedures of the U.N., OSCE and Russia.

Greece holds that it is necessary, right after the end of the military operations, to materialise a "Global Plan for Balkan Stabilisation and Development". This plan, which has already been worked out by the Greek government, contains the following pivots:

-The economic development of the Balkan region through a package of measures and initiatives which will constitute a kind of "Marshall Plan" for the region.

-Democratisation of the region with measures for the construction and strengthening of the democratic institutions and of the "Treaty of Stability", which will guarantee border inviolability.

-Progress, intensification and institutionalisation of interregional cooperation with the participation of all the countries of the regions, as a step for the full integration of the region into the European architecture and the European institutional system.

-Recognition of the requests made by all countries for membership in the European Union, if they meet the required political and economic premises.

This plan of the Greek government will be presented to the EU and, also in combination with the "Treaty of Stability" proposed by Germany for the region, will make up the new initiative of the EU for the Balkans.

At the same time, Greece will extend its humanitarian activity and presence through a series of measures such as by creating the infrastructure for the refugees, and by providing humanitarian aid in the regions (Kosove, Montenegro) which present special problems of getting into.

The Greek Government is also planning to hold an expanded meeting in Athens regarding humanitarian aid. This meeting will also tackle economic problems and the consequences of the crisis. /s.s/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] Calm week in exchange market of foreign currencies against Albanian one

After some high oscillations marked during the previous week the Albanian currency LEK regained the stability this week. A dollar against it marked the value of 144-145 leks.

Sources from the Albanian Bank inform that they are following attentively the everyday situation, and they do not foresee any fall of the Albanian currency.

Meanwhile the Minister of Finance Anastas Angjeli stated that "till the end of the year Albanian currency will mark slight oscillations against dollar, but in general a stable exchange rate is predicted."

According to ESAF-2 agreement signed with IMF for the second half of 1999, the dollar's value against LEK will be 147 leks./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] New power station of Tirana to complete within this month

The construction of this power station is financed by the Italian Government, which afford 7 billion lirets aiming at improving the energy provision of Tirana region.

Tirana power station consists of 30 electric cabins, which supply with power the most problematic region of capital city Tirana./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] Swedish Minister to come on Sunday in Tirana

During this visit to be hold in the frame work of the humanitarian emergency in Albania the Swedish Minister will meet the Albanian President Meidani, Prime Minister Majko and several Ministers.

The Swedish Minister will also meet representatives of world organizations in Tirana, such as UNHCR, OSBE, PNUD, MAPE, WEP and ICRC./dast/linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] KLA fighters are fighting to defend their homes - Premier Majko

The Information Ministry told ATA that the visit of the group of the U.S. senators and congressmen was to know better the situation Albania is passing.

Premier Majko expressed the profound gratitude of the Albanian people and Government to U.S. congressmen for everything that the U.S. and NATO are making for the settlement of the conflict in Kosove.

PM Majko said that Albania is resolute to offer boundless cooperation with U.S. and NATO, putting at their disposal all Albanian ports and military bases.

Referring to Kosova refugees, Majko said that the tents for Kosova war refugees in Albania are temporary. "They will return to Kosove when NATO troops will be deployed there."

With regard to the KLA activity, Albanian PM stressed that it is not a terrorist organization.

"The KLA fighters have never made any terrorist act, they are fighting to defend their homes.

The U.S. congressmen thanked the Albanian Premier especially for the reception for the Kosova war refugees in Albania. /dast/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] Agriculture Ministry does not predict any food crisis in Albanian market

There was a risk of food crisis due to the situation created in Albania after the coming of Kosova displaced, but the humanitarian aid in food and the increase of the private activity fulfilled the need for food.

"According to everyday observations undertaken by the Ministry of Agriculture in 36 districts the wheat quantity in market marked a fall with the increase of the refugees influx, but after that this quantity reached its normal figures. There are considerable quantities of oil, sugar, spaghetti, etc in Albanian's market," said Dedej.

During the first days of refugees influx the increase of the prices is marked in the northern districts, because the foreign organizations bought in the market. After the coming of the humanitarian aid and the restarting of the commercial activity of the private merchants the prices regain the normal values.

Food provision is fulfilled by the measures taken by state and foreign institutions./pas/linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[20] Assistance and volunteers from Italy in context of humanitarian operation "Ylberi"

The ferry boats Palladio, Stervatos and Laburnum have carried to Durres over 600 tons of food items. The freighter Schilla of the Italian state Railways arrived in Durres for the third time in five days bringing in ten buses, eight trucks with food and a group of 47 volunteers of the Red Cross, who together with their vehicles will accompany the aid to Kukes.

Two ferry boats of the Italian Navy, San Marco and San Giorgio have brought to Albania also 400 Italian soldiers who will help distribute humanitarian aid in Albania.

Until 4 p.m. on Saturday, over 80 per cent of the goods and a part of the ferry boats have been unloaded. /dast/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[21] Increase houses rent price in Kukes

"Nearly 80% of Kuksi families sheltered by rent Kosova displaced," told the Secretary of Kuksi Municipality Tatjana Kerxhaliu. "Many other have bought flats costing 1,5 million lek from 800 000 lek sold before," added the Secretary.

The coming of the great number of Kosova displaced in Kukes caused troubles to Kuksi inhabitants, who have had problems with shelter.

Actually nearly 1000 families are considered as homeless in Kukes./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[22] NATO will defend integrity and inviolability of neighbouring countries with Yugoslavia

"We have just ended a consultation with the Albanian Government on the crisis in the region and on all the crisis that Albania is coping with and on the Kosovars arriving in Albania," said Clark following the meeting he had in the Defence Ministry of Albania.

"In the meeting I had with the Prime Minister, the Defence Minister and the chief of the Army General Staff, we focused on the work made so far by the forces of the Atlantic Alliance and exchanged opinions on the problems the region is being faced with," said Clark.

Asked about the time when Apache helicopters will reach Albania, General Clark said that "they will arrive very soon," without stating the fixed date for their arrival.

General Wesley Clark considered the incidents on the Albanian border a violation of the sovereignty of the Albanian state, therefore for all these, he added, "Milosevic ought to be sent to court."

"NATO will protect the integrity and inviolability of the countries neighbouring Yugoslavia. Milosevic wants to intimidate the neighbouring countries, but NATO will not allow it," said Clark. /dast/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[23] UNHCR to support Kosova comers

This sum, which support the attempts of the Albanian Authorities, will make possible the increase of the bread and food quantity, as well as the improvement of the living conditions in collective centers.

In the same time UNHCR assisted directly the refugees by proving more than 150 000 blankets, 10 000 mattresses, plastic coverage, food cans, detergents, kitchen equipment and umbrellas.

"The assistance of UNHCR for the Kosova comers continues to come in Albania and in the ten coming days UNHCR will distribute nearly 300 000 blankets and 10 000 umbrellas, aiming at increasing the number of the camps for the new comers," said Mouchet./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[24] There is no limit in cooperation Albania offers to NATO - Majko

"Albania feels now itself more than a NATO member. You may consider our ports and military bases as military bases of NATO," said PM Majko.

"We consider of special importance and indispensable the humanitarian action of NATO to aid the war refugees of Kosove. We offer the stability of our country, because we know that any instability may create problems for your action,"said PM Majko.

Majko stressed that the Albanian Army is ready to cope with any eventual adventure of Milosevic on Albania's northern borders. "We have maintained restraint in face of the Serb provocations," added Majko.

After the invitation made to him and repeated also by General Clark, Premier Majko said that his constitutional obligations could not allow him to take part in the ceremony in Washington to mark the 50th anniversary of NATO and voiced his regret for such an act which he was forced to undertake due to the grave situation in the region.

The commander of the NATO troops in Europe, General Wesley Clark said that he highlighted what Albania has made to receive the Kosova refugees and that NATO was guaranteeing the food reserves and their accommodation.

General Clark made a panorama of the military actions made by NATO, stressing that NATO will intensify its military actions, stressing the plans of the Alliance to increase its military potential in the region and in Albania. /dast/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[25] 1 430 other Kosova arrivals reach Hani i Hotit

The spokesman of the police commissariat of the district of Malesi e Madhe told ATA that about 1430 kosovars have crossed the border today, most of them, women, children and elderly people who arrived in the morning. Soon after this they were accompanied to the city of Shkoder by forces of public order.

Over the past 12 days, about 13 200 Kosovars have come to Albania through the border post of Hani i Hotit. Most of them have been carried to other cities of Albania. /dast/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[26] It is the task of every European to oppose any kind of violence - Norway's minister

"We are here because it is our duty and a duty of every European to oppose any kind of violence," said minister Dorum.

The Information Ministry told ATA that PM Majko said that Albania is preparing the necessary strategy and the infrastructure to create sanctuary for half a million war refugees from Kosove.

PM Majko said that he highlighted the Norwegian aid for the Kosova refugees and voiced the desire that all the aid provided must be administered by the donors themselves. /dast/xh/

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