Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-05-19

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] Italian patrol boats rescue Kosovars abandoned in open sea

[02] Tirana currency rate

[03] Press review

[04] U.N. Secretary General to visit Albania on Thursday

[05] PM says friendship - a good signal for present, future cooperation

[06] Serbian forces open fire at Albanian territory

[07] Meidani: Albanian people consider you a friend of Albania (Adds quotes of Albanian president, U.S. ambassador to Tirana)

[08] Thirty other Kosovars abandoned by skippers in Vlore south

[09] Solana assures Meidani of NATO's constant support for Albania

[10] Finnish Red Cross opens health centre for Kosovars in Shkoder

[11] Academicians ask unification of Albanian political factor

[12] Crisis end foresees increase of the foreign investments

[13] No decision taken in the meeting of SP parliamentary group regarding Public Minister issue

[14] "Kristina" ship sequestrated

[15] AFOR continues its humanitarian activity in support of UNHCR

[16] Albanian representative quits SEEC meeting

[17] Rubin confirmed USA support for Albania

[18] Selva: Rugova will play a role in finding geopolitical solution

[19] Constructive companies concentrated mainly in setting up living buildings

[20] Albanian Foreign Minister appeals to political forces of Kosove to unite

[21] President Meidani decrees appointment of Spartak Poci as Minister of Public Order

[22] 1350 people from Kosove evacuated from Kukes

[01] Italian patrol boats rescue Kosovars abandoned in open sea

A spokesman of the Alcobaleno Coordination Center said to ATA that the center obtained an unconfirmed news at 21.30. p.m. on some 100 people abandoned in the sea some 15 km from the city, staff of the navy group said. They have left Vlora some minutes ago for Italian shores.

Three motorboats started rescue operation at 23.15. The large group, mainly Kosova people were trying to reach the other side of the Adriatic by dinghy.

The same sources said that early on Wednesday at 01.30. a.m. the Guardia di Finanza rescued 98 people, which were left at an area called Cape of Saint Andrea (Kepi i Shen Andreas).

The Kosova people are safe and settled in the Italian camp in the city of Vlora and are being treated by the medical staff of the hospital administered by the Red Cross. About 44 children and 28 women and girls, some of them with high temperature and under shock, were among the group.

The same source said that two motorboats are continuing rescue operation for other 30 people abandoned some 18 km south of the city of Vlora whose presence there in that area was confirmed only two hours ago. The motifs are unknown. /s.s/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] Tirana currency rate

US$1.00 141,7 142,1 German mark 77,1 77,6 Italian lire (1000) 78,2 78,5 Greek Drachmas (100) 46,3 46,6

/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] Press review

KOHA JONE, independent daily.

- "British Blair, this great Albanian." Leader number two of the world has visited Albania on Tuesday among flowers and great enthusiasm. - "Anti crime and minister Spartak Poçi", is the editorial of the independent daily. - "How does KLA obtained the dollars". The Foundation of Albanians of America called "Fatherland needs you" is collecting money for the KLA fighters. - Blair meets KLA." British prime minister Tony Blair met on Tuesday the spokesman of the interim government of Kosova Jakup Krasniqi. - "Koçi addresses Socialist deputies." Meeting of the Socialist parliamentary group with strong debates, was expected today. - "Join Blair, the good Albanian." Various politicians expressed their views on yesterday's visit of British prime minister Tony Blair to Albania. - Blair: European Union and NATO - future of Albania." Blair's visit is the first of a British prime minister in 50 years. - "Meidani accepts Koçi proposal." President of Albania Rexhep Meidani has signed the proposal of the prime minister Majko on dismissal of Public Order minister Petro Koçi. - "Yugoslav highway destroyed." NATO airplanes shelled on Tuesday the major Yugoslav highway. - "Tanks used in Has." For the first time eight Albanian tanks have been used on Monday against Serbs in the north of Albania.

GAZETA SHQIPTARE, independent daily.

- "Serbs take to the street: Slobo surrender". First protest against Milosevic started in Belgrade on Tuesday. - "Blair in Tirana: We will construct Albania from the beginning." Historical visit of British prime minister Tony Blair. - "Koçi: After me, it is Majko' turn." Minister of Public order Petro Koçi, who met with president Meidani yesterday had said that the prime minister will be ousted by groups of Mafia tendencies. - "Albanian artillery forces Serbs to retreat." Albanian army has repelled an attack of Serbian forces on Monday. - "Police: We have uncovered 42 cases of drug trafficking in four months." But chief prosecutors of Tirana Dolores Velaj said that police abuse on it. They have found out only drug users.

SHEKULLI, independent daily.

- "Blair 'ordered' KLA: speak with one voice." British prime minister Tony Blair met yesterday with the spokesman of the interim government of Kosova Jakup Krasniqi. - "Kosova, Balkan turning point." British prime minister Tony Blair was welcomed yesterday in Tirana by thousands of Albanians among enthusiasm and flowers. - "Blair to Meidani: no partition to Kosova." British prime minister urges president Meidani to empty border areas for a possible ground attack by the alliance against Milosevic. - "No talks with Milosevic." Interview with British prime minister Tony Blair. - "Petro Koçi to Meidani: I will not resign." Prime minister Majko, deputy prime minister Meta and minister of Public Order Koçi meet president Meidani.

RILINDJA, independent, information daily.

- "Kosova - battle for the values of democracy and civilisation." British prime minister Toni Blair met Kosova people in Elbasan. - "Military targets should be destroyed in Kosova," said Dr Ibrahim Rugova, head of the Republic of Kosova. - "One thousand refugees arrived in Macedonia border." - "Hani i Hotit border crossing is closed."

ALBANIA, independent daily.

- "US: In Albania, one million Kosovars." - "Today, Koçi ousted from the post." - "Albanian soldiers engaged in three hours fighting with Serbs. The article reports that Albanian forces had repulsed an attack of Serbian soldiers in the northern border.

EKONOMIA, daily of the Albanian agency for Economic Development.

- "Albania to ask Brussels US$45 million." Budget deficit resulting from the crisis is estimated at US$147 million. - "Balkan aid joins World bank, International Monetary Fund and European Union." Three most important financial institutions will coordinate their activity for economic aid for the Balkan countries. - "Paris club makes formal Albania's debt relief." - "Local government fails to pay 51.2 million leks to KESH." - "Bank of Albania: Kosova people satisfied with their aid."

ZERI I POPULLIT, daily of the Socialist party of Albania.

- "Blair, big pledge: To construct a new Albania." British prime minister visited Tirana. - "We are not fighting for territories," said British prime minister in Tirana. - "Army opened fire, repulses Serbian attacks." The article reports that the Albanian army forced the Serbian forces to retreat.

RILINDJA DEMOKRATIKE, daily of the Democratic Party of Albania.

- "Blair: Do not split Kosova factors." - "Rugova tete-a-tete with Solana and Clark." - "U.S.: 225 thousand men missing in Kosova."

REPUBLIKA, daily of the Republic party of Albania.

- "Blair pledges to children in Elbasan." - "Diaspora: Full support for the KLA." - "Has closes schools, men take up arms."

/y.pa/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] U.N. Secretary General to visit Albania on Thursday

Upon his arrival early on Thursday, Annan was expected to have separate talks with representatives of the U.N. agencies and non government organisations at the airport premises.

Later he will fly to Kukes to visit the Kukes 2 camp. He was expected to hold talks in Tirana with Albanian senior officials, including Albanian president Rexhep Meidani, Prime minister Pandeli Majko, parliamentary Speaker Skender Gjinushi.

His agenda also includes a news conference at 17.00. p.m. in the premises of the Palace of Brigades. Annan will leave Albania late on Thursday. /led/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] PM says friendship - a good signal for present, future cooperation

"Due to your assistance and that of the international community, we are coping with what was seen as very difficult two months ago," Majko said.

He added: "We choose the road of survival because we had no other alternative. You are friendly to us and we see that this friendship is a good signal for the present and future of our cooperation."

Tunisian minister Mhenni conveyed to Majko the greetings of the Tunisian president and assured him that the Tunisian aid for Kosovars would continue.

"We share the same visions for peace. We offer our assistance for Albania is not alone in the face of such grave situation. The strategy of our assistance will be followed by a strategy of long-term cooperation in the health," Mhenni said.

He considered useful the cooperation with Albanian executive authorities. /led/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] Serbian forces open fire at Albanian territory

Chief of the police commissariat Muharrem Gjyriqi said to ATA that units of the Serbian army opened fire with machine-guns in the direction of Zherke at 10.00. Shootings continued for half an hour tensioning the situation in the border.

Albanian border and army forces are following the situation on the ground but have not responded to the fire for the shooting came from inland the Kosova territory.

The same source said that heavy fighting erupted early on Wednesday between the units of the Kosova Liberation Army (KLA) and Serbian forces near the state border, mainly in the area of Padesh.

There are no reports on casualties. /s.s/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] Meidani: Albanian people consider you a friend of Albania (Adds quotes of Albanian president, U.S. ambassador to Tirana)

Press office at the presidency said that in the farewell meeting Meidani praised the significant contribution of the Ambassador Lino in strengthening the ties of friendship and cooperation between the United States and Albania.

"Our relations have seen only progress in the recent years and today they are more amiable than ever. The contribution of ambassador Lino is very evident in this development," Meidani said.

He added: "You left a brilliant heritage in human and diplomatic activity in my country which is going to be further enriched by your colleagues at the State Department. You worked here in a difficult time often full of risks for the Albanian fragile democracy. Albanian people will always consider you a friend of Albania, recalling with respect and gratitude your direct and unbiased contribution to coping with difficult situation, recovering of democracy, establishing and consolidating rule of law in Albania. I have the honour and satisfaction to thank you heartily for all these and your cooperation with the institution of president."

Meidani wished Lino good luck in her career.

The ambassador Lino expressed her deep thanks for the Albanian people, understanding with Albanian institutions and assessments of the president of Albania for her contribution. Lino said: "Friendship and cooperation on basis of higher values of democracy are the present and the future of brilliant relations between the United States and Albania."

Lino gave president Meidani an illustrated book on the life and work of the founder of the U.S. democracy Abraham Lincoln. /led/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] Thirty other Kosovars abandoned by skippers in Vlore south

According to the spokesman of "Ylberi" coordination centre, the 30 Kosovars, who on Tuesday evening had attempted to illegally cross to Italy in dinghies, were abandoned some 30 minutes after starting, nearly 18km south of the Vlore city.

Thanks to the rescue operation, which ended at around 11.00 today, the surviving Kosovars, among who women and children, were sent to the Italian Camp in Vlore, the source said.

According to earlier reports, on Tuesday by midnight, the speedboats of Guardia Costiera, as well as the Albanian military vessel saved 98 Kosovars, among whom 44 children and 28 women and girls, in southern Vlore. The rescued have been settled in the Vlore camp where they are being provided medical

aid by the red Cross personnel. /led/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] Solana assures Meidani of NATO's constant support for Albania

In his letter Solana expresses satisfaction over the excellent cooperation between the NATO forces and the Albanian authorities in alleviating the wounds of the war refugees.

"My visit to two refugee camps in Albania helped me strengthen the conviction of the emergency to help the Kosova Albanians return to their land as soon as possible and build life there under security conditions," writes Solana. /led/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] Finnish Red Cross opens health centre for Kosovars in Shkoder

The director of this centre, Kel Reshpja, told ATA that the Finnish Red Cross project will last three months and further on, depending on the situations.

The health service is organised around-the-clock. The Kosovars can find there doctors of all specialities and the necessary medicines free of charge.

The doctors of this centre, having at their disposal two ambulances, also carry out medical examinations at eight Kosovar reception centres, set up in Shkoder city.

Currently, the number of the Kosovars accomodated in the Shkoder city has reached 41 000, of whom 16 000 in families. /pas/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] Academicians ask unification of Albanian political factor

TIRANE, May 19 (ATA)-By P. Shuteriqi, The head of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Albania, Prof. Ylli Popa and Kosovar academician Rexhep Qosja, on Wednesday visited the Kosova refugee camp set up at the "Dinamo" Sports compound in Tirane.

Academicians Qosja and Popa, talking to the Kosovars forced out of Kosova, pointed to the need of unifying the Albanian political factor and all the forces of the nation.

During this visit, they were familiarised with the living conditions in this camp and discussed a quick solution to the Kosova crisis to enable an end to the Serb terror and the return of the Kosovars to their lands, in a free Kosova. /pas/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] Crisis end foresees increase of the foreign investments

"After 1997, the continuation political tensions in 1998, the tense situations in the region as well affect negatively in the foreign investments in Albania" Albanian Bank reported.

Positive signals are coming that if the war ended these investments might reach higher levels than the previous months.

"One of the main reasons for the hinder of the foreign investments in Albania is that the investitures thought in way or another that what happened in Bosnia might take place in Kosova too", said PM Majko.

According to the PM already when this conflict started in Albania ad Albania is receiving a strong financial support by the International Financial Organizations and by the industrialized countries all over the world, the requests to start the investments have started, as well.

"We should have more optimists. I am convinced that a very good economic future is prepared not only for Albania, but even for Kosova, after what is taking place in Kosova, which is paid by an expensive price by the Kosova Albanians", PM Majko said.

A strong confirmation for Albanian support is given yesterday by the British PM Tonny Blair in his meeting with the Albanian President Meidani.

"Albania should define its priorities", said PM Blair by confirming that the support of the Great Britain will be general aiming at improving of Albanian economy.

Authorities of Albanian Economy and Finance are asked by all donors and organizations to clearly define the investments priorities and the drafting of the clear projects.

"We will offer to the international investitures the most profitable economic space in Balkan" said PM Majko.

The value of direct investments in 1997 was 47,5 million lek, while in 1996 this figure was 90,1 million dollars.

The use of the credits in favor of the governmental projects, the ones of the International Monetary Fund and the cashing of the interests by the interests of the currency deposits increased the reserves of the Monetary Fund.

Macro-economic stability, the stability of the Albanian currency, the considerable entering of foreign currencies, acceleration of the projects implementing and the budgetary support by the World Bank and European Union, gave the possibility that after the end of the crisis in Albania the foreign investments will start at once./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] No decision taken in the meeting of SP parliamentary group regarding Public Minister issue

The main issues discussed in today's meeting were the motives of the resignation of the minister of public order and the declarations made by him in the press conference.

"This was an informal political meeting of high responsibility", the chairman of Socialist Party, Gramoz Ruçi, briefed the journalists. He said that decisions were not taken because the parliamentary group is an institution and the things are settled in an institutional way.

According to Mr. Ruçi, the Public Minister has given the respective explanations before the parliamentary group.

The above mentioned group will express his decisions in parliament after being presented the decree of the Albanian President and after nominating the new minister.

The Minister of Public Order, Petro Koçi, presented his resignation a week ago, but he withdrew later. Some days ago, Albanian Premier, Pandeli Majko proposed to the President the request to dismiss Koçi from his position. The President has not yet signed the decree yet. /lh/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] "Kristina" ship sequestrated

The sequestration of this ship in done according to the decision of Tirana Court told ATA the spokesman of General Prosecutor.

According to the same sources the Prosecutors doubt that this ship had done 22 travels contraband loaded with cigarettes. No detailed information is given about their quantity of the capacity of sequestrated ship.

After the sequestration decision the anti contraband prosecutors group of the General Prosecutor goes on with the investigations.

They reported that the owners of the ship are Albanian citizens, but they did not identify them for investigations' reasons.

At the moment the anti contraband group of the prosecutors is going on with the investigations for 27 ships. These investigations started in October 23, 1999./lh/linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] AFOR continues its humanitarian activity in support of UNHCR

The Information Office close to the Coordination Center with AFOR staff reported that the delivery of aid and the coming of NATO troops in Albania continued normally during the last days. In this framework is being realized the aim for dislocation of 7 000-8 000 troops from 17 NATO- participating countries.

According to the information of AFOR staff the humanitarian operation "Allied Harbor" has entered a complex phase of work. NATO troops dislocated in Albania, are carrying on their work to set up new refugee camps to meet the demands of the dispatched Kosovars. They are as well helping in evacuating Kosovars from the district of Kukes. /lh/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] Albanian representative quits SEEC meeting

At this meeting Albania is represented by ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Albania in Bucharest, Marko Bello.

Seeing that the meeting was also attended by a delegation of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY), Bello, after making a statement on behalf of the Foreign Ministry of the Republic of Albania, left the meeting, the Foreign Ministry Press and Information department told ATA.

Follows the statement of the Foreign Ministry of the Republic of Albania read at the SEEC meeting in Bucharest by Ambassador Bello:

"Albania has and continues to support the already consolidated process of cooperation of Southeastern Europe. Unfortunately, the objectives we have undertaken since the beginning of this process have been sabotaged by the refractory policy of Yugoslav authorities.

"The FRY is providing the worst example of this policy in Kosova, exercising genocide and ethnic cleansing there and whose aftermaths are being felt not only by the neighboring countries but by the whole international community. Under these conditions we consider unacceptable the participation of the Yugoslav delegation in such a meeting.

"We hold that the FRY lacks any moral right to take the floor at this respectable forum and speak of cooperation, stability and security in the region, while its official policy is the most flagrant example of non- cohabitation and non-cooperation in the Balkans.

"Our unwavering stand is that of utterly excluding the Belgrade regime from any regional process and international organisation, until the moment the Yugoslav authorities meet the conditions put forward by the international community, NATO, G8 and also broadly accepted by the U.N.

"As a result, the Albanian delegation will not take part in the second meeting of the political directors of the SEEC member countries, as long as it will be attended by representatives of a government which is responsible for crimes, genocide and ethnic cleansing in Kosova, for desturbing stability, stirring up tension and extending the conflict to the whole of our region," said Bello.

After the statement, the Albanian representative asked understanding from the organisators and the countries participating in this meeting. /lh/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] Rubin confirmed USA support for Albania

"USA has been a consistent strong support in the attempts on economic reform in Albania. We worked in an active way in a successful involvement of the International Monetary Fund, World Bank and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) with Albania and will continue this way in the future", said Mr. Rubin.

" We presented a request on additional finance for 1999, which makes possibly the humanitarian assistance for the refugees. But the request includes an extraordinary step in making possible the direct support for the emergency in the payments' balance for your government", Mr. Rubin stressed.

According to him " this request is a strong sign of USA support toward Albania, and the importance we show on our bilateral relations and the region stability.

" We consulted World Bank concerning a credit in public expenditures of 30 million dollars (already fulfilled) and about SAC credit (Sectoral Arrangement Credit) of 25 million dollars, where both of them provide the fundamental, quick and available financial assistance", Mr. Rubin explained.

Meanwhile a representative of American Treasures will attend the donors' conference for Albania, to be held at the end of this month.

Rubin expressed the readiness to restart the American program of technical assistance for Albanian Government as soon as this situation will improve and the collection of the sources to finance these operations./a.gj/linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] Selva: Rugova will play a role in finding geopolitical solution

"Under the current conditions, Rugova fully approves NATO's military operation in Serbia and Kosova and is in favour of a compromise and dialogue in search of common points with the KLA representatives which are free of extremism and asks progress of the Kosovar people," Selva stresses in his letter.

According to Selva, the political exponents of the centre-left parliamentary majority, of the opposition and the centre-right agree with the role of leader Rugova to find a geopolitical solution, with the cohabitation of various ethnic groups, peoples of different religions and languages. /lh/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] Constructive companies concentrated mainly in setting up living buildings

Tirana, May 19 (ATA) - By M.Pupa - Construction is the most profitable sector in Albania. At the moment the constructive companies are concentrated in setting up living buildings and few of them are focused on constructing productive objects. The profits by the construction marked high figures especially in Tirana, where the accommodation requests are always increasing.

" During the first four months of 1999 the license of the constructive companies, being native or foreign ones, increase considerably", told ATA the License Office at the Ministry of Public Affairs and Transport.

The total number of the constructive companies is 3177 and the construction permissions for living buildings cover considerable part, while the constructions of the industrial objects cover only 4% of the total number of the buildings.

During 1996-1997 the living buildings' constructions cover respectively 78 and 82% of the total objects, while at the end of 1998 and during the first four months the constructions of the flats cover nearly 98% of the total constructions.

During the last four months 10632 construction permissions are issues and Tirana covers the main part in the development of construction sector. Nearly 20% of the permissions are applied in these districts.

Tirana marked the highest flats' cost. If in other districts the average cost is 7300 lek per m2, in Tirana it marks 30.000 lek per m2 that is to say 4 time highers./a.gj/linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[20] Albanian Foreign Minister appeals to political forces of Kosove to unite

The Chief of diplomacy Milo who has frequently made public invitations, in the name of the Albanian Government, to all political factors of Kosove to come to Tirane, considered this moment as rather important for the rates of the process for the solution of the conflict in the region.

"All declare that they will respect the Rambouillet agreement," said Milo, referring to the latest statements by representatives of the Kosove policy. "Let them come to Tirane and talk on the basis of this platform and to reach common conclusions," said Milo, adding that the meeting precisely in Tirane has not only an historical meaning, but it must take place here also for the fact that in Albania have been sheltered the bulk of the Kosova refugees.

The British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who had an official visit to Albania on May 18, during the meeting he had in Tirane with a KLA delegation, addressed an appeal to all political forces of Kosove to unite on the basis of the agreement they signed together in Rambouillet.

The Albanian Foreign Minister did not comment this relation as spontaneous, "we are cooperating with the international community, each one is trying to make his own contribution," said Milo. "The international factor demands an Albanian leadership to be a reliable interlocutor in the coming efforts for the future of Kosove."

The moderate leader of the Albanians of Kosove, Ibrahim Rugova, elected President of Kosova in March 1998, is making for about two weeks, a tour of some European countries, during which he has met a number of senior officials. Rugova is expected to visit Albania's capital soon.

Mr Milo told ATA that the date of the visit is not yet fixed, but he was based on the last declaration by Mr Rugova that he would visit Tirana soon.

Asked to comment the fact that Rugova has not yet visited Albania, the foreign Minister said that this may be also due to other international commitments, which are justifiable. "We are reserved in giving our opinion as far we have not contacted with him."

"Even if Rugova would not come, for other reasons, to Albania, he must be here for nearly half a million Kosovars sheltered here...., I believe he will come to Albania before going to Macedonia," said the chief of Albanian diplomacy, Paskal Milo. lh/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[21] President Meidani decrees appointment of Spartak Poci as Minister of Public Order

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[22] 1350 people from Kosove evacuated from Kukes

The chairman of the commission for evacuation in the prefecture, Qemal Parllaku, told ATA that from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, 1350 people were transported on 120 vehicles.

In the mean time, no Kosovars have arrived today in Albania, sources of border police say. /lh/xh/

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